Orlando City S.C. vs. TFC pre-match/match/postmatch thread

[Oldtimer]

Orlando City SC. vs. TFC, 6PM Saturday February 25.

The D-3 champs vs. TFC, should be a good warm-up game!

Live video stream available here:

http://www.torontofc.ca/live

or here:

http://www.mlssoccer.com/live/channel2



:drum::drum::drum::scarf::scarf::scarf:

[Oldtimer]

Preview of the match is here:

http://torontofc.neulion.com/tfc/console.jsp?catid=2&id=4026

[Klinsmann]

http://www.orlandocitysoccer.com/news/index.html?article_id=723

[billyfly]

Go Reds.

[19Barrett19]

It's game time soon... time to stack the fridge! Go TFC send these kids from Orlando to their mommy's Prediction 4-0 Reds

[Detroit_TFC]

I hope Winter/De Klerk see this as a benchmark game rather than just a training exercise. Orlando City are a good team, and are aggressively making a case to be MLS team #20. Beating MLS clubs in this tournament is very important to them. A decisive win for us would make a statement about where we are at.

[LittleOzzy]

Is this game at 6 or 8?

TFC site says 6, MLS site says 8.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

6 from what i know

[mowe]

Everybody ready to jump to conclusions after this game? I can not wait!

Orlando are a strong team, this isn't going to be a roll. I'm thinking 2-1 TFC with Plata and Koevermans scoring. Also I'm glad that this game leads in perfectly to NBA All-Star Saturday Night.

Great to have TFC back.

[London]

two matches at the complete opposite end of the spectrum for me today, milan-juve are basically playing for the scuddetto today and TFC take on Orlando in a meaningless pre-season friendly.


I am equally excited for both

[TFCwestcan]

I watched a bit of the Montreal - Vancouver fixture last night, and there was no pausing stuttering web cam, I am hoping for the same today. I have like the rest adjusted to a relatively quite preseason. Winter's and Mariner seems pretty confident and content about the off-season acquisitions and the team in general. It should be an interesting game seeing how little team footage we have seem this year.

I think it is vital that the team get off to a good start the league is improving and my guess that it will be a dogfight all year long.

[Klinsmann]

Orlando are a strong team


Exactly they have Rooney!

[PopePouri]

Exactly they have Rooney!

But we have Henry.

[TFC/Everton]

Everybody ready to jump to conclusions after this game? I can not wait!

Orlando are a strong team, this isn't going to be a roll. I'm thinking 2-1 TFC with Plata and Koevermans scoring. Also I'm glad that this game leads in perfectly to NBA All-Star Saturday Night.

Great to have TFC back.

3-0 win is my prediction.

[J .]

two matches at the complete opposite end of the spectrum for me today, milan-juve are basically playing for the scuddetto today and TFC take on Orlando in a meaningless pre-season friendly.


I am equally excited for both


a good day of watching soccer

[Klinsmann]

But we have Henry. and Frings!

[Dkolish3]

God its been too long since I've done a pre-game thread

[Carts]

Hey all... I'm heading to the EWWS at 4pm for the 6pm match...

Yesterday Vancouver used all 6 of their subs to take off the big boys - I'll be interested in seeing if TFC do the same thing...

Carts...

[Waggy]

Wheres that dubious TFC records thread?

"City surprised the Canadian MLS club last year, winning 1-0 on a late goal by player/coach Ian Fuller."


Last MLS team to have conceded a goal to the oppositions coach?

[dantdot]

Still seeing conflicting info about the game being at 8 http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/02/25/watch-mls-preseason-action-live-saturday-schedule

Derp. Anyone know for sure?

[Oldtimer]

Still seeing conflicting info about the game being at 8 http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/02/25/watch-mls-preseason-action-live-saturday-schedule

Derp. Anyone know for sure?tfc website says 6 pm. TFC twitter also says 6. I'd trust TFC on this.

[Yeoman]

Go Reds.

with what billy said

[Oldtimer]

Kurtis Lawson has confirmed the MLS website is wrong

[Huyton]

Is he game being shown at Joes?

[TFC/Everton]

47:00 minutes to kick off. SO PUMPED!!!

[Kaz]

#TorontoFC (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23TorontoFC) XI: Frei; Eckersley, Caicedo, Aceval, Morgan; Frings, Dunfield, Avila; Lambe, Koevermans, Plata .. #TFC (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23TFC) #MLS (https://twitter.com/#%21/search/%23MLS)




This is going to be interesting, The line up looks strong.

[mastermixer]

Does anyone else get an error that live streams are not compatible with mobile devices? Does that mean I won't be able to watch on a tablet?

[Mark TFC]

Starting lineup v. Orlando: Frei; Eckersley, Caicedo, Aceval, Morgan; Frings, Dunfield, Avila; Lambe, Koevermans, Plata

[Luanda]

when is the feed supposed to become alive?

[Dv23]

So excited right now. I've spent all day doing readings and now I'm ready to kick back and watch them play.

By the way. Is there a way to watch the game on my TV? I have Apple TV, but I'm not sure how I'd go about streaming it through there.

[ouderwien]

Starting lineup v. Orlando: Frei; Eckersley, Caicedo, Aceval, Morgan; Frings, Dunfield, Avila; Lambe, Koevermans, Plata

Is it safe to say that this could be the lineup for March 7th?

