Match thread TFC vs. DC United 7 PM Feb 5

[Oldtimer]

Live stream available here:

http://www.torontofc.ca/live

TFC will be without 2 of our DPs. This is a good chance to see the quality of the rest of the squad.

[mowe]

Can't wait to see Bradley in a TFC kit. Still can't believe we signed him.

[Kaz]

I'm having fun watching Frei in goal again... in the SJ vs Seattle game.

[19Barrett19]

--------------------Bendik---------------------
Orr----------Caldwell-------Henry------Morrow
---------Laba-----------Bradley------------
Ray---------------------------------------dero
-------------Osorio---------------------------
--------------------Dike


5-1 TFC

[Ivy]

Don't expect Bradley to play.

[PopePouri]

Don't expect Bradley to play.

Or Caldwell.

[ag futbol]

Not sure exactly what we are going to see but I would expect that they are going to use Dero as a striker as opposed to a wide player. He simply doesn't have the legs to play that spot anymore and he doesn't track back, something Nelsen is very picky about his wide players doing.

[Kaz]

Or Caldwell.

Or laba if they are trying to unload him (at least not to start)

[notthesun]

I expect us to put out a more or less starting lineup for 45 mins, and then switch out pretty much everyone for a bench 45 in the second half.

[Yohan]

I thought Frei got injured again in that collision

[thisisinternetclash]

I haven't really been keeping up and this preseason really snuck up on me. Where's Gilberto?

[Dreadlocks]

According to this http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/mls/story/?id=443072 Gilberto may play?

[Kaz]

My heart sunk a little for him..

though he isn't the starting keeper for seattle.

he did have some good plays...

San Jose has some work to do.

[Graeme]

I expect us to put out a more or less starting lineup for 45 mins, and then switch out pretty much everyone for a bench 45 in the second half.
On the Fan, Nelson said he was putting out the youngsters today.

[notthesun]

I haven't really been keeping up and this preseason really snuck up on me. Where's Gilberto?

Sorting out visa issues. Jackson as well.



though he isn't the starting keeper for seattle.

He almost certainly is. I can't see Seattle preferring a 41 year-old Hahnemann over him.

[Kaz]

well according to the Seattle announcers they seem to consider Hahnemann the starter. Frei has barely played in two years.

[Ultra & Proud]

Sorting out visa issues. Jackson as well.



He almost certainly is. I can't see Seattle preferring a 41 year-old Hahnemann over him.

Unless that knock he took today is more serious than it seemed and Frei's bad luck has bit him again.

[Initial B]

I say DCU wins 1-0 with an 86th minute goal based on a defensive error a la Logan Emory.

[OgtheDim]

Silva to get stuck in.....and DeRo will hit the post in his 30 minute second half stint.

[brad]

On the Fan, Nelson said he was putting out the youngsters today.
Too bad the first team isn't playing for part of this. I'd really like to have a look at them, and really think Nelsen should be using as many games as possible to help this team gel before the season starts

[CountryoverClub]

Any word on Issey?

[Maltese Falcon]

It's a good way to check out the depth of the squad...can't believe how close we are to first kick

[Stress]

Toronto FC ‏@torontofc (https://twitter.com/torontofc) 2m (https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/431207514512695296)
Toronto FC Starting XI: Bendik, Mannella, Hagglund, Richter, Morrow, Aparicio, Osorio, Bradley, Lambe, Wiedeman, De Rosario. #TFClive (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFClive&src=hash)

should be interesting.

[Jpexxx]

Watching the Columbus game... If TFC is playing at the same facility we could have some visibly issues... Pretty foggy.

[Petor]

I just can't wait for 7pm!!! :P


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

[dantdot]

Richter playing CB? ...

[mowe]

Well that's a weird back line.

[pdubs]

Richter playing CB? ...

he has the height for it, maybe they want to covert him for more cover? or maybe everyone else is unavailable lol

[Walms]

Come on you REDS!!!!

[Red CB Toronto]

Time for the Reds to take the pitch and have a good time !!!!

[OgtheDim]

Please stand by......

[tfcleeds]

Are we gonna be able to see anything with all that fog? lol.

