Now that I am home from university, I am finally able to make the pilgrimage to BMO Field to watch Toronto FC. I went to the May 18 match against the Columbus Crew, and just yesterday, I went to the match against the Philadelphia Union. Here are my thoughts on that match itself:
Positives
Tactically, Toronto FC actually played quite well. Instead of just booting the ball up the pitch like they always do, they kept the ball on the ground and made simple passes to create openings in the Union defense. Why don't they play like this all the time? It was encouraging to see and I hope Ryan Nelsen continues to use that style in future matches. TFC also held it down well when they were down to 10 men. They cleaned up well in their own 18-yard box and withstood the Union pressure for most of the match.
Jonathan Osorio continues to be a bright spot in the TFC squad with his energy and creativity in the midfield (not to mention his awesome header). When I saw the starting 11 before the match, I questioned whether be would be able to bring some intensity throughout the entire match, but his performance put my doubts to rest. He deserves a starting spot in Toronto FC in the matches to come. I was also happy to see Danny Koevermans subbed into the match after his year out with a torn ACL. It got a standing ovation from the crowd at BMO Field, and even though he didn't score, I hope he reclaims the goal-scoring form he once had.
Negatives
They conceded late, again.
They were doing so well to keep the match 1-0 while down to 10 men, but once again, TFC let in a disheartening goal near the end of the match to lose two points. They couldn't hold on for another four minutes. TFC conceding late goals is nothing new, so there isn't much I can really add when everyone else has already stated their opinion on it. Maybe instead of trying to get new defenders on loan, Kevin Payne and Ryan Nelsen should look at the mental fortitude of the team. Just a suggestion.
There was also moments of madness and stupidity from Doneil Henry, with his altercation with the Union keeper to get his first yellow, and his dangerous tackle to get his second yellow near halftime. He has been scrutinized a bit this season, and for good reason. Even though he had some minor spells of good form, he does make some dumb decisions which have negative implications for the team. I know he is young, but he needs to focus better, and make better decisions in the heart of the defense.
Even though I was happy to see Danny Koevermans play again, I do question the substitution made by Ryan Nelsen. If you are trying to keep the win, you need to get another defender out there, not a striker, especially with TFC constantly conceding late goals. I strongly suspect that sub was merely to please the crowd, and not to win the match.
Other Thoughts
On both of my recent trips to BMO, when I looked over to the south end before the match, I saw that Toronto FC were using flares on poles to try to increase the atmosphere in the stadium. It looks incredibly tacky, and I think the TFC FO needs to stop this. If TFC really wants to enhance the atmosphere using flares, then leave the flares to the supporters, though this has some dangerous consequences (I may make a "flares" blog post in the future).
I am happy that I was able to make it out to BMO Field on two separate occasions, because it temporarily improved my general mood. When I left university, it felt like a part of me was lost, in the sense that I won't be able to enjoy going to class (I do enjoy it, lol) or see some of my friends. Going to BMO Field also made me forget about certain situations where I will not have the chance to gain anything from it. That void was filled temporarily by going to BMO, even though the results weren't what I had hoped for. I didn't feel very happy when I left university, and BMO Field was that escape that I truly needed. When Osorio scored that goal yesterday, it was the happiest I ever felt in weeks. Even though Toronto FC isn't a very good team, and I don't say very nice things about MLSE, watching TFC live is when I feel the happiest, and I am dead serious when I say that.
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