Toronto FC faces a tough test on Sunday when they travel to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face Atlanta United. Head coach Robin Fraser is calling for his team to take charge of the game from the start. The club needs to build attacks from their own half instead of waiting for set pieces or lucky breaks. This shift in approach comes after a midweek loss to D.C. United where the team struggled to create clear chances.
Josh Sargent has stepped up at the perfect moment for the Reds. His hot streak could be the difference maker in a tight playoff race. Fraser wants his players to find teammates in good positions with time to think. That kind of control will help them slow the game down if they need to.
Building From the Back
The team has relied too much on winning second balls in previous games. Fraser told reporters on Friday that this approach leaves too much to chance. He believes the team must drive attacks consistently to create better scoring opportunities. The coach explained that good buildouts allow players to set up the final part of their attack. Without starting attacks properly, the team cannot control the flow of the match.
Fraser told reporters including Waking the Red on Friday, “It’s very important because if you put together good buildouts or good attacks, you find guys in positions with time, and then you’re able to actually set up your final part of your attack.” He added that while winning second balls is not wrong, having control is far better for the team. Atlanta United has a strong attack despite their low standing in the Eastern Conference.
Sargent Heating Up
Josh Sargent is the key to Toronto’s offensive success right now. His ability to score in consecutive games puts him on track for a rare milestone. If he or Daniel Salloi scores against Atlanta, they will be the first TFC players to do so since 2019. That was the last time Alejandro Pozuelo and Jozy Altidore reached this level of consistency.
Teammate Richie Laryea sees the value Sargent brings to the squad. “Josh has been a big and a really good addition for the team since he’s joined,” Laryea said, according to Waking The Red. He noted that Sargent has found his stride and is contributing on both sides of the ball. The striker is involved in both goals and does the dirty work on defense as well. Laryea emphasized that Sargent’s current form will be vital for the next two games.
The pressure is on Toronto to stop Atlanta’s dangerous forwards like Breel Embolo. TFC has depth with players like Daniel Salloi and Theo Corbeanu, but they need to execute their plan. The team must sure things up defensively to let their attack drag them forward. Fraser knows that dominance on the ball is the only way to beat a team with a solid attack.
Richie Laryea told the press, “He’s been great for us, we’re happy that he’s in this form right now because it’s going to be important for us for these next two games for sure.” This upcoming match against Atlanta is a must-win clash for the Reds. The team cannot afford to rely on luck or set pieces if they want to succeed. They need to take control of the game and make it happen. The next step is clear: build the attacks from the back and trust the process.
