Toronto FC recorded their largest-ever victory over rival CF Montréal in last weekend’s Canadian Classique, as Federico Bernardeschi hit a sensational hat trick in the 5-1 rout. The Reds are now fifth in the Eastern Conference, and with Lorenzo Insigne back fit and healthy, this may be the beginning of something special.
My bud Sacha Kljestan says he still wouldn’t consider Toronto a top-end contender this season, and while I tend to disagree, I was impressed with Sacha’s point of praise for TFC.
“What really stands out to me was what John Herdman told us pregame. Saying he’s not from Toronto, but seven or eight of those guys are. And when we all signed on to play for this club, we signed on to defend this city. Toronto understood they were in a derby game. Montréal didn’t. Maybe TFC don’t have the same quality as Miami or Cincinnati, but they could make up for that with what we’re seeing: buy-in, cohesion, good coaching, and an understanding of what makes them good.
“John Herdman obviously has a way with people. He’s worked some magic. The most important thing is that he’s changed the culture in Toronto.”
I agree, Sacha! And that’s why I feel Toronto need to be in that contender conversation.
Herdman’s men host defending Supporters’ Shield champions FC Cincinnati on Saturday (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass), and a home win could force Sacha to change his tune.