[pdubs]

fog city usa

[Kaz]

That is a lot of fog.

will they have to call the game?

[notthesun]

LOL

Can't even see the field. Hype gone.

[OgtheDim]

We always win when its foggy.....

[brad]

This game is amazing!

[Alonso]

Well.... I guess we can't watch the game after all.

[Redpunkfiddle]

Is there supposed to be audio?

[Leedsoronto]

Is this a live link to the security camera?

[Jpexxx]

Can anybody hear any audio?

[TFC07]

What a joke! Shit camera and bad weather conditions is enough to stop watching this crap.

[Flipityflu]

fog, no sound

jumpers for goal posts?

[Alonso]

Bullocks, I was REALLY looking forward to this.

[mowe]

Commentary works now!

[Alonso]

OOOhhhh Audio!

[brad]

Is the stream choppy for folks? I have 150 Mbps down and it's buffering like crazy

[RealG-TFC]

well the weather started my day off on the rong foot but this just ruined it entirely.

[__wowza]

great picture of the starting lineup..

http://media.modernus.com/uploads/materials/_thumbs/Light_Grey_Lacquer_jpg_640x480_q85.jpg

[RealG-TFC]

ANybody have sound?

[RealG-TFC]

Oh nvm, just got it

[Kaz]

IMG has the worse bandwidth these streams are horrid.

[OgtheDim]

Commentary works now!


In a slightly better then high school sort of way.

[Alonso]

ANybody have sound?

Sound is up.

Stream is choppy

[Gazza]

All I can make out is Bradley's head and the greatest finisher of the modern era's dreamy eyes.

[19Barrett19]

i thought that after years of this shit they would get ti fixed by now shitty stream forget the fog it's choppy

[Flipityflu]

if the lag is bothering you, just back up the stream a bit

[notthesun]

Thought it was just me with a choppy stream... Gonna try pausing it for 30 or so seconds to let it buffer...

[mowe]

Some good movement in midfield right now.

[notthesun]

Morrow looks comfortable so far... though that may be bias because he's one of the only guys I can see semi-properly.

[RealG-TFC]

That was good movement and a nice pass from Bradley

[OgtheDim]

Hmmm.....Nice passing from Osorio to DeRo to Weeds....who doesn't get as shot in.

[Red CB Toronto]

Fog is lifting

[Flipityflu]

clearing up now

[Marc"2L"]

Stream is dying as more people remember the game is on.

[Yohan]

interesting that Bradley is captain over DeRo...

[Red CB Toronto]

I love this team.

[OgtheDim]

Bradley as captain.

[Flipityflu]

pass and move, ball on the ground
who am i watching again?

[Auzzy]

Stream is dying as more people remember the game is on.

I don't know about that, the stream is via YouTube, I doubt they have a bandwidth problem with the number of people who might be watching this? Isn't the uplink from Florida the problem, which wouldn't be affected by the number of viewers?

[Kaz]

Ya IMG can't handle more then about 1800 without stuttering.. they need to upgrade it before next season if they want to keep teams coming in.

[PopePouri]

Bradley. fucking hell he's on a different level.

[Auzzy]

As others have mentioned, backing the stream up a bit really helped me, no more stuttering.

[OgtheDim]

Watching on Youtube and keeping it about a minute behind....not much lag.

[notthesun]

Nick Hagglund with a goal line clearance. Good cover there from him.

[brad]

Bradley. fucking hell he's on a different level.

Just thinking the same thing based on the bits I'm seeing. Always moving - always showing for the ball

[ag futbol]

Who is that on the left side? aparicio? He's made a few nice runs in.

[brad]

For streaming problems - watch it in YouTube and drop the quality down a bit.

[Smokecell]

Bradley. fucking hell he's on a different level.

Keep in mind he's at full game fitness, he came from Roma mid-season.

[Kaz]

For streaming problems - watch it in YouTube and drop the quality down a bit.

I'm back a full minute, and at 240... it only gives me about 5 minutes before I catch up.. you only get about 45 seconds of actual play out of every minute.

[OgtheDim]

Bradley dropping REALLY deep to pick up the ball.

And Lambe still can't pass when under pressure.

