The big news this weekend doesn't come from the win against Houston or the draw against Cruz Azul, no, the big news this weekend is that Toronto FC will wear double-embossed leaves on their 2011 home kits. Why? Because everyone knows two leaves are better then one. Le sigh... Anyways, Cruz Azul!
Toronto FC battled to a 0-0 draw last night against Mexican outfit Cruz Azul, in a game that Toronto FC had no business taking point from. Certainly, Toronto FC’s performances against Cruz Azul both home and away were shocking results; a 2-1 win at home and a draw in a tough, hot Mexican climate coupled with altitude were unexpected to say the least. 4 points out of 6 possible against Cruz Azul is something the players and managers will be very pleased with. Cruz Azul is not an easy team to play; they are a dominant side, especially in the CONCACAF Champions League. Javier Orozco has proven that Cruz Azul know how to score and how to play. It is for this reason that the home-away performances that Toronto FC managed to pull are that much more impressive. However, Toronto FC are now at a crossroads, which was there the day that they advanced against Motagua but wasn’t apparent until now.
Toronto FC battled to a 0-0 draw last night against Mexican outfit Cruz Azul, in a game that Toronto FC had no business taking point from. Certainly, Toronto FC’s performances against Cruz Azul both home and away were shocking results; a 2-1 win at home and a draw in a tough, hot Mexican climate coupled with altitude were unexpected to say the least. 4 points out of 6 possible against Cruz Azul is something the players and managers will be very pleased with. Cruz Azul is not an easy team to play; they are a dominant side, especially in the CONCACAF Champions League. Javier Orozco has proven that Cruz Azul know how to score and how to play. It is for this reason that the home-away performances that Toronto FC managed to pull are that much more impressive. However, Toronto FC are now at a crossroads, which was there the day that they advanced against Motagua but wasn’t apparent until now.
Toronto FC has 5 league games left, against the likes of San Jose and DC, amongst others. Four wins and a draw, along with favourable results in other league games could see Toronto FC make their first playoff appearance. Yet, at the same time, Toronto FC plays host to both Real Salt Lake and Panama side Arabe Unido in Champions League action. Dasovic has clearly prioritized the Champions League as secondary to the MLS playoff push, starting almost the entire substitute line up which features such threats as Fuad Ibrahim and Joseph Nane. The choice to play the alternate line has an obvious motive, as injuries to key players could kiss the playoffs goodbye. Unfortunately, both Nane and Saric went down yesterday, perhaps due to poor fitness levels, and forced Captain Dwayne De Rosario into the mix. It’s clear that as of today, Toronto FC have put the Champions League on the backburner. Playoffs has now become the clear goal, something Toronto FC need to focus on if they plan on playing winter soccer in Canada.
Early on, it was obvious that the Champions League was a blessing and a curse. This isn’t a new observation; European clubs also struggle to fit players into games. A congested schedule for Toronto FC means that man management is crucial, and key players need to step up. It was obvious that Toronto FC was going for the draw against Cruz Azul. It was equally obvious who was in charge of securing that draw. Adrian Cann was an absolute beast in defense, the likes of which TFC have yet to employ. Cann went from an afterthought trialist signing to the most crucial piece in the defensive puzzle. Yesterdays match revealed however that Cann is not the only solid defender that Toronto FC has to utilize. Ty Harden and yes, even Nick Garcia, had solid games. Should Nana Attakora leave the squad and pursue the European dream, Toronto FC has a readymade replacement in Ty Harden.
Ultimately, Adrian Cann and Ty Harden were the kind of players Preki was trying to build a squad with, and unfortunately it looks like Preki’s work was cut a little short. Another season under Preki may have solidified the defense and shored up the midfield with a plethora of utility players and journeymen, who can finally find themselves a home, like Dan Gargan and Ty Harden did. Yet, this is just ifs and buts. Under Dasovic, Toronto FC looks like they’ve found themselves again. Hopefully this time, they can keep themselves in check and make those playoffs!
Just another note: Toronto FC as an organization has hopefully learned something about how a team is built. Notice Cruz Azul’s impressive, consistent wing play. We need wingers. There’s no more delaying this one necessity. Toronto FC needs to find its wings; otherwise we’ll once again have New York Red Bulls punishing us with theirs.
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