As Toronto FC prepare for the final two months of regular season play, the club is faced with the reality of chasing eight teams better than itself while looking in the rearview at another.
The Reds’ inability to secure full points at BMO Field on Saturday allowed it’s closest pursuer, Kansas City Wizards, to play opportunist and sidle up within one point of TFC after beating Los Angeles on the road. It was only the second loss on the season for the Galaxy on it’s home ground.
Since upsetting English giants Manchester United on July 25, the Wizards have posted three wins, a draw and a loss.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, since losing on penalties to English mid-tablers Bolton on July 21, the Reds have posted one win, three losses and two ties in league play.
Surely a coincidence; however, beating teams that you are not supposed to goes a long way in the category of confidence.
Kansas City also enjoys the favourable schedule as it’s next three MLS games come against Philadelphia, Chivas and Houston – teams already with one eye on next season. As for the Reds, it gets no easier with FC Dallas and Chicago on tap, but beyond that there are points to be had against DC United and Houston.
Just the stats
In nearly four years of post-game press conferences at BMO Field a few common themes have emerged. The first is the need to make BMO a fortress; second is the lack of concern over goals as long as the club is creating chances.
The Reds are a T12 in shots on goal with 82 and 22 goals.
While it is difficult to determine a statistic for chances created, sitting 12th out of 16 teams isn’t it.
In its brief history Toronto has yet to field a true, reliable striker (it did watch Jeff Cunningham and Edson Buddle go on to be that player in other cities, but no blame can be placed there).
If Mo Johnston is to earn a stay of execution beyond season four the Director must find – not draft – a striker who can bring an end to the ‘creating chances’ speak.