East Side Stand Up

The Reds get off to a bad start and were unable to fight back, losing 3-2 to the San Jose Earthquakes. An early penalty put TFC on their heels and at the end of the night, Chris Wondolowski was the man, putting three past Stefan Frei. On a week where Tom Anselmi is trying to justify the ticket price increase, he fails to mention anything about building a winner and perhaps this is why. Looking at year four without a sniff at the playoffs, all that's left is the mathematics to determine what has looked to be the case for the last two weeks. It's breaking down the ninety minutes, some serious whinging, and stern finger pointing at MLSE as who knows when this will turn around for the better.

Top of the table to you!! That's right! Toronto FC sit atop of Group A in the CONCACAF Champion's League group stage with what some (but not us) might call a shock 2-1 victory over Mexican juggernaut Cruz Azul. It was Toronto's from the opening bell as Azul came out cold and TFC made them pay. Perhaps some of TFC's most criticized players stood up and were counted on as the Eastern Block of Usanov and Hrscanovics were instrumental in both goals - which came from Saric and Mista! Money well spent - hats off to MLSE! Now we just have to balance this out with league play as NYRB are coming to town Saturday and TFC needs all points to keep their heads afloat in MLS.

Despite being soundly defeated at home, 3-0 to Mexico, the pod keeps the result in perspective. There is no question Mexico is the superior team and program and with that in mind, these games are also about staying positive and competitive heading into the final two matches against Honduras and El Salvador. There were certainly moments to be disappointed, as Canada could have capitalized on several chances throughout the match. It will be tough to go into Azteca stadium, but if Canada can come out relatively unscathed, it will go a long way in being prepared for the final games of the fourth round.

It's a new year, a new draft, but will it be the same TFC? Aaron Neilsen joins the pod to flex his expertise in the NCAA and offer his thoughts on Toronto FC from the very top down to the bottom. We discuss the hiring of Robin Fraser, gaps in the roster and if the draft can address any of them. We also talk about Cyle Larin and what his emergence as a top North American prospect means for Canadian soccer.

TFC get out of Montreal with some respectability and critical away goals in a 3-2 loss to the Impact. The Reds managed to fight back from a 3-0 deficit and showed grit and determination rarely seen over the last decade. It has been the hallmark of the side for the last two months, one that has stayed in game and fought until the end. Goals from Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley give TFC supporters hope that the home leg of this round can end with a win and sending the club into the MLS Cup Final.