When Toronto FC takes the field today at Chicago’s Toyota Park, all bets need to be off. Sure, Toronto has only won 7 games away in 4 seasons. Sure, Toronto hasn’t won a league match in the past month. Sure, Canadian internationals Dwayne De Rosario and Julian de Guzman, as well as rookie defender Nana Attakora, ditched Toronto FC to play in a meaningless friendly against a Peru B side (which Canada ended up losing.) These are just words at this point. Toronto needs to take the field today, with “Fire! Fire! Fire, Fire, Fire!” and other easy school sport chants ringing in the background, and beat Chicago. That’s it. No ifs, ands, or buts, a loss means playoffs is nothing more than a wild dream. Even with a win, Toronto isn’t back in it, being 2 points (possibly 5, even 8) behind San Jose Earthquakes, who have a game in hand. A win against Chicago will certainly help though, by also ensuring Chicago’s L column goes up while Toronto’s W does the same. Really, that’s all that matters.
De Rosario’s decision to play in the Canada game speaks more about the situation with Toronto FC then anything he actually says. Why would a veteran player take the field in a non-World Cup qualifier. I’ve always maintained that De Rosario is the best move we’ve ever made as a franchise. I am a star-struck fan of his, I’ll admit. But, this decision shows De Rosario’s real motives, which, unfortunately, may not be 100% Toronto FC. But, I may just be seeing things.
Regardless of the Canada game (Good work, by the way, to team Canada who beat Honduras 2-1) Toronto FC, the storyline tonight will be a simple one; two strong teams fighting for a playoff position which neither may end up getting. It’s crunch time for sure now. Nery Castillo vs. Julian de Guzman. Freddie Ljunburg vs. Miguel Mista, it’s going to be a tough game for sure. Toronto needs to go in with a winning mentality. Too often we see Toronto FC start away games defensively, and just trying not to get scored on, which, ultimately, ends up happening anyways. 0-0 isn’t going to cut it. Some may say that Toronto’s 4-1 thrashing earlier this season is sign for optimism, but Chicago is an entirely different beast now then during the home leg. New players and a stronger overall style of play have given rise to a new kind of Fire. Toronto’s job will be to extinguish this fire and take those 3 golden points.
Away form has been an issue for as long as I can remember. Today, Toronto FC must fight the Fire with our own brand of red flame. If not, we may see Toronto limp their way to a 10th place finish, with calls for the ol’ revolving door to start spinning again. The mentality that we are away and therefore are expected to lose needs to go. If not, I fear Toronto FC’s season may end today.
What do you think? Think Toronto FC has what it takes to win? Or will the curse of away games strike again? Leave a comment with your prediction. As for me, I think Toronto FC may just come out with a 1-0 win today.
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