The result was fine.
Saturday’s too.
There were elements of both games, both draws, to be happy about. The defense is competing and only allowing one goal per game is an improvement over where things were. Danny Koevermans is on form, nine goals, third in league scoring. That's cool.
Paul Mariner seems to have corrected the late game collapsing problem – if anything Toronto was the more likely late tonight.
And, they are grinding out results. Seven points in six games under Mariner. Over the course of the a season that would work out to 37 points, which would still be short of the playoffs, but it wouldn't need a telescope to see them.
So, it's better. A bit better. After the start of this season a bit better will have to do.
But, it doesn't inspire. TFC's form doesn't make you believe in miracle playoff runs, or convince you with any certainty that 2013 will bring with it anything special. It just leaves you not angry.
In past years the Reds were always close enough that you could dream. You'd still glance at the table and calculate what needed to happen to put them in the playoffs. It wasn't always realistic, but it was rarely absurd.
This year, looking at the table became pointless in April. That's hard. So, a road draw does nothing for fans on an emotional level. No one is figuring out what it means beyond the night in question. The harsh reality is that TFC will not play a meaningful MLS game until next March.
(unless you think they can get 36 points in 16 games, which might – MIGHT – be enough to grab the last playoff spot)
Half a season is a long time to play out the string. It's going to be difficult to find ways to get up for games, especially those against teams that the club doesn't have a rivalry with.
I don't write this to be depressing. It just is what it is and it really sucks.
But, the result was fine tonight.