Toronto FC II are on another bye week, giving them ample time to prepare for their next match against the Wilmington Hammerheads at BMO Field on June 27th.
TFC II’s last match was back on June 6th, a 0-0 draw against the Harrisburg City Islanders.
Team Chemistry Coming Together
Over the last two matches TFC II have kept their opponents off the score sheet, a significant improvement since their 4-0 defeat at the hands of Louisville City FC back on May 16th.
Team chemistry has been one of the factors in their defensive improvement as players continue to develop a better understanding of each other on the field.
These bye weeks are a great opportunity for the team to continue to build on the experience of playing together.
“[Head coach Jason Bent] always keeps us [the back four] together in training as much as he can which helps us on the field and builds chemistry,” said defender Adam Bouchard.
“For example a lot of the time I know how Mark-Anthony [Kaye] likes going out of the back, whether he likes the ball ahead of him or to his feet.”
Goalkeeper Quillan Roberts believes that team is coming together and it’s starting to show on the field.
“I think we’re getting to know everyone a little more and it’s coming out in our play and on the field. I think we can get results from it,” said Roberts ahead of training on Wednesday.
With some players being called up to the first team and many players making the jump from the Academy to TFC II, head coach Jason Bent understands that developing and maintaining chemistry is key for the team’s improvement.
“When we start practicing with different units, so the back four and goalkeepers, then into the midfield, you start develop relationships and an understanding of each other’s tendencies and the more they play together the better they’re going to do,” said Bent.
Roberts Receiving Praise
TFC II goalkeeper Quillan Roberts was outstanding against the Harrisburg City Islanders, helping the team come away with a point in an impressive 10-save shutout performance that earned him USL Week 12 Team of the Week honours.
Roberts’ strong performance against Harrisburg did not go unnoticed by his coach and teammates.
“I think whenever he’s been called upon he’s performed quite well,” said coach Bent regarding Roberts.
“As your last line of defense you always need that from your goalkeeper, to come up with at least a couple of saves in the game,” he continued.
Defender Adam Bouchard also had high praise for his teammate.
“He has a big presence on the field. He’s very vocal and also makes big saves when you need him to.”
“His distribution on the field is very well and like I said he shows up when you need him.”
