Fri Apr 4 14:50:39 2008

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TFC trying to avoid another slow start at D.C.

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Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Coach John Carver just wanted Toronto FC to come away from last week's season opener at Columbus with at least a tie.

But instead, TFC struggled to score and left Crew Stadium with a loss entering another road match this Saturday at D.C. United.

"Well it was disappointing. You always want to get off to a good start," the first-year Toronto FC boss said. "I talked in my pre-match notes about wanting to come away with something.

"We've got a couple games coming up and we've got no points to start with, but I won't let it get me down."

Toronto is trying to avoid another long skid at the beginning of the year. TFC started last year with a four-match losing streak when it didn't score a goal.

Toronto continues its season-opening road trip next week at Los Angeles before starting a five-game homestand at BMO Field.

The biggest difference so far this season - if one game is any true indication - is Toronto actually played well against Columbus. But playing well won't be a consolation if TFC doesn't earn a few points before going home.

"I think that the result (against Columbus) doesn't justify our performance," Toronto captain Jim Brennan said.

TFC defender Marvell Wynne agreed.

"It was good play, especially in the second half. We created opportunities. We had decent possession. We went out for it. Good play, good movement," he said. "I think that will all combine to be a solid soccer team that scores goals and win games.

"It just seems we did the difficult part, but putting it in the back of the net is some just something that's been right out of our reach."

Toronto, which was the lowest-scoring team in Major League last season, signed former French international and Newcastle midfielder Laurent Robert on Tuesday and he should provide a boost for the offense.

"I come here to prove to everyone that I can still play and to win something," Robert said.

Robert last played for Derby County in the English Premier League, and teamed with Jeff Cunningham and Toronto's other strikers, should produce goals. He is supposed to be with the club Saturday, but whether he plays or not is unknown.

"He's got pace, his ability on free kicks is top class, and he's a great finisher," Carver said. "His left foot is like a hammer. If he produces anything near as much as I saw at Newcastle, then we have a very good player.

"I don't have to stand here like a rocket scientist and tell you what we need because I think it's obvious. We need creative players that can put the ball in the back of the net."

TFC may need even more goals early this year with rookie goalie Brian Edwards starting over veteran Greg Sutton. Edwards made a few nice saves in the opener but also looked shaky at times.

"It was the hardest decision I had to make about the team," Carver said.

Edwards can expect to be tested at RFK Stadium against United.

D.C. United's Luciano Emilio, who led the league with 20 goals last season, is scoreless in two straight games - one in MLS and one in the Champions' Cup.

United has failed to score in those two matches, losing 2-0 to Kansas City in its MLS opener and 2-0 to Mexico's Pachuca on Tuesday in the Champions' Cup.

It's not a surprising start for D.C., which also struggled last year by losing its first three matches but finished with the best record in MLS. This year is also a challenge with so many additions, including playmaker Marcelo Gallardo and central defenders Gonzalo Peralta and Gonzalo Martinez.

"We're all learning to play with each other and it's going to take a little bit of time," said United goalkeeper Zach Wells, acquired from Houston. "We've just got to stay organized defensively, make sure that teams are earning their goals and that we're capitalizing on our chances at the other end."