Player Ratings: Toronto FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

TORONTO, ON – MAY, 14 In second half action just as the clock was winding down, Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) and Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper David Ousted (1) have some words.The Toronto Football Club (TFC) beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 4-3 in MLS action at BMO field in Toronto.NOTE: There are more photos in EMMAMay 14, 2016 (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Assessing every Toronto FC players’ performance in what was a frustrating loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

In Toronto FC’s ten-year history, we could be witnessing the greatest team ever. Their start to the season has been remarkable, as they picked up points in five of their first eight road contests.

When they beat FC Dallas to kick off a four-game homestand, it looked like they would be able to carry that into the next three matches, but the Vancouver Whitecaps brought that to a screeching halt when TFC conceded a season-high four goals. On a night where the team honoured Danny Dichio, they played like they have in past seasons.

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The backline was uncharacteristically poor that evening, while Kekuta Manneh burned us on the left flank, yet it was Jozy Altidore’s uneventful game that stood out above the rest. Toronto FC fell behind by two goals twice, and nearly came back both times, but the biggest talking point was why Altidore took the penalty despite all of his struggles, and didn’t just let Giovinco take it instead. If Seba had taken it, chances are we’d be talking about a draw instead of a loss.

Altidore’s hamstring injury, at the very least, gives Greg Vanney an excuse to keep him on the bench until he can figure things out. And he’d better be prepared to be with TFC for the long haul, since he isn’t likely to get the call to join the national team at Copa America.

Despite it being a loss, this wasn’t a bad game. It was our best offensive showing on the season, and even though they fell behind by two goals twice, they fought until the very end. They should be proud of the spirit they showed, and should be a building point for the next match against New York City.

That said, there are some people that deserve to be chewed out, so let’s get right to them.

Next: Backline