Saturday, April 21, Chicago @ TFC 3:30 PM game thread

[Oldtimer]

Rain or shine, it's time for the Reds to win!

[Richard]

Streams?

[LesH]

Nobody found any streams?
I'm searching but no luck...

[dantdot]

http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/120282/1/watch-toronto-fc-vs-chicago-fire.html

[LesH]

http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/120282/1/watch-toronto-fc-vs-chicago-fire.html




Thanks, I just found it, and wanted to post, lol...

[Waggy]

Streams wont start till kickoffish

[Oldtimer]

Fan590 is airing this game on the radio. Pregame on now.

[Richard]

Fan590 is airing this game on the radio. Pregame on now.

Last week it was blocked via website for some reason.

[Waggy]

Watching the NBC stream, looking forward to seeing it. Hopefully we don't embarrass ourselves on national TV in the states. It's bad enough when we do it on national TV in Canada

[Corpand]

Here you go boys
http://88.80.11.29/46271/watch-toronto-fc-vs-chicago-fire

[Waggy]

Actually I should rephrase. Hopefully we don't embarrass ourselves period. Feeling good about this game! And my guts been on point so far today

[ag futbol]

Hope we're ready to deal with their speed on the backline. Def be looking for the coaching staff to make the necessary adjustments.

PS. TFC needs their own version Grazzini

[Waggy]

Love seeing that some of the section 8 guys came. It's too bad we don't ever have a real away presence. Even when MTL is here. I think it really adds to the atmosphere. Brings more casuals into the chants

[Corpand]

Yup, the speed scares me too. Two very aggressive forwards against two relatively aging (but smart) defenders. Midfield is going to win this game.

[iansmcl]

Is anyone else about to punch this whiny-voiced Geordie on their monitor?

[lobo]

http://www.firstrowsports.eu/watch/120282/2/watch-toronto-fc-vs-chicago-fire.html

TSN broadcast, if you don't want NBC

anybody else notice that the music for our anthem played all the way through?

[ag futbol]

Are you kidding me ... wow

[iansmcl]

I think the music played the whole way last week as well.

[dantdot]

ROFL. I'm speechless.

[kaos197O]

Here we go.......

[Dkolish3]

Fuck me, fastest goal in MLS history?

[lobo]

fuck my dog. disaster start.

[iansmcl]

Cut Frings.

[daner90]

not much you can do but laugh anymore...

[Waggy]

Actually I should rephrase. Hopefully we don't embarrass ourselves period. Feeling good about this game! And my guts been on point so far today

:facepalm:

[Richard]

TFC, making history since day 1.......

[ArmenJBX]

LOL. Come on.

[jloome]

:facepalm:

"Oh those amazin' mets'
those amazin' mets..."

[Kilgore Trout]

oh, the irony of Frings giving an interview just yesterday saying he would play as a defender because they need to win...

[Relja]

ffs...

[TorontoGooner]

They should all be ashamed to collect their wages. Here's a comparison, SKC have 21 pts already. A disgrace

[Kilgore Trout]

Watching TFC has singlehandedly killed my rationalism and disbelief in being cursed. There's no other explanation. That is probably the worst play of Frings' career.

[69Chevy396]

ffs...

Glad I didn't renew. Is there a worse professional soccer team on the planet right now? This team couldn't beat the American women's NT.

[iy12l]

oh well atleast madrid won today

[T-boy]

I'm in the UK, first game I'm missing this season. I thought that would mean we might win this one, proving I'm a bad luck charm! Maybe I was wrong!

Come on TFC!

[Strans]

Watching TFC is like watching Titanic: you always hope the boat won't sink but it always does.

Also your friends make fun of you.

[TorontoGooner]

I'm in the UK, first game I'm missing this season. I thought that would mean we might win this one, proving I'm a bad luck charm! Maybe I was wrong!

Come on TFC!

Stay in the UK, at least they can play football there mate!!

[Waggy]

"Oh those amazin' mets'
those amazin' mets..."

:lol: sad but prob bang on haha


Still plenty of time. If we got our 1 brain cramp a game out of the way early, we can still do this

[Strans]

Holy shit Kocic just saved what little is left of our ass.

