Matchday 7: New England at Toronto, Sat 3 May 1pm

[Yohan]

TFC takes on the Revs who have never won at BMO Field, but came off a 2-0 win over SKC.

Also, BREAKFAST TAILGATE!

[levyashin]

With our best 11 out on Saturday this SHOULD be 3-0 BUT!!!:hump:

[Joe Kool]

So they never won at BMO eh? Where have I heard that before. Hopefully there is no new trend starting here.

[Phil]

Remember, construction on the Gardiner and the DVP is closed.

[Yohan]

So they never won at BMO eh? Where have I heard that before. Hopefully there is no new trend starting here.
New England draws a lot at BMO Field.

[BuSaPuNk]

Remember, construction on the Gardiner and the DVP is closed.

Yeah if you can do not drive. I'm in the Swansea area Queensway and Windermere and all the routes Queensway, Bloor, Lakeshore, there all backed up constantly now with the Gardnier lane closure.

[OgtheDim]

I'm trying to figure out why this game is so early. Did the timing really get moved to accommodate a NASCAR race on TSN2?

[ensco]

Anyone got a clip of the Dichio goal from 2007? That's all I need for this one.

[Ossington Mental Youth]

For me itd be that header Caldwell scored last year but it was called back (i cant remember the inane reason why but jesus it was frustrating)

[Yohan]

Anyone got a clip of the Dichio goal from 2007? That's all I need for this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6omFaXXvlJw

[pawlukj]

Anybody know if Defoe and Bradley are in?

[Canary10]

The naysayers seems to have come out on the board during the bye week. I think we get a good win Saturday and the nervous nellies calling for Nelly to be fired have to stay silent for a while.

[Phil]

Anybody know if Defoe and Bradley are in?

They are both saying they are 100%

[Pint]

Really dislike 1pm starts as it means i have to leave home around 930 so i can meet up with people for pregame.

I am excited to see a full or nearly full lineup with actual bench options this weekend.

[Initial B]

Defoe is going to be really selfish this game, as he's playing to impress England's coach for a World Cup place. However, he hasn't played together with Gilberto that much yet, so I'm sure there will be misfires. The back should be tidy with Orr/Bloom-Henry-Caldwell-Morrow. Osorio and Bradley paired up again in midfield with Issey and Jackson on the wings. DeRo as the super-sub. I must have well drunk the kool-aid, because I'm seeing a 4-0 win for TFC with a Defoe Hat trick.

[OgtheDim]

REFEREE: MARK GEIGER
AR1: Joe Fletcher
AR2: Gianni Facchini
4TH: Mathieu Bourdeau

Geiger's only game of the year before this one was the Karate kick to the ribs by Ricketts match back in late March.

10 years of being a ref in MLS, so some experience. Not a Toledo on the reds or a Petrescu on the yellows.

http://www.proreferees.com/stats---referee-stats---2013.php

[Yohan]

REFEREE: MARK GEIGER
AR1: Joe Fletcher
AR2: Gianni Facchini
4TH: Mathieu Bourdeau

Geiger's only game of the year before this one was the Karate kick to the ribs by Ricketts match back in late March.

10 years of being a ref in MLS, so some experience. Not a Toledo on the reds or a Petrescu on the yellows.

http://www.proreferees.com/stats---referee-stats---2013.php
I believe he'll be reffing in WC. he's had some high profile assignments before (Club World Cup recently)

[Joe Kool]

New England draws a lot at BMO Field.

Yeah. Lots of news outlets were reporting that Colorado had never won at BMO and lo and behold they did. Now hearing that New England never won at BMO...just gives me deja vu. "Not that I am superstitious or anything....maybe just a little stitious" (excellent quote from Michael Scott)

[notthesun]

Is it too much to expect a comfortable win here (i.e. 2 or more goals difference)? New England is a team we should beat if we want to make the playoffs. We're finally healthy, our starting lineup should be pretty much if not completely full strength, it's at home and the pitch will be good for the first time this season.

I think Defoe scores and Gilberto breaks his duck.

[pawlukj]

I hope the weather holds up..... 2-4 mm is not much is it?

[OgtheDim]

Hmm....12 hours ago, it was going to be sunny with no rain at that time. Now its slight rain.

Seems a lot has changed in this city in the last 12 hours.

Looks like its going to be a lot like yesterday. Fog would be fun.

[hulkrogan]

11AM start for this guy. Always fun getting trashed by yourself before noon!

"What's for breakfast?"

"TFC"

[Fort York Redcoat]

TFC takes on the Revs who have never won at BMO Field, but came off a 2-0 win over SKC.

This is fact yet after watching I am unimpressed. They were gifted the game and show some unrest between their forwards.


BRmZydJXY5M

[Yohan]

This is fact yet after watching I am unimpressed. They were gifted the game and show some unrest between their forwards.


BRmZydJXY5M

I agree. NE just don't have a reliable striker, after replacing Agudelo with Bunbury. Their midfield is still dangerous, but Fagundez has been very cold lately.
Then again, TFC is like a huge slump buster for players :p

[Defoe]

The crowd should be pretty good Saturday I am making the way down my self. Also they were promoting Bradley, Cesar and Defoe outside in maple leaf square last night at the Raptors game, good job MLSE. Finally a healthy lineup I can get excited about watching lets go Toronto! Anyone have any good chants I could get my section chanting? I am going with some pretty vocal guys aha first game of the year.

[Pint]

The crowd should be pretty good Saturday I am making the way down my self. Also they were promoting Bradley, Cesar and Defoe outside in maple leaf square last night at the Raptors game, good job MLSE. Finally a healthy lineup I can get excited about watching lets go Toronto! Anyone have any good chants I could get my section chanting? I am going with some pretty vocal guys aha first game of the year.

1. what section are you in?
2. best way to learn other that being apart of a chant is on youtube.
3. hopefully crowd is good but if it is raining between 1130 and 1230 it won't be as strong as usual with many of the casual fans staying away

[OgtheDim]

Latest indication is its going to be spitting at us all day.

[Greatest Ripoff]

Pretty excited that this will be live in tv in England. This will be only the second live mls match on tv here all season with the other being the opener V Seattle. And almost all other TFC matches have been shown delayed in 60 minutes versions the following week. I wonder if this is all down to Defoe playing for Toronto?

i'll also be a West Ham V Tottenham earlier in the day. Will make for a great Saturday.

[Canary10]

Jose Goncalves is out. That'll be a big loss for them, especially trying to deal with JD.

[shwade]

Wouldn't mind Henry sitting out this one... what with his keenness to throw his hands all over the place and resort to any means necessary when he gets beat.

[PopePouri]

Wouldn't mind Henry sitting out this one... what with his keenness to throw his hands all over the place and resort to any means necessary when he gets beat.

Disagree. If we had to put some blame on our loss in Dallas, it's because we didn't have anyone to match Hedges' athletic ability in the air. Caldwell and Orr are too similar.

[shwade]

Disagree. If we had to put some blame on our loss in Dallas, it's because we didn't have anyone to match Hedges' athletic ability in the air. Caldwell and Orr are too similar.

I know he hasn't really played much yet but Hagglund, in his limited minutes, has been quite strong. Maybe I'm the only one more impressed with him in 2 games than with Henry in most of his games since last year (although he can jump).

[T-boy]

Hagglund is going to be a solid MLS centre back, but I think its sensible to very slowly give him minutes through this season. I wouldn't rush him into any game unless we are really stuck and have to play him just yet.

[Pint]

wouldn't be surprised to see Hagglund play wednesday with either Caldwell or Orr but Henry is the better player and has a much higher ceiling IMO

[Detroit_TFC]

I wish I wasn't so nervous about this game, quite concerned that we are going drop some points. Not that I think NER is that scary, but rather that the guys are out of sorts coming off injury etc.

