Pair of records within reach for Toronto FC

The Reds aren’t obsessed with the idea of breaking MLS records, but say they’ll achieve that goal if they focus on the details.

Toronto FC (19-5-8, 65 points) could match two MLS records — points in a season (68) and wins (20) — this weekend if it beats the visiting Montreal Impact.

The Reds then could break it with a Decision Day win in Atlanta.

Vanney told the this week he expects to have a full compliment of players when the Reds return to action on Sunday.

“The mindset has to be that we have to go and build continuity and momentum,” Vanney explained, confirming healthy players won’t be rested ahead of the playoffs.a

“I really feel that, given the stretch we’ve had, we need to have guys playing. Everybody is going to want to be sharp as we go in the playoffs.

“Nobody is going to come to me and say they want to sit out. We have to approach it smart. We need to approach it with the eye of clearing up some things.”

In their pursuit of greatness after clinching the Supporters’ Shield in September, Toronto FC’s bench boss added he won’t be taking any chances if guys aren’t 100 per cent healthy.

“We’re not in a desperate situation to win these games,” Vanney said. “We won’t be playing a risky game with guys, but we want guys to be sharp and connected.”

Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco are expected to pair together this weekend for the first time in more than a month as the Atomic Ant finally gets set to return from a quadriceps injury. All eyes will be on TFC’s Italian goal-scorer to see how he responds ahead of anther anticipated postseason appearance.

Vanney’s also looking for assurance his once impenetrable defence settles down after conceding nine times in three games.

“I’ve been saying this to people around here: You can win a regular season championship and make mistakes,” Vanney said.

“But you can’t win an MLS Cup and not be in form and make mistakes.”

Montreal musings

Asked whether the Montreal Impact “embarrassed” TFC in a 5-3 win three weeks ago at BMO Field, Vanney interrupted the question.

“I would say we embarrassed ourselves with ridiculous mistakes,” he said. “We got punished for them.

“We shot ourselves in the foot and they have good players who will make you pay. If you give Montreal chances they will hurt you. They don’t need many of them.”

Here’s an idea

The United States and Canada should get together for a men’s friendly at BMO Field next summer — especially if the league plans to take another two-week break for the World Cup. With both sides on the outside looking in, now might be a good time to foster a proper rivalry. The Supporters deserve it. And it’s not as if the U.S. can claim it needs better competition at this point.

Last word

It’s a shame to see so many U.S. pundits taking repeated shots at Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley.

It’s inexplicable, really. Not because TFC’s top stars are immune to criticism but because many of their teammates were spared similar treatment.

Goalkeeper Tim Howard was terrible in losses to Costa Rica and Trinidad. Centrebacks Geoff Cameron and Omar Gonzalez were accountable for conceding crushing goals.

The U.S. scored more times (17) than anyone else in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying. They had no idea how they wanted to defend.