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View Full Version : Pre/In/Post - Matchday 15: Toronto at Houston, Sat 22June, 9pm



Yohan
06-17-2013, 10:32 AM
Houston is a tough place to play, but TFC actually has 1 win, 2 draws and 1 loss in last 4 games...

Never want to be too optimistic about TFC away games, but who knows?

Voodooman
06-17-2013, 10:39 AM
2 game win streak folks? Still dreaming here.

Id be happy with a draw. Will Hall be back from int'l duty for them?

tfcleeds
06-17-2013, 11:02 AM
I have a bad feeling about this one. Houston plays extremely well at home, and our second road game in a row. Not too optimistic about our chances.

Joe Kool
06-17-2013, 11:04 AM
We will keep it within a goal I think. Just not sure which side the goal advantage will be....

Abou Sky
06-17-2013, 11:08 AM
Houston is a hard team to play anywhere, they are less about star power and more about just being a bunch of good players who have been together for a long time and work hard.

That city is HOT AS HELL in the summer which may be a slight disadvantage as well.

I would be more than happy with a tie and no injuries. Even better would be if the boys played reasonably well.

Do we have Henry back yet or is Bossman still in the back?

T-boy
06-17-2013, 11:08 AM
Tough road game, I don't see getting anything from this.

Richard
06-17-2013, 11:44 AM
Please no one get into a bar fight....

TFC07
06-17-2013, 12:02 PM
Houston is a hard team to play anywhere, they are less about star power and more about just being a bunch of good players who have been together for a long time and work hard.

That city is HOT AS HELL in the summer which may be a slight disadvantage as well.

I would be more than happy with a tie and no injuries. Even better would be if the boys played reasonably well.

Do we have Henry back yet or is Bossman still in the back?

Agreed.

And yes, Henry should be back. I am not sure if he starts or not though.

Initial B
06-17-2013, 12:27 PM
Well, Houston has been weak in their last couple of home games, after reeling off a 34-game unbeaten streak. If TFC plays disciplined soccer and builds some confidence, I think a draw is possible - expecially if they can get Koeverman's in the lineup alongside Earnshaw, with Silva and Laba in the middle and Brockie/Osario/Convey in the wings. Or maybe even move Convey to LB and bring Odea back to CB. I get the feeling Morgan may be reinstated at RB.

ensco
06-17-2013, 12:52 PM
TFC actually has 1 win, 2 draws and 1 loss in last 4 games...



I remember that win. Houston had 85% possession or some such, but Dero scored on two late free kicks.

OgtheDim
06-17-2013, 01:19 PM
Heat :drool5:

Not sure Caldwell and Koevs are going to like playing in all that.

I'm thinking this will end up 3-1 or something like that.

Carts
06-17-2013, 01:27 PM
I have a bad feeling about this one. Houston plays extremely well at home, and our second road game in a row. Not too optimistic about our chances.

Oddly enough, that's why I think this will be a tight 1-goal loss or draw...

We've had this weird knack for playing well (or opponents playing down) when we should get smoked...

Maybe Houston takes us for granted and hold on for a 1-1 or 2-2 draw...

pekduck
06-17-2013, 01:29 PM
I remember that win. Houston had 85% possession or some such, but Dero scored on two late free kicks.

was that a 2-2 tie? each time Houston takes a lead, Dero tie it up on a free kick?

I vaguely remember I was there in attendance in Houston to watch the game live before flying onward to Mexico City for Cruz Azual match... that year...

ensco
06-17-2013, 01:32 PM
was that a 2-2 tie? each time Houston takes a lead, Dero tie it up on a free kick?

I vaguely remember I was there in attendance in Houston to watch the game live before flying onward to Mexico City for Cruz Azual match... that year...

You got it mostly right. It was 2-1 TFC.

http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2010/09/dero-carries-tfc-back-playoff-content

QBall
06-17-2013, 01:34 PM
Houston plays in Montreal on Wednesday and then against the reds on Saturday. Seeing how they'll have to give it their all to beat the first place team in the conference I'm hoping fatigue will be a factor for Houston on Saturday. 2-1 for the Reds.

ManUtd4ever
06-17-2013, 01:37 PM
One thing is certain; we can't expect to earn a result in Houston if we generate one shot on goal again...

Leedsoronto
06-17-2013, 01:39 PM
We should take/invite Woolard as he is our third highest goal scorer. ;@)

Ajax TFC
06-17-2013, 05:20 PM
On the bright side, if we go into the second half down a goal or two, Nelsen can put Koevermans in without getting blasted by everyone for not making a defensive sub

Detroit_TFC
06-17-2013, 07:48 PM
Can easily see RN going ultra defensive in this one. Nobody should get their hopes up - I don't think we'll get trounced but difficult to see a win either. I'd like to see some legit scoring opportunities created from some counters. If we can do that, I'll see that as progress.

