Paul Mariner’s resurgent Toronto side were brought back down to earth with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at the hands of an in-form Philadelphia Union.
After leading the Canadian strugglers to five games unbeaten – albeit with only one victory in that time – Mariner was left well aware of just how big a job will be on his hands if he thinks Toronto can make the play-offs.
Currently last in the Eastern Conference, Toronto looked every bit a bottom of the table side as they were played off the park by a ruthless Union team – an outcome predicted by many soccer betting tips.
Gabriel Gomez opened the scoring for the hosts just after the half-hour mark, with a deflected effort leaving Toronto keeper Milos Kocic helpless.
The lively Freddy Adu doubled the lead two minutes later with a nice finish from a tight angle to give Union complete control going into the break.
An improved second half performance from Toronto made the game more of an even affair, but it was the Union who wrapped up the win with just over ten minutes remaining, with Antoine Hoppenot coming off the bench to grab a third for the hosts.
Toronto head coach Mariner admitted his side had looked way off the pace following a tough run of matches, and admitted that the Union deserved the three points and the victory.
“It was just a bridge too far for us today,” said Mariner, who is highly thought of by those who bet on soccer games.
“Seven games in 23 days, five on the road, and dressing the same players is a tall order. They were sharper than us in the first half. We had a little regroup at halftime, but it was just too much for us.”
