

Posted by

Steve Bottjer ,

May 13, 2015 Email

Steve Bottjer

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With Toronto FC falling 2-1 to the Houston Dynamo in their home opener on Sunday, many pundits characterized the loss as not only three dropped points against a beatable team but also a missed opportunity with respect to utilizing the first match in the expanded and revamped BMO Field towards instilling more excitement and passion within TFC’s long-suffering supporters.



According to TFC comeback kid Ashtone Morgan, he and his teammates now have to put a disappointing performance behind them and move forward with determination and intent.



As the player with the most ever appearances in a Toronto FC kit, the 24 year old Toronto native is one of the players on the TFC roster who was part of the squad when BMO Field was considered an imposing place for opposition teams to play.



In Morgan’s estimation, there is no reason why BMO Field cannot be a fortress again. According to the lightning quick fullback, getting off to better starts at home is vital with respect to achieving that goal.



“I think we just need to show our fight and determination in order to get the fans on our side early in the game,” Morgan told RedNation. “We have tremendous support here and I applaud it each and every game. I think we have to some earn some results and everyone will be on our side. We just have to keep pushing forward and focus on making it a fortress like it used to be.”



While Sunday’s storyline did not end with the win that everyone expected, Morgan was quick to admit there were many positives to take from the day, including the fan support at the revamped stadium, the record crowd and the manner in which the Reds played in the second half.



“I think all of the boys were excited and prepared for the match,” Morgan explained. “We did start a little bit slow (against Houston). We just need start by imposing ourselves on the opposing team and showing them that we are home team. And then build on that from there.”



“We went down by two goals but I think we showed some resilience and fought back in the second half,” Morgan added. “We need to capitalize on our second half performance and push on for Wednesday’s game against Montreal.”



Ultimately, the first ever TFC Academy graduate sees home success as a matter of taking advantage of the opportunity inherent in a large and passionate fan base and playing with determination and passion for the badge.



“We love the support and we love the big crowd and our fans,” Morgan stated. “For me, it is the bigger the better. We have to come out here on a Saturday or a Sunday and show our fans that we will represent our city to the best of our ability.



After starting their 2015 Major League Soccer campaign with seven straight matches on the road, there had been something of a sense of it having been mission accomplished with the squad earning a very respectable nine points from their grueling road heavy start to the season.



With sixteen of their remaining twenty-six league fixtures taking place at home at BMO Field, whether or not TFC enjoy a successful year will now likely be determined by how the squad plays at home.



With that in mind, Morgan believes the Reds need to put the disappointment of Sunday’s loss behind them and focus on getting the job done while turning BMO Field into a fortress once again.



“We have to take advantage of our home schedule from this point on,” Morgan said. “We have to capitalize by getting the fans excited and by getting wins and points at home.”