[mowe]

First choice lineup, looks good.

[LittleOzzy]

It's starting!

[AlanO]

Is it safe to say that this could be the lineup for March 7th?
Yeah probably, except Johnson or Silva replacing Avila.

[Kaz]

So excited right now. I've spent all day doing readings and now I'm ready to kick back and watch them play.

By the way. Is there a way to watch the game on my TV? I have Apple TV, but I'm not sure how I'd go about streaming it through there.

I do to, and you couldn't be able to, and it won't load on the PS3.

Though when Mountain Lion comes out if you have a Mac you'll be able to mirror the screen to your tv through Apple TV. But at the moment if you can't watch on a mobile device, then short of connecting your computer to your tv, we are SOL

[Soccerpro]

Anyone know who is on the bench for TFC?

[ouderwien]

Yeah probably, except Johnson or Silva replacing Avila.

Right, of course.

And even though I switched off the "hardware acceleration" it still is jumpy for me. Anyone else, or perhaps my computer is just cant handle streams anymore haha.

[Petor]

Silva not playing today, he's injured.

[Mark TFC]

Come on you Reds!

[TFC/Everton]

Go time.

[ouderwien]

Let me know if im wrong but didnt Aron Winter say he would rather not play MLS teams in preseason?

[dantdot]

Shucks, wanted to see Silva. Hopefully it's minor.

[Kaz]

Can someone remember the name of the fool responsible for this kit?

[AlanO]

Anyone know who is on the bench for TFC?
Think I saw Soolsma, Henry and Stinson wearing pinneys but haven't seen a full list of players on the bench.

[sully]

is volume working?

[Dub Narcotic]

I bought a Mac Mini for streaming and playing downloaded 1080p content on my TV. This stream looks great. I watched the 'Caps/Shitheads game last night and even the commentators were solid and knew lots about the teams. MLS seems to get a little better each year.

[sully]

nevermind..i'm an idiot

[RealG-TFC]

is volume working?

I find it really low as well. If you have headphones it works much better.

[Dv23]

Video lagging for anyone else as well?

[stoked]

Yeah, a bit of a lag

[LittleOzzy]

No lag for me at all.

[Auzzy]

Silva not playing today, he's injured.

Crap, I hope it's not serious.

Stream & sound work great for me.

Koevermans with a broken finger.

Yes, Winter likes to avoid playing MLS teams as much as possible before the season. That's probably why we have Orlando & the Swedish team in our group.

[Kaz]

this is nearly unwatchable it keeps skipping.

[Dv23]

this is nearly unwatchable it keeps skipping.


Glad I'm not the only one. Needs to be fixed.

[Auzzy]

Glad I'm not the only one. Needs to be fixed.

Switch to Teksavvy as your ISP. :D

Looks great here.

[iy12l]

wow tfc is good now!!!

[dantdot]

Stream is perfect. Must be something on your ends.

[dantdot]

lol, see Mariner on the side there

[Wolves_On_Tour]

these commentators doing anyone else's head in!?

[KGH]

wow tfc is good now!!!

Are we watching the same game? Every time they cross half they lose possession.

[cherono]

these commentators doing anyone else's head in!?

Haha - yes! My stream and sound are perfect... unfortunately.

[Dub Narcotic]

Frings has had a few bad touches already.

[Dkolish3]

Penalty USL

[KGH]

New year. Same old shit at CB

[Oldtimer]

Defense is not looking good at all. Lack of familiarity may be a problem.

[JavierMartini]

sigh....

[Red Rat]

oops, brain fart by the defence

[dantdot]

Aceval got a little carried away there.

[Soccerpro]

wow, these CB's are the south american version of Harden and Iro right now

[TFC/Everton]

Sigh...

[Kaz]

The key is are they going to stay composed now or are they going to fall apart.

[Soccerpro]

Remember the debate about Frei having never saved a penalty for TFC? The streak continues. He should just always go with the opposite of his instinct.

[Yeoman]

Don't Be Sayin Suicide!

[Dv23]

Since we've gotten Aceval, I had a feeling that I wouldn't like him.

I don't know, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now, but I'm glad we have Cann coming back in soon.

[London]

fire winter LOL

[Mark TFC]

New year. Same old shit at CB

Unbelievable, already losing hope. That didn't take long, did it? Take a breath and watch the remainder of the match - only 70 minutes left.

[billyfly]

Fire Wilson and Winter.

Same old' crap.

[TOBOR !]

... lowering expectations.

yeah, yeah, I know. Early days yet, but even at this stage I`d expect to see more from the two new FBs. More awareness anyway.

[JavierMartini]

these guys are on their knees for this griffon guy....

[Soccerpro]

Hopefully we don't have to face many USL level fowards this year..

[KGH]

That didn't take long, did it? Take a breath and watch the remainder of the match - only 70 minutes left.

Aceval with a turn over then Caicedo pulls the guy down in the box. Its the south american version of last year. And griffin keeps eating their lunch.

Fuck me.

[AlanO]

let's see what Aceval can do with this free kick

[Red Rat]

our cb need more work, they are looking like IRO twins

[Kaz]

ok that will do.

