East Side Stand Up

TFC are through to the Champions League Semi Finals and they do it in style with two beautiful goals that were supported by outstanding goalkeeping. Everyone pulled their weight as it was always going to take a full team effort to overthrow the MLS Cup Champions LA Galaxy.

Then the rest will be ok and back to the usual stuff you're used to. Tim Vickery and Spark set up the show for the 2012 season by going over the Champions League tilt with the LA Galaxy in front of an exceptional crowd of 47,000 at the Rogers Centre, then look to the away leg and take it home looking towards the start of the MLS season.

A late equalizer finishes off year five exactly like year one as Toronto FC draw New England 2-2. What a whirlwind five seasons it has been for both clubs, with New England struggling and Toronto still hoping for better days. The Dutch influence was in effect today as Nick Soolsma and Danny Koevermans scored both goals. We look at the game that was and the team that will be in 2012.

Toronto FC did well to stifle New York over 88 minutes and put in a good showing with the young player stepping up and making an impact. Once again Danny Koevermans proves his worth as his opening goal was was clinical, but like Pumas mid-week, his absence meant the end of the attack and without better quality in defence it was only matter of time. With nothing to play for in the league, all eyes will now go to Dallas after the international break.

Aron Winter knew the approach he needed to take against a technically superior side, and gets the minimum result required to still fight another day - October 18th against Dallas. Richard Eckersley once again stood out and the back four/five were able to soak up pressure with help from the woodwork. Spark and Andre run through the match, formation and players who made the difference in a redeeming performance.

A huge defensive effort from Toronto FC earns them all three points against the Colorado Rapids in a 2-1 win at BMO Field. A streak at home against the Rapids continues, who have never left Toronto with any points, as the Reds were the team to regain some form after a tough mid-week loss. After a listless first half, Toronto came out and Danny Koevermans, Eric Avila and Ashtone Morgan all played to a higher level to ultimately win the game.

San Jose once again find a late equalizer at BMO Field and Toronto FC get to look forward to the Champions League for the rest of this season. A 1-1 draw after a suspicious offside call on Joao Plata erased an insurance goal leaves supporters with a bitter taste in their mouth. We try to look on the bright side as we ate up deep fried twinkies and watched a KISS cover band at the CNE, but that will likely only make us feel more sick after watching the replay of Plata's 'non'-goal. There's a lengthy break for TFC and hopefully they come back recharged to end the season on a high note.

Capitol V. Finally Toronto FC have a win over a top level opponent and give supporters hope that this team is on the ascent. Defeating Real Salt Lake at home is no easy task and Aron Winter made many of the right decisions to ensure his team came out with the win. Milos Kocic more than earned his MOM honours making two key saves down the stretch. It is high optimism now with a great result and it will be needed as the Reds begin a tough final third of the season.

A win is a win? As much as TFC need a 'W', and 2-1 usually would be something to celebrate, an unconvincing scoreline will hurt Toronto in the short-term as Aron Winter now will have tough roster decisions with the games ahead. Spark and Andre go over the win, but how it impacts the approach of Portland and the return leg against Real Esteli and where the team is sitting at this point of the campaign.

Of course losing to FC Dallas 1-0 at home needs to be put into the context of half of TFC's outfield players have never played with each other, or the five other in red. Torsten Frings stands out as the new class of the team and with some mettle in the middle, Toronto looked more the part. It's a tough grind and the end of this season will likely look to the CCL.