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View Full Version : TFC v Crew, Mickey Mouse Cup, Sat Feb 9 1PM Pre/In/Post Match Thread



Oldtimer
02-08-2013, 07:11 AM
We've decided to have a thread for each of these matches, apart from other pre-season play.

Match streamed live at http://www.torontofc.ca/live

Saturday Feb 9, 1PM.

Fort York Redcoat
02-08-2013, 07:22 AM
Nice. I gotta say I hope this tourney gets Orlando eventually "promoted". Pretty sure that's the goal.


Looking forward to seeing the lads in competition.

Super
02-08-2013, 08:56 AM
3 weeks till the season starts up again. Amazing to think - especially with SNOWMAGEDDON (DUN, DUN, DUN) going on outside.

Hoping to see something promising out of these pre-season friendlies.

Yohan
02-08-2013, 09:05 AM
Nice. I gotta say I hope this tourney gets Orlando eventually "promoted". Pretty sure that's the goal.


Looking forward to seeing the lads in competition.
Watching other MLS teams play in preseason, I'm looking forward to seeing our lads in action!

PS: I think you can put the Japan friendly in your sig ;)

Fort York Redcoat
02-08-2013, 09:55 AM
Watching other MLS teams play in preseason, I'm looking forward to seeing our lads in action!

PS: I think you can put the Japan friendly in your sig ;)


Thanks bud. Will do!

ouderwien
02-08-2013, 04:52 PM
Excited for the game. Hopefully we can start on the right foot.

dutch
02-08-2013, 06:13 PM
what time, will there be a way to watch it later. I work afternoons tomorrow.

mowe
02-08-2013, 06:18 PM
Looking forward to see what formation Nelson uses. Since our midfield and forward situation is UGLY, I don't expect much in the way of results.

Yohan
02-08-2013, 06:21 PM
Looking forward to see what formation Nelson uses. Since our midfield and forward situation is UGLY, I don't expect much in the way of results.
I'll settle for not getting blown out by those columbus wankers. 0-0 or 1-1 suits me just fine.

considering lack of strikers, I expect a 4-2-3-1 of some sorts.

notthesun
02-08-2013, 08:34 PM
4-2-3-1 would be my preferred formation, and with the players we have I'd go with:


Frei


Eckersley-----Califf--------O'Dea--------Morgan
Cesar---------Frings
Lambe--------------Silva--------------Bekker
Braun


Assuming we don't start any academy players or trialists.

I'm working under the assumption that Bekker could be a good option for a temporary wide attacking midfielder, until Payne makes a signing to fill the hole in left midfield. Opinions? In a 4-2-3-1 I realize his best position is probably DM or in the hole. As of now if we started him at LAM in a 4-2-3-1 he'd start every game. At CAM I'd rather have Silva full-time than having them rotate. If Payne does sign that midfielder though, I'd like to see him at DM rotating often with Cesar and Frings, who'll need the rest. He would probably be able to get minutes every game in that situation, whether he starts or as a sub.

jloome
02-08-2013, 10:07 PM
4-1-2-1-2, very vertical, totally zonal defense.

ouderwien
02-09-2013, 12:13 AM
Who do we have after Braun?

Really, who are our strikers going forward.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 12:34 AM
Who do we have after Braun?

Really, who are our strikers going forward.
For this game? Weedman, Welshman, Bennett, Taylor Morgan

tfcocd
02-09-2013, 01:15 AM
Formations? Is there an expected starting line up? Back four is set and most of midfield. 4-5-1 most likely?

Connon_1991
02-09-2013, 01:46 AM
we need a left back... Morgan is an athlete not a football player. Hopefully Dunfield doesn't see much of the pitch this year

Luanda
02-09-2013, 09:13 AM
What happened to those Brazilian brothers who had been training with TFC?
They do not show up on the player's list put out by the club a few days ago.

PopePouri
02-09-2013, 09:19 AM
Maybe not good enough.

Morlesio14
02-09-2013, 09:39 AM
we need a left back... Morgan is an athlete not a football player. Hopefully Dunfield doesn't see much of the pitch this year

This is the first criticism I've seen for Morgan. He's a great left back and a bright spot on our team

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 09:55 AM
I watched highlights from the Crew's pre-season game vs. Chicago. They look decent. It's not going to be easy today.

LOL RE the Morgan comment. In this league, he's a decent LB, especially considering his age & salary. Puts in some good crosses as well, both left-footed, and a few with the right when he cuts in. 5 assists in 2012, 2 in 2011. (Plus perhaps a few more in VC/CCL? Also had at least 1 assist for the CMNT.) That's better than the much more expensive Ecks BTW (total 2 assists over 2 years). Yes Ecks played some CB, but much higher total minutes than Ashton, so he probably still had higher minutes at the wingback position. When Ecks comes forward into the attack, even from CB occasionally last year, it never amounts to anything. He barrels forward at full speed with the ball, but doesn't seem to have a plan (or the accuracy) to do something useful with the ball once he's up there. Also gets beat & out of position frequently in defense.

Yet even Ecks is a very decent wingback in MLS -- in that case it's his salary that's the problem. I just find it odd that Morgan in particular gets called out here. I think the whole back line needs serious coaching to address some serious weaknesses we've seen, despite these guys' natural talents & athletic ability. Hopefully Nelsen can provide that guidance.

Island Man
02-09-2013, 09:59 AM
This is the first criticism I've seen for Morgan. He's a great left back and a bright spot on our team

The first? Really? He only really shone because the rest of our defence was even worse. He's got a bright future but no where near the finished article yet.

spark
02-09-2013, 10:08 AM
The first? Really? He only really shown because the rest of our defence was even worse. He's got a bright future but no where near the finished article yet.

I agree, but that's why I'd take exception with the comment he's an athlete not a football player. I can tell you football is in his DNA. He's most definitely a footballer, just not a good defender - yet. He has lots of tools, if he gets that area of his game sorted he will be solid.

Carts
02-09-2013, 10:16 AM
Winning is winning, and winning breeds winning, no matter what the fixture... Go out and WIN lads...

Walms
02-09-2013, 10:45 AM
I'm gonna be stuck at work for this one, keepin myself posted threw twit's and this thread

Pigfynn
02-09-2013, 10:48 AM
I'm in the same spot. Does anyone think there will be a torrent or something of this game folks like us can watch later?

BeachTory
02-09-2013, 11:23 AM
Im expecting full swaps of players at half. No flow, just a good at pace run out for as many as have been working in training. Lots of different combos and different formations. Will watch to see some of newer names and Nelsens influence but we have a long way to go to see how and who TFC will play this year. Today will not answer those questions.

OT btw...morgan- he will be sold on to Europe (less likely but maybe henry instead) because those whole advantage of the catchment available to TFC academy goes away if TFC dont prove to academy prospects that a path to Europe does exist through TFC academy. Suttons job includes widening the academy reach and relationships a la the recent LA Academy announcement.
also, recent interpretations of the HG rule makes it imperitive that TFC train younger players (ie number of training days in the academy) so that later, the player can train other places but TFC still have a HG claim on the player. It is a land rush where TFC have many advantages but execution is as always key.

Island Man
02-09-2013, 12:04 PM
CC: Gruenebaum; Williams, Marshall, Glauber, Wahl; Oudro, Viana, Sanchez, Speas; Higuain, Finley

PopePouri
02-09-2013, 12:15 PM
I'm in the same spot. Does anyone think there will be a torrent or something of this game folks like us can watch later?

Most likely it will be youtube like the other preseason games

T-boy
02-09-2013, 12:15 PM
This is going to be more of a fitness excersice than anything technical. I don't expect to be able to judge anything about TFC this coming season from this first game.

Island Man
02-09-2013, 12:16 PM
Frei; Eckersley, Agbossoumonde, O'Dea, Morgan; Lambe, Osorio, Hall, Welshman; Silva, Braun

DoubleUp
02-09-2013, 12:20 PM
we need a left back... Morgan is an athlete not a football player. Hopefully Dunfield doesn't see much of the pitch this year


Was improving under Winter, regressed under Mariner.

PopePouri
02-09-2013, 12:21 PM
Young lineup.

Stress
02-09-2013, 12:24 PM
odds at bet365 are 1.95 for Crew, 3.40 for draw and 3.20 for TFC

Island Man
02-09-2013, 12:35 PM
Excited to Osorio in the midfield, hopefully he can impress.

Soccerpro
02-09-2013, 12:49 PM
Excited to Osorio in the midfield, hopefully he can impress. Ditto

T-boy
02-09-2013, 12:58 PM
Was improving under Winter, regressed under Mariner.

I'm not going to judge any players from last season. the whole squad was a crap-show from almost start to finish. I think Morgan is a fairly good player, and certainly good enough at MLS level full back.

ag futbol
02-09-2013, 01:05 PM
I agree, but that's why I'd take exception with the comment he's an athlete not a football player. I can tell you football is in his DNA. He's most definitely a footballer, just not a good defender - yet. He has lots of tools, if he gets that area of his game sorted he will be solid.
I don't know about that, he is still relying a lot on his athleticism and is heavily one footed. Needs to work on his positioning as well. It shows up a lot more against better players than it does week-to-week in MLS. He heavily struggled in both friendlies for Canada recently. I agree he has the tools and in a MLS sense I probably wouldn't look at Morgan and say "does he belong on this team?", it's a no-brainier. He's cheap, more than hacks the physical requirements and will at the very least tread water as opposed to bring the team down.

