TORONTO – It's that time of year again.
Every season, around this time, MLS pundits and fans alike argue about the shortlists for the annual MLS awards.
The 2016 nominees were announced on Tuesday and Toronto FC were left largely out of the running. Their only nomination is a collective one: MLS Fair Play – Team.
Given that the side contains reigning Landon Donovan MVP Award winner Sebastian Giovinco, Drew Moor – whose acquisition saw the side concede 19 fewer goals this season than last – and Greg Vanney, who led the club to their best-ever overall finish, the lack of consideration could be viewed as a massive snub.
But not to the Reds, who have loftier aims than the odd bauble.
“At the beginning of the year, all of our goals were team goals,” said Vanney after training on Wednesday. “All the other trophies are irrelevant if we can lift the last [one].”
Vanney did call Giovinco's MVP omission 'ridiculous,' pointing out that once again the Italian's combined goal and assist totals – 17 and 15, respectively – make him the most productive player in the league and the only player in MLS history to have back-to-back 30-plus combined goals and assist seasons.
“We were the second best team defensively in the league; that counts for something. We've had a number of guys have very good seasons, we were right there all the way until the end,” said Vanney. “The way you earn respect is to lift trophy at the end of the year.
“Our focus is on NYCFC this weekend,” he added. “If some guys are angry, it can be motivation this weekend. ... If there are any grievances, we can use them on the field to our benefit.”
Moor took his exclusion from Defender of the Year consideration in stride.
“The three finalists are worthy candidates; all had very good years,” said the veteran center back. “What I'm most proud of is our team defensive performance. Our mindset was to be difficult to play against; we have our good defensive record because of that. It's been fun to be a part of.”
“[We're] most concerned about an MLS Cup championship, that's what we play for,” he said. “If individual awards come along the way with that, then that's fantastic. If we win MLS Cup, then we're not going to feel snubbed in any way.”
Club captain Michael Bradley had a different take on award season.
“What I think about those awards is that they mean absolutely nothing,” said the veteran midfielder. “I don't care about them at all. If you asked them, they'd say the same thing. What is driving us at the moment, the goal for every guy here, is that on December 10 one team gets to stand on the podium and lift the trophy. We want that to be us.”
