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It’s part two of Toronto FC’s state-of-the-art stadium tour as they travel to the newly opened BBVA Compass Stadium to take on the Houston Dynamo. Having just left, and soundly beaten 2-0 in, Livestrong Park in Kansas City, Toronto will have had little time to prepare to face another top Eastern Conference side.
Houston’s start to 2012 is much like Kansas City’s 2011 where they opened their season with a string of road games, and few wins, to be able to accurately gauge their potential. Now in the full swing of their shiny new home field, and backed by 22,000 a game, Houston have yet to lose in their stadium.
It is hard time for TFC and their supporters as another restart signals a period of transition mid-season against teams who have fully hit their stride. Toronto’s on-field problems have not changed from Aron Winter to Paul Mariner, and the questions remain on whether this team can find a way to start finishing clinically or mark on set pieces. This will be essential against a team like Houston, who are both sound defensively and formidable on delivering balls into the area. On only three days to prepare, and find the form to remedy those issues, it seems highly unlikely this will be the match for Paul Mariner’s first result as head coach.
Keep Thinking
TFC's first game after the international break had all the potential for the players and Mariner to make a statement. Whatever happened ten games prior – erased – and from here on in, a fresh start. However, that storyline was completely squashed through one of the most abysmal opening thirds of the year.
All season, save for tournament competitions, TFC have looked unprepared to kick off a game with the requisite motivation and intensity to compete. And with one game as the sample so far, it appears that has yet to change. After a 2-0 start in the early going against Kansas City, TFC eventually found their feet, but how much of that was thanks to opponent taking their foot off the pedal, is the question that remains.
Toronto will be facing a reflection of Kansas City’s circumstances last year as the Dynamo are following KC’s 2011 season path, almost to a T. Beginning the year with seven games on the road, it is not surprising they did not register their first win until their home-opener against DC United. However, since then the Dynamo’s true quality has begun to show and now sit tied for fifth with a record of 5W-4D-4L, and through that record, have yet to lose at home in four matches, securing three wins.
What should be the most obvious recipe for success from a player/tactical perspective, TFC continues to lack, while Houston soundly have in place. Their best, and key players, form the spine on the field, and have kept Houston competitive through the years. From keeper Tally Hall, to former midfielder Geoff Cameron sliding back to CB, Brad Davis holding it down as one of the most versatile midfielders in the league, and finishing with striker Will Bruin leading the way with six goals, the supporting cast around them serves to compliment a solid core.
As noted against Kansas City, Toronto are once again in a state of limbo as people are forced to wait and see if Paul Mariner is able to find the right mix to get this team producing results. What this means is these early games under his guidance will see him seeking his preferred line-up and formation, such as slotting Jeremy Hall at left-back, possibly at the expense of remaining competitive against teams who have already determined a consistent approach each week.
While many would not believe it at this stage of the game, Toronto should have the players to be able to compete with the Dynamo and even come away with a point. Portland are arguably having as dismal a season as the Reds and were able to leave Houston with a scoreless draw just over a month ago. However, a scoreless draw would indicate sound defending, and this is something TFC severely lack.
It is not the worst group of defenders seen in red, however, right now it is clear Toronto’s defenders are lacking confidence and against a seasoned side such as Houston, that is not a good scenario. One of Aron Winter’s biggest faults was his inability to alter his tactics in order to earn a result. Instead he would stubbornly work through a formation at the cost of any points. Paul Mariner must see the obvious and that is this group of defenders need support from the midfield and might require the much lamented sweeper to make an appearance.
Whether that is Torsten Frings or not, there can be no question Houston saw how easily Kansas City dismantled TFC in the early going and realize all they need to do is pile on the pressure, send balls into the box and eventually someone will get on the end of it. Will Bruin is the perfect target for this, and when looking at set pieces, Andre Hainault could find himself on the end of a Brad Davis kick.
The list of dos and don’t for Toronto at this stage are severely becoming a broken record. But it is obvious and cannot be avoided when looking at every opponent who they should be able to match up with. Until they start finishing with any level of consistency the discussion ends, because with a group of defenders who cannot be relied upon, it requires goals on the other end to level the playing field. His heart cannot be questioned, but Danny Koevermans needs to rediscover his touch from last year. Until then, the Reds will continue to spin their wheels at the bottom of the leaguethoch.
In the End
Looking ahead through the schedule, and predicting Aron Winter’s departure, this was one of the matches that would have been looked at with uncertainty. Houston are a sound, determined side that carry themselves professionally each week, not to mention each season. For Toronto to reboot under a new coach at this stage, face Kansas City and now Houston, is a massive challenge to say the least. What was seen last weekend was this team do not look improved yet, and no improvement given their record to start the season means only one thing – Paul Mariner will have to look to the next fixture, New England at home, for the best chance to earn his first win.
Prediction
Houston Dynamo 2 – Toronto FC 1
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