Toronto FC ASN is on Twitter @TorontoFCasn! Follow us for live game action, breaking news and headlines covering Toronto FC, Canadian soccer and  MLS.

The picture above from the home opener shows the dramatic changes that happened to the team from the first kick to today, as well as showing the future of TFC as the Academy team lines up behind the senior squad.

The expansion draft has come and gone… Here is who is still here and who is gone and some thoughts on who I think will/should be here next year or not..

Also here is a little look forward on what is on TFC’s schedule.

The start of January will consist of the announcement of the CCL game/ticket info which will be played at the Rogers Centre (Skydome).
The 2012 adidas MLS player combine occurs from January 6-10th with the MLS Super Draft on January 12th, supplemental draft is January 17th.

Pre-season Games:
vs. Orlando City SC - February 25th 2012 6pm ET
vs. BK Hacken - February 28th 2012 6pm ET
vs. FC Dallas March 1st 2012 6pm ET
Possibly a game on March 3rd time and opponent TBD.

CONCACAF Champions League:
vs. LA Galaxy – March 7th 2012 8pm ET (Rogers Centre)
vs. LA Galaxy – March 14th 2012 10pm ET (The Home Depot Centre)

Feel free to share your thoughts at our Twitter @TorontoFCasn or in the comments section below. Feedback, discussions and opinions are all encouraged.

STILL HERE and will/should be KEPT:
Milos Kocic
Stefan Frei
Richard Eckersley
Torsten Frings
Eric Avila
Terry Dunfield
Ryan Johnson
Danny Koevermans
Joao Plata
Ty Harden
Andy Iro
Ashtone Morgan
Matt Stinson
Doniel Henry
Nick Soolsma
Julian De Guzman
Peri Marosevic
Jeremy Hall (New Signing)
Reggie Lambe (New Signing)
Dicoy Williams

STILL HERE but will/should be ASSESSED prior to new contracts/release:
Nicholas Lindsay - Will be interesting to see what Winter thinks of him in the off season after the season ending injury he will be given a chance to prove himself.
Keith Makubuya – Barely played, minimal impact.. will have to earn his spot.
Oscar Cordon – Impressed to start the season with a few appearances then went down hill from there.. Will have to earn his spot again.
Adrian Cann - Season ending injury and early contract disputes this season will not get him an immediate contract but will be invited to training camp for sure!
Elbekay Bouchiba – Hasn’t played a single minute in MLS, due to a season ending injury. His stay will depend on pre-season.
Mikael Yourassowsky – No work ethic in my opinion, when he got minutes he barely put an effort. He was brought in as a left back, never really played there.

RELEASED/Gone/Traded:
Nathan SturgisDanleigh Borman
Demitrius  Omphroy
Matt Gold
Javier Martina
Eddy Viator
Leandre Griffit
Kyle Davis
Gianluca Zavarise

What do you agree with and what would you change? Make sure to share your thoughts.

This post was written by @MahmoudShoblaq of @amersocc and @TorontoFCasn.

Toronto FC ASN is on Twitter @TorontoFCasn! Follow us for live game action, breaking news and headlines covering Toronto FC, Canadian soccer and  MLS.

After a 2-1 win at home, Toronto FC went into Nicaragua forced to put Real Esteli’s away goal  behind them and grind up a result.

A great performance by Ryan Johnson gave him a pair of goals and gave the team another 2-1 win, this time away from home giving them a 4-2 win on aggregate.

A hostile environment and a horrible field was what TFC had to face, but strong character from the young players mixed with experience excelled over the Nicaraguan side. Overall TFC played well vs. Real Esteli, it was evident with some of the mistakes made that the field impacted the play. On this day CONCACAF refereeing did not play a role in deciding the game.

Toronto FC will continue their CCL journey in the group stage versus Tauro, UNAM and FC Dallas or Alianza starting on August 18th.

On a side note, @TorontoFCasn made twitter headlines during the Toronto FC game as many TFC supporters expressed anger and disappointment after Rogers Sportsnet decided to show the game on tape delay. Whether that was the correct decision or not for Rogers, the fans were not happy. Fans rushed to find the best online stream to watch the game live and support their team. It will be interesting to see how Rogers approaches this situation and what they will do for future games.  We did our part in this and provided necessary coverage through twitter and provided live game updates.  Our voice made us trend in Toronto and in all of Canada, thanks to all those who follow us on Twitter and make our time worth while.

