TORONTO – Though there will be no Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs for the defending champions this season, Toronto FC can still leave their mark on how the Eastern Conference table will be shaped at season's ended.
With three matches remaining, the rush of pushing for trophies, battling for every match, is absent. In its stead, a different kind of unrelenting has set in.
“There is not an excitement that you usually feel at this time of year, but there is a professionalism,” coach Greg Vanney said this week. “The guys understand that these results, these performances, are important, that our role has changed and now we're the spoilers instead of the team that is trying to win the Supporters' Shield or anything else.
“That has to be taken with a different type of professionalism. Go out and compete and battle and scrap, play for some real pride.”
With trips to D.C. United (Wednesday, 7:30 pm ET | TSN2 – full TV and streaming info) and the Montreal Impact this week, two teams dueling over the sixth and final postseason berth in the East, Toronto will have their say. D.C. have a one-point lead and a game in hand on Montreal in the race for the East's sixth and final playoff slot.
“This has been a real difficult year: physically, emotionally, pride-wise,” said Vanney. “The guys are going to be gung-ho to compete for every last ball, every last play. That's the expectation, the way it should be.”
Liam Fraser, who may feature Wednesday in D.C. with Michael Bradley away on international duty, concurs.
“It's an opportunity for us to be spoiler; put a dent in either one of their seasons," he said.
Then come Decision Day, Atlanta United, who visit BMO Field, could be in position to either equal or surpass Toronto's single-season points record of 69. Atlanta currently sit on 66 with two matches remaining.
Vanney is thankful these matches have crucial implications for TFC's opponents.
“A great thing for our guys,” he said. “You understand that these games have real value for the other side. You never want to go in without the right mentality and mindset to play against team that are playing for their playoff future, the Supporters' Shield, points totals and different things.
“Also, they're good opponents. D.C., new stadium for our guys. Then you play your rivals, and then, arguably, another rival in many ways. A good three games to finish the season. Unfortunately, the positioning is irrelevant for us at this point, but good games to get our attention, to focus on our performances.”
After Wednesday's trip to Audi Field, TFC head to Montreal's Stade Saputo on Sunday for a rivalry fixture that always has an extra edge, no matter the circumstances.
“A rival game, an opportunity to spoil some things on their side,” said Vanney. “They would love the same opportunity if the shoe were on the other foot. We haven't talked about Montreal, but I'm pretty sure down inside that's a feeling that they have. And then the last game is Atlanta. Even if we don't have a lot riding on it, still prideful matches, games that are important to our guys.”
Just who will suit up for TFC is less clear. There are seven players away on international duty. Victor Vazquez is shut down for the year due to knee surgery, and Gregory van der Wiel is suspended.
Regardless, the aim is clear.
“The reality is that we have three matches left and we want three wins,” said Jason Hernandez. “You never want any team to advance or move on on your night. We're looking to go there, put a strong performance together, and make sure we have a say in the result ... on our terms.”
