MatchDay 8: New York Red Bulls at. Toronto FC 4:30 PM

[OgtheDim]

Well, if nobody else wants to start it.


*****************


Probable Weather on Toronto Islands


http://i.imgur.com/lAifykq.jpg

[levyashin]

Winter coats again.!
This should be a 3-0 BUT!

[Leedsoronto]

If we win all our three games in hand we can go top, back on coarse for MLS domination

<Takes tongue out of cheek>

[InDa_110]

I'm feeling a draw today. Sorry

[pdubs]

Not optimistic about the way we have been playing. With a bekker and osorio combo in midfield this could get ugly. Jackson apparently has concussion issues as well (read on twitter few days ago)? So Rey and Lovitz on the wings? Let's see how nelson attacks this game, not having Bradley is not an accuse (knew this day would come, should have found cover way before). Hope Hagglund gets the nod at CB, Henry needs a timeout.

[OgtheDim]

Given NYRB haven't much wide threat, and we really only have 5 midfielders today, and that's counting DeRo, we could break out the 4-3-3. Now wouldn't that stupify everybody.

[ensco]

I won't be there, but if I was, I would like to wish Bradley and Cesar well. Especially Cesar, he is under incredible, really unimaginable, pressure.

Anybody see this ESPN documentary about the Brazilian keeper who allowed the deciding goal in the 1950 WC final? The Brazilian public hounded him for that, for the rest of his life.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10886708

[OgtheDim]

MLS Pundit Predictions

http://i.imgur.com/sWeel6D.png

[pdubs]

Doyle is giving us a chance? geeeze

[nonc]

I expect an almost immediate decline into bunkerball with brief counterattacks in which Nelsen doesn't commit enough players to, but I hope to be shown incorrect.

[Kaz]

Not watching the game... I'm giving TFC a one game suspension for treating producing Canadian talent like shit. Particularly to bring in Jackson 2.0.

[Leedsoronto]

I expect an almost immediate decline into bunkerball with brief counterattacks in which Nelsen doesn't commit enough players to, but I hope to be shown incorrect.

Go all out for a goalless spineless tie, that could be plan A

[JonO]

Anybody see this ESPN documentary about the Brazilian keeper who allowed the deciding goal in the 1950 WC final? The Brazilian public hounded him for that, for the rest of his life.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10886708
crazy how it ruined his life. Two (paraphrased) remarks from that stood out to me. First was the woman who, years after the incident, pointed to barbosa and told her son that that was the man that made all of Brazil cry. And second was a comment from barbosa that the maximum sentence for a crime in Brazil is 30 years but he had been sentenced to 50 years for something not his fault.

[trane]

^ I heard an interview with Pele, were he mentioned how from watching that he realized that he would never want to be a keeper. He said keepers cannot win, and he said that he felt that it was not his fault, but yet he was blamed for the rest of his live.

[reggie]

Not watching the game... I'm giving TFC a one game suspension for treating producing Canadian talent like shit. Particularly to bring in Jackson 2.0.

too bad for you...I think warner has prob lived more in Canada then issey has.

[Canary10]

Fuck some people need to grow up a bit. Support the badge, players will come and go.

[Fort York Redcoat]

too bad for you...I think warner has prob lived more in Canada then issey has.

Really? No caps as far as I know. And I've been watching Issey for a couple cycles now.


Fuck some people need to grow up a bit. Support the badge, players will come and go.

Yes they will and it shouldn't be an excuse. One can be pissed about this and show up. Is Warner starting today and what will his number be? MLS says 18. He'll be the focus today.

[Auzzy]

Winter coats again.!
This should be a 3-0 BUT!

"should be 3-0" for whom?

[Canary10]

Really? No caps as far as I know. And I've been watching Issey for a couple cycles now.



Yes they will and it shouldn't be an excuse. One can be pissed about this and show up. Is Warner starting today and what will his number be? MLS says 18. He'll be the focus today.

Warner is on a red I think. Don't think he can play.

Obviously I'm hoping the boys dig deep and hold a potent RB offence. But it's possible, with Warner not playing, we'll get people yelling at management to find a central midfielder to cover Bradley while he's gone. Hope that doesn't happen but it would be terrificly ironic!