TFC continue their road trip as they head to face against D.C. United where former Toronto player De Rosario now plays.

The writer of this post and the person who runs @TorontoFCasn can be found on twitter @MahmoudShoblaq.

Alan Gordon - Photo Credit to Catherine Solmes

Toronto FC ASN is on Twitter! Follow us for live game action, breaking news and headlines covering Toronto FC, Canadian soccer and  MLS.

After winning at home against Portland Timbers, TFC was expected to continue on a positive note against Chivas USA. All was changed when the news of Dwayne De Rosario being traded to the New York Red Bulls surfaced. On Friday afternoon the DeRo trade was confirmed, where TFC acquired Danleigh Borman, Tony Tchani and a first round draft pick in 2012 in return for Dwayne De Rosario. On the other hand, Javier Martina was voted MLS Goal of the Week earlier in the week for his second goal in the Portland game and Decoy Williams was signed.

TFC and Chivas Draw!
The starting line up saw several changes after trades and signings this week. 
Keeper: Stefan Frei.
Defenders: Ty Harden, Nana Attakora, Adrian Cann,  Danleigh Borman.
Midfielders: Jacob Peterson, Tony Tchani, Alen Stevanovic.
Forwards: Javier Martina, Maicon Santos, Alan Gordon.

TFC started the game on a rough note suffering an early goal deficit. After finding their rhythm they were able to get back into the game and find the equalizer. With DeRo gone and new players starting the match, it was expected to be a difficult afternoon for Toronto. Once again it must be reiterated that it is a building process and the team will learn to cope with DeRo’s absence.

Some positives were evident, as Martina showed great signs of class and will be an integral part of the club moving forward. Several team practices for the new players with the club will create harmony and consistency within the team. Toronto FC can only see themselves moving forward after today, keeping in mind players must remain healthy.

Toronto FC will need to perform and prove their fans that they are a competitive team to maintain the atmosphere BMO Field is used to. The game’s attendance is still considered great in comparison to MLS numbers but 18,968 is below TFC’s regular attendance numbers of 20000 or more. It was evident that there were  many empty seats which in turn made the television broadcast look very unattractive for those watching at home. Whether the attendance numbers are due to the DeRo trade or a lack of interest from fans after 4 unsuccessful season, it remains unknown. The club will need to earn their supporters back with several positive performances at home and on the road.

TFC will now head away from home to face off against the San Jose Earthquakes before coming back for a three game home stint.

Ratings for players from 1 (low) to 10 (high), ranked by position:

Toronto FC
Stefan Frei: 7
He may have not been able to do much about the goal, but did well with what came his way as the game went on.

Ty Harden: 6.5
Did well as a right back, contributed a few crosses on the attack. Still room for improvement!

Nana Attakora: 5.5
Came back from injury and may have been at fault for the goal. Not one of his best performances and was subbed off in the second half.

Adrian Cann: 6.5
Decent performance, with no visible mistakes.

Danleigh Borman: 6.5
Did well to contribute to the team offensively and defensively considering not practicing with the team prior to the game.

Jacob Peterson: 6.5
Did well on the set piece to set up Alan Gordon for the equalizer.  Subbed off at the half for De Guzman.

Tony Tchani: 6.5
Did well throughout the game for a player who has not practiced with the team, could possibly do more.

Alen Stevanovic: 6.5
Did well working with Borman, would probably wish Maicon Santos passed the ball for him to score the winner. Subbed off in the second half after getting injured. He is also another player whose contribution will become greater as time goes on.

Javier Martina: 7
Had a decent game showed great foot work and will be an integral part of the team.

Maicon Santos: 6
Captained the team for the day, scores a low rating today due to his horrible miss. Otherwise he is another player that will be an important part moving forward.

Alan Gordon: 7
A decent game, was at the end of several crosses and set pieces but did not do enough to create solid chances. Scored the equalizer and celebrated with class.