[Waggy]

Though I have to say, when the ambition of the game is "please don't embarrass yourselves" , and they embarrass themselves within 30 seconds...

[MG42]

what can you even say

[jloome]

Ashtone Morgan looks asleep.

[jloome]

Players off the ball are all walking back. We're gonna get hammered today if they don't wake up.

[Dkolish3]

Cann has more vision than most of our Mid

[Kilgore Trout]

boy, they're actually playing with some semblance of desire. Maybe conceding THAT goal finally made it clear to them that they don't have excuses anymore.

[Richard]

I feel like there is going to be a few goals per team this game.

[iy12l]

if we lose 6 in a row i think thats an mls record

[DoubleUp]

once again men vs boys.

[iansmcl]

Frings looks little behind today.

[Richard]

Nice check Cann!

[Soccerpro]

Isn't a dutch 4-3-3 supposed to implement passing, possession type play up the field? It seems that our wing backs just boot it up to the forwards every time they get it.

[ag futbol]

We're lucky he wasn't sent off for that. Good thing "MLS official of the year" thought otherwise.

[Waggy]

We need to make a substitution. We can't have Cann protecting 1/3 of the pitch on a yellow alone. It'll cause disaster.

[Waggy]

Isn't a dutch 4-3-3 supposed to implement passing, possession type play up the field? It seems that our wing backs just boot it up to the forwards every time they get it.

We're playing 3-4-3 today

[jloome]

Isn't a dutch 4-3-3 supposed to implement passing, possession type play up the field? It seems that our wing backs just boot it up to the forwards every time they get it.

It's a tactical decision. We're supposed to be playing direct today and packing our end because Chicago has a fast two-man front. But our balls up to our forwards have been awful and Chicago's marking is very disciplined.. Basically, their tenacious marking is undoing us. We're losing all the individual battles.

[iy12l]

we made history again today, Chicago scored their fastest goal ever

[iy12l]

lmao stinson, nice shot

[Waggy]

Past few minutes we've been looking better and better. We're starting to really pressure the Chicago backline

[Sweeper]

Forgot about the long Gargan throw

[DoubleUp]

gargan looks like he lost weight, much leaner than when he played for us.

[jloome]

Stinson's trying, at least. As are Johnson, Cann and Lambe. Not seeing much else from us. Bleah.

[Relja]

stinson's been having some poor touches so far...

[iy12l]

morgan doesnt learn a thing, he always gets his crosses blocked

[ag futbol]

Thank god.

Chicago finally got burned for taking us lightly.

[iy12l]

wowwwwwwwwwwww

[stuart.mac]

What a goal!!! Lambe has been great all game, too bad we arn't up 1-0 (thanks for coming back Frings!)\

[Richard]

jeezus

[Strans]

absolute beauty from Lambe. It lives!

[jloome]

That was beyond fucking sweet. MAybe this'll wake us up.

[TorontoGooner]

That's a bit more like it!

[Relja]

Oh........Lambe......Oh......Lambe.......Oh Lambe.....

[Dkolish3]

Yes We Scored

[Waggy]

LAAAAAMBE!


Am I the only one seeing a bit of flair by the guys? Lambe, Ecks, even Dunfield have made some fairly nifty dribbling moves

[Richard]

YEEEEEESSSSSSsss

[iy12l]

gooooaaaal

[DoubleUp]

Good strikes from lamb, coming out of his shell.............................."who dares wins"

[fiji_blue]

HELLLLLLLLL YEAHHHHHHHHH!!! bout time

[jloome]

Lambe-tastic!

[ag futbol]

There we go! This team really needed a break

[PAOK17]

I'm in the UK, first game I'm missing this season. I thought that would mean we might win this one, proving I'm a bad luck charm! Maybe I was wrong!

Come on TFC!
I've been in the UK since the end of last season. I'd say maybe I need to come back but then again they weren't really good with me there either!

And there Lambe has two.

[Waggy]

LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBE!

Danny Who? lol

[Banjax]

There alive!!!!

[stuart.mac]

Again hardest playing player on the pitch gets rewarded, what a game for Lambe, perfect timing to go ahead

[iansmcl]

Lambe?!

[Relja]

Fuckin eh :D :D :D

[Dkolish3]

God That Feels Good.

