For those soccer fans still wondering whether or not Toronto FC would finally reach the MLS playoffs this year, the answer is in and as long expected, a resounding “No.” The Reds barely managed a 1 – 1 draw against the Montreal Impact on Saturday in what had been a must win contest.
TFC Playoff Hopes Officially End as Reds Settle for Draw with Impact
Needing wins from their last 2 games (along with Columbus losing both of theirs), the possibilities of TFC making the playoffs were highly unlikely heading into the game. In reality, all hope was effectively dashed last weekend with the 3 – 1 loss to the New York Red Bulls last week. With mathematical elimination, the barely open playoff door coach Greg Vanney had described earlier in the week, has emphatically been slammed shut.
Sadly for Toronto FC and their fans, this one started with promise. Getting past the twenty minute mark without a defensive collapse and actually taking the lead on a surprisingly crafty one touch strike by Warren Creavalle, Toronto FC looked to be on the right path. The Reds looked to have no trouble moving forward and winning possession easily from midfield into the offensive third. They had entered the match with a mentality set on winning one play at a time, and they looked to be doing just that. Sadly, that critical mentality was not one they could hold onto as the game progressed. As the Impact took control, Toronto FC looked to be very much aware they were being outplayed and controlled movement going forward on attack faded into desperation and a loss of focus.
With Jermain Defoe out once again to injury and Michael Bradley suspended, Toronto FC was missing 2 of their 3 designated players. Also missing was the energetic Nick Hagglund who was also out due to suspension. Doneil Henry, back from an encouraging international friendly for Canada against Columbia, took up that defensive spot alongside Steven Caldwell. Collen Warner handled most of the Bradley type defensive midfield duties. Mark Bloom took his usual spot on the right side with Justin Morrow at left. The 4-4-3 formation was rounded out with Jonathan Osorio and Warren Creavalle playing wide and Gilberto and Luke Moore up front.
Despite Toronto FC’s effort going forward, at least through most of the first half, the Impact began to win the battles for possession all through the midfield. With forward pressure, Felipe and company began taking those battles deeper into the TFC third. The Toronto FC back line actually won quite a few 50 ,50 balls but in most cases were unable to clear them or move them with any link up play going forward. The Impact worked hard in reclaiming those balls and sent quite a few of them toward the Toronto goal.
Jack McInerney was the beneficiary of good service but was unable to find the net. McInerney had several excellent opportunities but with his chances going wide, hitting the cross bar, or ending up in the hands of Joe Bendik, it did not appear to be his day. It turned out to be Felipe who, in the 39th minute, took a pass from Romero at the top of the box and fired a lethal shot into the top right corner. The play had actually been created by Patrice Bernier who was given far too much liberty as he moved into the midfield. Vernier was allowed plenty of time and space and sent a beautiful diagonal ball that was perfectly set for Romero to pick up.
The balance of play continued on in this fashion as the Impact outplayed Toronto FC well into the second half. The lack of ability to control the midfield stifled Toronto FC’s hopes of taking the lead and seeing out a win. Late in the second half, Dwayne DeRosario, Dominic Oduro, and Kyle Bekker were brought on to strengthen the attack. Despite some acrobatics and near misses from Gilberto, and the added edge of Montreal going down to 10 men with a red card to Heath Pearce, Toronto FC could still not mount a successful attack. The most promising effort, at least among substitutes came from Kyle Bekker, whose deliveries on a series of corners late in the game were as good as as anyone could have asked for. If nothing else, it was clear that Vanney was determined to go for it and didn’t mind cutting the back line back to 3.
The game ended with a chaotic mixture of struggles for possession, free kicks, and red cards. Referee Baldomero Toledo was in usual form as he delivered swift judgements. Jonathan Osorio was red carded for a stamp on the foot of Felipe and Joe Bendik then received a yellow for picking up an apparently injured Felipe and carrying him to the sidelines. The Impact were dealt a couple of their own; a second yellow and then a red to Hassoun Camara and a yellow to goaltender Evan Busch for time wasting.
A small handful of the dejected Toronto FC group did speak to the media following Greg Vanney’s press conference. Both Vanney and his players clearly acknowledged that the game had been theirs to win. Vanney was not satisfied with the team’s execution, certainly in terms of closing down opposition and finishing opportunities offensively. He was also clear that he would be committed to the core group of players that have been put together over the past 2 years. He did not see the need to break this team down and start from scratch. One aspect he also appeared emphatic on was that the group’s mentality needs to change from one of desperation to a determination that this should be the last time the group has to settle for the disappointment of not making the playoffs. That may be easier said than done, as the past two months have demonstrated.
The speculation will abound as to how management will assess and respond to the season. Tim Bezbatchenko appeared resolved on a couple of issues on Saturday: firstly, that this was a core group that would not be broken down and additionally, Greg Vanney would be a part of the team’s coaching picture moving forward. Toronto FC now move on to face the New England Revolution on the road next weekend in their final game of the season. It will be interesting to see how the team approaches that game, now that the main season objective has been settled.
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