Recap: Toronto FC break MLS record for most shots without a goal in draw with D.C. United

Toronto FC attempted 35 shots tonight. None of them found their way past D.C. United keeper Bill Hamid in a 0-0 home draw.

The reds’ frustrations were record setting, as they now hold the dubious title of most shot attempts without a goal in an MLS game. It was the third most all-time in a single game, with the record being 38.

The opening 45 minutes were absolutely dominated by the reds, to the tune of 78.9 per cent possession. During that time they outshot their opponents 20-2, with 7 of those attempts forcing saves out of Bill Hamid.

They came closest when Alejandro Pozuelo played a brilliant ball from the left flank that Jordan Hamilton latched onto with an outstretched leg but was unable to direct past Hamid. Hamilton also hit the crossbar from in close on a chance later in the half.

Pozuelo spent the game playing slightly deeper than normal, where he was able to find space on the ball to play passes into the box.

Despite all of this, however, the two sides went into the interval deadlocked at 0-0. It was the fourth straight game that Toronto FC had failed to score in the opening half. What they had in time on the ball they lacked in sharpness in the final third.

A rotated D.C. United squad brought on their big guns to start the half with Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta both being substituted into the game 3 minutes into the half. US international Paul Arriola would check in shortly thereafter.

While there was a temporary swing in momentum towards the visitors, Toronto continued their territorial dominance. The introduction of Jay Chapman and Justin Morrow seemed to bring a little bit more attacking invention down the flanks, but Toronto failed to capitalize in the middle. When they did get chances on net they were saved by Hamid.

After winning its first three matches of the season, Toronto has now won just two of the last eight. The draw drops them to sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, just one point above the playoff red line.