Matchday 26: New England at Toronto, Fri 30 Aug, 7:00pm

[Yohan]

Is it wrong that I'm actually jealous of what Jay Heaps is doing in New England?

[Fort York Redcoat]

I wasn't jealous of how NE was gifted that last game v Philly. I like our chances on this one. Get your ass here, Y. I don't wanna have to wait till fur hat season...

[jloome]

Is it wrong that I'm actually jealous of what Jay Heaps is doing in New England? Again, he's a cautionary take I guess, like Jason Kreis, that coaches get better too. They were awful his first year. He's got a team almost as young as ours but offensively waaay more talented.

[Yohan]

Again, he's a cautionary take I guess, like Jason Kreis, that coaches get better too. They were awful his first year. He's got a team almost as young as ours but offensively waaay more talented.
NE FO being patient with Heaps seemed to have paid off some dividends

[Derko]

NE FO being patient with Heaps seemed to have paid off some dividends

And I would gather the supporters as well, unlike here

[Dave67]

Bored, so here's a meaningless note. TFC has yet to win a home game during the CNE. CNE games: Overall record 0-4-3
2007 0-2-0 Chivas and DC United
2008 0-0-1 New England
2009 0-0-0
2010 0-1-1 NY, RSL
2011 0-0-1 San Jose
2012 0-1-0 KC

I'd be surprised to see 3 points on Friday. New England is in a tight playoff race and unlike us they can score. I see a 1-1 tie or 2-1 NE win coming up.

[notthesun]

Urruti hat trick.

[tfcleeds]

I was under the impression Agudelo had been transferred to Stoke - or does that not take effect until January??

[Graeme]

Bendick
Ecks--Henry--Caldwell--Morgan(?)
Rey(?)----Hall-----Osorio-----Convey
Urruti(?)--Earnshaw(?)

So many question marks...

[Leedsoronto]

We deserve the three points !! (Just thought I would say it first, before the post match interview)

2-1 TFC. Goals by Osorio and Caldwell.

[OgtheDim]

Hmm....30 - 40% chance of rain is the current forecast.


BRING IT ON!!!!

[Yohan]

Agudelo has signed a precontract w stoke

[Dave67]

New Nelsen video is up http://www.torontofc.ca/video/2013/08/29/ryan-nelsen-august-29-2013

[pdubs]

id like to see urruti get some serious minutes. if not a start atleast 30 mins off the bench..

[OgtheDim]

Based on that: Laba out for the season. 2.5 months for a broken toe?!?!

Osorio back for tomorrow. Would be surprised if we get Urruti for longer then 30 minutes. We might get Braun and Weideman........ugh.

[Fishnicker]

Think Earnshaw and Weideman will start, Urruti in for 30 mins and Braun never sees the pitch.

[Leedsoronto]

8 weeks plus sound right for a break.

Maybe 3-4 weeks to mend it then few weeks rehab and fitness. (He won't be doing much cardio with a pot on will he)

[moralis]

Man, listening to these pregame interviews makes me sick. They were saying the same shit toward the end of last season. What's different? Maybe TFC wont finish with 23 points, but it's the same shit. Man, TFC need A LOT OF CHANGES. But, we say the same thing year after year.

I ask again what will really change?

[khso11]

-----------------Bendik-----------------
Ecks---Caldwell--------Henry------Elmer
------------------Hall--------------------
Rey--------------------------------Lambe
----------------Osorio-------------------
--------Earnshaw----Urruti/Weeds------

[Abou Sky]

Crap, I forgot already that we don't have Laba :(

No matter how badly we did, it was such a treat to watch him play. Pure brilliance.

Will be nice to see Fagundez though, he is really awesome, and SUCH A NICE KID.

[SoccMan2]

Am I missing something is there something wrong with Urruti, should we not be expecting this kid to finally bloody start, what the hell are they waiting for with this guy, start him already please, all the months of trying to sign him, we finally do and he has hardly seen the pitch in two games, and now going into his third game there still seems to be hesitation on starting him. They got him to start and play major minutes so hello guys let's see him play or is there something about him they are not telling us!

[Abou Sky]

Am I missing something is there something wrong with Urruti, should we not be expecting this kid to finally bloody start, what the hell are they waiting for with this guy, start him already please, all the months of trying to sign him, we finally do and he has hardly seen the pitch in two games, and now going into his third game there still seems to be hesitation on starting him. They got him to start and play major minutes so hello guys let's see him play or is there something about him they are not telling us!

He isn't match fit yet, he also has nobody to service him so not much point.

[Richard]

Yeah its kind of pointless though, by the time he is match fit the season is over. I like how they are atleast protecting him from injury atleast.

This goes to show that the summer transfer window in MLS is pointless if you are not brining in an MLS player or someone in really good condition. Frings would be an example of having a great start.

[Initial B]

Seeing as we're missing Laba and anyone who can score, I'm guessing TFC loses 1-0 on a goal from Fagundez in the 44th minute.

[dantdot]

XI: Bendik; Eckersley, Caldwell, Henry, Morgan; Lambe, Osorio, Hall, Convey; Wiedeman, Earnshaw

Substitutes: Frei; Agbossoumonde, Russell, Elmer, Rey, Urruti, Braun


(https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/373566992542072832)

[Dave67]

Does any site archive these games? I don't get Sportsnet 1 and I won't be back home until after the game ends.

[pdubs]

bunch of bums

[Marc"2L"]

I said out loud, to myself.

Expect an early goal.

[v00d00daddy]

Oh boy. Not a good start. Who predicted a fagundez goal?

Maybe it'll wake the boys up.

1-0 NE

[Couchy81]

WOW bendik just made save of the week

[v00d00daddy]

Fuck man. Picked apart by the simplest of buildup. It's so irritating to watch opponents give and go on us at will when we almost never do it.

[__wowza]

http://firstrownow.eu/watch/204412/2/watch-toronto-fc-vs-new-england-revolution.html

stream for anyone who needs it.

[notthesun]

Henry got burned badly on that goal. He's responsible at least in part for a number of goals the past few games.

[pdubs]

good hustle by ecks

[TOBOR !]

I'm at silver city paramount in stoney Creek, waiting for my daughter to get out of the one direction movie, drinking a booster juice.

Looks like I'm not missing anything.

[v00d00daddy]

That was a bit better. Didnt think earnshaw could turn and fire on his left like that.

[notthesun]

Nice turn by... Lambe?

Decent attempt by Earnshaw. Want to see him bury half chances like that though.

[pdubs]

why do we continue to soft lob our crosses in off free kicks????? they just float right to the keeper

[notthesun]

why do we continue to soft lob our crosses in off free kicks????? they just float right to the keeper

Byproduct of having very little attacking threats, we're forced to take every chance we can to pound the ball into the box and pray because we can only manage 2-3 meaningful build ups per game.

[v00d00daddy]

Because we have a RB with little touch standing over the ball on free kicks.

[pdubs]

Byproduct of having very little attacking threats, we're forced to take every chance we can to pound the ball into the box and pray because we can only manage 2-3 meaningful build ups per game.

convey just wipped one in i got excited lol

[notthesun]

At least Morgan seems capable of crossing today.

[pdubs]

does anyone else think osorio just seems a little off tn?

[notthesun]

You know what, Lambe might've been our best player this half.

[pdubs]

weeeeeeds!!!

[notthesun]

LMAO that's gotta be the worst goal of the season in the entire league

[jloome]

LMAO that's gotta be the worst goal of the season in the entire league

He did a good job of turning to hit it cleanly, though. I've seen a lot of guys not get that shot off.

[pdubs]

yea it was a good finish

[notthesun]

He did a good job of turning to hit it cleanly, though. I've seen a lot of guys not get that shot off.

Yeah, good little instinctual finish which seems to be Wiedeman's trademark. Just funny that we actually scored on one of those garbage punts into the box. Eat your heart out Paul Mariner.

edit: Heads up play from Henry making the pass instead of trying to get an awkward shot out of his feet as well.

[nonc]

No surprise Hall and Earnshaw sucked. If Elmer can play RB he should get a shot at Eckersley's job. Lambe best player on the field last 2 games wtf.

Rey and Urruti soon please Nelsen don't make me laugh with your shutdown pair of Hall & Russell.

[pdubs]

No surprise Hall and Earnshaw sucked. If Elmer can play RB he should get a shot at Eckersley's job. Lambe best player on the field last 2 games wtf.

Rey and Urruti soon please Nelsen don't make me laugh with your shutdown pair of Hall & Russell.

i agree id like to see what elmer has to offer. tho i thinks ecks is doing pretty good tn

[notthesun]

Farrell can't possibly be wearing shin pads.

edit: I swear I posted this before they started talking about it.

[CBTFC]

To think of the damage we could do with Koev and Laba in the lineup...sonofa.

[pdubs]

henry stopping a fight kind of ironic aha

[miker]

To think of the damage we could do with Koev and Laba in the lineup...sonofa.

I'd love to see them bring Urruti on when they're actually moving forward and getting some action in the top third.

[69Chevy396]

To think of the damage we could do with Koev and Laba in the lineup...sonofa.
Or Urruti and Rey. When is the rookie manager going to use these players? After all the hype are they simply not good enough to start on this team? Or even put in a few min as a sub?

[miker]

Or Urruti and Rey. When is the rookie manager going to use these players? After all the hype are they simply not good enough to start on this team? Or even put in a few min as a sub?

Great situation to see what those two can do.

[Morlesio14]

ecks should be covering wide

[notthesun]

Rey hasn't exactly won a starting spot, and Lambe's been our best player today (never thought I'd say that) so I don't mind Rey on the bench. I don't think Urruti is at full fitness yet.

[69Chevy396]

Rey hasn't exactly won a starting spot, and Lambe's been our best player today (never thought I'd say that) so I don't mind Rey on the bench. I don't think Urruti is at full fitness yet.
Serioux saying the same thing, no reason for playing 90 min without using a sub. Urruti has had enough time to get fit for this

[69Chevy396]

Rey hasn't exactly won a starting spot, and Lambe's been our best player today (never thought I'd say that) so I don't mind Rey on the bench. I don't think Urruti is at full fitness yet.
Payne signed Rey and Elmer. These players need to be on the pitch.

[Morlesio14]

here he comes

[pdubs]

come on urruti sling in the winner

[CBTFC]

Finally. Both Urruti and Rey should've been subbed on at the same time though.

[notthesun]

Remember I called the Urruti hat trick. :D

[notthesun]

Damn Weeds needed to get that pass right.

[jloome]

Can't remember the last time I saw one of our forwards work as hard off the ball as Wiedeman has tonight. Created space, tackled, closed people down. Didn't always make the right decision but a good shift and a goal.

[69Chevy396]

W is already better than Earnshaw

[pdubs]

lambe needs to hit the target that is just terrible not even close

[jloome]

HAHAHAHAH announced attendance of 18,000.

[69Chevy396]

They must be counting the people watching the game from the cne ferris wheel

[pdubs]

WTF come on

[v00d00daddy]

Serioux and dunleavey need to watch the replay. Lol

[notthesun]

Are you kidding me with that shit? That's a goal.

[69Chevy396]

Caldwell clearly kicked the defender's leg out from under him

[Couchy81]

Well the streak continues, NE still have never beaten us at home

[v00d00daddy]

He what?

Caldwell didnt kick anyone. He put his hand on the defenders shoulder and the ref determined that it prevented him from getting a head on the ball.

Good battle back. Not a great game but there was a lot of hard work out there.

[Morlesio14]

finish

[pdubs]

we def dominated the second half just cant finish our chances.

[jloome]

He what?

Caldwell didnt kick anyone. He put his hand on the defenders shoulder and the ref determined that it prevented him from getting a head on the ball.

Good battle back. Not a great game but there was a lot of hard work out there.

It really wasn't too bad, from either team. Very physical. Surprised one of the teams didn't go down a person.

Wiedeman was good, Osorio's delivery was the best we've seen from him so far. Second goal wasn't a goal; the reason Caldwell gets to it first is he puts just enough pressure on the defender ahead of him's shoulder to make him a split second off the ground, which is why in the replay, by the time his head meets the ball, the player in front of him is at the same height.


It gave him a split second advantage, from the ref's perspective.

Lambe played well. Rey looked dangerous cutting inside in his brief time. I'm pretty optimistic across the pitch after that. Hall was anonymous but clogged some shit up. I guess Earnie's continued cold streak was the only real downside. He's been like that his whole career, scores in bunches. Technically good player and finisher but when he goes cold, he goes Jeff Cunningham cold.

[notthesun]

Bad call. If that's a foul on Caldwell then the ref missed 6 penalties today. Give me a break.

