Wed 26 Feb 1pm: Mickey Mouse Cup Game 3, Philadelphia Union vs. TFC

[Oldtimer]

Third game in the series, against a strong team.

I expect that we will see close to a first team line-up, with Cesar in net. Hopefully we will see more cohesive play, and they will have worked out some of the problems we saw in game 1.

[OgtheDim]

As far as getting better, I'd settle for one of either Bloom or Orr on the right.

[MartinUtd]

These preseason schedules never seem like enough.

[tfcleeds]

Just find it hard to believe that we haven't scheduled any friendlies in the two week period between March 1 and season opener. As if the conditions weren't going to be tough enough, going to Seattle on the road, we will be at a significant disadvantage not being in game shape.

[Phil]

TFC are pretty good at slating in games against local opponents. I remember when down in Charleston they would play the university team and nobody would have known otherwise.

I hope that is what they are doing at the very least. These guys need some gel time and not on the PS3 LOL

[MartinUtd]

That's what's bugging me. Maybe I'm underestimating the what regular training sessions can do, but I'd still like to see more actual game time.

[tfcleeds]

And I don't imagine Defoe will be playing in the final Disney friendly, as he'll have just arrived. So, he'll have no time to get used to his new teammates before the season starts (at least, not in a game situation).

[Phil]

And I don't imagine Defoe will be playing in the final Disney friendly, as he'll have just arrived. So, he'll have no time to get used to his new teammates before the season starts (at least, not in a game situation).

With our record, would we qualify for the 'final'? 1 point...

[tfcleeds]

^There'd be a final match against the 3rd or 4th place team in the other group (can't remember which), correct?

[OgtheDim]

And I don't imagine Defoe will be playing in the final Disney friendly, as he'll have just arrived. So, he'll have no time to get used to his new teammates before the season starts (at least, not in a game situation).

I have my doubts as to him playing in Seattle. I know he's competitive and wants to get out there but the turf monster lurks.

[notthesun]

Whether we make the final or not we get one more game from this tournament.

Hopefully either Bloom or Orr will be ready to go Wednesday.

[Initial B]

TFC will probably lose, mostly because I think (hope?) that Nelsen is playing his tactical cards close to his vest. Because if he uses the same tactics we've seen all preseason, TFC will be lucky to finish 7th in the east.

[Leedsoronto]

TFC will probably lose, mostly because I think (hope?) that Nelsen is playing his tactical cards close to his vest. Because if he uses the same tactics we've seen all preseason, TFC will be lucky to finish 7th in the east.

Ha ha yeh, we lulling the other teams into sense of security, they all think we are not ready

Then

Bam we beat Seattle 10-0

Zzzzz

Oh I'm sleep posting again Lol

[brad]

^^ the TFC rope-a-dope

[Cas87]

What I think the line-up may look like today:

This formation gives youngsters a chance to impress and the veterans to work together and begin to gel

Of course I could be completely wrong




J. Cesar




A. Morgan S. Caldwell N. Hagglund B. Orr




Bradley




Osorio Jackson




De Rosario




Gilberto Wiedeman

[Pint]

That may be tough with laba reportedly not in florida

[akoto]

I'm hoping for a near opening day lineup of:


Cesar


Boss —— Caldwell —— Henry —— Morrow




Jackson —— Osario —— Bradley —— Rey



Gilberto —— Hamilton

I would like to see Hamilton get some minutes and I believe Orr is still out with a slight knock. I believe I heard Gilberto is also injured, and if he is, I would slot in Weideman.

[cincy]

Also may be tough as the game is listed as tomorrow

[Alonso]

Also may be tough as the game is listed as tomorrow



LOL... I was getting all excited.


False alarm

[akoto]

Also may be tough as the game is listed as tomorrow

What may be tough?

[pdubs]

I hope to have our starters play more than 45 mins. 60 would be a good target, allow them more fitness and to create more opportunities.

[Pint]

With only 1 more preseason game they should be getting close to 70+ min if they are fit right now.

[Red CB Toronto]

With only 1 more preseason game they should be getting close to 70+ min if they are fit right now.

They actually have two, also play on Saturday in the Disney Tourney.

