TFC playing so compact defensively is a double-edged sword - Limiting the passing channels and loading the box have made Toronto terribly difficult to break down, but the problem becomes that the team is falling so deep, there is a lack of balance on the field to get out on attack. The counterattack is only working when their opponents over-commit. TFC needs better rotation and movement from the breakout from their central midfielders and outside wing-backs. FC Dallas worked it to perfection with the wing-back players active getting forward and rotation and support from two tiers in the centre of midfield. FC Dallas had a club record 16 corner kicks Saturday. Sustained pressure put TFC in vulnerable positions with both goals coming from set pieces. The fluidity of the home side was impressive - the transformation swift and pointed by new head coach Oscar Pareja. The short-term counter attack approach has been used by Nelsen out of necessity and can work to a certain degree with the dangerous Defoe on the prowl up front, when fit. Long-term, this tactic will not work. TFC will have to evolve from strictly a counterattack team to one that can build out of the back. 4. Hamstrung by hamstrings – The injury list continues to run long and deep at TFC. Three players missed through hamstring strains Saturday, with Osorio returning from a similar injury. Thigh and calf strains have also been an issue. The reason for so many similar injuries is not known, but is disturbing. Training and playing on a number of different surfaces to start the season is an obvious contributing factor. The wear and tear created by turf cannot be understated, no matter how good an artificial surface you play on. Training methods and physiotherapy techniques will also be closely watched with so many similar injury issues. TFC has wisely proceeded with caution with these hamstring issues, electing to rest players rather than play them and risking further longer-term injury. The MLS season is a marathon. The club taking a long view is a good thing. A limited roster meant for more of a 4-4-1-1 formation Saturday, which simply didnt work. Osorio was often drawn out of position and the attacking formation suffered. There is nothing wrong with a 4-4-2, so long as Nelsen has the players to play the system while staying disciplined in balance on the field. 5. ‘A for Effort – Nothing negative can be said of Toronto FCs workrate through the first month-and-a-half of the season. Nelsen has his team playing in the mold that he did as a player - fully committed and absolutely resilient in compete mode. Its a testament to the effort Toronto FC were mere minutes away from gaining a point in a game they were outplayed. The high pressure on the ball has been an asset and will continue to be. Toronto FC is no longer an easy team to play against. The role of the manager is more than just sending out a formation and changing tactics. A proper manager needs to be a leader and motivator. Theres no question this group plays for Nelsen. As the team gets healthy, Nelsens challenge will be how to get the most out of his roster from a team perspective. Thus far, the initial response among new players impresses and bodes well for further growth over the long run. Next up for Toronto FC is a date with the New England Revolution (2-2-3) May 3rd at BMO Field Cheap Buffalo Sabres Gear Wholesale Calgary Flames Jerseys Cheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche Jerseys Montreal Canadiens Outlet Store Wholesale New Jersey Devils Jerseys Adidas Arizona Coyotes Jerseys Cheap Adidas Boston Bruins Jerseys Cheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes Jerseys Chicago Blackhawks Shop Free Shipping Wholesale Columbus Blue Jackets Jerseys Dallas Stars Shop Free Shipping Cheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings Jerseys Anaheim Ducks Jerseys China Wholesale Edmonton Oilers Jerseys Florida Panthers Shop Free Shipping Wholesale Los Angeles Kings Jerseys Minnesota Wild Outlet Store Cheap Adidas Nashville Predators Jerseys Cheap Adidas New York Islanders Jerseys New York Rangers Winter Classic Jerseys Cheap Adidas Ottawa Senators Jerseys Cheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers Jerseys Wholesale Pittsburgh Penguins Jerseys Cheap Adidas San Jose Sharks Jerseys St. Louis Blues Winter Classic Jerseys Wholesale Tampa Bay Lightning Jerseys Toronto Maple Leafs Outlet Store Vancouver Canucks Outlet Store Cheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights Jerseys Cheap Adidas Washington Capitals Jerseys Cheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '