2009 Recap: Another year, another missed opportunity for the Reds. Toronto was on the cusp of making the playoffs, but they ultimately missed out by a single point. Despite bringing in some high profile talent, the Reds just couldn’t seem to field a consistent side. One week they would put on a fine display and crush their competition. The next week they would fail to show up and be beaten by another bad bunch. Maybe 2010 will finally be the year.
Top Players: For TFC fans to witness success in 2010, Dwayne De Rosario will need to continue to put up gaudy numbers. The homegrown star scored 11 goals in 2009. But, he also spent a ton of time trying to pick cherries, so he ended the season with the most offsides penalties (43). No one else really shined for the Reds. Amado Guevara was good when he felt like it (not often). Youngster Stefan Frei showed promise in goal, but he needs more experience.
Symbolic Stats: TFC wins my official 2009 Jekyll & Hyde Award because they were dangerously unpredictable. They usually looked good in the first half, but tired and couldn’t finish in the second. In fact, they only scored 2 goals in the final 15 minutes of games all season (last in MLS by far). During the same 15 minute period, they gave up 16 goals (most in MLS), thus creating a -14 goal differential during the final 15 minutes. Methinks they lacked fitness.
2009 MLS Season Review:
