East Side Stand Up

Five losses in a row, in the league, and winless since the second week of the season. Toronto FC drop another three points against a team, that under most circumstances, could be taken for at least a point. However, the Reds could not contain the youth of Fagundez and Agudelo as both scored and TFC had no answer at the back, or in the front. Another loss and looking forward to Philadelphia and the return of Danny Koevermans.

This is what we're talking about as Toronto FC close in on the one-third point of the season. We look back on the struggles from the last month, recent additions to the side and Kevin Payne's comments regarding the team and what needs to improve. It's an open-ended general discussion on the state of the club, and looking ahead to Columbus on the weekend.

Not that is was in the first place, but it has become a broken record and painful each week to discuss a late goal that sinks TFC. A 1-0 defeat off of a Logan Emory mistake leaves the Reds with nothing but heartache as they did enough to come away with the very least one point. Aside from this, there are still talking points, mostly the premier of Matias Laba and the cooling off of Robert Earnshaw. With San Jose mid-week, Toronto will likely be looking ahead to a 10-day break in order to sort out this poor run over the last two weeks.

The Montreal Impact completely annihilate Toronto FC 6-0 and successfully get the revenge their supporters have been wanting since 2010. To keep it blunt, the Reds did not show up and many of their players were completely shown up by an Impact side who wanted it more. There is no player who can leave the field without blood on their hands and it was an embarrassing loss to halt what was little positive momentum the club had built over the first two months of the season.

What else can you say? It's a headscratcher for sure, trying to figure out what it is that keeps the Reds from being unable to secure the result that slips through their fingers in the final minutes. Again they drop points, this time all of them to the New York Red Bulls, as Toronto truthfully did not look the part for much of the game and it only took a few chances for the Red Bulls to score, while TFC struggled to dictate the play. Looking ahead will Matias Laba make a difference, and beyond the arrival of Tim Leiweke? That might be the only silver lining to look ahead to as Toronto have not consistently been good enough over ninety minutes.

Toronto FC once again, AGAIN, cannot keep their opposition at bay, and at home against Houston this time really should have secured all three points. A 1-1 draw was not indicative of the play through 90+ minutes and this result hurts more than the last three where perhaps only one should have been a lock. Darren O'Dea will be piled on, but TFC should have been able to put a 10-man Dynamo side out of their misery well before. It will be a tough result to handle with the Voyageurs Cup coming up this week. Can Toronto make it five in a row?

Toronto FC, once again, cannot fend off a late surge from opposition as an extra time goal levels the score and the Reds leave Philadelphia with just one point in a 1-1 draw. There is no avoiding a discussion on the referee, however, his performance clouds TFC's performance, that on this day truthfully was not very good. Aside from a few players, most notably Joe Bendik, Toronto still struggle to effectively attack and in hindsight a point is a good result for the team moving forward.

Toronto FC reverse roles with FC Dallas as they come back down the stretch with two late goals by Justin Braun and the maligned Darel Russell. A theme is beginning to emerge with this side, and the mantra from Ryan Nelsen that they need to be tough to beat, is materializing. Real character and determination to the final whistle gave the Reds an earned point and they will need to continue this mentality in the weeks ahead against the likes of Philadelphia, Houston and New York.

How's that for glass half full? The Reds might have quite been able to break the late conceded goal curse, but there are positives to draw on in a 2-2 tie with the LA Galaxy. The return of Luis Silva brought an immediate impact, and Robert Earnshaw continues his scoring streak. Defending still is a concern as there is a question mark over who can cover the flanks as both goals came down the right side. Looking ahead, Toronto will need to tighten the reigns if they are to keep moving upwards when FC Dallas and Kenny Cooper come to town next weekend.

After two promising games, and a huge win in their home opener, the Montreal Impact soundly dispatch TFC despite a strong second half. Two goals in the first half held off Toronto and even with a late surge, it was too little too late. With so much turnaround, against a more cohesive team, Toronto will always be a step off and the next two weeks will be critical in getting the team more players and cohesion.