Toronto FC: Margin for error becomes virtually non-existent

Following the devastating loss to LAFC, Toronto FC now face mission impossible in their attempts to qualify for the playoffs.

After 24 games, Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney acknowledged the sense of urgency, knowing full well the margin for error was slim, if the team were to return to the playoffs. And they responded well enough in their following contest, winning 3-1 against the Montreal Impact.

However, the Reds then suffered a setback on Wednesday, when they lost 2-0 to the Portland Timbers. Now, following Saturday’s disheartening loss to LAFC, the margin for error has effectively disappeared.

Don’t be fooled by the 4-2 final scoreline, which actually flattered TFC. At a time when they needed to stand up and be counted, the players let everyone down; the coach, the fans and each other.

As a result, Toronto FC now find themselves nine points back of the sixth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. And really, that’s all they can hope to compete for, with the Philadelphia Union 13 points ahead of them, in fifth place.

TFC have seven games remaining, to somehow turn around their playoff challenge. There may be 21 available points still to play for, but why would the team suddenly improve dramatically in a season where they have averaged a point per game?

Michael Bradley was understandably despondent after the loss, which was orchestrated by his father, Bob Bradley. As reported by James Grossi of mlssoccer.com, the TFC captain said:

"“For me, it’s the same old story. Game starts, we do a lot of things pretty well, we’re not quite good enough and sharp enough to take advantage going forward. We can’t get the lead, give up a bad, soft, unfortunate – choose your word – goal, and things compound themselves from there. You run out of things to say.”"

Once again, the defence was the main culprit. One season after allowing the second-fewest goals in all of MLS, they have conceded 52; tied for third-most in the league.

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It doesn’t help that TFC seem to drop their heads when falling behind in games. They are now 0-13-1 this season when allowing the first goal, which is not in keeping with a roster renowned for its mental fortitude.

While it’s true the Reds have suffered an increased number of significant injuries this season, something just isn’t right. Some critics believe the blame lays firmly at the feet of Vanney.

However, it seems unfair to solely point the finger at the 44-year-old, especially after everything he’s done since taking over as head coach. No matter how the 2018 campaign ends, he deserves at least one year to get things back on track.

Vanney tried his best to remain positive, but even he must know the playoff picture is looking bleak. As per Grossi, he said:

"“As teams are playing us right now, they protect themselves by waiting us out; waiting for a mistake. The first goal was misfortune but the three after are plays we have to be able to deal with, there are no two ways about it.”"

One of the few positives is that TFC now have two weeks to rest and recover, before they host the LA Galaxy. At that point, we will find out how much fight the team has left in it, with the added pressure of knowing they realistically cannot afford to drop any more points.

What was your main takeaway from Saturday’s game? Do you still believe in Toronto FC’s playoffs chances, or have you now given up hope? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.