Now that being said, he's not perfect and he's at a point in his career right now where he needs to decide what he wants. Is he going to be a steady MLS guy or someone who shoots for the big leagues? There's some work to be done.

mcolvy
02-09-2013, 01:06 PM
I'm not going to judge any players from last season. the whole squad was a crap-show from almost start to finish. I think Morgan is a fairly good player, and certainly good enough at MLS level full back.

I think the coaches will send a message with who they start here. Probably starting the players that are the most ready for action. Califf on the bench.. maybe because of his bad fitness??!?!

notthesun
02-09-2013, 01:06 PM
Califf still not fit, I see...

T-boy
02-09-2013, 01:07 PM
Morgan could do with an ex-pro working with him week in week out, showing him the defensive ropes. You know, somebody like Ryan Nelson! :)

AlanO
02-09-2013, 01:09 PM
I think the coaches will send a message with who they start here. Probably starting the players that are the most ready for action. Califf on the bench.. maybe because of his bad fitness??!?!
Or maybe the coaching staff wants to evaluate the younger players? Frings and Cesar aren't starting either.

T-boy
02-09-2013, 01:09 PM
Califf still not fit, I see...

Games like this one are about seeing what we DON'T know about the players we have, not what we already know. We know Frings, Califf, Cesar are good pro's and we know their strengths. No need for the to play in this little exersice. Let's see what new players Agboss, Braun, Osario have got.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:09 PM
I think the coaches will send a message with who they start here. Probably starting the players that are the most ready for action. Califf on the bench.. maybe because of his bad fitness??!?!
Or pairing with Henry on 2nd half. Want at least 1 experienced guy organizing the defence

JuliquE
02-09-2013, 01:09 PM
Is anyone else already able to connect to this stream?

Keeps telling me that it's unavailable. If memory serves, I don't believe I've ever been able to connect to these YouTube-hosted streams.

Just wish they'd not change things from the way it was streamed, before. What's not broken doesn't need fixing. Jeesh.

AlanO
02-09-2013, 01:10 PM
MLS stream is working for me, after a few initial hiccups.

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

JuliquE
02-09-2013, 01:15 PM
Appears to be the same stream. Doesn't work for me, unfortunately.

Shame, really. *sigh*

PopePouri
02-09-2013, 01:16 PM
Looks 4-4-1-1 with Silva dropping into the midfield.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:19 PM
So far looks like a flat 4-4-2 with high backline using the speed of Morgan, Boss and Ecks to cover any attackers that gets passed through the line

Nerepis
02-09-2013, 01:19 PM
Holy Camera angles Batman!

Soccerpro
02-09-2013, 01:25 PM
I like the higher pressure. Still think Braun is a waste of a 100k+ salary.

Flipityflu
02-09-2013, 01:26 PM
i think there are more camera's than spectators

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:26 PM
Good defending by Morgan, but getting overrun through centre mid

Oldtimer
02-09-2013, 01:28 PM
Some hints of transitioning to the new system, but still very rough. This will take some time, but it's already more entertaining than last year.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:29 PM
two footed thug challenge by Viana... should have been a red

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:31 PM
looking good against Crew who had 4 games in so far

notthesun
02-09-2013, 01:32 PM
Nice bit of play there after the set piece from Osorio. Braun should've taken on his man when he got the ball in the box but he still got it back to Osorio, smart pass to Silva and then a decent cross for O'Dea. Not bad.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:32 PM
Welshman looks a bit lost on LW though

ag futbol
02-09-2013, 01:35 PM
They serious about these challenges? What a bunch of thugs.

We'd be playing against 9 men if this was the regular season.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:35 PM
Absolutely torturing this Glauber guy

Alonso
02-09-2013, 01:36 PM
So far so good.

I'm impressed by Silva, Osorio, and Welshman.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:36 PM
Interesting... O'Dea looks to be taking a lot of set pieces

Dkolish3
02-09-2013, 01:38 PM
They scored, whatever

rocktml
02-09-2013, 01:38 PM
dear......

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:39 PM
Oops. Osorio screws up marking and Glauber scores off a Higuiain set piece

notthesun
02-09-2013, 01:39 PM
I swear I saw Eckersley hurt himself by kicking the ball back into the net out of frustration, lol.

AlanO
02-09-2013, 01:40 PM
Still can't defend set pieces..

Oldtimer
02-09-2013, 01:40 PM
Cue the groans of dismay and predictions that our season is doomed!

cochrdoc
02-09-2013, 01:40 PM
Another goal off a corner kick

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:44 PM
Braun may lack skill, but he's been hustling hard

notthesun
02-09-2013, 01:44 PM
Liking Welshman's defensive work rate a lot.

edit: Nelsen needs to tell Eckersley to stop booting the ball up the field from the back. He's still in Mariner mode.

Soccerpro
02-09-2013, 01:44 PM
Speed up front is defintely a need for us. Slow Justin Braun isn't going to cut it. We need to be able to stretch the opposition D when needed.

Dkolish3
02-09-2013, 01:45 PM
Braun may lack skill, but he's been hustling hard

So a worse version of Chad Barrett

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:47 PM
And no hoofball. Looks to play out of the ball.

Did Jeremy Hall do anything of use as DM? Looks lost. He should be playing wide mid

Soccerpro
02-09-2013, 01:49 PM
And no hoofball. Looks to play out of the ball.

Did Jeremy Hall do anything of use as DM? Looks lost. He should be playing wide mid

The only place Jeremy Hall should be playing is a local beer league. I don't understand why he's back this year.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:53 PM
The only place Jeremy Hall should be playing is a local beer league. I don't understand why he's back this year.
Utility player. That has its own value in MLS

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:54 PM
Cleat to the face. ouch!

ag futbol
02-09-2013, 01:54 PM
Ah ef, just what we needed to start the year.

Dkolish3
02-09-2013, 01:54 PM
Frei makes a bad decision in a preseason game hopefully its okay.

Alonso
02-09-2013, 01:54 PM
Oh God Frie takes a boot to the face!

Kaz
02-09-2013, 01:55 PM
That was a dumb thing to do. Silly Frei.

__wowza
02-09-2013, 01:55 PM
That was a dumb thing to do. Silly Frei.


to be fair to him though, he probably prevented a goal..
in a preseason game.. christ.

Soccerpro
02-09-2013, 01:55 PM
1st half player ratings:

Hall, Braun and Lambe keeping up their MLS (lack of) form from last year. Welshman is a striker not a winger. Hope 2nd half is more exciting

T-boy
02-09-2013, 01:56 PM
That was a dumb thing to do. Silly Frei.

What? Frei wasn't the one who had his boot up at head height! Fucking crew player!

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:56 PM
at least he's up...

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 01:57 PM
Why was that silly by Frei? His head was at chest-level when he made contact with the ball. That was one of many way-too-heavy challenges by Columbus. TFC doing a great job drawing fouls, but they have to score on some of those free kicks. (And 1 or 2 of those Crew players should no longer be on the field.)

notthesun
02-09-2013, 01:57 PM
Hopefully just a cut/bruise and not anything broken or worse, a concussion. Think he'll be ok.

Soccerpro
02-09-2013, 01:58 PM
Utility player. That has its own value in MLS

Utility player isn't an excuse for being a bad player. Ask Portland and Dallas fans(his former clubs). The fact that he made over 100k last year should have been enough to sack all of the TFC management.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:59 PM
Game had all the roughness of a derby

T-boy
02-09-2013, 01:59 PM
1st half player ratings:

Hall, Braun and Lambe keeping up their MLS (lack of) form from last year. Welshman is a striker not a winger. Hope 2nd half is more exciting

This is such an average pre-season game. I've only ever seen one exciting pre-season game in my life (oxford 3 Aston Villa 2 back in 1995, both teams going at it full pace). You can never really judge a team from pre-season.

Soccerpro
02-09-2013, 01:59 PM
Maybe the boot to the head will make Frei actually guess correctly and save a penalty shot this year for the first time in tfc career

Yohan
02-09-2013, 01:59 PM
Utility player isn't an excuse for being a bad player. Ask Portland and Dallas fans(his former clubs). The fact that he made over 100k last year should have been enough to sack all of the TFC management.
Fire Kevin Payne! :p

Kaz
02-09-2013, 02:00 PM
The missing pieces up front are clear. but things are looking better then they did at points last year which is a good sign. Hopefully given a few games this team will actually work.

razor787
02-09-2013, 02:03 PM
I didn't see the challenge but take a look at what asif said.

Time stood still for me the moment I saw Frei anticipate that ball. Still down. Finley booked.

and then TFC said

Frei off the pitch after suffering an injury to his face. Joe Bendik in goal now for

Anyone see what happened? Hopefully it's nothing big.

AlanO
02-09-2013, 02:03 PM
Impressed with Silva, Osorio, Morgan. Thought the midfield would get overrun but that hasn't really been the case, although Lambe and Hall have been pretty quiet.

Braun's a bit of a headless chicken so far. Lots of hustle without much effect.

Greatest Ripoff
02-09-2013, 02:03 PM
I liked Welshman. He had good movement off of the ball and was able to get into some decent attacking positions without neglecting his defensive duties.