[Pint]

They actually have two, also play on Saturday in the Disney Tourney.

sorry i meant 1 more after tomorrow

[Red CB Toronto]

sorry i meant 1 more after tomorrow

Not at all, just wanted to clarify it for everyone.

[nick.mastro]

Gilberto is hurt ? :S

[cincy]

What may be tough?

It was just a tongue in cheek comment about someone's projected lineup for the game, they thought it was scheduled for yesterday

[Fort York Redcoat]

They actually have two, also play on Saturday in the Disney Tourney.

phew.

Thank the maker!

[mastermixer]

Gilberto (if he's not hurt) better start showing his worth. I'm getting one of those Mista feelings all over again. :hide:

[tfcleeds]

^Considering he's only played in one preseason match so far, I'd hardly call him the second coming of Mista just yet. Guy's virtually at the beginning of his career, Mista was an aged donkey by the time he got here.

[Section 117]

^Considering he's only played in one preseason match so far, I'd hardly call him the second coming of Mista just yet. Guy's virtually at the beginning of his career, Mista was an aged donkey by the time he got here.


I agree Gilberto has played one preseason game, we can judge him at the end of the season not now.

I spit out my coffee on the bolded portion of you comment... It's gold

[TFC07]

Toronto FC ‏@torontofc (https://twitter.com/torontofc) 2m (https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/438722361496727553)
#TFClive (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFClive&src=hash) Starting XI: Cesar, Morrow, Henry, Caldwell, Hagglund, Rey, Osorio, Bradley, Jackson, De Rosario, Wiedeman

[tfcleeds]

No Gilberto/Orr/Bloom again. I really hope their injuries aren't serious.

[notthesun]

Lineup doesn't surprise me. That's our starting lineup in Seattle minus injuries and Defoe.

Hopefully Orr and Gilberto will take it easy and be fully ready to go by then.

[TFC07]

I like starting midfield group for this game since they most likely going to be our starting midfield for first game.

[pdubs]

need to see meaningful minutes today for our starters. Minimum 60, ideally 70. Have more creativity and be more threatening even tho missing Gilberto and Defoe. Weeds has speed and Dero can still shoot.

If Nelson pulls almost everyone at halftime I will be very disappointed. To build chemistry we need these preseason minutes.

[Cas87]

What I think the line-up may look like today:

This formation gives youngsters a chance to impress and the veterans to work together and begin to gel

Of course I could be completely wrong




J. Cesar




A. Morgan S. Caldwell N. Hagglund B. Orr




Bradley




Osorio Jackson




De Rosario




Gilberto Wiedeman







Sorry everyone, have been working the early shift at work and thought tuesday was wedneday (might also be excitement)

Anyway not too bad of a line up actually put out today. Any change to the opening day XI would be Defoe and Gilberto (if healed up)

[jloome]

Philly has switched to a 4-3-3 lately to accomodate their new midfield; will be interesting to see if they're 'gelling' and how we contain three up top.

[Miller_TFC]

with no RBs playing today it will mean that neither Orr or Bloom will have seen much playing time with the projected starting XI. Its still early but it is worrisome if the entire back line isn't on the same page to begin the season, especially with all the newbies in the team.

[Walms]

I like the line up, pretty close to what we will see on day1, pumped to watch this game at work...With my luck there going to call a meeting right at kick-off

[Ivy]

Is there a YouTube stream?

[Leedsoronto]

No countdown or warm up on the stream yet? Just a little worm doing circles?
Anyone else got owt yet?

[jloome]

Is there a YouTube stream?

It's on the Union website. If it's stuttering, turn off hardware acceleration. Must be link on the page to the original on youtube too.

http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/live

Here's the Youtube link:
http://youtu.be/FIZM55l9lVY

[Thomas]

http://www.torontofc.ca/live

Seems ok so far, though dark. All the other streams so far have been rubbish

[Yohan]

http://www.torontofc.ca/live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIZM55l9lVY

[Leedsoronto]

Thanks

[OgtheDim]

IIRC, its Sporting KC that is taking care of the streaming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIZM55l9lVY

[notthesun]

About to start now.

[West220Side]

A big win in this game and everybody goes from demanding Nelsen (or Nelson according to half the people who want him fired) to be hung, to singing and praising his name. Preseason becomes what? L/D/W if we win today? Preseason results, don't really bug me much. I'm gonna make my judgement of him based off the opening game in Seattle.