[Soccerpro]

1-1 Aceval deflection free kick

[Red Rat]

aceval

[PopePouri]

let's see what Aceval can do with this free kick

Looks okay.

[KGH]

However aceval does have a hell of a left foot!!!

[Mark TFC]

Goal TFC!

[JackBauer24]

Aceval free kick goal

[cherono]

boof!

[Dkolish3]

We scored, fluke but whatever.

[AlanO]

not bad!

[Auzzy]

Fuck these announcers are fuck wads. Making fun of Aceval taking a left-footed freekick. Ever heard of Youtube you dumb ass? So many other stupid comments.

[TOBOR !]

Hopefully we don't have to face many USL level fowards this year..

El O'El. But so true. How are we going to look against LA, I wonder.

[phonzo]

well if our defense needs to get it's shit together and learn to play together it's now not in 11 days by then..can't look as uncomfortable as they do now :)

[cherono]

I'd like to see Winter play the back line for at least 60 mins, if indeed he sees this as the unit to play v LA.

[TOBOR !]

Fuck these announcers are fuck wads. Making fun of Aceval taking a left-footed freekick. Ever heard of Youtube you dumb ass? So many other stupid comments.

or you could be following twitter updates. Just sayin'. :)

[cherono]

Are the substitution limits in this tournament?

[Soccerpro]

The ironic thing is that Attakora and Cann were rock solid at CB. Sure Preki played a defensive system, but they rarely had blunders.

[KGH]

Griffen played 46 min in a 4 game period at San Jose.

What's with these constant long passes right when we hit the half line? Maybe I still have the man-city game in memory.

[Soccerpro]

These announcers are just worshipping Ashtone Morgan

[Kaz]

what happened to this speed Lambe is supposed to have?

[Dv23]

what happened to this speed Lambe is supposed to have?

Was just thinking the same thing. lol

[AlanO]

Lambe gave up too easy on that run.

[dantdot]

Koev down.

[Soccerpro]

I can only say it so many times this pre-season, what did TFC do to add cover for Koev at CF this offseason? - Absolutely nothing

[iy12l]

hope koef isnt injured

[brad]

The ironic thing is that Attakora and Cann were rock solid at CB. Sure Preki played a defensive system, but they rarely had blunders.

They just hoofed the ball out of defence straight back to the other team and we sustained wave after wave if attack because of it and eventually cracked.

We were also near the bottom on goals against that year, and Frei saved our asses more times than I can remember that year.

but back to the match - early preseason, and new team & league for the CB's. Don't be suprised if it takes them months to adapt (if they do). Sucks, but that might be th reality.

[brad]

I can only say it so many times this pre-season, what did TFC do to add cover for Koev at CF this offseason? - Absolutely nothing

Agree - big problem.

[Torontotonto]

Fire Wilson and Winter.

Same old' crap.


Wilson - Yes for sure, can't wait
Winter - No

[TOBOR !]

I hope LA isn't watching this

[KGH]

Don't get me wrong...aceval looks like a solid cb. He's got great speed and a hell of a left foot. His forward passing hasn't been to crisp yet though. Caicedo has some improvement to show that he's not a reincarnation of Iro.

Has their goalie had to make a save yet?

[Oldtimer]

I can only say it so many times this pre-season, what did TFC do to add cover for Koev at CF this offseason? - Absolutely nothing TFC tried to do some deals within the league, I'm sure they tried for a CF. They said they were trying for some trades.

[brad]

I'm only getting watch bits of this match, but it does same like the me CB's are comfortable on the ball.

[brad]

Caicedo is coming back off an injury. I think he was out for a while.

[Dub Narcotic]

For some reason, Mick McCarthy is watching the game tonight, according to Luke Wileman. Maybe his kid needs somewhere to play too.

[Oldtimer]

Rooney looks like Orlando's best player.

[Dkolish3]

TFC tried to do some deals within the league, I'm sure they tried for a CF. They said they were trying for some trades.
Vukovic?

[Soccerpro]

Soolsma is playing CF. There goes any chance of scoring off of running onto a through ball. Decent player but slow as molasses

[TFCwestcan]

The team looks a bit rusty, wondering if we should have played a few more games?

[Soccerpro]

Vukovic?

I hope Winter gives him a run tonight.

[TOBOR !]

wait... What ? Orlando is playing with a brand new midfield ?

[Kaz]

you think the announcers are descended from propaganda announcers during WWII?

[KGH]

Lambe is not the answer on the right. I am not impressed with him at all.

[dantdot]

Too early to tell with Lambe. Hasn't shown anything though.

[iy12l]

Lambe is not the answer on the right. I am not impressed with him at all.

yea he really stinks so far, we should put soolsma in the right and vukovic as striker

[Auzzy]

Lambe is not the answer on the right. I am not impressed with him at all.

I was just going to say, doesn't seem to be interacting well with others on attack yet.

However, quite aware in the midfield & D. Anticipated & broken up some dangerous plays coming down our right side, including just before the half-time whistle.

[AlanO]

^^ Yes, at least Lambe is taking his defensive responsibilities seriously.

Caicedo was caught out defensively a few times but looks comfortable on the ball. I like Aceval, impressive so far.

[Benficachop20]

Really not a fan of Dunfield and Avila. Offer nothing in the middle of the field. Dunfield is just a back passer and Avila offers virtually no creativity, which i think is essential for his position.

[cochrdoc]

Plata and Lambe are not out running anyone and not winning any balls in the air.With Danny outafter 30 minutes it shows we don`t have much depth up front.Maybe we can get Chad Barrett back as he won`t be getting much playing time in LA.

[moralis]

Simon Borg is right, we have an issue at target striker, what if Kovermans gets injured or needs rest, he's around 33 or 34. I've been commenting on this for weeks. Put Dicoy Williams on Injured reseve and get an international striker and sign Stefan Vukevic. Also, Ryan Johnson is not a centre forward. Tweet this to Kurt Larson so he can ask Paul Mariner. He's been communicating with Paul Mariner, so that a question Kurt could ask Mariner.

[gracos]

I think I know why the rebuilding will take three years, because it definitely wont be in two

[iy12l]

plz sign vukovic, hes our only hope if koef is injured

[19Barrett19]

Too early to tell with Lambe. Hasn't shown anything though.

he has been in the right spots for the defence all half good job lambe!

[TOBOR !]

he has been in the right spots for the defence all half good job lambe!

... if ever there was a user name screaming out to be changed...

[19Barrett19]

... if ever there was a user name screaming out to be changed...

lol nah! maybe some time... maybe!

[Canary10]

I asked Kurt to ask Mariner about a back-up striker. He said they've already decided Johnson, like it or not. I think it's a gap.

[Oldtimer]

I think I know why the rebuilding will take three years, because it definitely wont be in twoThe team only needs a couple of more pieces plus a LOT of practice, IMO.

[AlanO]

Maund in for Caicedo
Henry in for Eckersley

[Dkolish3]

Commentators hate on purple kits, but I like them

[Roogsy]

I learned during the Leaf preseason (after writing them off) that preseason form means nothing. Same for TFC. I don't think this game or the next will give any sort of clue as to how TFC will do for the whole season. That being said I think the team has not prepared well enough for the games vs LA. I don't hold much hope for the CCL but I don't think the team should be written off for the MLS season.

[Canary10]

They're Canada's new kits.

[iy12l]

game looks a bit more calm now

[Dv23]

R u make joking me....

[Dkolish3]

Whatever

[Kaz]

this is not good. this is why you need more preseason games.

[volunteer]

lawl. tfc u so crazy

[Auzzy]

R u make joking me....

Hmmm LOL

[Soccerpro]

I missed the goal. How did Orlando score their 2nd?

[AlanO]

Beat the offside trap.

[TFC/Everton]

Everyone needs to relax.

[KGH]

I learned during the Leaf preseason (after writing them off) that preseason form means nothing. Same for TFC. I don't think this game or the next will give any sort of clue as to how TFC will do for the whole season. That being said I think the team has not prepared well enough for the games vs LA. I don't hold much hope for the CCL but I don't think the team should be written off for the MLS season.

Yes but if the leafs were playing an AHL team in the pre-season you'd expect them to hammer them while trying different line ups. We are now losing 2-1 to a 3rd division team who's star forward that is tearing our defense up was an MLS backup who played 4 games. :facepalm:

[Roogsy]

I am the last person who would want to defend Winter but we could lose all these games and I wouldn't care as long as the lessons learned help us win during the regular season.

[AlanO]

Frings!

Nice setup.

[Torontotonto]

Frings ties it up

[KGH]

Wow!! Frings with the nice goal!

[dantdot]

Frings! somehow got a foot on that

[Fushida]

Yes but if the leafs were playing an AHL team in the pre-season you'd expect them to hammer them while trying different line ups. We are now losing 2-1 to a 3rd division team who's star forward that is tearing our defense up was an MLS backup who played 4 games. :facepalm:

are you serious? this is a friendly for match fitness. who. cares.

[JackBauer24]

Frings baby

[Soccerpro]

7 subs yay

[Dkolish3]

we scored, Wooooooo. I guess.

[Red Rat]

7, yes 7

[iy12l]

no vukovic sub :(

[Auzzy]

Couple of players getting their last few chances for a contract I guess...

[Dkolish3]

No Vukovic. What?

[Oldtimer]

I guarantee you Winter is not even looking at the scoreline. He's testing combinations of players, seeing how their practice sessions are playing out on the field, what areas to work on in practice...

It's obvious to everyone that the backline needs a lot of work. Don't know yet whether or not practice will fix their positioning errors or they are just crap. We'll see.

[Soccerpro]

COme on no Vukovic? really?

[loconet]

You can clearly see that once some fire is was lid up their asses (goal against) they showed what they're capable of. Can't tell much from this game in respect to the whole season but I'm still worried about March 7th.

[brad]

Yes but if the leafs were playing an AHL team in the pre-season you'd expect them to hammer them while trying different line ups. We are now losing 2-1 to a 3rd division team who's star forward that is tearing our defense up was an MLS backup who played 4 games. :facepalm:

Year in and year out top European teams lose to lesser opposition. I am talking about teams like Manchester United, Milan, Real Madrid. Happens all the time is is totally irrelevant.

Don't worry about the result - it means nothin either way.

[Nerepis]

I am the last person who would want to defend Winter but we could lose all these games and I wouldn't care as long as the lessons learned help us win during the regular season.

