Toronto FC: Unable to Get the Job Done, But Deserved a Better Fate

It was a disappointing night at BMO Field as Toronto FC players and fans leave wondering what went wrong, after losing the MLS Cup in penalties.

Well Toronto, just when we thought things were beginning to change, reality came back to bite us hard and unfortunately, it came at the expense of the Reds. After losing the MLS Cup to the Seattle Sounders 5-4 on penalty kicks, there was no better way to describe the end of the MLS Cup for TFC fans than air-sucking.

The game certainly lacked the excitement of the second leg of the Eastern Conference Final. However, Toronto FC certainly controlled the game, holding Seattle without a shot on target for the entire 120 minutes.

The Sounders were comfortable playing a defence-first approach the entire game and the gamble surely paid off, as they got a tremendous effort from goaltender Stefan Frei. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the former TFC first round draft pick’s night, was this miraculous save:

What it came down to in the end was the inability of Toronto FC to take over the game like they have done many times this season. Sebastian Giovinco did not look like himself.

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Credit Seattle’s defence, because they made Giovinco’s day miserable and wore him down to the point where coach Greg Vanney decided to take him out of the game. Frei’s unbelievable save in extra time on Jozy Altidore seemed like the last gasp for TFC, as they found it tough to crack Seattle’s defence.

The game should never have gone to penalty kicks and it is a shame that in modern day, a final is decided by a skills competition. Soccer is the only sport that still decides a championship game that way and as an Italian, I have seen penalty kicks work in favour of my country’s team and against it (I am still waiting for Simone Zaza’s shot to drop out of the sky).

Toronto FC fans suffered through embarrassment for many years and deserved to see their team earn a better fate, especially when they had a chance to host the championship game. What is important is that the franchise finds a way to regroup and try to get back to this spot again next season.

It will not be easy, but this team should have the motivation following this loss to earn a better fate. Sure, substituting Giovinco in extra time was a tough decision, but considering how worn down he was by Seattle, there was no way he was going to make an impact as extra time went on.

TFC probably would have won if the team was able to capitalize on the chances they were given. In addition, it would have helped if they made better passes and Giovinco was not fighting for the ball as much as he was on Saturday night.

Next: MLS Cup Finals Preview vs Seattle Sounders

However, TFC fans should continue to hold their heads up high, because they were treated to the best season in the club’s history. All they can do is continue to support them and hope they can come back stronger, which, judging by what Vanney said after the game, should not be a problem.