TFC home unbeaten streak snapped at four after 3-1 loss to Sporting KC

TORONTO – Despite playing a third game in eight days, Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney wasn’t going to allow fatigue as an excuse for his team’s play on Saturday.

The Reds dropped a 3-1 decision to Sporting Kansas City, snapping a four-game home undefeated streak in the process.

“First half, to me, we just flat out got out-worked,” Vanney said. “We were second to everything. We were so reactive, we were constantly on the back foot like we were surprised by their pressure.”

Perhaps more concerning for Toronto (9-9-4) is the goals conceded. In their last seven games, TFC has surrendered 19 goals and are 2-3-2 in those games.

“Conceding goals is not just about the back four. Conceding goals is about everybody who is on the field, especially when a high number of them come from set pieces or secondary balls on set pieces,” said Vanney. “We have to take a hard look. Giving up three goals is unacceptable. It’s happened way too often.”

Reds’ captain Michael Bradley, who played in a MLS regular-season game for the first time since June 27 and produced his club’s lone goal, agreed it would take a group effort to fix the defensive woes.

“In the moment, we’re giving away too many goals, there’s no two ways about that,” he said. “It’s up to every guy to continue to ask themselves what they can do to make us harder to play against and make us a more complete team.”

Trailing 2-1, Toronto had two quality chances to net the equalizer late in the second half.

In the 79th minute, Sporting keeper Tim Melia deflected Sebastian Giovinco’s header over the bar. Then off the ensuing corner, Ahmed Kantari had an excellent chance in the area with Melia down and out, but Melia managed to get his hand on it to keep it out.

Former TFC forward Jacob Peterson gave Sporting KC a 3-1 lead in the 87th minute.

With the win, Sporting (10-4-7) is now unbeaten in six games against Toronto.

Despite missing key pieces in forward Dom Dwyer and midfielders Graham Zusi and Roger Espinoza, Sporting Kansas City jumped out to a 2-1 lead in the first half.

“At times, games like this become more difficult when some of their ‘bigger players’ are out because the other ones come in and, in some ways, are more determined to make sure the team doesn’t miss a beat,” said Bradley. “(They’re) more committed to defending, doing all the little things to make the game very difficult for us.”

Kansas City scored twice on three first-half shots and could’ve easily had a third goal if not for the play of Reds’ keeper Joe Bendik.

In the 19th minute Bendik robbed Sporting’s Connor Hallisey of a sure goal, getting just enough of the forward’s shot to deflect it wide.

Sporting capitalized on a Kantari foul in the penalty area in the 20th minute. On the ensuing penalty kick, Benny Feilhaber put the visitors on the board with his eighth goal of the season.

“Too often we find ourselves in reactive scenarios,” said Vanney of the Kantari foul. “The ball comes in, maybe catches us by surprise and our response is to grab or hold or whatever. Once we end up in a reactive position, now you’re at the mercy of the attacker.”

TFC was quick to respond as Bradley finished off a nice give-and-go with Giovinco in the 22nd minute.

Kansas City regained the lead seven minutes later as Krisztian Nemeth headed a Feilhaber free kick up and out of the reach of Bendik.