Soccerpro
02-09-2013, 02:04 PM
Fire Kevin Payne! :p He made over 100k last year. Payne didn't take that contract.

ag futbol
02-09-2013, 02:04 PM
Upside:
- Good press for the first 20 minutes or so
- Nice play by Silva and some other players through the middle
- Welshman putting in a hard shift, needs to get a little more comfortable though. You can tell he’s tentative at times
Downside:
- Lambe was very anonymous back there. We couldn’t start anything down his flank at all
- Braun is a lot of hustle and … well a lot of hustle

Dv23
02-09-2013, 02:06 PM
I don't know why Braun is getting so much hate! He, Welshman and Silva have linked up very well a couple of times. He was involved in both of the plays that drew the free kicks, and he has shown some nice one-two ability with Silva and Welshman. Lambe, Hall and Morgan, on the other hand, haven't impressed.

Jpexxx
02-09-2013, 02:08 PM
Aside from a couple sloppy passes I thought Morgan looked good.

Keeping up with Oduro isn't an easy task

Dv23
02-09-2013, 02:10 PM
Aside from a couple sloppy passes I thought Morgan looked good.

Keeping up with Oduro isn't an easy task

Fair enough, but he has looked very poor going forward, and those passes have often come from fairly unchallenged positions.

PopePouri
02-09-2013, 02:13 PM
I don't buy the "Morgan can't defend" argument. He's shutdown excellent MLS wingers like Le Toux and Dane Richards. He's doing the same today with Odoro. He's also decent in the air.

Alonso
02-09-2013, 02:13 PM
Aside from a couple sloppy passes I thought Morgan looked good.

Keeping up with Oduro isn't an easy task


Agreed. He made some good runs and won us some corners. And defensively held his own against Oduro which is not an easy task.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:14 PM
I don't buy the "Morgan can't defend" argument. He's shutdown excellent MLS wingers like Le Toux and Dane Richards. He's doing the same today with Odoro. He's also decent in the air.
Oduro isn't a natural winger, and is having a sloppy game. Even then, Morgan has done his job as LB

Jpexxx
02-09-2013, 02:15 PM
Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) Frei off to the hospital. Nose issues. #TFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash)


Better not be serious.

Alonso
02-09-2013, 02:15 PM
Looks like the same lineup for the second half.

ag futbol
02-09-2013, 02:15 PM
Cabrera in the lineup

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:16 PM
Julio Cesar, Cabrera on LW

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:16 PM
Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) Frei off to the hospital. Nose issues. #TFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash)


Better not be serious.
probably broken nose. won't look pretty for a while

Kaz
02-09-2013, 02:17 PM
that start was sad.. did TFC turn the dial to suck suddenly?

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 02:18 PM
TFC looked really good for about 25 minutes. Great pressure w/o leaving lots of gaps in other areas. Lots of interceptions & forced turn-overs, really shielding their defense as a result. And when TFC stole the ball, there was often a dangerous option available immediately. "Defend to attack" I guess.


As so often with TFC, at least 5 great opportunities incl. a couple of dangerous free-kick opportunities, didn't take advantage, and Columbus scores. TFC of course still needs an upgrade on attack.


Folks commenting on line-up & Califf: not sure if you heard the interviews. Coaches say they've been happy with Califf. Nelsen also said he wants to give lots of guys minutes in these games. I wouldn't read too much into the starting lineup.


RE some of the negativity: Morgan looked good against one of the fastest strikers in the league. Don't know why J. Hall got so much playing time last year, but he was GA, right? And probably signed at a lower price this season. Braun looks decent, but not as the primary striker.


TFC looks decent against a Columbus team that has already played a bunch of games.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:20 PM
nice cross field pass by Braun but Lambe screws it up

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 02:23 PM
Lambe has been weak to invisible, unfortunately...

veenstram
02-09-2013, 02:24 PM
Looks like Boss might get some games. Much calmer on the ball than Henry and looks good in the air.

Hearing Saghini say they "like Jeremy Hall as a CM" hopefully means he'll never see the field behind Frings/Cesar/Dunfield/Bekker/Osorio (who looked pretty good)

Alonso
02-09-2013, 02:26 PM
How did Silva not finish that?

ag futbol
02-09-2013, 02:26 PM
uggh.. he's got to finish that

Dkolish3
02-09-2013, 02:29 PM
Lambe has been very lazy today

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 02:30 PM
How was that not a foul, Crew ass slides through J. Hall..

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:32 PM
oh ffs lambe! you gotta get that cross or shot in on the odd man break. nice pass from morgan though

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:34 PM
The Boss has been solid at CB

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:34 PM
Morgan, Bekker, Bennett on

T-boy
02-09-2013, 02:34 PM
Agboss is a bit of a physical beast! Needs some technical work on his feet, but seems to have the attributes to be a good CB.

veenstram
02-09-2013, 02:34 PM
bennett, t. morgan, bekker, frings IN
Hall, silva, lambe, braun Out

PopePouri
02-09-2013, 02:37 PM
4-2-3-1 now.

Alonso
02-09-2013, 02:38 PM
Frings sets up Morgan nicely there.

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 02:38 PM
oh ffs lambe! you gotta get that cross or shot in on the odd man break. nice pass from morgan though

Agreed. TFC has had 6-8 golden opportunities so far, have to score at least a couple on those.



The Boss has been solid at CB

Definitely! Comfortable also with the ball at his feet, but his passing needs work. Nice to see some competition at CB, with Boss, O'Dea, Califf, and Henry.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:38 PM
nice move by Morgan for that shot on goal

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:40 PM
Bassi, Stinson, Fabrizi, Henry on

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 02:41 PM
Looking forward to see what Bennett can do. Might just be the steal of the draft, not holding my breath though.

I don't know who the hell anyone is anymore after the subs.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:41 PM
Dunfield on

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 02:45 PM
Der Kapitän looks healthy & unafraid.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:46 PM
Stinson looks ok at RB. That is firm as his new position?

Yohan
02-09-2013, 02:50 PM
lol 'Dunfeld'. off the post!

Alonso
02-09-2013, 02:51 PM
Dunfeld?

notthesun
02-09-2013, 02:57 PM
Stinson not bad at all at RB, some nice runs. Always thought he was more of a DM, but we have enough of those and if he can outperform Hall at RB (especially defensively) that would be a nice development.

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 03:00 PM
God, Henry's long balls still as bad as ever.

ag futbol
02-09-2013, 03:04 PM
I don't think there's anything more to this game other than a fitness exercise for TFC and maybe a little bit of tactical training.

Nice to see our guys run around a bit, won't take much more from it than that.

PopePouri
02-09-2013, 03:04 PM
Decent second half.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 03:06 PM
Not too bad for 1st game of the preseason. Obviously with so many new guys, there were mistakes made. Generally seemed more composed on the ball even under pressure. Not afraid to switch flanks. Definitely need a finisher but we'll see who Payne brings in next couple of weeks.

Greatest Ripoff
02-09-2013, 03:06 PM
Stinson looked decent at RB. Much better than Hall did last year and better than Eckersley did today.

jloome
02-09-2013, 03:07 PM
I thought we played OK for a half-speed pre-season game. Need to finish some chances. No finishers right now.

I wouldn't knock anyone except maybe Reggie Lambe, who had a weak game. Not enough creativity in the final third, but not unexpected given the circumstances. Crew were three games in, played their starters in the first half and really were second-best most of the time.

Good shape, good pressure. Different to see from TFC but very necessary in this league.

Mildly optimistic.

Greatest Ripoff
02-09-2013, 03:08 PM
Also, it was nice to see Henry look composed and not out of his depth unlike when he was with Canada the other week. ANy idea when he leaves to join the u20s?

Dv23
02-09-2013, 03:10 PM
Nothing but positives to say about the team as a whole. We have some great players and we dominated this game for the most part. I don't even consider this a loss. As for the new guys, Welshman, Braun and Boss impressed me much more than I thought they would. Bekker showed some great stuff, and Bennett and Morgan (Striker) had some good moments. Didn't like what I saw out of Cesar or Cabrera, though.

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 03:12 PM
^ Agreed, pretty good except the finishing. Frings looks comfortable. The Boss might be a revelation, while Bennett unfortunately didn't look too special yet. Fitness will need to be much better if they want to keep that pressure up for a full 90 with only 3 subs, but they're well on the way. I wasn't sure after all those subs, but did O'Dea play the full game?

Hopefully Frei is OK. The Crew with lots of late & dirty challenges. Felt a bit like a derby at least on the field.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 03:12 PM
Thought Dunfeld had a decent game too. Cabrera only joined the team on Thurs, and needs more time to work out the kinks.

Yohan
02-09-2013, 03:13 PM
^ Agreed, pretty good except the finishing. Frings looks comfortable. The Boss might be a revelation, while Bennett unfortunately didn't look too special yet. Fitness will need to be much better if they want to keep that pressure up for a full 90 with only 3 subs, but they're well on the way. I wasn't sure after all those subs, but did O'Dea play the full game?

Hopefully Frei is OK. The Crew with lots of late & dirty challenges. Felt a bit like a derby at least on the field.
I think Bassi subbed in for O'Dea

Greatest Ripoff
02-09-2013, 03:15 PM
I think Bassi subbed in for O'Dea

I was trying to figure this out but I think it was Fabrizi at CB and Bassi at LB.

Alonso
02-09-2013, 03:34 PM
Graham Zusi just scored a sweet goal for KC

Jpexxx
02-09-2013, 03:39 PM
I'm excited to see more out of Cabrera. I thought he showed flashes of some technical skill and speed.

moralis
02-09-2013, 03:44 PM
TFC defence looked good other then the Columbus corner kick headed goal. The boss looked good with O'Dea, so did Ecks and Morgan. The midfield also looked good with Osorio and Beker. The wingers looked descent with Welshmen and Cabrera. The forwards with Braun and Ashton Bennett not so much. If Osorio and Cabrera continue to play like like this then I think TFC should sign them. Bennett not so much. The only forwards we have are Welshmen (played wide today) and Braun. For me Welshmen is a forward. We need at least to sign two quality strikers who can consistently score. Even with Kovermans.

ag futbol
02-09-2013, 05:12 PM
Thought Dunfeld had a decent game too. Cabrera only joined the team on Thurs, and needs more time to work out the kinks.
^This, not to mention it will be easier to see how guys fit in when we field something closer to a first-choice lineup.