OgtheDim
06-17-2013, 08:48 PM
Way Nelsen tends to do things, I think he'll bring back Henry and possibly put Brockie in instead of Silva. I can't see him doing anything else.

Ivy
06-17-2013, 09:13 PM
If TFC win this, I will shave "TFC" on the back of my head.

Corpand
06-17-2013, 09:26 PM
If TFC win this, I will shave "TFC" on the back of my head.

You like to play it safe eh..

BuSaPuNk
06-17-2013, 10:17 PM
If TFC win this, I will shave "TFC" on the back of my head.

No matter how unlikely I will hold you to it.

notthesun
06-18-2013, 12:12 AM
You got it mostly right. It was 2-1 TFC.

http://www.houstondynamo.com/news/2010/09/dero-carries-tfc-back-playoff-content

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cJLy6amX08

nonc
06-18-2013, 07:30 AM
Heat shouldn't be a huge factor. It's not like they're you or me supplanted into Houston exactly...these are pro athletes with related experience or they simply grew up with it. The midfield will be fine and it's still infinitely better for Koevermans than turf. Game is 8 local, it might only be 30*.

3-3, again. :o

Super
06-18-2013, 12:28 PM
It's definitely going to be a tough game, but I hope our boys will be able to carry over some strong, positive vibes from the last couple of games - and that at least means we'll be a tough side to play against.

2-0 to the TFC :)

We can't afford many more defeats this year. Gotta win most. If the boys understand the seriousness of the situation then I think we'll do well in Houston. We've got enough skill to play against them too, I think, so it's really just down to effort. Here's hoping!

Yohan
06-19-2013, 07:11 PM
http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/191983/1/watch-montreal-impact-vs-houston-dynamo.html

Houston at Montreal now.

Well, Houston will be tired for Sat

ensco
06-19-2013, 07:44 PM
Montreal really putting Houston to the sword.

Impact look like a championship team. Nobody can handle them.

Ivy
06-19-2013, 09:03 PM
domination by the impact. Nothing was working for Houston... oh well, there's always next game... :facepalm:

Super
06-20-2013, 12:35 PM
They'll be ripe for the taking. But our entire team must want to win this one. Half-hearted performance won't do.

jloome
06-20-2013, 05:49 PM
Montreal really putting Houston to the sword.

Impact look like a championship team. Nobody can handle them.

Houston have only lost once at home in something like thirty-plus games, and they were played off the park last night. It's going to be a brutal fight this weekend if we have any chance.

Abou Sky
06-20-2013, 10:25 PM
Houston have only lost once at home in something like thirty-plus games, and they were played off the park last night. It's going to be a brutal fight this weekend if we have any chance.

I don't know, a game like they had in MTL where they really got owned has got to mess with your head a bit. I think that, along with the fact that they probably have it in their heads that: 'I know we should beat TFC but WHAT IF WE DON'T!?!' may have seriously increased our chances to at least pull out a tie, which if it were 0-0 or a tie from trailing would be a huge moral/psychological victory.

I am not calling for a streak or anything crazy, but I think the biggest demon that needs to be slain is in the minds of the players and the win in DC may not have been a fatal blow to that demon, but it was definitely a good way to start to kill it.

BuSaPuNk
06-20-2013, 10:31 PM
^ I agree with this. Houston could play down to our position on the table giving us however unlikely a change to get a result. I'm thinking its either Houston getting back on track or we steal one late for a tie or even hold your breath a win?

Abou Sky
06-20-2013, 10:57 PM
^ I agree with this. Houston could play down to our position on the table giving us however unlikely a change to get a result. I'm thinking its either Houston getting back on track or we steal one late for a tie or even hold your breath a win?

I think that psychology is winning this game. IMO it won't be 'who wants it more' it will be 'who believes they deserve it more'

Auzzy
06-20-2013, 11:11 PM
Just checking the weather report for Houston on Saturday. High for the day will be 35C, feels like 39C, but the game's at 8pm local time (9pm EDT). For Saturday evening, they're predicting 31C, "RealFeel" around the same i.e. not very humid.

So hot but not unbearable. I hope the TFC players will be fitter than they were in DC (and act that way).

Fort York Redcoat
06-21-2013, 05:56 AM
I'm planting the seed now. I'm thinking of Joe's tomorrow night. Pipe up if you can make it down.

v00d00daddy
06-21-2013, 08:21 AM
I think that psychology is winning this game. IMO it won't be 'who wants it more' it will be 'who believes they deserve it more'


Houston doesn't lose at home. So it's gonna take a lot of believing we deserve it more to be in this game, let alone win it.

Abou Sky
06-21-2013, 08:22 AM
Maybe, but my day starts at 8am tomorrow and involves more stuff than anyone should have to do on a Saturday (yay youth soccer... ugh) I may just need to kick up my feet and watch at home.

TOBOR !
06-21-2013, 08:41 AM
Dunno if anyone cares, but apologies all around for not coming up with a 'Time of the Last Goal' thread this week.

