By B-Red, on September 3rd, 2010
The Good News
Only Dallas sits above us in the standings currently, with 37 points to TFC’s 27. Chicago are just three points behind that with two games in hand over the Reds, so ‘ahead’ in that case requires some context. In fact, all three of these teams are opponents Toronto can and/or should beat on a good night, which leads us to the flip side of the conversation…
The Bad News
Sadly, two of these next three games are on the road. This weekend Toronto travels to Dallas for a game without Julian de Guzman, Dwayne De Rosario and Nana Attakora. They are all playing for Canada instead in a friendly against Peru that same night. The Reds return Wednesday night through Chicago for a midweek game against a Fire team gunning to pass Toronto in the standings. And finally, they’ll be back at BMO on September 11th for the third match in the week against the basement dwelling DC United.
With just nine games remaining for TFC in the 2010 MLS season, this is the story from this point onward. After the DC game, TFC plays just two more regular season games at home. With 40 points over 30 games the defacto standard for making the playoffs, Toronto now have to find 13 points from these 9 games with most of them on the road. Anyone paying attention will know this isn’t something at which Toronto excels.
It Ain’t Over ’til the…
Obviously Toronto FC need some wins to make it to the post-season. They haven’t looked convincing of late. They haven’t looked terrible either. So, like last year, it seems as though we may have to wait to the bitter end to find out how the final playoff spots are allocated. Presuming Toronto can beat DC (the MLS’ worst team) and San Jose (the only team TFC beat on the road this season) at BMO Field, just a win or two on the road over the next few weeks and TFC will be sitting pretty. Less than that, particularly if they cannot win the last two home games, and the Reds’ playoff prospects seems quite dim.
By B-Red, on August 27th, 2010
There comes a time in every sports team’s season when their destiny begins to fall into place. Unfortunately for Toronto FC, we’ve reached that moment. The past week, in particular, hasn’t made that fate seem too rosy either. A crushing defeat by the Red Bulls at home was a bitter pill to swallow. Worse yet, Toronto FC then endured a ridiculous match in Panama on Tuesday night where not one but two farcical red cards were issued against them. The win over Cruz Azul at BMO Field to open the CONCACAF Champion’s League was squandered by this 1-0 defeat to Arabe Unido.
Continue reading “Haters And Pessimists United” »
By B-Red, on August 22nd, 2010
1 – 4 
Unlike the final game of the year last season, there really shouldn’t be any shame in losing to this Red Bulls roster. Theirry Henry now plays up front with Juan Pablo Ángel. And Rafael Marquez, team Mexico’s captain, and third designated player for NY, even scored a goal yesterday that will be on any decent highlight reel for 2010. Still, for any of us out here daring to hope for more out of Toronto FC this season, it was just as gutting an outcome as the 2009 closer. The playoffs were so close… and yet the Red Bulls get to dance on our cold dead corpse – again.
Et tu Robo?
Continue reading “Bad Day At The Office” »
By B-Red, on August 18th, 2010
Fireworks at BMO: Toronto FC beat Cruz Azul 2 - 1 in their Champion's League opener last night
Good News, Bad News
Losses to Kansas City and New York aside, the past few weeks have seen Toronto FC stepping up and delivering in some big matches. The good news is that their performance in Champion’s League contests now has the Reds making historic strides on the international stage. The bad news is that their playoff hopes for 2010 – and the MLS Cup game being played here at BMO in November – are not looking so certain.
Continue reading “Exciting Days For TFC” »
By B-Red, on July 30th, 2010
Barrett celebrates goal against Motagua
Kansas City Wizards
This weekend’s game on the road in KC is a significant test for the Toronto FC. Two weeks ago, a mediocre game in Philadelphia that looked sure to be a draw was squandered as a loss in extra time. Last week, Toronto FC scored against a well-organized Dallas team and then coughed up a late goal to the visitors and almost one or two more. Both results squandered points the Reds had in hand, and put the team on a narrowing and ever-steeper path for playoff qualification.
A road win in KC would be a big accomplishment. They stole a tie from us in their visit to BMO Field, after Nick Garcia was ejected (a lame call) early in the game. It would be nice to see us return the favour with a bit compounding goal interest. That said, TFC’s road performances tend toward the defensive, so any points added from this contest will be a relief.
If there’s a time to pick up the pace, it’s now. Some hunger for that playoff run needs to show up on the pitch.
Continue reading “Days of Reckoning” »
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