You know that you’ve had a special game when you score a spectacular free-kick goal from outside the area… and that’s NOT the goal everyone is talking about.

“I was just trying to connect with it,” Heinemann said following the game. “It was obviously just an empty net so I was just trying to connect with it and put it on frame.”

With so many goals in MLS this past weekend (and in the previous midweek), and many two-goal efforts from which to choose, the judges were likely swayed by the difficulty level of Rowe’s tallies.

If Marco Di Vaio and co. are facing the league’s top teams, they don’t lose. And, a stretch of the schedule filled with games against Columbus, FC Dallas, Chivas USA and Toronto FC is more deadly for the Impact than a stretch of games against the top two teams in each conference.

After six and a half years, it’s hard to imagine that Toronto FC could find new and baffling ways to frustrate and anger its fan base.

“We’re going through a bit of a tough phase at the moment. There’s a lot of physical fatigue and a bit of mental fatigue as well. It’s a long season and you have to expect some periods like the one we’re going through but we have to stay the course and play through them,” said Camara.

When news broke that Carlos Bocanegra was looking to leave Rangers and was talking with Chivas USA, Toronto FC knew it was in a position of strength.

“We showed excellent character to stay composed and to fight back,” Rennie said. “A lot of teams when they lose the first goal the game is over, and that’s never been the case for us, especially this season, so that’s an encouraging sign.”

For Canadians Dwayne De Rosario and Paul Hamilton, Wednesday’s fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup saw them make important contributions as their clubs survived.

“I had a few great years there, still have many friends on the team and within the organization. My wife, and also many friends and family are going to be at the game. So yes, there is a greater excitement around this game for me."