^this

[Oldtimer]

I'm pretty happy with the wing-play. Midfield looks rusty. Fortunately LA's midfield will be just as rusty... oh wait...

[Thomas]

I agree with you Roogs. We've been waiting so long for any games, and anticipation is high....but it is too early to judge based on these pre season results.

[sully]

Robbie Keane is going to have fun on the 7th.

[Auzzy]

Good we had the kids on for that defensive play. We needed maximum speed there. A bit lucky.

[KGH]

Robbie Keane is going to have fun on the 7th.

Don't forget that other guy they have that's also going to be EPL match fit.

[Auzzy]

Yes but if the leafs were playing an AHL team in the pre-season you'd expect them to hammer them while trying different line ups. We are now losing 2-1 to a 3rd division team who's star forward that is tearing our defense up was an MLS backup who played 4 games. :facepalm:

Just a note that Orlando tied Philadelphia Union 1-1 a few days ago.

[NBS]

Only a fool reads anything into preseason. Win, lose or draw.

[PopePouri]

Montreal beat LA.

[sully]

Maund seems to be holding his own in this game and doing alright.

[dantdot]

Good news: Frei still super

[volunteer]

c'mon ter-rah-nah fc

[Auzzy]

Maund looks quite decent.

Aceval looks mostly decent as well. He has to get used to the fact, although the players you face here might not always have the best skill, there will lots of players with massive athleticism, putting on a frenetic pace, as we have seen Orlando do most of the game. I think he realized that & got better with time.

As expected, Caicedo, coming off injury, doesn't look match fit yet. Hopefully he will get better. We shall see.

Burgos has put in some beautiful long passes.

[Oldtimer]

Just a note that Orlando tied Philadelphia Union 1-1 a few days ago.

Orlando is much better than the typical D3 side. In Europe, they would have been promoted last year.

Interestingly enough, promotion to MLS through buying a franchise is something they will be discussing with the Don in a few days' time. They want to be team #20.

[Waggy]

Man, all ya'll need some valium.


Jan. 27Chivas USA 0, Ventura County Fusion 1

Jan. 29New England 2, FC Tucson 1

Feb. 10Houston 1, LA Galaxy 0

Feb. 13Seattle 1, Orlando City SC 1

Feb. 14LA Galaxy 0, Montreal 3

Feb. 15New England 2, Boston College 1

Feb. 18Philadelphia 1, Orlando City 1

Feb. 19Vancouver 2, University of Victoria 1

Feb. 22New England 3, LA Galaxy 2





The horror. The horror http://www.mlssoccer.com/preseason/2012/schedule

I just cherry picked some of the results of games that had they involved TFC would have caused a mass suicide. Chilax. It's preseason.

[Canary10]

Worst player on the pitch was Dunfield. JDG is soo much better. That's going to be trouble on the 7th. Thought Aceval looked good. Very composed most of the game. Was too cute on the giveaway that caused the penalty but I like what I see with him.

[Torontotonto]

I am the last person who would want to defend Winter but we could lose all these games and I wouldn't care as long as the lessons learned help us win during the regular season.

Agree, pre-season means squat.
Hopefully the few games we have this week and some practice time back in TO will give the team a chance to gel and be ready for the big one against the Galaxy.

edit : Think we still need another top end striker in case something happens to Kovermans

[KGH]

are you serious? this is a friendly for match fitness. who. cares.

Guess I have higher expectations for this season. Winners want to win every time that they step on the field/court/ice. Match fitness or not Orlando's starting 11 looked way better than our starting 11 for those 45-60 mins and they're earlier in their pre season than we are.

[TFC Cityboy]

Worst player on the pitch was Dunfield. JDG is soo much better. That's going to be trouble on the 7th. Thought Aceval looked good. Very composed most of the game. Was too cute on the giveaway that caused the penalty but I like what I see with him.

agree 100%- was shite

good luck tmrw!

[volunteer]

if this ends in a draw or a loss there's no hope for the rest of the season and we wont make the play-offs again :(

[Auzzy]

Guess I have higher expectations for this season. Winners want to win every time that they step on the field/court/ice. Match fitness or not Orlando's starting 11 looked way better than our starting 11 for those 45-60 mins and they're earlier in their pre season than we are.

Well in that vein LA likely sucks at least as bad as us based on their pre-season, so we should have a chance against them on the 7th.... :facepalm:

[Soccerpro]

I'd rather see Stinson than Dunfield on March 7th. I also think Avila isn't that great. Hopefully Silva is the real deal.

[Auzzy]

if this ends in a draw or a loss there's no hope for the rest of the season and we wont make the play-offs again :(

AYFKM?

[Oldtimer]

Guess I have higher expectations for this season. Winners want to win every time that they step on the field/court/ice. Match fitness or not Orlando's starting 11 looked way better than our starting 11 for those 45-60 mins and they're earlier in their pre season than we are.

Their season starts later, but USL doesn't have the off-season restrictions that the MLS CBA provides. They could have very well practiced all off-season, if they were willing to pay the players for the extra time.

[Soccerpro]

if this ends in a draw or a loss there's no hope for the rest of the season and we wont make the play-offs again :(

But if we score a goal somehow the season will be a success? Really??

