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The Good
The Game and Its Result:
Toronto FC entered this match high on confidence and a 6-game undefeated streak to their name. With Torsten Frings back in the lineup, Toronto was set up well to take on last place Chicago. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out the way we plan it, and Toronto once again fell to MLS opposition.
Player Performance:
Though the game was contested very openly, Toronto FC did have a few standout performers. Andy Iro makes the list for the first time this year, due simply to his stronger-than-usual tackling skill. Steve Bottjer, what can I say? I thought he did well on the night! Though Iro still leaves a lot to be desired, he was not in his usual form, which some might say is a good thing…still, he wasn’t Ugly, and in that mere fact, he was beautiful!
Matt Stinson also showed why he’s become a full-team regular, bursting down the right-hand side on numerous occasions and looking very natural on the pitch. Stinson’s midfield-to-wing transition with Martina allowed for dynamic movement.
Finally, Julian de Guzman enjoyed another noteworthy appearance – though short lived – taking a few chances on net, one that struck the post early in the second half. Julian is visibly growing in both confidence and quality – not quite two million dollars’ worth yet, but we’re getting there..
Noteworthy Moment of the Match:
The game was brutal, but in the end of the day, one clear sign of progress was evident, and it came late. Danleigh Borman received the pass from Nathan Strugis, before cutting into the midfield, where ANDY IRO of all people made a bursting run down the left-flank. The through ball finding Iro, Toronto created a chance – a squandered one, but a chance nonetheless – from the foot of a rushing centerback. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the 4-3-3. This is total football; each player transitioning into the role of the other, each player taking over another’s responsibility when that player has changed with the other, and so on. Toronto is growing, this much is clear. Let’s see more of this moving forward.
The Bad
The Game and Its Result:
A 2-0 loss to a last place side saw Toronto FC throw away an easy 3 points. That Toronto lost away in MLS regular season play will be concerning for Winter. Fatigue may be the reason, and if so, Toronto FC need to prioritize the rest of their MLS campaign, or risk losing out on a Champions League knockout berth as well.
Player Performance:
Each player on the field was, in their own way, average – thus the loss. However, the rapid decent of Dutch Winger Javier Martina has left Toronto FC fans with a dilemma. Martina impressed on debut, but has since suffered either a loss of form, interest, or character. Other than that, pretty average night for the boys in red.
Noteworthy Moment of the Match:
Do you know, dear reader, the feeling in the pit of your stomach when you’ve messed something up irreversibly? That feeling where your gut just drops, you sweat, and think to yourself “Oh dear lord why did that just happen?”
It happened. Again.
Someone, somewhere…Released the Gargan.
Once again, a former Toronto FC player has gotten their revenge. Dan Gargan, who later tweeted:
“Would like to dedicate that goal to Nana, Gordo, @jacob__peterson @dwaynedrosario and El Queso LaBrocca #damnitfeelsgoodtobeagangster #TFC”.
The Ugly
Team culture is an interesting thing, isn’t it? Musically, Toronto FC have done quite well for themselves, so as a fan of the league, I know that each game in MLS has their own distinct musical composition. Most of the time, it’s unique to the team, celebrates the name or the city, and on average, they’re pleasant to listen, but in Chicago’s case, it’s just downright UGLY.
Did you hear the music that was played when Chicago scores a goal? Ghastly! Unless Chicago was going for the “Drunk-Frat-Boy-Who-Just-Discovered-A-Microphone” sound, that kind of music has no place in a
goal celebration.
Look for Toronto FC’s “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” after each game, only at RedNation Online!
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