Toronto FC Lose to San Jose Despite Two-Man Advantage

Assessing how Toronto FC lost to the San Jose Earthquakes despite a two-man advantage, and where they must go from here.

The San Jose Earthquakes won against all odds, despite the fact that they were reduced to nine men. Their defense kept them in the game, and while they didn’t have many chances in the second half, they took full advantage when it came.

While the Earthquakes should be given credit for their performance, Toronto FC must go back to the drawing board after this. To drop even two points after getting a two-man advantage is unacceptable. To drop three points is cause for some major changes.

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Greg Vanney’s game management was the reason they lost, and the fact that Tim Bezbatchenko hasn’t made a signing despite the amount of injuries that have piled up is inexcusable.

When everyone’s healthy, Toronto FC are one of the top teams in the MLS. But after this match, making the playoffs might be a stretch.

San Jose had the majority of the first half chances, with the best one coming in the 26th minute. Alex Bono, who’s exceeded lots of peoples’ expectations, made the big save while Josh Williams helped out with a goal-line clearance.

"Sweet save. #SJvTOR https://t.co/KhYibOpMTA— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 17, 2016"

But the Earthquakes wouldn’t be denied much longer, as Quincy Amarikwa got the first goal of the game. That was a costly goal to give up, because TFC are winless so far in every game this season where they concede the first goal.

"Tidy.1-0 @SJEarthquakes. #SJvTOR https://t.co/wMY3ghJ0GL— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 17, 2016"

But just when it looked like the Earthquakes were in control of the match, Anibal Godoy’s red card was a major turning point.

It was a questionable decision, and even though there was contact, his challenge on Tsubasa Endoh hardly seemed that malicious and didn’t warrant a red card. MLS refs have been a big talking point throughout the season, and after the Orlando City loss, it isn’t the first time Toronto FC have been part of that conversation.

But as unfair as it may have seemed, San Jose simply had to take it in stride. Unsurprisingly, the crowd took to booing Endoh every time he touched the ball. And just moments after that, Justin Morrow got his third goal of the season, and third in five matches. But you had to think this felt extra special since it came against his former team:

"HT: @TorontoFC equalize late in the first half to make it 1-1: https://t.co/i4PjhKlE83 #SJvTOR https://t.co/hhBnwxTmGM— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 17, 2016"

Once the second half started, it was clear that the refs weren’t looking to win any support from the fans as a second red was issued to Alberto Quintero.

This one was a bit harsher than the first challenge, which makes it understandable. But with a man sent off already, and in a tie game, it seems like too much to overcome. And the fact that Endoh was involved in the challenge again will ensure that he becomes public enemy number one.

But even with a decided two-man advantage, chances were hard to come by for Toronto FC. They were only able to register two shots on goal since that second red. And the deficit actually galvanized the Earthquakes, because once they got a counter-attack, they made the most of their opportunity when Simon Dawkins scored.

"Back in front: @SJEarthquakes. #SJvTOR https://t.co/CFeOb6N2mg— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 17, 2016"

While it was a good strike, Alex Bono should have had it. Even though Toronto were desperate for a goal, their offense looked flat, and out of sorts. The passes they made were telegraphed, consisting of endless crosses into the box, which was very easy to break down.

More than anything, this result confirmed how weak Toronto FC’s offensive depth was. While they did well to shore up their defense in the offseason, the offense remained a big concern. While Giovinco masked a lot of their problems, he’s regressed this year after carrying the team for so long.

While Toronto FC are a team that’s had a lot of disappointing results, expectations have never been as high as they were at the start of this season. It’s still too early to say how this will affect their playoff chances, but the problem they face runs deeper than injuries. Changes must be made at the front office, as it is abundantly clear that both Vanney and Bezbatchenko have overstayed their welcomes.