Win at home. Draw on the road. That's the goal. At least is it this year.
That's why Saturday's result against Columbus is so disappointing. Not just for the supporters but for the players as well. That's how far the team has come; upset that they didn't get the full three points against the top team in the league.
Toronto FC played well enough to win and were the better team to be sure, but head coach John Carver won't let them off the hook. He demands better. And that's why there's a striker on the way from somewhere, sometime soon, identity to be determined.
Heading down to BMO Field, anyone could tell this one would be played in tough conditions. It may have been the windiest match ever at BMO; tough to play for both sides.
Laurent Robert, I thought, was the best player on the pitch. His ring rust has evaporated. The Frenchman made several brisk runs with some fine moves which resulted in at least half chances. Man of the match in my opinion. This guy could have some great games this year.
The best part of this match, however, came when referee Kevin Stott finally booked Guillermo Barros Schelotto for diving. It was Guillermo's third attempt at such shenanigans and he finally paid for it. We don’t see this call enough.
In the end, TFC’s unbeaten streak stretches to five games. Remarkable. So now it’s a home-and-away set against the worst in the East, D.C. United. Hard to believe D.C. is in the basement considering they blitzed Toronto to the tune of 4-1 in game two of the season. In that match, it looked like they would be the class of the league. Now they can't beat anybody. Nobody seems to have a handle on what's gone wrong there. We'll have the return leg live on Sportsnet from RFK Stadium next Saturday.
A great opportunity for the Reds? Perhaps. More likely we'll continue to see signs that the powerful East is also very well balanced. Parity rules. No games are easy.
I have a feeling that will also apply to the upcoming Canada Cup Champions League qualifiers. Don't forget, Montreal and Vancouver at BMO Field in July. It will not be easy for Toronto. Vancouver and Montreal want this in the worst way. Tickets not scooped up by season ticket holders will go on sale later this month.