[KGH]

Well in that vein LA likely sucks at least as bad as us based on their pre-season, so we should have a chance against them on the 7th.... :facepalm:

Difference is we don't have 2 guys joining us fresh off a solid 2 months in the EPL.

[Torontotonto]

if this ends in a draw or a loss there's no hope for the rest of the season and we wont make the play-offs again :(

You can't be serious. :iamwithstupid:

[AlanO]

Maund looks solid, especially in the box. Lots of good clearances and ball-winning.

[KGH]

I will say this...our acedamy kids look promising.

[AlanO]

I will say this...our acedamy kids look promising.
They've shown more creativity in the middle of the field than the starters.

[Oldtimer]

Player ratings anyone?

[Auzzy]

Difference is we don't have 2 guys joining us fresh off a solid 2 months in the EPL.

You might have noticed I was cracking a joke?!? I think LA will be tough, of course. But we've given you plenty of examples of pre-season upsets or surprisingly tight games. Should all those teams panic, fire their coach, whatever??

Announcer continues to be useless to the end. Of course TFC likes a relatively tough opponent from a different league in pre-season.

[Nerepis]

if this ends in a draw or a loss there's no hope for the rest of the season and we wont make the play-offs again :(

Wow, I think I might stay away from game threads till the regular season, someone actually complained that Plata was not getting any headers, Really?

[KGH]

Wow, I think I might stay away from game threads till the regular season, someone actually complained that Plata was not getting any headers, Really?

Hahaha. I'll bet a pint that he doesn't score with his head for the entire duration of his contract.

[AlanO]

Positives: Aceval looked good, Frei's in mid-season form, Maund was very composed and had good positioning, the Academy kids / trialists / reserves played okay after the mass substitution.

Negatives: I didn't think it was a horrible match by any means, but the starting midfielders need to boss around the centre of the pitch. Plata and Lambe created some chances but drifted in and out of the match.

Overall: it's pre-season. Some people need to chill out. :)

[Waggy]

Difference is we don't have 2 guys joining us fresh off a solid 2 months in the EPL.

LA lost 3-0 to MTL. They aren't missing any defenders*.





* as far as I know. if they are then just ignore this post

[Auzzy]

OK boys, don't say suicide, see ya Tuesday Feb. 28th 6pm, TFC vs BK Häcken.

[Auzzy]

LA lost 3-0 to MTL. They aren't missing any defenders*.





* as far as I know. if they are then just ignore this post

Well, they are missing a key defender that they will also be missing vs. Toronto. Whatevs.

[Pendrith]

What happened to Koeverman. Did he get injured?

[Nerepis]

Hahaha. I'll bet a pint that he doesn't score with his head for the entire duration of his contract.

Never say never, he's the Spud Webb of the MLS!:D

[Detroit_TFC]

They've shown more creativity in the middle of the field than the starters.

That was my impression too.

[Auzzy]

What happened to Koeverman. Did he get injured?

Announcers (if you want to believe them) got word from the bench that it was (supposedly) mostly precautionary. Felt a tweak or something.

[moralis]

Good news about Kovermans, he was taken off for precauticonary reasons. Canary said Ryan Johnson is Kovermans back. I don't mind Johnson, but he's not a goal scorer, look at his record with San Jose, not good. Like I said earlier, sign Stefan Vukevic and and sign an international or trade for a centre forward, maybe Stevan Lenhart of San Jose. Not happy with Winter's decision in playing Vukevic tonight, he better play Tuesday.

http://twitter.com/#!/TorontoFCPR/status/173561469089234945

[Detroit_TFC]

Normally I would agree with all the "preseason games are meaningless" statements but for the the big game coming up. Not going to lie, I'm a lot more concerned than I was two hours ago.

[KGH]

Good news about Kovermans, he was taken off for precauticonary reasons. Canary said Ryan Johnson is Kovermans back. I don't mind Johnson, but he's not a goal scorer, look at his record with San Jose, not good. Like I said earlier, sign Stefan Vukevic and and sign an international or trade for a centre forward, maybe Stevan Lenhart of San Jose. Not happy with Winter's decision in playing Vukevic tonight, he better play Tuesday.

http://twitter.com/#!/TorontoFCPR/status/173561469089234945

Maybe winter gave the trialists 1 game chance and now will cut the roster down to the 28-30 we're going to run with for the season?

[Auzzy]

^ Well, I guess he has to do that by March 1st anyway, doesn't he?

[Auzzy]

BTW, LA is playing vs RSL right now, if you want another look at the competition...

http://www.mlssoccer.com/live/channel1

[volunteer]

argh a draw. Winter needs to be sacked

[Canary10]

I can't imagine Vukovic is stronger than Ryan Johnson. The fact that he's not getting a run suggests to me he's out of consideration for this year.

I don't think the sky is falling but I do feel more worried about the 7th. Our midfield was pretty average tonight. Distribution wasn't good. No JDG. No Avila. I don't know who will fill those two positions.

[Auzzy]

argh a draw. Winter needs to be sacked

^ LOL

BTW didn't Plata score a header once for us? Or almost? I seem to remember, when he hadn't been in Toronto long, he slipped past the wall on a freekick, and the ball dropped to him all alone. I can't find a replay though. I remember thinking it was funny that the ball dropped to the shortest guy.

