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Toronto FC 2 - 3 Real Salt Lake
THE GOOD
The Game and Its Result:
After a 90 minute performance playing in the tough altitude of Sandy, Utah, Toronto FC conceded a late, last-minute goal after clawing back twice. This loss marks the seventh consecutive winless game for Toronto FC, but this is not a side that looks or feels inadequate. Snake bitten, with few answers and even fewer results, Toronto FC played well, controlled large stretches of the match and lost to a piece of pure bad luck.
Player Performance:
I’d like to think I’ve been kind to Eric Avila before, simply because, when given the chance, he is an effective player in this league. He showed it today, with a sublime goal, a close chance off the crossbar, and a handful of smart runs. Miguel Aceval was sharp with his crosses, and Doneil Henry’s header is also worthy of recognition.
Noteworthy Moment of the Match:
For the first time this season, Torsten Frings started in the midfield, and though Toronto FC couldn’t come up with a win, the change in style was clear; the midfield controlled more of the game, the long balls were minimized, and the movement off the ball was improved too. Toronto FC don’t look or play like a terrible team, which makes each and every loss even worse.
THE BAD
The Game and Its Result:
Poor defensive errors, as per the usual for Toronto FC, give the Reds yet another loss. A last minute go-ahead goal for Real Salt Lake killed off any hope for a point (just the one) and keeps Toronto FC’s post-season hopes out of consideration, still.
Player Performance:
Richard Eckersley had his own goal, and looked poor for the first time this season – again, the problem may not be the players, but the efficiency of the unit as a whole.
Noteworthy Moment of the Match:
Real Salt Lake captain Kyle Beckerman’s face said it all, when shaking hands with Adrian Cann – pure, unfiltered empathy. Major League Soccer knows Toronto FC are both snake bitten and on a downward spiral, and, three points aside, as professional players, it’s clear they feel bad for us, which is, in this humble writer’s opinion, the worst kind of reputation to have.
THE UGLY
This loss makes it 0/7 in the league.
Don’t drink to world records in Toronto, folks – this one is nothing to be proud of.
Look for Toronto FC’s “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” after each game, only at RedNation Online.
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