Toronto FC began the post-Kevin Payne era with a resonating 4-0 loss to the host Portland Timbers. Yes, Whitecaps supporters will be unhappy to see a Cascadia and conference rival pick up maximum points and also pad the vital goals-for column. But, if this game was any indication of how Toronto FC will play out the string, the Whitecaps have to be hopeful that they can maximize their draft position in 2014.
Ironically, Wiedeman's first goal of the 2012 season was the winner in TFC's 2-1 win over Colorado on July 18, 2012 — the last time the Reds were victorious on their home turf, a span of 17 matches at BMO Field.
"It was very important for us to come back like that," midfielder Jeremy Hall said. "It was a game we should've gotten three points out of….We're at home in front of our fans and we wanted a good showing."
Well, this version of TFC, now winless in 10, has just seven points through 12 games. Pro-rated over a 34-game season... it’s ugly. It would put TFC on a pace for just 20 points, three LESS than last season.
"It's not a jinx, not a hoax or anything like that. We need personalities to go and clear the ball or win the ball," Nelsen said. "Strong personalities in the back. Every successful team in the world has had one or two defenders that the ball seems to go like a magnet to their head since they want to win it so much."
Nelsen: “It’s a great bunch of guys. All the hard work they put in during the week should be rewarded with performances like that — which was a fantastic performance.”
If Friday was your first day following MLS, all you’d need to do is look at the second stage of the Re-Entry Draft to comprehend just how many players have called Toronto FC home over the club’s relatively short six-year existence.
As it stands, nine players from the three Canadian MLS teams will be on offer in Friday’s MLS Re-Entry Draft.
The last time the Reds won an MLS game, July 18 over Colorado, Canada was still in control of its World Cup destiny, Mitt Romney still hadn’t become the official GOP candidate, Robin Van Persie was still an Arsenal player and Lance Armstrong had seven Tour De France titles.
"We come to the end of every game and we don't tense up," said forward Andrew Wiedeman. "We all think this is the game we're going to right the ship. I firmly thought we were going to pull it out and get the win, the way we were peppering the goal. We put them under so much pressure in the second half but we couldn't pull it off."