[reggie]

don't think he is playing today...issey has been on 10 teams give or take in the last 10 yrs...I think warner has spent more time in Canada then issey..

[Fort York Redcoat]

Warner is on a red I think. Don't think he can play.

Obviously I'm hoping the boys dig deep and hold a potent RB offence. But it's possible, with Warner not playing, we'll get people yelling at management to find a central midfielder to cover Bradley while he's gone. Hope that doesn't happen but it would be terrificly ironic!

You'll put em straight I'm sure. Not as sure as I am as his contribution being equal to Issey's this year so far. But he'll get his chance.


don't think he is playing today...issey has been on 10 teams give or take in the last 10 yrs...I think warner has spent more time in Canada then issey..

Srsly? 3x u say this? We've both been in Canada more than Issey. I'll race you to BMO for the starting job today mkay?

[OgtheDim]

FWIW

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/10268643_10152034270056805_6522262955063627716_n.j pg

[js12]

Hi, first post. I'm a huge Toronto fan, especially of the Raptors. I've been following Toronto FC since Day 1 so I lurk on this forum quite often.

Let's Go Reds.

[khso11]

Hi, first post. I'm a huge Toronto fan, especially of the Raptors. I've been following Toronto FC since Day 1 so I lurk on this forum quite often.

Let's Go Reds.

Hey, welcome to the board!

[Greatest Ripoff]

For anyone in England, this is live on BT Sport 2 at 9:30.

[ManUtd4ever]

Need a win badly.

[Cashcleaner]

Good to see you on the boards, js12.

As for today's match-up, we're looking at a high of 13 today with isolated showers and winds reaching 33 Kph. Long story short, it's gonna be a bit cool and wet. Throw in the fact that TFC played on Wednesday as well, and we may see a sluggish squad out on the pitch.

New York is higher than us in the standing, but just came off a 4-5 loss at home to Chicago.

[Ivy]

NY is good on the attack. This game is not gonna end scoreless. I say 2-0 NY

[Gilberto9]

Too much pessimism. 3-1 for Toronto, just for the hell of it! We surprised everyone at Columbus (although, we did have Bradley), we can do it again today.

Should be a strong crowd, hope the weather doesn't ruin that...

[Kaz]

too bad for you...I think warner has prob lived more in Canada then issey has.

He was born here and choose canada to play. He spent his formative years in Japan. He is still a Canadian International, and more so... he produced. Warner doesn't.

He had a player that scored 2 of out 7 goals, he was performing well... and we traded him..

This is a team that is still struggling to score goals, and you traded a Canadian born player that called himself Canadian (even if it was to get international play) Came back here, performed well... and then was traded, on his birthday.. (the trade could have waited a week)

After playing like crap in multiple games in a row.


No TFC gets no support from me today.

And I may be done. This Club his broken at every level. It treats players like crap, it has no respect for fans, it relys on gimmicks. And will ultimately be the reason Tim is fired because he wasted a crap load of money with no gains. TFC in MLSE hands will likely never amount to anything. Without significant changes.

Warner isn't a play maker on the wings. He isn't a great defender in the back. We don't have a Coach that knows how to do anything past the half line and doesn't know how to use his players.

4 loses 3 wins. With 1 DP Midfielder, 2 DP strikers, and basically a DP keeper.

They have a game suspension...

And if they lose today... then I won't watch another game until they win 3 back to back.

I'm done.. this team needs to earn my support back at this point. This is a management issue. And until fans stop going that issue won't be solved.

[Abou Sky]

NY doesn't have much defense, and with Cahill and Miller missing I think we may be able to poke all types of holes in them.

I also think that Wright Phillips and Henry do a number on us.

5-4 TFC and a game not to be missed!

[js12]

Thanks for the warm welcome, everyone. TFC needs a win this afternoon considering how poorly they played in league games recently.

[Ruffian]

He was born here and choose canada to play. He spent his formative years in Japan. He is still a Canadian International, and more so... he produced. Warner doesn't.

He had a player that scored 2 of out 7 goals, he was performing well... and we traded him..

