While the fans left BMO Field last Saturday talking of Toronto’s first win, first goal and even the first sending off, it was a disciplined and rugged defense that accounted for this win over MLS Champions Houston Dynamo. 

With wind, rain and a game time temperature of 8 degrees (46 F) silky soccer was never on the agenda. Nonetheless, Houston started the game with some zip in their play and pinned Toronto back early on. But despite their lively play it didn’t translate into many clear cut scoring opportunities for the defending champions.

The best Houston effort came from a corner kick when Eddie Robinson took advantage of a hesitant Greg Sutton only to see his downward header cleared off the line by Ronnie O’Brien.

And it was O’Brien who set up the Toronto FC goal from a wickedly delivered free kick at the mid way point of the first half. Taken right footed from a little over 30 yards out on the left hand side the free kick was delivered with tremendous pace and swerve. It was the sort of free kick that defenders have to have the courage to attack. None did, and Welsh scored a “dandruff goal” – it came off a bit of his head and a bit of his shoulder.

As half time approached Houston continued to enjoy the majority of possession but the Toronto defenders were able to funnel the Dynamo attacks into the centre of the field where Carl Robinson dealt with any danger.

Dynamo’s best chance can just after half time when newly signed Joseph Ngweyna took advantage of an uncharacteristic slip by centre back Jim Brennan and found himself clean through with only the keeper to beat. Ngweyna put the ball wide and although Dynamo huffed and puffed they created little in the way of clear cut chances.

With ten minutes to play Edson Buddle took advantage of the Houston pushing forward in search of an equalizer and with only keeper Pat Onstad to beat he hit the ball straight at the keeper.

So Toronto FC adds another first to their growing list – this time their first shut out. Six games into the MLS season and the defense is unrecognizable from the Chinese fire drill that took the field in their first three games and conceded nine goals.

The signings of full backs Marvell Wynne and Kevin Goldthwaite has added a bit of speed and balance while Jim Brennan has been excellent playing in an unaccustomed role at centre back. Coach Mo Johnston has the other centre back Andrew Boyens on a short leash with only the basics being requested. However, given that Boyens looked about as comfortable as a man with piles perched on a cactus during his first two appearances against Chivas and New England, it is a wise move.

And one that is paying dividends as Boyens has been a far more effective player in the last two games as he has kept it simple. Carl Robinson has given Toronto FC a much more solid look playing the holding role in the last two games while the midfield in general is doing their part by harrowing the opposition when needed and maintaining possession when able.     

Toronto FC is now off the bottom in the East and on Saturday DC United, who trail TFC by two points, arrives at BMO Field looking for their second win of the season. 

Were you at the game or did you watch it on TV? Let’s hear your take on the match.

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Graham Hunter on the race for the La Liga title.

Patrick Barclay on Chelsea’s debt to the late Boris Yeltsin.

Duncan Castles on one of the world’s great players – in a number of positions – Michael Essien.

David Lacey asks why defenders are so often overlooked when it comes the time to dish out awards.

Stephen Brunt describes Toronto FC’s biggest star – BMO Field.

From a regular blog contributor Flashman – the arrival of Toronto FC.

A regular corresponder Michael Carlson brought up an interesting idea last week. He pointed out that a lot of fans record games to watch later but often don’t really know if the game is worth watching or a real dog. The blog community constitutes a wide range of soccer tastes and hours of game watching each week.

So if you have seen a game this week that you consider a “must-see” let’s hear about and conversely if you suffered through ninety minutes of tedium here is your chance to issue a consumer warning.