State of the union: TFC has to shake things up for playoff push

It’s time to stop the bleeding and inject Toronto FC's starting 11 with some young players who are hungry to prove themselves.

State of the union: TFC has to shake things up for playoff push

These are interesting times for Toronto FC.  

TFC currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference, just clinging to the second-last playoff berth with only six matches remaining in the campaign. Their tenuous grip on that post-season spot could become even more loose by the end of this weekend should D.C. United and one of the New England Revolution or the Chicago Fire win their games.  

The trailing pack is slowly closing the gap on the Reds who could soon feel even hotter around the collar. All seven teams below them in the table are within seven points and all of them have games in hand.  

Toronto picked the absolute worst time to go into a tailspin, which is exactly what happened with last week’s demoralizing 3-1 home loss to D.C. The Reds’ attack never shifted into second gear thanks in large part to a listless effort from Lorenzo Insigne who was subbed out after 75 largely ineffective minutes. The Italian DP has now gone nine MLS games without scoring, his last goal in league play coming on June 15.