[cochrdoc]

I thought the idea to bring in players in the summer was to make the team better.We got about 25 minutes out of the new guys.People are saying Lambe was one of the better players out there.At the end of the day no goals or assists,just like the rest of the season.We get very little chances at goal.I was hoping the new players would improve that.I quess their not good enough to start.Why did we bring them in.Was it another knee jerk reaction

[JuliquE]

Bad call. If that's a foul on Caldwell then the ref missed 6 penalties today. Give me a break.
That's it, for me; consistency was grossly lacking, tonight, from the ref. If that's not a goal, than we should have been up a man for a half hour or so -- something's got to give.

[nonc]

Rey and Urruti need to be on the field for more than 5-15 minutes this is getting ridiculous. Nelsen is blowing smoke using fitness as the reason. Urruti wasn't even off that long and has been training for a number of weeks. I'm one of the first ones to defend Convey but I think Rey should get the next start over him, Convey and Lambe are not that consistent on a week to week basis you can easily find reason to get Rey more involved every game.

[OgtheDim]

We were the better team. Urruti is the real deal. Weidman was a terrier. Convey and Ecks can't cross worth beans. Lambe doesn't trust himself. Rey will be good. Hall was decent but he is no Laba.

Crowd stayed through the rain. Impressed. Lots of good stuff for the future.

[Ivy]

I thought the idea to bring in players in the summer was to make the team better.We got about 25 minutes out of the new guys.People are saying Lambe was one of the better players out there.At the end of the day no goals or assists,just like the rest of the season.We get very little chances at goal.I was hoping the new players would improve that.I quess their not good enough to start.Why did we bring them in.Was it another knee jerk reaction
you're right... Stupid FO. They need to start Urruti, Rey, Elmer, Bloom, and Thomas, and they need to score and get goals immediately, which they aren't doing. What else is new? TFC is stupid, run by stupid people, and owned by ml$e.

edit: /facepalm.

[nonc]

Revs are MLS new 'it' team no surprise they badly want them in the playoffs and that we were on the wrong end of two terrible decisions - Nguyen not getting a second yellow and the non-goal.

[ag futbol]

I wouldn't have a problem with that no-goal call if refs in this league would at least call the game consistently. I've seen plenty muggings go down as no-calls.

I know we regularly complain about the refs in MLS, but this year with their 'experimental' new crop, they are completely atrocious.

[notthesun]

Larson (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/373617405538217984): "So the referee told Caldwell he made a mistake on TFC's apparent winner, according to Nelsen."

Lovely.

[69Chevy396]

He what?

Caldwell didnt kick anyone. He put his hand on the defenders shoulder and the ref determined that it prevented him from getting a head on the ball.

Good battle back. Not a great game but there was a lot of hard work out there.
As the two were coming down you can clearly see Caldwell giving him a can opener. It was subtle and came a split second after the header, but I think this is why the ref called it the way he did

[Richard]

Rey and Urruti need to be on the field for more than 5-15 minutes this is getting ridiculous. Nelsen is blowing smoke using fitness as the reason. Urruti wasn't even off that long and has been training for a number of weeks. I'm one of the first ones to defend Convey but I think Rey should get the next start over him, Convey and Lambe are not that consistent on a week to week basis you can easily find reason to get Rey more involved every game.

While I do want them to play more I agree with Nelson's decision to not give them too many minutes. I think Nelson as a coach wants players to earn the starting spot and make it their own. It does not send a good message to other players when a player who is lacking match fitness is started, giving it over someone who has trained the whole year would make me angry.

Anyone remember Alen Stevanovic? He got a start on the day of his arrival from Pearson. He then proceeded to be an extremely cocky and arrogant player. He resented his teammates and league, seeing the coach give him the start the day he landed did not help.

[Couchy81]

Refs suck in this league as always, nothing to see here.

Let's talk about Bendik's save in the first half. What an awesome one for the highlight reel.

[69Chevy396]

While I do want them to play more I agree with Nelson's decision to not give them too many minutes. I think Nelson as a coach wants players to earn the starting spot and make it their own. It does not send a good message to other players when a player is lacking match fitness and given a start, someone who has trained the whole year and earned the spot would be very ticked off, I would be. Anyone remember Alen Stevanovic? He got a start on the day of his arrival from Pearson. He then proceeded to be an extremely cocky and arrogant player. He resented his teammates and league, seeing the coach gave him the start the day he landed did not help.
Funny how this theory of yours applies to Nelsen's players, but not to him or his assistant.

[nonc]

I am excited to see where Osorio and Bekker are getting loaned to, I'm hoping Osorio goes to Wellington.

[Ivy]

I am excited to see where Osorio and Bekker are getting loaned to, I'm hoping Osorio goes to Wellington.
Osorio is not gonna get loaned out anywhere. No way.

[Ivy]

Funny how this theory of yours applies to Nelsen's players, but not to him or his assistant.
Explain?

[Richard]

Well then explain to me why Rey hasn't started, he has been here a lot longer than Urruti and should be much more match fit(not to mention he trialed with us too). I think my theory holds.

[69Chevy396]

Explain?
What needs explaining? Seems odd that a coach with zero experience and zero credentials is given the task of assessing players via the practice pitch alone. I doubt Payne went out of his way to sign Rey only to have his manager keep him on the bench while bums like Lambe start. And how do you explain his continual use of Earnshaw? Is it something he is doing better than others on the practice field? Cause he isnt doing shit during the games.

[nonc]

Osorio is not gonna get loaned out anywhere. No way.

That's what I would have thought as well but in the broadcast Dunleavy said that's what Nelsen told him.

[69Chevy396]

Well then explain to me why Rey hasn't started, he has been here a lot longer than Urruti and should be much more match fit(not to mention he trialed with us too). I think my theory holds.
I simply disagree. At some point Nelsen's decision making will come into question. This is not a good team. You cannot win scoring one goal per game. You sign a player like Rey to use him now. Lets face it, the team on the field today will be completely different next year, and the year after, so you build for today. This is MLS after all.

[Richard]

At the end of the day we don't know what happens in training or behind the scenes conversations with players. I just think that he isn't going to start players just because they might be better based on skill. He has the luxury to keep the philosophy of earning your spot because results don't matter this year. If next year we don't see the technical players then I would agree with you.