[ManUtd4ever]

I wish I wasn't so nervous about this game, quite concerned that we are going drop some points. Not that I think NER is that scary, but rather that the guys are out of sorts coming off injury etc.

It wouldn't shock me if we came out sluggish to start the match, but we'll have more than enough talent on the pitch to get our shit together and win.

[RoyalRed]

Pumped to dust off the season ticket book and head back down to BMO tomorrow. New England isn't one of the strongest in the conference, so hope we don't go on cruise control against them again (that's how they manage to draw against us so often, aside from being equally shitty in prior years).

EDIT: where can I pregame for reasonable $$ other than the Sheaf? My Foggy Dew and Brazen Head days are done I think...

[Yohan]

Pumped to dust off the season ticket book and head back down to BMO tomorrow. New England isn't one of the strongest in the conference, so hope we don't go on cruise control against them again (that's how they manage to draw against us so often, aside from being equally shitty in prior years).

EDIT: where can I pregame for reasonable $$ other than the Sheaf? My Foggy Dew and Brazen Head days are done I think...
shoeless joe's. $5 heineken tall boys

[Bluenose13]

Pumped to dust off the season ticket book and head back down to BMO tomorrow. New England isn't one of the strongest in the conference, so hope we don't go on cruise control against them again (that's how they manage to draw against us so often, aside from being equally shitty in prior years).

EDIT: where can I pregame for reasonable $$ other than the Sheaf? My Foggy Dew and Brazen Head days are done I think...

http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/showthread.php?35892-RPB-Tailgate-Sat-May-03-2014-starting-at-10-00-AM&p=1664755#post1664755

[CommradePolski]

shoeless joe's. $5 heineken tall boys

Correction

$5.50

[OgtheDim]

Defoe playing says Nelsen today - not a lot of doubt but somebody asked him and there you go. NE media in town.

The Drake question of the week is ''Are you feeling the energy of the city with the Raptors this week?"

[InDa_110]

lots of tickets for sale on this page, tfc website, and others...hope atmosphere is good.

[Super]

lots of tickets for sale on this page, tfc website, and others...hope atmosphere is good.

One of the big reasons why we desperately need a roof to keep people dry during the games. It's not much fun to be standing in the rain for 90 minutes, and though I'm willing to do it, a lot of people won't. Hopefully it'll be coming sooner rather than later. Beautiful weather = full stadium. Rain = half full, if even. Sad but true.

I'll be dry in my $2 poncho. Important game. Can't miss it!

[Pint]

I must be one of the crazy ones that actually likes rain games but yes if it is raining i expect the stadium to be half full.

[Super]

I must be one of the crazy ones that actually likes rain games but yes if it is raining i expect the stadium to be half full.

You find the football better? I find it quite sloppy in the rain. Sure, that's got its charm, too, but it's certainly not of the same quality as we see on clear weather days.

[Hamilton_Red]

Oh come on you Nattering Nabobs of Negativism! 5-0. 2 from Defoe and 3 from Gilberto.

[Red CB Toronto]

It is game day, baby. Can you feel it, the Reds will be going for victory.

[OgtheDim]

To be fair, apart from the expensive seats, there are only singles on the TFC site.

With the promise of seeing #bloodybigdeal and the full team, should see a larger crowd then we saw last year at this time. Weather calls for it to be spitting, barely - long johns, a few layers, a rainproof jacket and it should be fine.

Cesar

Bradley

Defoe

DeRo

Osorio

Caldwell


Best and healthiest team we've ever had for a home game - I'm expecting a well played game and hopefully a win.

[0bl1vious]

Rey still out?

[Pookie]

Re: Injuries

Official MLS Injury Report lists (Out/Questionable):

OUT QUESTIONABLE




F Bright Dike (L Achilles)
M Jeremy Hall (L calf strain)
Last update: May 1
F Jermain Defoe (L hamstring strain)
D Doneil Henry (L knee strain)
D Ashtone Morgan (L hip flexor strain)
M/F Dwayne De Rosario (R hamstring strain)
M Alvaro Rey (R hamstring strain)





For those interested in attending the "SOLD OUT" game, tickets are still available on Ticketmaster or better yet through the RBP ticket exchange. Quite a few guys are looking to re-coup some coin and aren't finding takers. Help them out.

http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/showthread.php?35599-5-3-1-00pm-TFC-vs-New-England-Revolution-Tickets-for-Sale/page4

[JayMolly]

It is game day, baby. Can you feel it, the Reds will be going for victory.

Yes it has been a while since our last game at BMO.

Hope the TFC 'Heaps' some grief on 'Jay' and his players today!

Go TFC GO!

[Graeme]

Pretty excited that this will be live in tv in England. This will be only the second live mls match on tv here all season with the other being the opener V Seattle. And almost all other TFC matches have been shown delayed in 60 minutes versions the following week. I wonder if this is all down to Defoe playing for Toronto?

i'll also be a West Ham V Tottenham earlier in the day. Will make for a great Saturday.

What channel? ! Just arrived in London for holiday and would love to catch the game.

[Lumpy]

Re: Injuries


For those interested in attending the "SOLD OUT" game, tickets are still available on Ticketmaster or better yet through the RBP ticket exchange. Quite a few guys are looking to re-coup some coin and aren't finding takers. Help them out.



Pookie-- I agree with you for once . The game is basically "SOLD OUT". There are only 205 total tickets left on Ticketmaster. Whether the people who paid for tickets show up or not is another matter. Not really important whether they do or do not as they have paid for them and if those seats are left empty so what.

[OgtheDim]

FWIW

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/s526x395/12382_10152010095511805_8241823106670189219_n.jpg

As they never have it perfectly right, I'm thinking Osorio instead of Bekker.

[molenshtain]

FWIW

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/s526x395/12382_10152010095511805_8241823106670189219_n.jpg

As they never have it perfectly right, I'm thinking Osorio instead of Bekker.

I think if Osorio is playing it's instead of Issey.

[Ajax TFC]

FWIW

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/s526x395/12382_10152010095511805_8241823106670189219_n.jpg

As they never have it perfectly right, I'm thinking Osorio instead of Bekker.
Why take out Bekker? He partnered Bradley better than Osorio did and he needs to be rewarded with PT when he plays well. I think you put Osorio on the left wing

[Yohan]

Why take out Bekker? He partnered Bradley better than Osorio did and he needs to be rewarded with PT when he plays well. I think you put Osorio on the left wing
disagreed. did you not see Bekker running around like chicken with his head cut off vs Dallas?

[shwade]

disagreed. did you not see Bekker running around like chicken with his head cut off vs Dallas?

Haha agreed. If he does play I'll be worried he'll be bumping into Bradley all game and cutting off his space.

[molenshtain]

disagreed. did you not see Bekker running around like chicken with his head cut off vs Dallas?

I'm thinking the Dallas game was a bit of an outlier. I assume that Bekker felt he had to overcompensate on his pressing because neither Osorio or Bradley were fit and therefore doing fuck all for 90 minutes. plus I'd like to see the passing combinations we could get out of having those three on the field + Jackson's speed + defoe and Gilberto. We look really good going forward with all that out there (on paper).

[Pookie]

Pookie-- I agree with you for once . The game is basically "SOLD OUT". There are only 205 total tickets left on Ticketmaster. Whether the people who paid for tickets show up or not is another matter. Not really important whether they do or do not as they have paid for them and if those seats are left empty so what.

I feel for the guys who can't unload their seats… at below cost and even in supporters sections. Again, folks, check out the ticket trader thread and snap up extra seats if you can.

