New York Red Bulls midfielder Carl Robinson (L) celebrates his goal with teammates Chris Albright (C) and Juan Pablo Angel (R) against Toronto FC during the second half of their MLS soccer game in Toronto August 21, 2010. REUTERS/Mike CasseseMIKE CASSESE/Reuters
When New York Red Bulls Joel Lindpere cut open the Toronto FC defence within minutes of Saturdays Eastern Division tilt, you had the feeling it was going to be one of those off days for TFC.
In spite of some half chances which Toronto created off set play opportunities, it most certainly was - an awful day as they fell by a 4-1 scoreline.
A naive own goal by Joseph Nane, a clumsy handball - leading to a penalty and a red card - by Nana Attakora and an uncharacteristic misplayed cross by Stefan Frei cemented what was an extraordinarily poor performance considering Tuesday's victory over Cruz Azul.
Of course there was also the opening goal from Rafael Marquez - surely a candidate for Goal of the Week - and the irony of former TFC star Carl Robinson scoring off Frei's error. But there you have it - a game and performance worth forgetting.
It should be noted Carl Robinson's humility in not celebrating his goal was a moment of class.
While Toronto FC are looking for some answers, what should not be avoided are some clear realities. The flaws in the style and approach of Toronto FC was exposed in today's game. The New York Red Bulls, even though they conceded some first half chances and lost their way early in the second half, were nevertheless, far more comfortable when in possession than Toronto.
The fact is NYRB were playing an away game but looked like they were playing home. Especially in the way they bossed possession for large periods.
TFC are what they are at the moment which is a battling competitive team who defend well with some pace when they go forward. The requirement of a strong work ethic and resilient competitiveness which is greater than that of their opponents is therefore essential. And so in turn, this approach requires a very strong collective team spirit.
For today, for whatever reason, it was missing. From the first minute there was a definite lack of self belief in the task that lay ahead of them. When TFC fell behind it was very evident the heads dropped further.
Even though Dwayne DeRosario pulled a goal back early in the second half it was never a convincing sign of a sustained revival.
TFC will need to regroup quickly as their mid-season CONCACAF success now paradoxically threatens the rest of their season. The upside is that Preki will be aware of it.
Player Assessments
Stefan Frei (5)
Not his best outing. The mix-up with Nana and then the misplaced cross allowing Carl Robinson to score highlight an off day for the normally reliable goalkeeper.
Nick Garcia (5)
Thierry Henry glided by him a few times today outlining his vulnerability in 1v1 situations. On the ball was reasonable but does it really matter if you defend poorly as a defender?
Nana Attakora (4)
Handled Henry quite well when he drifted into his zone but in other areas he was poor. Obviously the handball and sending off was the nadir of this nightmarish outing for the normally reliable centre back. His positioning on the second goal also contributed to the own goal. Had he have been square on to the play then he could have cleared the cross.
Adrian Cann (6)
The best of a poor group of defenders on the day. Dealt with Henry and Angel quite well in patches but ultimately failed in dominating them on the floor and in the air.
Danny Gargan (5)
The right choice by Preki to deal with the pace of Dane Richards. It was a sort of mixed bag of strategies to prevent him from getting in behind. Kick him, get tight to him, make him chase "me" on overlaps, or mark loosely. Neither worked as he got beaten too easily and too often.
Nick Labrocca (6)
An honest performance from an honest player. Was unlucky not to score from his rebound shot which hit the post. It sort of summed up his game though. He tried to get things going once he got possession but all too often the final pass did not connect. Good work ethic as usual.
Joseph Nane (4)
The poor individual score is not predicated on the own goal which was created through naive body positioning but more so from his poor ability on the ball and inconsistent defensive play. Has improved in many areas since the start of the season but has levelled off in terms of consistency.
Martin Saric (5)
Needed to be consistent after a good midweek's performance but instead he was the opposite. No doubting his battling qualities but not so good in all other areas.
Dwayne DeRosario (6)
A good goal which should have been saved. Worked tirelessly again but could not make things happen or his teammates better. When heads dropped he could not lift them.
Mista (5)
Some good touches and plays including a quality strike on net. Nevertheless a lack of pace, work ethic and mentality does not fit with Preki's ethos and so unless there is a metamorphosis in the last 10 league games it will be tough to imagine him staying around in Toronto next year.
O'Brien White (5)
Good at battling and great work ethic but today poor in other areas. First touch when it needed to be precise was all too often the opposite.
Substitutions
Jacob Peterson (4)
The purpose of a substitute is to alter the game in a positive way - to have an impact. Peterson today struggled with just about everything.
Fuad Ibrahim (NS)
Chad Barrett (NS)