Toronto FC has lost three straight matches after losing star attacker Lorenzo Insigne to a hamstring injury for six weeks.
After a strong start to the year with Insigne scoring multiple game-winning goals, TFC has struggled to find its footing without the former Italy international.
After three straight losses against Sporting Kansas City, Vancouver Whitecaps and Charlotte FC and being outscored 10-3 in these matches, memories of last season have flooded back into TFC followers.
However, head coach John Herdman said he was proud of the effort the group put in its last game, a 3-2 loss against Charlotte on April 13.
“To score two goals in an away venue and not come away with anything is disappointing,” he said in a media conference after the game. “But, I was proud of the work that was put in, I was proud of how we were able to take momentum in big parts of the game.”
Herdman says it’s important for the team to take these positives and focus on the next game.
“We get home next week, we get a chance to really regroup in front of our fans,” he said. “And hopefully carry on elements of that performance into our next match.”
Injuries have been the biggest factor in Insigne’s time in Toronto. According to TransferMarkt, Insigne has missed 18 of the possible 45 games for TFC since the start of last season.
Missing a player of Insigne’s calibre over a third of the time is not ideal, but it’s something TFC has had to deal with.
Herdman said earlier this year the team is working to manage Insigne’s minutes, specifically on artificial turf surfaces.
“The medical staff will have a big say in what he does if he does anything,” Herdman said ahead of TFC’s match against New England on March 3, whose stadium, Gilette Field, uses an artificial turf surface.
“We need him in every game possible,” he said.
TFC’s next game is on April 20 against New England Revolution in Toronto.
While Insigne’s injury is a massive blow, it’s not the only reason for Toronto’s struggles of late.
After keeping four clean sheets in the first five games of the year, TFC allowed at least three goals in each of the three games during this losing streak.
Captain Jonathan Osorio said the defensive woes of late are due to the team not being fully concentrated in key moments.
“I think we’ve been lacking 100 per cent concentration for the full duration of games,” he said. “I think at times we’re lacking concentration in key moments.”
Injuries to key players have begun to pile up as well.
In addition to Insigne, Canada international full-back Richie Laryea will be out until the summer and starting centre-back Shane O’Neill will miss the next month, both with thigh injuries.
With nine games until the end of May, including six at BMO Field, this stretch may be make-or-break for TFC’s season.
The depth of the squad will be tested this next month, and it will be up to them to pick up the minutes and responsibilities of the starters until they can get healthy.