Toronto FC aim to change fortunes vs. Revolution
Following a disastrous loss and a coaching change, Toronto FC will try to regroup on Wednesday when they visit the first-place New England Revolution in Foxborough, Mass.
Toronto FC (1-8-2, 5 points) are mired in a six-game losing streak, with Saturday's 7-1 loss to D.C. United setting an ignominious mark as the largest margin of defeat in team history. Head coach Chris Armas was fired the following day.
"I saw the term 'something had to give' and we needed to make that decision," Toronto team president Bill Manning said. "The results of late have been unacceptable. And that goes to every player, and the coaching staff, and the support staff, and on up to us (in the front office)."
Assistant Javier Perez will serve as Toronto's interim head coach against the Revolution.
Toronto's nightmarish start to the season has put the club at the bottom of the league in numerous categories, including points, goals allowed (27) and goal differential (-14).
By contrast, the Revolution (7-2-3, 24 points) sit atop the Eastern Conference. New England, however, has followed up a five-game winning streak with an 0-1-1 stretch -- including a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
New England failed to hold an early 2-0 lead against Columbus. Andrew Farrell provided the accidental equalizer after a bizarre own goal in the 64th minute, although fellow Revs defender Henry Kessler felt the 39th-minute goal from the Crew's Gyasi Zardes was the turning point.
"If we had closed out the first half correctly, I think we win this game," Kessler said. "Whenever you have a 2-0 lead, it's definitely a winnable game. ... A point on the road isn't the worst thing, but yeah, we're disappointed to not get all three."
Gustavo Bou converted against Columbus, extending the forward's goal-scoring streak to five consecutive appearances.
The Revolution are a perfect 5-0-0 in home games this season.
As many as four Toronto players (Ayo Akinola, Richie Laryea, Kemar Lawrence, Jonathan Osorio) could be unavailable due to international duty at the Gold Cup. Eriq Zavaleta will serve a red-card suspension.
New England's Tajon Buchanan and goalkeeper Matt Turner are also expected to miss Wednesday's game because of Gold Cup obligations.
--Field Level Media
