(Lino Terra, Ontario Soccer Web) - Toronto FC capped of a memorable first season on the 20th of October with a thrilling come-from-behind draw against the New England Revolution. Appropriately, Danny Dichio, who scored the first ever TFC goal, added the other bookend when he looped an injury-time equalizer over the Revolution keeper

The 20,000+ fans rewarded the boys in red with a standing ovation at the end of the match, prompting a ‘victory’ lap by a team that finished with only 6 wins from 30 matches.  Oddly enough, it seemed appropriate as the fans gladly celebrated the return of elite professional soccer to this city.

Now that the honeymoon is officially over, the time has come for MLSE to address the team weaknesses that for the most part were happily overlooked by fans and media in their maiden season.

On the field, TFC suffered from a lack of finishing prowess and an overall lack of depth in the squad.  An 824-minute scoreless streak wiped away any hopes of a playoff run after a decent run in the middle of the summer.  The Reds were also beset by a number of injuries that exposed the fact that the squads was pretty thin after the starting 11.

Off the field, the team was an unqualified success.  The fans quickly overlooked the media spectacle that was the preseason ‘tryout’ hosted by the team that generated attention and money but no real opportunities to pull on a TFC jersey.

The stadium was full game in and game out, regardless of the product on the field, which was always full of effort, if not positive results.  The atmosphere created at BMO Field is the envy of every other MLS city and provided Toronto fans a taste of why soccer is the number one sport around the world.

So what comes next? It’s pretty clear that personnel changes are required to make the team competitive.  The team does have a solid core to build around, but the teams should not be afraid to shake things up.

TFC has confirmed that Mo Johnston will be back in 2008.  Johnston should be given some leeway given that this was an expansion team, but there were many questionable personnel decisions made last year that likely won’t be tolerated if repeated.

Bringing in Andy Welsh was a horrible mistake that took much too long to rectify, and Johnston’s constant whining about the lack of Canadian was disgraceful and bordering on offensive, given that most of the Canadians he brought in were bargain basement backups while the high-priced ‘talent’ he brought in (Welsh, Casey, Nagamura, Buddle, Robinson, Samuel, Cunningham) performed well below expectations.

Many supporters would like to see Johnston deal with his low opinion of Canadian soccer talent by kick-starting the Toronto FC youth academy that they keep talking about. Soccer community insiders doubt that their will be any real activity (in terms of teams on the pitch) for at least another year.

All that said, the game is played on the field, so let’s speculate on where TFC will be in that regard next year…

The Core

Maurice Edu – The 1st round pick was a pleasant surprise in the Toronto FC midfield, adapting well to the MLS game. He showed flashes of brilliance and a decent scoring touch in his first professional season. Edu also caught the eye of Aston Villa management for a possible overseas trial. TFC would do well to keep him around for the next few years.

Jim Brennan – The Canadian workhorse that covered various positions, played through various injuries and captained the squad is the cornerstone of the team. His intensity and versatility are valuable assets to the team.

Ronnie O’Brien – It is no coincidence that the midsummer scoring drought came at about the same time O’Brien went down with a season-ending injury. One of the few players on the roster that can be said to possess world-class skill, O’Brien is the veteran presence this team will need to get through its growing pains.

Danny Dichio – Every expansion team has its folk hero that captures the affections of the fans and takes on a presence much larger that his skill set may warrant. Dichio pretty much locked up this honour when he scored TFC’s first ever goal and then was sent off within a 10-minute span back in May. In an injury-shortened season, he still ended up as the leading scorer. Dichio should be welcomed back next and can be even more effective if partnered with a striker with speed.

Marvell Wynne – Marvell provided some unexpected offensive presence from the fullback position and was one of the unsung heroes of this squad. His work was noticed, however, by the US National Team staff. Wynne, along with Maurice Edu earned National Team call-ups based on their play with the Reds. Injuries forced Wynne into the midfield in the later stages of the season, which reduced his effectiveness. TFC would be best-served to move Wynne back to his fullback role in 2008.

Supporting Cast

Carl Robinson – Although Carl anchored the midfield and was a consistent presence in the squad, his salary makes him a luxury that Toronto may not be able to afford next season. If the team is able to use this money to bring in some scoring help, they should take it and move Edu into the midfield general role.

Tyrone Marshall – A midseason acquisition, Marshall helped to stabilize the TFC defence and should be back in 2008.

Chris Pozniak – The versatile Canadian provided valuable backup support at multiple positions.

Kenny Stamatopoulos – Although he never seemed fully comfortable in the starter’s role. Stamatopoulos has the pedigree to be a decent starting keeper in MLS. With Sutton’s future uncertain due to the effects of post-concussion syndrome. Re-signing the veteran Canadian keeper will be high on Mo Johnston’s to-do list.

On the Bubble

Jeff Cunningham – If Cunningham should return if he can show he’s fully recovered from last year’s injuries and can recreate the chemistry he had with Dichio for a brief stretch last year. Some extra practice on finishing off breakaways would also help.

Colin Samuel – His ticket out of town appeared punched almost as soon as he got here, but inspired efforts in the home stretch may have earned him a second chance. It is likely that only one of Samuel or Cunningham will return next year.

Andrea Lombardo – Lombardo’s age, his salary and the fact that he’s Canadian all point to the notion that he deserves another year at least to show he belongs. Heck, Vincenzo Iaquinta was in the Italian 3rd division when he was 20 years old and now starts for Juventus.

Todd Dunivant – A capable, if unspectacular role player that brings much needed MLS experience to the team.

Andrew Boyens – An average defender, Boyens may be caught in the numbers game as he may not be worthy of the Senior International spot he takes up in 2008.

Greg Sutton – Deserves another chance if he can get healthy.

Miguel Canizalez – Canizales showed flashes of promise, but appears to be on the wrong side of the coach, and you know who usually wins those battles…

Adam Braz – Braz was in a bit over his head moving from the USL to MLS. Can be a capable back up, but TFC will be in trouble if they need to call on him for more than that.

Marco Reda – Reda’s best days are probably behind him.

David Monsalve, Srdjan Djekanovic – Young Canadian keepers earned some much needed MLS experience, but are not yet ready to challenge for the starting job.

Jury’s Still Out

Tyler Hemming – A pleasant surprise at fullback in the season finale, Hemming may get more opportunities in 2008.

Gabe Gala & Joey Melo – The 17-year-olds played in a few late season games and did not look out of place.

Reserve Team Filler

David Guzman, Cristian Nunez, Stephen Lumley, Nana Attakora-Gyan

Photos by Marius Pop