U-Sector – The Original Toronto FC Supporters Group

It’s That Time Of Year Again

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Photo courtesy TFCpics.com (May 8, 2010)

So here we are in September, once again counting points and doing the math on TFC’s playoff chances.

Another 0-0 draw against an opponent that is right alongside Toronto in the race for the elusive eighth playoff spot did absolutely nothing to aid those cloudy calculations.

In an all-too-familiar scenario, The Reds once again let a very winnable game slip through their fingers, this time to host Chicago Fire. It would be fair to say that Toronto controlled the game for the most part, yet the glaring lack of quality in the final third betrayed the performance.

Chicago seemed completely disinterested in trying for the three points, instead opting to minimize TFC’s chances while conceding most of the possession. Perhaps the Fire are comfortable with their two-games-in-hand-while-two-points-behind predicament, but that’s a bit of a fool’s game, as points in the bag always trump possible points at this time of year. And especially when Chicago is still seven points off an actual playoff spot.

The Fire did have a foray or two into Toronto’s penalty area, but aside from a 15-minute spell — that included a laughable breakaway-gone-wrong from Freddie Ljungberg — the Illinois club did nothing to truly threaten its visitors.

(Side note: Anyone who bemoans Julian de Guzman’s lack of offensive prowess as a designated player needs to look at Ljungberg, who hasn’t scored a single goal this year for Seattle or Chicago. And he’s an attacking DP.)

The game in Chicago went pretty much exactly the same for Toronto as Saturday’s game in Dallas did, with The Reds looking industrious and the more enthusiastic of the two sides, but with nothing to show for it. Unlike Dallas, however, the Fire couldn’t nick an offside goal for the victory. Not that the officials didn’t try.

This time it wasn’t a double offside that went against Toronto, but rather two handballs by Fire players inside the penalty area that had they been committed by TFC players would likely have been called for penalties, but instead were ignored. Just one of those being called correctly would probably have turned the game in Toronto’s favour, as the toothless Chicago offence didn’t look to be able to respond to any potential TFC goals.

Regardless, the calls will not always go as they should (especially in this league), so Toronto will need to learn to put some complete games together, and fast. That means maintaining the same level of intensity we’ve seen over the past two games, but also going for the jugular when the opportunities present themselves.

Time is running out.

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Pros and Cons for the match played between Toronto FC and Chicago Fire on Wednesday, September 8, 2010:

PROS

• Intensity and possession levels are high
• O’Brian White playing his second consecutive game where he looked like he gave a damn
• Stefan Frei continues to exude confidence, allowing his defence to push forward more often
• One point is better than none, especially on the road

CONS

• Another game with no goals for
• No killer instinct in the side, not even from Dwayne De Rosario
• Quick through balls are the TFC defence’s Achilles heel
• Completely poor officiating on the handball non-calls

HIGHLIGHTS

… AND THE TWO HANDBALL NON-CALLS

Posted by Rudi Schuller