TORONTO – Preki’s answers to questions in the post-match news conference would make anyone think Toronto FC had just lost.
Long, drawn out calculated answers followed almost every question with nary a positive despite the fact that the Reds just came off a big 1-0 win over Club Deportivo Motagua of Honduras. Not only was the win the franchise’s first in CONCACAF Champions League history, but was achieved without conceding the always dangerous away goal, taking the club a step closer to the important group stage.
Even the defense’s improved play after conceding late-game gaffes in TFC’s last two MLS matches was still no consolation.
Preki lamented the club’s lack of finishing and knows it’ll become a big issue as the games take on greater importance. It’s not a new problem, but the fact that it continues to linger despite this year’s roster makeover and mid-season additions still bothers him. And the frustration is palpable.
Toronto outplayed Motagua for much of the game and deserved to win. But Preki felt the scoreline should have been greater than 1-0.
“We’re happy we didn’t give up a goal in the game, but obviously we’re disappointed that we didn’t score a second one because we had plenty of chances to get a second goal,” Preki said during the post-match news conference. “I guess the goals are coming really hard for us right now. We’re creating chances but the goals are not coming so easy for us.”
The offensive production looked promising when Dwayne De Rosario set up Chad Barrett in the 20th minute on a beautiful play. But that’s all the Reds would get even though they outshot Motagua 13-4 overall.
Some of Preki’s exasperation could be due to the fact his team is in the midst of a stretch of five games in 15 days. With that tight of a schedule, he knows the team has to make the most of its chances.
However, signs pointing to a turnaround are there.
Maicon Santos has looked threatening and Mista has contributed on set plays. De Rosario and Barrett teamed up well during the first half and O’Brian White looked good making a couple of clever passes to spring open teammates.
So it may just be a matter of time before the offense breaks out with a three or four-goal performance.
Even midfielder Jacob Peterson jumped up on occasion and if he and Nick LaBrocca can chip in the odd goal, then that may take some pressure off the offense until it comes around.
At this point, Preki doesn’t care who scores as long as the goals start to flow, especially with the games against Kansas City in Missouri and the critical second leg at Tegucigalpa, Honduras, coming up.
“I thought we did OK. I thought we were lacking sharpness in the final third of the field,” said Preki. “Once again that becomes a trend for us right now. We need to get out of that trend, we gotta find a way to put these good chances away.”
