It was a virtual scene for scene replay of last Saturday’s loss to Columbus. Toronto controlled possession, created plenty of opportunities, but could not seem to buy a goal. They conceded very few chances at the back, but Chivas managed to convert on one of them and that lone goal was good enough to get them three points.
Finishing has to be a worry at this point for TFC. They have lost five straight games to start the season, setting a franchise record for consecutive losses. In those five games they have just two goals and have yet to hold the lead. They have also yet to score at BMO Field.
“We played well, we created a lot of opportunities, but in the end we were unlucky,” said Aron Winter after the game.
The chances were there for TFC, but at one point the bad luck excuse will wear thin. That point is inching eerily close. While the chances are there for TFC, their inability to convert them has to be worrying. At the same time, the defense has been improving, limiting the oppositions scoring chances, but momentary lapses have continued to cost this team points.
“Amazingly the whole game we were giving away almost nothing,” said Winter. “Only the corner, and at that moment they made a goal. But if you saw you know how many opportunities and chances we created, at this moment it’s just bad luck.”
Winter’s frustration was shared by some of his players, who after ten second half shots, ten second half corners, and a couple of goal line clearances, were still unable to find the back of the net.
“We could have scored four or five goals in the second half,” said Ryan Johnson. “This is probably the most unlucky I’ve been in my whole career. It is mind boggling sometimes and I can’t believe what just happened today. It’s tough.”
Richard Eckersley, who continues to be the team’s most consistent defender, shared Johnson’s frustration.
“This is the worst luck I’ve experienced in my career, to be honest. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life.”
Ryan Johnson came close to equalizing on a few occasions. His left-footed shot was miraculously cleared off the line by a Chivas defender and he also had a header which bounced just inches wide of the far post.
Joao Plata created a few chances dancing down the left flank, most notably setting up Danny Koevermans right around the six yard box, but Koevermans’ shot was hit directly at Chivas keeper Dan Kennedy. Koevermans was more than upset after missing a gimmick from six yards out, kicking the post and slamming his fists against the back netting.
“What can you do, twice (we) tap it in and the keeper doesn’t even know he saved it,” said Koevermans. “Ryan kicks the ball and the (defender) sprints to the line and he doesn’t even know he catches it on his thigh and it goes aside. So tell me, what can you do about it?”
Koevermans looked bewildered in the training room after the game.
“I know this is the worst start in franchise history, five losses, but especially (in) the home games, maybe not the first one, but we deserve six points and we have nothing,” said Koevermans. “It’s so frustrating. If we play bad and we don’t create any chances, then it would concern me, but we just have to keep our heads up and stay positive.”
There is not much to say as to the lack of goals the team is scoring. The chances are there and one would have to figure the goals will come soon enough if they continue to press the way they are.
In the midfield, Winter benched $2 million dollar man Julian de Guzman in place of rookie Luis Silva. De Guzman’s performance in the last few weeks has been poor and Winter, while he would not say if the move was permanent, he did hint to the fact that he prefers Silva over de Guzman to push forward and attack from the midfield.
Another line-up change came on defense, where center back and 2010 team MVP Adrian Cann, made his long awaited return to the starting XI, after having knee surgery this past offseason. Cann, a significant step up from Ty Harden, played a good game at the back and will continue to improve his game as well as the game of those around him. Cann said it felt great to play a full 90 minutes in a league game. Although it was just his first game back, it did not take long for Cann to share his teammate’s frustrations.
“Everyone’s frustrated. You work your bum off, for the last 45 minutes we’re all over them, giving nothing away and creating opportunities,” said Cann. “Coming away with a draw in this game would be a fair result, if not a win.”
The team may deserve better results, but bottom line is they are not getting them. Regardless of Winter’s reputation, losing five straight to start a season will put anyone’s job in jeopardy. Winter told reporters he was not worried about his job security, saying he is giving everything he has to get the team back on the right track.
“I’m still positive. I know it’s five losses (but) I’m seeing a lot of good things,” said Winter. “You have to be honest, we are playing well. We’re creating chances (but) we’re not in a situation where things are going the way you want to go. We have bad luck.”
Winter repeatedly told reporters he would remain positive and focus on what the team is doing right, then eventually the goals will follow. When asked how he can stay so upbeat in a situation like this, Winter did admit it is not all positive for him.
“It’s not that I’m saying when I’m positive about it that I’m never worried. I’m always worried. I want to win.”
The 18,476 fans in attendance also wanted to win. The TFC faithful were teased throughout the second half, when pressure was building and the team was creating chances, it appeared likely that an equalizer was coming. When the final whistle blew, however, the Reds left the field to a chorus of boos.
“When you lose they boo you, when you win they cheer. It’s part of soccer,” said Koevermans.
Winter preached patience to the fans, building on last week’s excuse that in a league like the MLS, you can afford to go on a losing streak like this more so than in standard European league formats.
“For the fans I am very disappointed that we didn’t get points in those five games. I hope they are still faithful and I think they still are faithful because I think that they are seeing good things,” said Winter. “If you play five games and you have got zero points, that’s the reaction of the fans, and I think that’s normal.”
TFC will have a day off on Sunday and will remain training in Toronto this week as they prepare to take on the Chicago Fire at BMO Field next Saturday looking to end their five-game losing streak.
“It’s got to turn around. If you play like this then there has to be a streak of games where we set the record (for wins) in franchise history,” said Koevermans. “Now we set a record for losses, but there’s got to be a time maybe we could win four or five in a row.”
If the Dutchman hopes to spark a long winning streak, he better regain the scoring touch he had after coming to Toronto last season. While it has been a disaster start for Toronto, it isn’t all bad. The club remains just six points out of a playoff spot in the East, and like Winter said, if you string a couple of wins together, this bad start will be quickly forgotten.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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