DeRo wins it single-footedly for TFC in Houston
By: Mark | September 20th, 2010
Saturday’s game was just crazy. TFC had no business being there, let along managing to somehow win it. Houston were much better, and I was ready to write off another season as they looked to lose 1-0. But somehow they managed to battle for a couple free kicks, and amazingly Dwayne DeRosario scored them both! The most unlikeliest of wins for Toronto and they are still clinging to a shred of hope for the playoffs.
I guess there were a couple other positives for Toronto. Frei was predictably fantastic in goal. Barrett looked decent, and if it weren’t for the awful finishing of Santos, Toronto might have even taken an early lead, which could have changed the game considerably as they could have gone into defensive mode. Other than that, this was a pretty standard TFC road game that usually results in nothing, or occasionally a draw. Somehow, luck was on our side for this one, and both of DeRo’s shots managed to power through everyone, as he carries what is left of this team on his back.
TFC remain 5 points out of the playoffs right now, and they have played more games than most of the teams they’re chasing. But all is not lost just yet. Next weekend they host San Jose, and the following weekend they travel to Seattle. Both of those teams have 36 points to Toronto’s 31. Wins against them would go a long way towards the playoff challenge, especially since Seattle have played the same number of games as Toronto. Some favourable results against them would help TFC as well, so there is still a chance to qualify. Don’t we play this game every year though? Figure out how many points are up for grabs and who needs to lose to help TFC? Well, let’s just take it one game at a time right now. I’m not expecting much, so maybe if we treat the rest of the season like going into a movie that you know has crappy reviews, we might actually come out with an enjoyable surprise at the end!
For now, try to forget that last year TFC only had to win an away game against the worst team in the league in the final match to make the playoffs. TFC’s last game this year is at DC United. Yeah…
Tomorrow Toronto is in Mexico for the away leg against Cruz Azul. Something tells me the Mexican team will be a little more prepared for this match and will not want to lose at home. As long as it’s not a blow-out, we’ll be ok. I hope Dasovic keeps the team well rested for Saturday. They will have 3 days to recover before meeting San Jose for another critical match. Best of luck to the Reds!
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Comments
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I guess we can’t have too many expectations at this point considering all that has gone on, plus we will be entering another rebuilding phase in the offseason. I just hope to see the effort and commitment from the players and if something good comes out of it then it’s a bonus.
As for tomorrow, well, let’s just hope it’s not a bad thumping. The big matches are the ones you mentioned againt San Jose and Seattle.
TFC woo! Come on you Reds!
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I am wondrously excited for tomorrow. Probably way too excited. We will be at Cruz Azul’s home this time and missing Mista who played so admirably against them the first time. Though at least Barrett and Maicon Santos are back (even if Maicon doesn’t seem to be on perfect form).
A win in this game would make qualifying out of this intensely difficult CCL group oh-so-much easier. Dare I dream?
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Is it possible to dream cautiously optimistically? If so, that’s what we should do. A win would be amazing…
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OMG 0-0! Woohoo! TFC!
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Now that’s a nil-nil draw I can get behind! Who would have thought TFC would take 4 of 6 points from Cruz Azul? Good times!
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So TFC only had possession of the ball 28% of the game last night. Wow. Cruz Azul had lots of shots, lots of free kicks, and lots of corners, but couldn’t get the job done. It’s funny though that even when they went down to 10 men after the red card, they were still all over TFC. But, Toronto held them off and won a single point. They didn’t really go for much of an attack, but I think they were happy to get a respectable result in Mexico and get ready for the crucial game against San Jose on Saturday.
I’m not sure how the single point will help in the overall CCL group stage for Toronto though. They will need to win both their home games, and it will still probably be a tight race. But for CCL fans (hi Diego), I think we can be happy that TFC looks like they still want to compete in this tournament. They had a decent lineup last night, and Conway looks good in goal in place of Frei.
One thing I didn’t like – Nicholas Lindsay rolling around on the field and holding his arm after embellishing a silly push from the Cruz Azul player. Come on man, that was pathetic. You’re 18 and you already have to resort to dramatics on the field? You should be outrunning everyone, not trying to draw stupid fouls.
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