The game plan? Press higher, play on the front foot, do not allow the Union to dictate the pace, and have more energy – all of which sounded wonderful.
Unfortunately for the Reds, the young backline contributed the defensive downfall that would control the match.
Toronto was exposed on the counter attack, down the middle, and on either flank.
Casey’s game winning goal was a perfect example of what went wrong for Toronto throughout 90 minutes. Both Ashtone Morgan and Doneil Henry were caught high and out of position, allowing Cristian Maidana to send a crisp pass up to Sebastien Le Toux.
He was given a massive amount of space up the right flank as Henry and Morgan struggled to get back. Nick Hagglund failed to close the gap to prevent Le Toux’s uncontested cross to Casey. Mark Bloom was not positioned goal side of Casey which allowed him the easy finish on the near post run.
Flash back to June 1st 2013: Henry was sent off for earning his second yellow card of the game after a foul on Philadelphia midfielder Danny Cruz.
April 13th 2013: Morgan was sent off for his second yellow in the 88th minute against the Union
Fast forward to September 3rd 2014: the trend continued as Morgan was, you guessed it, sent off with a straight red in the 77th for dragging down Le Toux from behind to halt his breakaway.
Morgan, who hasn't seen first team action since the beginning of the season, couldn't catch a break.
Joe Bendik made a solid save on the resulting free kick. His performance throughout the match kept the scoreline flattering for the visiting side.
Inside the 15’ minute Bendik stopped Casey’s right footed shot from the center of the area with an excellent drive. He did it again in the 53rd minute when he sprawled to make a one handed save to deny Amobi Okugo’s header from a corner kick.
Union goal keeper Zac MacMath was also strong, coming off his line on more than one occasion to stifle Dominic Oduro’s breakaway attempts. He also came up big for Philly in the 57th minute when he silenced sub Gilberto from close range.
It would have been unreasonable expect a brilliant result considering the drama surrounding TFC since Sunday. However, that doesn't make it less difficult for supporters to stomach. Toronto is now win-less in its last five games and have been shut out in its last two. TFC battle the Union again on Saturday September 6th at BMO Field.
After New England’s 3-1 win over Kansas City on Wednesday Toronto move to fourth place in the East with 33 points. Philadelphia and Columbus, with the same tally, are quickly catching up.