The early June dawn broke and it was easy to start the day
with a touch of heartbreak. No, not the heartbreak from looking at old photos. The Euro 2012 feast of two “top level”
international games a day ended yesterday and what do we have to tide us over
until the quarterfinals start tomorrow? TFC, with nightclub fights and arrests
still in the air, visit Houston. Heartbreak starts the day and then a sense of
dread starts to creep in. My sense of “All for One” came into this game all but
done.
Could you get away with saying that Paul Mariner’s TFC made
their full debut tonight in Houston?
Three goals in the first half and only one defensive lapse describes the
Toronto first half. Who are these guys? Danny Koevermans was regaining his star status with timely
runs and excellent finish. Avila was active and intelligent with the ball. Even
JDG contributed a pinpoint cross to create the third goal.
The second half had less offensive fireworks, which is to be
expected from Toronto guarding a two goal lead. Once Houston scored their
second goal the tension returned and you had to wonder if TFC would return to
their horrible road form. The TFC heart, the fighting spirit and the
willingness to sacrifice was
thrilling until Houston scored in the 90th minute. Then Toronto was
on the ropes. 5 minutes of injury time seemed to be cruel and unusual at that
point.
There has been much speculation, inspired by scandal, with
the arrest and suspension pending investigation of the TFC 3 (Aceval, Soolsma
and Silva). I think that if a TFC fan is outraged they are either reacting to a negative story in a
negative season or they lead a very sheltered life.
If the story that TFC allowed young Silva to stay with the
team rather than attend a family funeral turns out to be true, that would be
the poorest decision (TFC management’s that is) made in the whole affair.
So it ended with a touch of heartbreak, but bring on the
Saturday home game I say.
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