East Side Stand Up

As a supplement to our first Canucks Abroad article on RedNation Online, where we look at the Canadians playing overseas who we will be watching closely this season, we also spoke with Canadian attacker Randy Edwini-Bonsu. Randy filled us in on his career in Europe and how his season has been going in the 3.Liga of Germany with Stuttgarter Kickers.

The Reds still managed a point, but at home against one of the struggling teams in MLS, a 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire simply isn't good enough. Two leads given up, the last goal in the dying minutes, and Toronto can see through a game that should have and could have been a clinical display. The top of the table is out of reach based on this performance, and the playoffs is starting to look dicey as all the money spent has been unable to put together a lethal side that, again at home, can't put away one of the worst teams in the league.

A 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Sporting Kansas City confirms how far the TFC needs to go in order to become a top MLS side. A systematic, well fought win for Kansas City put the Reds in their place, which now is solidly in third. Some bright spots still such as Dominic Oduro and Gilberto, but defending is where the team is breaking down and that will need to be sorted out. Phil Tobin of Red Patch Boys is on hand to discuss the game and all things supporter related as we look ahead to a home stretch that could make this team bounce back.

There is no other word to describe it than abysmal. The result speaks for itself. 3-0 at the hands of DC United and the question is certainly raised of where TFC sits in overall scheme of MLS. Clearly, despite the money spent, not near the top of the Eastern Conference as they have lost back to back games against teams who have not splashed the cash and have built around proven MLS calibre players. With three more road games coming, these next games will be a major factor in where, or if, the Reds are positioned come post-season.

More than one, in more ways than one. Toronto FC could have and should have buried this game, but a lack of finishing allowed Sporting Kansas City to stay in it, and ultimately come away with all three points in a 2-1 result. From poor refereeing, to more than five clear cut chances on goal, the Reds did themselves no favours allowing SKC to get all three points and create distance between themselves and third place. A difficult road stretch is ahead now, that needs to show more than chances on goal, wins will be essential to avoid slipping out of the playoff picture.

Jermain Defoe almost single-handedly brings back TFC from a 2-0 deficit to an impressive come-from-behind 4-2 win. He certainly had a good supporting cast, but the striker had a hand in every goal and it was a virtuoso performance. There are issues raised on the backline once again as it was not a seamless outing, but it will likely be saved for the training pitch as everyone left BMO in high spirits and Toronto with an important three points.

Fear not, Toronto FC still have the games to make up what was a disappointing home result, losing 2-1 to DC United. It was reminiscent of 2012 where all the chances and majority of possession were in Toronto's favour, but DC was the team who finished their chances and took all three points. However, given how well the side has played over the last eight matches, there is plenty of evidence that this loss can be corrected and wrong righted. Houston next weekend is the perfect opponent as they have been terrible this season and should give TFC the right chance to bounce back.

Toronto FC leave New York with a rare point and were seconds away from all three. Considering the last five years nearly every match in New York was a certain thumping, this was the first time since 2008 where they played the Red Bulls with confidence and really looked like they can stand toe to toe. Still lots of lessons to learn, but also positives to take. Of course, the Gilberto 'incident' is well discussed and watching the relationship between the DP striker, Jermain Defoe and Ryan Nelsen will be one to watch.

On the weekends anyway. Let's forget about the Vs Cup - Toronto FC are on a positive run of MLS form and once again nabbed all three points at BMO as they downed San Jose 1-0. It wasn't a glorious affair, but a sound defensive display highlighted by Mark Bloom, Doneil Henry and potential MOTM Nick Hagglund. A perfect Saturday afternoon saw Jermain Defoe score once again and with the World Cup break, leaves TFC in an excellent position in the table, with games in hand.

Toronto FC lifts the prestigious trophy after beating Columbus for the second time this season in a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory at BMO Field. It was a boring affair that was hinging on another home loss until Jermain Defoe crushed a 20 yard strike and catapulted TFC into believers for the final ten minutes. It was all capped off by Doneil Henry who nodded in the set piece for the third goal and all three points. TFC, after looking so average for the last month, are in a good position in the table and sitting pretty nearing the World Cup break.