There wasn't much in way of sensational talking points in this scoreless finish between Toronto and MLS Cup winner Salt Lake that added a single point to the Reds' playoff cause. But the defining moments - as there were two of them - were a pair of shots blasted off the post by Salt Lake players in late stages of the game. If Toronto makes the playoffs by a point or on goal difference, the twin letoffs may be as responsible as anything else.
At the 82nd minute Salt Lake left back Chris Wingert weaved past Dan Gargan and unleashed a volley from 15 yards, looking to catch the near-side opening to Stefan Frei's goal. The ball thumped off the upright to the relief of 21,047 match and carnival goers as the game played on surrounded by the annual Canadian National Exhibition. Six minutes later, Canadian international Will Johnson caught the same post looking to beat Frei, the woodwork keeping the Royals from leaving BMO Field with all the jewels.
A Single To The Cause
This game was contested between two very tired teams that were in central America for midweek Champions League action. Toronto played Tuesday in the humidity of Panama, while Salt Lake lost a heartbreaker to Cruz Azul Wednesday in a match that was played in a physically demanding waterlogged pitch through a rainstorm. In that regard the draw was fitting for these Champions League Group A rivals, who will meet two more times this year in CCL.
Salt Lake's backline didn't allow space to Toronto attackers Mista, Dwayne De Rosario and later O'Brian White. Set-pieces, including Dan Gargan's monstrous throw-ins were contested well by the RSL backline who were disciplined and composed. At the other end, Stefan Frei bailed out Toronto's defence on a couple of occasions with good saves on Wingert in the first half and a well placed Javier Morales header in the second. Aside from that the Reds were steady at the back, particularly with Ty Harden's resolve at centre back and Julian de Guzman's support from midfield.
Returning from his one game suspension, de Guzman was able to restore some shape to a Toronto midfield that was battered by New York in its previous MLS match. He won several important tackles, including one near the death inside his own area when an uncharacteristic Dan Gargan error resulted in an RSL break. His distribution from midfield was decent, though there were often two or more opposition players converged around him any time he was on the ball. One big indication of de Guzman's effectiveness was influential RSL captain Kyle Beckerman's lack of involvement in this match.
Stefan Frei also had a good game for Toronto, registering important saves at the 29th and 77th minutes. For the visitors, Wingert was a strong presence throughout the match. He ventured forward from his left back position on attack and nearly netted the winner but for the post near the end. His keeper Nick Rimando pushed away would-be goals at the second and 62nd minutes.
Toronto: Stefan Frei, Maxim Usanov (O'Brian White 46'), Adrian Cann, Ty Harden, Nick Garcia, Julian de Guzman, Nick LaBrocca, Dan Gargan, Martin Saric (Jacob Peterson 69'), Dwayne De Rosario, Mista ... Unused Subs: Jon Conway, Raivis Hscanovics, Gabe Gala, Joseph Nane, Fuad Ibrahim.
Discipline: None.
Goals: None.
Salt Lake: Nick Rimando, Tony Beltran, Nat Borchers, Jamison Olave, Chris Wingert, Kyle Beckerman, Andy Williams (Will Johnson 69'), Ned Grabavoy, Javier Morales, Fabian Espindola (Jean Alexandre 83'), Alvaro Saborio (Robbie Findley 62') ... Unused Subs: Kyle Reynish, Pablo Campos, Robbie Russell, Nelson Gonzalez.
Discipline: None.
Goals: None.
Saturday September 4
8:30 p.m. Rogers Sportsnet
Dallas drew scoreless to Columbus in Week 22, in the process setting a league record with a 10-game road unbeaten streak.
Hoops have morphed into a powerhouse MLS side this season, now undefeated in 12 games overall. That stretch includes a 1-1 draw at BMO Field on July 24. Playing against a strong squad is one matter, but difficulties will be further compounded for the Reds by the absence of Nana Attakora, Dwayne De Rosario and Julian de Guzman to international duty, as they represent Canada against Peru that same evening at BMO Field, while Toronto visits Dallas.