[tfcleeds]

Wow, I knew DCU had been revamped over the offseason, but when you consider everyone they've brought in, they've been even busier than we have! They should offer much stiffer competition in the East this year.

[brad]

Keep in mind he's at full game fitness, he came from Roma mid-season.

How much was he playing at Roma?

[19Barrett19]

pause the game for 10 min and it runs perfect

[Auzzy]

For streaming problems - watch it in YouTube and drop the quality down a bit.

Good tip, thanks!

[RealG-TFC]

Wow, I knew DCU had been revamped over the offseason, but when you consider everyone they've brought in, they've been even busier than we have! They should offer much stiffer competition in the East this year.

Philadelphia also revamped a lot too (on paper). The East is going to get wild this year.

[Gazza]

Terrible fog. I'm glad i'm not in THAT kind of weather, sheesh!

[OgtheDim]

Oh DeRo......please don't take it across the box and ignore your three teammates only to take a shot against 3 defenders who know you are going to shoot. Seen that a bit too often in the past.

[flatpicker]

Would they even know if someone scored?

[tfcleeds]

Has Bradley even had a bad touch/pass yet?

[Auzzy]

Just wondering, does anyone else think Dero looks a bit out of shape?

[notthesun]

Just wondering, does anyone else think Dero looks a bit out of shape?

Impossible to tell with this fog.

[brad]

Just wondering, does anyone else think Dero looks a bit out of shape?

Highly unlikely. He is well known to take top care of himself - I suspect he is quite fit.

[Gazza]

De Ro is a fitness and nutrition freak, but I do believe his age and knee injury have taken a bit of a toll. Think he'll be great off the bench.

[Auzzy]

I know that Dero is a nutrition & fitness freak. I just felt he looked a bit heavier than I remembered him. But yeah hard to see in this pea soup.

[OgtheDim]

De Ro running well in the channels but he is not looking for his teammates at all. If he does that while in the midfield and with Defoe and Gilberto, there will be issues.

Hoping its just him being the forward.

[brad]

De Ro running well in the channels but he is not looking for his teammates at all. If he does that while in the midfield and with Defoe and Gilberto, there will be issues.

Indeed - but we have to remember he is playing with Weedman. Would you pass it to him? :-)

Seriously though - if he does that when Defoe is out there...

[Auzzy]

They need to use the low cameras much more often -- much better to see under the fog.

[Gazza]

Reggie Lambe has all the tools to be a good MLS player. Too bad he just can't see the field the way good players do. It's almost like he's playing in a fog...

[pdubs]

Toronto FC ‏@torontofc (https://twitter.com/torontofc) 1m (https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/431232558647750656) TFC's 2nd Half Lineup: Konopka, Agbossoumonde, Henry, Morgan, Nakajima-Farran, Laba, Hall, Bekker, Rey, Welshman, Dike. #TFClive (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFClive&src=hash)

Toronto FC ‏@torontofc (https://twitter.com/torontofc) 46s (https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/431232781973467136)
It looks like Matias Laba will be playing RB for TFC. #tfclive (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tfclive&src=hash)

[OgtheDim]

I was thinking more that would be a 3-5-2

[notthesun]

I'm noticing Morrow pushing very very far out wide. Often confusing him for Richter because he's shifting over to cover the left. Very aggressive.

[RealG-TFC]

I like that Morrow likes to go forward but I think he needs to fine tune his passing.

[brad]

Laba at RB makes no sense.

[ag futbol]

Well that says a lot about our chances of keeping him :facepalm:

[TFC07]

Maybe it's Hall playing as RB instead of Laba.

[Yohan]

Laba at RB makes no sense.
should be Jeremy Hall, who has played RB often

[19Barrett19]

glad to have tfc playin again but i waited like a little school boy for this game damn fog would be nice if it went away

[notthesun]

Even if Laba is at RB I don't see how that's any cause for speculation one way or the other... people play out of position in pre-season all the time.

[notthesun]

So the stream itself must be like 15 minutes behind real life... TFC just tweeted that Nakajima-Farran had a great chance in the 51st minute and it's still halftime on the stream.

[Leedsoronto]

You tube pause tip is good.