[SoccMan2]

Nelson has a big hard on for Wiedeman, and the center back but now under the great coaching abilities of Nelson tuned right back Hagelund.

[OgtheDim]

Nelson has a big hard on for Wiedeman, and the center back but now under the great coaching abilities of Nelson tuned right back Hagelund.


Ignorance is not your friend.

There are reasons for those moves.

[notthesun]

Nelson has a big hard on for Wiedeman, and the center back but now under the great coaching abilities of Nelson tuned right back Hagelund.

You realize the only reason they're both playing is because of injuries, right?

[Yohan]

bah. Rey goofed on that. needs to be better aware to be not offside

[jloome]

Bradley's frigging everywhere so far. Wow.

[notthesun]

bah. Rey goofed on that. needs to be better aware to be not offside

2nd god awful turnover from Philly at the back already. Macmath had the worst goal kick of all time a couple minutes ago.

[pdubs]

Nelson has a big hard on for Wiedeman, and the center back but now under the great coaching abilities of Nelson tuned right back Hagelund.

not keeping up with injury statuses are you?

[West220Side]

Nelson has a big hard on for Wiedeman, and the center back but now under the great coaching abilities of Nelson tuned right back Hagelund.

Nelsen has no other options at forward. He's playing DeRo up top with him, while he's experienced as a forward, especially for TFC id argue he's more of a midfield playmaker.
Who would you rather see played at forward today? Perhaps we could wheel Dike on field in a wheel chair, Gilberto could partner him on crutches, and and... Defoe could parachute in from the skys seeing as he's in England probably eating dinner right now.

As for Huggland, he's a kid and he's just throwing him some minutes, isn't Orr and Bloom both injured aswell? Id say its pretty smart tactically for him not to throw players with slight muscle strains, etc out onto that pitch to hurt themselves so badly that they can't play in the season opener. Not to mention the high risk for dirty tackles, and bad officiating in preseason.

[West220Side]

I'm worried about Bradley, he's been forward a lot but i've also noticed him basically nose to nose with Caldwell a lot. This is how Frings got taken out of games so often, playing so far back into the defensive line.

Does anybody here watch Roma a lot? or the USMNT? Whats Bradleys endurance like, can the boy run for days?

[Yohan]

what the heck was that, Henry?

[PopePouri]

Cesar so good with his feet.

[Yohan]

some smooth moves by Rey under pressure. cutting inside quite often though

[jloome]

I know they rarely call it but that Philly throw was illegal.

[David_Oliveira]

Is Ashtone injured? I understand the use of haglund but why not give Ashtone some minutes too

[ag futbol]

Is Ashtone injured? I understand the use oh haggulund but why not give Ashtone some minutes too
I would say move Jackson to RB, Rey to right side, then put someone else over on the left. Haggulund doesn't look to be offering much at all.

[jloome]

Playing Okay so far but still mostly looking for long balls.

[notthesun]

I would say move Jackson to RB, Rey to right side, then put someone else over on the left. Haggulund doesn't look to be offering much at all.

Nelsen wants the full midfield together I suspect. Jackson will be starting in mid against Seattle, better to have a weak RB in than to break up the 4 man mid just to win a pre-season game.

[Yohan]

Ugh Henry. just poor decision. Cesar passes to Henry because he's coming under pressure. Henry passes right back to Cesar and Cesar has to hoofs it away

[West220Side]

I would say move Jackson to RB, Rey to right side, then put someone else over on the left. Haggulund doesn't look to be offering much at all.

I don't know he hasn't exactly fucked up yet right? I don't have a problem with a player who goes out there and does his job so well that nobody praises him. Haven't seen anybody running over him, he's staying in position, has had a few touches. When you do something right, people wont know you did it at all.

[ag futbol]

some smooth moves by Rey under pressure. cutting inside quite often though
Nothing wrong with that. If they are going to play him on his off side, it should be expected.

[Yohan]

Henry lets Le Toux cut in front of him for that chance. poor

[ag futbol]

Nelsen wants the full midfield together I suspect. Jackson will be starting in mid against Seattle, better to have a weak RB in than to break up the 4 man mid just to win a pre-season game.
But the way this is going, he could be our starting RB opening day. Not sure I like the sound of that.