Initial B
06-21-2013, 10:20 AM
That's okay. I think I'll predeict no Goals for either side in the last 10 minutes. Game 0-0 as Houston focuses on defence and TFC can't get anything started.

Abou Sky
06-21-2013, 11:32 AM
I am in for nil-nil as well. Which IMO is a victory in the minds of the team because it would be their first clean sheet of the year.

Ajax TFC
06-22-2013, 12:44 PM
My prediction is that Huston will be up 2-0 by halftime. Nelsen will then put in Koevermans and the game will end 2-3 for the good guys :scarf:

mowe
06-22-2013, 02:38 PM
Houston are reeling. Winless in their last 5, including losses in their last two home games. I'd be disappointed if TFC didn't at least get a point.

Of course we all know playing TFC is a cure to all your team's woes. But maybe Koef can work some magic. 1-2 TFC.

PopePouri
06-22-2013, 03:46 PM
Houston are reeling. Winless in their last 5, including losses in their last two home games. I'd be disappointed if TFC didn't at least get a point.

Of course we all know playing TFC is a cure to all your team's woes. But maybe Koef can work some magic. 1-2 TFC.

Yes but their US players are back and they're at home.

Abou Sky
06-22-2013, 04:22 PM
My prediction is that Huston will be up 2-0 by halftime. Nelsen will then put in Koevermans and the game will end 2-3 for the good guys :scarf:

Lol, that is BOLD

Abou Sky
06-22-2013, 04:24 PM
I'm planting the seed now. I'm thinking of Joe's tomorrow night. Pipe up if you can make it down.

Half my day got cancelled because of rain/lightning so I will be there.

notthesun
06-22-2013, 07:35 PM
Ah fuck, Salazar is reffing.

TFCAURORA
06-22-2013, 07:46 PM
Twitter has TFC'S Subs listed and i find in odd that Frie is not on the bench.

notthesun
06-22-2013, 07:52 PM
Twitter has TFC'S Subs listed and i find in odd that Frie is not on the bench.

Official party line is hamstring injury. He wasn't on the bench for the last game either and possibly the one before that as well.

Personally I'm not entirely sold on the fact that he's hurt. I think we're still trying to move him.

edit: Lineups

XI: Bendik, Richter, Henry, Caldwell, O'Dea, Osorio, Hall, Laba, Convey, Silva, Earnshaw

Subs: Roberts, Boss, Morgan, Russell, Lambe, Brockie, Koef

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 08:00 PM
True to form. Nelsen sticks with who won.

Corpand
06-22-2013, 08:05 PM
Any english streams?

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 08:08 PM
Any english streams? Link 2 on firstrow.

AlanO
06-22-2013, 08:18 PM
6 minutes in, and the Houston commentator has confused Montreal and Toronto *twice*

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 08:20 PM
Richter so far the weakest link.

Corpand
06-22-2013, 08:21 PM
Thanks.

notthesun
06-22-2013, 08:22 PM
Caldwell having a good match so far.

QBall
06-22-2013, 08:24 PM
Announcer said game is sold out. Sure are a lot of empty seats.

notthesun
06-22-2013, 08:27 PM
Man how did nobody poke in that Henry header off the corner... that's the type of play that ends up in the back of our net every time.

Dkolish3
06-22-2013, 08:27 PM
Announcer said game is sold out. Sure are a lot of empty seats.

Like with Toronto's "18,000 attendance"

QBall
06-22-2013, 08:32 PM
Houston's defense is pretty sloppy.

AlanO
06-22-2013, 08:32 PM
Some nice buildup plays. Osorio's causing a lot of problems for Houston.

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 08:35 PM
Hmm.....if we don't sign Caldwell, we better have a replacement as good as him.

QBall
06-22-2013, 08:37 PM
Bruin did not miss by much.

notthesun
06-22-2013, 08:37 PM
Wow. We've been pretty solid so far but a whole lot of bad in that one play. We should be down 1-0. Davis made it seem like Richter wasn't even there, and I don't know how we leave Houston's #1 target man wide open in the middle of the box.

notthesun
06-22-2013, 08:43 PM
Looks like Convey and Osorio have swapped flanks here.

AlanO
06-22-2013, 08:44 PM
Looks like Convey and Osorio have swapped flanks here.
They switch quite a bit, have done so for the last few games.

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 08:46 PM
Ok, so Caldwell gets a header on that one and then runs like stink towards the open guy while Richter, who is close, kinda...well...stands still.

notthesun
06-22-2013, 08:51 PM
Caldwell looking like Peter Crouch back there, hasn't lost a single header.

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 08:58 PM
Koevs in for Silva at 60 would be nice. But I suspect it will be Brockie for Earnshaw.

notthesun
06-22-2013, 09:01 PM
Decent first half overall, still have a shot at winning this game. Lacking the final move or pass to finish off our build-up play.

