Then came a season-worst six-game winless streak that was followed by the dismissal of coach Sigi Schmid during the team’s two-week international break, narrowing that route to the size of a goat path and leaving the team in desperate need of at least a point in Toronto on Saturday.
“I think everyone knows the urgency of the situation,” said Dominic Kinnear, promoted from assistant coach to manager after Schmid was forced out last Sunday. “We have six games left, still have a chance to make the playoffs. Nothing’s hidden here. Everyone takes responsibility for what’s gone on and what the record has been, myself included.