[OgtheDim]

Playing Okay so far but still mostly looking for long balls.

Funny but I've really only seen some passing through the middle.

[David_Oliveira]

I would say move Jackson to RB, Rey to right side, then put someone else over on the left. Haggulund doesn't look to be offering much at all.

I personally would like to see as many players start in their opening day spots as possible. Keeping as many of the players in their opening day spots helps develop familiarity with each other. Like that, when the other starters are healthy, they can slot into their positions and the rest will already be familiar with each other, easing the transition of the unused players

[jloome]

Hmmm....not sure how DeRo could be offside on a ball that Philly played back accidentally.

[jloome]

Funny but I've really only seen some passing through the middle.

It's not the area of the field, Og, it's the distance between those central midfielders and the forward line. We have both central mids sitting back, so it's harder to link up without going wide.

[West220Side]

Morrow performing on another level for that play. Redeemed himself for some shakey play earlier.

[notthesun]

But the way this is going, he could be our starting RB opening day. Not sure I like the sound of that.

Nor do I but Orr's injury isn't that serious I don't think. Think he'll be good to go by then, unfortunately without much experience with the rest of our backline.

[Yohan]

Henry really getting comfortable with use of his left foot though

[ag futbol]

Morrow performing on another level for that play. Redeemed himself for some shakey play earlier.
Positionally he looks a little better, but similar to Morgan he completes like 25% of his passes.

[jloome]

Morrow's having a good game.

[notthesun]

Morrow's looking good so far

[West220Side]

Henry really getting comfortable with use of his left foot though

I agree. Looks really poor when it comes to making a play though, very hesitant to move the ball forward almost always gives it back to Cesar or Caldwell to make the "big decisions"

[Leedsoronto]

Just a shame he not a natural left footer, he get more X's in that way IMO

[Yohan]

what was that Rey? gah!

[notthesun]

Rey still as slippery as ever in tight spaces. Needs to work on his decision-making when playing passes though.

[Yohan]

TFC just can't capitalize on the break

[notthesun]

Well he got the weight on it wrong but I'm pleasantly surprised DeRo decided to pass that.

[pdubs]

gotta be honest thought he would shoot lol.

[jloome]

That was a neat little ball from Hagglund. I think people are underrating the kid. He has potential.

[notthesun]

TFC just can't capitalize on the break

Just imagine Defoe on the end of these counters :D

[RealG-TFC]

Do we have any movement off the ball? jeeez

[Canary10]

gotta be honest thought he would shoot lol.

Should have shot. He's getting generous in his old age I guess.

[Yohan]

sick pass from Bradley, finding DeRo on a long range while running

[jloome]

Movement's so much better today. Damn, the distance between our first and second team is huge.

[pdubs]

Bradley's quality is miles ahead of everyone

[Thomas]

Yes, Dero is actually passing the ball in his old age

[Thomas]

General Bradley WW2

[Milanista]

i swear if Nelson brings in this stupid english pump the ball down the field style…i will fukin flip out. Please please please, use the midfield when the season starts…lets build up the play, we have the players to do that and we don't have the strikers to play that pump and hold the ball up style of play

[notthesun]

That was beautiful build up. Best passing all preseason by far right there.

[Yohan]

that was a little bit of nice build up play. too bad it didn't go anywhere.

[pdubs]

General Bradley WW2

this all day long

[Thomas]

Haven't seen that much hoof ball myself

[Areathrasher]

Well this isn't bad

[Yohan]

again nice build up through the middle. Bradley has been smart so far, knowing when to join the attack

[notthesun]

Need someone making near post runs however. That's two very, very good buildups leading to low crosses from Rey but no one running near post. Would love to see Defoe trying to get on the end of balls like that.

[RealG-TFC]

Okay this is more like it

[jloome]

Getting better as the game progresses. Two or three good buildups in a row now, good overlaps, everyone moving into space. This looks promising if we can finish a couple.

[notthesun]

Henry with a cleat to the face. Looks fine fortunately.

[Kaz]

I'm a little concerned by the way with Phili is playing they seem to be a little aggressive in a preseason game. I'd hate to see a long term injury out of this.

