A Real shot in the dark
Monday, September 27, 2010
These guys again?
Tonight, TFC hosts Real Salt Lake for the second time in 30 days, the third match between the two clubs in that same span. Depending on how the game goes, it could be the last meaningful match at BMO Field for the remainder of 2010.
Should Toronto win, hope of advancing in the Champions League remains alive. A loss or a draw wouldn’t completely kill The Reds’ chances at moving on to the knockout rounds, but like their playoff hopes, it’d be all but impossible.
Of course, all that stands in the way is arguably the best team in MLS, a side that hasn’t lost to TFC is the three previous meeting this year. More importantly, RSL is looking to wrap up their own qualification into the next round as earlier as possible, even going so far to rest a large number of regulars in their weekend MLS match with arch-rival Colorado.
So Toronto will be facing a powerful, experienced, and highly motivated opponent tonight in a do-or-die game at home, in the midst of a streak in which BMO Field has shown to be anything but the fortress it was for a good 14 months ending in August. And on top of that, the stadium by the lake shore will be lucky to be 3/4 full, what with the disappearing act of the crowds in recent weeks and a less-than-stellar weather forecast looming.
To hell with it, it’s time to throw caution to the wind. If they want to even consider winning this match, TFC needs to play with purpose and focus. No holding back, no trying to play defensively and hope for an RSL mistake to squeeze out a victory.
Sure, our TFC is overmatched and would be foolish to throw numbers forward against a side that has shown that it can punish mistakes, but at this point in the season, what more can the team really lose?
Posted by Rudi Schuller
Tags: Real Salt Lake
Category: CONCACAF Champions League, Toronto FC