Subs Used:
Julian  De Guzman: 5.5
Came on for Peterson, still needs time to come back from injury. His distribution still lacking, got himself a yellow card for his efforts this afternoon.

Decoy Williams: 6.5
Another new signing making his debut, came on for Attakora who just returned from injury. From what was seen can easily take Attakora’s starting spot on the team.

Joao Plata: N/A
Came on for the injured Stevanovic, had little impact on the game.

————————

Martina wins MLS Goal of the Week!

Martina - Photo Credit to Catherine Solmes

TFC striker Javier Martina has won his first ever MLS Goal of the Week award for his amazing finish in the 2-0 win against Portlant Timbers at BMO Field on Saturday. It was his second MLS goal in his two appearances. Martina’s goal gave TFC the assurance lead that they held on with to win the game. The goal assisted by Frei has shown his striker’s instinct which gives everyone a taste of what he can bring to the team in the future.

After the disappointment of Saturday, Toronto FC are back at BMO Field Wednesday to face the Puerto Rico Islanders in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League qualifier.

TFC will be without defender Nana Attakora again, while Amado Guevara and Adrian Serioux are questionable after picking up knocks in the Columbus game.

On a more positive note for TFC, young midfielder Sam Cronin will be available for selection after returning from the Gold Cup.

As hosts of the first leg, Toronto will want to get a win–preferably by a goal or more, and ideally by a shutout. After this match, Toronto will head to New England to face the Revs on Saturday for their next MLS game.

Predictions and notes:

• The injuries to both Adrian Serioux and Nana Attakora could see Marco Velez start.
• With Amado Guevara also questionable with an injury, the return of Sam Cronin could see him starting the match.
• TFC will have to shake off the psychological hurdle of a very disappointing previous match.
• ASN puts the chances of a TFC win at 70%. A draw: 80%
• Final score prediction: Toronto 2, Puerto Rico 1

After Chicago’s earlier result Toronto FC came into the match knowing a win will move them up the table tied in points with Chicago and a draw or a loss can see them stay at the bottom of the table. In addition, the Trillium Cup was on the line and Toronto FC had plenty to play for.

The Toronto FC starting lineup saw a few changes due to injury and the addition of players to the roster.
Keeper: Stefan Frei
Defenders: Marvel Wynne, Adrian Serioux, Jim Brennan, Nick Garcia
Midfielders: Pablo Vitti, Amado Guevara, Carl Robinson, Dwayne De Rosario, Chad Barrett
Forward: Ali Gerba,

An entertaining half to start the game off with chances coming from both sides, Columbus had the greater number of chances but did not capitalize till the opening goal. Toronto FC responded within minutes to keep the game in play. Both teams suffered yellow cards in the first half which will keep these players on their toes in the second half in order not to obtain another.

The second half saw Toronto go ahead with a goal from Gerba who scored his first MLS goal in his debut. The Crew was able to answer back later on with two goals to win the match. The chances were there from both teams but at the end Columbus was able to capitalize in the vital moments of the game.

Toronto came short and went on to lose the game late on. It will be an unfortunate blow as they had all 3 points secured up to midway through the second half. TFC will not want to look back at this performance as it will remind them of their last two seasons in MLS when they saw plenty of their games lost or tied in the dying minutes of the game.

Final Score: Toronto FC 2, Columbus Crew 3

The Reds will now head home to face the Puerto Rico Islanders on Wednesday in their first match-up for the Preliminary round of the CONCACAF Champions League. In order for TFC to keep their chances of advancing to the next round alive, they must get the win; keep their goals-for at a maximum, and their goals-against at a minimum. After that, Toronto will head to New England to face the Revs on Saturday for their next MLS game.

Toronto FC came into this friendly match after a disappointing draw against Houston on Saturday. The River Plate match gave TFC’s young players a chance to play a full professional match. Some players saw action for the first time this season, while others went the 90 minute distance for the first time.

