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Year in Review: Toronto FC II

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 11/10/16, 12:12PM EST

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Defensive struggles overshadowed bright moments in second season


Photo courtesy Martin Bazyl / Toronto FC II

Toronto FC II came into its second season with the goal of showing improvement on its first year in the USL. While there were some definite bright moments, including the progression of Molham Babouli to Toronto FC, the team’s continued defensive issues left TFC II well off the pace in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

There were bright spots; both Malik Johnson and Shaan Hundal were named to the USL 20 Under 20, a clear sign of the potential that is within the club’s players, while Raheem Edwards broke out in a big way. For the side to contend for a playoff place next season, though, the defensive end must take a major step forward.

2016 USL SEASON IN REVIEW

Record: 7-18-5, 26pts
Place: 12th in the Eastern Conference
Goals For: 36
Goals Against: 58
USL Cup Playoffs: N/A

2016 leaders: Raheem Edwards (6 goals, 4 assists), Shaan Hundal (6 goals), Phil Di Bennardo (30 saves)

WHAT WENT RIGHT?

When the side put things together, it was able to claim some notable victories, including against USL Cup Playoffs teams the Richmond Kickers and defending champion Rochester Rhinos. Raheem Edwards stepped forward in a major way, too, while players like Shaan Hundal, Malik Johnson and Ricardo John were exciting to watch when on their game.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

Defensively, TFC II both gave up more goals and shots on target against than it did in its inaugural season. Part of this could have been a knock-on effect of Clint Irwin’s injury for TFC, which saw a rotating goalkeeper cast be employed by TFC II, but more disheartening was the way the side would fall away in games, conceding 36 of its 58 goals against in the second halves of contests.

GOALS OF THE SEASON

Malik Johnson had a pair of outstanding individual efforts, with this against rival FC Montreal in the 401 Derby one of the highlights of the season for TFC II.

Raheem Edwards stunned FC Cincinnati early in their contest on June 18 with a blistering run that saw his patience pay off to finish at the end.

SAVES OF THE SEASON

Quillan Roberts’ shot-stopping abilities were needed regularly when he appeared for TFC II, and this save from USL Golden Boot-winner Sean Okoli was one of his best.

Roberts helped preserve a win late in the season with a scrambling save to deny Orlando City B’s Pierre Da Silva and his attempted Olimpico from a corner kick.

HE SAID IT

“The last game, against Orlando City B, was a great moment. It was our best game of the season, you could just feel the chemistry going. It was so good, it was almost easy to play. It was a great moment, getting a win in our last game at home.” – Toronto FC II midfielder Luca Uccello

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