TORONTO – This loss was so Toronto FC, perfectly encapsulating an MLS campaign thus far marred by missed chances and a lack of finishing in front of goal, mixed in with equal parts of self pity.
Yordany Alvarez’s goal late in the first half was all the offence Real Salt Lake needed, as it scratched out a 1-0 win over TFC before 20,841 spectators at BMO Field on Saturday afternoon.
TFC had three gilt-edged chances to tie the score in second-half injury time, but spurned each one, and they never capitalized on some smart and penetrating play throughout the first half.
RSL’s win ended Toronto’s modest three-game unbeaten run. It was also Salt Lake’s first goal and first road victory ever in Toronto in six MLS matches.
TFC dropped to 2-9-6 on the campaign and remains 11 points back of fifth-place Houston for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. But the Dynamo have a game in hand and can extend their advantage with a win over New York on Sunday, a result that would put Toronto’s slim playoff hopes in serious jeopardy with half a season to go.
How many times have we seen Toronto FC put forth a valiant effort in the opening 45 minutes, only to come out flat for the second half? We’ve surely lost track by now and we can add this game to the list, too.
All the hard work and positive things TFC earned in the first half were undone by an uninspired second-half performance that sorely lacked urgency. While the club has shown modest improvements in recent weeks, putting together a complete 90-minute effort continues to be well beyond them.
“In all honesty, I thought our performance was probably not as good as it has been in the last three or four (matches),” Toronto coach Ryan Nelsen admitted.
He later added: “Even in saying that … it’s a travesty that we didn’t get anything out of that game.”
In a disturbing development, Nelsen’s “woe, is me” attitude appears to have trickled down to his players.
“It was one of those days where we had by far more opportunities and chances. We probably should have won that because their only shot hit the back of the net,” TFC forward Jeremy Brockie offered.
Actually, TFC got exactly what it deserved, which was nothing at all. Nelsen has to realize points aren’t awarded on merit and that he must instill his team with a more cutthroat mentality if they’re going to turn things around this year. The sooner he does that, the better.
Danny Koevermans was in the starting 11 for Toronto, the Dutch striker coming off a two-goal performance in a reserve league game in mid-week. After making two substitute appearances in recent weeks, Koevermans earned his first start for TFC since suffering a season-ending knee injury since July 14, 2012.
Forward Robert Earnshaw, the Reds’ top scorer this campaign with six goals, was ruled out with a calf injury, paving the way for Koevermans to start. Salt Lake was missing forward Alvaro Saborio, who was away on international duty with Costa Rica. Two former Toronto players – Joao Plata and Aaron Maund – started for the Utah club.
An entertaining first half saw both clubs play enterprising soccer, going forward with purpose as they put together several exquisite passages of interplay and sweeping ball movement. In particular, TFC fullback Darren O’Dea proved a dangerous attacking option down the left flank.
With Matias Laba providing a solid midfield platform to work from, Jonathan Osorio was allowed to pull the creative strings for a TFC attack that threatened throughout the opening 45 minutes. Koevermans and Brockie effectively linked up and caused all kinds of problems for Salt Lake’s defence. But the final product was lacking, as goalkeeper Nick Rimando was never tested.
Then out of nothing, RSL took the lead in first half injury time. Taking a back pass from Javier Morales, Alvarez blasted a powerful shot from outside the box that blew by a helpless Joe Bendik and nestled into the bottom left corner of the net.
Nelsen said he was astonished that a “stone cold” penalty decision was not given to TFC moments earlier. He felt Salt Lake defender Nate Borchers clipped Brockie inside the box and should have awarded a penalty decision.
Brockie also claimed that it was a “definitely” a penalty, but video replays showed that if anything, the New Zealand forward ran into Borchers, and thus the referee got it right.
Salt Lake took control of the match after the re-start, taking advantage of some stagnant possession play by TFC. Luis Silva and Justin Braun replaced Koevermans and Jeremy Hall, though the Reds struggled to create offensive chances after the changes.
The game turned chippy and physical as it wore on, and tempers boiled over in the 79th minute when a melee broke out between Silva and Tony Beltran. In the aftermath, Toronto defender Doniel Henry and Beltran were both red carded after getting into a shoving match.
Rimando was called upon to make a great save off Brockie from inside the six-yard box in injury time. Moments later, Borchers made a crucial goal-line clearance on Brockie’s header, and teammate Steven Caldwell scuffed a shot from in close in the dying seconds that he should have buried.
NOTES: Toronto FC returns to action next Wednesday when it hosts the Montreal Impact… Saturday marked the only league meeting between TFC and Salt Lake this season… Toronto is still without a win at BMO Field. Their only home win came when they beat Sporting Kansas City at Rogers Centre earlier this season. TFC is winless at BMO Field in MLS competition since July 18, 2012 when they beat the Colorado Rapids… Salt Lake leads the all-time series against Toronto with six wins and two draws in 12 meetings…