Who that saying hello? Lol She know she is live

[newb]

So the stream itself must be like 15 minutes behind real life... TFC just tweeted that Nakajima-Farran had a great chance in the 51st minute and it's still halftime on the stream.

That makes the issue with the stream worse...

[tfcleeds]

Well this sucks.

[notthesun]

Every year we complain about how bad the pre-season streams are and every year MLS does nothing about it... sad.

[Gazza]

Not sure they can find a uniform to fit Dike.

[khso11]

This fog is just ridiculous

[Gazza]

Laba playing right back.

[Kaz]

the stream is at 1:05 minutes it went live about 90 minutes ago. so it falls about 15 seconds behind every minute or so.

[notthesun]

There's the chance from Farran. Fantastic run and cross by Rey. Looking forward to seeing him do work this season.

[Shakes McQueen]

Should I even bother asking how the boys are playing? It sounds like you're all just watching a grey rectangle.

- Scott

[ag futbol]

Not a bad crowd for a preseason game.

[mcolvy]

Laba looks like the best RB we have had for a while. Just doesnt turn the ball over. Ever.

[mcolvy]

we cannot give him away. Hes unreal.

[Auzzy]

I'm out, the buffering pisses me off too much. I'm at work at UofT, no way there's any bandwidth problem at my end. So much hype in the leadup, then this garbage.

Have fun guys!

[brad]

I'm out, the buffering pisses me off too much. I'm at work at UofT, no way there's any bandwidth problem at my end. So much hype in the leadup, then this garbage.

Have fun guys!

It's the stream for sure. I've got netflix going in full HD without a hiccup - getting about 95mbps down on my connection - and it's buffering like crazy

[Alonso]

It's the stream for sure. I've got netflix going in full HD without a hiccup - getting about 95mbps down on my connection - and it's buffering like crazy

My HD stream on my laptop has steadied to.

[Kaz]

It's stopped loading entirely at this point.

[notthesun]

LOL the stream just died.

Thanks for the reliably shitty experience MLS.

[flatpicker]

Is the game over?
Like anyone would know.

[pdubs]

Apparently Dike scored. Stream is gone tho..

[Alonso]

Is this 1991, or 2014?

I'm confused because MLS can't seem to get a stream on the internets right.

[flatpicker]

Did we win yet?

[notthesun]

Well the stream is gone but it was 20 minutes behind in the first place.

We won the game 1-0. Goal by Dike and assist on a cross by supplemental draftee Kene Eze.

[loconet]

MLS, using a potato wired to a 14.4 modem to stream its preseason matches since 2007.

[flatpicker]

Well, we won a game!
That's something.

[Alonso]

MLS, using a potato wired to a 14.4 modem to stream its preseason matches since 2007.

LOL

Toooo funny g:D

[tfcleeds]

Thanks for nothing MLS. The foggy conditions were bad enough, but the stream made it unbearable. Hopefully will be much better for the Disney Classic.

[Kaz]

I really think it is IMG the seattle stream didn't have so much of a hiccup

[jloome]

Thanks for nothing MLS. The foggy conditions were bad enough, but the stream made it unbearable. Hopefully will be much better for the Disney Classic.

And yet at the Tucson desert cup the Portland-Houston game looks fine. Yeesh.

We lost 30 minutes and the winning goal.

[khso11]

At least we won!

[Leedsoronto]

I watched a guy parachute jump from space without a hitch but I am unable to watch a footie game on the same planet !

OMFg TFC sort it out

[reggie]

lol...I blame MLSE for everything,,even the FOG

[notthesun]

I watched a guy parachute jump from space without a hitch but I am unable to watch a footie game on the same planet !

OMFg TFC sort it out

MLS runs the pre-season streams, not individual clubs.

[Alonso]

lol...I blame MLSE for everything,,even the FOG

Agreed g:D

[reggie]

wow great goal by DIKE...overhead kick from the 18...:scarf::drinking:maybe not...too much fog...

[Flipityflu]

glad we won...can we call ourselves a superclub now?

[Detroit_TFC]

I hope that fog wasn't a supercolony of bullshit blowing north from the Beckham announcement down in Miami earlier in the day.