This is a team that is still struggling to score goals, and you traded a Canadian born player that called himself Canadian (even if it was to get international play) Came back here, performed well... and then was traded, on his birthday.. (the trade could have waited a week)

After playing like crap in multiple games in a row.


No TFC gets no support from me today.

And I may be done. This Club his broken at every level. It treats players like crap, it has no respect for fans, it relys on gimmicks. And will ultimately be the reason Tim is fired because he wasted a crap load of money with no gains. TFC in MLSE hands will likely never amount to anything. Without significant changes.

Warner isn't a play maker on the wings. He isn't a great defender in the back. We don't have a Coach that knows how to do anything past the half line and doesn't know how to use his players.

4 loses 3 wins. With 1 DP Midfielder, 2 DP strikers, and basically a DP keeper.

They have a game suspension...

And if they lose today... then I won't watch another game until they win 3 back to back.

I'm done.. this team needs to earn my support back at this point. This is a management issue. And until fans stop going that issue won't be solved.

Why are we talking about Issey still? He doesn't play for Toronto FC or New York Red Bulls

[OgtheDim]

And there we go people. The old 4-1-3-2. Orr in at DM.

[ManUtd4ever]

Not a bad move putting Orr in front the backline considering the options.

[Canary10]

I only we had someone who could slot into DM.

[OgtheDim]

Pitch still looking like crap.

Henry plays recessed. A DM is a necessity.

[notthesun]

Starting XI: Bendik, Bloom, Caldwell, Hagglund, Morrow, Rey, Orr, Bekker, Osorio, Gilberto, Defoe

Red Bulls looking light on the bench today. Believe it or not we have more options there. No Luyindula and Cahill and Miller are both already gone. They've got 4 defenders on their bench.

[pdubs]

glad we are trying something new. have too since bradley is away. also glad hagglund is starting henry needs that time out

[Leedsoronto]

Hagland over Henry is a step in the right direction Imo

Should have Lovitz on the wing though?

[pdubs]

Hagland over Henry is a step in the right direction Imo

Should have Lovitz on the wing though?

Osorio hasn't shown anything this season besides the first game… granted he has been injured so maybe he needs to find his legs again after that first game. Lovitz is probably better off the bench until he integrates in a little more.

[Leedsoronto]

Be interesting to see Orr in the middle, and Osorio ain't no winger.

Really hope Gilberto gets that illusive goal he been looking for

[pdubs]

agreed. if Orr can sit and anchor the DM spot maybe we see Bekker's offensive game more? We know he can shoot not sold on his vision to pick Gilberto and Defoe out tho.

[defensor]

hagglund over henry. maybe there is hope after all. JK though bekker still starting ahahaha

[Redcoe15]

Win, win, win today! Flush the Red Bulls is Shite down the toilet!

[notthesun]

Gilberto needs a goal. He does so much well. Marking runs in our own third of the pitch.

[pdubs]

thats why we pay defoe. btw orr is winning a ton of balls in midfield.

[notthesun]

What a finish. Only a handful of MLS players could finish from that position.

[DigzTFC!]

thats why we pay defoe. btw orr is winning a ton of balls in midfield.

That maybe the first TFC goal I have ever seen that didn't come from a mistake, a broken play, a scrambling effort, a mistake call by a ref etc. Weird to have talent.

[DigzTFC!]

Gilberto will score today. Defense looks weak and he is due.

[notthesun]

Gilberto with another miss. Dude's confidence couldn't be lower, he desperately needs a lucky break.

[pdubs]

i love gilberto's aggressiveness. i wish he would have potted that shot of the set piece. it is coming indeed.

[pdubs]

orr is bossing midfield. new york seems like a slow team tho so we are matching up well.

[notthesun]

Amazing pass from Osorio nearly leads to Defoe's second.

[Batman]

I too have lost confidence in Gilberto. Some of his misses have been fucking shocking! How many years is he under contract for?

[jloome]

I too have lost confidence in Gilberto. Some of his misses have been fucking shocking! How many years is he under contract for?

He's a good player; he'll come good, he's just got the jinks.

[DigzTFC!]

I have no problem with Gilberto when he plays defense the way he does.

