TORONTO – Amidst the many changes made by Greg Vanney in Saturday night's loss to the New England Revolution, the one between the sticks may prove to be the most important down the stretch.
Goalkeeper Clint Irwin made his first start in two months, gaining valuable match fitness ahead of the stretch run and the playoffs.
“It felt good,” said Irwin on Tuesday after training. “It's always good to get back on the field; contribute to the team, try to get a result. Unfortunately, we didn't, but it [wasn't] for lack of effort. The guys left everything out there, it just wasn't to be on the day.”
The start was just his sixth of the season, his last having come on July 22 against the Colorado Rapids, his former club.
Irwin made three saves on the night from five shots. The two goals allowed were only the fourth and fifth he has conceded this season in 490 minutes of play.
“Clint did well,” said Vanney on Tuesday. “Made a couple big saves; had control of most situations.”
“This was a game that we had pegged for Clint to get out there, to feel what it's like to be in the mix,” explained Vanney of the change. “You never know when you'll have to call upon someone in the most critical time; you don't want the last time to have been four, five, six months before. We wanted to give him the opportunity to feel the intensity and the vibe of being out on the field.”
For most of the season, Vanney has declined to name a number one keeper. He has been strident that Toronto have two starting calibre keepers.
That rhetoric change slightly when asked once more post-match.
“Alex [Bono] is the number one,” said Vanney, adding a 'right now' upon repetition. With depth providing options, no decision is ever final.
Irwin, who persevered in the lower leagues to reach the heights of MLS, was re-acquired from Atlanta United after being selected in the 2016 Expansion Draft; he signed a new contract in February.
A key off-season addition in January 2016, his rhythm in Toronto has been hampered by injury.
A quad strain opened the door for Bono last June, while a hamstring strain in March against Sporting KC this season sidelined the keeper for another month-plus.
Even a conditioning stint with TFC II in August ahead of a USL match against Saint Louis FC was ended by injury, with Irwin picking up a minor knock just as the loan announcement was made.
“It was frustrating,” admitted Irwin. “I wanted to play, get a game, get back on the field. The day before to dislocate my finger.... It has been difficult, but you have to be ready, be as prepared as you can.”
“Training, taking the time to do what you need to do; be ready to perform. I've tried to do that,” continued Irwin. “Even on the bench, focus on the game and what you would do in certain situations. Get some mental reps.”
Irwin's attitude and efforts on the training pitch have been praised by both Vanney and goalkeeping coach, Jon Conway. His role amongst his partners in the TFC goalkeeping union – Bono and Mark Pais – is vital.
For Irwin, it's a matter of, “understanding that we're all here focused on one goal: to make the team better, be on a winning team, win trophies.”
“It takes more than one goalkeeper throughout the year for that to happen,” said Irwin. “Injuries, suspension. At some point, someone who hasn't played is going to have to step in. You never know. We all have to prepare each other for that moment.”
“We do a good job of pushing each other in training, supporting each other, with the understanding that we've all been in similar situations,” continued Irwin. “It's important to be teammates, understand what guys are going through, and to support the team.”
Irwin relishes the moments that come and looks forward to those ahead: “I got to be on the field when we won the Canadian Championship, that was very rewarding. Hopefully we have some more successes going down the road.”