[Gilberto9]

At some parts of the game we were playing very well, the passes were spot on and the play was flowing. I think the referee ruined the flow of the game in the second half. Foul after foul, should've been a red card (or two). Henry got beat a few times, but other than that he was strong. It was great to see him stop Morgan from getting involved with Aguedelo. Anyone else think Henry is our version of Pepe? lol

[Gilberto9]

I wish we had a chance to see more from Urruti with the ball

[Gilberto9]

Osorio is not gonna get loaned out anywhere. No way.

The commentators mentioned Payne said both Bekker and Osorio were being loaned out in the off-season to be "hardened"

[Ivy]

Loan in the offseason I can see... But Oso will be back before kick off 2014.

[Auzzy]

Second goal wasn't a goal; the reason Caldwell gets to it first is he puts just enough pressure on the defender ahead of him's shoulder to make him a split second off the ground, which is why in the replay, by the time his head meets the ball, the player in front of him is at the same height.

It gave him a split second advantage, from the ref's perspective.


Caldwell was being seriously manhandled by NE's defenders in their penalty area, on Toronto's previous free kicks. I know many refs don't like awarding penalties for stuff like that, but then they HAVE to be liberal with minimal contact by an attacking player, like on Caldwell's goal.

But yeah those long floated free kicks into the box, usually by Eckersley, and often straight to their goalie -- utter garbage. Definition of insanity, trying it again and again.

And why Nelson didn't put in one sub at 60 minutes, and another at 75... so bizarre.

[Ivy]

What needs explaining? Seems odd that a coach with zero experience and zero credentials is given the task of assessing players via the practice pitch alone. I doubt Payne went out of his way to sign Rey only to have his manager keep him on the bench while bums like Lambe start. And how do you explain his continual use of Earnshaw? Is it something he is doing better than others on the practice field? Cause he isnt doing shit during the games.
I don't understand what you're trying to say?
If Nelsen isn't the one to judge players and choose his starting 11 and starting 18, than who is?
I agree with Nelsen 100% on not starting new players right away - and the reasons mentioned above are correct. There is a future to build for. Risking players and locker room issues isnt worth it for the points that may or may not be earned in 1 match.

[pdubs]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckyhl48kSPY

nelson called urruit a "league DP" interesting

[69Chevy396]

I don't understand what you're trying to say?
If Nelsen isn't the one to judge players and choose his starting 11 and starting 18, than who is?
I agree with Nelsen 100% on not starting new players right away - and the reasons mentioned above are correct. There is a future to build for. Risking players and locker room issues isnt worth it for the points that may or may not be earned in 1 match.
Ok, i will be blunt. I dont like Nelsen. I dont believe he knows what he is doing. I think Payne had his head up his ass and his finger pointing atthe supporters when he puts an inexperienced manager in charge. That is bush league. My kids soccer coach has more exp than Nelsen. If Rey and Elmer are not better than Lambe and Earnshaw why did Payne sign them? I predict Nelsen is fired before the beginning of next season.

[Yohan]

I predict Nelsen is fired before the beginning of next season.
Leiweke has said Nelsen will be back for next season. So your prediction sucks lol

[Abou Sky]

At some parts of the game we were playing very well, the passes were spot on and the play was flowing. I think the referee ruined the flow of the game in the second half. Foul after foul, should've been a red card (or two). Henry got beat a few times, but other than that he was strong. It was great to see him stop Morgan from getting involved with Aguedelo. Anyone else think Henry is our version of Pepe? lol

lol, 'The Canadian Assasin'

I know for a fact he would LOVE that label :)

[Voodooman]

The commentators mentioned Payne said both Bekker and Osorio were being loaned out in the off-season to be "hardened"

Bekker yes loan has been talked about, and the team that is in discussions for him are known as well. Just a final go ahead is waiting. Osorio, not too sure if that will happen

[ag futbol]

I agree with Chevy here. You sign these players to get them on the field and be a solution. The reason why they have been brought in is because the starters have lost their positions many, many, times over at this point. Lets not mince words here: Lambe, Morgan, and <insert any striker here> have played poorly for extended periods of time.

I hope what is happening here is about phasing people in (most likely it is). Alternative theory: everyone is trade bait. But I'm not buying into the 'win your spot' argument. Those spots should be so easy to win it is laughable.

Guys will get on the field and take some time to adjust to the league. We probably won't see much to be excited about before the end of the year. So important to get them out there now so the bad part of thelearning curve is happening in 2013, not the first half of 2014.

[pekduck]

Bekker yes loan has been talked about, and the team that is in discussions for him are known as well. Just a final go ahead is waiting. Osorio, not too sure if that will happen

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/08/30/ryan-nelsen-planning-send-young-toronto-fc-players-offseason-loans-help-hard

Looks like Nelson is trying to send Bekker and Osorio et al to English lower divisions during our season break. (or A league, err)



“It will be somewhere that will give them the right balance and where they will learn in the right environments,” Nelsen stated. “I don’t want to send Jonathan Osorio (http://mlssoccer.com/players/jonathan-osorio) into Bolton. The clubs will match the style of football that they play, so they can be comfortable, complement the team, learn and just experience what it is like [at another club].”

[Lennon]

Cheapest ticket at the box office today was $55, and Urruti didn't even start.
Are you shitting me, MLSE ?

[JavierMartini]

weedman for motm?

are you effing kidding me?

A fluke goal in a pile up does not come close to making up for having no first touch, not being able to turn with the ball and generally being a slow usless pylon.

[habstfc]

weedman for motm?

are you effing kidding me?

A fluke goal in a pile up does not come close to making up for having no first touch, not being able to turn with the ball and generally being a slow usless pylon. Weidman was all over the pitch tonight , what are you talking about?

[jloome]

weedman for motm?

are you effing kidding me?

A fluke goal in a pile up does not come close to making up for having no first touch, not being able to turn with the ball and generally being a slow usless pylon.

Wrong, wrong, wrong. So wrong. He's not slow, he's not useless, and both his movement and his strength are markedly improved this season. It wasn't a fluke goal in a pileup. He trapped the ball with his back to goal, pivoted on one foot and knocked it in, like a decent striker.

I know he needs work, but people way underestimate him.

[nonc]

Ok, i will be blunt. I dont like Nelsen. I dont believe he knows what he is doing. I think Payne had his head up his ass and his finger pointing atthe supporters when he puts an inexperienced manager in charge. That is bush league. My kids soccer coach has more exp than Nelsen. If Rey and Elmer are not better than Lambe and Earnshaw why did Payne sign them? I predict Nelsen is fired before the beginning of next season.

