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Toronto FC Loses Their First Match of the 2017 Season

By Mark Shannon

Apr 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto FC defender Steven Beitashour (33) heads the ball away from Columbus Crew SC forward Justin Meram (9) at MAPFRE Stadium. Crew SC won the game 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto FC defender Steven Beitashour (33) heads the ball away from Columbus Crew SC forward Justin Meram (9) at MAPFRE Stadium. Crew SC won the game 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto FC handed their first loss of the season in hard fought 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew in the first matchup in the Trillium Cup battle.

As has been the story all season defensive miscues, sloppy play and missed chances rue the day for Toronto FC. Easily this could have been a different result if they would have buried their chances in front of goal. Credit to Columbus though, as they took advantage of two defensive miscues and scored on both of them.

While Toronto only lost their first game of the season, they also only have one win in 6 contests this season. 1-5-1 to start the season isn’t a great start for a team that has aspirations to get back to the playoffs and the MLS Cup Finals. The absence of Drew Moor from the back-line was crucial as Justin Morrow had to slot back into a right center back role, and he looked out of place at times. Going forward Toronto will have to sort out their defensive issues especially with the red-hot Chicago Fire coming to town this Friday. Here are three takeaways for Toronto FC:

1. Missed Chances

It’s been the story all season for Toronto FC, missed chances. To win games you have to score goals and if you’re given the chances you have to bury them. Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore had glorious chances to put Toronto up 3-0 and couldn’t find the back of the net. They’ll have to start scoring if Toronto is to find their way back to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but it’s a long season.

Apr 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) dribbles the ball between Columbus Crew SC midfielder Wil Trapp (20) and midfielder Niko Hansen (28) in the first half of the match at MAPFRE Stadium. Columbus Crew SC beat Toronto FC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) dribbles the ball between Columbus Crew SC midfielder Wil Trapp (20) and midfielder Niko Hansen (28) in the first half of the match at MAPFRE Stadium. Columbus Crew SC beat Toronto FC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

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2. Defensive miscues 

Once again defensive miscues result in two lost points for Toronto FC. This was a winnable game, and they didn’t win it. 10 minutes before the end of the first half Columbus took their chances after the miscues and score two goals. While Toronto had to deal with the missing Drew Moor they looked good defensively for the first 35 minutes of the game. It’s a staple of Toronto FC teams of the past, they get a lead and try like hell to hold on. They got stretched out and attacked too much and lost the lead.

3. Offensively dominant

When going forward in possession Toronto FC is one of the most dangerous teams. The insertion Raheem Edwards into the starting 11 seems to give Toronto a boost offensively. He’s agile, skilled and has good vision. In the two games he’s started he’s been able to link up well with Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore and helped create chances for goals.

Toronto FC will look to rebound at home against the Chicago Fire Friday night.

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