So, on Sept. 1, with two months of regular-season soccer left to play, TFC is a single point from being mathematically eliminated from the playoff chase. That is the result of Saturday's 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City.

But, mistakes from keeper Milos Kocic, who took a knee to the head in the first half and was bleeding from both nostrils, and defender Logan Emory helped undo Toronto FC’s efforts for the evening.

Toronto FC's three-game winning streak ended with a thud on Saturday as the Reds turned in arguably their worst effort of the Paul Mariner era in a 2-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo at BMO Field.

"It lets all the players, especially the Academy players, realize they're not that far away from competing with some very very good players," Mariner said.

Mariner praised how his players responded after he "gave them both barrels at halftime."

Despite picking up three points the Reds did suffer a big loss with Danny Koevermans injuring his left knee late in the first half and had to be stretchered off the field. The injury looked serious and it would be a huge blow to the Reds if the Dutch striker is out for any extended length of time. Koevermans has had a deadly strike rate in MLS having scored 17 goals in just 25 matches since joining Toronto midway through last season.

Yet just when it seemed as TFC had once again fallen apart late, Dunfield saved the day for the home side.

The Reds were not able to pull out a win but still managed a positive result on the road to earn deserved 1-1 draw against FC Dallas in hot and humid conditions in Frisco, Tex.

"The young back four are learning really quick," said Toronto head coach Paul Mariner. "I thought that was the best performance of the back four today."

Bernier was fined an undisclosed amount and is suspended for Saturday’s match at D.C. United.