As such, Toronto’s starting lineup saw several changes:
Keeper: Brian Edwards
Defenders: Marvell Wynne, Emmanuel Gomez, Marco Velez, Jim Brennan
Midfielders: Pablo Vitti, Amado Guevara, Carl Robinson, Gabe Gala
Forwards: Ali Gerba, Dwayne De Rosario

The first half was very dull, with the better of chances coming from Toronto FC. There was a definite disappointment as their chances were not put in the back of the net. TFC seemed relaxed at the start, which saw them possess more of the ball. River Plate on the other hand came strong and physical, trying shots from all angles none of which caused significant danger to Brian Edwards’ goal.

The second half was just as dull as the first, yet Toronto was kept on their toes as River Plate emerged stronger from the break, holding possession and creating pressure throughout.

It was an overall disappointing performance from Toronto FC, considering the fact that they were the better team. The chances should have been taken well when given; which would have led to a result in their favor.

Regulation Time Score: Toronto FC 0, River Plate 0
Penalty Kicks Score: Toronto FC 3, River Plate 4

The Reds will now head to Columbus to face the Columbus Crew for the last match up of their rivalry this season and the Trillium Cup decider. This will be another chance for Toronto to win some silver wear this season after losing to River Plate for their chance to capture the Carlsberg Cup. Toronto FC in their history so far has only managed to captured one title, that being the 2009Voyageurs Cup after winning the Canadian Championship.

Toronto FC knew the task coming into this match against Houston. After the road victory at San Jose, TFC was confident and showed fight from the start.

The Toronto FC lineup was left unchanged from the previous game.
Keeper: Stefan Frei
Defenders: Marvell Wynne, Nana Attakora, Nick Garcia, Adrian Serioux
Midfielders: Dwayne De Rosario, Amado Guevara, Carl Robinson, Jim Brennan
Forwards: Chad Barrett, Pablo Vitti

With a slow start the game proceeded to become an entertaining encounter. TFC dominated the first half but the Dynamo came in strong in the second.  Toronto had the better chances and made them count by testing keeper Pat Onstad and putting more shots on target.

On some occasions a side of Toronto emerged that had not been seen before; they were organized keeping possession and completing their passes.

The first goal of the game came from Dwayne De Rosario; the pass from Marvel Wynne intending Danny Dichio who played a dummy through for Dwayne who took the goal beautifully. The score stayed as 1-0 at the end of the first half with Toronto FC leading.

As the second half began, the set pieces favored Houston. The unfortunate circumstances approached Toronto FC as they lost the lead from a bad clearance off a set piece that later saw a cross meet Boswell to get the shot on goal. After a wonderful save from Stefan Frei, the rebound was left for Boswell to score the goal and give Houston some hope of getting something out of the game.

The scoring chances kept coming but the score held still!

Final score: Toronto FC 1, Houston Dynamo 1

The Reds will now face off against River Plate on Wednesday for the annual Carlsberg Cup match held at BMO Field. They will then head to Columbus Crew for the last match up between the two teams of this season and the Trillium Cup decider. After Saturday’s MLS results Toronto FC dropped to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. Adrian Serioux’s injury status is yet to be determined.

Who do you believe was the Man of the Match against Houston?(poll)

Kenny Cooper put Toronto FC to the sword on Sunday afternoon, scoring two late goals for FC Dallas to send John Carver’s side to their first Major League Soccer loss at home in 2008. TFC are falling fast after a great start to the season and now look likely to miss out on the playoffs unless they can turn things around.

Click here for our Dallas correspondent Phillip Woodruff’s take on Sunday’s game.

The sun was bearing down on BMO Field on a hot summer afternoon, fostering a sluggish start to the game from both sides. Toronto were taking the initiative through Rohan Ricketts and Jim Brennan’s overlapping runs down the left flank, but the FC Dallas defenders were able to keep goalkeeper Dario Sala from too much trouble in the early stages.

FCD coach Schellas Hyndman was forced into an early change in just the 6th minute, bringing in Michael Dello-Russo for midfielder Marcelo Saragosa, who was forced to leave the game with a calf strain.

The best chance of the first half came from Toronto’s centerback Marco Vélez, who found himself alone on the end of a Laurent Robert corner in the 19th minute but could only hit a bouncing shot straight at Sala.

Just moments later, Vélez made contact with Sala jumping for another corner, leaving the Dallas keeper winded and needing a few minutes, enough time for referee Baldomero Toledo to hand Vélez a yellow card. Replays showed that the contact appeared incidental at worst and hardly malicious.