It has hard to evaluate a couple of guys out there because they either weren't getting the ball where they needed it or spent a lot of time covering for others. I think it was basically a run-out, and we did pretty admirably all things considered.

PopePouri
02-09-2013, 05:32 PM
We definitely need 2 wingers and a forward. We a decent core in the middle and in defense but there's a lack of imagination up front.

mowe
02-09-2013, 06:04 PM
Back line was organized for the most part, aside from the mistake on the goal. Really liked the Boss-O'Dea pairing. Boss' athleticism potentially makes him a better fit than Califf. Good to see TFC created some chances, although they should've scored too.

Cabrera looked decent on the wing, but Lambe was poor. Payne needs to bring in another winger, a forward, and a box-to-box midfielder. Overall a good start to preseason. Some holes on the roster but a solid foundation.

jazzy
02-09-2013, 07:39 PM
I watched highlights from the Crew's pre-season game vs. Chicago. They look decent. It's not going to be easy today.

LOL RE the Morgan comment. In this league, he's a decent LB, especially considering his age & salary. Puts in some good crosses as well, both left-footed, and a few with the right when he cuts in. 5 assists in 2012, 2 in 2011. (Plus perhaps a few more in VC/CCL? Also had at least 1 assist for the CMNT.) That's better than the much more expensive Ecks BTW (total 2 assists over 2 years). Yes Ecks played some CB, but much higher total minutes than Ashton, so he probably still had higher minutes at the wingback position. When Ecks comes forward into the attack, even from CB occasionally last year, it never amounts to anything. He barrels forward at full speed with the ball, but doesn't seem to have a plan (or the accuracy) to do something useful with the ball once he's up there. Also gets beat & out of position frequently in defense.

Yet even Ecks is a very decent wingback in MLS -- in that case it's his salary that's the problem. I just find it odd that Morgan in particular gets called out here. I think the whole back line needs serious coaching to address some serious weaknesses we've seen, despite these guys' natural talents & athletic ability. Hopefully Nelsen can provide that guidance.

heads up for Ashton,..remember he was virtually ignored by baggy shorts. which slowed his development immensely. If any cares to watch him closely, he has the heart and stamina of the always revered Barrett (here anyway) lol, and his way quicker and has the football intelligence needed.

jazzy
02-09-2013, 07:43 PM
Morgan could do with an ex-pro working with him week in week out, showing him the defensive ropes. You know, somebody like Ryan Nelson! :)

exactly...people are not realizing the potential for defensive learning we now have at our disposal.

cochrdoc
02-09-2013, 09:14 PM
Seems some people were happy with todays game.The new players that I thought played well were Gabe and Welshman.I expected alittle more from some of the others trying to make the team.Disappointed we gave up another goal off a corner.I have never seen so many goals given up by corners as this team gives up.Thought Cabarera got dispossessed alot.We need to bring in some attacking players and goalscorers if we are going to compete.I thought they said last week they had a signing to be out in a few days and some more later.It has been a week and no mention of anyone.Kansas and Montreal both looked better then then Toronto and Columbus.Hope our next game is better and we can find the back of the net.

Connon_1991
02-09-2013, 09:19 PM
I agree, but that's why I'd take exception with the comment he's an athlete not a football player. I can tell you football is in his DNA. He's most definitely a footballer, just not a good defender - yet. He has lots of tools, if he gets that area of his game sorted he will be solid.

Hes a left back right? being a left back the most important thing to do is Defend... Yet i didn't see him put one tackle in at all today actually i've never seen him defend well. Second he will run to the by line and put a ball across the boxeither A doesn't get over the first defender or B goes right to the keeper. Teams that come and play TFC know the weak link is down our left side of the pitch. He has no football brain and at 21 22 you cant teach someone that.

notthesun
02-09-2013, 11:32 PM
Hes a left back right? being a left back the most important thing to do is Defend... Yet i didn't see him put one tackle in at all today actually i've never seen him defend well. Second he will run to the by line and put a ball across the boxeither A doesn't get over the first defender or B goes right to the keeper. Teams that come and play TFC know the weak link is down our left side of the pitch. He has no football brain and at 21 22 you cant teach someone that.

Then you simply didn't watch the game. I watched him get multiple solid tackles in today. He also had one low cross directly to Silva for a good shot on net and I believe he was also the supplier on Silva's second chance at the back post.

Your criticism is way over the line. Does his defensive game need work? Sure. But he's already a decent 1v1 defender, his awareness and positional sense are fairly good (not dumbstruck like Aceval and not running around like a headless chicken like Eckersley sometimes does), and both of those things will improve over time; he only turned 22 today. As for his crossing, all he needs is consistency, and it'll be the easiest of the things he needs to improve. When he gets it right his crosses can be undefendable. 2 assists in 2011 and 5 in 2012 so he's already improving.

It's pretty clear you don't know what you're talking about. Morgan's already a perfectly viable starting MLS LB and in 3-4 years he'll be one of the league's best.

Auzzy
02-09-2013, 11:39 PM
Hes a left back right? being a left back the most important thing to do is Defend... Yet i didn't see him put one tackle in at all today actually i've never seen him defend well. Second he will run to the by line and put a ball across the boxeither A doesn't get over the first defender or B goes right to the keeper. Teams that come and play TFC know the weak link is down our left side of the pitch. He has no football brain and at 21 22 you cant teach someone that.

Your argument is invalid.

Benficachop20
02-09-2013, 11:39 PM
Hes a left back right? being a left back the most important thing to do is Defend... Yet i didn't see him put one tackle in at all today actually i've never seen him defend well. Second he will run to the by line and put a ball across the boxeither A doesn't get over the first defender or B goes right to the keeper. Teams that come and play TFC know the weak link is down our left side of the pitch. He has no football brain and at 21 22 you cant teach someone that.

?? Don't know wat ur watching. Maybe ur trying hard not to see it, even the commentators complimented his defensive game against oduro, which is no easy task.

Klinsmann
02-09-2013, 11:49 PM
Is this Nicolas Cabrera?

http://d1.yimg.com/sr/img/1/b4567fd0-73e0-3aa9-bd3f-ae242b69e5f0

Yohan
02-10-2013, 12:01 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmHBL-rVI1U&feature=youtu.be

full game for those who missed it

Auzzy
02-10-2013, 12:18 AM
Post-game interview with Nelsen: http://www.torontofc.ca/video/2013/02/09/ryan-nelsen-february-9-2013

Early days yet, but I'm thinking, I kinda like this guy. I get the impression he's telling the players exactly what they need to know face-to-face, but he's not going to publicly throw them under the bus.

Toronto
02-10-2013, 12:23 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmHBL-rVI1U&feature=youtu.be

full game for those who missed it

Wow- another lose. Welcome to a new year, where the faithful hang on with hope. Jesus. It's ground hog day.

Yohan
02-10-2013, 12:26 AM
Wow- another lose. Welcome to a new year, where the faithful hang on with hope. Jesus. It's ground hog day.
hold off the panic button until the season opener jeez. it's pre season ffs

Auzzy
02-10-2013, 12:33 AM
Wow- another lose. Welcome to a new year, where the faithful hang on with hope. Jesus. It's ground hog day.

Woo hoo, quote of the day, thanks for coming out!

Toronto
02-10-2013, 12:36 AM
At some point winning more games than we lose has to become the bench mark or has the standard been set so low that being competitive with Crew in pre-season is now enough. I like groupon deals just as much as the next guy...but in reality we've changed one bad coach for one whose never coached a game and I don't think the talent level is any better than last year.

You know you're f@cked when people talk about Morgan being a decent player in 3-4 years. Ground Hog day. That's all I'm saying. The same nieve hope leads to the predictable feelings of betrayal after week 4. And I have no confidence that our number two coached NCAA div 3 for most of his life. FFS>

elironico
02-10-2013, 12:47 AM
Is this Nicolas Cabrera?

Actually Taylor Morgan, after collecting Frings' long ball, cutting inside Gehrig and firing straight into the keeper's chest.

nfitz
02-10-2013, 12:53 AM
How's Frei?

Yohan
02-10-2013, 12:58 AM
At some point winning more games than we lose has to become the bench mark or has the standard been set so low that being competitive with Crew in pre-season is now enough. I like groupon deals just as much as the next guy...but in reality we've changed one bad coach for one whose never coached a game and I don't think the talent level is any better than last year.

You know you're f@cked when people talk about Morgan being a decent player in 3-4 years. Ground Hog day. That's all I'm saying. The same nieve hope leads to the predictable feelings of betrayal after week 4. And I have no confidence that our number two coached NCAA div 3 for most of his life. FFS>
Clearly you're missing the point of playing pre season games.

Auzzy
02-10-2013, 12:58 AM
How's Frei?

Last I heard, his nose is swollen and bent out of shape, and they weren't sure of his exact condition yet.

notthesun
02-10-2013, 01:27 AM
At some point winning more games than we lose has to become the bench mark

Yeah. That point is when the actual season starts. Funny how that works, eh?


