Toronto FC

Toronto FC

Toronto made it through its first two games without taking a loss, an impressive feat when you consider they were playing without injured captain Michael Bradley and had to contend with a long road trip against the Quakes in their first game before a tough matchup against fellow Eastern Conference powers New York City FC back at BMO Field in their second. The layoff has given Bradley time to heal up, so he should be good to go when play gets back underway.

Weeks 1 & 2: Getting a draw in a road match against an ostensibly improved San Jose side sans Bradley may seem like a solid result on paper, but TFC were left disappointed to not take all three points in their opener after coughing up a 2-0 lead and seeing Oswaldo Alanis score a stunning late leveler. It was all business in the second match, as Ifunanyachi Achara delivered an 81st-minute game-winner that broke a scoreless deadlock for a 1-0 result over NYCFC.

Early MVP: Alejandro Pozuelo remains the real deal. The Spaniard scored a PK in San Jose, hit the woodwork against NYC and continued to show the dynamic ability as a facilitator that makes him one of the very best playmakers the league has to offer.

Projected XI: (4-4-2, left to right): Westberg – Morrow, Mavinga, Gonzalez, Auro – Achara, Osorio, Bradley, Gallardo – Pozuelo, Altidore; Coach: Greg Vanney

Tournament Prospects: If there’s one thing the last few years should have taught us — especially after last year’s run to MLS Cup — it’s that you’d probably be unwise to bet against this group. It’s a proven, experienced bunch, and while they might be another year older, that experience could come in handy in a Group C derby matchup against Montreal, not to mention their games against two more tough outs in D.C. United and Bruce Arena's New England Revolution.