The TFC turning point

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Turning point for TFC as they beat Seattle Sounders

Preki's 'divide and conquer' approach with building TFC in his own image finally paid dividends on Sunday versus the Seattle Sounders at a windy and wet BMO field. The 2-0 victory for Toronto FC is not so much a confidence builder, as it is confirmation Preki now has the right characters at his disposal, to win games through committed hard work, if nothing else.

Hard to imagine this TFC team will replicate the New York Red Bulls debacle from last season if they find themselves in a similar position this year. They have too much fight in them and are collection of much tougher mentalities.

There were some very positive signs in the fluidity of their play also. With a few exceptional individual performances, including Scarborough natives Dwayne DeRosario and Julian de Guzman, there are signs that the team can evolve from here into a competitive and dare we say, exciting group.

It was not all smooth sailing though, as TFC goalkeeper Stefan Frei was called upon to make a few game breaking saves in order to preserve the win.

Preki did a first class coaching job today and clearly out manoeuvred his counterpart, the experienced and savvy Sigi Schmidt. The 4-3-3 set-up with DeRosario as the link player behind the front two of Barrett and White was a good move, as was his decision to revert to a defensive 4-5-1 once they scored.

It appeared Sigi took TFC a little too lightly after making 6 changes to his line-up after Thursday's 2-2 draw in Dallas, including two of his top players Montero and Kakuani. By the time he brought them into the game it was a, 'too little too late' scenario.

Seattle could still feel a little aggrieved that they left BMO field with nothing to show for their play and effort but then again it comes back to the discipline factor and tactical smarts. Both TFC's goals were the result of careless turnovers by Seattle in their own end. The recognition of when you must go direct appears to be missing in many MLS teams, in part, from the over emphasized build-up ideology. Today's goals are highlight reel examples of when not to over play.

TFC Team

Frei, Usmanov, Attakora, Cann, Hscanovics, de Guzman, Labrocca, Saric, DeRosario, White, Barrett

Formation: 4-3-3

Game Observations

· 4-3-3 formation was a smart move by Preki particularly with how he set-up the players. Saric as the holding player allowed de Guzman and Labrocca to get forward and with DeRosario in behind the front two strikers, it allowed for fluid attacking movements.

· The back four while not spectacular were nevertheless efficient. With de Guzman and Labrocca pinching in, it left space for full backs Usanov and Hscanovics to get forward which they instinctively do very well.

· Seattle forwards still penetrated the centre back pairing of Cann and Attakora on a few occasions but neither was responsible for any major errors. Overall they dealt with Freddie Ljunberg very well.

· Nyassi caused TFC a few problems down the right hand side early in the first half but it was eventually neutralized as he was forced to retreat to defend more than he would have liked.

· TFC's early pressure of the Seattle back line was a good move as they insisted on building up play and rarely looked to go direct when appropriate. In the second half they gave away possession in their own end and it cost them the game.

· TFC's ability to switch attacking patterns emerged today as an effective tool for the future. When the game was tied and they looked to attack Seattle they did so in numbers and with attacking full backs. Then when they switched to a defensive posture after they took the lead they showed they have the ability to be quick, sharp, and decisive if not always slick with their final pass, on the counter attack.

· Saric and Usanov again showed their lack of discipline with getting unnecessary yellow cards

Player Ratings

Stefan Frei (8)

Made a few crucial saves in the second half that proved decisive. Combined with doing all the basics right and no errors with distribution, it would have to go down as his best game so far this season.

Nana Attakora (6)

Not a perfect game in terms of his distribution and was caught on the wrong side of his opponent a couple of times. However none of these finer errors were costly. One on one he is TFC's best defender and he proved that gain today.

Adrian Cann (7)

Along with Nana he formed a solid backline. He had a no nonsense approach and was rarely beaten. His defending 1v1 was good and his temperament was excellent against the awkward Freddie Ljunberg.

Maxim Usanov (6)

Another yellow card seems par for course with the steely Russian. Overall though, he had a good performance. He was effective on the ball , displaying again a good first touch with the ability to pass efficiently. Instinctively joins the attack and so is a threat. Much better today in 1v1 defending situations. A good sign.

Raivis Hscanovics (6)

A better, more disciplined performance but still question marks hang over his ability to defend in 1v1 situations. Got caught out early against Seattle's Nyassi but calmed down as the game wore on. Similar to Usanov , he likes to get forward and attack the space out wide. Needs to be better with his final delivery. His free kick execution in first half was poor.

Julian de Guzman (7)

A much better performance from de Guzman. Plenty of spirit and got forward as much as he could even attacking the penalty area on a few occasions. His ability on the ball was better and more effective. When challenged through the adversity of sub-par performances like the ones of the past few weeks de Guzman appears to be at his best. The divide and conquer philosophy of Preki in getting rid of silky personalities and replacing them with fighting ones will help de Guzman out more than any other player, as he will be influenced positively.

Martin Saric (6)

A hard working and tough performance with yet again, another yellow card. He has the knack of getting under every opponents skin. Misses some tackles and at times gives the ball away but it is becoming more apparent what his role is. As a defensive schemer he will be the balancing player for Labrocca and de Guzman. He really does need to calm down just a bit.

Nick Labrocca (6)

A good all round performance. Neat and tidy again on the ball with a terrific work ethic. Lacks a bit of power but makes up for it with endeavour. He always seems to make himself available for receiving the ball no matter how tight the situation.

Dwayne DeRosario (9)

Another quality performance from the captain. A different role but nothing changes. Terrific work ethic and a desire to influence the game that was the key in the win. As the link player his main role was to get forward but when called upon he was all over the park. Not haphazardly which has been a criticism in the past but with real purpose. Another good goal and an even better assist for O'Brien White. He is the catalyst for the team right now. A real diamond.

O'Brien White (6)

Finished his goal very well and had a good early strike on net in the first half. Another player with a great attitude and a superb work ethic. His first touch is still not as good as it needs to be and he still has the tendency to give the ball up cheaply. But he is gaining in confidence.

Chad Barrett (6)

Often criticized but seems to always be in the starting line-up when he is available. It is no coincidence. Another hard working performance from the tough and energetic forward. Nothing spectacular again but contributed to the win.

Danny Gargan (5)

Workmanlike performance but gave the ball away far too easily. Not his best outing as a substitute but nevertheless contributed defensively allowing the team to keep its defensive shape.

Sam Cronin (5)

Provided what was needed. Nothing special, just kept the teams shape and competed effectively out wide. Lacked pace.

Gabe Gala (5)

Gabe was busy for the 12 or so minutes he was on the field. Generally made a nuisance of himself for Seattle.