The General conquers critics in MLS Cup win
Bradley wouldn’t let Toronto FC players lose focus
Google “Michael Bradley: Overpaid.”
Then have a laugh. Prominent pundits were like parakeets when Toronto FC inked Bradley for a multi-million dollar sum in early 2014. They couldn’t see beyond the dollar signs.
The signing didn’t make sense, they said. Not at that price. Not for what Bradley had to offer.
Former ESPN pundit Alexi Lalas — known to trade barbs with Bradley from time to time — used his national TV platform to claim Bradley wasn’t worth the price.
Others whispered it behind the scenes, amid pondering if The General could accomplish what he said he’d do three years ago: Turn TFC into a “winning team.”
Funny how fast the chirping ceases when wins and records and trophies speak for themselves, isn’t it?
Bradley let results do most, but not all, of the talking.
It’s why MLSE’s Board handed Bradley a Brinks truck full of dough — for his play and commitment and mentality and, most of all, his laser focus.
The club’s top brass knew it needed a figurehead, a legend, a spokesman, a leader, within a dressing room they spent three seasons overhauling.
Justin Morrow was there from the start. As was Jonathan Osorio. Both started Saturday night’s 2-0 MLS Cup win over the Seattle Sounders. Both were immense.
Asked earlier this season what Bradley meant to Toronto FC’s locker-room, Morrow laughed while struggling to find words to describe his captain’s contributions.
“It’s Michael Bradley,” he repeated, over and over.
Morrow continued by saying Bradley’s detractors just “don’t know” what they’re talking about — an understatement.
Few players in MLS history, if any, have done what Bradley’s did for his team and for his city. He’s part of the reason why guys like Jozy Altidore and Drew Moor are here.
He helped make the Reds a destination for Altidore, the MLS Cup MVP, and Moor, a veteran who Bradley singled out post-game as playing a huge role in TFC’s transformation.
“The group we had was so committed, so focused,” Bradley said. “I think I’m a pretty driven person. At times I have to make sure I don’t wear guys out.
“For me, there’s no problem to go 24 hours a day, every single day. But I understand everybody is different. I know I have to pick and choose moments to say things.
“With this team, it was incredible. There was never one moment where I looked around and felt like guys were losing focus or forgetting about what we wanted to do.”
Bradley wouldn’t let them. The result? Reds fans will remember every guy on the pitch from Saturday for years to come.
Where would Toronto FC be if Bradley and Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco and Victor Vazquez had chosen Europe over Canada?
“We built from Michael,” said head coach Greg Vanney, who pointed out that Toronto FC will try to become the first MLS squad to win a Champions League title in just a few months.
Win that and some of those same pundits might argue Bradley isn’t paid enough.