This week is a throwback analysis to when TFC won the MLS Cup back in 2017 vs Seattle Sounders.

TFC played a 1442 diamond in this game against a Seattle team who were 14231 in possession and 1442 out of possession. Greg Vanney’s decision to overlaod the the center of the park proved to be crucial in TFC winning the cup in 2017.

In possession Bradley would drop between the 2 center backs in build up. The full backs pushed on giving the diamond a 13412 shape. On occasions Bradley stayed in midfield, his movement to the ball side was key in dragging a Seattle player with him to open up a passing lane for the other center back.

Bradley was the linchpin in this game and certainly gave a captains performance. Switching the play when luring the opposition to one side gave TFCs full backs a chance to bomb forward and express themselves.

Key features Attacking

• DM dropping between CBs

• Advanced Full Backs

• Switching play

• Strikers playing close together to combine

• 3rd man runs

In transition to defend TFC knew when to press vs delay. If bodies were close they would press with intensity, if outnumbered they looked to delay by dropping and denying space. Slow the opposition down to allow for team mates to recover and support.

When defending TFCs diamond looked to invite Seattle into central areas where it was overloaded with red shirts. Seattle liked to play central and direct so by congesting the middle TFC ensured numerical superiority. A key feature was when the ball was moved to one side of the pitch TFC would make sure the ball stayed on that side preventing the switch of play. This was done with excellent positioning and intensity in the press.

Key features Defending

• Central congestion

• Keep on one side if ball moved

• Prevent switch

• Have numbers available for second balls

• Intensity and aggression in the press

In transition to attack TFC would look to play forward and quickly when possible using 1-2 touches and intelligent movement which led to Altidore scoring the opener.

When the forward pass was unavailable TFC would look to work the ball from busy areas of high pressure to tidy areas of low pressure and space to play.

Seattle needed to switch the play more and opened up opportunities for wide overloads. They were far too rigid in their approach and needed to move the ball quicker to exploit TFC’s lack of numbers in wide areas. Please see this analysis on how to beat the diamond https://www.hudl.com/video/2/448319/5dd404c36e8c280db8736031

Greg Vanney was certainly instrumental in designing the MLS Cup Game Plan and proved to be one of the top coaches in North America. He has shown time and again excellent tactical understanding and an adaptability that allows TFC to play different formations when needed. An incredible’ diamond’ year for the city of Toronto.