There have been games in 2012 where Toronto FC looked OK – pretty, even – and lost. Last night was not one of those nights.
Against Montreal in the first leg of the Voyageurs Cup semi-final, Toronto looked terrible – and got a result it probably would have taken going into the game.
It was a dire 0-0 where the Impact had most of the possession and all of the chances. The instinct of the grumpy TFC fan is to use the game as a further example of how the club is crap and hopeless. The TFC fan at 1-3-8 overall is prone to negativity.
There are times, however, where the result is all that matters. A scoreless draw on the road isn't a perfect result, but it's a hell of a lot better than a loss of any amount. And, it was better result for Toronto than it was for Montreal.
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It's half-time in a 180 minute game. The Reds will need to play better in the second half, but home field advantage matters and another week of healing for Nick Soolsma and Danny Koevermans could mean a stronger line-up next week.
Although Montreal probably should have finished more effectively, it was also a clean sheet. That had to help with the confidence of a back-line that has struggled an insane amount. This matters and it's far better to focus on that than it is to pile on with more negativity.
Toronto FC is clearly a work in process. Finding a way to get a result when things aren't going well is evidence of growth.
Much more is needed, but it's a start. Find a win next week – and beating Montreal at home would hardly be earth-shattering – and maybe the club convinces a few more fans to stick with them through the learning curve.