[Dv23]

I have to say, I am very impressed with how we are playing right now. Some great chances created against what looks to be Philadelphia's top team, and we are playing without both of our starting forwards. We're also without Orr, who I would presume to be a starter. Give us the benefit of an added week of training, and I like what I see.

[Lumpy]

Nice half without our strikers

[notthesun]

Very solid first half. Good first 10, bit of a dip, then a better last 15. Two or three very nice short passing build ups, much better movement overall. Might have some goals up on the board if Defoe or Gilberto were out there.

[Thomas]

Night and day compared to the Orlando game. Still early, I know. Stick Gili and Defoe in there, and we'd be up 2 zip thus far

[Super]

Good first half. We're definitely missing Gilberto and Defoe. Add those two to the mix and we'll be a tough team to beat. Very encouraging - although of course we should try not to put too much into these pre-season games in the first place.

[Canary10]

Yeah, looked pretty good.

Our shirts really do look they have bad sweat stains though.

[ag futbol]

Better, but still not a fan of our organization.

The way we are playing it puts too much emphasis on Rey and Jackson to provide service. This has been totally ineffective when the other team is set defensively. Jackson particularly, is much better operating in space than asking him to take on a man and do it all himself the way Rey does. Better idea would be to put more emphasis on Osorio and Bradley in the middle, make the other team narrow, then hit the flanks where there is more space. Once we have better strikers this will also make better use of the range of passing of both central players as they can start to pick out runs of Gilberto and Defoe.

[pdubs]

the sky is not falling OMG

[jloome]

Better, but still not a fan of our organization.

The way we are playing it puts too much emphasis on Rey and Jackson to provide service. This has been totally ineffective when the other team is set defensively. Jackson particularly, is much better operating in space than asking him to take on a man and do it all himself the way Rey does. Better idea would be to put more emphasis on Osorio and Bradley in the middle, make the other team narrow, then hit the flanks where there is more space.

It almost looks like they've given Bradley free rein to move anywhere, which unfortunately means they'll have Oso sit flat or go back, as we need the cover just in case the General is caught upfield. But I agree, it would be nice to see the central mids coming into the attack more.

[Thomas]

Wow, still not calling for Nelson's sacking

[Super]

Do we have a game on Saturday? Anyone know?

[Canary10]

It almost looks like they've given Bradley free rein to move anywhere, which unfortunately means they'll have Oso sit flat or go back, as we need the cover just in case the General is caught upfield. But I agree, it would be nice to see the central mids coming into the attack more.

Have to think if we still had Laba this would be even more pronounced. They would both be sitting deep.

[pdubs]

hope Nelson doesn't sub everyone off

[notthesun]

I don't know, I've seen a number of build ups through the middle that finished with a kick out wide for a cross. Bradley's played two balls wide to Rey from just outside the box after playing it through the middle to get there. DeRo had a nice layoff to I think Osorio right down the middle and then he moved it wide. With Gilberto and especially Defoe making runs in behind I think we'll start seeing build ups end in through balls down the center rather than a pass out wide for a cross. Wieds and DeRo just aren't making the runs so our only option once we get to the top of the box is to spray it wide.

[Detroit_TFC]

That was a very watchable half. Rey, Bradley, Henry and DeRo working. Jackson having some difficulty with turnovers.

[jloome]

LOL, anyone listening to a truck back up right n ow?

[mowe]

Do we have a game on Saturday? Anyone know?

Yes. We'll play someone from the other group.

[Thomas]

I like what Cesar is doing with his distribution from the back, but I hope we don't get caught on one of those short throws. Don't think we are that used to it yet.

[Red CB Toronto]

MB is a work horse , he will do what he needs to for the team to be success. What the first half showed me is once the Reds have a finisher up front ie Defoe and Gilberto good thing ps will happen. MB has the ability to drop the ball into the box with precision.

[notthesun]

Morrow off, Morgan on in the 2nd half. Only change.

[jloome]

Decent cross from Wieds on the run. Gotta love the kid's work ethic.

[Super]

Yes. We'll play someone from the other group.

Sounds great. Thanks!

[OgtheDim]

Bradley on corners is soooooo much better then Osorio.