Davis vs. Richter or Ashe vs. Richter is a real mismatch. Need Eckersley back.

Would like to see Koevermans and Brockie come in this game.

Bantamfan
06-22-2013, 09:02 PM
he is always the weakest link !

Auzzy
06-22-2013, 09:10 PM
Not too bad so far for TFC considering they're playing in Houston. The boys look much more engaged than in previous weeks, especially in DC.

mowe
06-22-2013, 09:15 PM
Aw Caldwell's gotta get that on target!

nonc
06-22-2013, 09:22 PM
Richter is terrible.

QBall
06-22-2013, 09:30 PM
Brockie needs to smarten up before he gets carded for something stupid.

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 09:31 PM
Somebody should have tole Brockie about Salazar.

notthesun
06-22-2013, 09:31 PM
Best build-up of the match right there. Too bad Earnshaw shot it right at Hall.

notthesun
06-22-2013, 09:42 PM
Ugh. 75th minute and we're starting to sit back. Very little pressure in Houston's half and we're booting the ball up the field at every chance. I've seen this before.

AlanO
06-22-2013, 09:48 PM
Salazar has made the second half totally unwatchable

Corpand
06-22-2013, 09:48 PM
Unfortunately, the boys are completely gassed.

Can't see us winning this one.

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 09:56 PM
No matter what happens in the last few minutes, we would have taken this position at the beginning of the game. Job well done...so far.

TFC07
06-22-2013, 10:00 PM
Game over. Well deserved point on the road.

QBall
06-22-2013, 10:00 PM
I'll take a clean sheet tie tyvm. Nice job boys.

tfcleeds
06-22-2013, 10:01 PM
Congrats to Bendik on his first clean sheet, at least.

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 10:01 PM
I liked how Koef played for those few minutes. Would be nice to see him and Earnshaw from the beginning.

mowe
06-22-2013, 10:02 PM
First clean sheet of the season. 4 points in two road games. I like it.

On a more depressing note, only 3 pages in this thread :(.

nonc
06-22-2013, 10:03 PM
Fans across MLS hate Salazar but I'd say some of the best called TFC games over the last year are by him.

Initial B
06-22-2013, 10:03 PM
Clean sheet tie in Houston? I'll take it. Good job on the guys for not panicking every time they had the ball at the end there. They didn't just hoof it away all the time in the last 10 minutes. Well, maybe 65% of the time...

billyfly
06-22-2013, 10:03 PM
I'll take the point.

stevep
06-22-2013, 10:05 PM
It's game 5 in the Stanley Cup final
First clean sheet of the season. 4 points in two road games. I like it.

On a more depressing note, only 3 pages in this thread :(.

Suds
06-22-2013, 10:05 PM
A point on the road against Houston. I'll take that.

I hope Caldwell stays!

DoubleUp
06-22-2013, 10:06 PM
I liked how Koef played for those few minutes. Would be nice to see him and Earnshaw from the beginning.


Our best combination Is Silva and Brockie, Nelsen just hasn't realized it yet.

They're playing styles compliment each other, "Mark my words".

AlanO
06-22-2013, 10:06 PM
Not bad. Coming home with four points from this road trip is pretty good.

Can we clone Caldwell?

Auzzy
06-22-2013, 10:09 PM
Yup 3-page Pre/In/Post game thread, that's a bit sad.

But the game, pretty well done. Yes TFC was gassed near the end and were starting to boot the ball long too much in the last 10 minutes. However, they actually maintained some possession in the opposing half as well, even earned some free kicks, better than we've seen to close out a game.

Too bad Koevermans didn't pot a goal or an assist when Tally Hall handed him the ball right in front of net. Coming out of there with a win would have been damn funny. Although Tally Hall really deserved getting a ball smashed past him, he was seriously getting on my nerves the whole game.

Petor
06-22-2013, 10:09 PM
Two games on the road, 4 out of six points and add in a clean sheet.
I'm ok with that. :)

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 10:09 PM
..On a more depressing note, only 3 pages in this thread :(.

Let see......Hockey was on, Italy and Brazil played today, Pride has started, Different start time then we are used to, humidity outside for the first time so nobody wants to do anything unless they are in AC.

That and more importantly, there were no real bone head plays to discuss.

Count on a page for each goal scored.

Bantamfan
06-22-2013, 10:17 PM
at least we have pages. The other site has only 3 posts not pages!

PopePouri
06-22-2013, 10:21 PM
Richter is terrible.

Really because I didn't much of Brad Davis the entire game.

OgtheDim
06-22-2013, 10:25 PM
Richter got beat a number of times. Davis pulls into the middle. But where Richter is really bad is when he overlaps and on his long throws. The man can't cross worth Beans in Libbyland.

TFC07
06-22-2013, 10:47 PM
Richter needs to sit down. He's the weakest link in the back line and can't deliver a good ball into the box properly. Getting sick of seeing him in the starting line up.