[OgtheDim]

Fwiw, earlier this week when there was a window for supporters to buy tickets later in the season, I picked up pairs in 113.

****

Weather update. Barely raining right now on King West. Intermittent windshield wipers. More people without hoods then umbrellas.

[Ajax TFC]

Starting XI: Julio Cesar, Bloom, Caldwell, Henry, Morrow, Jackson, Bekker, Bradley, Osorio, Gilberto, Defoe.

[shwade]

Can see the west stand from my window. 9 minutes to kick off and all I see are red seats.

[jloome]

Can see the west stand from my window. 9 minutes to kick off and all I see are red seats.

Aargh... I have to watch this via MLSlive and it's the NE announcers. Mariner...nooooo....

[Kaz]

is it not blacked out?

[jloome]

Depends how you view these things.

[AlanO]

This stream is working. Has TSN commentary, but the video seems to be some kind of "clean" feed without graphics, etc.

http://www.sportlemon.tv/20140503/vv53651dc7e17801.34898363-812562.html

[AlanO]

Gilberto blows two great chances in the first five minutes

[shwade]

Lool wtf was that

[AlanO]

Jackson!

TFC flying out of the gate

[shwade]

Gilberto assist.
Now get that goal!

[ExiledRed]

http://live.drakulastream.eu/static/popups/21785405271010.html

Great goal. NE are awful, we must win.

Gilberto seems inept. This has to be a turning point . He's too expensive for any more of that chadlo Virret shit.

[shwade]

Whose bekker gonna push out of the way for this one

[DreFuss]

Early goal is nice to have! GO YOU REDS!

[RealG-TFC]

Does bekker ever make a defence splitting pass?

[shwade]

Does bekker ever make a defence splitting pass?

I don't think he's made a forward pass so far

[QBall]

A lot of pace to the game. Shitty passing but at least there's a sense of urgency.

[Kaz]

FUCK HENRY what a shit shit pass

[AlanO]

Brutal giveaway. Henry was having a great game until that mistake.

[ExiledRed]

Just incompetence all round. thats not on Nelsen at all

[Soccerpro]

Classic Doneil Henry!!!!

[QBall]

And the previously mentioned shitty passing bites us in the ass.

[defensor]

remind me again, why is henry playing over orr?

[0bl1vious]

You know, the more familiar I get with Nelsen's tactics, the more sick of them I become.

This counter-attacking football is dry. We are playing at home and defending 90% of the time. Not able to string together 4 or 5 good series of passes. It sucks watching this.
The Team should be playing possession football at home.

This is reminiscent of how Rubin in Russian PL played away games under Berdeyev. They would just park the bus and try to feed the ball to the forwards when an opportunity came along. It was ugly, but it worked. It doesn't work with this team for some reason though.

Also, Gliberto....just wow.

[Wingback6]

Henry may have cost us the goal. But how many attacks have to break down because Morrow doesn't have the stamina to get upfield, before he will be pulled.

Morrow is playing so far inside he might as well be a centreback.

[ExiledRed]

Were supposed to implode in the last fifteen not the second

[QBall]

How did Mullins miss the net?

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Go play with some sense of urgency you fucking assholes!
I put $300 on this game. :(

[defensor]

Brutal giveaway. Henry was having a great game until that mistake.
it's all about not making mistakes though I find. it doesn't matter if he stands out because he's aggressive. there would have been another goal earlier if Osorio hadn't made a fantastic tackle to cover for doneil who was once again caught out of position.

[Batman]

girberto.. fAAAAAAACK

[defensor]

Go play with some sense of urgency you fucking assholes!
I put $300 on this game. :(
Lol I put a hundred. I didn't realize they had mullins. that guy was predicted to go 1st in the draft. he good. I still think we're going to win this though

[shwade]

Hope the players aren't giving up on Gilberto...that's not what he needs.
And OMG again Gilberto. ..almost there.

[ExiledRed]

Seriously?

[AlanO]

Gilberto.. fucking hell

[ExiledRed]

Does he know where the goal is?

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Lol I put a hundred. I didn't realize they had mullins. that guy was predicted to go 1st in the draft. he good. I still think we're going to win this though
Yeah, me too, I still think we win, but will be lot harder that it looked at start.

[DreFuss]

Gilberto, you're going to get your drake privileges revoked if you keep this up.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

What the fuck is this????

[shwade]

Wow Bekker is useless.
Osorio does more defensively than him. Take him off and put in Rey and move Osorio back to central mid.

[Kaz]

Bekker is way too slow to make decisions.

[Lumpy]

Backward Bekker needs a rest.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Why this team can't string 3 passes together?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?
Why?

[Kaz]

Is Issey and Rey ill or injured?

[defensor]

ahaha jackson is filthy

[AlanO]

Bekker is way too slow to make decisions.
Deer in the headlights whenever there's a scramble in the box.

[defensor]

Is Issey and Rey ill or injured?
rey maybe. issey will probably come on as a sub later if we're not winning

[shwade]

Enough of those fucking passes Henry..jesus.

[shwade]

That porcupine hair is dangerous

[Lumpy]

I think we need to give Henry a rest as well as Bekker. I think Henry has another brain-cramp brewing.

[jloome]

rey maybe. issey will probably come on as a sub later if we're not winning

We seem to be flagging badly; pressure just isn't good enough, and we're losing the midfield with Becker only playing like a sweeper and not closing in his zone. Mind you, if our young brazilian DP hadn't missed three stone cold chances...

Let's hope this is just a striker cold streak.

[speckles]

TFC are ugly...Gilberto lost confidence...they need changes 2nd half ow will lose this

[AlanO]

Great first 20 minutes, kinda clunky after that.

Osorio had an excellent first half. Gilberto's having a shocker though.

[OgtheDim]

Jackson and Bekker and Gilberto have been crap.

[Couchy81]

Lol at the out of bounds ball.

Also this American ref is pretty bad. He is in the World Cup supposedly? God help whoever has their matches officiated by him.

[speckles]

they were playing good one touch first 15 min..then what...cant hold onto the ball..whole team not playing well.

[DreFuss]

TFC is still in this game. Increase possession in the midfield, more patience on the ball and we'll score another.

[defensor]

We seem to be flagging badly; pressure just isn't good enough, and we're losing the midfield with Becker only playing like a sweeper and not closing in his zone. Mind you, if our young brazilian DP hadn't missed three stone cold chances...

Let's hope this is just a striker cold streak.
If you call getting pushed off balance by osorio while taking a left footed voley a stone cold chance. The second one wasn't exactly a stone cold chance either. But, yeah, I would say he's lost his confidence a bit. All in all NE has had just as many chances as TFC

[Kaz]

Gilberto needs at a goal.. for sure...

but Bekker is I think is the weakest link.. the issue is that Osorio is so much better

And I don't think Bradley is fully healed.. I suspect that he is taking it easy surgery scars don't heal in a week I'm sure he has to be a little cautious.



Henry as annoying as he is when he screws up does a decent job.. He is just 21 and barring injury is the future of the CMNT back line.. It is an issue when it costs us goals though.

[shwade]

Lol Bez looks like a Uni kid in his dad's suit.

[Kaz]

Lol Bez looks like a Uni kid in his dad's suit.

I've always thought he looked like Liz Lemon's Agent
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37tAW9-48Aw/URHyrfpNkWI/AAAAAAAAMwo/oJOTVDKpC90/s1600/josh-fadem-30-rock.jpg

[shwade]

I've always thought he looked like Liz Lemon's Agent
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37tAW9-48Aw/URHyrfpNkWI/AAAAAAAAMwo/oJOTVDKpC90/s1600/josh-fadem-30-rock.jpg

Yess...that's exactly who I was thinking of..didnt wanna make a 30 rock reference though lol

[DreFuss]

I've always thought he looked like Liz Lemon's Agent
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37tAW9-48Aw/URHyrfpNkWI/AAAAAAAAMwo/oJOTVDKpC90/s1600/josh-fadem-30-rock.jpg

Buahaha, That's fuckin hilarious!

