Taking their lumps

MLS has expanded twice before this season but the 1998 expansion can hardly be called expansion. The league was in its third year and I even felt funny writing that game story up as an expansion team that won a league title in its first season.

But the 2005 expansion was a true expansion. The league had been in place long enough that there was some history and tradition built up, far more than could have been built up in the first two years.

Now, MLS has expanded again, and like the last two expansion teams, the current expansion side is taking its lumps. Toronto FC has not won any of its first four games and hasn't even scored a goal. Two questions are probably running through Toronto FC's fans right now: 1) How bad can it get? and 2) When will this turn around?

Before I answer these questions, let me remind you that I've only had casual dealings with Real Salt Lake but I have been around Chivas USA since early 2005. I remember when they had their first team introduction and listening to how Chivas USA was going to be difficult to beat at home and how they were going to score a lot of goals and all that. So I think I have a unique perspective and will do my best to help answer Toronto fans' questions.

1. Very bad.
2. Not anytime soon.

Okay, that's too brief but it's the truth. It can get very bad and will get very bad. It's difficult for some teams to get to know each other after four games, five games, six games even into the new season, and those are on established teams. How can you expect a bunch of new players playing in a new league against established teams to compete right from the start? You can't.

Toronto is merely doing what they should do: struggle. It would be nice for their fans' sake to see some goals, but otherwise they should just settle in for a miserable season.

Getting to the second question, well, 2008 might be too soon. RSL didn't really start to look dangerous around the middle of last season, when they had a nine-game stretch in which they went 5-1-3 and were threatening to make the playoffs. Of course, they were brought back to earth following a 6-0 loss in New York but RSL didn't embarrass themselves down the stretch as they lost just one of their last six games.

Chivas USA didn't really turn it around until they went on a three-game win streak in May and June of last season. They were a really strong team from then on and really made giant strides. But that was after a roster overhaul.

Now, both RSL and Chivas USA have struggled to start the 2007 season. Chivas certainly has a lot to build from following last year but nonetheless are still experiencing difficulties this season. RSL has already fired their coach.

So Toronto FC fans, have faith that someday your team will be somewhat competitive. It might not be until 2008 or 2009 but stick with it. Your loyalty will pay off sometime next year or the year after or the year after...