Red CB Toronto
06-22-2013, 10:54 PM
Good on Joe getting his first shutout of the season. Good to see four points come out of the last two games. Looking forward to being back at BMO after a long stretch away.

Corpand
06-22-2013, 10:54 PM
Caldwell, hoooooly fuck. Insane defender, focused on his movement all game. He is a talker and reads the plays extremely well.

Blizzard
06-22-2013, 11:11 PM
at least we have pages. The other site has only 3 posts not pages!

Big birthday bash today and then to the Duke. Nobody to post when we're all out watching the game.

nonc
06-22-2013, 11:22 PM
Brockie and Koevermans were more dangerous than Silva and Earnshaw even though we were starting to park the bus. Not sure how long TFC can afford to not start them.

smtavare
06-22-2013, 11:28 PM
Brockie and Koevermans were more dangerous than Silva and Earnshaw even though we were starting to park the bus. Not sure how long TFC can afford to not start them. this!

Fort York Redcoat
06-23-2013, 06:49 AM
Big birthday bash today and then to the Duke. Nobody to post when we're all out watching the game.

This. I know it's nice to see posts in game if your watching and want to chat but plenty peeps just watch and chat post match. I'd say these were 2 teams that were desperate not to lose but instead of a 2 way bus park we saw the lack of final execution out of a wee bit of desperation. I think despite the boos from the dynamites in the stands the teams finished the game with a relief point each.

ensco
06-23-2013, 07:19 AM
Re interest level, it didn't matter what happened last night. This season is just one long training camp and everyone knows it. Watching on TV just isn't worth it. I've been doing Game in 6 for road games, and sure don't feel like I'm missing much.

Looking forward to getting out and seeing a game soon. Hopefully the weather cooperates for the next couple of home games. Just want to enjoy the summer air, have a beer, and really see what we have got.

Canary10
06-23-2013, 08:03 AM
The good news is Nelsen has run with pretty much the same starting lineup for three straight games and we've gotten results in each. And done so with only one loanee (Caldwell). Nelsen putting his trust in our players instead of guys brought in temporarily has really helped the team, and they've responded well. If we had a creative midfielder to work beside Laba I think we'd be a pretty decent side.

Derko
06-23-2013, 08:07 AM
Ok, so Caldwell gets a header on that one and then runs like stink towards the open guy while Richter, who is close, kinda...well...stands still.

I noticed Richter kind of standing around, almost like he didn't no what to do half the time, Hall looked a little Star Struck in the last 10 minutes, could have been energy level. Overall not a bad performance, if a few of our shots had have been with a bit more quality, could have been a win.

Enjoy the next 2 games at BMO, I am in Scotland for the next 3 weeks.
I'll have a chat with Caldwell's family and insist he stays at TFC:hump:
Cheers All

tfcocd
06-23-2013, 08:55 AM
Caldwell, hoooooly fuck. Insane defender, focused on his movement all game. He is a talker and reads the plays extremely well.

He definitely has a noticeable presence on the backline and was a big part of the first clean sheet. Believe he saved a goal with a goal line deflection behind bendiq.

I also thought Henry had a strong game. Is this partly the result of some good competition for places on the backline? I wonder if Henry put in a very professional performance knowing agboss put in a decent shift in the previous game. I don't know when Morgan will get another opportunity but there are some standards being set and hopefully this starts to be apparent throughout the squad. Morgan knows he has to play at a much higher level to earn a starting role. It's too bad ecks is not back to put some more pressure on richter.

cochrdoc
06-23-2013, 09:26 AM
Caldwell was the motm for me .He has been solid for us .Hope he stays

v00d00daddy
06-23-2013, 09:47 AM
I also thought Caldwell was really good. I was also impressed with the way we kept our shape and weren't broken down too easily. The upfield ball pressure was good too.

Lots of negatives in this game too.

Lack of possession was awful.
Earnshaw was greedy on several occasions and we got nothing to show for it.
Silva was on and off.
O'Dea's attacking balls forward from the left side are awful. He is no wingback.

Worst thing: We were wasting time from the start of the second half onward. Its one thing to play for the tie (which on the road in Houston is a good result) but to waste time the way we were is disappointing. O'Dea, Bendik, Hall, Osorio. Everybody was guilty of it. Kicking balls away after foul calls. Taking forever on throw ins and goal kicks.

I get doing that in injury time, but at the onset of the second half? Embarrassing.

We as supporters can never complain about time wasting from the opposition again.

Prof
06-23-2013, 10:00 AM
Caldwell was the motm for me .He has been solid for us .Hope he stays

I agree with this. He was a beast out there. Great for Bendyk to earn a clean sheet but Caldwell played a huge part.

Abou Sky
06-23-2013, 10:10 AM
Had to post this.