You know you're f@cked when people talk about Morgan being a decent player in 3-4 years.

He's already a decent player, champ.

Connon_1991
02-10-2013, 01:28 AM
Then you simply didn't watch the game. I watched him get multiple solid tackles in today. He also had one low cross directly to Silva for a good shot on net and I believe he was also the supplier on Silva's second chance at the back post.

Your criticism is way over the line. Does his defensive game need work? Sure. But he's already a decent 1v1 defender, his awareness and positional sense are fairly good (not dumbstruck like Aceval and not running around like a headless chicken like Eckersley sometimes does), and both of those things will improve over time; he only turned 22 today. As for his crossing, all he needs is consistency, and it'll be the easiest of the things he needs to improve. When he gets it right his crosses can be undefendable. 2 assists in 2011 and 5 in 2012 so he's already improving.

It's pretty clear you don't know what you're talking about. Morgan's already a perfectly viable starting MLS LB and in 3-4 years he'll be one of the league's best.

Tell me this how many goals did we lose last year from Morgans side. You all think he's gods gift because he's Canadian and he came from there academy. I love how you said Ecks runs around like a headless chicken he's out best defender we have, and he can put a tackle in. Teams come to Toronto and don't want to play down his side. All that morgan has going for him is his Speed and Fitness. His touch needs work on and playing a FIVE YARD PASS BACKWARDS all the time isn't a positive.

I can almost guarantee i have played football at a higher level than you and know more about the game than you do. A wing backs main job is to defend morgan doesn't do it well, and his Final ball is terrible.

Yohan
02-10-2013, 01:34 AM
Tell me this how many goals did we lose last year from Morgans side. You all think he's gods gift because he's Canadian and he came from there academy. I love how you said Ecks runs around like a headless chicken he's out best defender we have, and he can put a tackle in. Teams come to Toronto and don't want to play down his side. All that morgan has going for him is his Speed and Fitness. His touch needs work on and playing a FIVE YARD PASS BACKWARDS all the time isn't a positive.

I can almost guarantee i have played football at a higher level than you and know more about the game than you do. A wing backs main job is to defend morgan doesn't do it well, and his Final ball is terrible.
Somehow Morgan managed to get 5 assists from fullback position on a terrible TFC team. Must be really flukey, eh.

Connon_1991
02-10-2013, 01:36 AM
Somehow Morgan managed to get 5 assists from fullback position on a terrible TFC team. Must be really flukey, eh.

how many goals against came from his side?

jazzy
02-10-2013, 01:41 AM
Hes a left back right? being a left back the most important thing to do is Defend... Yet i didn't see him put one tackle in at all today actually i've never seen him defend well. Second he will run to the by line and put a ball across the boxeither A doesn't get over the first defender or B goes right to the keeper. Teams that come and play TFC know the weak link is down our left side of the pitch. He has no football brain and at 21 22 you cant teach someone that.
you've spoken with him then, no football brain?...what ditch did you crawl out of?...here we go , nothing positive to say but shitting on a young prospect who admittingly has a lot to learn but in his relatively short career has stymied some of the best MLS has to offer , simultaneously been an offensive threat. as k Koevermanns about Morgan . We haven't had a target for him all year with the ridiculous coaching from the past year and injuries. I remember him attacking down the wing sending a ball directly to Koev's head , bang a goal. After koevs was gone he had shit as a target. AND i can't tell you the times he has lead the attackpassed off and ran back to regain his positioning or chase down a ball someone else has given up. He's my type of player , local and all heart. go back and follow Mariner with your negative BS. BTW he came directly from high school that had to fight to even play soccer, and basically ineffectual coaching. Not bad progress and heart for young athlete. Who was going to teach him the Academy , ya right!..Ryan Nelson will be a revelation to his always willingness to improve. Objectively criticize go ahead but don't shit on our youthful prospects, esp before the season's even started.

Connon_1991
02-10-2013, 01:47 AM
you've spoken with him then, no football brain?...what ditch did you crawl out of?...here we go , nothing positive to say but shitting on a young prospect who admittingly has a lot to learn but in his relatively short career has stymied some of the best MLS has to offer , simultaneously been an offensive threat. as k Koevermanns about Morgan . We haven't had a target for him all year with the ridiculous coaching from the past year and injuries. I remember him attacking down the wing sending a ball directly to Koev's head , bang a goal. After koevs was gone he had shit as a target. AND i can't tell you the times he has lead the attackpassed off and ran back to regain his positioning or chase down a ball someone else has given up. He's my type of player , local and all heart. go back and follow Mariner with your negative BS. BTW he came directly from high school that had to fight to even play soccer, and basically ineffectual coaching. Not bad progress and heart for young athlete. Who was going to teach him the Academy , ya right!..Ryan Nelson will be a revelation to his always willingness to improve. Objectively criticize go ahead but don't shit on our youthful prospects, esp before the season's even started.

A youthful prospect your having a laugh.. last i checked this is my opinion and MY opinion is we need a new left back and Morgan can sit on the bench because as of RIGHT NOW he is not ready for first team football. If you think he is you need to stop drinking the cool-aid. If you really think he's good enough to be our starter week in and week out then i don't what to say. He is our weak link and when the season starts and were losing goals from that side ill come back on here and tell you lot that i was right.

Auzzy
02-10-2013, 01:52 AM
It's hard to find stats about this, but I sure as hell can remember lots of goals from Ecks' side as well, when he was playing fullback. Not to say Ecks is an awful defender, but he's a problem at his salary, which Ashton is not. Nobody is saying Morgan is perfect, so stop playing that straw man argument. But to single Morgan out, after all the messed-up play by the whole team last year, and after today's game, is straight-up ridiculous.

Connon_1991
02-10-2013, 02:04 AM
We are all aware of how good Ecks can really play. When he first came here on Loan and was playing for a contract from Burnley he was class.Maybe now he's just picking up his pay cheque. Morgan isn't good enough to be starting week in and week out and if he does we will be struggling down that side of the pitch.

notthesun
02-10-2013, 02:14 AM
Tell me this how many goals did we lose last year from Morgans side. You all think he's gods gift because he's Canadian and he came from there academy. I love how you said Ecks runs around like a headless chicken he's out best defender we have, and he can put a tackle in. Teams come to Toronto and don't want to play down his side. All that morgan has going for him is his Speed and Fitness. His touch needs work on and playing a FIVE YARD PASS BACKWARDS all the time isn't a positive.

I can almost guarantee i have played football at a higher level than you and know more about the game than you do. A wing backs main job is to defend morgan doesn't do it well, and his Final ball is terrible.

We conceded goals from fucking everywhere last year. Show me the stats which prove we let in more goals from the left when Morgan was playing. Otherwise I can't help but chalk this up to confirmation bias.

I don't care that Morgan is Canadian or an academy player, I care about his game. And I've seen enough of his game to know he's good enough to start for us, and will only improve if he keeps getting minutes.

I'd rather have Morgan pass backwards all day than boot long balls up the field to nobody, which Eckersley did multiple times today... but since you didn't see any of the multiple tackles Morgan put in today I'm guessing you missed Ecks' punts to the Columbus back line as well. If Morgan's final ball is so terrible you must think Eckersley is useless going forward given that Morgan has had more assists than him the last two years (making special note of the 0 assists in 23 games Eckersley tallied in 2011 - all played at RB). And yes, Eckersley can put a tackle in, but he can also be pretty reckless. He's been among our leaders in fouls committed the past two years, both years over a foul a game on average (Morgan remaining under a foul a game both years).

Eckersley sometimes tries to do too much. When things get hectic in the back he can be caught chasing/watching the ball, trying to make that tackle or intercept that pass, but losing his man in the process. Off the top of my head, here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=olKCGeXXb_k#t=409s) he is completely forgetting about his man the instant Henry touches the ball in the box. Now please don't find a similar clip of Morgan because I'm well aware they exist. My point is Morgan's a capable player and to suggest otherwise is unfair... and to suggest he's garbage, like you are, is flat out ridiculous.

Also, I want to be clear: I like Eckersley. A lot, in fact. He's our best 1v1 defender, his work rate is phenomenal, his passing is good enough and he gets involved in the attack well (though his crossing needs a ton of work). The only reason it looks like I'm picking on him is because you're comparing Morgan to him as if Eckersley does no wrong and Morgan does no right. They both have strengths and weaknesses. You're ignoring both Eckersley's weaknesses and Morgan's strengths.

And for the record, I couldn't possibly give less of a shit about how much football you've played or how much you claim to know about the game. It's irrelevant to me and only serves to make you look arrogant by bringing it up. I'm confident in my ability to understand the game and accurately assess the players who play it.

Connon_1991
02-10-2013, 02:22 AM
We conceded goals from fucking everywhere last year. Show me the stats which prove we let in more goals from the left when Morgan was playing. Otherwise I can't help but chalk this up to confirmation bias.

I don't care that Morgan is Canadian or an academy player, I care about his game. And I've seen enough of his game to know he's good enough to start for us, and will only improve if he keeps getting minutes.

I'd rather have Morgan pass backwards all day than boot long balls up the field to nobody, which Eckersley did multiple times today... but since you didn't see any of the multiple tackles Morgan put in today I'm guessing you missed Ecks' punts to the Columbus back line as well. If Morgan's final ball is so terrible you must think Eckersley is useless going forward given that Morgan has had more assists than him the last two years (making special note of the 0 assists in 23 games Eckersley tallied in 2011 - all played at RB). And yes, Eckersley can put a tackle in, but he can also be pretty reckless. He's been among our leaders in fouls committed the past two years, both years over a foul a game on average (Morgan remaining under a foul a game both years).

