Greg Vanney’s switch to a 3-5-2 formation has paid off handsomely so far for Toronto FC as a team - but not for Will Johnson.
Johnson was one of the first names on the teamsheet in the Reds’ midfield diamond, but since Armando Cooper’s arrival and the change to three at the back there has been more competition for fewer jobs in the middle of the park.
The Canadian has paid the price, dropping to the bench as the first reserve for Cooper and Jonathan Osorio. Like the reliable, veteran presence he is, Johnson has still made himself useful by coming on late in games to help Toronto protect leads and, in the first leg of the New York City tie, keep the pressure on.