Son was just watching the condensed match on a tablet and I hear him yell out "get up, you get more contact at home beating your kids"

burlington Red
06-23-2013, 10:37 AM
I also thought Caldwell was really good. I was also impressed with the way we kept our shape and weren't broken down too easily. The upfield ball pressure was good too.

Lots of negatives in this game too.

Lack of possession was awful.

Earnshaw was greedy on several occasions and we got nothing to show for it.
Silva was on and off.
O'Dea's attacking balls forward from the left side are awful. He is no wingback.

Worst thing: We were wasting time from the start of the second half onward. Its one thing to play for the tie (which on the road in Houston is a good result) but to waste time the way we were is disappointing. O'Dea, Bendik, Hall, Osorio. Everybody was guilty of it. Kicking balls away after foul calls. Taking forever on throw ins and goal kicks.

I get doing that in injury time, but at the onset of the second half? Embarrassing.

We as supporters can never complain about time wasting from the opposition again.

Bit harsh on Earnshaw, actually thought he looked very lively, wouldn't criticise him for any of his efforts tonight. You are right about O'Dea, his distribution is not suited for that position. Also why is one of our best headers of the ball taking free kicks at the end of the game from the wing, which he misses everyone from and goes over bar. Brockie, in every game he has come on has looked very impressive, his work rate is great, if Danny K had of scored off the keepers save from Brockie, we may well have been celebrating a win. Caldwell looked strong again, Silva after starting decent disappeared. Convey didn't have a great game imo. Considering the playing conditions, a point is a good result, good to get back to back points in away games

Richard
06-23-2013, 10:42 AM
Admittedly i have havnt been watching the last few games. Its good to see Caldwell playing well, just looking at his career i think he is a top notch CB for this league. Played most games for Birmingham last season which is a pretty solid all around team.

Maybe for MLS he is in his prime, at 32, as a CB, is just about the peak of most players careers. I think we should consider keeping him around.

Ivy
06-23-2013, 10:51 AM
Bit harsh on Earnshaw, actually thought he looked very lively, wouldn't criticise him for any of his efforts tonight. You are right about O'Dea, his distribution is not suited for that position. Also why is one of our best headers of the ball taking free kicks at the end of the game from the wing, which he misses everyone from and goes over bar. Brockie, in every game he has come on has looked very impressive, his work rate is great, if Danny K had of scored off the keepers save from Brockie, we may well have been celebrating a win. Caldwell looked strong again, Silva after starting decent disappeared. Convey didn't have a great game imo. Considering the playing conditions, a point is a good result, good to get back to back points in away games
Earnshaw is very selfish. Rarely passes. That chance he had to lay it of to Brockie was ruined because he decided to do some turning fancy crap and get his entire angle of the net blocked off.

Canary10
06-23-2013, 11:32 AM
The possession stats really looked off to me. I don't think we had more possession than they did, but don't think it was a Spain-Tahiti game either, as the stats suggest.

notthesun
06-23-2013, 11:32 AM
It was a disciplined performance, not much to write home about for either team. We kept our shape well and only gave Houston one real chance to score which they thankfully wasted. The last 10 minutes had me worried because we were sitting back again but some good work by Koevermans gave us a minute or two of pressure around their box which killed their momentum, and the rest of the game. It was nice to see us relieve our defenders with a bit of our own pressure in the closing stages for once.

Caldwell MotM. He was immense.

notthesun
06-23-2013, 11:51 AM
The possession stats really looked off to me. I don't think we had more possession than they did, but don't think it was a Spain-Tahiti game either, as the stats suggest.

Possession can be calculated in two ways. The first, and what we all think of when hearing "possession", is the actual time that a team has possession of the ball. This requires manual logging during the match (i.e. someone pressing a button every time possession changes hands during a match).

The second is pass completion. This is calculated by a team's total passes divided by the total number of passes in a match. This is used in place of the traditional method of calculating possession since it's less hassle to record and correlates to the time of possession stat (since a team with more possession of the ball will almost always make more passes in a match than their opposition).

Naturally though, correlation only goes so far. Opta uses the pass completion style of calculating possession, and they work with MLS to produce all their stats. So for this game, MLS/Opta says Houston made 478 passes to Toronto's 230. 708 passes total. 478 divided by 708 is 0.67, and as expected, Houston's possession is listed as 67.2%.

Nobody records time of possession for MLS matches as far as I know, so we can only guess as to what it was. But in this case the pass completion possession is pretty misleading, because it suggests Houston dominated the match, but it was clear to anyone who watched that wasn't the case. I'd guess actual possession was probably 55-45 Houston.

Haddy
06-23-2013, 12:00 PM
Earnshaw is very selfish. Rarely passes. That chance he had to lay it of to Brockie was ruined because he decided to do some turning fancy crap and get his entire angle of the net blocked off.

I thought the very same thing. But I rewinded on the PVR to double-check. Brockie was marked by a defender. Between the two of them 1v1, I'd rather see what Earnshaw can do. I'd wager Brockie's shot would have been blocked or not happen at all.

