In their most recent outing Toronto FC managed a 2 – 2 tie against the Chicago Fire, a team with typically far less in attack and sitting 7 points below them in the standings. In a game that saw the return of defensive stalwarts Steven Caldwell and Mark Bloom, things did not go as desired as a leads evaporated twice at the hands of former TFC players; first on a tying goal by Robert Earnshaw who had just come off the bench, and secondly a back-breaker from Quincy Amerikwa in the final minute.
Needless to say, failing to get the full 3 points in a game that was essentially there for the taking felt very much like a loss. Unsurprisingly, Ryan Nelson used the word “gutted” in his post game interview, something we have not heard a lot of this year. Three points would have meant continuing to hold pace and even climb against some of the Conference competition. Instead, it has left the entire TFC camp on edge, looking over their shoulder as teams begin to threaten further from below. TFC will meet the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on August 30th, as the Revs debut their new acquisition Jermaine Jones. This match is when the playoff race begins in earnest and the challenge TFC faces is clear after last week’s 2-2 result.
Injuries Spell Trouble for TFC Playoff Hopes
Perhaps most disappointing was the way in which TFC collapsed in the dying minutes and allowed the Fire to take the game to them. A re-injury to Caldwell and the additional loss of defender Justin Morrow earlier in the half led to disorganisation and panic at the back. The midfield had a hard time holding off the attack and all of a sudden, TFC was on the back foot with Chicago making the most of the gifted time and space. To TFC fans who have followed closely over the years, this was an all-too-familiar return to late game failings of the past. On a number of occasions this year a late game collapse looked imminent, but a new sense of urgency from the team had thus far kept the past from repeating itself; the team’s rugged urgency ran out against Chicago.
The recent losses to Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United were explainable and in many ways, more easily rationalized. Losing in this way harkened back to the cruel plagues of the past. Many of these instances occurred throughout 2011 and 2012 under Aaron Winter and Paul Mariner, but they have been less so under Ryan Nelson. If we take a look back to the latter part of the 2013 season, and certainly the early 2014 season before the arrival of the more offensive power of Jermain Defoe, Nelson had focused on an emphasis on building from the back, keeping goals against down; even clean sheets, defending set pieces, and overall defensive toughness were top priorities.
Ryan Nelson had brought in Steven Caldwell to anchor the defense. He immediately had an effect on younger prospects such as Ashtone Morgan and Doneil Henry. One might argue that he was a major influence in settling Henry down. Giving Henry guidance and direction in both positioning and in getting a handle on his aggressive style were tasks Caldwell took to heart.
The defense went back to basics and started defending set pieces much more consistently. Mark bloom came on late in 2013 and was immediate value added as he was able to hold possession and join in the attack at the wide right. A great deal of time had also been invested in Morgan Ashton as he was given time and opportunity to develop speed and a flair for good service on the left side. The arrival of Julio Cesar added quality to an already capable goaltending situation. The general consensus was that even if Julio did not stay, Joe Bendik was competent in returning to his spot from last year. For the most part, this has been the case as Julio has indeed left. While Bendik has been generally stable, there have been some rumblings on a few of the goals he has allowed of late.
To put things in perspective, one might easily say that 7 points over the last 5 games games for an average of 1.44 points per game points per game is far ahead of last year. A current goal difference of -1 is far better than the -17 of 2013. If the ultimate definition of success is to make the playoffs, then the tactical management and coaching challenges have gotten real to say the least.
With Steven Caldwell and Justin Morrow currently on the sidelines due to injury for the coming weeks, Nelson certainly has to make some careful choices. The decision to play Jackson at right back as a starter against SKC and as a sub against Chicago, looks very much like a failed experiment. Jackson did not look comfortable against Kansas City and even less so when called upon to cover Quincy Amerikwa late against Chicago. The ball that came through to Amerikwa was a result of poor coverage on the left side, but it was clear that Jackson gave way too much room. Nelson referred to this goal as horrendous and a result of soft marking and weak defensive coverage.
When given the opportunity to play wide and carry the ball into space, Jackson has proven his worth. He has offered consistent possession and a pace far better than any winger from last year. One would think that with other options on the bench such as Bradley Orr, or even Morgan, Nelson would have rearranged his back line to keep Mark Bloom on the right. Bloom was obviously nice to have back but this game was an adjustment for him. Having to play left, he did not look entirely comfortable and was unable to get a handle on the cross that eventually was volleyed in by Amerikwa.
From a team perspective, TFC also failed to deliver a consistent effort from one half to the next, a trend that has occurred far too often of late. Against Chicago, dominant possession in the first half turn to ball watching in the second. This needs to be remedied and games need to be managed much more efficiently to stay on the front foot and see games out. Player selection at the start and timely subs are critical here and ultimately, it becomes a management piece for Nelson.
The loss of Justin Morrow is critical as well. He has arguably been TFC’s most consistent player overall. He has not only been reliable in the back as a tough defender deep in his own end, but he has also been able to join the attack and hold teams off from mounting their own attack. This is monumental when we think of the episodes of lost possession that resulted in quick, decisive strikes last year. Morrow’s toughness has been instrumental in preventing those counters and crosses that even from distance, far too often blindsided TFC.
One can only speculate as to how Morrow’s loss will be remedied. The obvious replacement is Morgan, but it may be likely that the lack of time he has seen this year, may result in a loss of game readiness and a longer than desirable adjustment period. In all fairness, given Morrow’s play and the need to win points, this was a tough call for Nelson. Hopefully, the experience of an slightly injured Bradley Orr might be enough to settle the backline and get the best out of Haglund and Henry. A return to full form for Mark Bloom cannot come quick enough. The latest word is that Warren Creavalle is ready to return. His versatility is greatly needed if stability is to return. TFC also just recalled defender Ryan Richter who was on loan to the Ottawa Fury of the NASL.
It seems that while the lack of offense was being attended to, defensive issues were able to sneak in through the back door. A further component that will be required is good link up and communication between the back line and the midfield. Michael Bradley and Colin Warrener (and Kyle Bekker for that matter) certainly have what it takes to play that holding role that will keep opposition offense at bay. There was no doubt that prior to the settling of some of the offensive issues TFC took pride in its defense-first approach. Keeping pace for a playoff spot will most likely rely on how well this team can return to the defensive focus it gave so much priority to months ago.
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