The first pre-season game out of Florida was streamed on the TFC website last night and it was a treat to be watching TFC 2011, Coach Winter rebuild version. The game ended with a Toronto FC loss, final score 3-2 for the Houston Dynamo.
The first half was the enjoyable one. Toronto scored twice, Peterson and Dero, but Houston scored twice too. There was some smooth Toronto ball control and midfield movement, but defending lapses were ugly. TFC seemed to have the ball too often in their back four and no routes going forward.
You would have to be nuts to read too much into this game. There were plenty of subs for both teams. You had no idea which of the new faces are potential starters and which ones are going to be saying adios. When DeRo left the game, you had the feeling that the potential for attack went with him.
Remember a few weeks ago when Coach Winter said that a designated player could be signed before the start of the season. This team needs a star, striker or winger would do.
Next game will be Saturday against Orlando City in this same tourney. I would expect that there will be the same mixture line-up approach. There are tough days ahead, but the journey has begun. Anyone feel that somebody's play caught their eye?