I've been critical of aspects of what Nelsen is doing all year but I don't know if he's the wrong guy for the job, we might know more about that after 2014 season. Coaching experience is relative, you may want a soccer mom coach running TFC but I'll take the guy with loads of high-end pro experience who was sort of a coach on the field anyway. Coaching does not suddenly make you more intelligent, Plymouth didn't do Mariner any good, his reputation and employability as a coach would be better off if he was still a newb and had never done Plymouth or TFC.

The thing I like about Nelsen is how he commands a squad. 2012 was totally unprofessional. Nelsen demands professionalism. Overall the performances, fitness and watchability of TFC is much better and he's done it with a squad which isn't that much better, not to mention with less DP influence. We've been in nearly every game, haven't been blown out. Good MLS teams get crushed every week.

That said I do have certain expectations for next year, if we are not a borderline playoff team Payne or Nelsen should pay the price. But yeah get the signings on the field.

[glaze]

Was expecting a bigger crowd. Was in 126 tonight and even from north you could hear 112 rocking. great job but can't wait for all of bmo to be like that once again

[khso11]

Bad call. If that's a foul on Caldwell then the ref missed 6 penalties today. Give me a break.

exactly!!!! that was absolutely a bs call

[Derko]

Wrong, wrong, wrong. So wrong. He's not slow, he's not useless, and both his movement and his strength are markedly improved this season. It wasn't a fluke goal in a pileup. He trapped the ball with his back to goal, pivoted on one foot and knocked it in, like a decent striker.

I know he needs work, but people way underestimate him.

Agreed, some people just don't know what the fuck they are talking about.

[v00d00daddy]

The officiating was bad going both ways but the call on Caldwell on what would have been our 2nd goal was the right call. You can't say "you have to let that go ref because you've fucked up so many other times tonight". LOL

If Caldwell goes up without putting his hand on the defenders shoulder, who knows, maybe he still gets a head on the ball. But I think this is a case of him jumping the way he does in his own box while defending. On the defensive end you'll get away with that kind of thing much more often. When you score, not so much.

He is one of my favourite TFC players but his hard man attitude yesterday became tiresome. Pointing fingers at players and the ref. He grabbed at Reis and then pretended that he had done nothing. I think it's frustration coming through. And I can't blame him for being frustrated. Aside from Laba, I think he's been this regime's best addition.

[v00d00daddy]

Wow. So I've just read all the day after reporting on the game and I can not believe they've all reduced it down to that Caldwell call.

Ryan Nelsen says that Caldwell said that the ref said that he made a mistake on the call while still on the field?

Really? The ref had a clear view of the play. It happened right in front of him. There was little other other traffic to have to focus on.

And I'm supposed to believe this shit?

Nelsen and his mouth have gotten me so irritated.

No excuses,” Nelsen said. “But when I look at it, we should have won that game … If you look at the overall picture, though, there’s resilience about us. I think there’s a toughness about us. In the past, a Toronto team would have lost that game

Seriously? Shut up and stop whining. Two poor teams played a fairly even, poor game. TFC showed resilience and toughness but they also showed a lack of composure and preparedness. It happens.

This blaming the refs stuff is shameful. And what's worse....the media are on board too.

Adrian Serioux's and Dunleavey on the called back goal:

Dunleavey: "There was an arm on the shoulder but it's not like he was pulling him down"
Serioux: "Who cares"

LOL. Zero credibility.

The morning after commentary and writings have taken a very average, decent game in my eyes and reduced it to a shameful display by the TFC coach and the writers/commentators surrounding this team.

On a positive note here is Caldwells response:


“I think it was the wrong decision by the referee,” Caldwell stated after the game. “It certainly wasn’t a foul. It was a great ball by Bobby [Convey] … I think [the referee] knew he made the wrong decision but we are all human and we all make mistakes and wrong decisions. It is just bitterly disappointing when it comes in such a tight and important game. These things happen in football. We have to be adult about it and move on."

That's how you address the situation. (Although I don't see how he sees this as an "Important" game. LOL)

[ManUtd4ever]

Solid effort last night that should have resulted in a victory. I'm cautiously optimistic about this team's chances moving forward with a healthy Laba and a match fit Urruti in the starting lineup on a consistent basis.

[JuliquE]

The officiating was bad going both ways but the call on Caldwell on what would have been our 2nd goal was the right call. You can't say "you have to let that go ref because you've fucked up so many other times tonight". LOL

If Caldwell goes up without putting his hand on the defenders shoulder, who knows, maybe he still gets a head on the ball. But I think this is a case of him jumping the way he does in his own box while defending. On the defensive end you'll get away with that kind of thing much more often. When you score, not so much.

He is one of my favourite TFC players but his hard man attitude yesterday became tiresome. Pointing fingers at players and the ref. He grabbed at Reis and then pretended that he had done nothing. I think it's frustration coming through. And I can't blame him for being frustrated. Aside from Laba, I think he's been this regime's best addition.
I think you're missing the point; no one is saying "you fucked up there, so you have to fuck up here," which assumes the ref. is of the belief that he missed a call, to begin with. Every ref. seems to have their own standards and either they call something or they don't. We accept, for the most part, whatever that standard may be and then request that he remain consistent. If he doesn't generally call a foul for that sort of contact, then our players shouldn't pass up the opportunity to exploit that and it shouldn't matter whether you're on the defensive or the offensive. When he's all over the place, like that, I don't think it's harsh to bemoan his performance and the focus isn't ever on any one call, the way you frame it. Rather, it's a matter of saying, "well, why not give a pen., earlier? Why not give that second yellow (on more than one occasion)?" I honestly don't think he feels he was wrong to miss those calls, which would be the only way I would say it's fair that he doesn't allow that goal.

Mind you, I also wish the complaints weren't coming from the club (Nelson, players, etc.); understandable for the supporters to be pissed, though.

[v00d00daddy]

I think you're missing the point; no one is saying "you fucked up there, so you have to fuck up here," which assumes the ref. is of the belief that he missed a call, to begin with. Every ref. seems to have their own standards and either they call something or they don't. We accept, for the most part, whatever that standard may be and then request that he remain consistent. If he doesn't generally call a foul for that sort of contact, then our players shouldn't pass up the opportunity to exploit that and it shouldn't matter whether you're on the defensive or the offensive. When he's all over the place, like that, I don't think it's harsh to bemoan his performance and the focus isn't ever on any one call, the way you frame it. Rather, it's a matter of saying, "well, why not give a pen., earlier? Why not give that second yellow (on more than one occasion)?" I honestly don't think he feels he was wrong to miss those calls, which would be the only way I would say it's fair that he doesn't allow that goal.

