Toronto FC: Post-Giovinco era off to an embarrassing start
By Paul Taylor
No excuse for Toronto FC, as they suffer a humiliating 4-0 loss to Club Atletico Independiente de la Chorrera in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League tie.
Last season, Toronto FC were on the verge of becoming the first ever MLS club to win the CONCACAF Champions League. On the evidence of Tuesday night, this possibility now seems like a far-fetched dream.
Fans were already concerned about the Reds, after the departure of Sebastion Giovinco and Victor Vazquez. Following an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Club Atletico Independiente de la Chorrera, these concerns will only get worse.
TFC were also missing Jozy Altidore and Drew Moor through injury. However, there is still no excuse for such a humiliating defeat in Panama.
Even one precious away goal could have made some difference. Instead, Toronto FC must now win by five goals in the second leg at BMO Field, or go out of the competition at the first stage.
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The night got off to a bad start, when the home side opened the scoring after just nine minutes. Abdiel Ayarza controlled the ball wonderfully on his chest, before hammering home a half-volley for the 1-0 lead.
Despite the poor start, TFC had the chance to tie the game after 30 minutes. However, Terrence Boyd made a bad first impression in a Reds’ shirt, by blasting his penalty shot over the crossbar.
Down by just one goal at half time, Toronto FC still had it all to play for. This all changed in a matter of just seven minutes at the start of the second half, thanks to further goals by Omar Browne and Romeesh Ivey.
At 3-0 down after 52 minutes, it was all but over for a TFC team which struggled with the home side’s speed. However, there was still time for Ivey to grab his second goal of the night, to complete the scoring.
Head coach Greg Vanney was clearly stunned as he attempted to explain what happened, during his postmatch interview. As per Toronto FC, he said:
"“Pretty much on all levels we were out-competed…We were exposed, I don’t know in the second half, if we ever really found our defensive shape to be able to slow things down. I don’t think our group anticipated the game was going to go this way. It started to feel like they had to chase it a little bit and chasing a game against a team which is good on the counter-attack, is a dangerous game.”"
In a more general sense, TFC played an equally dangerous game by letting Giovinco and Vazquez leave before finding adequate replacements. Now, they must step up their efforts to at least acquire a quality designated player, otherwise it’s going to be another long season.
Which is more than can be said for the Reds’ Champions League challenge. The second leg is on Feb. 26, but save for a miracle, their stay in this year’s competition is effectively already over.
Next. Weighing up the dispute between Giovinco and Manning. dark
How does Tuesday night’s performance influence you hopes for the season ahead? Do you see Toronto FC being realistic contenders for the MLS playoffs, or are you anticipating another disappointing year? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.