When Toronto FC went scoreless in the first four-plus games of their MLS tenure, coach Mo Johnston explained the goal drought as the result of a team that was still getting used to one another.
The same reason could be used for Toronto's current lack of punch. A rash of injuries has left the Reds lineup filled with reserves and backups, and the getting-to-know-you process has started all over again. It has been 372 minutes since Toronto's last MLS goal, but unlike at the start of the year, there are a lot more positives for the team to draw on.
For one, the team is still collecting points. Whereas TFC's early-season goalless streak led to an 0-4 record, Toronto has managed three ties to go along with two losses over the 372 minutes. The latest point came on Sunday night when the Reds played to a 0-0 draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy at BMO Field.
In fact, it was a game that Johnston felt his team should have won.
"The number of chances we had tonight we surely should've had some points," Johnston said. "I felt we were the better team."
It was one of the better start-to-finish games that Toronto FC has played all season, and probably their best defensive outing as a team. The Reds controlled the pace of play throughout the match and limited L.A. to just two shots and virtually no legitimate scoring chances.
"We had a clean sheet," said midfielder Carl Robinson. "Having given up three last week [in a 3-0 loss to Chicago] it was a big improvement defensive-wise. We're disappointed we couldn't get the goal, but did very well with our performance. We did everything we could've asked for."
Except, of course, for the go-ahead goal. TFC managed 14 shots, five on goal, but just couldn't break through against a seemingly overmatched L.A. squad. Galaxy goalkeeper Joe Cannon bailed out his team with five saves, but it was also a case of Toronto missing a few opportunities.
One of the most notable lost chances for the Reds was a remarkable run up the left side by Chris Pozniak in the second half. The Toronto midfielder showed some deft ball control in evading a Galaxy defender to give himself a mostly clean chance on net. Instead of shooting, however, Pozniak tried to center the ball for striker Andrea Lombardo, and the pass was blocked by L.A. defender Abel Xavier. The rebound off Xavier came back to Pozniak, but the slot had closed.
"I should've shot it," Pozniak said. "In hindsight it was a much better idea. I tried to make a pass to Andrea who would've had an open net, and it didn't come off. You wish it went your way but it didn't."
It was the only down moment in an otherwise sterling effort from the 26-year-old Canadian. Pozniak's versatility in both the midfield and backline has made him a valuable asset to the injury-strapped Reds, Johnston said.
"Poz can play anywhere on the field," Johnston said. "He's a good utility player for you. I'd liked to have seen him shoot rather than pass to Andrea, but listen, I felt Poz was outstanding tonight."
The roster news won't get any better for TFC. None of their injured players are expected to be ready for Sunday's game at the New York Red Bulls, and now Maurice Edu will also be out of action on a one-game suspension after receiving his fifth caution of the season on Sunday.
As long as his club puts forth the type of effort they did against the Galaxy, however, Johnston said he is happy to keep the same starting XI on the field until players start getting healthy. It was a far cry from last week, when Johnston called out Toronto's effort in the 3-0 loss to Chicago.
When asked if his team responded to his criticism from last week, "the response you've seen for yourself," said Johnston.
"They worked tirelessly for 90 minutes," he continued. "We should've won the game but that's how soccer is."
Toronto moves on to an important game against New York in an ever-tight Eastern Conference race. The Reds lost 2-1 to the Red Bulls on June 6, and are looking to avenge the loss.
There's also the business of snapping that goal drought. Toronto is just 12 minutes away from equalling their 384-minute scoreless streak at the start of the season. Robinson believes if the club continues their effort, it will soon hit the back of the net.
"We didn't score in four games at the start of the season and then we hit a good patch," Robinson said. "Maybe we'll hit a good patch again. We had [14] shots to [L.A.'s] two, dominated the game, maybe next week we might have one shot on goal and win 1-0. That's the way football is."
Mark Polishuk is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
