April 13, 2008 MLS Los Angeles Galaxy vs Toronto FC (from MLSnet.com)
04/13/2008 7:54PM
Reds jubilant after first win
Toronto FC survive waves of Galaxy attack
By Andrea Canales / MLSnet.com Staff
CARSON, Calif. -- Toronto FC's victory and first points of the season left its players and coach jubilant. The Reds survived attack after attack by the Los Angeles Galaxy and struck opportunistically when they could to pull out an unexpected 3-2 win on the road Sunday at The Home Depot Center. "I thought it was a fantastic game," said TFC coach John Carver. "I thought that in the conditions, attitude and application were incredible for both sides."
Toronto withstood a spirited Galaxy attack in the first half as goalkeeper Greg Sutton and the TFC defense fought off a number of opportunities for Los Angeles.
"It was a game of two halves -- they created great chances in the first half," said Carver. "In the second half we controlled the game better and we passed the game better. I'm absolutely delighted to get the winner just before the end."
That game-winner was courtesy of Jeff Cunningham, as No. 96 added the 97th goal of his MLS league career to send Toronto's bench into a frenzy of celebration.
"It was a physical battle for the ball," said Cunningham of winning possession ahead of Galaxy defender Greg Vanney. "I was able to win the battle for that ball."
The conditions -- the blazing heat of high noon -- contributed to the move that proved a masterstroke for TFC, bringing in Cunningham for Danny Dichio.
"I thought it was about time we made a change," said Carver. "Danny Dichio worked his socks off out there on his own and I thought it was time to put some fresh legs in."
The victory would not have been possible without the dogged defensive effort by Toronto to hold the Galaxy off for so long. According to Carver, he concentrated especially on preparing the defense after losses to Columbus (0-2) and D.C. United (1-4) to begin the season.
"Against Columbus, we defended quite well," said Carver. "After last week's performance (against D.C.), I was very disappointed. We spend the whole week working with the back four. We knew it was going to be a difficult game here and we spent time working on that."
As the match went on and the play of Toronto improved, Carver credited new additions to the squad as making the crucial difference. Speaking of newly acquired Amado Guevara, Carver was unstinting in his praise.
"He's added to the quality -- we need quality in the right area -- and I think that's what we brought," said Carver. "He stood out for me and in the second half he came into his own."
Guevara had the assist to Dichio in the first half, while Laurent Robert sent in the pass that Cunningham eventually converted into the final goal.
"It was the end of the game, and it was probably our last opportunity," said Cunningham. "I made the most of it ... The goalkeeper came out well, but I picked a spot and thankfully, it ended up in the back of the net."
Cunningham also noted that the win had lifted the spirits of the players. "The boys have a positive attitude towards the season now," he said.
Changes could still be coming to the Toronto roster, however.
"We've added quality to the team and we're going to continue to do that," said Carver, noting that the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
Cunningham didn't assume he was safe.
"My career is always on the move," said the forward. "I've got to believe in myself and hopefully my teammates will believe in me too."
Carver also said he would be adding to the TFC staff, though he declined to name names. "I'm bringing somebody else in to work here beside me on the football side of it," he said.
Andrea Canales is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
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