Are the 'Caps That Bad, or are TFC That Good?

Overreacting after the season opener is a time-honoured tradition, so let's try to take the 3-1 thrashing at BC Place with a grain of salt.

Yes, the Whitecaps looked horrible coming out of half-time, lacking the counter-attacking punch they flaunted early in the match. And sure, they looked like boys playing against men, against an opponent who had never won a league game in Vancouver. A loss to Toronto FC is never easy to stomach, given their history of futility in MLS.

However, viewing the result as a knock against Vancouver is a bit narrow-minded. Judging by the Red's display on Saturday night, losing to TFC is no longer shameful. They finally look like the real deal.

It is too easy to write off Toronto, eight year playoff drought aside. They famously made an offseason splash before last season, assembling their star trio of Gilberto, Michael Bradley, and Jermain Defoe. We know how that turned out.

What makes this year different? In a word, stability.

2014 was anything but stable in Toronto. Brazilian Striker Gilberto failed to adjust to the North American style of soccer, scoring just 7 goals with TFC before being loaned out the following winter. And then there was Defoe.

What motivated him to sign for Major League Soccer turned out to be his Achilles heel. He simply wanted to showcase himself against weaker competition, in hopes of making the England World Cup squad. His scheme failed, he missed out on Brazil 2014, and he proceeded to coast through the rest of the MLS campaign. He went as far as to exaggerate injury in order to stay in England, shirking his responsibility to play out the rest of the TFC schedule. Simply put, his heart was never in it.

So Defoe the diva is now gone, as is Gilberto. In their place, Jozy Altidore returns from a stint in the Premier League to play striker, and their midfield boasts their most tantalizing signing yet: Sebastian Giovinco, formerly of Juventus.

So why does their new core stand a chance when their old one crashed and burned? Because their new pieces are a much better fit, for Toronto and for MLS.

They brought back Michael Bradley, an American international with playing experience in MLS. Then they recruited Altidore, another American who began his career in MLS. No learning curve required. Giovinco is the fresh face of the group, having played professionally exclusively in Italy.

But the early evidence suggests Giovinco will have a much greater impact than Defoe. His speed game lends itself well to North America, as did Defoe's. What sets him apart is where his priorities lie. He wants to be here. Playing in MLS is not just a paycheque and a publicity stunt for him. In fact, he was so excited to begin this chapter in his career, he convinced Juventus to let him leave for Toronto early. He wanted to be here in time for the start of the season. Expect him to be in Toronto for a few more opening days to come.

Of course, there is always a little doubt when a team goes through so much turnover. It often takes time for a new group of players to mesh, especially in a game as reliant on teamwork as soccer. TFC is no exception, there will inevitably be some growing pains early on. But if we needed reassurance that this team will eventually figure it out, an assist from Giovinco and a brace from Altidore on Saturday should put the rest of the league on high-alert.

Is there still reason for concern after the Whitecaps were dominated at home? There sure is. Their attack looked one-dimensional, and once TFC took the edge off the counter-attack, Vancouver was toothless. But there is no reason to panic. Chances are the 'Caps were simply outmatched by a side who should be among the league's finest.