[defensor]

omg jackson shoot that!!!!

[AlanO]

What a waste.

[shwade]

Osorio belongs in the centre.

[shwade]

Shoot that shit Bradley

[shwade]

Can we put kara lang in for bekker...good lord.

[notthesun]

Bekker playing shit pass after shit pass then throwing his hands up as if other players should magically be on the end of them. Get him off the pitch.

[Lumpy]

Yes. Rey for Bekker

[Kaz]

Yay....

Osorio is better in the back and forth with Bradley.

[shwade]

Bekker playing shit pass after shit pass then throwing his hands up as if other players should magically be on the end of them. Get him off the pitch.

Kristian Jack must be related to him..heaping praise on Bekker for some reason.

[QBall]

New England is sucking like a Hoover. If we can't capitalize with them like this...

[Lumpy]

there's the brain cramp

[Kaz]

I'd really like to see DeRo go on for Gilberto.

[shwade]

Like I said pregame, Henry pushes players around. .dangerous game to play inside your own box. He can't expect that the ref won't see that.

[Jings]

Henry needs to come off for Orr

[notthesun]

This game is going to kill me.

[Lumpy]

Nice save

[Lumpy]

there it is

[notthesun]

You've got to be fucking kidding me.

[Kaz]

Fucking henry!!!!!!!!!!

[DreFuss]

Shiiiiit, peno

[AlanO]

Amateur hour.

[shwade]

there's the brain cramp

And there. Reckless instincts.

[QBall]

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUn park. Henry needs to go.

[Lumpy]

I think we need to give Henry a rest as well as Bekker. I think Henry has another brain-cramp brewing.

Wow. Clairvoyant.

[speckles]

anyone surprised?

[shwade]

Last time he was throwing his arms all over the place and Bradley and Osorio were giving him an earful. He just brushed them off.

[notthesun]

Morrow clears the header to the middle of the fucking box. What are you doing???

We're about to lose to the fucking Revolution. They start Bunbury for fuck's sake. Pathetic.

[Kaz]

I mean fuck... we have a DP striker that can't score... a young Defender that is way to physical...

and no one can provide service in the final third.

I'm thinking the FO is looking for a new coach.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Thank you for robbing my $300, you fuckheads!
I hope TFC loses, they merit to lose because the way they play.
And also I hope this will be the end of Nelsen.
Enough of this shit.
We've seen more than enough!

[notthesun]

Off the post. Soccer gods are just toying with us now.

[Lumpy]

Yes Gilberto missed but the quality is there

[QBall]

Gilberto needs to go see a witch doctor and get whatever curse he has removed.

[Lumpy]

Dero should have enough gas to finish this I hope

[QBall]

Bunburay! Ba ha ha ha ha!

[notthesun]

Look at that shit. We're going to lose to a team that misses that great of a chance that badly.

[Lumpy]

If we tie this up we need to send Henry up into the stands to finish watching the game

[tfc007]

Bye bye Nelson, Henry is useless I don't understand why tfc007 keep this player around , he cost us so many goals last year.

[shwade]

Bradley doing it all himself

[JavierMartini]

Nothing I saw today makes me want to tune into next week. yuck.

[Lumpy]

The game was lost when Bekker and Henry started.

[Kaz]

This was totally unacceptable. and this is all on Nelsen and Henry

[AlanO]

Terrible. Pathetic. Inexcusable.

[shwade]

TFC look like a team that doesn't practice together.

[JavierMartini]

I love how everyone ignores Morrows terrible clearance on the pk. Shares equal blame for the second goal.

[notthesun]

Fucking pathetic. This should have been a comfortable win. Full squad, a week off coming in, playing a mediocre at best side at home.

Get your shit together Nelsen. Pathetic performance.

[RealG-TFC]

Even Bradley was kinda shit today too, geez.

[DreFuss]

Damnit. Fluke goal by TFC and the play didn't have the urgency or purpose that was needed to come away with a win. I'd like to see that enthusiasm that they started the season with again.

[2mil4dero+santo]

well, here's my 2 cents...

Cesar 9

Morrow 4
Henry 3 sorry but for a guy your size to continually get muscled off the ball by fagundez???
Caldwell 3.5 learn to connect a pass once in a while sheesh
Bloom 3

Until our back line learns how to pressure the ball instead of running back to 6 yards out none are getting more than a 4 from me. This type of defending frustrates me to no end. You need to close down players otherwise you may as well just put 4 pylons back ere and save some money.

Jackson 7
Osorio 9 this guy is the real deal, the new dero
Bradley 9
Bekker 7.5
(Rey) 7
(Issey) 7
(DeRo) 7

Defoe 7
Gilberto 7.5

Nelsen 3 I just can’t get on board with his back-line strategy of backing off the ball.

[speckles]

...it is hard to support this shit...I put this game on the players not Nelsen

[T-boy]

Thank you for robbing my $300, you fuckheads!
I hope TFC loses, they merit to lose because the way they play.
And also I hope this will be the end of Nelsen.
Enough of this shit.
We've seen more than enough!

Toronto fans are amazing! You hope we lose? honestly!

[2mil4dero+santo]

I love how everyone ignores Morrows terrible clearance on the pk. Shares equal blame for the second goal.

I think everyone agrees the entire back line was terrible...

[Defoe]

The good: nothing

the bad: everything

our best players weren't our best players our role players sucked and Henry is just wow... bad. Osorio was the one guy that played pretty good, and he looked like he may have pulled something but by looking at him you would think he got shot. Gilberto had the service and couldn't convert... Rainy shitty fucking day with a piss poor crowd pretty shit game!! I guess that's how it goes sometimes oh well

[gracos]

Bye Nelsen; absolutely no knowledge of coaching the sport; doesn't mean anything I haven't seen a style of respectful football and until then wouldn't mean anything if we had IBRA; Ronaldo; and Tevez we still can't win unless we play more attacking football style

[PopePouri]

Hey, we had better possession 60-40. That means we won right?

[jloome]

Bradley was total horseshit in this game. 9 my ass.

The only guys who didn't disgrace themselves today were Osoro and Defoe, and then that's mostly because neither saw the ball enough to play their game.

Jeez, what a shitshow. The first 10 minutes were great but as soon as NE started pressing high we went to pieces.

Missed four or five gilded chances, gave up two completely shit goals (granted Mullen's shot was nice but it came from that idiotic Henry backpass.)

He's just not ready for prime time. Even when he receives the ball, he lazily doesn't judge how far ahead of himself he's knocking it on, and was almost stripped twice.

Morrow has brain cramps defensively, Bloom was quite bad by any standard, mis-weighting ball after ball. Even Caldwell had a few boneheaded mistakes.

Nothing to be proud of today. We gave away three points to a team we should have walked over.

[T-boy]

Everybody is going to crap on Nelson, but I don't think any coach can do much about hitting the post 3 times, Gilberto missing a bunch of good chances, Henry giving the ball away and then throwing his arm at a ball.

Another day that could easily have been about 6-2 to Toronto. I'm not sure what to say about Gilberto - not sure whether to laugh or cry at his misfortune!

[Wingback6]

I love how everyone ignores Morrows terrible clearance on the pk. Shares equal blame for the second goal.

Thank you. That's because people who don't know about football look for the name that is slagged the most on a forum... and then they slag it too.

