In the realm sports psychology there is nothing more challenging than finding your focus in the face of intense pressure. Coming from behind, facing a tough opponent, blocking out naysayers or criticism, and certainly, digging down deep to find the extra effort when your opponent is overtaking you are massive challenges. Feeling that you are losing or the threat of losing is imminent, have to be the most challenging and interesting components of sport that one can experience.
Everyone revels in the upset; the winning underdog in the David versus Goliath battle . We see this so often in individual competition such as an Olympic event, where an athlete has to overcome their own personal psychology before they can defeat opponent. If it is difficult for an individual such as a runner or a tennis player, then coordinating the effort and the mindset of an entire team must be all the more challenging.
In its short history, Toronto FC has faced daunting challenges and the prospect of losing time and time again. In fact, up until this season, the team has consistently failed to establish a winning tradition or culture. There have been very few heroes, landmark or defining moments, or epic battles. With the exception of the 2011-2012 trip to the CONCACAF Champions League, there has been very little for TFC fans to cheer about, especially within its main focus; MLS competition. Until this year, TFC has hardly ever carried a winning record, had a positive goal differential, or seriously threatened for a playoff spot. The only exception in this regard was at the end of the 2009 season, in which TFC missed the postseason by 1 point by losing to the lower ranked New York Red Bulls in a season ending blowout/spoiler. The cruelty of soccer is so evident in this episode given the heartache that has ensued.
Even during this relatively successful season, progress abounds, but when a close loss to Sporting Kansas City despite superb play, or worse, a deserved 3 – 0 loss to DC United occurs, the pressure returns once again and the mindset begins to turn to panic and criticism. The DC game on July 30th in particular brought back visions of a former, softer Toronto FC that allows easy goals and is equally desperate in the offensive end.
A refreshing return to progress came on August 2nd with a convincing 2 – 0 handling of the Impact at Stade Saputo. While Montreal never produced great threat, it was the overall team organization in using available space in attack, along with discipline in defending that looked positive from a team perspective. Individually, the control and pace of Michael Bradley, the speed of Dominic Oduro, the rearguard dominance of Doneil Henry, and the blossoming production of a more settled and comfortable Gilberto, all stood out as components to build confidence on going forward.
The balance between the new winner and the perpetual loser of the past is so fine however. Against DC, with Jermain Defoe left wanting in a fashion not unlike Robert Earnshaw in 2013, shades of a failed DP experiment began to appear. Clearly, the personnel combinations and the strategies employed on this night were dubious at best.
If recent wins in New York and Montreal reveal anything, it’s that Bradley nor Defoe on any given day, are not (and should not be) the sole key to success. The supporting cast, more than not, is the difference.
Perhaps TFC fans can take a little comfort in some displays of resilience. Following the loss to Kansas City and DC, many TFC personnel interviewed made a couple of very key points.
Firstly, as a team, this group takes responsibility. It has shown the ability to come back from deficit and impose a serious threat in attack, even on the road. They understand the need to be harder; the stay on the front foot and gift nothing.
Secondly, this is a group that as a work in progress, is still finding the identity it needs if it is to win. On more than one occasion, Ryan Nelson has been successful in returning to his clean sheet objective, even without Steven Caldwell. Nelson has also improved in his game management to end. Bringing on Daniel Lovitz and Luke Moore has proven useful multiple times. Making use of Bradley Orr’s versatility at the back and in midfield has been well done. Similarly, Dwayne DeRosario and Jonathan Osorio have been employed nicely.
Perhaps this is a most critical time for Nelson himself, and his future might hang in the balance. Finding combinations that work in attack, maintaining a defensive focus in keeping clean sheets, sustaining depth in the face of injury, utilizing key pieces off the bench, and not allowing ghosts of the past to creep in, all really come down to his leadership. Arguably, the ingredients are in place. One look through the roster, and certainly through the payroll, would support it.
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