Toronto FC continue to be frustrated in New York
By Paul Taylor
Despite entering Friday night with all the momentum, Toronto FC see their winning run ended by the struggling New York Red Bulls.
Toronto FC entered Friday’s game in the ascendancy, with a franchise record six consecutive wins. Further, they were just two short of the Galaxy’s mark of eight straight regulation victories, set in 1998. (Credit: Elias Sports Bureau.)
However, if there was one fixture which was going to put a stop to the streak, we should have expected it to be the Red Bulls in New York. No matter how much the Metros have under-performed this season, they historically do well against TFC at home.
This is backed up by the Reds only ever winning twice in 13 visits to New York. You can now make that 14 trips, after a 1-1 tie with the Red Bulls.
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If we’re being positive, at least one point is a step in the right direction, with TFC also having lost 10 times in those 14 games. Regardless, there is a feeling they dropped two points rather than gained one on Friday night, with their only goal coming courtesy of Benoit Cheyrou.
Consider that Toronto FC failed to convert a penalty, hit the crossbar and had a late goal disallowed (albeit correctly). Further, they had a significant edge in possession (55.8 percent) and chances (16-11).
TFC head coach Greg Vanney clearly wasn’t sure whether the final score was a good result or not. Speaking to the Toronto Sun‘s Kurt Larson after the game, he said:
"“It’s a little bit of a strange feeling. Right now, that wasn’t as convincing of a Red Bull performance as we’ve seen. They’re clearly finding and searching for some answers with their group.”"
As frustrating as it might be, the Red Bulls have still being a tough proposition at home this season, with four wins and just one loss in six games before Friday night. Combined with TFC’s previous bad fortune in New York, along with making several changes to the lineup, a point looks good on reflection.
One thing Toronto FC might want to consider though, is finding a different penalty taker in the absence of the injured Sebastian Giovinco. While this is not meant to be a criticism of Jozy Altidore, who is arguably still underrated in MLS, two misses from four attempts is not what you want or expect from your penalty taker.
Overall, whatever your perspective on the final score, Toronto FC stretched their lead in the Eastern Conference to six points. Along with Tosaint Ricketts looking more dangerous with every passing game and Drew Moor returning to the lineup, this is a team built to stay the course this season and take that final step in December.
Next: Giovinco out again with another injury
What’s your take from Friday’s game? Was a tie the right result, or did TFC deserve more? Do you expect the Reds to lose their momentum, or get right back on track with another winning streak? Share your thoughts in the comments section.