Mind you, I also wish the complaints weren't coming from the club (Nelson, players, etc.); understandable for the supporters to be pissed, though.

I can agree with that but there was nothing in the game that can compare with that call. It was late in the game, a goal was scored on it. Nguyen could have been sent off for a 2nd persistent infringement call but that rarely happens. If ever. It's not as if Nguyen was out there chopping guys down maliciously. He was just fouling over and over and over.

Other than that...what did the ref fuck up so badly that would justify thinking that he fucked up the Caldwell call?

[notthesun]

I can agree with that but there was nothing in the game that can compare with that call. It was late in the game, a goal was scored on it. Nguyen could have been sent off for a 2nd persistent infringement call but that rarely happens. If ever. It's not as if Nguyen was out there chopping guys down maliciously. He was just fouling over and over and over.

Other than that...what did the ref fuck up so badly that would justify thinking that he fucked up the Caldwell call?

Bolded is irrelevant.

It's not that the ref fucked up before so he should continue fucking up. He didn't fuck up before. The rest of the game he called contact in the box consistently (i.e. not calling it because there was nothing flagrant). I guarantee you that you can find a lot more than a NE hand on a TFC shoulder the numerous times we punted the ball into the box during the match, and that goes for us as well defending NE crosses. So why is Caldwell's hand a problem but all the other clutching and grabbing was deemed acceptable? Because he scored a late goal and the NE defender threw his hands in the air? Disallowing Caldwell's goal like that is the mark of a ref with no confidence.

Molinaro, who I like but can come off as a bit negative sometimes, said it was the wrong call. Even Rollins said it was the wrong call. I feel you on our lack of responsibility which has also annoyed me a few times this year, but we have a right to be upset over this one. We got screwed.

[v00d00daddy]

Bolded is irrelevant.

It's not that the ref fucked up before so he should continue fucking up. He didn't fuck up before. The rest of the game he called contact in the box consistently (i.e. not calling it because there was nothing flagrant). I guarantee you that you can find a lot more than a NE hand on a TFC shoulder the numerous times we punted the ball into the box during the match, and that goes for us as well defending NE crosses. So why is Caldwell's hand a problem but all the other clutching and grabbing was deemed acceptable? Because he scored a late goal and the NE defender threw his hands in the air? Disallowing Caldwell's goal like that is the mark of a ref with no confidence.

Molinaro, who I like but can come off as a bit negative sometimes, said it was the wrong call. Even Rollins said it was the wrong call. I feel you on our lack of responsibility which has also annoyed me a few times this year, but we have a right to be upset over this one. We got screwed.

I think the defender is always going to get the benefit of the doubt in those situations. Like you said, it was happening on both ends, all night. But it is relevant that this infraction led to a goal. A ref can overlook other contact in the box when it doesn't directly lead to a goal. When the ball goes in the back of the net the ref MUST determine if it was done within the rules.

As soon as Caldwell puts his hand on the defenders shoulder he makes the call easy for the ref.

Why isn't anyone questioning why Caldwell did that? It's not as if the defender had backed in to Caldwell or prevented Caldwell from going up. They were separated from each other.

IMO, Caldwell does it out of instinct because he's so use to doing it on the defensive end. If NE had scored this exact way and Caldwell had a hand on his shoulder as he went up we'd be screaming bloody murder if the goal was allowed. And Caldwell would too.

Was there a lot of contact by Caldwell on the defender? No, not really.

Is a hand on the shoulder ALWAYS going to look like he prevented a guy from going all the way up to the ball if/when the defender just misses the ball with his head? Yup.

[Prof]

My fear that our local media is making things look worse then they are, is coming true. Read the crap article in the Star today. Can you imagine such an article written about the hopeless Leafs or Blue Jays. I, except for the start of the game thought TFC played a good game and deserved the 3 points. Most fans stayed through the rain and watched a hard fought battle. Caldwell's goal should not have been called back. Urutti and Rey brought some great skill onto the pitch. I hope both will start next game so we can see what they have for a full 90 minutes. Even Eckersely whom I usually think stinks had a descent game except for his floating free kicks.

[Abou Sky]

My fear that our local media is making things look worse then they are, is coming true. Read the crap article in the Star today. Can you imagine such an article written about the hopeless Leafs or Blue Jays. I, except for the start of the game thought TFC played a good game and deserved the 3 points. Most fans stayed through the rain and watched a hard fought battle. Caldwell's goal should not have been called back. Urutti and Rey brought some great skill onto the pitch. I hope both will start next game so we can see what they have for a full 90 minutes. Even Eckersely whom I usually think stinks had a descent game except for his floating free kicks.

Seeing Rey from the start of the Columbus match, I think he is best used as a sub when he can come on fresh and his skills still 'dazzle' a bit. When on from the beginning he doesn't seem to do well, I think it is because his skills can be broken up pretty easily by fresh defenders.

[JuliquE]

I think the defender is always going to get the benefit of the doubt in those situations. Like you said, it was happening on both ends, all night. But it is relevant that this infraction led to a goal. A ref can overlook other contact in the box when it doesn't directly lead to a goal. When the ball goes in the back of the net the ref MUST determine if it was done within the rules.

As soon as Caldwell puts his hand on the defenders shoulder he makes the call easy for the ref.

Why isn't anyone questioning why Caldwell did that? It's not as if the defender had backed in to Caldwell or prevented Caldwell from going up. They were separated from each other.

IMO, Caldwell does it out of instinct because he's so use to doing it on the defensive end. If NE had scored this exact way and Caldwell had a hand on his shoulder as he went up we'd be screaming bloody murder if the goal was allowed. And Caldwell would too.

Was there a lot of contact by Caldwell on the defender? No, not really.

Is a hand on the shoulder ALWAYS going to look like he prevented a guy from going all the way up to the ball if/when the defender just misses the ball with his head? Yup.
Look, I know you're really just making observations and saying the things we all know happen.. but, it doesn't make it right. The defender shouldn't ALWAYS get the benefit of the doubt -- that's unbelievable, though you do get a nagging feeling it really is the case.

