April 9, 2007 MLS Chivas USA defeats Toronto FC 2-0 (from Canadian Press)

TFC bemoans missed chances
By CP

CARSON, Calif. -- For Toronto FC, the beginning of its first season in Major League Soccer also means the start of a learning process.

Toronto FC officially began its existence with a 2-0 loss to Chivas USA in Saturday night's season opener in front of 14,351 at Home Depot Center.

"Our starting 11 hasn't played together one minute," Toronto FC coach Mo Johnston said. "We gave away the ball too much in the midfield and normally, that's our strength. We had five or six guys who underachieved, and they've been told."

Goalie Greg Sutton, who made 10 saves, elaborated.

"One thing that we need to work on is moving the ball better offensively," Sutton said. "We need to control the play more. We were able to do that somewhat in the back, but in the offensive third, we struggled. Once we start doing that, I think you'll see success for this squad."

Toronto FC had four chances to score first, but Chivas USA goalkeeper Brad Guzan stopped all four attempts for his only four saves of the match.

In the 13th minute, Guzan dived to his left to stop Edson Buddle's six-yard header off Carl Robinson's free kick. Buddle's header was the first shot on goal in club history.

Later, in the 16th minute, Paulo Nagamura dispossessed Chivas USA's Jesse Marsch and struck a rising 20-yard shot that Guzan deflected with one hand. Buddle tried to convert the rebound from eight yards, but Guzan blocked that.

Then in the 30th minute, Alecko Eskandarian stole the ball from Chivas' Lawson Vaughn and fired a 13-yard shot that Guzan deflected.

"We should have ended up winning," TFC defender Jim Brennan said. "We had five chances to put it in the back of the net. There's five goals and it's 5-0 at halftime."

Ante Razov, in the 35th minute, and Sacha Kljestan (87th) scored for Chivas USA.

Toronto FC's next game is Saturday at New England against the Revolution.

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