Eckersley sometimes tries to do too much. When things get hectic in the back he can be caught chasing/watching the ball, trying to make that tackle or intercept that pass, but losing his man in the process. Off the top of my head, here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=olKCGeXXb_k#t=409s) he is completely forgetting about his man the instant Henry touches the ball in the box. Now please don't find a similar clip of Morgan because I'm well aware they exist. My point is Morgan's a capable player and to suggest otherwise is unfair... and to suggest he's garbage, like you are, is flat out ridiculous.

Also, I want to be clear: I like Eckersley. A lot, in fact. He's our best 1v1 defender, his work rate is phenomenal, his passing is good enough and he gets involved in the attack well (though his crossing needs a ton of work). The only reason it looks like I'm picking on him is because you're comparing Morgan to him as if Eckersley does no wrong and Morgan does no right. They both have strengths and weaknesses. You're ignoring both Eckersley's weaknesses and Morgan's strengths.

And for the record, I couldn't possibly give less of a shit about how much football you've played or how much you claim to know about the game. It's irrelevant to me and only serves to make you look arrogant by bringing it up. I'm confident in my ability to understand the game and accurately assess the players who play it.

I brought up how much i played and know about football because you said i don't know what i'm talking about you muppet. Please tell me right now what Morgans Strengths are. I Cant be arsed reading your novel the only thing that caught my attention is the end and the part where you said Morgans strengths.... So lets hear them then

dutch
02-10-2013, 02:24 AM
I thought for a week now that I was gonna miss the first preseason game, got to watch it (couldnt believe it was a 1pm start) I know its a pre season game and not a good one by any means but I thought dunfield was spot on, I was waiting a long time to see bossamounde in our back line and I am exremely happy we got him, welshman was a great surprise to me, I had such a hard time adjusting to the single camera pan, but I was pleasantly gifted to see TFC attacking, pushing forward and playing with a purpose. osorio was a real positive in the game, cabrera will need the next few practice games to convince nelson and payne he has more than he showed today. my vote on morgan and henry is theres nothing to mention because theyre that solid. these guys are footballers, they are young, they do play utility roles sometimes. I dont knock either of them, and I agree I hope to hell we can sell them overseas someday so we can help instill our academy is the best way to get to the big leagues from MLS.

jazzy
02-10-2013, 02:28 AM
Morgan will never get beat as much as Cailiff and Lets just compare Ecks getting beat as per Morgan,....love your love fest for Ecks , I sit low down on thew field and can't count the number of times Ecks over ran the ball or the defender and with a little patient his man beat him and at close to $400,000. Great. The whole league knows Ecks is overzealous and can't be patient. It's funny that seems to be what you accuse Morgan of. Well at approx $300,000 less who's the fool. Burnley didn't want him. Ecks is fine but overpaid. Lets just see our Backs after the new mgr , a master at his position works with them. What league do you think we play in? We have and had crap throughout the team last year with invisible coaching, and Morgan was/is our problem? What did he do kiss your sister?

jazzy
02-10-2013, 02:29 AM
nice post dutch

Auzzy
02-10-2013, 02:39 AM
I brought up how much i played and know about football because you said i don't know what i'm talking about you muppet. Please tell me right now what Morgans Strengths are. I Cant be arsed reading your novel the only thing that caught my attention is the end and the part where you said Morgans strengths.... So lets hear them then

This fellow here is a real ray of sunshine, isn't he? Calling folks "muppets"? Blathers on about Morgan of all people, when we had about 22 different players on the field today. But then can't be "arsed" to read what others wrote?

notthesun
02-10-2013, 02:40 AM
I brought up how much i played and know about football because you said i don't know what i'm talking about you muppet. Please tell me right now what Morgans Strengths are. I Cant be arsed reading your novel the only thing that caught my attention is the end and the part where you said Morgans strengths.... So lets hear them then

Well turn your attention back to my post because I pretty clearly spelled out what Morgan is better at than Eckersley and vice versa.

notthesun
02-10-2013, 03:08 AM
This fellow here is a real ray of sunshine, isn't he? Calling folks "muppets"? Blathers on about Morgan of all people, when we had about 22 different players on the field today. But then can't be "arsed" to read what others wrote?

Eckersley can't cross the ball but who cares because he makes crunching tackles. Whereas Morgan is worse than Eckersley in 1v1 situations so it obviously doesn't matter that he can whip in a dangerous ball. Perfectly fair, see?

Some people just see what they want to see.

PopePouri
02-10-2013, 06:14 AM
At some point winning more games than we lose has to become the bench mark or has the standard been set so low that being competitive with Crew in pre-season is now enough. I like groupon deals just as much as the next guy...but in reality we've changed one bad coach for one whose never coached a game and I don't think the talent level is any better than last year.

You know you're f@cked when people talk about Morgan being a decent player in 3-4 years. Ground Hog day. That's all I'm saying. The same nieve hope leads to the predictable feelings of betrayal after week 4. And I have no confidence that our number two coached NCAA div 3 for most of his life. FFS>

I agree. We should try and do well by making the final of this cup. Nothing can go wrong after that.

OgtheDim
02-10-2013, 08:52 AM
At some point ....


You know, its only preseason, but you're trolling is in mid season form. Congratulations. Now I'll put you back on ignore for the rest of the season. :seeya:

cochrdoc
02-10-2013, 09:09 AM
The boys are in a pissing mood today.Let`s remember we have given up the most goals the last 2 years,and give up alot of corner kick goals.How many goals do we give up late in games to tie or lose.I would say that their is room for improvement for both our outside backs.Morgan`s strenght are his speed and ability to get forward.I find sometimes he gets forward late in games and doesn`t get back when we are leading games,especially late in the game.I think he is a really good prospect who is still developing .Ecks gets forwrd but we do not score as much from his crosses.He is a good fullback for this league but not for the money we are paying him.He is also young and still developing.I read somewhere that these 2 are the 2 best outside backs in the league.I do not know who wrote that article but they haven`t seen all the goals we give up.This is where we have to improve as a team if we are going to compete or else it will be along season

Mr. Bigby
02-10-2013, 10:04 AM
Wondereful. It's the first pre-season game, and we're already starting to hear the kind of mindless name calling and vitriol that poisoned the board last year, and drove people away. For God's sake, can you please try and make reasonable arguements for your points without resorting to swearing and name calling?

ouderwien
02-10-2013, 10:08 AM
In Nelsen and O'Dea's post game interviews, they both mentioned that they haven't had any time devoted to set pieces yet in training, so I do feel better about the Crew game. However, set pieces have always been our weakness, so they better get on it soon.

CBTFC
02-10-2013, 10:23 AM
Man, some guys have their tighty whiteys on a little too tight...one freakin' pre-season game! Geeeez, give them some time.

Richard
02-10-2013, 12:44 PM
I cant believe people are making judjements already, give it 5-10 regular games. I have zero interest in pre-seasosn or how they play, just possible signings.

Anyways I will say it again like last season, if we dont have the best defense in the league its an utter failure. We again have the highest payed defense most likly.

Too much money is allocated there for the players to be just average. If Odea and Ecks do not preform up to standard they need to be sold. Get some money into the midfield already, lets hope we use that allocation well.

ag futbol
02-10-2013, 12:56 PM
I cant believe people are making judjements already, give it 5-10 regular games. I have zero interest in pre-seasosn or how they play, just possible signings.
lol, tell me about it.

At no point did we ever play anything even approximating a first choice lineup. We were told coming in that the team is still finding it's legs and that we have more players we are looking at. Why's everybody so ready to rush the process? That's how you end up playing average MLS defenders 300+ a year, giving up a draft pick for a oft-injured DP striker, or playing career MLS journeymen at the expense of our own homegrown talent. A credible and seasoned MLS executive who is running our club has told us this won't be fixed overnight. I'm inclined to believe him and buy into his plan.

Everybody's itching for instant satisfaction because we've been continuously sold snake oil for the last six years. It's hard to hear someone come in and tell us that we're going to have to wait a little bit longer to turn things around, but that's the truth. I'd be more concerned if he sold us we were instantly going to make things better, because there's no way that can happen.

Auzzy
02-10-2013, 01:12 PM
I cant believe people are making judjements already, give it 5-10 regular games. I have zero interest in pre-seasosn or how they play, just possible signings.

Anyways I will say it again like last season, if we dont have the best defense in the league its an utter failure. We again have the highest payed defense most likly.

Too much money is allocated there for the players to be just average. If Odea and Ecks do not preform up to standard they need to be sold. Get some money into the midfield already, lets hope we use that allocation well.

Agreed that it's too early for any kind of judgement.

Sorry, I don't think there's any way we will have the best defense in the league despite the budget spent on that -- but I think it will be better than last year. There are a couple of MLS teams with very good defensive lineups that aren't expensive. The fact that O'Dea & Ecks are expensive is water under the bridge, mistakes made by previous management. They can't just be "sold" because nobody will buy them at their price. At most you can buy out one player during the off-season. Nelsen & Payne are probably evaluating how well Frings has recovered; how likely that Danny K will come back healthy and in form; and the possible alternatives to Ecks or O'Dea (incl. Agboss & some of the other players we saw yesterday). Let's see, maybe one of those 4 guys gets bought out. No use buying out a player (even if expensive) if there's a chance another player needs to be bought out more urgently, and if you don't have an excellent replacement available. Good defenders don't grow on trees in MLS. O'Dea in particular seems to have a lock on the CB role, given also Nelsen's comments about him.

