(Lino Terra, Editor) – An early goal by DC United’s Fred held up against relentless TFC pressure as the home team fell to it’s 3rd straight defeat. Toronto is now winless in their last eight league games and remain in last place in the MLS Eastern Conference. They now also own the MLS single-season futility record, not having scored a goal in now 642 consecutive minutes, or the equivalent of over 7 full games.

Toronto deserved a better fate on the night, as much of the second half was played on the DC United half. The best chance came the 70th minute, Todd Dunivant was sent in alone at the end of a well-executed string of passes. Troy Perkins in the DC goal was quick to come out and challenge and parry away the shot.

Up front, Samuel certainly did his bit Saturday night to break Toronto out of its funk. He was a bit a more willing to chase down balls up front, while Dichio was his usually imposing presence in the air, even though he still appears a ways away from being match fit.

In midfield, Marvell Wynne seems to be the only player on this team willing to take on defenders. TFC are content to place short one touch passing in the midfield, but rarely combine with effective runs and well-timed through balls. Instead the team are flat-footed and DCU simply waits to pounce on an off-target pass.

The team certainly misses Ronnie O’Brien. Chris Pozniak was added to the starting lineup and had a decent first half, but disappeared after the break. He was replaced by an almost-forgotten Miguel Canizalez with 8 minutes to go.

The back three were solid as Jimmy Brennan, Tyrone Marshall and Adam Braz continue to work well together as one of the few bright spots of this winless streak. Stamatopoulos was not tested often and could have done better to keep out Fred’s effort in the 1st half.

After coming on as a midfield sub in the last game, Wynne started on the wing Saturday night, replacing an injured Andy Welsh. Adam Braz made his 4th consecutive start on defence.

Toronto carried much of the 1st half possession, but DC United played a patient game and provided few real chances. TFC had a number of free kicks in good attacking positions, but where unable to convert them into good scoring opportunities.
Toronto had an inspired start, with a couple of good chances and two corners won in the first 5 minutes, however, it was DC United that struck first early in the half. A counter attack goal by Fred totally against the run of play in the 8th minute temporarily silences the crowd and put TFC down a goal.

Photos by: Marius Pop