TORONTO

It hasn’t been all bad at BMO Field this season. Sure, Toronto FC’s record is still one of the worst in the league. But that doesn’t mean the Reds haven’t shown glimpses of a turnaround – albeit a small one – this season. As a result, Larson’s looking past Toronto’s abysmal record (4-12-10) and digging a bit deeper to see what positives can be salvaged from TFC’s season. It was difficult, that’s for sure, but here are the Toronto Sun’s top five positives to take away from TFC’s seventh season.

More organized, more committed, more stable

-Stat-driven people who comment on this game drive me crazy. That said, some statistics offer up an undeniable glimpse into how a team has performed throughout a season. In 2012, Toronto FC conceded an astronomical (62) number of goals, 11 more than its next closest Eastern Conference competitor. This season, though, the Reds have conceded just 35 times with eight games to go, a massive difference that says a lot about the dwindling number of chances the club’s giving up each time out. It’s a total that puts them firmly in the middle of the MLS field when it comes to goals-against average this year. Had the Reds managed to pot a few more goals, their record wouldn’t look nearly as embarrassing with two months to go. Nonetheless, a stable back four, undoubtedly helped on by the addition of Steven Caldwell, has been the difference. For the first time – maybe ever – the Reds might start next season with the same back four that ends this one. Is TFC’s current defensive corps playoff caliber? Probably not, but it’s a hell of a lot better than it’s been in a while.

Joe Bendik surprises everyone

-Stefan Frei’s pre-season injury was a blessing in disguise. That’s not to say we all don’t feel for TFC’s former No. 1 goalkeeper. We do. Frei was a servant, a fan favourite for a long time who performed miracles in goal over multiple seasons. He made 2- or3-0 losses somehow fun to watch. Now, back to Bendik, who has arguably had the best season by any ‘keeper in Toronto FC’s short history. After Frei shattered his nose in the first half of the first pre-season game in Orlando this year, just about everyone thought all was lost. Who could blame them? No one had ever seen Bendik kick a ball – or make a save for that matter. Then came opening day in Vancouver, where Bendik sprawled out earlier in the second half to introduce himself and keep the Reds on level terms. He repeated the effort in Toronto’s home opener against Sporting KC, helping TFC to its first win in 16 league matches. Looking over his entire resume of work this season, Bendik has been a pleasant surprise, producing only two questionable moments through 2,340 minutes of work.

The cap is finally under control

-In Kevin Payne’s own words, Toronto FC’s salary cap situation entering the season was “pretty bad.” Looking back, TFC’s general manager was being generous to past regimes at the time. In a word, TFC’s cap numbers were horrendous ahead of 2013. Two injured Designated Players – Danny Koevermans and Torsten Frings – accounted for just under 25% of the club’s allotted cap space. Another 30% was tied up between a pair of expensive defenders. To summarize, previous regimes handicapped new head coach Ryan Nelsen and Payne by tying up 50% of the club’s cap space between four players. Anyone who follows MLS understands that’s a recipe for disaster. So, Payne went to work, dropping Frings as fast as he could and allowing Darren O’Dea, who the club wanted to keep at a cheaper price, to leave for Europe. There are also whispers the Reds have already renegotiated Richard Eckersley’s deal. Suddenly, although the roster is still shockingly thin, TFC’s in a position to add real value this winter. Guys like Matias Laba and Max Urruti were a start. Much more is needed.

Young players show they’re ready

-Even Jonathan Osorio’s surprised at his rapid climb to the top of TFC’s midfield depth chart. When I spoke with him back in February, Toronto’s 21-year-old homegrown player was just hoping to make his first professional roster. To this day, TFC head coach Ryan Nelsen has a bit of a laugh when media brings up his ability to identify young talent. Truth be told, nobody, not even Osorio, expected this much success this early. His goals, all five of them, have seemingly come at the most opportune times. Like all young players, Osorio still lacks a bit of consistency, something he knows. But it’s also something that will come with more experience. Then, there’s Matias Laba, TFC’s young Argentine Designated Player who has already shown glimpses of brilliance. The 21-year-old Argentinos Juniors product is both hard in the tackle and near perfect in possession, the kind of player who’s only going to improve as he settles into a new league in a new country.

It’s confirmed: TFC has the most loyal fans

-Toronto FC might have the most loyal fans in the entire league. Hear me out. Yes, the stands at BMO Field are increasingly empty, but the support remains impressive. Gone are the days of 22,000-plus TFC supporters singing in unison on a warm summer night. But the Reds are still averaging 19,330 fans a game, according to ESPN, good enough for ninth overall in a 19-team league. My argument is this: If Real Salt Lake (18,947) or Sporting Kansas City (19,833) went on TFC-like epic winless runs would their average attendance remain above 19,000? For how bad Toronto’s been, current attendance levels are proof this city’s hungry for a winning soccer team, a side to finally resurrect past support and make BMO Field once again what it once was. While some choose to look at a three-quarters full stadium as a negative, I’ll take the glass half-full approach. At this point, the Reds are lucky they aren’t playing in front of sparse crowds of just over 10,000.