[lobo]

sweet

[iy12l]

wow wtf...

[Banjax]

why must we be teased like this

[jloome]

Oops. Lambe's man.

[ag futbol]

This is the most charlie brown team ever

[stuart.mac]

Lambe is keeping us in this as the defense continues to let us down....pathetic. First lead all season lasts 2 minutes

[Richard]

I feel like there is going to be a few goals per team this game.

.......

[iy12l]

we are cursed

[DoubleUp]

that was way to easy...

[Strans]

ughh

[fiji_blue]

helllllllll yeahhhhhhhhh!!! Bout time

yikes

[Dkolish3]

Happiness is fleeting

[Relja]

well fuck....

[Kilgore Trout]

Lambe is keeping us in this as the defense continues to let us down....pathetic. First lead all season lasts 2 minutes

Lambe is the guy who lost his marker.

[jloome]

Does Dunfield know which direction we're supposed to be playing in?

[iy12l]

this ref is an animal, he allows rash tackles

[DoubleUp]

Does Dunfield know which direction we're supposed to be playing in?

You saw that too eh?

terrible awareness.

[Dkolish3]

While I don't like the fact that they scored two goals it's been a great game to watch

[jloome]

Wow. What a rollercoaster ride this team is.

[ag futbol]

You saw that too eh?

terrible awareness.
Memories of channel football. Tons of space in front of him in the middle of the field but he turns backwards into his defender to play it "safe" to the outside.

[KdotOdot]

Wow. What a rollercoaster ride this team is.

one that ends with a brick wall..

[OgtheDim]

Newcastle ball returns.............

[Waggy]

Actually quite enjoying this game today. nice pace, some flow, not too much in the way of sloppiness or hoofing. If we play like we did after the first 5-10 minutes, we'll win this game eventually

[Hugh Jazz]

This game has been really open, I imagine both teams will be changing things up in the second half.

[Beach_Red]

Wow. What a rollercoaster ride this team is.

Not exactly MLS game-of-the-week, but it'll be good to win it.

[leafsman]

glad its game of the week while im in florida this weekend, too bad they cant score when im in attendance, especially when its right in front of me lol

[TOBOR !]

I'm at the back of 105. It's official : the Fire travelling support is as annoying (at least) as NEE. I will give them credit for the horn, though.

[Strans]

Duane Rollins @ 24thminute (https://twitter.com/#!/24thminute) From a pure business perspective upcoming half most important ever played by #TFC (https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23TFC)



Yup.

[Kilgore Trout]

If this game isn't proof that Winter isn't cut out to be an MLS manager, what is?

Despite all the negativity on these boards, TFC easily has a competitive MLS team.

That blog post a while ago about the rift between Winter and the total football idealists and the MLS pragmatists (Mariner et al) is probably right on the money. This is the MLS. You don't play 3-4-3 with your best player and most intelligent player in the heart of the three-man defense. You don't play 3-4-3 with someone like Oduro targeting that defense. You don't really play 3-4-3 at all. I see no reason Henry can't play in central defense with Aceval, Morgan, or Emory at LB. The midfield has one obvious flaw: Dunfield. Everyone else is doing fine. There is a disconnect in this formation.

Forget the fact that Ajax and/or the Eredivisie are hardly any longer (if they ever really were) the exemplars of smart football. Winter needs to realize, and do so fast, that he ought to play a team that beats MLS teams.

Winter's tactics are responsible, in this game, for giving Chicago far too much of the ball and far too many breaks. TFC is fortunate that Chicago didn't score on those, and unfortunate that they scored on silly mistakes, neither of them from defenders.

It's not that I, or those who have voiced similar opinions, are Jose Mourinho. It's that Winter is making terrible choices. Blatantly terrible ones.

Dunfield is eating up space in midfield that needs someone with vision to play in. Frings is that guy. With Cann back, TFC does have leadership in the back. Aceval and Henry are both somewhat competent enough to play beside him. At the very least, that is preferable to wasting Frings and playing with three defenders, one of whom is frequently up the pitch.

Even if TFC win this, I increasingly fear that we're wasting the best team we've had on Winter's delusions of genius.

[Dkolish3]

DeGuz on Field?

