Right down the end of a dismal season, there was hope for one more win for Toronto FC.
“I thought we were going to pull it off,” Toronto FC forward Andrew Wiedeman told MLSsoccer.com after Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew in the final game of the season.
The will was there despite a short week following a loss in CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday in Mexico, but the way again eluded Toronto despite some bright moments and a strong start to the second half.
And Wiedeman said that’s why Toronto’s 21st and final loss of the season hit so hard.
“Everybody in that room really wanted to win today,” he said.
Wiedeman scored the equalizer in the first half after he out maneuvered Eric Gehrig for a header from TFC striker Ryan Johnson and when the defender went down for an attempted tackle, Wiedeman went in on goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum and calmly tucked the ball inside the post.
Wiedeman said Johnson was a catalyst all game until he left with an injury in the second half.
“Ryan was the key,” Wiedeman said. “When he came off it made a difference, we lost some of our fluidity.”
The last game of the season also was the last chance to make an impression on a team that needs changes.
“Everyone is playing for a roster spot,” Wiedeman said. “There is going to be a roster shakeup during the offseason for sure after you put in a season like we did.”
