After surviving the heat in Orlando, Toronto FC faces another challenge in Atlanta

But he says his players have recovered from the afternoon win in central Florida.

“There’s a lot of factors to weigh in this series of games — none of which are necessarily related to the last match and the heat and humidity (in Orlando),” Vanney said Tuesday from Atlanta.

The Toronto coach was unsure about reinforcements with the MLS transfer window slated to close at midnight Tuesday.

“There’s irons in the fire … There’s still optimism hopefully that something can happen,” he said. “But with every hour that passes, I become a little more skeptical.”

Toronto had been after help on defence and on the wing.

Atlanta added to its attack Tuesday, acquiring 30-year-old winger Justin Meram from Columbus for US$100,000 in general allocation money and a 2019 second-round draft pick. The American-born Iraq international has 39 goals and 37 assists in 223 regular-season games.

Vanney paired Laurent Ciman with Chris Mavinga, who has been a dominant figure in recent weeks, at the heart of the TFC defence for the 2-0 win in Orlando with Jordan Hamilton up front. Quentin Westberg started in goal for the second straight game, impressing with both his shot-stopping and distribution.

Atlanta (3-3-2) is beginning to find its form after a rocky start under new coach Frank de Boer.

Atlanta has won its last two outings — both shutouts — and three of the last four (3-1-0) since starting the season 0-2-2. That moved the defending champs out of the East Conference basement into ninth spot.

Still Atlanta’s victims this season — New England, Colorado and Sporting Kansas City — have a combined record of 4-18-8.

“I think they’re finding their identity with this coach a little bit more,” said Vanney.

“Something that’s never changed is they have good players and guys that can hurt you if given the chances,” he added.

Atlanta will be without attacking midfielder Ezequiel Barco, named MLS player of the week after scoring a goal and setting up another in a 3-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. Barco is with Argentina preparing for the May 23 kickoff of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.

Toronto may lose forward Ayo Akinola to the U.S. for the same tournament.

TFC will have to deal with Venezuelan Josef Martinez, who scored twice on the weekend to double his goal total for the year. Martinez, the league’s reigning MVP, was in record form last year with 34 goals.

Vanney sees this version of Atlanta working more on its possession game and getting connected defensively.

“It’s a slightly different vision but I still, think they’re most dangerous … whenever they’re able to get in transition and get moving fast,” he said.

Atlanta led the league last season with 70 goals, averaging 2.06 a game. With star midfielder Miguel Almiron now wearing Newcastle United colours, Atlanta has nine goals in eight games for a 1.13 average.

The midfield focus is now on Argentine Gonzalo (Pity) Martínez.

“He’s a little bit more of a manipulator of the game, finding pockets and playing in those pockets,” said Vanney. “He doesn’t accelerate the game like Almiron.”

TORONTO FC (5-2-1) AT ATLANTA UNITED (3-3-2)

Wednesday, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

HISTORY: Atlanta has never beaten Toronto in four regular-season meetings, losing 4-1 last time out at BMO Field and tying 2-2 three times (including twice in Atlanta).

SCHEDULE LOGJAM: Both teams have seven league games in May, each winning their first game of the month.

ADD ANOTHER: Midfielder Jonathan Osorio set a Toronto FC record Saturday in Orlando, scoring against his 21st different opponent. He can add to that record against Atlanta.

Follow @NeilMDavidson on Twitter

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

After surviving the heat in Orlando, Toronto FC faces another challenge in Atlanta

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