I'm not saying Earnshaw isn't selfish. I'm just saying in that particular moment it wouldn't have mattered.

burlington Red
06-23-2013, 12:17 PM
Earnshaw is very selfish. Rarely passes. That chance he had to lay it of to Brockie was ruined because he decided to do some turning fancy crap and get his entire angle of the net blocked off.

Earnshaw is very selfish- a striker who's selfish eh......
He can be annoying, but all out and out goalscorers share that attribute. I'd be more annoyed at Danny K's miss than the example you give, which as someone else already pointed out would not have resulted in a goal anyway

Yohan
06-23-2013, 12:50 PM
Overall happy with a draw vs a Houston team who is in a bit of funk, but is generally strong at home. 2 games in a row without a late game gaff and an away clean sheet will do massive lift to the lads' confidence.

And once the lads get the belief back that the defence is solid, better attacking will come. (well, that's my hope)

Though 2011/2012 Danny K would have buried that chance he had late game.

ag futbol
06-23-2013, 02:04 PM
Possession can be calculated in two ways. The first, and what we all think of when hearing "possession", is the actual time that a team has possession of the ball. This requires manual logging during the match (i.e. someone pressing a button every time possession changes hands during a match).

The second is pass completion. This is calculated by a team's total passes divided by the total number of passes in a match. This is used in place of the traditional method of calculating possession since it's less hassle to record and correlates to the time of possession stat (since a team with more possession of the ball will almost always make more passes in a match than their opposition).

Naturally though, correlation only goes so far. Opta uses the pass completion style of calculating possession, and they work with MLS to produce all their stats. So for this game, MLS/Opta says Houston made 478 passes to Toronto's 230. 708 passes total. 478 divided by 708 is 0.67, and as expected, Houston's possession is listed as 67.2%.

Nobody records time of possession for MLS matches as far as I know, so we can only guess as to what it was. But in this case the pass completion possession is pretty misleading, because it suggests Houston dominated the match, but it was clear to anyone who watched that wasn't the case. I'd guess actual possession was probably 55-45 Houston.
Good call, thanks for posting this. I still find our overall level of passing / possession frustrating but I'm willing to give it more time.

Having real LB and RB options would be a huge help.

jloome
06-23-2013, 02:27 PM
I thought the very same thing. But I rewinded on the PVR to double-check. Brockie was marked by a defender. Between the two of them 1v1, I'd rather see what Earnshaw can do. I'd wager Brockie's shot would have been blocked or not happen at all.

I'm not saying Earnshaw isn't selfish. I'm just saying in that particular moment it wouldn't have mattered.

Strikers are supposed to be selfish. If a striker has an open look in the box, he should shoot without even thinking about other options. Geez, it's not like we get a ton of looks.

And you're right, Brockie was totally marked on that play. It was a dummy; Earnshaw feinted that way to draw the defender out from in front of him and give him a clear look. He just didn't finish it.

I like Earnshaw a lot. He's a decent finisher but has always had cold streaks; I wonder now that he's north of 30 whether there will be more cold streaks than finishes.

jloome
06-23-2013, 02:30 PM
Good call, thanks for posting this. I still find our overall level of passing / possession frustrating but I'm willing to give it more time.

Having real LB and RB options would be a huge help.

I wouldn't agree with that 55-45 split at all. The math only refers to completed passes for possession; if you look at our 66% pass completion rate, we weren't holding the ball for any length of time, either. The actual time of possession would still probably be in Houston's favor, and if it is 55-45, then 10% or so of our possession was in our own final third.

trane
06-23-2013, 04:02 PM
The whole possession thing is a tricky stat. Some teams the hold the ball more, some teams are more direct. Barca will always hold the ball, but if there is a wall of defenders and no space they can hold the ball 70 % and still lose 2-0 ( against Milan in San Siro it was over 60). Italy against Mexico, the possession was 55-45 Mexico, but not only did Italy win, I would say they dominated must of the game, they just took the ball and moved it up quick, while Mexico tended to pass more, but in the end not penetrate the box.

PopePouri
06-23-2013, 04:46 PM
The difference with Spain/Tahiti and last night's game is that Spain had a lot of meaningful possession. I saw many times that Houston passed it around at the back and then turned it over when they were pressed. Also Houston had all the possession in the last 10 minutes when TFC playing on the counter.

Abou Sky
06-23-2013, 05:02 PM
Earnshaw is very selfish. Rarely passes. That chance he had to lay it of to Brockie was ruined because he decided to do some turning fancy crap and get his entire angle of the net blocked off.

If Earnshaw knew how to take the blinders off and pass he would have been a top player and likely never shown up on our doorstep.

notthesun
06-23-2013, 06:06 PM
Just a guess on 55-45. Could've been around 60-40, but from watching the full match I'd be surprised if it were over that.