The second half started lively, with both sides eager to make the breakthrough. Just after the hour mark, Bruno Guarda entered the game for Dallas and Tyler Hemming replaced Julius James in the Toronto lineup, instantly making his mark with several darting runs down the right flank.

It marked an interesting turnaround for the London, Ontario native, as Hemming had left the club earlier this season to pursue opportunites in Europe. With Jarrod Smith’s promotion to the senior roster, however, Hemming was able to rejoin the club as a senior development player and has made the most of that opportunity.

New signing Chad Barrett came close for the Reds in the 69th minute, collecting a headed clearance in the area and lashing a shot over Sala’s goal. The former Chicago striker appeared to have strained a calf muscle in the play and was substituted for Jarrod Smith after another lengthy delay.

The game’s real talking point came at the turn of the 79th minute, however. Kenny Cooper was looking for space on the left side when the whistle blew for an apparent off-the-ball incident in the 18-yard-box involving Amado Guevara and Pablo Ricchetti. Guevara sent the Argentine tumbling to the ground and was given a straight red card while Ricchetti tended a bloody nose.

The foul took place in the penalty area, leaving FCD with an opportunity to take the lead from 12 yards. Cooper stutter-stepped to the spot and easily sent Sutton the wrong way, taking the lead and seemingly condemning 10-man Toronto to a first league defeat at home this season.

Toronto’s players were incensed with the call, with captain Brennan leading the protests and subsequently booked for dissent. Vélez contested another seemingly routine throw-in decision just minutes later too vigorously for Toledo, who issued the Puerto Rican his second yellow card, reducing TFC to nine men.

Amid coach John Carver’s protests, Toledo made his way to the sidelines and bizarrely sent off Toronto physio Carmelo Lobue.

Five minutes of stoppage time was greeted with ironic applause from the home fans, but their enthusiasm was short-lived as Cooper struck just seconds after the 90th minute mark. The free-scoring striker found space with two defenders ahead of him and struck a 30-yard shot at Sutton, who dove to his right but couldn’t keep out the bouncing ball.

Again, the Canadian goalkeeper looked as though he should have done better with the chance. The club’s recent streak may have dented Sutton’s confidence and could open the door for American prospect Brian Edwards to get the call in Colorado on Saturday.

Toronto’s ill-discipline may have done them in once again, but club captain Jim Brennan had other ideas.

“I think we’ve done alright, but the game got spoiled a little bit,” he said afterwards. “It was an entertaining game, we had them pinned in the second half there and we had a great chance, we felt we were going to score. Then, certain things happen and it wrecks the game, and that’s what happened today.”

FC Dallas defender and Canadian international Adrian Serioux had his own interpretation of events:

“It’s always good to come back and play in front of family and friends and get a result that we needed badly. You know it’s a great atmosphere and I’m sure the fans were behind their team, but when certain players on your team aren’t disciplined, as they were tonight, it’s costly, and that’s what happened to them.”

Coach Carver was reserved in his criticism of the officials, preferring to focus instead on the roster problems affecting Toronto.

“It’s frightening,” he told reporters after the game. “We only had 5 on the bench. There’s a reason for that, they’ve got to prove to me that they’re good enough to play and get on the bench… I think we might have to get (Academy coach and former Canadian international) Nick Dasovic to put his boots on!”

Carver refused to blame Barrett for the team’s scoring woes.

“He did some good things… I think he’s more of a poacher, he’s not a spectacular goal-man… The more he gets to know the guys the more he’ll get on, and I think he’s got goals in him. He needs to work on his fitness.”

With Sunday’s defeat, Toronto sit precariously in a three-way tie for fifth place in the Eastern Conference, one point outside of the playoff reckoning with a game in hand over Los Angeles Galaxy.

The top two sides in each division will be seeded against the next-best four teams regardless of conference, leaving Toronto in a cross-division battle with the Galaxy, Chivas USA, Kansas City Wizards, Red Bull New York, Colorado Rapids and even outsiders San Jose Earthquakes for the last playoff spot. Just five points separate the eight-placed Galaxy from historical rivals San Jose in last place, who stole a 3-2 win over David Beckham and company on the weekend.

