In a long and trying season such as 2011, all associated with TFC need to enjoy every little victory and advantage they can get.
Last Saturday, the Reds created history for themselves when they finally removed that massive monkey off their back and defeated the Columbus Crew. And they did so in style, thoroughly bossing the match in the opening 45 minutes and then holding on in the second half for arguably the most complete victory Toronto have ever put together outside of the Canadian Championship.
Now, they look to take the momentum from that win and apply it to a crucial CONCACAF Champions League match in Mexico City against Pumas UNAM.
Or rather, against their kids.
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Pumas have decided that instead of taking the continental championship seriously, they're going to use the six matches as a training ground for some of their more promising teenagers and reserves. It's a strategy that MLS teams have been lambasted for in the past, yet the Mexican side are steadfast in their stance.
It would almost be seen as an arrogant move if their results -- both in the CCL and in the early goings of the Mexican Apertura -- weren't so deplorable. Pumas are currently mired in a seven-game winless streak in all competitions, including a 4-0 drubbing at Queratéro over the weekend.
Perhaps even more embarrassing for Pumas is the 0-0 draw versus Tauro FC they had to settle for in the previous CCL matchday, which allowed the Panamanian side to remain ahead of them on the Group C table.
With all of the crappy results, one would think that Pumas would look to turn things around by bringing in some reinforcements from the 'A' squad* and putting the boots to the visiting Canadian team on Wednesday night, right?
Not so, says Pumas coach Guillermo Vazquez. The Mexico City side will continue to use their youngsters, believing that they will gain valuable experience and much needed high-level match time from these games.
This is nothing but good news for Toronto, who really have nothing else to play for than advancement from the CCL group. It's clear that Aron Winter's side are improving, and a berth in the knockout stages will help quantify that.
That said, even a win against Pumas' kids is a tough ask, especially in Mexico. They gave a very good FC Dallas team a decent game in Matchday One of the competition, and will aim to do the same against TFC.
The Pumas youngsters are very talented, but more importantly they are hungry and eager to show that they deserve a spot with the big squad. A win against the visitors would go a long way towards accomplishing that goal.
Toronto, on the other hand, will have to use their experience advantage to make sure that doesn't happen.
* Pumas can only add five more players to their CCL roster, as 25 spots have already been claimed in the list given to CONCACAF prior to the group stage kicking off.
Pumas UNAM v. Toronto FC
Wednesday, September 14, 2011. 8:00pm EDT.
Estadio Olimpico Universitario. Mexico City, Mexico.
Watch: GolTV Canada, CONCACAF TV (registration required)
Listen: FAN590.com
Rudi Schuller contributes Toronto FC and Canadian national team content to the 24th Minute. He manages the Euro File here at Canadian Soccer News, and is MLSsoccer.com's beat writer for all things concerning Canada's men's national teams. Follow Rudi on Twitter, @RudiSchuller.