[Waggy]

Well, they are missing a key defender that they will also be missing vs. Toronto. Whatevs.

Hey that's all I care about haha. Could care less what they do after March 14. Until the playoffs anyways

[Blizzard]

^ LOL

BTW didn't Plata score a header once for us? Or almost? I seem to remember, when he hadn't been in Toronto long, he slipped past the wall on a freekick, and the ball dropped to him all alone. I can't find a replay though. I remember thinking it was funny that the ball dropped to the shortest guy.

He didn't score.

[moralis]

Recently fired Wolverhampton Wolves (EPL) manager Mick McCarthy was in attendance for the TFC-Orlando City game:

http://twitter.com/#!/asifintoronto/status/173561545660444672/photo/1

Maybe TFC could use him in some capacity. Help out Paul Mariner with scouting players, i.e. a target striker. Sign Kevin Doyle.

[iy12l]

i am watching BK Hacken vs dallas and BK Hacken look really tough. we should seriously play vukovic next time

[brad]

i am watching BK Hacken vs dallas and BK Hacken look really tough. we should seriously play vukovic next time

Are you related to him or his friend or something? You seem like a bit of a fanboy.

[ag futbol]

No reason to panic.

But at the same time I think we should all expect a learning curve from our CB's. Remember Iro played like Iro after years of experience in MLS. When these guys get adjusted will be AT THE VERY LEAST be an improvement over our previous pairing.

[billyfly]

I am not happy with this result.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

jesus people jump to conclusions.

[Ajax TFC]

I don't think the sky is falling but I do feel more worried about the 7th. Our midfield was pretty average tonight. Distribution wasn't good. No JDG. No Avila. I don't know who will fill those two positions.

I'm thinking that either either Stinson or Silva will fill in for JDG, and Johnson will fill in for Avila like in the other CCL games.

[cochrdoc]

I no Winter wants depth at every position,but I don`t think our offence is going to scare to many teams.Plata doesn`t have the speed everyone talks about and I only saw Lambe pull away ounce.If you look at the 2 subs Orlando made with the 17 year old and Ching .They both had more of an impact and got behind our defence.I still think we need an attacking mid and some first class wingers who constantly keep defences on their heels.Why is it LA has all kind of offensive weapons and look what Vancouver has done with their attack.We not only gave up alot of goals last year we didn`t score very many

[azorean10]

Normally I would agree with all the "preseason games are meaningless" statements but for the the big game coming up. Not going to lie, I'm a lot more concerned than I was two hours ago.

totally agree, was really looking forward to this game and seeing some definite improvement but all i got was same old, same old, .....I will grant them some time to work things out, but, geez, the opponent is 3rd divison, and their season starts in April, so i would assume they have had a lot less time than us to prepare.....things have to improve.


and based on his play , lambe better tone down those 'styling photos, apart from his hustle on defense, he was complete shit!!!

[PopePouri]

Player ratings anyone?

Frei 9
Eckersley 6
Aceval 7
Cacedo 3
Morgan 6
Frings 7
Dunfield 4
Avila 5
Plata 5
Lambe 5
Koevermans 5

Subs
Henry 5
Maund 8
Green 5
Huezo 4
Stinson 7
Cordon 7
Camargo 5
Burgos 6
Orozco 5
Soolsma 6

[Couchy81]

Hey guys what's ___ and ___ but ___ all over? An MLS pre-season game.

[Shakes McQueen]

jesus people jump to conclusions.

Yep. These games are about fitness and getting back into the vibe of playing with the team. Way way way too early to be making any value judgments.

- Scott

[azorean10]

Burgos might be worth keeping, he had some impressive passes when he came on.....it will be interesting to see if they sign him.

[TFCREDNWHITE]

Its hard to go all out, balls to the wall for your first pre season game. Thats how things break, rip, dislocate, concuss, and get torn....

[Kaz]

Ok so lets see everyone is just getting their match fitness, it's our second preseason match, we played without a dedicated striker for 60 minutes. Lambe got his second time on the field with the boys in a game, and we were playing a team that was going all out, like after the 4 games they play here they don't have to play again for 6 weeks... oh wait.. and we were playing like we have a meaningful game in 11 days. We were also playing a team that maybe division 3 but it built like a mid to top level d2 team. (they had a record of 29-7-6 including preseason, US Open, and USL PRO)

So I would have prefered a win, I would have liked to see more drive from the subs as they wont be playing in 11 days, but I'm not overly worried.

[azorean10]

Frei 9
Eckersley 6
Aceval 7
Cacedo 3
Morgan 6
Frings 7
Dunfield 4
Avila 5
Plata 5
Lambe 5
Koevermans 5

Subs
Henry 5
Maund 8
Green 5
Huezo 4
Stinson 7
Cordon 7
Camargo 5
Burgos 6
Orozco 5
Soolsma 6

looks about right, Burgos might be able to move up though, hope he get's some additional minutes.....and Cordon , still waiting on the kid, but i don't see much, don't think he warrants a 7.......