[FluSH]

Yes Dike! Lol

[TFC07]

Will TFC post Dike goal on TFC TV?

[Kaz]

Will TFC post Dike goal on TFC TV?

I Don't think even TFC knows the answer to that question right now.

[Pint]

they said they would if they can get hold of the footage but who knows at this point

[TFCwestcan]

Will TFC post Dike goal on TFC TV?

Likely the MLS video editors are scratching their heads as to what highlights to include since they can't clearly see many of the players.

[Yohan]

Hard to tell from preseason form and fog to get a good feel, but overall I felt that the lads were not bad. Some good combination plays. Both Bendik and Konopka had to make big stops, but the defence wasn't bad considering no Caldwell and Richter playing out of position. Actually, Richter at CB might not be a bad idea at all, if he can improve his positioning.

Was impressed by Bradley, who won a lot of balls and has the capability to unlock defences with long range passing. Bekker had couple of good passes as well, and seemed to have improved his composure a bit. Issey looked to have gotten involved on the wing. Laba I don't think lost the ball once. Morrow looked to be a slightly better version of Morgan, and got up the flanks a lot. DeRo was DeRo, and he's going to take a shot whenever he sees quarter of an opening. Rey is still the best 1v1 on the team.

For first game of the season, felt good about what I saw.

[notthesun]

Here's the goal finally. Field-level replay gives a better look. Solid weak foot finish from Dike.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Gc20cxsdQ

[Leedsoronto]

Nice goal, great service, thanks NTS

[Red CB Toronto]

Here's the goal finally. Field-level replay gives a better look. Solid weak foot finish from Dike.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60Gc20cxsdQ

That is amazing, when the MLS is up against the wall, they give us what we want. Good to see Dike in action.

[Initial B]

Wow, this time it was the other team giving it up near the end-of-game. And to think that the goal came of what could be considered our second string. Can you imagine having Bradley and Laba on the field at the same time? The two of them will own the middle of the pitch this year!

[MartinUtd]

Fucking Christ how can they not have the goal up before the post game interviews with Nelsen and De Rosario? Sometimes I wonder if these big signings are coming at the cost of belt tightening in other areas.

I couldn't tell much of what was going on in the first half but I was impressed by Bradley for both his footballing ability and the fact that his head reflects the stadium lights like a lighthouse in St Johns. Richter at CB was an interesting choice, he's 6'2" and hard in the tackle. It makes sense that they're keeping him around as the 4/5th centreback instead of the 5th fullback. If the experiment works out I'd say keeping him is a better move than say, Attakora. Agbossoumonde needs to learn how to pass plain and simple. If it's a forward pass and the player is not wide open, it's a turn over. Nakajima Farran looked promising, far more than Reggie Lambe and I imagine he'd be cheap considering his past clubs were 2nd tier Denmark and the A-League. Bekker better improve his passing game because having flashes of being a professional footballer isn't good enough. Dike had a nice and composed finish and Welshy gets the fog excuse for being invisible this time, but I suspect it won't happen again.

[Red CB Toronto]

From these pics I found on Yahoo you can really see how thick the fog truly was, good on the Reds getting the victory, all good to see them start with a victory.

http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/tlTCsTLIhKEUvlH6xzl5Ow--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTY3ODtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/USA_Today/20140205_lbm_db1_310-959278912780ed90a89318171d57c66e

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/JAg2faVU4V0UsMSm0FqI1g--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTEwMzc7cHlvZmY9MDtxPT c1O3c9OTYw/http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/USA_Today/20140205_lbm_db1_319-9b96b9cd9efcee4191e01e752e2bed21

http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/wsTjjp.QgPU0Wn_dUIwrzQ--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTc1ODtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/USA_Today/20140205_lbm_db1_186-fd8ba09f2018c8ef63b76b36418e5053

[TFCwestcan]

Lovely shot of Osorio and Silva, what we have and what we gave away. These great shots look like the game was played near a forest fire or in China, surreal.

[jloome]

That is amazing, when the MLS is up against the wall, they give us what we want. Good to see Dike in action.