I want our possession to be higher but at least we limited Houston mostly to possession in the middle of the park rather than constantly around our box. They had some nice build-up on us but I don't recall any spells where they were constantly buzzing around our box, save for (most of) the last 10 minutes.

Blizzard
06-23-2013, 06:20 PM
Just a guess on 55-45. Could've been around 60-40, but from watching the full match I'd be surprised if it were over that.

I want our possession to be higher but at least we limited Houston mostly to possession in the middle of the park rather than constantly around our box. They had some nice build-up on us but I don't recall any spells where they were constantly buzzing around our box, save for (most of) the last 10 minutes.

Statistics are available at www.mlssoccer.com.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-06-22-HOU-v-TOR/stats

Possession was 67.2 - 32.8 in favour of Houston (but we knew that of course).

B

notthesun
06-23-2013, 06:40 PM
Statistics are available at www.mlssoccer.com (http://www.mlssoccer.com).

http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2013-06-22-HOU-v-TOR/stats

Possession was 67.2 - 32.8 in favour of Houston (but we knew that of course).

B

See my post on the previous page.

jloome
06-23-2013, 08:04 PM
If Earnshaw knew how to take the blinders off and pass he would have been a top player and likely never shown up on our doorstep.

He doesn't have blinders on. He sees them, he just takes the chance anyway He's a pro going back years. He's not supposed to set people up. If he gets a clear look in the box, he's supposed to take it, knowing he'll only get four or five looks all game. Short of a two on nothing or two on one break, there are few if any reasons why clubs would want a striker to stop shooting.

VoxPopuliCosmicum
06-23-2013, 08:46 PM
Had to post this.

Son was just watching the condensed match on a tablet and I hear him yell out "get up, you get more contact at home beating your kids"

A week late for father's day, but you ought to be beaming with pride nonetheless.

Nerepis
06-23-2013, 08:49 PM
Why the need to hate on Richter? The guy is making "Fry Cook" money and we all know he is just a stop gap measure for an injured player in a salary capped league. No major mistakes, nil-nil draw, the boy did what he's paid for...get us one game closer to him sitting on the bench.

Pint
06-23-2013, 09:01 PM
Why the need to hate on Richter? The guy is making "Fry Cook" money and we all know he is just a stop gap measure for an injured player in a salary capped league. No major mistakes, nil-nil draw, the boy did what he's paid for...get us one game closer to him sitting on the bench.

Very good point... for 35K you can't be disappointed with Richter at all.

Thomas
06-23-2013, 09:19 PM
Remember it took Danny K quite a few games before he got into good form in 2011.


Overall happy with a draw vs a Houston team who is in a bit of funk, but is generally strong at home. 2 games in a row without a late game gaff and an away clean sheet will do massive lift to the lads' confidence.

And once the lads get the belief back that the defence is solid, better attacking will come. (well, that's my hope)

Though 2011/2012 Danny K would have buried that chance he had late game.

T-boy
06-23-2013, 09:20 PM
Remember it took Danny K quite a few games before he got into good form in 2011.

And in 2012. It might take Koev's a while to get fit and into the games. I wouldn't expect to see him at his best until August, mid July at earliest.

boozilla
06-24-2013, 12:08 AM
Danny K. has always held up the ball well, but his type of play needs service to get a real chance. Earnshaw can score from hoofballs, which is an unsustainable rarity. An odd combo, that with some mid-field brains could spell success.

Derko
06-24-2013, 06:49 AM
He doesn't have blinders on. He sees them, he just takes the chance anyway He's a pro going back years. He's not supposed to set people up. If he gets a clear look in the box, he's supposed to take it, knowing he'll only get four or five looks all game. Short of a two on nothing or two on one break, there are few if any reasons why clubs would want a striker to stop shooting.

It happens far too often that there are too many passes in and around the box, where an opportuntiy for the striker to shoot is the best choice. Remember Silva not shooting at the wide open net the other week.

Ivy
06-24-2013, 07:03 AM
He doesn't have blinders on. He sees them, he just takes the chance anyway He's a pro going back years. He's not supposed to set people up. If he gets a clear look in the box, he's supposed to take it, knowing he'll only get four or five looks all game. Short of a two on nothing or two on one break, there are few if any reasons why clubs would want a striker to stop shooting.
Name me one Earnshaw goal where he scored by spinning turning and going around a defender, then beating the goalie...
the guy takes shots from spots that would never go in, even if there was no keeper... And he does it game after game. We would score my goals if he passed it, because other teams figured us out after game 4... He doesn't pass, and feeds off mistakes in the back. The guy is jumped by 2-3 defenders as soon as he gets the ball. If he opened his eyes and saw that because there's 2-3 guys on him, that means there's a player open at all times - find him.

BuSaPuNk
06-24-2013, 08:12 AM
^ It's true. Striker or not he should be looking to move the ball when hes got defenders moving towards him. Danny does this especially if he knows that he can;'t take a shot in a bad position or if he can't get the ball through