[MUFCandTFC]

this is tough to watch

[jloome]

If this game isn't proof that Winter isn't cut out to be an MLS manager, what is?

Despite all the negativity on these boards, TFC easily has a competitive MLS team.

That blog post a while ago about the rift between Winter and the total football idealists and the MLS pragmatists (Mariner et al) is probably right on the money. This is the MLS. You don't play 3-4-3 with your best player and most intelligent player in the heart of the three-man defense. You don't play 3-4-3 with someone like Oduro targeting that defense. You don't really play 3-4-3 at all. I see no reason Henry can't play in central defense with Aceval, Morgan, or Emory at LB. The midfield has one obvious flaw: Dunfield. Everyone else is doing fine. There is a disconnect in this formation.

Forget the fact that Ajax and/or the Eredivisie are hardly any longer (if they ever really were) the exemplars of smart football. Winter needs to realize, and do so fast, that he ought to play a team that beats MLS teams.

Winter's tactics are responsible, in this game, for giving Chicago far too much of the ball and far too many breaks. TFC is fortunate that Chicago didn't score on those, and unfortunate that they scored on silly mistakes, neither of them from defenders.

It's not that I, or those who have voiced similar opinions, are Jose Mourinho. It's that Winter is making terrible choices. Blatantly terrible ones.

Dunfield is eating up space in midfield that needs someone with vision to play in. Frings is that guy. With Cann back, TFC does have leadership in the back. Aceval and Henry are both somewhat competent enough to play beside him. At the very least, that is preferable to wasting Frings and playing with three defenders, one of whom is frequently up the pitch.

Even if TFC win this, I increasingly fear that we're wasting the best team we've had on Winter's delusions of genius.

While I agree the general thrust of this may be valid, the last line is a bit spiteful and unfair, as I don't believe he's ever claimed TO be a genius.

[Dkolish3]

And The Gargan saves the day for the fire

[iy12l]

Howcome Gargan never played like this when he was here with tfc

[ag futbol]

Man, RJ's vision at times in this half has been ... yikes

[DoubleUp]

We need a proper box 2 box, dunfield doesnt cut it.

[jloome]

Why did Kocic come off his line there? Nuts

[MUFCandTFC]

Toronto FC is souless from top to bottom. I guess this is the place to complain. No tactics and no management for high ticket prices.

[iy12l]

great

[Strans]

yup.

[Kilgore Trout]

While I agree the general thrust of this may be valid, the last line is a bit spiteful and unfair, as I don't believe he's ever claimed TO be a genius.

and I doubt he thinks he is. But I do resent that he has never (to my knowledge) taken the blame, either stating that he is still building, they were unlucky, or made too many mistakes. He seems blind to his own mistakes.

I'm sorry if it sounded that way; I have no personal vendetta against Winter and I hope he proves me wrong.

But there you go- that's on Winter too.

[Richard]

We need a proper box 2 box, dunfield doesnt cut it.

We have Frings and i absolutely hate how he is being wasted in defence, but i guess another goal shows why we have him there.

[ag futbol]

If this game isn't proof that Winter isn't cut out to be an MLS manager, what is?

Despite all the negativity on these boards, TFC easily has a competitive MLS team.

That blog post a while ago about the rift between Winter and the total football idealists and the MLS pragmatists (Mariner et al) is probably right on the money. This is the MLS. You don't play 3-4-3 with your best player and most intelligent player in the heart of the three-man defense. You don't play 3-4-3 with someone like Oduro targeting that defense. You don't really play 3-4-3 at all. I see no reason Henry can't play in central defense with Aceval, Morgan, or Emory at LB. The midfield has one obvious flaw: Dunfield. Everyone else is doing fine. There is a disconnect in this formation.

Forget the fact that Ajax and/or the Eredivisie are hardly any longer (if they ever really were) the exemplars of smart football. Winter needs to realize, and do so fast, that he ought to play a team that beats MLS teams.

Winter's tactics are responsible, in this game, for giving Chicago far too much of the ball and far too many breaks. TFC is fortunate that Chicago didn't score on those, and unfortunate that they scored on silly mistakes, neither of them from defenders.