The cross from Eze was nice, too. Looks like a big, clever player. Rey was good in the first half, Bradley looked solid, Laba came on and immediately stripped DC twice, lol.

Good times, fog and all. If Dike finishes like that all season we'll have some heavy options up front.

[notthesun]

The cross from Eze was nice, too. Looks like a big, clever player. Rey was good in the first half, Bradley looked solid, Laba came on and immediately stripped DC twice, lol.

Good times, fog and all. If Dike finishes like that all season we'll have some heavy options up front.

I can see Dike locking down a starting position early in the season if Gilberto takes a bit of time to get used to MLS play. With a strong pre-season he may even make the starting lineup against Seattle. I think he'll be very valuable to us this season.

[GuelphStorm2007]

I did not watch any of the preseason match I have only seen the goal and that is it. Who stood out other than Bradley and Dike.

[Red CB Toronto]

Here is a pretty cool fog pic of Joe Bendik, just look at it taking over the field.

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/LUL79hoGSZjERkowPL_59A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTYzNTtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/USA_Today/20140205_lbm_db1_184-cb829ef5711126040a296a4ea67dbd23

[loconet]

Bradley's post game interview, I counted 12 "You know" in just over 1 minute. That has to be a TFC record...

[maninb]

We MUST hang on to Dike......His size and speed are fantastic....

[Canary10]

We MUST hang on to Dike......His size and speed are fantastic....

I have a feeling we'll see him paired with Defoe more often than we think.

[Haddy]

I thought Joe Bendik made an interesting comment at the end of his post-game. Briefly talks about midfield style change.


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

[Kaz]

I'd like to see DeRo and Dike as forwards at the same time,
the idea of Bradley, Osorio, two solid wingers .. (anyone but Lambe)
and some back line options are a good sign.

lots of work to do.

Though I do like that TFC either through design or just coincidence have always tried to maintain a decent crop of Canadians on the team, and ones that have potential to start.

say what you will about TFC.. but they have tried to find a way to compete with Canadians on the pitch. Vancouver and Montreal haven't. If Issey signs that is 10 Canadians with 5 potential starters (though I expect 4-5 of them to go out on loan). Vancouver has 3 signed Canadians, 1 draft pick and 1 on loan (5) (only 1 starts often) ... Montreal has 5 and 1 draft pick, Bernier is the only real regular starter.

This years TFC squad could see Henry, Morgan, Osorio, Issey, and Dero all start a game together where we have a strong chance to pick up points.

That I think is the most smile inducing thing I got out of that pre-season game.

I do want to make it clear that is all I take from it.. we had a very strong pre-season in 2012... and then.. worse team in the world.

[OgtheDim]

Out of this group: Konopka, Agbossoumonde, Henry, Morgan, Nakajima-Farran, Laba, Hall, Bekker, Rey, Welshman, Dike, who had the captain's armband in the second half?

[Super]

We MUST hang on to Dike......His size and speed are fantastic....

I agree. I know he wants to see playing time, and there's been talk of him going out on loan to help his WC chances. But honestly, why would we loan out such a strong striker when we need him so desperately? Defoe and Gilberto will hopefully be great up front, but Dike will serve as our 3rd guy. Or possibly 2nd or 1st. That's up to him.

[CommradePolski]

Out of this group: Konopka, Agbossoumonde, Henry, Morgan, Nakajima-Farran, Laba, Hall, Bekker, Rey, Welshman, Dike, who had the captain's armband in the second half?

Jeremy Hall had the armband, I recall the announcers saying.

[TFC07]

Where's Elmer?

[Canary10]

I agree. I know he wants to see playing time, and there's been talk of him going out on loan to help his WC chances. But honestly, why would we loan out such a strong striker when we need him so desperately? Defoe and Gilberto will hopefully be great up front, but Dike will serve as our 3rd guy. Or possibly 2nd or 1st. That's up to him.

I really can't imagine him going anywhere on loan. If he's third choice striker at TFC, he'll be even lower on the pecking order at Celtic (where he was rumoured to go), or pretty much any other European club. He has a better chance of playing at TFC. And playing with Defoe, Nigeria will be having a close look at him.