Morrow was at fault on the penalty, what defender heads the ball BACK toward the penalty spot, when he could have sent it out of bounds? AND the Bunbury turn was SHOCKING for someone who is in the side for his defensive abilities. I would be surprised if Morrow starts the next game... in Henry's case... he has the excuse that he just returned from injury. Though that won't be enough. What's Morrow's excuse. Being washed up?

The issue in this game was not Bekker, or Gilberto. It was the fullbacks not getting forward. The best Midfield in the world cannot survive without outlets to play too. Bloom was getting forward, but Morrow does not have the legs for it. When this happens the opposing CM's KNOW that they can pressure the DM's (Bradley and Beker) and they won't be able to do anything. Hence all of the turnovers and long balls. It didn't help that Osario kept drifting inside, and making the field narrow.

And Bekker was not the only one giving the ball away cheaply. Jackson, Bradley, DeFoe and Osario all had games to forget, and all for similar reasons. I might add, in Osario's case, it was very clear that New England new exactly what he was going to do each time he got the ball, which was cut in onto his right foot. He dribbles with his head down, and they simply crowded him out, over and over again.

However, all of this would matter less if our FB's got forward, and sent in more crosses. Gilberto is a target man, and we aren't playing crosses. So, we need to get the crosses in.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Bye Nelsen; absolutely no knowledge of coaching the sport; doesn't mean anything I haven't seen a style of respectful football and until then wouldn't mean anything if we had IBRA; Ronaldo; and Tevez we still can't win unless we play more attacking football style
Don't say that man, we are in a tiny tiny minority here, 90% of this board will say no problem, it's just 7 games into the season, give Nelsen 2 more years! :facepalm:

[T-boy]

Don't say that man, we are in a tiny tiny minority here, 90% of this board will say no problem, it's just 7 games into the season, give Nelsen 2 more years! :facepalm:

The alternative being that we get another coach, who wants a whole new set of players, and we start over yet again? What is this, groundhog season?

[speckles]

yip it all rest with the players..the attack is still not functioning and the defence stopped overachieving... resulting in a total mess.

If it was not for Cesear and a fluckie goal we would have lost 3/4 nil!

[2mil4dero+santo]

The alternative being that we get another coach, who wants a whole new set of players, and we start over yet again? What is this, groundhog season?

another alternative is to get a good, proven coach. just saying....

[maninb]

Carver was a good coach and the fans ran him out of town....including most people here....Why would any decent coach want to come here?

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Carver was a good coach and the fans ran him out of town....including most people here....Why would any decent coach want to come here?
Carver was the only good coach in the history of TFC.

[2mil4dero+santo]

Carver was a good coach and the fans ran him out of town....including most people here....Why would any decent coach want to come here?

i think nelsen's the beset we're gonna get, which isn't too good lol

[OgtheDim]

That was depressing. Bradley was off. Jackson was so bad with the ball, they left him open. Bekker was afraid.

And those effing Bugs.

[2mil4dero+santo]

Carver was the only good coach in the history of TFC.

i would add cummins and preki to that list, although 90% on here won't agree

[PizzaEatingYeti]

yip it all rest with the players..the attack is still not functioning and the defence stopped overachieving... resulting in a total mess.

If it was not for Cesear and a fluckie goal we would have lost 3/4 nil!

Not really by 3/4 nil, but with 2 goals easy.
And someone has posted that TFC should've won by 2-3 goals, because we had so many chances... lol... like NE had no more clean chances than TFC.

[speckles]

how can anyone without clear bias blame this game on the coach..seriously the players where it starts and stops today.

[MartinUtd]

We're a team that hasn't gelled yet. We started to, then everyone got injured and now they're back and it feels like we're starting all over again. I could go through what I though of everyone's performance but it's all been said. One thing is for sure though, nobody on that team except for Ceasar deserves a 7 rating, let alone a 9.

[Marc"2L"]

Wouldn't mind Henry sitting out this one... what with his keenness to throw his hands all over the place and resort to any means necessary when he gets beat.

Winner

[speckles]

Not really by 3/4 nil, but with 2 goals easy.
And someone has posted that TFC should've won by 2-3 goals, because we had so many chances... lol... like NE had no more clean chances than TFC.

Yeah I did forget the last couple of near things at the end...the urgency would have been nice earlier than the last five minutes...

[gracos]

how can anyone without clear bias blame this game on the coach..seriously the players where it starts and stops today.

out of curiousity, but who is the one who decides the player personnel, and better yet the starting 11; and who is the one creating the practices teaching players to be fit and how to play a certain style; how can it not be the coach, how many windows has be been through if he thinks a player isnt worthwhile bench him and look for an alternative

[Leedsoronto]

In hind sight I would have played Orr in front of Henry

Maybe we would have won 1-0

In fact I would play the tea lady in front of Henry, and if she was not available maybe her blind dog

[T-boy]

how can anyone without clear bias blame this game on the coach..seriously the players where it starts and stops today.

Agreed, no coach could have thought Henry would give that ball away and throw an arm in the box, AND that Gilberto would come so close over and over again! I'm not sure how either are Nelson's fault? Sometimes all the training and planning can't make up for things like that! I'm sure once Gilberto gets one goal, he's going to score 10 in a game, or the ball is going to start going in off his butt and back of his head. Gotta fell sorry for the guy really, he had so many chances today, did literally everything right but hit the back of the net!

[Richard]

Toronto FC $16,648,858

New England Revolution $3,432,422

7 games or not, we have to win these games at home period.

[OgtheDim]

Any word on Osorio injury?

[Leedsoronto]

Agreed, no coach could have thought Henry would give that ball away and throw an arm in the box, AND that Gilberto would come so close over and over again! I'm not sure how either are Nelson's fault? Sometimes all the training and planning can't make up for things like that! I'm sure once Gilberto gets one goal, he's going to score 10 in a game, or the ball is going to start going in off his butt and back of his head. Gotta fell sorry for the guy really, he had so many chances today, did literally everything right but hit the back of the net!

Henry screws up more times than not, it's guna happen if he is picked. Period

[trane]

Losing at home is never acceptable. No points at home is even less acceptable. I continue to believe in Gilberto tools/skill wise, but a striker ultimately gets judged on his goals, he needs to get going ASAP, or he will start looking like a bust.


I will leave it at that. If we do not start picking up some serious points in the next five games, then the play offs may come into question once again. It is hard to explain, all in all I could accept a 3-3 record, at the begging of the season in light of our histroy/injuries, number of away games. BUT slipping under .500 at home is not acceptable. We need 3 straight wins.

[speckles]

Agreed, no coach could have thought Henry would give that ball away and throw an arm in the box, AND that Gilberto would come so close over and over again! I'm not sure how either are Nelson's fault? Sometimes all the training and planning can't make up for things like that! I'm sure once Gilberto gets one goal, he's going to score 10 in a game, or the ball is going to start going in off his butt and back of his head. Gotta fell sorry for the guy really, he had so many chances today, did literally everything right but hit the back of the net!

Gilberto started to look like he clearly was losing confidence last game..more in position today than Defoe...however what is the alternative.. - Orr for Henry..with the benefit of hindsight that Henry has regressed from prior in the season is the only option not used by the coach today. ALthough all the back four were bad.

TFC was lucky to recruit who they got in the offseason given their history..they did a great selling job..they clearly had limited luck all this season except the first game...they clearly have players back but not at 100%.

Without any player showing consistent execution on the field..what can you expect. Yeah lets blame the coach.

[molenshtain]

everything is the worst. I hate this team. I hate this city. I hate football. It's never going to get better.

