The New York Red Bulls will, in all likelihood, make the MLS Cup Playoffs. But the team isn't exactly in playoff form as it tries to secure its postseason position.
New York dropped to 1-4-3 in their last eight games after a 2-1 loss to Toronto FC on Thursday night at BMO Field. It was a frustrating defeat for the Red Bulls, who had trouble finding the net against a club they had already scored five times against in two previous wins this season.
Well, at least the Red Bulls had trouble finding the Toronto net. Defender Chris Leitch accidentally put one past goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus. Leitch was trying to clear a cross from Toronto (and former Red Bulls) defender Marvell Wynne, but the ball caromed off Leitch for what proved to be the game-winning goal.
"It was one of those plays that happens," said New York coach Bruce Arena. "It came across pretty fast, Chris Leitch really didn't have his feet set properly and the ball ended up in the back of the net. That'll happen. There's nothing you can do about it."
The Red Bulls outshot Toronto 11-6, but didn't get on the scoreboard until Dane Richards converted Dave van den Bergh's corner kick in the 75th minute. It looked as if New York was on the verge of coming back for its fourth consecutive 2-2 draw and third draw in a row coming from behind, but the Toronto defenders held steady.
Star strikers Jozy Altidore and Juan Pablo Angel, who had combined for all five New York goals against TFC this season, were limited to one shot each.
"It's a tough atmosphere when you're the home team," Altidore said. "They came out and they fought. They did well tonight."
The club will have plenty of time to dwell on this result, as their next game isn't until Oct. 13 at home against Kansas City. By that time, New York might already know their playoff fate. If Columbus and Los Angeles both lose this weekend, the Red Bulls will reach the playoffs for the ninth time in club history. Should one of those clubs win, however, the chase will still be on.
The Red Bulls are still heavily favored to reach the postseason, but they need to look no further than another New York sports team to see how quickly things can go sour. The New York Mets frittered away a seven-game division lead with 17 games to play, and thus are watching the Major League Baseball playoffs from home.
Midfielder Clint Mathis said his team needs to improve their play if they expect to make a challenge for the MLS Cup.
"It's just a matter of getting into a good rhythm going into the playoffs," Mathis said. "The chances of us making it are good right now, even though we weren't able to [win]. But no matter if we had already clinched a playoff spot, you still don't want to be in a situation where you're not getting the results you need.
"We've been tying too many games lately and losing them. You saw it tonight. It took us 15 or 20 minutes to get going tonight and that's too long when you're getting ready for the playoffs."
Altidore, for his part, is eager to reach his second MLS Cup tournament and wants to see his club finally clinch that all-important spot in the top eight.
"We wanted to close it out a couple of weekends ago but it didn't happen," Altidore said. "We wanted to close it out last weekend and it didn't happen. We wanted to close it out tonight and it didn't happen. We're just a bit off. Hopefully over the weekend we can get everything together and end this barrage of [questions], about 'when are we going to qualify, when are we going to qualify.' I think we'll be fine."
Mark Polishuk is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
