Reds are playing for pride
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 | 11:36 AM ET
I don’t know a lot about baseball. I do know enough to sit and enjoy a game, and I know the Toronto Blue Jays won back-to-back World Series in the early 90s.
I have also become familiar with the phrase “Playing meaningful baseball in September” – an expression which regularly does the rounds at this time of year, referring to the Jays hopeless quest for a place in the MLB playoffs.
Now take the above phrase – substitute the word “soccer” for “baseball” and you have an accurate analysis of the plight currently facing Toronto FC.
It pains me to admit it, and I waited as long as possible before doing so, but the season is over for the Reds. I think we all knew it some weeks ago and, although it’s still mathematically possible, the 2008 MLS post-season will not, in my opinion, feature Toronto FC.
Lacking that killer instinct
John Carver’s team is now playing for pride. With six games remaining, of which just two are at home, Toronto sits at the foot of the Eastern Conference approaching the end of year two. It’s the same position in which Mo Johnston’s team finished the expansion season and, frankly, it doesn’t make pleasant reading.
Frustratingly, it doesn’t have to be like this. The fact Toronto plays in the appreciably stronger Conference certainly doesn’t help the cause, but more than that the team, overall, has lacked the killer instinct necessary to extend the campaign.
In six meetings with Columbus, for example, the Reds have never beaten the Crew. I’m not sure why not. Columbus is well organized and comfortable in possession – but hardly a world-beating franchise. Yet the Crew sit proudly atop the East, already assured of a playoff berth, allowing Coach Sigi Schmid the luxury of resting veteran playmaker Guillermo Barros Schelotto until the serious stuff starts in a few weeks time.
The stats make disturbing reading for Reds fans. Let’s compare Schelotto with TFC’s Amado Guevara – not exactly like for like I admit, but not far off. The Argentine has run the Crew show with six goals and 18 assists in 23 appearances. The Honduran, by contrast, has chipped in three goals and four assists from 16 appearances in a Toronto jersey. Not to labour the point, but Guevara is three years younger than Schelotto.
It can quite reasonably argued that four of Schelotto’s goals have come from the penalty spot, but that’s missing the point. Scoring is not his job – he’s a set-up man who provides the ammunition for teammates to profit and in that respect the comparison is startling. Thereby, surely, hangs the reason why Columbus is top and Toronto is bottom. Guevara’s assist stats would be greatly enhanced if his teammates could finish the chances created.
What will the final weeks bring?
I, for one, cannot see that changing demonstrably in the final weeks of the season. The embarrassing goal drought which characterized 2007 has not been repeated, but consider this; Toronto FC has not scored more than one goal in a Major League Soccer game since mid-June – that’s three months and counting and that’s simply not good enough.
It’s not good enough for a coach who’s still waiting to hear if his contract will be renewed for 2009, and it’s not good enough for the fans who are being asked to pay more for their seat in 2009.
Nothing would make me happier than to see Toronto FC re-discover the early season form, win the final six games and roar into the playoffs on a roll. I’m a fan too remember but, perhaps like you, we’re all expecting too much too soon.
Meaningful soccer in September? Only for those without a contract next year methinks.
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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.
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- 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
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Comments
Ben
Guelph
Hey Duncan - I agree with the majority of your comment but I think you're missing one big negative. Sure we've had issues around finishing but our defense could use a little bit of a tune up itself. Don't get me wrong - I love Brennan and Wynne on the outside, but you only have to look at our central defenders diving out of the way of Noonan's goal on the weekend to know we need some work there.
Ah well - it's not like I won't renew my tickets for next year. Should be just in time to see them make the playoffs.
Posted September 16, 2008 03:37 PM
Duncan Green
most fans were expecting too much from the star of the season with the early jump out of the gate TFC provided, i for one didn't expect the playoffs in year two, although
i did hope for maybe a .500 season which would have had us close. there are more positives from this season the negatives ones, John Carvers hiring, the fitness training of Paul Winsper, the passing ability, the only negative has been the lack of finishing around the goal which could have had us with a few more wins and maybe a realistic shot at playoff action. 2009 will be the year TFC make the playoffs, the concacaf champions league. we are on the right track.....TORONTO TILL I DIE!!!
Posted September 16, 2008 12:20 PM