Toronto FC is focused on avoiding late-game folderoos vs. MLS opponents this season

You can’t blame Toronto FC fans for cringing when it's crunch time late in a game.

TFC's followers painfully remember last season will remember that disastrous run of games last season in which they conceded late goals with astonishing regularity. But new head coach Ryan Nelsen seems determined to stop the trend from repeating itself this year.

The former Blackburn and Tottenham player joined TFC as head coach while still under contract with his last club, Queens Park Rangers, in January. As a centre-back, it was thought that Nelsen would help TFC shore up their back line, and hopefully make a meaningful push towards the MLS playoffs.

Granted, Toronto have faced a demanding opening to the MLS schedule, playing defending champions LA Galaxy as well as high-flying Montreal and, most recently, FC Dallas, leaders in the West. They have only won one of those four games, but Nelsen is not panicking.

Speaking after the Galaxy game, Nelsen pointed out that early results will not shape the entire campaign. "We have to put in perspective who we're playing -- that's the MLS champs, they're a very good team," he said. "The first five games of our season are all against top-10 teams. It's a good kind of valuation to see where we are."

One thing that has been evident since Nelsen took over, aside from the late game drama, is the never-say-die attitude from his players. Nelsen has insisted his side would be one that would never give up , that they would give one hundred per cent until the final whistle.

This was apparent during the Dallas game, when Darel Russell capped a remarkable Toronto FC comeback with a 90th-minute rocket to salvage a 2-2 tie.

Russell, who was at fault for both Galaxy goals, redeemed himself with the stunning effort from the edge of the box. One wonder strike is great, but the former Norwich City youth player’s defensive side of the game needs to be tightened up, something he has no problem admitting.

“I quickly put the mistakes that happened behind me and focused on getting better for the next game,” Russell said after the Dallas game. “You are always going to have critics and that never worries me. I relish them and try to prove them wrong.”

It is still early on, and the signs are looking good for TFC. Defensive issues aside, they should have no problem improving on last season. Captain Darren O’Dea summed up the change in their attitude after the fight back in his own words: “Last year, we’d have probably lost the game three-nil.”