East Side Stand Up

That's right, Jermain Defoe comes through, and newly added Luke Moore adds the insurance as Toronto earn a critical home victory 2-0 over the New York Red Bulls. It was an important display as Ryan Nelsen had traded away one of the Reds few goalscorers in Issey Nakajima-Farran (on his birthday no less) and goals have been a rarity so far in 2014. It was another strong defensive effort and one that, despite it not being wholly convincing, was important in keeping TFC in the middle of the pack and in a good position to move up if and when better form takes shape.

Three straight losses for Toronto FC and questions abounds as to what is going on with a team who, after almost a two week break, should have been well rested and highly motivated to strive for the win. Instead we saw a team come out of the gates strong and never maintain that pressure, in the end losing 2-1 to the New England Revolution. When will Jermain Defoe and Gilberto become prolific? How much if it falls on Ryan Nelsen's shoulders? Lots to discuss for this team moving forward as there is clearly much work to do for TFC to become the juggernaut that the investment in players reflects.

As disappointing as the 2-1 loss to Dallas is, the Reds are still waiting to get their ideal starting XI together (on a decent pitch) and we've yet to see the side come together. There are good signs and individual performances, but it is clear there is still some ways to go before it all comes together as a proper team. Some continued encouraging signs, and players standing out, but waiting for Jermain Defoe et al. to get healthy makes is difficult to swallow these close results.

No Defoe, Bradley, Osorio, Rey, Henry, and throw in an awful pitch to boot and what do you know, Toronto FC looked a lot like the team of old where chances came, but finishing wasn't there. While the Reds had their share of opportunities in the final third, Colorado only needed a couple and they took care of business stealing all three points and earning their first win in Toronto against TFC. It's a bit of a slog as the performance yielded little, but there were some players to discuss and this is one where we'll be looking ahead and trying to move on from it as quickly as possible.

Are Toronto FC a good team? Six points out of three road games to start the season is a strong indicator that the Reds might have become a good team. But it wasn't the high paid superstars, although Michael Bradley was integral once again, but the depth players who remained disciplined and committed to earn a result. This one was won the midfield and the "General" and his troops held it down and ensured TFC continue their best start to a season ever.

Toronto FC went into Real Salt Lake, much like they did to Seattle and home to DC United, except this time their opponent had the chops to cut them down and take all three points. Running through this fixture, depth was front and centre as the loss of Jonathan Osorio and Jackson could not be overcome and the question is raised on whether Ryan Nelsen got his selection right. It was a humbling loss, and one that brings supporters back down to earth that this team is still a work in progress even though the Reds now have bonafide stars.

Six points out of the gate, two wins on the bounce, a pedigreed finisher, midfield general, top shelf keeper - the formula seems so obvious now! Toronto FC drop DC United 1-0 in a match that perhaps could have been a bigger result, but a win is a win and positive vibes are all around. Jermain Defoe does it again, but Gilberto certainly made a case that he could be a good player for this team as the two looked like a decent pairing. Michael Bradley once again was outstanding in the midfield doing it all, and Cesar was sharp in what limited action he saw. Again, it's only two games in, but from what has been on display so far, Toronto look like a solid team who can and should be able to fight for all three points all season long.

The super signing shouldn't get all the credit as it was an effort right down the spine of the team as even though Defoe bagged a brace, Michael Bradley was instrumental in locking down all three points, as well as the pairing at the back of Steve Caldwell and Doneil Henry. It was a season opener like none other, as the hopes and expectations were met with a stunning 2-1 win over the Seattle Sounders. It wasn't all rainbows and unicorns as not everyone was in fifth gear, and there are players to watch and see if they can fit in and compliment the players around them. We run through the match, and players who stood out, and wrap it up looking ahead to DC United.

The 2014 MLS season has begun, but TFC get a much needed rest as we wait until the 15th to get to their opener. Away to Seattle poses a reach challenge for the Reds, but there is much to discuss outside of their first game of the campaign. BMO Field expansion, expectations of both the coach and players, as well as renewed enthusiasm in the stands.

It's the middle of preseason and March can't come soon enough. Toronto FC looked to be done their offseason moves, but now we are seeing a big move between the sticks. Brazilian International Cesar looks to be coming in and fan-favourite Matias Laba looks to be on the outs. A bigger discussion is what Toronto FC is gearing towards this season and what are the expectations that should be placed on the team for 2014.