Of course the Sounders have never failed to make the playoffs since they joined MLS. Toronto FC’s record is notably different. Never did this dichotomy present itself more starkly than in 2009. Seattle’s inaugural season in the league was supposed to be the year the Reds made the playoffs. How that ended, in the final game played at Giants Stadium, is a signature moment in TFC history. In all the years since, Toronto has never been closer. Seattle, on the other hand, won their first three MLS games ever – including an away win at BMO Field – and rode a hot start into third place finish in the Western Conference.
Now, however, Toronto FC is more in a fight for playoff seeding than bare qualification. Could it be that the first time the Reds finally play a playoff game, the Sounders have already been eliminated? For once, Seattle fans might be the ones watching other teams decide the league’s champion in November.
Even a couple months ago, that seemed decidedly unlikely. Before their meltdown in the U.S. Open Cup versus the Timbers, Seattle looked like strong favourites to repeat as Supporter’s Shield champions. Ever since, the Sounders have been on the sort of long summer slide that destroyed so many TFC seasons. A mere one win from ten games during that stretch is not the sort of form to put fear into any opposition. Granted, they have bounced back with a couple wins in their last three games, but there is a frailty to the Sounders that has been exposed. If Toronto supporters are prepared to qualify their big win over Orlando a couple weeks ago because of Rafael Ramos’ red card, then the same applies to Seattle’s victory the week before. And, as mentioned, Seattle’s victory during Rivalry Week last weekend was no more impressive than Toronto’s. Both sides had a fair degree of fortune and snuck out with 2 – 1 wins.
For Toronto, the big concern is obviously not the Sounders. Even when the Reds have been winning in 2015 the oft spoken fear was apparent: what happens if Sebastian Giovinco picks up an injury? Now, for the first time all season, that question can be answered. While the Italian’s muscle strain is almost certainly not season ending, it was enough to hold him out of the Italian team’s games during the international break. With Jozy Altidore called up to the American team that leaves Toronto down both its first choice forwards.
Thus, Reds supporters should get an opportunity to see more of what Herculez Gomez can add to the side. The mid-summer pick-up was one of the few bright spots in a largely dire night in New York during his cameo debut a few weeks ago. Held out of action since then, a few weeks of full training with the team could lead to a first start. The FieldTurf surface of CenturyLink Field may be a concern, but why bring in a back-up forward if you’re not prepared to play him?
In the end, any points from this match are simply a bonus for Toronto. The big run of home games to come will decide whether they’re hosting a playoff game for the first time ever. But the chance to pile pressure on Seattle, as they did with Montreal last week, is a joy rarely savoured in T.O. The Sounders are used to winning. It’d be polite to let them see the other side of sporting experience. We’re the experts, and maybe we can help them.