It’s like watching the same game… on repeat… every week.
How is this for a recap? TFC have the better chances, more possession, but concede first on a defensive gasp and can not recover. The same can be said about last week’s game, the one before that, the one before that, and so on.
DC United had three scoring chances and scored on two of them. TFC had six or seven, yet failed to score. It is not too hard to pinpoint the problems TFC are having. The reason they are losing is not a mystery, the issues are clear, it’s just a matter of finding a fix.
On defense, its poor marking, sloppy play and unorganized defending that has plagued the team. In midfield it has simply been a lack of quality. On attack, the chances are there, the pressure is there, the possession is there, but the finishing is poor.
So what’s next for TFC?
It’s hard to envision Winter keeping his job after this game in which TFC set an MLS record for worst start to the season with eight consecutive losses. Winter is very knowledgeable when it comes to the beautiful game, but he has not taken the time to get to know his team.
I have been one of Winter’s biggest supporters. I have defended him time and time again, and will continue to do so for the time being. But it is getting harder and harder to defend a coach who still has no idea what his best starting XI is, or even who his best players are.
The talent is there for Winter, it is hard to argue against that. The club has the players and talent needed to win games more often than not. Now considering this, how can one continue to defend Winter? It’s getting harder, that’s for sure.
The game started with a slower pace than TFC are used to this season, which seemed to benefit them more than anything. The slowed pace allowed TFC to keep their composure and take away space from DC at the back. The quicker pace allows TFC to utilize their youth and speed, but as we have seen so often this season, it leads to costly mental errors which usually result in goals against.
The first half was arguably the strongest half of the season for TFC. It was undoubtedly their best defensive half, as they managed to build off their play at the back and create opportunities on the attack. Credit has to be given to de Guzman as well, who did a great job of shadowing De Rosario, rendering him fairly ineffective throughout the game.
TFC did not lose a step, starting the second half the same way they ended the first. Ashtone Morgan and Richard Eckersley did well to join the attack and provide decent balls in, but no one was able to get on the end of them. Toronto was lacking a true target man in the middle with Koevermans still injured.
Then, just as is the case every weekend, TFC gave United way too much space at the back and Chris Pontius made them pay. His shot from just outside the box got by the outstretched arms of Kocic and into the top corner, Pontius’ fifth goal of the season.
Toronto was able to up the pressure after the goal. They created some chances, but again, like every week, concede another goal off another defensive gasp. DC won a corner in the 75th minute, the ball was cleared temporarily before being headed back in behind the defense. TFC allowed two DC United players to get behind the defense and get on the end of the pass, making it 2-0 United. It was more of the same – sloppy defending, poor marking and unorganized play.
With the loss, it is safe to say it should be an eventful next week and a half for TFC. With TFC’s next league game not until May 17, this is as opportunistic a time as ever for the club to sac Winter.
TFC will remain at home for their midweek, second leg clash with the Impact. They then have next weekend off before travelling to Washington DC to take on DC United again at RFK Stadium on the 17th. They have to wait till the end of the month for their next league game at BMO when they take on Philadelphia on the last Saturday of the month.
Stay tuned to TotalMLS this week for another installment of “Get to Know Your TFC Players,” as well as a special “State of the Franchise” article outlining the problems with the club and how they can be fixed without making any drastic changes.
Follow me on Twitter @tfc_alex
(image courtesy of torontofc.ca)
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