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Toronto FC 2 – 1 Colorado Rapids
See TFC's ratings from their last three results
Toronto FC 1 – 0 New England
Toronto FC 3 – 2 Vancouver
Toronto FC 0 – 3 Philadelphia
It's three on the bounce as Toronto FC down the woeful Colorado Rapids 2-1 and now find themselves in a three-way tie for last place. You read that correctly, TFC are no longer not the worst team in the world, they are no longer the worst team in MLS! Once again the Reds showed their determination after surrendering the opening goal and came back to win another mid-week game. That is now six straight visits to BMO Field (not counting the MLS Cup of course) where the Rapids have left with the big "L".
Ryan Johnson made up for a poor penalty kick in the opening minutes by cooly slotting home the tying goal, but was outshone by rookie Luis Silva who has had three impressive games in a row. From drawing the foul on the penalty to a handful of superb passes, to delivering the ball that deflected in for the winner, Silva was pulling many of the creative strings for TFC and made supporters forget about Danny Koevermans - for one night at least.
Rarely have Toronto been able to take advantage of weaker opposition, but on this night they got it done against a Colorado side who should be much better than what they offered. It is a nice role reversal to see TFC come through and witness another side clearly in turmoil. After surrendering the opening goal, they came out in the second half and even dominated possession to put on an entertaining display and make up for a very dry first half.
With a friendly against Liverpool on Saturday, Toronto will follow that with seven days until their next fixture when they host the Houston Dynamo.
The key to the ratings, as seems to be the logic on a scale of 1-10, is not to view it as a “grade”, as in a 6 would be a 60 or a C. The formula is that each player begins the game with a 5 and is the equilibrium from which their performance either improves or degrades moving in increments of .5.
Here is the breakdown of the starting XI:
Milos Kocic - 7
Things are starting to go Kocic's way as his game saving stops are in fact becoming game saving stops. As seen on the weekend, down the stretch made some big saves, especially against Thompson early in the second half, alongside a few routine ones and some good aerial presence to keep Colorado from connecting and leveling the score.
Doneil Henry – 5.5
His distribution leaves something to be desired, but that will come. Other aspects of his game were on display and overall it was an encouraging outing for Henry. Picking up from where he left off against New England where he showed no fear against Saer Sene, save for Casey's headed goal, Henry dusted himself off and fought well against MLS vets. His determination on the winning goal was impressive and demonstrated his character as someone who won't give up until the play is over.
Richard Eckersley – 6
Despite improving at the position, something about him in the middle still just doesn't feel right, as seen when he broke free to carry the ball deep down the right side. Still a right back through and through, did well on this night at CB as his tenacious drive did him well tonight to close down shots and have a strong game. Still looks better at right back, and if a new CB comes in, hopefully that will be the switch as he showed what he can do when allowed to release from the backline.
Logan Emory – 5.5
A better display from Emory, who still doesn't completely look the part, but on a night like this where he leaves with few chances created in his area should be considered a positive step.
Ashtone Morgan – 5.5
His offensive contributions continues to be the brightest part of his development, as seen with this perfectly threaded pass to Frings in the second half, but defensively is still working on his game. Cannot be expected to cover two men, but along his side came the cross into Casey from Freeman and owning the defensive end is the area that still needs to be elevated for him to be the complete LB.
Terry Dunfield - 6
Another strong outing from Dunfield whose pass rate was over 80% once again. Many were not glamorous, but as is often the case, keeps it tidy and the ball moving quickly. Showed the strengths from his youth of being a box to box midfielder as he nearly had a chance offensively, and was fighting tooth and nail defensively right to the final whistle when he took the knock to his head but stayed on until it was all over.
Torsten Frings – 6
A solid display from the captain who has his role and is executing it well. Like Dunfield, contributed box to box and had Eckersley released his pass a half second earlier might have run on to the perfect ball. While he hasn't been the lynchpin as the holding mid of late, is able to attack in the final third more and appears just a step off from getting chances on goal.
Reggie Lambe – 6
Nice work as always with the ball on his feet as Lambe's dribbling creates havoc for opposition defenders. Almost had a few chances on goal but wasn't able to sneak in the back door like we've seen earlier in the season and knock on in.
Eric Avila – 5.5
The right substitution as he was not having the same effectiveness as seen a few weeks back when he was the only attacking midfielder amoung the likes of Dunfield, Frings and De Guzman. Looks better in the middle and while his pace does him well to close down on opposition and get a step when receiving the ball, on this night wasn't able to create much.
MOTM Luis Silva – 7
His last three games have been an excellent display of what Silva's game has to offer. On this night it was his passing which was absolutely sublime as the rookie's touch and weight on his passes is perfect. Whether it be lifting the ball just enough over a defender to release Lambe, or XYZ, it was an impressive match for Silva and if he can keep this up, supporters will be slightly less aggreived at losing Koevermans.
Ryan Johnson – 6
Disappointing on the penalty kick, but made up for it with a calm poke into the side of goal to bring TFC level. A much needed goal from Johnson who has been giving Chad Barrett a run for his money of late with a slew of clear chances on goal.
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