[barticusz]

Dike scored in preseason.. lets all take a breath and calm down. He could be solid depth but he hasn't maintained a consistent finishing rate in his career. Gilberto on the other hand has, and in Brazil.

[Super]

I really can't imagine him going anywhere on loan. If he's third choice striker at TFC, he'll be even lower on the pecking order at Celtic (where he was rumoured to go), or pretty much any other European club. He has a better chance of playing at TFC. And playing with Defoe, Nigeria will be having a close look at him.

We definitely shouldn't consider loaning him out to a club that's not going to start him every game. Also, I understand that he wants to make the WC, and playing regularly will help in that pursuit. But I don't really see the sense in putting Dike's own personal priorities over ours. He could actually be extremely effective here as first a super sub, and then later getting some starts, especially in the cup games. Then who knows, maybe he'll push Defoe or Gilberto onto the bench. It's GOOD to have a player who is hungry for games and goals - it helps motivate Defoe and Gilberto.

I think it would be a terrible mistake (of Mo proportion) to loan out Dike at this point. It would hurt us in the league. We've had enough of that.

[Super]

Dike scored in preseason.. lets all take a breath and calm down. He could be solid depth but he hasn't maintained a consistent finishing rate in his career. Gilberto on the other hand has, and in Brazil.

Oh absolutely. That's why Dike is #3 striker. Maybe shared with DeRo. Either way, we should keep him. We don't want to find ourselves in a situation where we need him and he's loaned out to serve his own need. Our need must come first.

[Canary10]

We definitely shouldn't consider loaning him out to a club that's not going to start him every game. Also, I understand that he wants to make the WC, and playing regularly will help in that pursuit. But I don't really see the sense in putting Dike's own personal priorities over ours. He could actually be extremely effective here as first a super sub, and then later getting some starts, especially in the cup games. Then who knows, maybe he'll push Defoe or Gilberto onto the bench. It's GOOD to have a player who is hungry for games and goals - it helps motivate Defoe and Gilberto.

I think it would be a terrible mistake (of Mo proportion) to loan out Dike at this point. It would hurt us in the league. We've had enough of that.

Totally agree. He also gives us size which we don't have in Defoe or Gilberto. Need to be able to change things up, look to score in different ways and he brings that.

[Carts]

WE'RE GONNA WIN THE LEAGUE... Undefeated at home... TFC looked unstoppable... Dike unreal finish... Laba the DP of all non-DP's... Eze = service king... Bekker is a future all-star...

Bradley is GONNA TEAR THIS LEAGUE APART!

Carts...

PS: I didn't watch the game g:D

[BuSaPuNk]

WE'RE GONNA WIN THE LEAGUE... Undefeated at home... TFC looked unstoppable... Dike unreal finish... Laba the DP of all non-DP's... Eze = service king... Bekker is a future all-star...

Bradley is GONNA TEAR THIS LEAGUE APART!

Carts...

PS: I didn't watch the game g:D

I would expect this in some sort of media that doesn't follow the team. lol

[Yohan]

Oh absolutely. That's why Dike is #3 striker. Maybe shared with DeRo. Either way, we should keep him. We don't want to find ourselves in a situation where we need him and he's loaned out to serve his own need. Our need must come first.
with Jan transfer window closed, Dike isn't going anywhere.

[spark]

Dike scored in preseason.. lets all take a breath and calm down. He could be solid depth but he hasn't maintained a consistent finishing rate in his career. Gilberto on the other hand has, and in Brazil.

Gilberto has not maintained a consistant finishing rate in Brazil. He's had one spell of great form that lasted two months last fall in a league not known for great defending or physical play.

IMO that spot is up for grabs and Dike should offer more combination play and balances out the attack better.

[tfcleeds]

Bradley is GONNA TEAR THIS LEAGUE APART! Carts... Based on what I saw of him last night (which wasn't much, given the fog), for once, maybe that phrase will finally be apt!

[Super]

with Jan transfer window closed, Dike isn't going anywhere.

Yes, that's true. I'm happy with that. Dike will just have to earn his playing time. Should be interesting.