Payne did also hint at possible renegotiation for the 4 remaining high-priced players. No idea what Payne could offer these guys who are under contract in order to interest them in a renegotiation. Contract extension for Ecks or O'Dea perhaps? But that's also a risk, and no idea if those guys would be interested.

Auzzy
02-10-2013, 01:28 PM
Ag futbol, good points! Taking the medium-long view of Payne as you correctly identified: in a rebuild year, it's probably a waste to buy out a decent player only because he's expensive. Especially if their contracts are up soon like Frings & DK. (Not sure about the contract length of Ecks & O'Dea.) These guys can all help bridge the rebuild as new players are signed, can help educate the young guys -- and once their contracts are over, they're either gone or back at a much lower price. Unless you actually have someone available now to sign, that's better & cheaper, is a longer-term solution, and you need to buyout another player to get the cap space back.

Our biggest holes are on the wings & at striker. I don't think management will tear open any new holes in other areas unless absolutely necessary for cap space. And they won't sign anyone now unless they can find good value.

Connon_1991
02-10-2013, 01:53 PM
All im saying is Morgan is far from being a first team regular.. i'm not just saying it from what i saw yesterday but ALL of last year to.. Sure he might be good enough to bring on if were winning or play here and there but he's not good enough to be our starting left back.

Fort York Redcoat
02-10-2013, 02:56 PM
All im saying is Morgan is far from being a first team regular.. i'm not just saying it from what i saw yesterday but ALL of last year to.. Sure he might be good enough to bring on if were winning or play here and there but he's not good enough to be our starting left back.

That's a better asessment but it's also been noted it's preseason and this is precisely the time to test him again to see if there's been changes in the off season, if he (and the whole team for that matter) will look different with different players beside them.

jloome
02-10-2013, 03:07 PM
All im saying is Morgan is far from being a first team regular.. i'm not just saying it from what i saw yesterday but ALL of last year to.. Sure he might be good enough to bring on if were winning or play here and there but he's not good enough to be our starting left back.

He's one of the better left backs in the league.

Yohan
02-10-2013, 03:16 PM
He's one of the better left backs in the league.
Potentially yes. Right now, average.

Lee Young Pyo, Rochat, Sinovic, Dunivant, Justin Morrow are ahead of him. Harrington, Ashe are about same quality. IMO of course

Alonso
02-10-2013, 05:59 PM
I'm in the same spot. Does anyone think there will be a torrent or something of this game folks like us can watch later?


You've probably found out by now, but the games this year are on Youtube and can be watched any time.

Klinsmann
02-10-2013, 08:07 PM
You've probably found out by now, but the games this year are on Youtube and can be watched any time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmHBL-rVI1U&feature=youtu.be

I took the link from youtube, put it into Keepvid.com, I'm downloading a copy of the game in mp4 format (approx. 1.7GB in size)

tfcleeds
02-11-2013, 01:13 AM
Wow...some of the posts on here just beggar belief. One pre-season game in, and the sky is falling, sniping has started, etc. etc. I can only imagine what things will be like once the real season starts, and we lose a couple :rolleyes:

Auzzy
02-11-2013, 01:43 AM
Wow...some of the posts on here just beggar belief. One pre-season game in, and the sky is falling, sniping has started, etc. etc. I can only imagine what things will be like once the real season starts, and we lose a couple :rolleyes:

East Side Standup very relevant today. "Worry-wart" -- check it out at the bottom of http://www.rednationonline.ca/Home.aspx

T-boy
02-11-2013, 10:02 AM
Wow...some of the posts on here just beggar belief. One pre-season game in, and the sky is falling, sniping has started, etc. etc. I can only imagine what things will be like once the real season starts, and we lose a couple :rolleyes:

Spot on man!

Ajax TFC
02-11-2013, 10:39 AM
Wow...some of the posts on here just beggar belief. One pre-season game in, and the sky is falling, sniping has started, etc. etc. I can only imagine what things will be like once the real season starts, and we lose a couple :rolleyes:
It's inevitable. TFC could win the first five, then lose one game and people would cry about us returning to our old losing ways

Walms
02-11-2013, 11:18 AM
Ash is a Stud.... plane and simple.... Hes a great player already & has a long way to go, under Nelson I suspect to see him grow into one of the best deffensive players/threats in the league

spark
02-11-2013, 12:14 PM
Hes a left back right? being a left back the most important thing to do is Defend... Yet i didn't see him put one tackle in at all today actually i've never seen him defend well. Second he will run to the by line and put a ball across the boxeither A doesn't get over the first defender or B goes right to the keeper. Teams that come and play TFC know the weak link is down our left side of the pitch. He has no football brain and at 21 22 you cant teach someone that.

Funny how Corey Gibbs didn't have an issue with his defending against Oduro in this game. Either way if you don't like the guy fine but both your comments make me think you don't watch many games.

I would suggest watching the home game against LA at the dome last year as one example.

And to your second point about his crossing: http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2012-06-23-tor-v-ne/highlights/189725

burlington Red
02-11-2013, 12:56 PM
Liking the debate on Morgan. I wouldn't throw him under the bus just yet. This season is a big one for him, he has the chance now to work with a stable management team who can hopefully iron out some of the bad habits he has. His positional sense and passing at times is at best errartic. He's at an age now where if he has another poor season, then he may not ever be a definite starter in first 11.I personally think he will come good this year, I see both sides of the argument re him. At times he can look clueless yet at other times he looks genuinely class. With his athleticism, and working with Nelsen I think he could become a very good player for us. We could be looking back at these posts in a years time and laugh at all the negativity surrounding him. BTW I see similiarites between him and Wynne when he played for us, and we all know we got rim of him too soon.

Alonso
02-11-2013, 01:20 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmHBL-rVI1U&feature=youtu.be

I took the link from youtube, put it into Keepvid.com, I'm downloading a copy of the game in mp4 format (approx. 1.7GB in size)


Sweet. Never used keepvid.com, never heard of it either, I'll check it out.

QBall
02-11-2013, 03:59 PM
I don't think it's fair to look at these games to judge TFC from an overall team perspective, I think of these games more as team tryouts so I'd rather focus on individual performances and whether the individual has potential to be a piece of the puzzle. The final score is almost trivial. It's not like we're going to have a parade because TFC won the Mickey Mouse Cup.

cochrdoc
02-11-2013, 08:02 PM
Morgan will be an allstar in this league at some time.He is still very young.Leftback is the least of our problems right now.We need to add more attack minded players.Justin Braun is noy scaring to many teams .

ag futbol
02-12-2013, 12:22 AM
Just for the hell of it I re-watched this game. Really wasn't a bad effort at all by TFC.

I don't want to re-hash what everyone has said again and again, but I'll make two notes. 1) We forced them into a lot of turnovers in the first 20 minutes or so of the game. We created a lot of opportunities off those turnovers. 2) The team actually created a very good number of chances. The final shot / header / free kick was usually disappointing but we were getting the ball to the right places.

Auzzy
02-12-2013, 01:01 AM
Just for the hell of it I re-watched this game. Really wasn't a bad effort at all by TFC.

I don't want to re-hash what everyone has said again and again, but I'll make two notes. 1) We forced them into a lot of turnovers in the first 20 minutes or so of the game. We created a lot of opportunities off those turnovers. 2) The team actually created a very good number of chances. The final shot / header / free kick was usually disappointing but we were getting the ball to the right places.

^ I totally agree with the above. TFC really had Columbus pinned back for a while; the Crew were looking a bit desperate even. Eventually TFC couldn't keep up the pressure due to fitness; and Columbus figured out where they could play the ball to get some space back. But (as so often), if TFC could have put away a couple of their golden chances, it really would have changed the game. And TFC had more real dangerous chances throughout the game than Columbus did.

I think I could recognize what Nelsen means when he says "defend to attack." TFC forced some very high turnovers, often in Columbus' half. And then TFC often had 1 or 2 other players in position for an immediate pass & attack on their goal. Different from a classic "counter-attacking team" because the counter-attacks you normally see are due to absorbing some pressure in your own half, getting the opposing defense and MF to pull far forward, and then your counter attack covers more than half of the field length.

BTW, I also remember how good TFC's subs, trialists, reserves, and Academy kids looked, last year in the last game of the Mickey Mouse cup... so I'm not reading too much into these games, positive or negative. We shall see!

dutch
02-12-2013, 04:02 AM
another thing I have to mention, I think we signed califf to be a strong leader in the back line, but after thinking and watching this first pre season. I think we have all the help ie advice we need. if we're looking at getting rid of old age players, hes the first i'd get rid of. we didnt sign him to offer advice, we signed him to lead by action and I dont believe he can. he cant even defend his starting position from the likes of other defenders like bossamounde or morgan hell even henry. first off he shows up to camp at how old? and 30 pounds overweight. he didnt want to come here and everybody knows it. whats left to say. by the way I watched the game for the second time and silva looked great playing up front. seriously though with julio cesar, frings, koevermans, and ryan nelson being at every training day. I dont know how much I'd pay califf to offer advice on how a back line should be run. just my 2 cents. I dont want this to be our komisarek signing lol

Joe Kool
02-12-2013, 08:23 AM
another thing I have to mention, I think we signed califf to be a strong leader in the back line, but after thinking and watching this first pre season. I think we have all the help ie advice we need. if we're looking at getting rid of old age players, hes the first i'd get rid of. we didnt sign him to offer advice, we signed him to lead by action and I dont believe he can. he cant even defend his starting position from the likes of other defenders like bossamounde or morgan hell even henry. first off he shows up to camp at how old? and 30 pounds overweight. he didnt want to come here and everybody knows it. whats left to say. by the way I watched the game for the second time and silva looked great playing up front. seriously though with julio cesar, frings, koevermans, and ryan nelson being at every training day. I dont know how much I'd pay califf to offer advice on how a back line should be run. just my 2 cents. I dont want this to be our komisarek signing lol

How old should he have showed up to camp at?...LOL He can't help his age. If you are going to blame a guy for his age blame the team that signed him and not the guy himself. Also, how do know he is 30 pounds overweight? He didn't look like that to me. Why don't we wait until he actually steps on the field in a competitive game before we judge him.

