If Toronto FC brass and coaching staff didn't already know it, then they surely do now: Their team is simply not good enough.
Against a Kansas City team that is unlikely to make the playoffs, the Reds were outplayed in all areas of the park. It is small consolation that the LA Galaxy helped Toronto’s dwindling post-season hopes by thrashing DC United later Saturday night. It will very likely only prolong the agony. It’s a pity, because Toronto remains the showcase franchise for this league.
Consider the Kansas City Wizards for a moment. Here's a team with a tiny season ticket base and the worst average attendance in the league at under 10,000 a game. They announced Saturday night's number at just over 8,000. I didn't believe it for a second. They're playing in a tiny minor league baseball stadium where binoculars are required for your viewing pleasure. Community America Ballpark is in the middle of a monstrous development of shops and restaurants including the Kansas Speedway. But it’s a good half hour drive west into the nether regions of Kansas City by the edge of the never-ending prairie.
Don't get me wrong; they work hard to make it all happen on game day. But this scenario will continue through next year until they finalize their new facility back on the Missouri side. It still requires a stamp of approval at the state level before that project can begin. It’s supposed to happen in the next month or so, but we've seen this movie before.
Despite it all, the Wizards are a better bet to make the playoffs than Toronto. In the end, it all comes down to the players. And as their second season limps to its conclusion with just two wins since the end of May, it’s clear that Toronto is lacking.
And the news gets worse for TFC; they come home to face top-rated Houston, who is enjoying a weekend off. Houston’s game against San Jose was postponed due to the damage caused by Hurricane Ike. Surprisingly considering the MLS has always maintained there is no room on the calendar to re-schedule matches, even denying Toronto FC requests earlier this season. When the next round of World Cup qualifying comes around next month, TFC may not have to worry about that again. By then, the Reds will be planning for next season.