[gracos]

learn from past mistakes and move forward, but unfortunately so far it looks like TFC has refused to do so, and therefore we will be found out; and slide down the rankings. The coach needs to recognize this, and not just say well we tried, needs to correct something that is wrong and move further ahead.

[adam1001]

everything is the worst. I hate this team. I hate this city. I hate football. It's never going to get better.
Chin up, buttercup! I'm sure Nelsen will snap his finger one of these days and we will suddenly stop playing anti-football. We might even string a few passes together!

[69Chevy396]

Chin up, buttercup! I'm sure Nelsen will snap his finger one of these days and we will suddenly stop playing anti-football. We might even string a few passes together!
Just got home. Soaked and shivering. Pookie, it is a great seat. From there I could easily arrive at a familiar conclusion. Most teams, and most players in MLS are better than our club.

[molenshtain]

Just got home. Soaked and shivering. Pookie, it is a great seat. From there I could easily arrive at a familiar conclusion. Most teams, and most players in MLS are better than our club.

No. we have the players to be a very competitive club now. We can't use that as one of our excuses any more. today was all on Nelsen.

[tfc2008]

I know a lots off people here on this site loves Henry,but when that guy is in line up there is always something, isn't it a red card then we'll a penalty, he don't belong on the field

[Leedsoronto]

I know a lots off people here on this site loves Henry,but when that guy is in line up there is always something, isn't it a red card then we'll a penalty, he don't belong on the field

He is long ways off being a regular IMO yet he is? Wtf

[ryan]

Andrew Farrell is a pretty damn good player.

[maninb]

i would add cummins and preki to that list, although 90% on here won't agree

Preki may have been a decent technical guy but his man management and ego were brutal...he ran Robinson and Cronin out of town, and they were the 2 BEST LEADERS we have had until Bradley showed up...

[Super]

Another rain game at BMO ends in defeat. Feels all too familiar.

[molenshtain]

Blaming this game on the players is fine, as many of them didn't show up at all, but Nelsen's coaching was quite obviously a vary large part of the problem today.

First off, he basically let Bradley play AM, meaning the Revs could pack the midfield and run at Bekker all day, which is a big reason we couldn't keep control of the ball and why we kept giving up so many chances.

Defoe and Gilberto also have absolutely no idea how to play off each other. Every time Bradley would break through the middle with a 3 on 2 both Defoe and Gilberto kept running into the same areas.

Both of these things and Nelsen's unwillingness to adapt to the obvious were big reasons why we lost today. It's a lot easier to overcome missteps by players when your tactics are right than overcoming tactical missteps when your players are playing well. Unfortunately nobody did well today, including Nelsen.

[2mil4dero+santo]

Agreed, no coach could have thought Henry would give that ball away and throw an arm in the box, AND that Gilberto would come so close over and over again! I'm not sure how either are Nelson's fault? Sometimes all the training and planning can't make up for things like that! I'm sure once Gilberto gets one goal, he's going to score 10 in a game, or the ball is going to start going in off his butt and back of his head. Gotta fell sorry for the guy really, he had so many chances today, did literally everything right but hit the back of the net!

I'm not saying fire Nelsen or anything like that, but he has to shoulder a huge part of the blame for todays performace. Take our back line for instance, these are not terrible players, however the way he has them playing, its a no win situation and when your back line is under continuous pressure and attackers running at you all game, shits gonna go down eventually, thats the law of averages.
For instance, I was taught that the golden rule of defending is NEVER let the attacker turn and run at you with the ball. Something has to be done to teach our back line to compact more and get stuck in. It basics like this that Nelsen has to get his team to improve upon if he wants to be taken seriously as a professional manager.

[tfcleeds]

Well, glad that I decided to stay at home for this one. If I'm going to watch a total shitshow, I might as well do it at home, and not standing in crap weather.

[OgtheDim]

....

First off, he basically let Bradley play AM...

Not from what I saw. Bradley pivoted quite a bit with Bekker. Made a saving tackle on at least one occasion. The issue was Bekker went back to his old "I'm not good enough to be in this league" approach - put his head down a lot. That and with Jackson useless as an outlet as he neither controls the ball nor can pass it properly, there really was only two outlets - Osorio and Bradley.

Get used to Bekker though, because if Osorio is injured, with Hall down as well, we are going to see Bekker until we either get in a new midfielder or the US team comes back from the WC.


As for the Revs, they can be had down the wings. They are not as good as us. And they really missed their best defender today. That was a game for the taking, and the combination of poor midfield play and a lack of awareness of each other did us in.

[69Chevy396]

I'm not saying fire Nelsen or anything like that, but he has to shoulder a huge part of the blame for todays performace. Take our back line for instance, these are not terrible players, however the way he has them playing, its a no win situation and when your back line is under continuous pressure and attackers running at you all game, shits gonna go down eventually, thats the law of averages.
For instance, I was taught that the golden rule of defending is NEVER let the attacker turn and run at you with the ball. Something has to be done to teach our back line to compact more and get stuck in. It basics like this that Nelsen has to get his team to improve upon if he wants to be taken seriously as a professional manager.

our back line gives the ball away far too often. I don't know if the coach can do much about that. But Nelsen is walking on thin ice. After investing so much on players this season, a losing record will not be tolerated. If the team has a losing record following this home stand Nelsen is fired in mid July

[69Chevy396]

Not from what I saw. Bradley pivoted quite a bit with Bekker. Made a saving tackle on at least one occasion. The issue was Bekker went back to his old "I'm not good enough to ber in this league" approach - put his head down a lot. That and with Jackson useless as an outlet as he neither controls the ball nor can pass it properly, there really was only two outlets - Osorio and Bradley.

Get used to Bekker though, because if Osorio is injured, with Hall down as well, we are going to see Bekker until we either get in a new midfielder or the US team comes back from the WC.


As for the Revs, they can be had down the wings. They are not as good as us. And they really missed their best defender today. That was a game for the taking, and the combination of poor midfield play and a lack of awareness of each other did us in.
Sadly, our biggest mistake so far was giving Vancouver the wrong DP.

[2mil4dero+santo]

our back line gives the ball away far too often. I don't know if the coach can do much about that. But Nelsen is walking on thin ice. After investing so much on players this season, a losing record will not be tolerated. If the team has a losing record following this home stand Nelsen is fired in mid July

Respectfully, I would argue that if the coach can't do anything about our back line not getting tight and giving a way possession.... then what is the point of having a coach?

[billyfly]

Nelsen being let go watch starts soon if not now.

[OgtheDim]

...If the team has a losing record following this home stand Nelsen is fired in mid July

Agreed. Its playoffs or bust and the only chance to turn around any crap run and still make it is in July. As people suggested before the season started, Bez and TL will have a list of other coaches they would consider.

We are not there yet.

Oh, and I'm pretty darn sure we are getting Laba back next season. As for Gilberto, until we have a replacement, he's here. DeRo is done - I wouldn't be surprised if he gets bought out in July if it frees up enough cap space to bring in a player. Weideman isn't good enough. Dike will come back, but he's realistically not going to be in game shape until March 2015.

Until then, all we can rely upon is time for these guys to get to know each other.

[reggie]

same shit diff yr with 40 mil in players....1 real goal in 3 games at home,and henry seems to give away almost a goal a game....jezzzzzzzz:facepalm:

[OgtheDim]

http://blogs.canoe.ca/reds/

Larson's take.

***

BTW, if you follow his twitter feed, he pretty much called the Henry mistake and firmly believes that Gilberto will be a great player in this league.

[mowe]

Missed the game, probably for the best it seems like.

All I can say is that these were some crucial (at home vs East team) points dropped.

