If this was supposed to be the kick start to the week that was going to make or break TFC's season, then the first crack has already appeared.
It's a familiar refrain but it's the truth. Too many chances missed, and a failure to defend the most basic play, even one they knew was coming, did them in again. Head coach Chris Cummins put it that way rather bluntly in his post game address in the aftermath of the 1-0 loss to Puerto Rico. And it's not like it's the first time.
This was an odd affair. Chad Barrett compared it to a high school game where one team is so much better than the other but simply can't break them down. At least that's how he saw it.
So what happens next?
Step two in the "make or break" week is a trip to New England. Lose that one and the Reds are level on points with the Revolution for 4th in the East. The Reds would still have three games in hand, a whopping 9 possible points. If Real Salt Lake beats Chicago, they'd have 26 points as well. That's a three-way tie for 9th place and out of the playoffs.
A follow-up loss in Puerto Rico and perhaps they'd rather forget about that Real Madrid friendly altogether, because the Champions League dream and all those wintertime matches would be dead. And then there are tough away matches still looming at Chivas, Seattle, Colorado, Chicago, RSL and the LA Galaxy. Finding a way to win on the road against quality teams is not only desirable, its imperative. The playoffs depend upon it.
However, as I pointed out recently, two of Toronto's last three games are against lowly San Jose and even lowlier (is that a word?) New York. It will probably come down to that.