Toronto’s next chance to close the gap comes at Dick’s Sporting Goods park in Colorado on Saturday, a potentially must-win game for either side as they try to secure playoff action after missing out last season.

Match Facts

FC Dallas (6-6-7) vs. Toronto FC (6-8-4)
August 3, 2008 — BMO Field

Scoring Summary:
FCD — Kenny Cooper 12 (penalty kick [Ricchetti]) 81
FCD — Kenny Cooper 13 (unassisted) 90+1

FC Dallas — Dario Sala, Drew Moor, Aaron Pitchkolan, Blake Wagner, Adrian Serioux, Andre Rocha (Bruno Guarda 64), Eric Avila, Pablo Ricchetti, Marcelo Saragosa (Michael Dello-Russo 7), Kenny Cooper, Dominic Oduro (Abe Thompson 74).

Substitutes Not Used: Andrew Daniels, Mike Graczyk, Jamie Watson, Chase Wileman

Toronto FC — Greg Sutton, Julius James (Tyler Hemming 65), Tyrone Marshall, Marco Velez, Jim Brennan, Rohan Ricketts, Amado Guevara, Carl Robinson, Laurent Robert, Chad Barrett (Jarrod Smith 70), Jeff Cunningham (Kevin Harmse 87).

Substitutes Not Used: Brian Edwards, Tyler Rosenlund

Misconduct Summary:
TOR — Marco Velez (caution; Reckless Foul) 27
DAL — Andre Rocha (caution; Reckless Foul) 57
TOR — Amado Guevara (ejection; Violent Conduct) 79
TOR — Jim Brennan (caution; Dissent) 81
TOR — Marco Velez (ejection; Second Caution) 84

Referee: Baldomero Toledo
Referee’s Assistants: C.J. Morgante; Adam Wienckowski
4th official: Jorge Gonzalez
Time of game: 1:56
Attendance: 20,247
Weather: Sunny -and- 77 degrees

Toronto FC will travel to Salt Lake on Monday night, hoping to steal three points from the same ground they took their first ever away win last season.

Winless in nine matches (including friendlies and Canadian Championship results), Toronto are in danger of seeing the wheels come off their playoff dreams. Last year, a 2-1 win at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Independence Day was enough to give hope to the Reds, but poor away form through the rest of the campaign doomed the Canadian club to last place in the league.

Dismal road form has been a thorn in the side of John Carver’s men in 2008 once again, having claimed just one win from seven trips. That performance, a 3-2 victory over Los Angeles in April, gave rise to hopes that Toronto may have turned around their away jinx, but recent results have shown that a huge gap remains between the club’s away performances and their play with BMO Field’s notoriously loyal fans behind them.

Real Salt Lake are flying high in just their fourth season, sitting atop the Western Conference, although the split table can be deceiving given the relative poor play of the sides from the West this season. RSL sit just two points up from Toronto in the overall standings with two games in hand, but the Reds are mired in fourth in the East and hovering around the playoff zone.

Carver will miss Maurice Edu and Marvell Wynne, both a part of the United States’ Olympic team (along with RSL’s Chris Seitz) in China. Rumours persist that American striker Chad Barrett will join the club from Chicago as part of the deal that sees Toronto give up their right to acquire veteran hitman Brian McBride, but the forward is unlikely to join up with the squad until after the RSL trip.

Todd Dunivant has been placed on the season-ending injury list in a move that will free up salary cap space for Barrett. Fan favourite Danny Dichio is still out with a concussion; while Kevin Harmse, one of Wynne’s natural replacements at right back, may be unable to reach fitness with a knee problem. Youngster Nana-Attakora Gyan or centerback Marco Vélez may fill in on the right side of defense.

Olivier Tébily is listed as questionable for tonight’s game with an ankle injury, but rumours on fan sites persist that the French defender has returned to Europe, citing an inability to settle in Toronto. Whether he appears on the bench with the Reds in Salt Lake may be telling.

Countryman Laurent Robert, a friend of Tébily who helped him to adjust to life in Canada, is likely to start in Utah but will have to be wary of his discipline. One more yellow card will see the left winger miss TFC’s next match.

