Things were looking positive for Toronto FC after Abdoulie Mansally registered a tackle on Sebastian Giovinco that warranted a tryout with the Houston Texans.

The Reds, who fell behind 1-0 early and lost Justin Morrow (hip) and Mark Bloom (ankle) to injury soon after, were now up a man after Mansally’s red card and level on the scoresheet at halftime thanks to Jozy Altidore’s GOTW nominated equalizer in the 24th minute.

But Greg Vanney’s side couldn’t break down the Dynamo in the second half with the man advantage. There were chances. Altidore hit the post after connecting on a delicious ball in from Jay Chapman. Tosaint Ricketts looked to have secured the game winning goal late, but Jalil Anibaba was there to make a spectacular overhead clearance off the line. Houston remained resolute at the back and nearly converted a couple of chances of their own off the counter attack. Alex Bono came up big when called upon. 1-1 was the score when referee Hilario Grajeda blew the full time whistle.

And so the Reds left Texas with a point after a bizarre couple of days that included Saturday night’s match postponement due to a storm we hadn’t seen the likes of since, well since the last time TFC was in Texas, last year against Dallas.
Though it was clear Greg Vanney and his players were frustrated by not being able to leave Houston with three points, the club quickly shifted their focus to Saturday’s important Eastern Conference clash with the Philadelphia Union.
“It was a crazy weekend,” said captain Michael Bradley. “To come away with a point keeps us moving in the right direction. It keeps this positive run we’re on in tact. We’ll get home, we’ll recover and we’ll prepare for another very difficult away game in Philadelphia.”
Though the Dynamo have struggled this season, they’re a tough team to breakdown at home and have only lost once at BBVA Compass Stadium this season. With the draw the Reds boast the fifth best away record in MLS. They’ll look to build on that with two tricky opponents coming up in a tight window before the Reds return to BMO Field, where they’ll play six of their final eight games.
Altidore’s return from injury has been one of several positive stories to emerge from the group over the past month. This team is primed for a run deep into the MLS Cup playoffs with the U.S. international operating at full tilt. He was the most dangerous player on the field in Houston, but Vanney continues to be cautious when it comes to Altidore’s usage. Jozy made way for Tosaint Ricketts in the 71st minute.
“It’s part of our process to getting Jozy back to playing a full 90 minutes,” said Vanney. “It wasn’t about just one game. It’s about a season and a longer term situation.”
All season the club’s depth has been tested and that will be the case again this weekend in Philadelphia. A number of injuries to the backline have thrust the likes of Nick Hagglund and Josh Williams into starting roles. They could be joined by Danny Lovitz and Ashtone Morgan, depending on the status of Bloom, Morrow and Steven Beitashour.
We’ll keep you updated here at torontofc.ca as the week rolls on towards matchday on Saturday.