Toronto FC: What’s gone wrong with the Reds?

Dropping a couple of games in a row might be normal for some teams, but not for Toronto FC this season. Recent results have fans wondering what’s going on?

In probably one of the biggest rivalries in the MLS, Toronto FC looked to be heavy favorites against the Montreal Impact last Wednesday.  For this contest, Greg Vanney decided to rest the likes of Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Victor Vasquez.

The result did not turn out the way Vanney wanted it to. Montreal forward Anthony Jackson-Hamel netted twice and assisted once, as they left their impact on TFC, defeating them 5-3.

Reds supporters were told to put the match behind them, as the trio of stars including Giovinco were left out of the contest.

Similarly, Vanney rested both Altidore and Giovinco on Saturday night, against the New England Revolution. This time, the likes of Alex Bono, Chris Mavinga and Eriq Zavleta joined the two for rest.

The fixture looked as if it was going to end in a scoreless draw, but a breakthrough from Revs’ midfielder Lee Nguyen sent Toronto back into unfamiliar territory.

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There was some hope after Nguyen’s goal. Michael Bradley sent in a beautiful ball towards Nicolas Hasler who got a touch to deflect it home. But shortly after, Kei Kamara put the dagger into the Reds with a header that beat Clint Irwin.

Toronto’s loss to the Revolution marks the first time this season Vanney’s men have lost back-to-back contests.

Is Toronto really losing because of the absences of Giovinco and Altidore? One would like to think so, but I beg to differ.

As of late, it’s been the small mistakes that have been shooting the Reds in the foot. Take a look at Steven Beitashour’s error against the Impact, were he basically sent in Jackson-Hamel for another bulge of the net for Montreal.

The past two matches have exposed a frightening trend for the Reds. The Impact match served as a warning of what could happen when going down early, while the fixture from Saturday night showed what happens when Toronto FC let their foot off the gas.

Fans and players alike have been left frustrated as a result of these last two matches. Michael Bradley even went as far as to let his frustration out on Gillette Stadium’s playing surface.

What do we do from here?

The best fans can do, is sit back and watch the action happen. It might be irritating to watch at times, but that’s a part of being a supporter for a certain club.

Even though the absences of Giovinco and Altidore aren’t the sole reason for the club’s drop in form, the addition of them back into the lineup will surely help.  Plus, the emergence of Tosaint Ricketts and Vasquez have proved to be a difference in matches this season for TFC.

What should put fans at more of an ease is Toronto fc still lead the MLS with 62 points. The Reds have nine potential points upcoming to still have a shot a breaking the MLS record for most points within a season. Plus, TFC have already punched their ticket into the playoffs, which not many teams have the luxury of saying yet.

TFC head back to BMO Field to host the New York Red Bulls on Sept. 30.  Get your coverage for that fixture right here on Tip of the Tower.

Next: TFC have to win the MLS Cup

What do you think has gone wrong with Toronto FC? How do they get back into form? Let us know in the comments section below!