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View Full Version : TFC Half-Season Review PT. 1: Overview and Management.



Dub Narcotic
07-21-2008, 09:05 PM
Overall, the first half of the season for TFC was split into three distinct sections. The first were the couple games before TFC finalized its roster, when they were smoked in Columbus and DC, with the only memorable moments being the now-infamous Colin Samuel penalty miss that sealed his fate (and probably that of Jeff Cunningham's) and an incredible Greg Sutton performance in DC that solidified his hold on the then-questionable keeper spot.

The second was the best ever period in TFC history, as new signings Guevera, Ricketts and Robert sparked the team to taking 24 points out of 36 available in all competitions, highlighted by an improbable 3-2 win over LAG in LA and a 3-1 stomping of Colorado at home that showed the team at its dynamic best.

The third section was an extended malaise that seemed to be a combination of international games robbing the team of its cohesion, a prolonged goal-scoring drought reminiscent of last year and a little bit of bad luck. The all-star game comes at the right time for TFC as they can regroup from a heavy fixture schedule, sign a striker and recharge their batteries


Ratings:

GM: Mo Johnston. B+. Faced with a barrage of criticism at the start of the year for failing to improve the team, Johnston was one of the first GM's in the league to recognize the increased possibilities presented by the new roster rules. By trading for allocations, Johnston was able to find space for the larger number of international players now allowed in the league, and was also effectively ruthless in getting rid of expansion draft dreck.

Thee jury is still out on the TFC draft, with Julius James struggling to find a spot and Pat Phelan gone before we knew it, but with the new, looser roster rules and development academies coming along, the days of the MLS draft having a large influence are numbered. TFC was gifted young first round pick and US U-17 player Abdus Ibrahim when he requested a move from Dallas, but that doesn't come close to making up for the handicap the team faces when trying to sign players who don't want to come because of the field turf at BMO field, which is still Johnston's biggest handicap.

Must do: Find striker help. If European players at the end of their career aren't interested in playing on turf than the onus is on Johnson to adjust his strategy and find someone who will. With no cap space but the rights to Brian McBride, Johnston has both limitations and assets in his search. Maybe he can talk McBride into playing for TFC?


Coach: John Carver. B. It was hard to separate the ineptitude of the coaching from the ineptitude of the playing last year, but both were abundant. Carver, along with conditioning coach Paul Winisper has brought a level of professionalism and organzation to the on-field play and day-to-day activities that was lacking last year. However, Carver's first extended head coaching run hasn't been without some bumps along the way. His much-debated rotation policy seemed to be one of the reasons for the team's recent slide, both for some questionable gameday decisions (Edwards over Sutton - any time) and for its affect on team cohesion. The constant rotation of center backs also has not been a positive, although this was not entirely in Carver's hands. Carver also targeted some questionable rants at the MLS league office and reporters that showed that he needs to know when to turn his personality down a little bit. MLS is not the EPL, where Alex Ferguson can bully the league office and officials because of his club's clout.

Must do: Sort out the center back rotation. Consistency is so important in that position, and the lack of it seems to hurt TFC on the road. It may not be his fault that Marshall and Velez are gone half the time because of international conflicts, but you have to play the cards you are dealt. If that means sticking with a James/Tebily combination so they can grow together, just do it. Also, Carver has to find a fine line between challenging his starters and maintaining team cohesion. He went too far with his rotation policy in the first half, but I think he's smart enough to modulate it.

Parkdale
07-21-2008, 09:10 PM
great write up!

definitely the addition of Paul Winisper has made a huge impact, and it's visible in almost every player who we still have from last year. The team doesn't get as tired in the final stretch as they used to, and injuries (asides from Dunnivant's ankle and a concusion) seem to me less frequent this year.

jloome
07-21-2008, 10:26 PM
They're still young and organizationally there's still a lot to be done; it'll keep improving, and based on how the organization and, more importantly, the fan base have taken everything on full-scale, I think TFC will be challenging for years. Lookout World Club Cup 2014!

bhoybobby
07-21-2008, 10:32 PM
Methinks Carver is hog tied with some of his starting 11 mailing in performances:

Edu: I don't know what to think of this guy after such a promising 1st season, his decision making is abysmal

Robert: No denying his talent. He looks genuinely disinterested, walking/lightly jogging most of the game, Given his talent, his effort & application are hugely dissapointing.

Velez: Very inconsistant

Ricketts: Someone has told him he's a great player & he believes it. Trouble is, is performances have been spotty.

Dichio: The only other forward with a brain other than young Ibbe.

Cunningham: An utter disgrace as a forward & team player, should be left off the team as he brings nothing to this team

With a lack of real depth/competition, Carver really doesn't have a lot of wiggle room. With the olympics coming, there had better be quality re-inforcements coming.

It is what it is.

Roogsy
07-21-2008, 11:24 PM
Great write up Dub. Pretty much what many of us are thinking but in a more eloquent manner.

And I do agree with you bb...mostly.

With Laurent, we always knew what we were getting. Bellyaching about it now is silly. There was always going to be a tradeoff with him. Giving him someone in the middle that can actually take advantage of his service may get him motivated again like he was when he first arrived.