[Yohan]

Ridiculous leap by Ryan Nelsen Jr on that corner

[pdubs]

Cesar wants to play it on the ground but our full backs don't know what to do

[PopePouri]

Ridiculous leap by Ryan Nelsen Jr on that corner

Crazy vert.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bf0ufggCAAAD1qw.jpg

[Lumpy]

Morgan can never stop a cross from coming in

[ag futbol]

errm.. why is our central defender sitting on a post during a corner ?

[Yohan]

Henry again beaten by an attacker

[notthesun]

Knew DeRo wasn't gonna pass up the shot that time, haha

[pdubs]

that's the dero we know and love...?

[Canary10]

Oh Wieds.

[PopePouri]

Best finisher!

[pdubs]

defoe would have scored ill say it

[Yohan]

oh weeds. on platter and can't score. good decision by Bradley to give up a good shot for a great chance

[notthesun]

Good ball up from Morgan, held up well by Wiedeman, across to Bradley and back to Wieds for an open shot but he can't get it by Macmath. Again, makes you think how much better we'd look with Gilberto and Defoe out there.

[ag futbol]

Henry again beaten by an attacker
Not the way I saw it. Back post coverage was blown and he ran out to make a play.

[Lennon]

Nothing wrong with taking a shot there.

[Thomas]

Best finisher!

Of the modern era

[notthesun]

Chances coming fast and furious now.

[pdubs]

fuck thought he scored

[ag futbol]

Great second half so far.

[Yohan]

Interesting. Bekker for DeRo. 4-4-1-1?

[jloome]

Oso up top. Good idea.

[notthesun]

Ooh, this will be interesting. Bekker on, DeRo off. Playing with 1 striker now, and we'll see how Bekker does when the team is moving around fairly well. Osorio probably CF/CAM.

[notthesun]

Another quick counter with no end product.

[ag futbol]

Another quick counter with no end product.
Just going to take some time for people to get on the same page. When it's Defoe and Gilberto up there it will get really interesting.

[jloome]

Yeah, but comparatively today has been inspiring. Possession, buildup, sharp passing. All we need is some finish.

[ag futbol]

That was a yellow? Wow, MLS refs are already in mid season form.

[notthesun]

Just going to take some time for people to get on the same page. When it's Defoe and Gilberto up there it will get really interesting.

Yup. Shame Gilberto has a knock, I bet he'd have gotten one today.

[SoccMan2]

Yes TFC savior coming on

[notthesun]

We've really taken control of this one recently. Philly barely breaking our half the last 10 minutes.

[Lumpy]

Bekker is resting up for the regular season

[notthesun]

Aparicio for Rey. Rey with a pretty solid outing today.

[pdubs]

i love the high pressure late in the game

[Thomas]

Becker didn't even try to get the ball, and lost another one

[Justin10000]

TFC controlling the midfield and creating chances....
Never thought I'd say that!

[notthesun]

Nice effort from Aparicio there. Had to track down a Lambe cross, no surprise there, but almost made a great chance.

Well hey, two solid saves from Cesar. At least he got a little action out of this.

[Ageroo]

wow...Cesar 2 big stops....

[jloome]

Holy friggin reflexes.

[Wince]

Cesar!!!

[Yohan]

no rebound from Cesar. I like that. most MLS GK's would have gave up a juicy rebound on one of those shots

[Fort York Redcoat]

Yes TFC savior coming on

Sarcasm too vague.

[Ageroo]

I am going to love being right behind Cesar this season....awesome.

[ag futbol]

Good outing, I'm encouraged.

[Dv23]

Lambe just gives it up every time he touches the ball. He needs to be gone.

[pdubs]

Cesar with 2 nice stops. I think his distribution is the major difference I see. Loving it.

[jloome]

Okay, so we didn't pot one. Some of the best interplay we've ever seen from this team, though.

[Thomas]

Yep. We looked pretty solid. Just need those finishers up top.

[Areathrasher]

There was a lot to be happy about there today.

Throw Gilberto and Defoe in and that team will do some damage.

[rocktml]

Dero looked awful all game.
Bradley truly looked like a general out there.
Rey had a eventful game.

[Canary10]

Well, in the first Edu v Bradley battle, I think we know who won....

[PopePouri]

Hagglund looks like he's growing into his RB role. Could be a revelation there this season. Needs to stop diving into tackles though.

[Soccerpro]

Lambe just gives it up every time he touches the ball. He needs to be gone.

