TORONTO – Toronto FC’s new manager Greg Vanney earned his first point as head coach against the Chicago Fire in a match that left his side feeling hard done-by thanks to a late call by the match official.
Dwayne De Rosario’s long-anticipated first goal of the season gave the Reds a 1-1 road draw, but it was Gilberto’s goal in the 93rd minute, waved off by referee David Gantar, that drew the fury of the visiting side.
Still, Vanney says, he’s pleased with the resiliency and drive of his players for mounting a late comeback, even if they leave Toyota Park with two points less than they believe they deserved.
- Get more Toronto FC news at TorontoFC.ca
“I’m super proud of the guys,” Vanney told MLSsoccer.com after the match. “I challenged them at halftime and they answered the challenge. They can see and believe that we still have something to fight for, that we have all to play for here. We should have got more out of it but I’m extremely pleased with the competitiveness, the desire and the drive. They should have been rewarded with three points in the end but we’ll keep on pushing.”
Gantar’s decision to pull back Gilberto’s goal was mired in controversy and drew the ire of many Toronto FC players, including captain on the night, Michael Bradley. The foul call was made after Gilberto poked his foot through the legs of Bakary Soumare, but Vanney says it was something only Gantar saw.
“We probably should have won the game from what I understand,” Vanney said. “I haven’t seen the replay but the whole crowd, everyone that was in the stadium, the whole crowd started booing their team because they gave up a goal. The only person on the field that saw the call that was made was the referee. Nobody else saw it, including the other team’s staff.”
This refereeing call drew serious anger from Bradley, who was visibly upset with Gantar after the match and during postgame interviews.
“It’s not the first time we’ve had him this year," said Bradley. "What can you say? He’s just not good enough.”
Vanney also shared his severe dismay with the decision, explaining that calls like those could have big ramifications after the fact.
“The brutal part of that is that’s what sometimes defines the season,” Vanney said. “That’s a turning point for us. That’s three points that can really push a team forward, especially with an emotional couple of weeks. We really put in a lot of work in this week. If we get that goal and three points, then we’re flying.”
But Vanney says he won’t let his team dwell on it in the upcoming week. Not with so much still to play for.
“We’re not going to let that should-have-been goal define us,” Vanney said. “We’re ready to fight and move forward.”
