Toronto FC: Three hopes, one fear

Hope #3: That Michael Bradley and Marky Delgado can dictate the pace of the match.

Perhaps one of the more interesting stories of 2016 has been the partnership of Michael Bradley and Marky Delgado in the midfield. Bradley and Delgado have worked seamlessly together in the middle of the pitch to dictate possession and to build attacking chances for Giovinco and Altidore. Their work coupled with the defensive effort of Drew Moor have given Toronto FC a spine to build off of something the side has desperately needed since they started play back in 2007.

Of the two Delgado’s play has been the most surprising. Delgado may just be 21 years old but he has  over five years of professional experience dating back to his time with Chivas USA. The United States youth international has always had the skills to play above his experience level  in MLS, using his physical skills to gain an advantage against opponents.

The difference is now is that he seems to be a bit more conscientious about his work on the pitch. Timing is a very critical skill that all good midfielders need to pick up and in year five Delgado seems to have found that.

Having a midfield partner like Delgado to work with has made life a lot easier for Bradley. The USMNT gaffer has quietly had one of his more successful seasons in MLS this year. The numbers are not exactly eye-popping (he has just one goal and five assists for Toronto this season) but anyone who has watched them this season has seen his work in controlling the flow of the match.

Whether it is a simple pass to the opposite side of the pitch or making a tackle to stop movement down the middle Bradley has been intimately involved in all facets of the Toronto FC plan. Sometimes the work is not pretty, but it is effective.