Every game I ask why Reggie Lambe is still in MLS. I fear that I'll be asking the same question for years to come...

[Yohan]

Okay, so we didn't pot one. Some of the best interplay we've ever seen from this team, though.
I think you should write another doom and gloom article ;)

[notthesun]

I think we win 2-0 or 3-0 with Defoe and Gilberto out there today.

Very good game, especially the second half. Some of the best movement and short passing I've seen from TFC. We created 3 or 4 legitimate scoring chances and a bunch of other half chances. Solid defensively. Bradley played a hell of a game, closing down all over the place and he clearly has full authority to aggressively join the attack. And even at RB Hagglund can do good things. I think we have a very good prospect in him.

Two things left to do with this squad. Get Orr to play with the backline to build chemistry, and get Defoe & Gilberto to play together and start banging in those chances.

[moralis]

Far better performance then the first two games. It was night and day. Kept great shape and passed the ball well. Just needed to finish the chances. Bradley was the best player. Hope Gilberto will be ready for the last preseason game this Saturday. Also, would be good to see Bradley Orr play. Overall, a good game. Just need those goals.

[Detroit_TFC]

Didn't get to see 2nd half (work interfering with my football again). Ended scoreless?

[Yohan]

Bradley was scary. give him a little bit of time and he'll hit those switches and long range passes, which means he has to be pressured constantly. and I didn't think he was playing 100%, more like 90-95%.

[SoccMan2]

Better possession better tactical play today, just hope no major injuries to any of the major players because there is not too much on the bench.

[tfcleeds]

Wasn't able to watch the match, but sounds like it will be decent viewing on Youtube later. Sounds like a lot of improvement from the last match, good to see.

[Yohan]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/02/26/mls-preseason-tracker-packed-day-match-action-across-league-feb-26

Lots of preseason games today, for those of you want more MLS action

[prizby]

so the commentators talked about how mls will crack down on the 6 second rule this year...makes counting the 6 seconds in the stands a good idea!

[OgtheDim]

Not exactly keeper hoofball, eh?

Need to give Cesar outlets.

[Red CB Toronto]

Well, in the first Edu v Bradley battle, I think we know who won....

The real battle will be the Battle of the US Stars on March 15, Deuce vs MB, now that is a showdown I can not wait for.

[Red CB Toronto]

Wasn't able to watch the match, but sounds like it will be decent viewing on Youtube later. Sounds like a lot of improvement from the last match, good to see.

The actually quality of the last few webcasts have made it very enjoyable to watch.

[barticusz]

Much better look out there today. Too bad they couldn't pop a couple of goals. But definitely lots of progress made out there. Hagglund looked alright to me as a RB option. Did Osorio look stationary to anyone else? Not moving as well as he did last year. It's like he's ball watching, or waiting for Bradley to do the work.

[Dv23]

I, too, am impressed with Haglund. Kid is still learning but already seems to have that special something. A certain intensity, combined with his athleticism, and (from what I have seen in interviews) a significant optimism/desire to learn and get better

[ag futbol]

Not exactly keeper hoofball, eh?

Need to give Cesar outlets.
It's quite the luxury to have for a MLS goalkeeper. He is very comfortable playing the ball around the back. Also thought Henry looked more comfortable on the ball today than he did last year, which is good to see.

[KRO]

Just got back to our resort from the game. As I am sure was clear from the TV coverage the team looked much better today, just missing the clinical finishing that we hope Defoe and Gilberto will bring. Gilberto was sitting in the stand watching the game and I talked to him (through an interpreter). He says he is 2 weeks away from being ready to play but hopes to be OK for Seattle. Orr and Bloom were both warming up before the game. I also spoke to Bloom during the game and he said if it was up to him he'd be out there now but the team are playing it safe. I think it's pretty certain that either Bloom or Orr will be playing in Seattle.

Other comments on the game. Morrow is ahead of Morgan. The only reason he came out at half-time was a minor injury. He was on the bench in the second half holding ice on his thigh. I hope that Dero is not pushing it because it's pre-season because he looked off the pace. We looked much better when he came off and Osorio played behind the striker.

Bradley is going to be the best player ever to pull on a TFC shirt. He's fast, strong, skillful and extremely hard working. He seemed to be all over the field.

