TORONTO – While the refrain may still be ‘This is Our House’ the reality is Toronto FC have made it quite comfortable for visitors with its recent play at BMO Field.
On Saturday the 1-0 loss to DC United may have ended all talk of the club’s first playoff appearance.
The Reds’ playoff hopes absorbed a heavy blow Saturday when the last place DC United stole three points thanks to an 82nd minute goal from former Toronto FC first-round draft pick Julius James.
“We have a group who will fight for each other,” Preki said post-match. “We still have a chance (at the playoffs).”
Toronto now has six regular season games remaining to make up the four points separating the club from the eighth and final playoff spot. The last time Toronto FC recorded a win at BMO field came against Chivas USA back on Aug. 7.
The goal from James also allowed United to avoid setting a MLS record for shutouts in a season; a record coincidentally held at 15 by the 2007 Toronto FC and 2009 New York Red Bulls.
Toronto FC fielded its strongest lineup Saturday as both Maicon and Mista were named to coach Preki’s starting XI. But aside from a post in the first 10 minutes by Dwayne De Rosario, the home side rarely looked the part to steal the three points.
“Apart from Dwayne’s individual effort in the first couple of minutes I felt we didn’t have any legs,” Preki said. “We looked tired.”
The Reds managed just one shot on goal in the second half.
“I wouldn’t say we didn’t show up, but a couple of guys could have given more. I will leave it up to you to figure out which ones,” Preki added.
The announced attendance was 20, 395 and booed the home team at the game’s conclusion. When asked if the loss was the low point of the season, Preki had to agree.
“It probably is,” he said. “The wrong things happened to us at the wrong time of the year. We were clicking and then we got hit with injuries, and now we are paying for it.”
The next regular season game for Toronto is Sept. 18 on the road against Houston.
LINEUP: Frei; Cann, Nana, Hscanovics (LaBrocca, 45), Garcia; Saric (Nane, 62), De Guzman, De Rosario, Gargan; Mista, Maicon (White, 69).