[ManUtd4ever]

We should have put away at least a couple of more chances today, but I agree that Nelsen's tactics are questionable.

Today's loss was particularly disappointing, considering our lineup.

[69Chevy396]

http://blogs.canoe.ca/reds/

Larson's take.
He makes a lot of sense. In the thread I started a few weeks ago regarding Nelsen, I asked the simple question; Is he the right man for the job? Perhaps what the club needs is a coach who focuses on scoring and not one who appears to see the game only through the eyes of a defender. Or, this team is still filled with too many mediocre players, and his coaching is not to blame. Troubling.

[Pookie]

I am not sure why many of you are all up in arms over Nelsen.

Outcome aside, it was actually an entertaining game. I guess if you believed that 3 players could make the team a dominant Superclub then I guess you'd be disappointed.

The simple fact of the matter is that over the years, TFC has squandered its draft picks. Either not drafting well or more to the point, not drafting at all. Taking flyers on short term fixes like Sturgis or Hassli that cost them depth. Relying instead on the waiver draft or re-entry draft to find domestic players.

Spending the money on the DPs simply brings TFC to parity with other clubs. The 2015 draft will be the turning point for this franchise provided they don't do something completely stupid and trade those picks for veterans to make good on Tim Leiweke's boasting. A strong core of drafted talent mixed with the talent of the DPs will be something special. We aren't there yet. Turn off the Leiweke "fixed" garbage and enjoy the fact that the team has started to turn a corner.

[Thomas]

A very disappointing result today. Our squad is generally good enough, and we had the home field, so no excuses. Nelson has to shoulder some of this. Orr should be playing. Henry is talented, but causes to many game changing gaffes. Becker just isn't good enough. Tentative on the ball, and mostly passes backwards. I kind of feel sorry for Gilli, and really hopes he starts knocking them in between the posts. We have to start winning at home consistently, or Nelson may not last the season.

[Yohan]

This should have been a win. New England did nothing special, except TFC shooting themselves in the foot.

My new nickname for Henry is Grabby. He needs to learn that the refs are watching for his overly grabbiness and he's going to get punished for it. And desperation is not a valid defensive tactic. Can't make a simple pass under pressure? I don't know what else to say.

Gilberto is the new Vitti/Barrett. Good on you for getting yourself into position for quality chances but if you can't score a goal out of those chances, you're not good enough.

Bekker ran around like a chicken with his head cut off, again. I really believe Bekker is just as good as Osorio technically. The difference is that Osorio doesn't panic under pressure, while Bekker has composure of a retarded sock puppet.

Nelsen... I don't know what made him think replacing 2 in form players in Orr and Nakajima-Ferran (who haven't played particularly well, but he scored in 2 games in a row) was a good idea. And the subs... If a striker is cold, you have to sub him out. Putting in DeRo at 86th min isn't going to shit.

Only thing good about this game was that Bunbury had a terrible game. I'd have punched a baby if he scored.

[T-boy]

I agree with Pookie - if we had put away our many many chances today, we would have won easily. Apart from the giveaway pass goal and the giveaway handball goal, NE didn't really have many other chances. All the chances fell to TFC.

I want to be patient with Gilberto, but he does have to start putting away some of these chances soon. An in form Gilberto today and we win easy.

I would actually suggest dropping him for a game or two, start DeRo or Weids, take Gilberto out of the spotlight and maybe that will give him a boost to come back into the team confidently and putting away these chances he is getting.

[Yohan]

He makes a lot of sense. In the thread I started a few weeks ago regarding Nelsen, I asked the simple question; Is he the right man for the job? Perhaps what the club needs is a coach who focuses on scoring and not one who appears to see the game only through the eyes of a defender. Or, this team is still filled with too many mediocre players, and his coaching is not to blame. Troubling.
Lots of quality chances. But if the strikers just refuses to score, what else can you do?
Though a bit too much cute cutbacks and not enough shots on goal.

[Cashcleaner]

He makes a lot of sense. In the thread I started a few weeks ago regarding Nelsen, I asked the simple question; Is he the right man for the job? Perhaps what the club needs is a coach who focuses on scoring and not one who appears to see the game only through the eyes of a defender. Or, this team is still filled with too many mediocre players, and his coaching is not to blame. Troubling.

I don't believe we have a talent problem with this squad. You're always going to have under-performing players on any team, but speaking in general, I think we have a fairly high level of skill and athleticism with the current TFC roster. And to me that's what makes our losses particularly hard to swallow at times; because I think we have a much better team than we are seeing. With regards to Nelsen, I am concerned about his abilities as a coach. I'm certainly not prepared to call for anyone's head at the moment because I don't think we're past any point of no return, but to put it as simply as I can: This team is not playing to it's full potential.


This should have been a win. New England did nothing special, except TFC shooting themselves in the foot.

My new nickname for Henry is Grabby. He needs to learn that the refs are watching for his overly grabbiness and he's going to get punished for it. And desperation is not a valid defensive tactic. Can't make a simple pass under pressure? I don't know what else to say.

Gilberto is the new Vitti/Barrett. Good on you for getting yourself into position for quality chances but if you can't score a goal out of those chances, you're not good enough.

Bekker ran around like a chicken with his head cut off, again. I really believe Bekker is just as good as Osorio technically. The difference is that Osorio doesn't panic under pressure, while Bekker has composure of a retarded sock puppet.

Nelsen... I don't know what made him think replacing 2 in form players in Orr and Nakajima-Ferran (who haven't played particularly well, but he scored in 2 games in a row) was a good idea. And the subs... If a striker is cold, you have to sub him out. Putting in DeRo at 86th min isn't going to shit.

Only thing good about this game was that Bunbury had a terrible game. I'd have punched a baby if he scored.

Yeah, there was nothing in New England's game that really impressed me either. Dorman was pretty commanding and Mullins obviously had a great game for a rookie, but other than that, I thought we were edging them out for the most part on the pitch today. Our passing and possession were much stronger. We just couldn't find the back of the net, at least not enough to win.

Agree with you on pretty much everything else as well. Henry was worrying me more than once with his physical play. The ref seemed very eager to blow the whistle in today's match. Why play with fire like that?

And you may be bang-on about Gilberto. Unfortunately.

[Pookie]

As entertaining as the game was, here are some things that bugged me:

Tim B and the "GEL" excuses
TFC brought in 9 players this year. DC United a team that sits above us in the table with 7 games played brought in 15.

2010 NYRBs are the best example of "Gel" being more fiction than reality. 12 new players. A new GM. A new coach. Team was 5-2-0 through 7 games then added 2 major DPs mid way through the year and finished 1st.


Also enjoyed BMO Field being "SOLD OUT" again.
I know the Raptors game is "SOLD OUT" tomorrow but sure would be nice for it to be "TFC SOLD OUT" in that you can walk up and buy tickets at any point in the days and hours leading up to the game. Hopefully the trend of guys not being able to find secondary buyers at or below cost on our ticket trader doesn't continue.

[Pookie]

I agree with Pookie - if we had put away our many many chances today, we would have won easily. Apart from the giveaway pass goal and the giveaway handball goal, NE didn't really have many other chances. All the chances fell to TFC.

I want to be patient with Gilberto, but he does have to start putting away some of these chances soon. An in form Gilberto today and we win easy.

I would actually suggest dropping him for a game or two, start DeRo or Weids, take Gilberto out of the spotlight and maybe that will give him a boost to come back into the team confidently and putting away these chances he is getting.

Gilberto will be fine. Too much pressure on him and no service. Those factors don't help each other.

I disagree with the assessment on chances though. Mullins missed an easy one off his shin for what would have been his second in the first half. Bunbury(?) also missed an easy one when he broke in (onside) and whiffed at a redirection attempt while being challenged by Cesar. Bunbury's shot into the North End in the late stages of the game was enjoyable but could have easily put the game away for them.

