Toronto Preview

Can the Wizards turn the season around? All the chat before last week was how difficult it was to play so many games on the road. But then to turn around and play one of their worst performances of the season in front of a sellout crowd is not a way to stop the bleeding. The task ahead this weekend is not easy. Toronto has yet to lose at home and have consistently played well for most of the season. After last season’s expansion struggles, they’ve come back ready to play. Pulling the string has been Amado Guevara, who John Carver gambled on early this season. So far, so good, as things have been smooth with Guevara. He scored both goals in April, when Toronto beat KC earlier in the season. It wasn’t a poor performance for the Wizards last time, but it was still a loss.

The struggles for the Wizards have sat in the midfield. Turnovers have been a huge issue, along with distribution. Before last week, the defense had been consistent, with Tyson Wahl, Jimmy Conrad, and Michael Harrington all playing well. Things didn’t go so well last week against the Crew. Offensively, things have not been good. While Claudio Lopez hasn’t been disappointing this season, he hasn’t scored nearly as much as he needs to.

I thought this team had the experience and players to take a step forward. Instead, it’s been struggles galore. What exemplifies this the most is the inability to score goals. 10 goals from 11 games won’t cut it. Is Eddie Johnson really missed? Lopez is a different kind of player. He doesn’t have the same kind of speed as EJ, although he’s a better passer and distributor. Unfortunately, that’s not what has been needed.

Could this week start something new? It would be a huge boost to morale if they could stop their winless streak (which sits at six games). I don’t think they’ll be able to pull it off. Anything is possible, but someone on the front line is going to have to step up and actually score. Without it, they’ll be sunk.

Prediction: Toronto 2-0 Kansas City

Category: Toronto FC

Tags: Claudio Lopez, Toronto FC

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