It's not that I, or those who have voiced similar opinions, are Jose Mourinho. It's that Winter is making terrible choices. Blatantly terrible ones.

Dunfield is eating up space in midfield that needs someone with vision to play in. Frings is that guy. With Cann back, TFC does have leadership in the back. Aceval and Henry are both somewhat competent enough to play beside him. At the very least, that is preferable to wasting Frings and playing with three defenders, one of whom is frequently up the pitch.

Even if TFC win this, I increasingly fear that we're wasting the best team we've had on Winter's delusions of genius.
I don't agree with everything in here.. but I think a lot of what you said explains that goal that just went in.

We're not putting our guys in a good position to succeed.

[Dkolish3]

What was that Kocic? No reason for that Ecks had him

[MUFCandTFC]

3-2 now!! Fck!

[Waggy]

WTF was Kocic thinking?! We were dominating the half until that. Talk about a gut shot

[iy12l]

lets just fire winter and hire a dutch coach with actual coaching experience

[jloome]

Plata just doesn't have the strength to shoot from out there off balance. Really needs to be told to not do that.

[Kilgore Trout]

Frings in midfield, finally. This should have been the formation from the start.

[Richard]

Fuck me.

[Kilgore Trout]

lets just fire winter and hire a dutch coach with actual coaching experience

or, you know, someone like Nicol.

[iy12l]

its sad that we signed 3 DP's and we cant get a single win

[jloome]

Anyone think maybe Frings threw up his hands at halftime and said "mein gott, I'm a fucking midfielder, Aron"

[MUFCandTFC]

Dominating? TFC dont dominate anything.

[jloome]

Hhehehe . Puppo on for Pappa. Let's hope he's Peepee.

[MUFCandTFC]

DPs should only be forward/AMs

[Dkolish3]

What I wouldn't do for a point

[DoubleUp]

We have Frings and i absolutely hate how he is being wasted in defence, but i guess another goal shows why we have him there.
then we need another to play alongside of him.

[Waggy]

Anyone think maybe Frings threw up his hands at halftime and said "mein gott, I'm a fucking midfielder, Aron"

tis a pity

[ag futbol]

then we need another to play alongside of him.
Agreed it's a taxing spot to play and lots of MLS teams use multiple ball winners to shield the backline.

[Oldtimer]

or, you know, someone like Nicol.
Nicol plays 4-4-2, it would be a total abandoning of strategy.

[MUFCandTFC]

we should play a 4-5-1 until we get points

[iy12l]

wow now they're playing lambe at RC and Ecks at CB....wtf is going on in Arons's head??

[DoubleUp]

wow chicago just worked the ball around our whole team.

[ag futbol]

Yeah, hold the Steve Nicol please.

I hate our results, but not the "philosophy" behind the club.

[Strans]

13 goals through 6 games.

TFC on pace to allow over 73 goals this season. Just sayin.

[Richard]

Nicol plays 4-4-2, it would be a total abandoning of strategy.

While i agree, playing a 4-4-2 does not exactly mean you have to play "hoof ball". You can play a possesion based system in any formation.

[iy12l]

frings is playing as a AM?

[DoubleUp]

Wow avila wide right...............who thought of that.:D

[Richard]

frings is playing as a AM?

If TFC had there shit together i would play him there full time

[iy12l]

Johnson you idiot, you always miss open nets!

[Dkolish3]

frings is playing as a AM?

At this point I think we're just telling everyone to get forward

[ExiledRed]

Nicol plays 4-4-2, it would be a total abandoning of strategy.

Nicol's best teams play a 3-5-2 pressure game, aggressively denying possession, passing across the deck and attacking the flanks.

you're wrong.

[ag futbol]

How many calls can the "official of the year" miss in one sequence?

