You have to go back to May 5th to find the last time Toronto lost a game at BMO Field.
TFC held the Red Bulls to just one shot on goal, extending their unbeaten streak to four games with a 1-1 draw on Saturday. After a 0-9 start, the Reds have now managed points from five of their last six league games. They have managed three wins and two draws at home in all competitions since a 2-0 loss to D.C. United on May 5th.
“The most important thing is we work together as a team,” explained captain Torsten Frings. “We did it today very well and if we play like this it’s very hard to beat us.”
Frings provided the service for Toronto’s lone goal as his corner kick was headed home by Danny Koevermans in the 6th minute. The goal came just over a minute after the Red Bull’s opened the scored through Jan Gunnar Solli four minutes into the game. The goal extended Koevermans’ scoring streak with goals in each of his last four games.
Marnier has continued to stress the importance of the play of his young back four, who were excellent on Saturday earning praise from both manager and teammates.
“I don’t think Milos had a save to make today. That’s a huge pat on the back for the back four,” said Terry Dunfield.
Mariner was also pleased with the way they managed to shut down a very potent Red Bulls attack.
“The young back four are learning. They’re learning very quick,” said Winter. I thought that was the best performance from the back four today.”
Coach Mariner was also very pleased with Logan Emory, calling him an unsung hero for this team. He feels strongly about what he is capable of and believes he can play a big role on this team. He said at this point it’s just a matter of confidence:
“He needs to realize he can play against the best,” said Mariner.
Emory made a sliding tackle on Lindpere in the second half breaking up a clear cut breakaway and quite possibly preserving the draw.
“He’s grease lightning fast,” said Mariner.
Toronto has had a tendency to fizzle out in past years when falling behind early. On Saturday, the Reds used the early New York goal as momentum, moving forward in waves for a good portion of the first half.
Goalkeeper Milos Kocic says the team’s recent success has a lot to do with the formation change instilled by new manager Paul Mariner. While Aron Winter’s downfall was arguably his stubbornness in sticking with a 4-3-3, Mariner has gone back to the basics, employing a 4-4-2 formation.
“The 4-4-2 formation is made for this league. It has to be 4-4-2,” said Kocic after the game.
Although most importantly, the team played a complete ninety minutes, shutting down New York’s dynamic duo of Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper.
Mariner was extremely content with the effort his team put in, “with the amount of miles” his team has had to put in the last few weeks. The whole team is noticing a difference.
“It’s getting better and better every week,” said Frings. “We need points. If you get points you get more confidence and I think you can see it every week.”
Toronto will look continue their run of good form Wednesday when they travel to Texas for a mid-week showdown with FC Dallas.
Update on Joao Plata
At half time Earl Cochrane, Director of Team and Player Operations for TFC, addressed the media regarding the rumours swirling around Joao Plata. Cochrane stated that there has been interest in Plata from multiple clubs and while they are entertaining the idea of a loan, nothing had been finalized and as of now he remains a part of the TFC organization.
After the game, Plata was seen cleaning out his locker and saying goodbye to his teammates. I am sure Cochrane was telling the truth, but I saw Plata with my own eyes. He was quite clearly making a final exit from the TFC locker room.
Plata also allegedly told one member of the media during the game that he was leaving the team on Monday to go play football in Ecuador.
“I love that when 19 year old kids come and tell the press what’s going on. Isn’t that a wonderful situation for me to be in?” said Mariner after the game.
So as of now, Cochrane says Plata is staying, Plata says he’s leaving and Mariner is upset with Plata. This has developed into quite the story, although it appears as though Plata’s on his way out of TFC within the next couple of days.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