When he gains some confidence he will be an absolute beast for defenses to handle.

[Batman]

I hope you guys are right. He's gets a lot of money, and sure has shown no finish so far.

[pdubs]

I have no problem with Gilberto when he plays defense the way he does.

When he gains some confidence he will be an absolute beast for defenses to handle.

agreed

btw maybe bekker does have some vision. need more passes like that

[DigzTFC!]

I can see why Olave was traded. What a dick.Yells at the defender Kimura after he covered his ass.

[AdamAM]

Hey guys, great to hear that we're winning. Anyone know where I can catch a stream on mobile besides the TSN app? I'm at work :/

[DigzTFC!]

Very impressed with Hagglund so far.

[pdubs]

i like nelson's adjustment for this game. Orr is clearly sitting in front of the back four. allows bekker in his more natural cam position.

[pdubs]

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 1m (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/467776728996532225)
The little things... Gilberto hustle play gets Olave a booking. I'm telling you. He does everything but score. He will score.

[Valdal]

anybody got a link to the game i am up north

[DigzTFC!]

http://www.vipboxam.co/sports/football.html

[Defoe]

Positives at the half:

world class finish from defoe
Orr has done an admirable job
Haglund is so much better then Henry right now, what a difference
Solid half from Bendik
Morrow has been good

negative:
Osorio looks awful on the wing
Rey hasn't been sharp
Gilberto still can't finish

Overall a pretty good half everything considered

[pdubs]

no reason for us to bunker now. we need a few more goals and i think w can get them. New York isn't showing much so far.

[Couchy81]

Gilberto is a great player with bad luck so far, I am cautiously optimistic he will find his groove soon.

[notthesun]

We're playing far better than we did against Vancouver.

I don't care about possession but I do care about how we try to form attacks. The problem I'm seeing is too often we try to mount an immediate attack from deep in our own half. Long balls are fine if you use them smartly, i.e. if you have time to get your head up and forwards are making appropriate runs. But too often we don't do that. We should be trying to work the ball near or past half through movement and short passes. Then start playing high-risk, high-reward balls.

[daner90]

Agreed, positive half for us and spent most of it going forward.
Need to be better in the final third though. Most of the crosses have been off target and waste good opportunities.

[ag futbol]

We're playing far better than we did against Vancouver.

I don't care about possession but I do care about how we try to form attacks. The problem I'm seeing is too often we try to mount an immediate attack from deep in our own half. Long balls are fine if you use them smartly, i.e. if you have time to get your head up and forwards are making appropriate runs. But too often we don't do that. We should be trying to work the ball near or past half through movement and short passes. Then start playing high-risk, high-reward balls.
This sums up my issue with this team in a nutshell. They have no 'read' of the game. I'm not crazy about possession either but if the other team is defensively set, direct play isn't going to be effective. Why not work it around a little?

[defensor]

is it just me or is new york playing like a beer league team?

edit: they seem to be stepping it up a bit just as I say that but up until the last couple minutes they have been pretty unorganized. and didn't seem to be working all that hard

[pdubs]

gilberto i still believe!

[Gazza]

The Legend of Luke Moore begins today. The next Issey Nakajima-Farran.

[jloome]

is it just me or is new york playing like a beer league team?

THey're horrible so far.

[notthesun]

Gilberto subbed quite early... thought he'd have gotten a bit more time.

[pdubs]

i know we say this every game but bekker needs to be more aggressive.

[DigzTFC!]

Gilberto subbed quite early... thought he'd have gotten a bit more time.

Well if playing won't get him out of the rut maybe taking a shot at his ego will

[pdubs]

we got dead lucky right there. we need to wake up. like fack.

[defensor]

lol new york is throwing the game

[daner90]

we got dead lucky right there. we need to wake up. like fack.

Yup we are not the same team as in the first half right now.

[Defoe]

that was pathetic

[notthesun]

Wright-Phillips let us off the hook big time right there. I mean even Gilberto would have scored that.

[Defoe]

Imagine Henry-Defoe together

[Gazza]

Wright-Phillips let us off the hook big time right there. I mean even Gilberto would have scored that.

burn. And Henry calling for a hand ball, that's rich.

