In the debate over who won the MLS secondary transfer window, there are few cases better than Toronto FC’s.
Though he was technically signed earlier in the year, Lorenzo Insigne completed his move to BMO Field upon the expiry of his Napoli contract. He was joined in Canada by fellow Italians Federico Bernardeschi and Domenico Criscito, while TFC also captured Mark-Anthony Kaye, Doneil Henry, and the returning Richie Laryea.
Since the debuts of Insigne and Bernardeschi, Toronto have gone unbeaten in MLS play, winning three and drawing one of their four matches so far.
Toronto FC’s MLS results with Lorenzo Insigne & Federico Bernardeschi:
Though those 10 points have only lifted them one place higher in the Eastern Conference into 12th, TFC are now just four points adrift of the seventh and final MLS Cup Playoffs spot. Their form is in complete contrast to the two wins in 14 MLS matches they picked up prior to their summer transfer activity.
“So now you can see with the Italians playing with us, we didn’t lose any 90-minute games,” center-back Chris Mavinga said following Saturday’s 3-1 win over the Timbers. “We just keep going. We know we are professionals, and we know Wednesday we need to be even better.
“I’m really confident because I know we have the team to make [playoffs]. If we don’t make it, it’s going to be disappointing because the team is very strong and we are a very good group and now you can see it. It’s not easy but we have to stay professional and confident for the next games.”
Bernardeschi took just 10 minutes to provide his first MLS assist against Charlotte FC and since then, hasn’t looked back, adding three goals of his own. Insigne, meanwhile, has notched two goals and an assist.
Yael Averbuch West hosted none other than Christian Fuchs for the latest episode of Football Americana. The Charlotte FC captain provided insight into the creation of Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team, and bringing European culture into the American side.
Insigne’s strike on Saturday to put TFC back in front at 2-1 was an excellent finish into the far corner from Michael Bradley’s scooped pass, while Bernardeschi pulled off a cheeky finish to the near post from the edge of the box to bury the Timbers. True Azzurri class.
“Look, these guys bring some special qualities,” said head coach Bob Bradley. “And then you put that into the middle of some of the other things we try to do as a team – but I thought Lorenzo’s goal was a special goal, and [Federico] finishes the game.”
Of course, it wasn’t just the Italians putting on a show against Portland. Laryea provided the assist for Bernardeschi’s clincher as well as Jonathan Osorio’s opener, while the 27-year-old completed all three of his attempted dribbles and made three recoveries and two tackles.
Returning from Nottingham Forest, the Canada international is playing like he’s never been away from Toronto.
“When you have good players, it doesn’t take long for other good players to size them up,” said Bradley. “Richie knows players here. Richie has the quality so that as soon as he gets here, guys like Lorenzo and Fede and the others can see what he’s all about right away. Fede has talked about how easy it is to play with Richie and that he gives him the ball at the right time.”
Up next for TFC is a home clash against the Revs on Wednesday.
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