Rate the Reds: Nico Hasler making a case for himself

Toronto FC’s trip up the 401 last weekend was hardly a memorable one. It was, generally speaking, a tough game to watch for TFC fans, who watched their team struggle to score or even generate chances against the Montreal Impact, who missed the playoffs last season.

Two MLS games, two MLS losses. That means most of you weren’t feeling particularly generous when doling out the votes in this week’s Rate the Reds poll.

For the first time this season, utility man Nicolas Hasler gets the man of the match award, coming on for Ager Aketxe in the 59th minute and making good use of his 30+ minutes. Hasler had one shot on goal plus another one blocked, and he patrolled the left side (unusual for him) pretty effectively. His work ethic outpaced most of his teammates, as he made three successful dribbles, two of which came around the half-space on the left side of the box.

Sebastian Giovinco, again, gets a nod in the top three. Even in a game without any goals from TFC, Giovinco did enough to receive praise from fans — his start to the season has been great, even if it hasn’t quite reflected on the scoresheet as he adjusts to perhaps a deeper role.

Seba’s strike partner, Jozy Altidore, got the brunt of the downvotes, and not for the first time this season. Really the only good game he’s played all year was the home leg against Tigres; I don’t know if he’s dealing with an injury or something, but he truly hasn’t looked himself through the first month or so of the season.

The full rankings are below.

1. Nicolas Hasler +124
2. Sebastian Giovinco +75
3. Alex Bono +67
4. Auro +65
5. Jonathan Osorio +55
6. Nick Hagglund +37
7. Gregory van der Wiel +32
8. Drew Moor -20
9. Marky Delgado -27
10. Ashtone Morgan -34
11. Michael Bradley -45
12. Ager Aketxe -53
13. Eriq Zavaleta -69
14. Greg Vanney -76
15. Jozy Altidore -90