East Side Stand Up

Toronto FC's rain delayed performance was one to forget as they could not put away a 10-man Houston Dynamo and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with one of the worst teams in MLS. However, Spark and Aaron qualify the performance and weigh out the result against the intangibles of playing in Texas during August. Should we have expected more? That is the question, but one answer we have is Jozy Altidore is playing like we hoped at the start of the year and Toronto have looked better with him involved. The next two games will determine how Houston should be measured in the big picture.

Ok, a week late, but Ian Clarke is back from vacation and catching up on a pod in the can. Andre Zadarozny wraps up the 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake all by his lonesome, but zings through an important match for TFC that keeps their winning streak alive.

Despite the summer heat, it was raining goals courtesy of Giovinco, who broke his goalless streak and helped TFC secure a much needed 4-1 over DC United. The win keeps the Reds on pace with the rest in the conference, but also gives the Italian DP a much needed boost of confidence. It wasn't just Giovinco, as the supporting cast was up to task of providing key passes and scoring chances, with important appearances from Tosaint Ricketts and Jozy Altidore. There is much to look forward to once the likes of Clint Irwin, Will Johnson and Michael Bradley return.

Despite being subjected to the NBA's top 50 plays of 2015-16, Toronto FC comes back from a rain delay, and boring first half, to offer more in the second half and a 1-1 draw with the Columbus Crew. The away goal will come in handy in another week when the third, final and cup-lifting fixture determines who wins the Trillium Cup, and as it seems know, the youngsters might have a chance at being essential components to the result.

No, it was not an explosive affair between TFC and Seattle, as the 1-1 draw had all scoring happen within a minute. Toronto were up against one of the poorer sides in MLS, but with so many injuries, could only muster up what and who was available, which was a noticeable drop in quality. However, the players on hand did as best they could with Tsubasah Endoh and Jay Chapman showing well for themselves and Giovinco trying his best to carry the side. A point is good for now, but to stay afloat in a competitive division, TFC will need to do better in the coming very busy weeks.

With nearly ten added minutes to the end of the match, referee Ismail Elfath chose to decide the result right at the end on a dubious foul by Drew Moor on Julio Baptista. Earlier in the half, Jordan Hamilton had similar contact by Joe Bendik for a non-call and TFC supporters are right to feel aggrieved. It is another poor and inconsistent display by PRO referees to decide all three points. Aside from the controversy, there were several storylines, such as: Clint Irwin v. Joe Bendik, Cyle Larin v. Jordan Hamilton, as well as a solid performance from Jonathan Osorio.

Toronto FC earn a rare three points against a perennial contender, as they drop the LA Galaxy 1-0 in a gritty affair that kept Giovinco off the scoresheet but others pulled through for the win. It was some other key players, such as Benoit Cheyrou, Clint Irwin and Drew Moor, who all contributed to keeping TFC in the match and in a good position to net the winning goal. It was a packed house and the 12th man was in full effect to also give the Reds a level of support that has not been seen in years. Overall, it was a great night and solid result to look forward to Vancouver midweek and Orlando come the weekend.

Toronto FC could not follow up on their surprise season opening win, and instead put in a 'classic' Red Bulls Arena performance, being dropped 3-0 with all goals coming within the first thirty minutes. It was the Bradley Wright-Phillips show as he netted the hat-trick and with Giovinco gone to an early injury, the Reds had few opportunities to get back in the game. Despite a Red Bulls red card, there just wasn't enough depth and in sync players to rise up against a solid MLS contender.

The Reds drop points again at home, only able to get a point through a scoreless 0-0 draw with rivals, the Columbus Crew. TFC had their chances, especially by way of dynamo DP Giovinco, but he was not clinical in finishing. Clint Irwin was up to the task at the other end of the pitch, keeping the likes of Federico Higuain and Justin Meram in check to preserve the point. With the Copas looming the loss of Michael Bradley will be huge, but also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and claim their position with the club.

Spark and Stephe leave BMO disappointed as the Reds should have taken all three points and it was an opportunity lost in a 1-1 draw with NYCFC. Youth was on display as Mo Baboulli and Jay Chapman were starters and were likely the talking points for the match. Despite a shaky start that picked up where it left off Saturday night, there were plenty of chances for Toronto to ice this game, but aside from Giovinco the side is lacking the clinical finish to see out a victory over a weaker opposition.