Defenseman Ty Harden #20 of the Toronto FC and forward Steven Lenhart #32 of the Columbus Crew battle for control of the ball on March 27, 2010 at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
It was a game of two halves for TFC.
In the first, their defensive posture gave them some composure to build upon but they always looked like giving up possession when trying to connect with the midfield. Columbus were well prepared and pressured high, causing the giveaways. Conceding a poor first goal from a set play TFC were then forced to chase the game which was to test them in an area that has been missing since training camp opened.
Committing more numbers forward in the second half opened the game up for them but while they did create a few chances they again lacked any kind of cutting edge. Meanwhile, in creating more space TFC were susceptible to counterattacks from Columbus, who as a result, should have added to their lead earlier than they did.
TFC Team
Frei, Attakora, Garcia, Harden, Brennan, deGuzman, Saric, Gala, Cronin, DeRosario, White
Formation: 4-4-1-1
Player Ratings
Stefan Frei (6)
Busy game not just technically but tactically, as he was forced to support a slow back four. Indecisive at key moments that could have been costly, although he was unlucky on the second goal.
Nana Attakora (6)
A tricky game for Nana as the expectations and work load placed on him were significant. Firstly he had to deal with one of the better younger players in the league in Robbie Rogers. He did a decent job although if Rogers was a little more decisive and direct at key moments he could have made things more difficult. Overlapping in the 2nd half was good but final pass was lacking.
Nick Garcia (5)
Awkward outing for the heavily criticized centre back. Being reliable first and foremost is a priority but giving the ball away is not the best indication of this important trait. Again today, he was culpable. Defensively organized the back line well but all round not a great performance.
Jim Brennan (6)
Steady performance from the captain and smart with his movements forward. However, unnecessarily gave away the free kick which lead to the first goal for Columbus.
Ty Harden (6)
Interesting performance from the rugged tough centre back. No issues in the air as he appears to win everything that is played high and direct. Indecisive and a little clumsy in his decision making on the ball. As a result he gave up possession at dangerous times and in vulnerable areas.
Sam Cronin (5)
As to be expected a workmanlike performance but never threatening going forward and so had a limited impact.
Gabe Gala (5)
Gala is a work in progress and so expectations need to be kept in perspective. Showed some glimpses of attacking ability early in the second half.
Julian de Guzman (6)
As a regular player it would have been an ok performance from de Guzman but as the franchise's Designated Player it was below expectations. Got caught in possession and gave the ball away at key moments and rarely threatened going forward until the end when his one shot was blocked.
Martin Saric (5)
Hard working and tough in the midfield but needs to be better with his connecting passes when going forward. Had the most giveaways of anyone on the team. Competes well though so maybe just needs time.
Dwayne DeRosario (6)
Needs more support. Looked lively at times and is always a threat, even when things don't go right. Needed to link with someone at key moments today but had trouble finding good outlets.
O'Brien White (6)
Showed some glimpses of his potential and should really have done better with a key chance he had in the second half. Fast and mobile but also raw with limited guile on how to get in behind his opponents.
Nick Labrocca (NS)
Looks a useful player technically and is a worker. Not enough time to have an impact today.
Amadou Sanyang (NS)
Hard to believe Sanyang will be a major influence this season. Nevertheless an athlete and a worker.