New England Revolution 2 – Toronto FC 2
Another home game goes by for Toronto FC, and just when you think the hole can’t get any deeper, they find new and creative ways to keep themselves from gaining any ground. Two times the Reds had clawed back at home against the New England Revolution (2007 & 2011) for the draw, but this time it was the visitors who leveled the score in the dying seconds to steal a point in a 2-2 final.
A bright start to the game where Ashtone Morgan, Danny Koevermans and Ryan Johnson were all standing apart for TFC and delivered strong performances, as all three had a hand in the two goals. After a solid first half for Toronto, the second half was noticeably a step off as the ball consistently was sent downfield to the two attackers with little support to maintain possession.
As in the Houston draw midweek, the core group who built the lead were subbed out and the players brought in were not able to hold on. With Julian De Guzman and Torsten Frings out of the game, it essentially left Terry Dunfield as the veteran presence for both the defence and midfield.
Of the three players subbed in the second half, Reggie Lambe, Luis Silva and Logan Emory, Lambe represented the most experienced MLS player with a whopping eleven games on his resume. While looking ahead to Montreal can be an excuse for taking out two of Toronto’s best players, at the end of the day two points were dropped and with a win on the road most unlikely for this team, it was a poor decision to expect an inexperienced group to be able to lock down the result.
It is tough to look ahead and see the current approach, coaching, or group of players, being able to take this team in the right direction. With July right around the corner, on-field changes will likely once again be made and another period of adjustment needed before consistency or results come. That is why games like this, and midweek, where three points and the win are lost, are so tough to swallow.
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:
MOTM Milos Kocic - 7.5
Hard to point any fingers at Kocic for the late collapse, as he was absolutely epic between the sticks in the second half. Upwards of half a dozen big saves came courtesy of the Serbian who continues to be let down by the players in front of him. Really can’t expect anything more from him on this afternoon and really unlucky the one save that needed to be made wasn’t meant to be.
Jeremy Hall - 5
Offered everything that has come to be expected from the versatile player who got his nose dirty with some tough tackles and was able to push forward and contribute. However, cannot ignore in the position he starts at, still is not reliable defending 1v1 and in the area that desperately needs improving, tough to see if he is better off on the back line or as a midfielder.
Doneil Henry - 4.5
Much like the young players who’ve come before him, and even Morgan last year, the raw ability is there for all to see, but his inexperience continues to let him down. Even with another few moments where through balls literally went through him, as seen against Kansas City, it was decision making that undid the afternoon for him and his team. Can’t help but see releasing Brettschneider to become the third player closing down on the shot from distance was what left him all alone with Kocic and while Henry is learning, for now it is at the expense of goals.
Richard Eckersley - 5.5
A much improved performance for the out of position fullback who did well throughout the afternoon to excel in the ‘hoofball’ approach that ultimately lead to countless chances on goal. His first which was pinpoint to Koevermans that lead to the opener and several more throughout the game were important in the build-up. However, the sooner a natural centre back returns the better, as there continues to be moments where it doesn’t look like he’s naturally got the position down. On the final goal, every TFC player picked up a white shirt save for Eckersley, who appeared lost just long enough for Tierney to capitalize and steal two points.
Ashtone Morgan - 7
An outstanding afternoon for Morgan who was able to deliver on what are his known strengths and even show some new facets that have yet to be seen. His work down the wing, against Kevin Alston no less, was superb as his crosses were what put TFC ahead in the first half. Over and over he was able to either send balls in the area, or win corners. His chance in the second half where he chose to dribble around the Revolution defender and have a go on goal was a very positive sign that his confidence is growing and could become even more dangerous in the final third.
Terry Dunfield - 5.5
After an encouraging display against Houston where he found himself deep in last third of the pitch, Dunfield had a much quieter afternoon in comparison. Noticeably struggles with his legs in effectively tracking attackers, but still is calm on the ball and for every turnover still is able to distribute effectively and deliver a sublime pass as seen in the open ten minutes with his cross-field ball to Johnson in the area.
Torsten Frings - 5.5
It will be interesting to see how Fings handles an entire summer season in North America at the age of 35. While his work on the ball cannot be questioned as he still remains the team’s most technically proficient player, the glut of matches appears to be taking it’s toll. The last three games, whether it be a more crowded midfield or not, Frings has not looked as influential as he’s come to be expected. Outside of corner kicks, was not very effective on this afternoon.
Eric Avila - 5.5
Avila had his moments darting into the final 18 yards and putting some nice crosses into the box, but compared to some displays he’s had this season, fell short in what he can deliver. His pace is a perfect addition to balance out a midfield with Dunfield and Frings, but cannot disappear for stretches if he is to remain an effective part of that group.
Julian De Guzman - 6
De Guzman continues his run of good form as he was able to work the stretch of the field creating some chances but most importantly breaking up plays and winning the ball back for Toronto. As noted earlier, this is the second match where his substitution arguably preceded the game changing goal and that is food for thought has his absence has lead to goals in two straight games.
Ryan Johnson – 7
Full credit to Johnson on this afternoon as he keeps up his endless run of determination and competitiveness that paid off once again. Really did it all offensively on this day by holding up the ball, winning foot races, passing well and finally finishing a perfect chance, Johnson was key for TFC and along with Morgan and Koevermans instrumental in both goals and the majority of chances.
Danny Koevermans – 6.5
After a slow start to the season, Koevermans is finally heating up and showing the work that he demonstrated in the final month of 2011 where he was critical in any result for the team. When he has his legs beneath him, his workrate is impressive as he is excellent in holding up the ball, chasing down defenders and flicking on long balls to the likes of Johnson. The offense did their part on this day, which started with the pairing up top that did everything that was expected of them.
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