I think you answer your own question about why Caldwell puts a hand on the player; as you say, not much contact, at all, and he does it, in the first place, because others are doing it to no consequence. The ref. sets an expectation/precedent that there isn't a problem and then magically calls the goal back, because, all of a sudden, a goal has his decision, or indecision, under the microscope -- that's TERRIBLE refereeing; the equivalent to sweeping dust under a rug.

[Leedsoronto]

During RN post match interview he said that the ref spoke to Caldwell and told him he was sorry and that he made a mistake.

Robbed !!

Nuff said I thinks.

[v00d00daddy]

During RN post match interview he said that the ref spoke to Caldwell and told him he was sorry and that he made a mistake.

Robbed !!

Nuff said I thinks.

And Caldwell made no mention of that in his interview.

Bullshit from Nelsen.

Nuff said I thinks LOL

[tiberius]

I simply disagree. At some point Nelsen's decision making will come into question. This is not a good team. You cannot win scoring one goal per game. You sign a player like Rey to use him now. Lets face it, the team on the field today will be completely different next year, and the year after, so you build for today. This is MLS after all.


Ok, i will be blunt. I dont like Nelsen. I dont believe he knows what he is doing. I think Payne had his head up his ass and his finger pointing atthe supporters when he puts an inexperienced manager in charge. That is bush league. My kids soccer coach has more exp than Nelsen. If Rey and Elmer are not better than Lambe and Earnshaw why did Payne sign them? I predict Nelsen is fired before the beginning of next season.


Negative, negative, negative.... sigh... :deadhorse::deadhorse::deadhorse::deadhorse::deadh orse: Everyone has got your position indelibly marked in their brains eons ago. You charged out of the gate a long time ago, ripping the coach - please just stop - please. Nelsen is hardly perfect, but he is already better than several of our previous coaches and he has the potential to learn and improve. There is no need, nor point to being so negative on our coach right now...

We have had years and years of really bad things happen before our eyes with this team - Mo, Anselmi, Cochrane, Teacher's pension plan, no president, terrible signings, terrible terrible trades, incredibly bad player management, pathetic cap management,DPs... lies and more lies... hundreds of things. Mariner is among the worst things to ever happen to our team - wrong guy at the worst time. Accept all that, and get off our current coach's back. All the crap mentioned above has been turned around and almost disappeared this year. Good things are happening with our club! A long way to go, but things are looking up!

The time to assess Nelsen is sometime next season. Until then, try working on a genuinely positive post about this year's coach - it will do a world of good for your disposition!:)

[Thomas]

Thanks for openness. Continuing along those lines, breath deep and think about this. Do you want to see Nelsen fail?


Ok, i will be blunt. I dont like Nelsen. I dont believe he knows what he is doing. I think Payne had his head up his ass and his finger pointing atthe supporters when he puts an inexperienced manager in charge. That is bush league. My kids soccer coach has more exp than Nelsen. If Rey and Elmer are not better than Lambe and Earnshaw why did Payne sign them? I predict Nelsen is fired before the beginning of next season.

[CFL]

Negative, negative, negative.... sigh... :deadhorse::deadhorse::deadhorse::deadhorse::deadh orse: Everyone has got your position indelibly marked in their brains eons ago. You charged out of the gate a long time ago, ripping the coach - please just stop - please. Nelsen is hardly perfect, but he is already better than several of our previous coaches and he has the potential to learn and improve. There is no need, nor point to being so negative on our coach right now...

We have had years and years of really bad things happen before our eyes with this team - Mo, Anselmi, Cochrane, Teacher's pension plan, no president, terrible signings, terrible terrible trades, incredibly bad player management, pathetic cap management,DPs... lies and more lies... hundreds of things. Mariner is among the worst things to ever happen to our team - wrong guy at the worst time. Accept all that, and get off our current coach's back. All the crap mentioned above has been turned around and almost disappeared this year. Good things are happening with our club! A long way to go, but things are looking up!

The time to assess Nelsen is sometime next season. Until then, try working on a genuinely positive post about this year's coach - it will do a world of good for your disposition!:)

Why question Lord Nelsen ever. I mean he played for QPR, he must be the smartest human to ever live.

[tiberius]

Why question Lord Nelsen ever. I mean he played for QPR, he must be the smartest human to ever live.

Hardly... Perhaps you are expecting perfection from a rookie coach? I have certainly seen our past "experienced coaches" sure screw things up... big time.

In comparison, Nellie has barely fouled the nest at all... I certainly have scratched my head at times over starters and subs - and he will need to work on what he says to the press/public...

That being said - lets get the rest of the team acquired, and let them play a half season together - We still have bigger fish to fry than having a cow over nElsie g:D

[PopePouri]

Looking at the current roster, he's getting the most of the players we have and we're definitely overachieving. We would have lost the last 2 games with the current roster under a different regime.

[OgtheDim]

...."In the past, a Toronto team would have lost that game"

Seriously? Shut up and stop whining...

He's right. We would have lost that one in that past.

[Abou Sky]

Looking at the current roster, he's getting the most of the players we have and we're definitely overachieving. We would have lost the last 2 games with the current roster under a different regime.

QFT!

The last game my wife saw at BMO was last year vs. SKC and she said 'wow, that's a much better team'

I answered 'not really, just better organized'

Thanks for the good times all, this has been a rough season but way better than last, not because of results but much more watchable.

[69Chevy396]

Negative, negative, negative.... sigh... :deadhorse::deadhorse::deadhorse::deadhorse::deadh orse: Everyone has got your position indelibly marked in their brains eons ago. You charged out of the gate a long time ago, ripping the coach - please just stop - please. Nelsen is hardly perfect, but he is already better than several of our previous coaches and he has the potential to learn and improve. There is no need, nor point to being so negative on our coach right now...

We have had years and years of really bad things happen before our eyes with this team - Mo, Anselmi, Cochrane, Teacher's pension plan, no president, terrible signings, terrible terrible trades, incredibly bad player management, pathetic cap management,DPs... lies and more lies... hundreds of things. Mariner is among the worst things to ever happen to our team - wrong guy at the worst time. Accept all that, and get off our current coach's back. All the crap mentioned above has been turned around and almost disappeared this year. Good things are happening with our club! A long way to go, but things are looking up!

