TFC Must Deal With Defeat
Sunday, May 25, 2008 | 01:21 PM ET
If the old cliché is correct, we’re about to see how far Toronto FC has really advanced.
The mark of a good team, they say, is how it responds to defeat and the Reds have some repair work on their hands. Games are coming thick and fast right now – players are hurting and others disappearing either for international duty or as a result of their own folly.
The DC defeat was costly in more ways than one and it is the task of Toronto head coach John Carver to now steady the ship before the next wave hits. He has made his soccer philosophy crystal clear in recent weeks – focus on one game at a time and pick your strongest team for every fixture. There’s nothing wrong with that attitude except, of course, your ‘strongest’ team is not always your best team.
Then there’s the issue of confidence and momentum. Just like the win in Los Angeles did not necessarily signal a new dawn, the loss in Washington should not be a cue to hit the panic button. But losing, like winning, can be habit-forming which is why Carver knows it is essential to bounce back quickly and regain the impetus that led to a six game unbeaten run.
As if national call-ups weren’t enough of a headache, Carver now has to factor in other absentees. Laurent Robert is a gifted player, but he comes with a short fuse attached. After a frustrating night in DC, he let down himself and his team. He was already on a yellow card when his stoppage-time protests forced the referee to reach for the red. We all have bad days at the office, but the Frenchman’s petulance will lead to a suspension just when TFC needs all hands to the pumps.
Tyrone Marshall has been a rock in central defence during the unbeaten streak, but he may have to watch from the sidelines after picking up an injury that forced him off early in the second half. Olivier Tebily’s introduction was assured in my opinion, but the stats appear to tell a different story. TFC were leading when he replaced Marshall – 40 minutes later the game was lost.
The Ivorian veteran could not be blamed for the goals, but I would argue the Reds were the architects of their own demise. For once Marvell Wynne’s electric pace could not save him, and the young defender paid the price for the clearest of penalties, while Greg Sutton, despite another string of fine saves, could only parry Quaranta’s powerful effort straight into the path of Luciano Emilio for the winner.
On a positive note, take a bow Danny Dichio. TFC managed a measly three shots on target all night and the old warhorse buried two of them. Territorially Carver’s team was on the back foot for the majority of the game but the fans’ favourite knows how to finish chances. Significantly, he scored with a header for the first time this season – and made it look easy. It’s that kind of service Dichio requires to be at his most effective in this League and accurate crossing, as distinct from hopeful balls into the box, is an area that I believe needs attention.
Also take a bow Jim Brennan, not only for the delivery to Dichio, but also for his commitment to the cause. Every professional wants to play and test himself against the best – next Saturday Brennan has the opportunity to do just that. The TFC skipper has spurned the chance to play for Canada against Brazil in an international friendly, a prospect that may not recur during his career. Brennan is desperate to help his national team achieve the ultimate dream and qualify for the 2010 World Cup, but he’s also fiercely proud of leading TFC. His heart may be screaming ‘Brazil’ but his head is recommending ‘The Galaxy’ and for that he deserves great credit.
Before all that, Canadian bragging rights are on the line in Montreal as the CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers get underway. The Impact will be eager to show it belongs on the same stage as Toronto FC and Carver can expect his first taste of inter-provincial sporting rivalry to be a stern test. Montreal is licking its lips – TFC will do well to avoid becoming the entrée.
« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »
This discussion is now Open. Submit your Comment.
« Previous Post | Main | Next Post »
Post a Comment
Extra Time »
About the Author
Nigel Reed lends his extensive experience, passion and knowledge of the game of soccer to his role as play-by-play announcer for CBC’s Major League Soccer broadcasts.
Reed has more than 20 years experience covering soccer, most notably a five-year stint from 1999 to 2004 where he was a host and producer for the English Premier League for BBC. He also covered English Premier League giants Liverpool and Everton for BBC Radio and provided analysis for both BBC TV and the BBC website.
More recently, Reed served as play-by-play announcer for CBC’s coverage of the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He also hosts The Soccer Show for the Toronto sports radio station the Fan 590.
Recent Posts
- Slow progress for Toronto FC
- Wednesday, September 24, 2008
- Reds are playing for pride
- Tuesday, September 16, 2008
- Barrett's one for the future
- Friday, September 12, 2008
- Can Carlos Ruiz cut it in Canada?
- Sunday, August 31, 2008
- Bidding adieu to Maurice Edu
- Sunday, August 17, 2008
- Subscribe to Extra Time
Archives
- September 2008 (3)
- August 2008 (3)
- July 2008 (4)
- June 2008 (5)
- May 2008 (5)
- April 2008 (6)
- March 2008 (8)
Comments
Trent Bruner
A note for Alex in Calgary. Toronto FC have now started their own academy for players under 18 and under 16. They also plan to go with younger age groups in the future. The process has started.
Posted May 30, 2008 11:37 AM
carm
etobicoke
i feel the veterans on FC in the back being Brennan must be held accoutable for their play in the back end,
the teams defence is slow and overated in my view.
Posted May 26, 2008 01:58 PM
Alex
Calgary
Great job for TFC so far.I have said before and I'll say it again.This team has pottencial and I think that the best is yet to come..but I insist that they have to expand and create their own youth program. That way they have their own court of young players ready to jump in when needed. As for all this injuries,suspentions and international calls. Go all the way TFC..TFC..TFC.
Posted May 25, 2008 03:11 PM