[iy12l]

FFS JOHNSON! You always train with your finishing in training more than any other player and yet you always miss easy chances

[Dkolish3]

NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Why? Great from De Guz and Johnson just inches away every time

[Waggy]

Why do I feel like I'm watching a totally different game than most of you? Kocic made 2 bonehead plays that both resulted in easy Chicago goals. Other than that we've clearly outplayed the fire, and I'd imagine the final statistics will bear that out. Before Kocic's 2nd fuckup in the 55th or so, Chicago couldn't get the ball off us, and it was in their end most of that time

[MUFCandTFC]

WE'd get hammered with only 3 defenders

[Dkolish3]

Why do I feel like I'm watching a totally different game than most of you? Kocic made 2 bonehead plays that both resulted in easy Chicago goals. Other than that we've clearly outplayed the fire, and I'd imagine the final statistics will bear that out. Before Kocic's 2nd fuckup in the 55th or so, Chicago couldn't get the ball off us, and it was in their end most of that time
So does Roberts get the start next time

[iy12l]

Am i the only who notices how Johnson is missing very easy chances

[ag futbol]

Why do I feel like I'm watching a totally different game than most of you? Kocic made 2 bonehead plays that both resulted in easy Chicago goals. Other than that we've clearly outplayed the fire, and I'd imagine the final statistics will bear that out. Before Kocic's 2nd fuckup in the 55th or so, Chicago couldn't get the ball off us, and it was in their end most of that time
We're being draw in with their intent to counter. I wouldn't be fooled.

They want to take advantage of our back three and for the most part they've been able to do it.

[DoubleUp]

we lack clear cut ball winners in that middle.

[Dkolish3]

Considering the finishing I think that in order to improve.....




...we need to sacrifice a goat

[Kilgore Trout]

Nicol plays 4-4-2, it would be a total abandoning of strategy.
so? and? He can make a winning MLS team out of mostly fairy untalented players on a team with notoriously frugal owners. He knows what to do. TFC with this lineup playing 4-4-2 has more possession and doesn't give up that third goal.

[jloome]

It must be said that we have obvious motivational issues. Why, with a five-game losing skid, weren't we showing this level of desperation from the first whistle?

[iy12l]

i hate this league

[Waggy]

So does Roberts get the start next time

? The guy made 2 mistakes. If players are getting benched for making 2 mistakes no wonder we look like our assholes are clenched shut most games. He fucked up, it happens.

[QSIM]

We clearly need Frings further up the pitch. We need 1 central defender. Just one please.

[jloome]

We clearly need Frings further up the pitch. We need 1 central defender. Just one please.

It's gotta be Cann and Henry, for now. We need to quit this shit of expecting CBs to play the ball in this league. There's just too much full-field, man-to-man coverage.

[Waggy]

It must be said that we have obvious motivational issues. Why, with a five-game losing skid, weren't we showing this level of desperation from the first whistle?

It also might not be a coincidence the intensity of our attack went up when Frings moved up

[Richard]

This ref can suck a dick.

[ag futbol]

I don't even want to entertain the thought of Kocic's mistakes ... that was nothing more than the limitation of an MLS player when you put him in bad situations enough times.

System has to protect your players to keep them out of situations where they'll look bad. This is how all the 'shit' former TFC guys end up being solid contributors on other teams.

[Oldtimer]

Nicol's best teams play a 3-5-2 pressure game, aggressively denying possession, passing across the deck and attacking the flanks.

you're wrong.

The games I've seen were 4-4-2. Maybe he also uses 3-5-2, my bad if that's the case.

[jloome]

Plata has been truly woeful today.

[DoubleUp]

plata needs to run at the defender right there.

[ExiledRed]

Uneducated assumptions about Nicol's style and philosophy are based on the fact that he's scottish.

He's not longball orientated, he's one of the most decorated defenders in football and he played on one of the most creative passing teams of all time. He also read this league, respected its limitations and put out great playoff sides year after year.

He is not John Carver, and he's infinitely more capable than the current clown who'll be doing us all a favour and resigning in ...........

[jloome]

The games I've seen were 4-4-2. Maybe he also uses 3-5-2, my bad if that's the case.

he used 3-5-2 for most of his time at New England

[OgtheDim]

Plata has been found out it seems. Needs to work a little harder on other ideas.

[iy12l]

i think we will get our first point in the 11th game

[ag futbol]

Meh, regardless of what Nicol's formation is ... never found his football to be that appealing. He may well be the MLS manager of the past and not the future.

[Oldtimer]

It may just be my bad memory about Nichol's strategy...


Post-game rant here: http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?31530-Saturday-April-21-Chicago-TFC-3-30-PM-post-game-rant&p=1476675#post1476675