My “It’s Called Football” colleague Duane Rollins and I continue to disagree on Toronto FC’s playoff chances.
He argues – reasonably – that they are still mathematically alive, and three wins in their final three matches will get them to the next level. I argue – factually, I feel – that this team is far too inconsistent to win three games on the trot.
Streaks that long have occurred only eight times in MLS this season, and I believe five of those included victories over Toronto FC.
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But Duane and I completely agree on this: Saturday’s home tiff against the Earthquakes is a playoff game, and the playoff atmosphere at BMO Field should be a blast.
And should they defeat San Jose, the following Saturday’s invasion by Seagull City SC will also be a de-facto playoff contest – including an utterly astonishing farewell tribute to Danny Dichio … stay tuned.
A crisp fall Saturday and the entire season on the line – what’s not to love?
May these be the games incoming saviour-de-jour Julian DeGuzman really rises up and takes control of his new team. May he and Dwayne DeRosario shred the SJ defence, and ring up a convincing, decisive assault.
Win or lose, I want the Torontos to play with fire, guile, grit and creativity. If they must be defeated, let them go down playing real football, with genuine passion, to give us all something to look forward to – along with real grass – for the achingly distant spring of 2010.
What’s your prediction, TFC fans? Will the lads down SJ, or is it all over? What’s the score – and why?
Onward!