[Ajax TFC]

Dunfield 4


Your being quite generous. He single handedly killed the midfield

[azorean10]

Ok so lets see everyone is just getting their match fitness, it's our second preseason match, we played without a dedicated striker for 60 minutes. Lambe got his second time on the field with the boys in a game, and we were playing a team that was going all out, like after the 4 games they play here they don't have to play again for 6 weeks... oh wait.. and we were playing like we have a meaningful game in 11 days. We were also playing a team that maybe division 3 but it built like a mid to top level d2 team. (they had a record of 29-7-6 including preseason, US Open, and USL PRO)

So I would have prefered a win, I would have liked to see more drive from the subs as they wont be playing in 11 days, but I'm not overly worried.

Ok, gonna take a wait and see approach....BUT....We looked bad! let's face it, and March 7th is a less than 2 weeks away...I know it's a preseason game and we should'nt read too much into the results of theses games, but just the overall look of the team was , well, like the first 5 years...ughh!.....fingers crossed.

[PopePouri]

looks about right, Burgos might be able to move up though, hope he get's some additional minutes.....and Cordon , still waiting on the kid, but i don't see much, don't think he warrants a 7.......

His few touches were decent. Same with his dribbling and had a decent crack on goal. Could be a 6 though but my ratings come a standard deviation of 1.

[Auzzy]

I'm impressed you managed ratings for all the 2nd-half subs. It was hard enough for me to figure out who the hell is who, let alone rate all of them.

Yes I'm worried about the March 7th & 14th games vs. LA. But I was worried long before today. LA won the Cup, and overall their team is probably even stronger now (except their central defense, and except a bit of rustiness). This pre-season game vs. Orlando didn't make me any more worried -- but it also didn't calm me much (which would have been nice).

The folks that dropped in here recently with the "OMG" comments -- did you bother reading some of the earlier thread? To summarize just a few of the points:
- Pre-season results have been all over the map for many MLS teams, incl. LA, & incl. when Orlando played other MLS competition (e.g., tied Philly 1-1 a few days ago).
- Orlando is trying to move up into MLS, and is meeting league management these days to discuss. So any of these games vs MLS teams are massive for them -- they want to prove they can play with the big boys. It's more than a pre-season friendly for them.
- Orlando is a decent team, and despite their season start in April, may well have been practicing longer to get ready. AFAIK, they don't have all the restrictions of MLS teams. Perhaps they paid some of their players extra to play through the off-season. Can anyone find out?
- Who knows what Winter was trying today. How many were real starters; who is just being tested to see if they'll start or even stick? He still has to drop a couple of guys by March 1st.
- IMO, a couple of old favourites looked a bit rusty at least for stretches: Plata, Ecks, Koevermans, Frings, Stinson, even Avila has looked better on occasion. I hope they'll soon play as well as I know they can, especially on March 7th (except Avila).
- A couple of new guys looked decent off the bat: Maund; Burgos; Aceval (minus a few weak moments); a couple of 60-minute subs that I couldn't identify.

Anyway, we shall see. I think the Swedish team will be a very tough opponent: hopefully TFC shows some improvement in key spots.

Does anyone know what's up with Silva? Is he seriously injured? I was hoping to see him play, check out if he can help vs. LA.

[Auzzy]

Let's let AW have the final word:


“I’m not happy about the way we played. I’m not happy about the result. We were a little bit lucky,” Toronto head coach Aron Winter said after the game. “You saw some good things, but also some bad things, but those things we have to work on and improve.”
OK, good to hear, hopefully better on Tuesday!

And to answer my own question, Silva was just a bit sore, we should see him next game.

[cochrdoc]

So many say it is only pre season ,but what players really jumped out at you for TFC.Orlando City has just got back together and have many new players.Hell Rooney looked better then all our mids.That 17 year-old looked more dangerous then our academy guys.

[PopePouri]

A lot of what happened with the goals can be fixed. First goal came from Aceval being too cute. Second goal came from poor communication when tracking the runner. I think the backline is fixed with regard to quality. Aceval looks really good. He's probably the first defender we've had that's comfortable on the ball. Cacedo is still a question mark and he needs to adjust quickly, however Cann is coming back from injury soon. Maund played really well and looked like a more mature Doneil Henry. All leads to something that looks like a decent backline.

Also no one has mentioned how well the 2nd goal was worked. Great movement off the ball, passing and finish by Frings.

Finally...Fuck Simon Borg. He seems to think everything is shit yet he hasn't mentioned LA's failures in their preseason matches. The season hasn't started. Stop being so hyperbolic.

[Yeoman]

i look at it this way
at we're not totally screwed like last year

[Auzzy]

Video highlights now available: http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/02/toronto-orlando-play-draw

Slightly over-dramatic music.

[Canary10]

It wasn't a great game from us, but the positive is that Aceval looks to be the anchor at central defence that we've needed. He was a bit too cocky at points but that's part of preseason I think. And even scored a set piece goal.

[Chris Wren]

I am the last person who would want to defend Winter but we could lose all these games and I wouldn't care as long as the lessons learned help us win during the regular season.

What's wrong with Winter? He's made massive positive changes to the club, in my opinion.

[Auzzy]

Hi Chris, did you re-enable your account? :D

Please lets not start a general Winter discussion in this thread. Maybe in another thread. Besides, Roogsy's post was mostly positive (or at least, anti-negative). Lets leave it at that.