They had chances too. That's what parity is about.

[Pookie]

I don't believe we have a talent problem with this squad. You're always going to have under-performing players on any team, but speaking in general, I think we have a fairly high level of skill and athleticism with the current TFC roster. And to me that's what makes our losses particularly hard to swallow at times; because I think we have a much better team than we are seeing. With regards to Nelsen, I am concerned about his abilities as a coach. I'm certainly not prepared to call for anyone's head at the moment because I don't think we're past any point of no return, but to put it as simply as I can: This team is not playing to it's full potential.

It comes down to service for me. Aside from Bradley, all of our mid-fielders are interchangeable and need to develop further (or be upgraded). They have moments of brilliance but also have moments of crosses into shins or simply not being able to get the ball into play. For me, the team is about 4-5 domestic players away from being something special. I would concentrate on finding mid-field and full backs.

[ManUtd4ever]

I just think our roster is far too talented to concede possession as often as we do and consistently deploy a counter attacking approach. We have more than enough talent to keep the opposition on it's heels on a fairly consistent basis.

[Redcoe15]

Today's game sucked. TFC should have beaten the New England Cheapskates, and instead left with their heads between their legs. This is unacceptable. This team's much better than that.

I need a drink!

[Yohan]

I just think our roster is far too talented to concede possession as often as we do and consistently deploy a counter attacking approach. We have more than enough talent to keep the opposition on it's heels on a fairly consistent basis.
60-40 in favour of TFC for possession, and around 2 to 1 ratio for passes also in favour of TFC.

[ensco]

There was not enough service. There were only a couple of good balls to Gilberto. How many times did Defoe get the ball in a good spot?

I think Bradley mailed it in, he does not want to get hurt now given WC training camp is in 2 weeks.

Nelsen had Bekker on a leash. It was obvious in person, he was being told to slow it up every time up the pitch. We threw away multiple counters as a result. Why Nelsen did that is a question I would like a journo to ask.

There were quite a few arguments between players - ones between Gilberto and Osorio, and Bradley and Jackson (when Jackson wouldn't get up), Bradley and Caldwell too ... these weren't to my eye "business as usual" spats. They are nowhere close to being a team yet.

[Yohan]

I don't even know what to make of this. Retaken corner because the lineman is incompetent?

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/05/03/toronto-fc-boss-ryan-nelsen-questions-referee-call-led-decisive-penalty-vs-r

[ag futbol]

Nelsen being let go watch starts soon if not now.
Anytime this team isn't holding down a playoff spot this year he'll be looking over his shoulder. The league standings haven't really "settled" yet, but once they do TFC will have to be looking pretty competent. I don't think this is extrapolating negativity, as much as it lines up with what Nelsen said to the press in NZ and management's overarching desire of keeping TFC relevant.

[trane]

Bradley needs to be played as the CDM that is were he controls and dominates the game and helps organize the team.

[ag futbol]

I don't even know what to make of this. Retaken corner because the lineman is incompetent?

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/05/03/toronto-fc-boss-ryan-nelsen-questions-referee-call-led-decisive-penalty-vs-r
They still need to find the guy media training. He's in "manager says stuff, takes pressure off players mode" or "they're all against us" (common refrain of short stacked clubs fighting giants each week), but here it just sounds like excuse making to the average fan.

I don't think he believes what he says half the time, it's just a game of what plays well in the papers. Issue being it doesn't actually come off well.

[Pookie]

They still need to find the guy media training. He's in "manager says stuff, takes pressure off players mode" or "they're all against us" (common refrain of short stacked clubs fighting giants each week), but here it just sounds like excuse making to the average fan.

I don't think he believes what he says half the time, it's just a game of what plays well in the papers. Issue being it doesn't actually come off well.

No, doesn't come off well at all.

[pawlukj]

1st half....

- too many passes
- allowed NE to get back / set up defence
- not enough shots

2nd half
- way too hectic
- rush forward / pass backwards again to let NE set up defence
- shots not taken
- no passes to Defoe

-----------

dont see too many pro's to be honest.. yes we have skills but theres little cohesion and tactically / and creatively we are not very good

[ensco]

Bradley needs to be played as the CDM that is were he controls and dominates the game and helps organize the team.

We're not gelling because Nelsen is being too cute.

Bradley was all over the pitch today, and not in a good way. He was frequently on the backline in the first 20 minutes (covering for Bloom, whom they were trying to spring down the flank). Then he was a sweeper. But in the second half he was an AM with Bekker and then Osorio behind him.

Just play him at CDM.

[brad]

I am not sure why many of you are all up in arms over Nelsen.

Outcome aside, it was actually an entertaining game. I guess if you believed that 3 players could make the team a dominant Superclub then I guess you'd be disappointed.

The simple fact of the matter is that over the years, TFC has squandered its draft picks. Either not drafting well or more to the point, not drafting at all. Taking flyers on short term fixes like Sturgis or Hassli that cost them depth. Relying instead on the waiver draft or re-entry draft to find domestic players.

Spending the money on the DPs simply brings TFC to parity with other clubs. The 2015 draft will be the turning point for this franchise provided they don't do something completely stupid and trade those picks for veterans to make good on Tim Leiweke's boasting. A strong core of drafted talent mixed with the talent of the DPs will be something special. We aren't there yet. Turn off the Leiweke "fixed" garbage and enjoy the fact that the team has started to turn a corner.

Farrell sure was solid today, wasn't he...

[Pookie]

Mennah and Brek Shea would have been interesting too.

[Abou Sky]

I hate blaming refs, I think that good teams should win IN SPITE OF the refs, but man, that was freaking over the top!

[MightyDM]

Ensco identifies one of my concerns about the game today: the arguments between players. I saw this in particular with Osorio on multiple occasions. Other concerns I had from the game that haven't been discussed - Gilberto and Defoe made the same runs often, getting in each others way; Bloom was generally ineffective contrary to earlier performances ; on multiple occasions both Bradley and Defoe would not pass to Gilberto when he was clearly open; Bradely ( again) tried to do too much. In my opinion, the team played well at the start and it was almost like they got cocky when they scored the goal. And the referee was appalling, as usual. Twice in the first half TFC had breaks on that were called back to give TFC free kicks. Hello, Sir, advantage?

One more thing: Defoe really hates to lose.




There was not enough service. There were only a couple of good balls to Gilberto. How many times did Defoe get the ball in a good spot?

I think Bradley mailed it in, he does not want to get hurt now given WC training camp is in 2 weeks.

Nelsen had Bekker on a leash. It was obvious in person, he was being told to slow it up every time up the pitch. We threw away multiple counters as a result. Why Nelsen did that is a question I would like a journo to ask.

There were quite a few arguments between players - ones between Gilberto and Osorio, and Bradley and Jackson (when Jackson wouldn't get up), Bradley and Caldwell too ... these weren't to my eye "business as usual" spats. They are nowhere close to being a team yet.

[Marc"2L"]

If we don't win on Wednesday (which, looking at the game so far, I doubt) then expect the burner under Nelly to go to 8. Is it unreasonable? Probably, but so was the last 7 years. I haven't been this angry after a loss in a while. I'm asking myself why I care about a bunch of rich(ish, all making more then me at least) guys kicking a ball around while I worry about making ends meet. I don't watch TFC to get all existential Mr Leiweke, I do it to distract from the whole surviving as apposed to living issue.

edit: ill leave what I wrote, but have since looked at the SS standings. I worry about our goals for, but will ease away from the burner talk. Still early but hopefully he learns from this.