The time to assess Nelsen is sometime next season. Until then, try working on a genuinely positive post about this year's coach - it will do a world of good for your disposition!:)
Read Cathal's piece from yesterday's Star. He pretty much sums up what I have been posting all season. I fully appreciate your point of view, but unless you are completely blind struck, you have to admit that despite the recent improvement of this team they are so far behind the top clubs and so far from the promises made year after year after year, that people like me have difficulty being fooled and lied to and hosed. As Cathal writes, make sure u watch the game next week, to see what other teams have done while we flounder.

[stevep]

Solid effort last night that should have resulted in a victory. I'm cautiously optimistic about this team's chances moving forward with a healthy Laba and a match fit Urruti in the starting lineup on a consistent basis.

Agreed, same time last year game over after that early goal. This year tfc control,s the entire game and wins. (Caldwell was a goal)

[Ivy]

Read Cathal's piece from yesterday's Star. He pretty much sums up what I have been posting all season. I fully appreciate your point of view, but unless you are completely blind struck, you have to admit that despite the recent improvement of this team they are so far behind the top clubs and so far from the promises made year after year after year, that people like me have difficulty being fooled and lied to and hosed. As Cathal writes, make sure u watch the game next week, to see what other teams have done while we flounder.
The Star also has videos of Ford smoking crack, have never made a retraction, never wrote pure lies, and are known for their greatness in sports analysists. Duane Rollins for president.

i agree that the results haven't been there, but how far are we really? TFC v MTL? TFC v RSL, TFC v Dynamo, TFC v every other team. Other than the second SKC game, this team hasn't been destroyed. So how far are we really?

[Wull]

We have had very few shots of significance in games let alone goals and you can't win if you don't have either so to say we've been in most games while statistically true is a bit misleading. There are very few keepers that have had to play very well against us as Bendik has had to for us (even if I think he's let in a few soft ones that have cost us).

[Ivy]

It is not a secret that TFC has no finishers. If you were to add 10 shots on goal in every game, where would that put us? And it's not like the chances haven't been there, players are just scared to pull the trigger.

[Wull]

It is not a secret that TFC has no finishers. If you were to add 10 shots on goal in every game, where would that put us? And it's not like the chances haven't been there, players are just scared to pull the trigger. With a better chance of scoring I'd say. Certainly quality of chances plays a part but we can't score if we don't shoot

[Ivy]

With a better chance of scoring I'd say. Certainly quality of chances plays a part but we can't score if we don't shoot
Agreed. Saying that, I don't believe or think its fair when people say that we are ages from being competitive.

[T-boy]

Read Cathal's piece from yesterday's Star. He pretty much sums up what I have been posting all season. I fully appreciate your point of view, but unless you are completely blind struck, you have to admit that despite the recent improvement of this team they are so far behind the top clubs and so far from the promises made year after year after year, that people like me have difficulty being fooled and lied to and hosed. As Cathal writes, make sure u watch the game next week, to see what other teams have done while we flounder.

I 'would' agree, except there were no promises made about this season. No promises of making play offs, or even contending. This is has always been about clearing the ship of the dead wood with massive contracts and starting over. I think they have achieved that, and it seems like they will go into next season with a load of allocation and other money to actually push forward. Nelson, Payne and company have done what past administrations failed to do (getting rid of massive contracts like DeGuz etc) and now we CAN move ahead.

If you look at it that way, instead of looking just at results or comparing us with other teams, then its been quite a good season.

The one unfortunate thing is that we won't go into the next draft with one of the top picks, but that's because the LAST administration fucked up and now we don't have a pick in the first round. Imagine if we had a load of this allocation money AND we get a GA top draft pick? Thanks Mariner! :s

[ag futbol]

"I 'would' agree, except there were no promises made about this season. No promises of making play offs, or even contending."

Maybe no promises made directly. But they'll never directly promise anything. KP was on record as saying (paraphrasing): be in mix for a playoff spot in year 1 come fall. Make playoffs year 2. Compete for the big prize in year 3, which I take to mean be one of the best teams in the league.

By their own measuring stick they didn't reach their year one goal, but that's inconsequential compared to how we do in years two and three. But I struggle to reason how this season can be considered successful.

[justin]

But I struggle to reason how this season can be considered successful.

I haven't read any of this thread, but i call this season a success based alone on the fact that the salary cap ridiculousness we were being drowned by is under much better control now. Still not great, but better.

If anyone, regardless of what any front office personalities indicated, even thought that playoff contention would have been a viable target this season, you were surely fooling yourself. I expected nothing more than a bunch of losses, maybe some draws, and a whole lot of roster turnover.

Mission accomplished in my eyes.

[OgtheDim]

Read Cathal's piece from yesterday's Star...

And right there you lose many people.

Cathal is a troll looking for eyeballs.

[Ivy]

"I 'would' agree, except there were no promises made about this season. No promises of making play offs, or even contending."

Maybe no promises made directly. But they'll never directly promise anything. KP was on record as saying (paraphrasing): be in mix for a playoff spot in year 1 come fall. Make playoffs year 2. Compete for the big prize in year 3, which I take to mean be one of the best teams in the league.

By their own measuring stick they didn't reach their year one goal, but that's inconsequential compared to how we do in years two and three. But I struggle to reason how this season can be considered successful.
Actually, I remember Payne saying that they're not expecting much this year, next year they want to be competitive and borderline playoffs, and the year following to be in the playoffs. He continued to say that once you're in the playoffs, it's anybody's game.

[ag futbol]

^ be that as it may, here's a source for what I referenced. And this I believe is part of a video that's posted somewhere on TFC TV. So make no mistake, he said it.


He’s looking to take the side that had its worst season yet in 2012 and finished dead last in Major League Soccer and turn it into a potential playoff team in 2013, a “realistic competitor” to win the East in 2014 and “one of the top teams” in the league by 2015.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/tfc/2012/11/28/new_toronto_fc_boss_kevin_payne_loves_to_build_thi ngs.html?app=noRedirect

[notthesun]

Simon Borg agreed with the Caldwell call on the Instant Replay released today, hence the official verdict on the play will be that the ref got it wrong. lol

[Abou Sky]

Simon Borg agreed with the Caldwell call on the Instant Replay released today, hence the official verdict on the play will be that the ref got it wrong. lol

Simon Borg is the most annoying human being on earth, I don't let my son watch his bits without headphones on!

[Abou Sky]

And right there you lose many people.

Cathal is a troll looking for eyeballs.

How does that guy even have a column?