Time for earnest evaluations as TFC looks to get over the hump

Toronto FC’s 2-2 draw against the LA Galaxy on Aug. 31 was noteworthy for marking Greg Vanney’s return to BMO Field for the first time since he parted ways with the club after the 2020 season.

But beyond that, the stalemate against the Galaxy underlined one of the biggest issues facing TFC this winter as they look to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2023 MLS campaign.

Having gone down a goal to the Galaxy midway through the first half, the Reds valiantly fought back to take the lead after 81 minutes through goals by Jesús Jiménez and Federico Bernardeschi. But, like so many times before in the year, Toronto couldn’t close the deal. LA equalized in the 89th minute off a throw-in when Riqui Puig unleashed a fabulous right-footed shot from outside the box past a helpless Alex Bono and into the top right corner.