Competitive juices are already flowing for TFC

This year’s off-season didn’t include the marquee signings Toronto FC became known for in recent years, but the utility pieces brought in have given the Reds a more complete look as the team kicks off its pre-season training this week.

“We’re a better group of players,” head coach Greg Vanney said matter-of-factly Monday at the team’s first open training session of the year.

New faces like goalkeeper Clint Irwin, defenders Steven Beitashour and Drew Moor and top draft pick Tsubasa Endoh were under the bubble at TFC’s Downsview Park training ground, joining in light fitness drills.

Few changes were made to the core of the Reds’ side, for one of the first times in club history, although some were a little more tanned and Jonathan Osorio sported what can only be called this year’s version of frosted tips.

Absent were Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and new signing Will Johnson, all of whom are at national team camps until early February, and Luke Moore, who is training with clubs in England.

Those here were ready to play, said new recruit Moor.

“There just seems to be a competitiveness about this group that, from what I’ve heard, might have been lacking at this time last season,” he said, praising the “first-class” spirit he’s seen from his teammates since camp kicked off Friday.

The group is fitter than it was at this time last season, Vanney said, and with added depth everyone is fight- ing for a spot in the starting 11.

“Whether it be centre back, right back, left back or midfield, there’s a real battle for spots out there. That’s good. That’s what pushes everybody forward and that’s what makes people better.”

Also pushing much of the squad is that embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Montreal in Toronto’s first playoff game last fall, general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said.

“We’ll never forget that loss against a rival. I think it needs to live in us and it needs to drive us every day.”