Toronto FC could only draw visiting San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 on Saturday, the fifth straight game at home they’ve failed to win. Kansas City, Vancouver Whitecaps and friendly opponents Pachuca and Independiente have all avoided defeat at BMO Field in the last month.

It was a listless performance by the two youngest teams in Major League Soccer thanks to a hot, humid afternoon at Exhibition Place stifling what little creative play was on offer.

Toronto boss John Carver made a couple of changes from the squad that fell 2-1 in Chicago last week, with youngsters Tyler Rosenlund and Abdus Ibrahim coming into the starting lineup. San Jose, coached by assistant Ian Russell after Frank Yallop’s suspension last week, brought new signings Francisco Lima, Scott Sealy and Darren Huckerby straight into the team.

As early as the ninth minute, Toronto had a “goal” ruled out long after the whistle had gone on an apparent offside by Ibrahim. Replays showed that the assistant to referee Paul Ward was mistaken.

It was midfield ace Amado Guevara who had the best chance of the first half, blazing over an open goal when Quakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon could only punch Marvell Wynne’s low cross into the Honduran’s path. Guevara was doing his best to bring the game to life with neat passing and a touch of flair but couldn’t keep the game from going into the break scoreless.

The muggy conditions ensured that the second half started just as the first had ended. The game’s major talking point came in the 69th minute when Ibrahim was hauled down in the 18-yard-box trying to get on the end of a cross. It looked like typical penalty area argy-bargy on second viewing, but Toronto were happy for the rare opportunity to test Cannon.

Guevara had hardly put a foot wrong all game but with the weight of the stadium on his shoulders, his effort from the spot was blocked with relative ease. The shot had power but was almost straight at the waiting Cannon, reminiscent of Collin Samuel’s wasted penalty in the season opener at Columbus, Toronto’s only previous trip to the spot all season.

Jim Cunningham was brought on seconds later to try and bring some bite to the Toronto attack, but it was too late for the 99-goal man to make an impact on the game.

With crucial matches approaching in the Canadian Championship and MLS in the coming weeks, John Carver will have to bring some bite into the Toronto attack. Tuesday brings the visit of Montreal Impact, with a win vital for TFC to claim the Voyageurs Cup and a spot in CONCACAF Champions League qualifying.

TFC may have become overconfident at home having gone undefeated at fortress BMO in MLS play, but with losses in friendly action and the Canadian Championship and two straight 0-0 draws in the league, fans in Toronto have forgotten what its like to see their team win. With more away matches than home ties scheduled for the remainder of the season, more firepower is needed fast before the Reds will have to bid their playoff hopes goodbye.

Match Facts

San Jose Earthquakes (3-9-5) vs. Toronto FC (6-6-4)
July 19, 2008 — BMO Field

Scoring Summary:
San Jose Earthquakes — Joe Cannon, James Riley, Ryan Cochrane, Jason Hernandez, Eric Denton, Francisco Lima (Kelly Gray 63), Ramiro Corrales, Darren Huckerby (Kei Kamara 64), Ronnie O’Brien, Ryan Johnson, Scott Sealy (John Cunliffe 94+).

Substitutes Not Used: Ned Grabavoy, Ivan Guerrero, David Monsalves, Shea Salinas

Toronto FC — Greg Sutton, Marvell Wynne, Tyrone Marshall, Marco Velez, Jim Brennan, Rohan Ricketts, Carl Robinson, Tyler Rosenlund (Jeff Cunningham 70), Laurent Robert, Amado Guevara, Abdus Ibrahim.

Substitutes Not Used: Nana Attakora-Gyan, Brian Edwards, Gabe Gala, Tyler Hemming, Julius James, Jarrod Smith

Misconduct Summary:
TOR — Abdus Ibrahim (caution; Delaying a Restart) 18
SJ — Jason Hernandez (caution; Pushing, Holding) 26

Referee: Paul Ward
Referee’s Assistants: Joe Fletcher; Daniel Belleau
4th official: Steven DePiero
time of game: 1:53
attendance: 20,264
weather: Partly Cloudy -and- 84 degrees