We need more depth at the front. Weiderman works hard and has his moments, but if he's the first guy off the bench we have a problem.

[Pigfynn]

NEED STRIKERS NOW..WILL PAY CASH. that is all

[Ivy]

Sucks that TFC lost Gilberto and Dike. With Defoe missing, the only guy left is Wiedeman. We need our strikers healthy.

[Yohan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7ZjU5MFGJs&list=UUc1qA_64TEqAX9pnGJOO0Dw

[Kaz]

Sucks that TFC lost Gilberto and Dike. With Defoe missing, the only guy left is Wiedeman. We need our strikers healthy.
We need another striker as well.

and hopefully at some point we can find a back up to replace Dike.

[sashavukelich]

If released reggie lambe we could sell that International Slot for Allocation, which we could combine with Reggie's salary to get a tasty MLS striker i reckon. The LAMBE IS OFFICIALLY OVERCOOKED.

[Kaz]

If released reggie lambe we could sell that International Slot for Allocation, which we could combine with Reggie's salary to get a tasty MLS striker i reckon. The LAMBE IS OFFICIALLY OVERCOOKED.
He was over cooked when his PR people showed up on the forums telling us about his Facebook fan page.

[adam1001]

He was over cooked when his PR people showed up on the forums telling us about his Facebook fan page.
Lol. Must have thought he was going to tear this league apart when he signed.

[KRO]

Our final game of the tournament will be at 1pm on Saturday against Fluminense FC U-23.

[Red CB Toronto]

Our final game of the tournament will be at 1pm on Saturday against Fluminense FC U-23.

Fluminese will be interesting, will present something different than playing a MLS opponent.

[Yohan]

Kinda off topic, but Austin Berry who plays for Philly apparently was acquired for about 100k in allocation money. At about 75k salary, 2012 Rookie of the Year and he's an ironman. Would have made a nice 3rd CB

[brad]

He was over cooked when his PR people showed up on the forums telling us about his Facebook fan page.

Was it Big Bruva.... He tells no lies.

[Shakes McQueen]

Bradley made a few plays in this game that were positively sublime. I'm so excited to see him in the regular season.

- Scott

[Red CB Toronto]

Bradley made a few plays in this game that were positively sublime. I'm so excited to see him in the regular season.

- Scott

I completely agree, Michael Bradley is going to do things in a very good way, that we have never seen before by someone in a Toronto FC jersey.

Imagine when he had Defoe and Gilberto in front of him, being able to drop the ball into the box for them, amazing service will be had.

[Wince]

My $0.02...

I think Hagglund has earned a spot on the squad. He brings added depth at the back, and this RB experiment looks like it could work out.

As much I I'd hate to see him go, I think this mid-field can survive without Matty. It will without a doubt be better with him, but for once mid-field is an area of strength for this club and we can get through a year without him. Look out if/when he comes back to us next year!

Up top, I'm worried. Dike out. Defoe and Gilberto with knocks. How come we have not seen more of Hamilton? If the injuries to our two DP strikers are something to be concerned about, then you'd think we'd have to keep Hamilton around just as insurance.

Thoughts?

[OgtheDim]

Hamilton strikes me as somebody we think can do well but isn't able to yet.

Reminds me of the middle of last season when people were saying "Where's Bekker? How come he isn't playing and instead we get Hall?"

Well, turned out when we saw Bekker, he wasn't even as good as Hall. (That looks like its been reversed as we havn't seen Hall much at all)

[mcolvy]

My $0.02...

I think Hagglund has earned a spot on the squad. He brings added depth at the back, and this RB experiment looks like it could work out.

As much I I'd hate to see him go, I think this mid-field can survive without Matty. It will without a doubt be better with him, but for once mid-field is an area of strength for this club and we can get through a year without him. Look out if/when he comes back to us next year!

Up top, I'm worried. Dike out. Defoe and Gilberto with knocks. How come we have not seen more of Hamilton? If the injuries to our two DP strikers are something to be concerned about, then you'd think we'd have to keep Hamilton around just as insurance.

Thoughts?

In one of the practice videos he was working with a trainer on the side with a band around his legs. The exercise he was doing was a classic physio movement so I assume he is also injuried...

[mcolvy]

something groin, thigh (hamstring, quad, hip flexor) related.