Toronto FC played far too passively and paid for it.

There’s no sugar coating what happened on Sunday night against the Houston Dynamo. With that said it’s one game. This loss will not doom the Reds, but the 2-1 result serves as a good reminder of what it takes to be consistently good in this league.

Here are three takeaways from the match.

Passive Play

For around 70 minutes Toronto FC was far too passive. Greg Vanney said as much during his post-match press conference.

“Our fans want us to come out and fight. Today we were way too passive.”

The introductions of Jonathan Osorio and Collen Warner spurred a positive fight back late, and Jozy Altidore’s marker in the 77th minute gave us the belief that this game could be salvageable.

There was no second goal. Instead the Reds regroup for a busy week that sees them play against the Impact midweek, followed by a trip to Boston to battle the Revolution.

No Star Treatment

How do you take Sebastian Giovinco out of the game? Foul him relentlessly.

We were reminded of Owen Coyle’s halcyon days with Wigan, and to be fair, the strategy worked on Sunday.

Giovinco was afforded little space when on the ball. It was to the same for Altidore. TFC’s marksmen up top will have to get familiar with TSA level security measures at all times.

Barnes On The Run

Giles Barnes trolling Toronto klaxon.

The former West Bromwich striker has a field day whenever the Dynamo visit BMO field.

Defensively the Reds were left in a lurch on numerous occasions by Barnes. A TFC throw in resulted in the second goal, which was the back breaker.

Barnes on the ball running at Toronto defenders was a constant theme throughout the match. It was a no win situation for the home side.