It was a much nicer day at BMO Field but the end result for TFC was not any better than last week’s 3-0 loss to San Jose.
While TFC were the better team for the most part of the game, they were unable to find the back of the net and it came back to haunt them. The first word out of Aron Winter’s mouth in the post-game press conference was “disappointed,” which is a fair assessment not just of this game but the season to date for his club. Based on what he went on to say in his press conference, it seems like frustrated might have been a better choice of words.
“I think that we played very well, we created a lot of chances compared to the Columbus Crew. They didn’t have many real chances, but they scored,” said Winter. “I think that we deserved more.”
Winter and the players felt they deserved a better result, along with the 18,944 fans in attendance. Toronto created their fair share of chances throughout the game, but could not get many strong attempts on net. Columbus was dormant on attack for the most part, but managed to convert needing just a few chances to notch the winner.
“It’s just unlucky today,” said striker Danny Koevermans who remains scoreless this season in all competitions. “Worst case scenario we didn’t deserve this loss but we have to keep our heads up.”
The first half saw Toronto command more of the ball, but they were missing the killer instinct needed to push forward and open the scoring. The space was there for Toronto to attack and they had their chances, but were not able to trouble Crew goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum.
TFC goalkeeper Milos Kocic cited his own reasons as to why his team may have had trouble finding the back of the net. “We played to their advantages, said Kocic. “We didn’t play to our advantage of playing on the ground, we kind of played in the air and I didn’t think that helped us.”
Columbus was awarded a very suspect penalty in the 41st minute after Ty Harden looked to have taken down Olman Vargas in the box. “The penalty they got was not a penalty. That’s for sure,” said Winter. “Milos saved it but it was 100% no penalty.” Kocic made a brilliant save on Mirosevic’s penalty and justice was served, sending the teams scoreless into the half. “After Milos saved the penalty we had a feeling that we could win this one, before the game also. We had our chances but we didn’t score.”
Toronto came out flying in the second half putting a ton of pressure on Columbus’ back four. However, as they do all too often, Julian de Guzman lost the ball in a crucial area allowing Columbus to break in on the counter. Some sloppy and a failed clearance by Emory later and Bernardo Anop opened the scoring for the Crew.
According to Winter, the goal could easily have been avoided. It was a quick lapse of judgement, something TFC has had happen all too often lately. The mistake came at a bad time and proved to be a costly one. The goal was too easy to come by for Columbus and came out of nowhere with TFC controlling the play up to that point.
Toronto came on hard with a flurry of chances but could not seem to buy a goal. Winter was pleased with the chances his team created but was frustrated with the lack of sharpness as he put it. “At the highest level when you create during the game say six to twelve chances it’s a lot,” said Winter. “The only difference is we have to be sharper at the moments we receive because you don’t get those moments the whole game.”
Despite the team’s third consecutive loss, Winter seemed optimistic, telling reporters it’s only a matter of time before the goals start coming for his club. “This for me is a very good team and no one has to panic,” said Winter. “I saw a lot of good things and we think it will continue on.”
Toronto was graced with plenty of set piece opportunities but could not take advantage of them. Danny Koevermans showed some life for the first time this season, registering four shots.
The team has yet to register a point in three games, the lone club without a point so far this season. Winter used the example of Sporting Kansas City last year when asked how the club should look at their current position in the standings.
“In the first ten games they had a lot of defeats,” said Winter. “I’m not going to compare us with Kansas City but what I’m saying is in this league you can lose some games, because in the end everyone can win from each other and in the end rankings everyone is close to each other.”
Forward Danny Koevermans shared the same optimism as his manager telling reporters to be patient. “There’s still 31 games to go,” said Koevermans. “Of course it’s a bad start to the season with no points in three games, but in soccer the next game is always coming. Next game is in Montreal and we’ll try to get our first points there.”
Actually, the next game for Toronto FC comes this Wednesday when they travel to Mexico for the second leg of their CCL semi-final. Koevermans is unavailable for the match after picking up his second yellow of the competition in the first leg. Miguel Aceval, who was not fit enough to start today, will be making the trip to Mexico with the team according to Winter.
The club has to solve their defensive issues as well as their finishing ability. At the end of the day, however, if they continue to play like they did today the wins will start coming.
(image courtesy of torontofc.ca)
