Lack of Killer Instinct Toronto FC’s Biggest Weakness

Playing a man up anything but an advantage for TFC

Toronto FC and Montreal Impact players push and shove in the first half at BMO Field in Toronto on Aug. 27, 2016. Montreal’s Callum Mallace was sent off for his actions that led to the skirmish. The Canadian Press/Fred Thornhill

TORONTO—It used to be a lack of a proven goalscorer, then it was a porous defense.

But for all the things TFC have done right this season—and there have been many—their woeful record when playing a man up highlights the team’s biggest weakness.

TFC have not won a game in which they’ve ended it up a man—or two, in the case of July 16’s 2–1 loss in San Jose. The Reds have five losses and one draw in six such situations this year. Further, TFC has only scored one goal when up a man, and they’ve conceded two. San Jose actually scored on TFC playing 9 against 11.

We need to execute like a team that's a championship team.

— Greg Vanney, Toronto FC