TORONTO — It was a pedestrian victory for Toronto FC on Wednesday night, but the 3-0 result against the Philadelphia Union was significant as it allowed TFC to get that much closer to wrapping up the top spot in the Major League Soccer standings.
Led once again by Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto bossed proceedings at BMO Field from the outset, doubling Philadelphia's shot total and possession statistics in the first half. A trademark Giovinco stunner punctuated the opening period, with the Italian's 10th minute free kick setting the tone for a dominant match.
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Because one angle just isn't enough! Super Seba is at it again, adding to his MLS lead atop the free kick scoring list#TFCLive | #TORvPHI pic.twitter.com/bkFkMwcnSP
— Toronto FC (@torontofc) August 24, 2017
The first half also saw a headed goal by Nicolas Hasler. The Liechtenstein international scored his first-ever header in Toronto's win over Chicago on the weekend, and he followed it up with a beauty at the half-hour mark to seal the victory.
From Liechtenstein with love 😘
— Toronto FC (@torontofc) August 24, 2017
Hasler's header kisses off the underside of the bar and in!#TFCLive | #TORvPHI pic.twitter.com/xxgSdWtmL8
At 2-0 up in the 30th minute, the result was all but academic for TFC. As the sounds of the midway encircled BMO Field for the annual Canadian National Exhibition, the celebratory atmosphere extended within the stadium as a comfortable Toronto side moved the ball around with all the confidence of a first-place team.
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Helping pull the strings as always was Victor Vazquez, who assisted on Hasler's goal and then combined with Altidore for a sublime second-half strike. The pair of assists boosted Vazquez back into the league lead in that crucial offensive category, giving TFC yet another statistical lead in a season full of them.
Vázquez --> Altidore --> 3-0 for @TorontoFC. #TORvPHI https://t.co/4Os2M7oB1x
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 24, 2017
Victor Vazquez leaves the game having reclaimed the #MLS lead in assists. #TFCLive
— Rudi Schuller (@RudiSchuller) August 24, 2017
It was another display of dominance from a team that is doing so at a near-record pace. Now sitting on 53 points after 26 games, TFC heads into the weekend's rivalry match in Montreal a full seven points ahead of the nearest challenger.
"They are very much aware of the possibilities but they are a very mature group," TFC head coach Greg Vanney said of his team, cautioning against any premature celebrations. "They are aware that you only get to see those things if you play one step at a time. I think this group has talked a lot about performances. There is a clear understanding that we want to get better at the games towards the tail end. I think that’s how this group thinks instead of thinking too far ahead.
"We all know what’s out there and we approach it one game at a time."
The Supporters' Shield may not be wrapped up just yet, but Toronto is now within touching distance.