Toronto FC looks to build up some momentum

An 87th minute game-winning goal by Toronto FC’s Ryan Telfer against Orlando City SC last Friday was undoubtedly a turning point in that game.

But for the moment to mark a turning point in the overall Reds’ league campaign, the team will have to come up with another result this Friday, at home to FC Dallas.

“We need to build on it,” coach Greg Vanney said. “Right now, given the fact that we still have guys trying to work their way in and all that, we’re still sort of in the grind of it. We don’t have everybody out in training and everybody doing their natural thing yet so we’re still fighting. The goal here is to do whatever we have to do tomorrow to work to get a result. That means working together as a group and covering each other and doing all of our jobs individually and being ready for anything we need.”

Toronto was thankful for a normal training week after its most recent win, only its third in the league in the season, which moved the team up to ninth place in the Eastern Conference. Players were able to properly recover before partaking in a normal four days of game preparation, looking ahead to a Dallas side that has conceded just 11 goals so far this season, the fewest in Major League Soccer.

“I think they pose the biggest threat when we have the ball and then the transitions, when they have space to run,” Vanney said.

Justin Morrow (calf ), Nick Hagglund (hamstring) and Ni- co Hasler (quadriceps) are all listed as questionable heading into the game, with Jozy Altidore (foot), Drew Moor (quadriceps) and Ashtone Morgan (hamstring) already ruled out.

TFC will also be without goalkeeper Alex Bono, who is away with the United States men’s national team.

Backup goalkeeper Clint Irwin will step in between the posts in Bono’s absence. Irwin has played in three games so far this season, with one win to his name.

“I think it’s a great game for Clint,” Vanney said. “To me, I think he’s established (himself as a No. 1 goalkeeper in the league) over the years. Every time he gets an opportunity he makes good with his opportunity.”

Toronto will have a boost with the return of striker Sebastian Giovinco, who missed the win over Orlando City through suspension.