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Peter Vermes: “You’ve got to play for 90-plus minutes”

Mar 9, 2013, 7:11 PM EDT

Sporting Kansas City v New York Red Bulls Getty Images

One stinker on the road wouldn’t be such a concern for Sporting Kansas City. But this is looking too much like a trend for the defending Eastern Conference regular season champs.

It’s certainly not sitting well with SKC manager Peter Vermes – especially this alarming trend of yukky starts.

Last week’s comeback win obscured a truly awful first half for Sporting Kansas City. The second-half comeback helped soften the blow. But then it happened again, as SKC conceded a 2-0 lead to Toronto FC. They got one back but couldn’t find the late equalizer.

What Vermes said to MLSSoccer.com following Saturday’s loss in Canada:

When you put yourself behind the eight ball with two goals early in a game in an opposing team’s home opener, it’s not an easy task. We weren’t good in the first half. Our movement off the ball was not good enough for us to control the game.”

You’ve got to play for 90-plus minutes. We’ve given up some things in the first half, and you can’t put yourself behind the eight ball with that kind of play. No way.”

(MORE: Highlights of Saturday’s match, and context from TFC’s side)

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