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Seven games to go. Seven games to fight for their playoff lives. Nothing has come easy for Toronto FC, nor should it have been expected from the beginning. The only thing big money, flashy moves guarantees are a more expensive payroll. And theres nothing worse or more damning than expensive mistakes. Its time for Toronto FC to produce. Crunchtime has arrived. There is no doubt about it. And what better way to kick-off a crucial run of matches than by welcoming a wounded, lifeless opponent to BMO Field. Toronto FC (9-11-7), winless in their last six, begin a season-defining run of games against one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer, Chivas USA (6-16-6), in a bizarre Sunday 3pm kick-off. Sitting three points back of a playoff spot, seventh place in the Eastern Conference is hardly ideal. A game in hand on the competition and a soft opponent ahead makes the forecast much brighter than the dark clouds many are casting. A first managerial victory for head coach Greg Vanney is a virtual must. Anything short of three points this weekend would suggest turbulent times ahead. Simply playing out the stretch was never in the script nor should it be. Make no bone about it, Sunday is make or break for Toronto FC. Here are five thoughts ahead of this weekends match-up. 1) Central Issues a€“ A common denominator determining team success on the season has been superior midfield play that has created positive team results. When the middle of the park has played well, the team has picked up results. When it has struggled, the team has come apart at the seams. Superior cohesion and tactical direction is essential and Vanney has to get it right Sunday. Collen Warner has been ruled out (hamstring) which means a different look. Playing Michael Bradley alongside a player who can compliment his skill-set is paramount. With Bradley showing preference to drop back and facilitate from a deeper position (which is a necessity), Warner hasnt been the best match, preferring to play a similar role. A midfield diamond seems best for this group, with Bradley taking up a holding position. Jonathan Osorio (hamstring) returning from injury is an ideal partner, playing in an advanced role. The Canadian International has struggled with consistency playing outside left. Hes an inside player. All of his traits dictate as such. Paired with a stable Bradley, TFC would have two players in the middle comfortable on the ball with requisite athleticism. Balance would be achieved. The wing players then can play narrower, opening up space down the wings for the outside-backs to get forward, as Vanney prefers. This is the best shape for the team. Will Vanney and his newly named coaching staff make this prudent tactical change? 2) Welcome Back! a€“ Osorio isnt the only player set to return. Captain Steven Caldwell (quad) is in contention after battling a long-standing injury. The defensive line struggled without the centre-halfs communication, experience and overall superior standard of play. Established defensive help wasnt addressed before the MLS roster freeze, making Caldwells inclusion that much more important. A healthy Caldwell drastically improves the backline, and perhaps opens up the possibility for Doneil Henry to take up a wing-back position. It may not be ideal, but Henry played right-back for Canada earlier in the month and played well. For what he lacked going forward, Henry added a more solid defensive presence on the right side of the pitch. If youre going to play Oduro or another attack-minded player on the right wing, you better be sure you are secure defensively. TFC has been exposed on the wing far too easily. Henry would stabilize the position. While Caldwell represents stability, Jermain Defoe signifies the return of cutting edge that has been sorely lacking. Many believed it wouldnt happen, but Defoe will return to Toronto on Monday. According to Defoe, his rehab has gone well, but that doesnt mean hes close to match fitness. Two weeks from now in Los Angeles has been set as Defoes likely return date. If so, Toronto FC will have five games of Defoe to help save the season. The striker leads the team with 11 goals in 16 games, having only played twice in the last 60 days. General manager Tim Bezbatchenko elected not to sell Defoe at the transfer deadline in hopes he could be influential down the stretch. Were about to find out whether it was worth the risk. 3) I feel for Toronto FC a€“ It rarely happens in any sport: a league official admitting a referee got it wrong. MLS commissioner Don Garber did just that in a respectable move Thursday. Toronto FC was robbed of the full three points in Chicago on the weekend as match official David Gantar called back Gilbertos potential winner in time added on. The match ended 1-1 and crucial points were stolen. Gantar spoiled the occasion. An improper call as such is intolerable at this level. Instead of backing the official, as per usual, Garber acknowledged the wrongdoing, saying That referee did not get it right in that game, and we shouldnt be ashamed of saying that. Refreshing stuff from Garber. Michael Bradley had a go at MLS officiating in an honest and emotional post-match rant. Its surprising the league hasnt taken any action (yet) against Bradley. If the league wants to continue doing the right thing, they will let Bradley off with a private warning. Extending the olive branch, developing goodwill with the club and one of the leagues top players can go a long way to coming to common understanding, taking progressive steps to rectifying the wrongs. I respect Bradley for coming to the defence of his team. He understood the possible repercussions and was willing to risk potential punishment, speaking on behalf of the group. Thats how you reinforce leadership and command respect within the room. 4) Ref-Factor a€“ The disallowed goal in Chicago Saturday isnt the only controversial decision made against Toronto FC this season, leading to points dropped. May 2 a€“ Tied 1-1 in the 82nd minute, referee makes New England retake a corner kick Toronto FC had already cleared away. It was a decision that then-head coach Ryan Nelsen claimed, Ive never seen it before. The decision was baffling. Toronto conceded a penalty on the retaken corner, which was then converted, giving the Revs a 2-1 lead and the three points. Harsh. July 2 - Luke Moore gets sent off in the 29th minute as Chicagos Chris Ritter jumped into the elbow of the TFC striker. There was no malice or intent in the aerial challenge. The referee merely reacted to the injury. Ten-man Toronto was superior to a very poor Fire team and played to a 1-1 draw. MLS later rescinded the red card. It was never a foul, nevermind a sending off. July 26 - In the 23rd minute, Aurelien Collin takes down Gilberto, who was in clear on a breakaway. No red card was shown to the Sporting Kansas City defender. Similar situation in the second half as Dominic Oduro was pulled down by last-man back Juliao. No sending off this occasion either. Toronto FC lost 2-1. A referees interpretation went against TFC. These, along with Gilbertos disallowed goal, are all game-changing decisions missed, or match-defining calls that went against Toronto FC. These dropped points as a result of referee error are the difference between sitting in a playoff spot and being on the outside looking in. 5) Poor Chivas - Toronto FC couldnt ask to play a better team Sunday. Chivas USA is in shambles and ripe for the picking. Never mind the fact the team may not even play in 2015 with the franchises future up in the air, the Goats are last place in the Western Conference and are a league worst in goals, assists and virtually every attacking category. Chivas has only scored 23 goals on the season, 14 by Erick Torres who is suspended for the trip to Toronto. If Toronto FC cannot pick up three points against Chivas, it begs the question who can they beat? With a game in hand and the Eastern Conference incredibly tight, chalk Sunday up to a must-win home game for the Reds. The season depends on it. Gareth Wheeler can be reached at: @WheelerTSN gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca Christian Okoye Jersey . - Jason Day and Cameron Tringale shot an 8-under 64 on Friday in modified alternate-shot play to increase their lead to three strokes in the Franklin Templeton Shootout. Cheap Kansas City Chiefs Jerseys . 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