With only eight regular season games to play and with their dramatic dip in form, in terms of MLS results, Toronto FC could be forgiven for looking ahead in the calendar and noticing their last game will be away to bottom of the league side DC United.
If it turns out to be a must win game for TFC then the irony would be staggering when you consider in 2009, in similar circumstances - playing away to the New York Red Bulls - Toronto embarrassingly lost 5-0.
But here in-lies the difference with the 2010 version of TFC when compared to the 2009 side - there is no chance of a similar result re-occurring under Preki's direction.
As nicely indicated in Saturday night's performance against FC Dallas, where Toronto FC lost a hard fought game 1-0, TFC are now a well oiled machine when it comes to competing in an organized, disciplined defensive shape with improving individual defending skills in the defending third. In fact it was one of the best defensive performances TFC have displayed this year, if not the best.
Nick Garcia being caught out of position for the FC Dallas goal was a little unfortunate and the one blemish in the game.
Bottom line though, the intangible qualities needed to compete in such a way are crucial pillars for the ongoing success of the TFC club which Preki has instilled into the team. It is why if the DC United game at the end of the season is of huge significance, then expect a winning display.
At the same time however, in the future, there will need to be a significant shift in the technical, tactical or even athletic quality in the final third for the team to become an actual winner of trophies, or even just to make the playoffs on an ongoing basis.
The coach and some players espoused the luck factor. But it was not so much about the need for a bit of luck but the lack of enough football talent as the key component for not winning the FC Dallas game and for that matter, most other away games.
Sometimes even for the MLSE organization and the TFC club it is better to say it as it is. That way there are no false illusions. If it was not evident before, then the FC Dallas game clearly indicated that this fourth MLS season for TFC has been a rebuilding year all along. And on that basis this performance in Texas was a positive sign that the team has changed.
Better attitude, better defensively, more depth being able to compete. Good enough technically? No. But it is the right start for Preki and the proper way to build a sustainable winning team and culture.