[Alonso]

WE'RE GONNA WIN THE LEAGUE... Undefeated at home... TFC looked unstoppable... Dike unreal finish... Laba the DP of all non-DP's... Eze = service king... Bekker is a future all-star...

Bradley is GONNA TEAR THIS LEAGUE APART!

Carts...

PS: I didn't watch the game g:D

Kool-Aid in full effect!

Let's plan the parade route!

:drinking:

[Oldtimer]

Kool-Aid in full effect!

Let's plan the parade route!

:drinking:

Give me some of that Kool-Aid!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4a/Philip_F._Anschutz_Trophy.jpg

[RealG-TFC]

Hey, once we get to the playoffs anything is possible.

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view6/4503157/kg-anything-is-possible-o.gif

[Oldtimer]

For me, I'd be happy just to no longer be the Wost Team in the World (TM), and make it to the second round of the playoffs.

[RealG-TFC]

For me, I'd be happy just to no longer be the Wost Team in the World (TM), and make it to the second round of the playoffs.

I can't help but think its possible to win the whole thing, that's the beauty of the playoffs. Colorado in 2010 comes to mind. They miss the playoffs in 2009, are seeded 7th in 2010 and go on to win it all.

[Alonso]

I can't help but think its possible to win the whole thing, that's the beauty of the playoffs. Colorado in 2010 comes to mind. They miss the playoffs in 2009, are seeded 7th in 2010 and go on to win it all.


Well now you've gone and jinxed it....









Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

[Shakes McQueen]

I bet we are so good this year, that FIFA makes an exception just for us, so we can play in the UEFA Champions League. Also, they will give us a bye to the final. Let the rest of the football world fight over who gets the honour of losing to us.

Also, TFC will secede from Canada and become it's own nation state, so it can compete in the World Cup... where we will get another bye to the final. Jermain Defoe will be elected the first President of BMOistan.

- Scott

[Morlesio14]

I bet we are so good this year, that FIFA makes an exception just for us, so we can play in the UEFA Champions League. Also, they will give us a bye to the final. Let the rest of the football world fight over who gets the honour of losing to us.

Also, TFC will secede from Canada and become it's own nation state, so it can compete in the World Cup... where we will get another bye to the final. Jermain Defoe will be elected the first President of BMOistan.

- Scott

Cautious optimism

- Scott

[Kaz]

I bet we are so good this year, that FIFA makes an exception just for us, so we can play in the UEFA Champions League. Also, they will give us a bye to the final. Let the rest of the football world fight over who gets the honour of losing to us.

Also, TFC will secede from Canada and become it's own nation state, so it can compete in the World Cup... where we will get another bye to the final. Jermain Defoe will be elected the first President of BMOistan.

- Scott

Aces too bad Grimes and Ford will make BMOistan build a stadium for the Argos as part of secession

[Gazza]

Here is a pretty cool fog pic of Joe Bendik, just look at it taking over the field.

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/LUL79hoGSZjERkowPL_59A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTYzNTtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/USA_Today/20140205_lbm_db1_184-cb829ef5711126040a296a4ea67dbd23

A great foggin' pic right there.

[Gazza]

Has an MLS player ever won the ballon d'or?

[reggie]

no....but we have the Bradley d orr,sori im bored...:drinking:

[Huyton]

Here is a pretty cool fog pic of Joe Bendik, just look at it taking over the field.

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/LUL79hoGSZjERkowPL_59A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTYzNTtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/USA_Today/20140205_lbm_db1_184-cb829ef5711126040a296a4ea67dbd23

That's a great picture.

Back in 1968, the fog was thick at Anfield, when Liverpool scored a goal at the Anfield Road end. The Kop, who may have been able to just see the centre circle, sang out "Who Scored the Goal" and the Anny Road end sang back "Tony Hateley, Tony Hateley".

[Detroit_TFC]

Great photo!

[OgtheDim]

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/LUL79hoGSZjERkowPL_59A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTYzNTtweW9mZj0wO3E9Nz U7dz05NjA-/http://media.zenfs.com/en_US/Sports/USA_Today/20140205_lbm_db1_184-cb829ef5711126040a296a4ea67dbd23


"That's OK....I kick it up there and I have no idea where its going anyways so what's the diff?"