Despite a horrid start to the MLS season, it is safe to say TFC coach Aron Winter’s job is safe…for now. The “worst team in the world,” according to TFC striker Danny Koevermans, will try to put an end to an MLS record nine game losing streak Saturday when they get set to host the Philadelphia Union at BMO Field.
TFC will look to carry the momentum from Wednesday’s triumph over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Voyageurs Cup. TFC prevailed over the Whitecaps with a 1-0 win in the second leg to secure their fourth consecutive Canadian Championship win, earning them a spot in the 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League.
Reggie Lambe had the team’s only goal Wednesday, in a match that had the feel of a backyard brawl more than a soccer match. The teams ended the game with ten men a side after Julian De Guzman of TFC and Sebastian Le Toux of Vancouver each picked up red cards in a mid-game scuffle.
With nine straight losses to open up the season and an MLS Playoff berth nothing short of an Everest climb for Toronto FC, Wednesday’s Canadian Championship win gave the club something positive to take out of this season.
Good news has been hard to come by for TFC in 2012.
After a 3-1 loss at the hands of DC United last week, Danny Koevermans dubbed his club “the worst team in the world,” a label other players didn’t take too very kindly.
“I think actions speak louder than words. If you’re going to say something like that, do something about. I’m not taking a slap at Danny; I’m just saying for me, if I’m going to make a comment like that, I’m going to pull my socks up and try to fix it,” said TFC central defender Adrian Cann.
Coach Winter seemed disappointed with his fellow Dutchman after his comments.
“I think maybe he was showing his emotions. Maybe he was thinking that, but I think it’s not true. I don’t agree with what he said. I think he has to be smarter and not say those things.”
Despite the criticisms Danny received after his remark, he backed up his statement, claiming he meant what he said.
“Name me one team in the whole world that is 0 and 9. There’s not one team in the world that’s lost nine times in a row. I don’t think what I was saying was not true; it is true when you look at the standings.”
It’s not what you want your players to say, but Koevermans does have a point.
With a loss Saturday, TFC would extend their dubious MLS record to ten consecutive losses to start the season. It’s the last chance for the club to win a game before June and the World Cup Qualifying break. The lowest win total TFC has previously managed before June was two, in their inaugural season and last year (2007- 2 wins, 17 points; 2008- 5 wins, 17 points; 2009 4 wins, 16 points; 2010- 5 wins, 16 points; 2011- 2 wins, 12 points; 2012- 0 wins, 0 points, tomorrow’s game pending).
If someone wants to take charge and right the ship, now would be the time; there’s no more room for error.
TFC midfielder Eric Avila will miss his first game after eight consecutive starts with an ankle injury, likely leaving Luis Silva to take his place in the midfield alongside Julian de Guzman and Torsten Frings.
Danny Koevermans had Wednesday night off, meaning he should be fit enough to return to the starting XI for the first time since April 14th 1-0 loss to Chivas USA. Koevermans will slot in as the centre forward with Ryan Johnson and either Reggie Lambe or Joao Plata on the wings.
Richard Eckersley and Ashtone Morgan, arguably the club’s lone bright spots, will start at right and left back alongside Adrian Cann and, hopefully, Doneil Henry at center back.
Toronto FC have just one win in four meetings between the two clubs all-time, losing 6-2 at home to the Union last year and drawing 1-1 at Philadelphia. The Union are experiencing struggles of their own in 2012, sporting a 2-6-2 record. With games at Kansas City (June16) and at Houston (June 20) up next for TFC, tomorrow is as crucial a time as any for Winter’s club to pick up their first win of the season.
I am done predicting victories for TFC, so I’ll go with a 2-2 draw and a wide open game between the two struggling clubs on Saturday.
(image courtesy of torontofc.ca)
