So, Toronto FC fans, now that you've had a little bit of time to think about it... how does it feel?
That sensation of having reached the end of a league match with your team's goal total superior to that of the opponent -- that rare, bizarre feeling that, according to some quick Wikipedia research, is called a "win".
Feels nice, right? Creates a feeling of optimism, of hope, of satisfaction in the emotional-investment choices you've made in your life? Heck, after being starved of such emotions for so long, the unexpected victory over Kansas City might be filling you with big dreams about TFC's chances this season; in fact, this one result in early March may have you thinking this is the year Toronto finally qualifies for the pl---
Stop. Go slap yourself right now. Move away from the screen for a moment and do it. I'll wait here.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Alright then. Now that the temporary euphoric wave of sporting triumph (and the subsequent alcoholic haze) has presumably worn off, we can return to reality.
In reality, this is a team that began last season with a record-breaking losing streak and finished it with a 14-game winless streak -- under two different managers.
"Ah ha!" you're unlikely to be saying, but go with me anyway here, "But those managers are both gone! Most of those players are gone! This is a new regime, a new head coach, a new set of players -- this, clearly, is the time it all works!"
Whichever cheek you didn't slap the first time? Slap that one now.
If regime change, or a new head coach, or a new set of on-field troops were the can't-miss keys to on-field success, TFC would be an MLS dynasty, rather than a punchline both at home and abroad.
Let's be honest, though -- the victory over SKC was marvelously gratifying for the long-suffering TFC faithful. Despite the characteristically nervy conclusion, Toronto held onto a deserved three points, powered by a new instant Hogtown hero by the name of Robert Earnshaw.
It's remarkable, in fact, that barely a week after TFC fans were nervously wringing their hands about the team's attacking options -- and legitimately wondering if there was anyone worthy of being the team's opening-day starting striker -- some TFC fans are already salivating at the prospect of Earnshaw combining with Danny Koevermans in the not-too-distant future for the Reds.
And when it comes to combinations, some (myself included) are cautiously optimistic that Darren O'Dea and Danny Califf could finally be the solution to Toronto's six-year-long troubles in the centre of defence. Having a former centreback as a head coach certainly helps keep things organized -- as does pairing O'Dea with another experienced CB, which certainly wasn't the case during his first season with Toronto in 2012.
Stefan Frei will be back soon, though Joe Bendik has looked solid in his two regular-season starts. Kyle Bekker and Luis Silva are full of promise, while Julio Cesar is sure to bolster the squad's midfield and John Bostock electrified the Toronto crowd in his debut, just one day after officially signing with the team.
Oh yeah, and the team has two designated player spots and some cash to play around with.
So yes, it's alright to have hope. It's alright to believe there is promise in Kevin Payne's plan, or in Nelsen's capabilities as a head coach, or in the potential of this team to gel into a solid MLS squad over the course of the season. Unyielding pessimism never really gets anyone much of anything, after all.
But let's all remember what we're talking about here. After all, this is Toronto FC.
And it was one game.
One game.
Sure, the Reds now have as many points through two league games as they did through 10 league games last season. You're allowed to be happy about that. You're allowed to believe this team might be the one to finally put it together and drag soccer back into the Toronto spotlight, in a positive fashion. Because you know what? They might be.
But if you're banking on a breakthrough, after this one result... or if you're already convinced Earnshaw will break MLS scoring records... or you're sure that the days of late-game defensive breakdowns are gone forever...
Well then, you know what to do.
.