Auzzy
02-12-2013, 08:58 AM
Coaches have praised Califf's commitment and fitness in interviews. He didn't play in the 1st game because of an inflammation in the knee which has been treated & needs a bit more time to heal. He wasn't held out due to fitness; although he will take a bit to get fully game-fit once his knee is 100%.

We've been so thin at CB for so long. It will be nice to have a capable group of four CBs, with 2 subs available that don't scare the hell out of us. Remember how screwed we were when Cann & Williams were both injured? So you dump Califf, what happens if O'Dea gets injured for a while? Do you really want to be totally dependent on Agboss & Henry for an extended period? Or to have to pull mid-fielders into CB again?

McBrace
02-12-2013, 10:40 AM
So let me get this straight, the coachs praise his fitness and say he's ready to go, but he's had this issue since the last year and he can't play until it's dealt with? Doesn't sound ready to go to me.. He also looks out of shape.. I just hope that this isn't the second coming of Nick Garcia! Slow, Old, and is to guide the youth.. Way to set that bar coming to camp heavy... LOL...

With that said I hope he does well, but no way in hell will he be even close to ready in three weeks.

Auzzy
02-12-2013, 11:23 AM
So let me get this straight, the coachs praise his fitness and say he's ready to go, but he's had this issue since the last year and he can't play until it's dealt with? Doesn't sound ready to go to me.. He also looks out of shape.. I just hope that this isn't the second coming of Nick Garcia! Slow, Old, and is to guide the youth.. Way to set that bar coming to camp heavy... LOL...

With that said I hope he does well, but no way in hell will he be even close to ready in three weeks.

He's had some discomfort in his knee since early fall. He could obviously play through it. It was thought he just needed some rest during the off-season. When that didn't help quickly enough, an additional MRI found some imflammation/cyst on his ACL. That has been dealt with recently via injections. He's already been training; it was just felt he shouldn't rush it with games as he recovers.

I have no idea how Califf will do. I just feel the situation with his knee is being mis-characterized a bit. Could be the second coming of Nick Garcia, or of Jay DeMerit, who the hell knows, likely somewhere in between. We shall see. At least there's competition for the CB spot. Other injuries & ailments will come up for sure, the team just has to deal with that.

KGH
02-12-2013, 11:54 AM
first off he shows up to camp at how old? and 30 pounds overweight.

http://www.torontofc.ca/video/2013/02/08/ryan-nelsen-february-8-2013

About 20 seconds in. Back right of the video. If thats your definition of 30 lbs overweight then I'm not sure where it comes off. Maybe you were expexting him to only have 1 arm.

Ultra & Proud
02-12-2013, 12:06 PM
http://www.torontofc.ca/video/2013/02/08/ryan-nelsen-february-8-2013

About 20 seconds in. Back right of the video. If thats your definition of 30 lbs overweight then I'm not sure where it comes off. Maybe you were expexting him to only have 1 arm.

Yeah, he isn't overweight at all. Perhaps his fitness may be down but he's not fat for sure. I think the problem with him is that he has a massively fat head. Them chest up TFC TV interviews aren't helping him out.

Rudi
02-12-2013, 12:13 PM
I feel as if many people haven't seen Danny Califf before.

He just looks overweight because of the shape of his face. He's always looked like that.

http://dannycaliff.com/Images/2007 CopaAmerica10 Captain.jpg

dutch
02-12-2013, 12:51 PM
of course he has no control over his age. my point is he's too old to make much of a difference or fit in. we will see in time, I for one hope Im wrong but I call them as I see them and I think he dosent have the gas to be starting 11 this season. and saying he genetically has a chubby face or the chest up videos make him look bad, I disagree. you dont show up to camp like that, if payne wasnt talking about him than who was he talking about?

preseason interview with kevin payne
:Reporter: Kevin you mentioned the fitness level of some of the players, was Danny Califf one of them because he looks like he ate all the pies

:Kevin Payne: No not at all, Califf just has a fat face. seriously this comment was about another player

:Report: but all the other players look to be in great shape

:Califf: Fuck off!! its not me!, its just my knee

:Reporter: uh ok.

Alonso
02-12-2013, 12:52 PM
My assessment of him being overweight comes from the media day interviews: http://www.torontofc.ca/video/2013/01/22/tfclive-media-day-danny-califf

Check out at 00:30 and have a look at his mid section, he's clearly got a bit of a spare tire going on.

I will admit that the video KGH pointed out with his shirt off shows him as not really in that bad of shape.

But people saying that Nelsen is praising his fitness isn't true either @ 03:15: http://www.torontofc.ca/video/2013/02/09/ryan-nelsen-february-9-2013 , Nelsen says that if he keeps improving his fitness he hopes to bring him in.

I won't bring it up any more, but as far as I'm concerned he didn't show up in his best possible shape and that's not professional, and I hope he redeems himself by kicking some ass out there, having a great year, and showing up next year as the leanest guy on the team to make me eat shit.



I feel as if many people haven't seen Danny Califf before.

He just looks overweight because of the shape of his face. He's always looked like that.

http://dannycaliff.com/Images/2007 CopaAmerica10 Captain.jpg

Alonso
02-12-2013, 12:54 PM
of course he has no control over his age. my point is he's too old to make much of a difference or fit in. we will see in time, I for one hope Im wrong but I call them as I see them and I think he dosent have the gas to be starting 11 this season. and saying he genetically has a chubby face or the chest up videos make him look bad, I disagree. you dont show up to camp like that, if payne wasnt talking about him than who was he talking about?

preseason interview with kevin payne
:Reporter: Kevin you mentioned the fitness level of some of the players, was Danny Califf one of them because he looks like he ate all the pies

:Kevin Payne: No not at all, Califf just has a fat face. seriously this comment was about another player

:Report: but all the other players look to be in great shape

:Califf: Fuck off!! its not me!, its just my knee

:Reporter: uh ok.


Haha, this is some funny shit right here!

ag futbol
02-12-2013, 01:44 PM
We've been so thin at CB for so long. It will be nice to have a capable group of four CBs, with 2 subs available that don't scare the hell out of us. Remember how screwed we were when Cann & Williams were both injured? So you dump Califf, what happens if O'Dea gets injured for a while? Do you really want to be totally dependent on Agboss & Henry for an extended period? Or to have to pull mid-fielders into CB again?
This is it right here. We have four guys who hypothetically should be pretty sturdy back there. Not in a hurry to mess with that. I wouldn't describe any of them as world beaters, but all four are serviceable in a way that we've never had from a group of CBs in the past. I don't get too concerned when I see the age of a CB, especially when he can be paired with a younger player who can potentially make up for a lack of pace.

jazzy
02-12-2013, 08:02 PM
another thing I have to mention, I think we signed califf to be a strong leader in the back line, but after thinking and watching this first pre season. I think we have all the help ie advice we need. if we're looking at getting rid of old age players, hes the first i'd get rid of. we didnt sign him to offer advice, we signed him to lead by action and I dont believe he can. he cant even defend his starting position from the likes of other defenders like bossamounde or morgan hell even henry. first off he shows up to camp at how old? and 30 pounds overweight. he didnt want to come here and everybody knows it. whats left to say. by the way I watched the game for the second time and silva looked great playing up front. seriously though with julio cesar, frings, koevermans, and ryan nelson being at every training day. I dont know how much I'd pay califf to offer advice on how a back line should be run. just my 2 cents. I dont want this to be our komisarek signing lol

agree 100%..never understood his signing , I guess at the time they were scraping the bottom of the barrel and scared after last years 'D'

Yohan
02-12-2013, 08:06 PM
agree 100%..never understood his signing , I guess at the time they were scraping the bottom of the barrel and scared after last years 'D'
I see we've already picked out our scapegoat for 2013 season!

AlanO
02-12-2013, 08:53 PM
Holy crap... how about watching Califf play a few matches in red before judging him?

Auzzy
02-12-2013, 09:58 PM
I see we've already picked out our scapegoat for 2013 season!

Well, Califf, or Ashton Morgan perhaps... :facepalm:



Holy crap... how about watching Califf play a few matches in red before judging him?

Indeed! Yesterday I watched a bunch of videos about Califf, from last season etc. Good MLS player, very decent character. The tats & his red card clothesline at BMO are misleading.

Ah, now I found the emoticon I was looking for. I recommend some folks take 2 or 3 of these per day:

:chillpill: :chillpill: :chillpill:

jazzy
02-13-2013, 12:12 AM
If we're paying O'Dea and Ecks $800,000 then they must mix and blend with Ashton, Henry and aBoss,....Califf should ONLY be in emergency or coming off the bench. Maybe he will change and learn from Nelson . Who knows? I remember him from Philly . nuff said. I favour my hometown boys anyday. Enjoy your lov-in fellas. He isn't our future.