[Lumpy]

Is Osorio dead or did he change his name ?? Where is he ?

[Gazza]

About time we see John Lovitz. We need some width.

[pdubs]

Is Osorio dead or did he change his name ?? Where is he ?

he looks a step behind everyone in terms of pace. maybe lagging injury.

[notthesun]

Fuck, Lovitz almost got one. Maybe should have.

[daner90]

Is Jackson still hurt? Haven't heard anything on him forever.

[pdubs]

Is Jackson still hurt? Haven't heard anything on him forever.

concussion apparently

[Lumpy]

It's not as stressful watching the closing minutes without Henry in there. I say we sub him in for some excitement.

[daner90]

concussion apparently

Damn. Love that guy

[pdubs]

lovtiz needs to pass that back to defoe. ill take his chances shooting lol

[Defoe]

Defoe get's no service why not give it back to him there? Stupid play

[Lumpy]

It's our turn for a late one.

[notthesun]

Lovitz is a good crosser (though he should have played it back to Defoe before).

[defensor]

Defoe get's no service why not give it back to him there? Stupid play
didn't see him. bekker did the same thing earlier in the game, but the announcers didn't point it out. they've been too busy pointing out how "great" bekker has been

[Lumpy]

We need to keep pressing up front like we are.

[Gazza]

do we get petrescu because he's local? if so, we should move.

[pdubs]

how did bekker miss? urgh lol

[notthesun]

Moore, pass the ball to Defoe. I know Bekker had the better run, but it's Defoe. Give him the ball.

[Defoe]

seriously frustrated with the lack of service to defoe... this team is full of scrubs get the ball to fucking defoe

[Gazza]

Legend.

[Lumpy]

Luke Moore the legend continues

[Lumpy]

Let the bitchin begin

[Gazza]

Keep Calm and pass it to Luke.

[notthesun]

So we got lucky on BWP's miss. But we were the better team on the day and the win is deserved.

Big improvement over recent play. Still a lot more to do, but it's 3 points. Good day.

[Couchy81]

The Legend of Luke Moore begins today. The next Issey Nakajima-Farran.

lol good call

[speckles]

Defense a lot more settled, Lovitz looks sharper skills on the wing, just need to convert more chances earlier and give your fans a break in the second half..

[pdubs]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I-Jn38YAe4

[speckles]

Moore, pass the ball to Defoe. I know Bekker had the better run, but it's Defoe. Give him the ball.

He doesn't know what Bekker is like yet....

[Canary10]

Bekker played the game of his life today. Great win from the boys. JD scored a rocket! Get back on the damn bandwagon!

[Leedsoronto]

Best team won, I have Hagaland for Henry any day of the week.

And Orr in the middle was a great idea.

Bring on Montreal.!!!

[pdubs]

new york was so poor. and they missed that sitter in front of the net. take 3 points thooo

[Defoe]

I will never complain about a win but some things still need to be addressed.

Osorio is not a winger and should never play on the wing, he is very slow.
Alvaro Rey was not very sharp today.
Defoe should be getting better service, he should be getting the ball at every opportunity he can do what Suarez does for Liverpool we don't use him as effectively as we could IMO.
Gilberto still can't seem to finish.
We were out possessed and if it wasn't for a pathetic effort by wright-Philips we don't come away with 3 points.

The good:

We grinded out a win, the back line was pretty good for the most. Haglund, Morrow and Caldwell were all very good.
Defoe is a boss
Bendik is a very good goalie

[Gazza]

Those getting on Bekker, give your head a shake. The kid played a cracker today.

[Mark TFC]

Best team won. Could have been a goal or two more scored for either team but very happy to see us walk away with the win and the clean sheet. And we didn't buckle in the final minutes. It's nice to see the boys applying pressure while playing smart and not just sitting back. Good win, boys!

[Defoe]

Best team won, I have Hagaland for Henry any day of the week.

And Orr in the middle was a great idea.

Bring on Montreal.!!!
agree, orr did well in his role. He's the one guy that understands to just give the ball to defoe at every opportunity. Defoe should have 10 goals in 5 games by now... The guy can seriously be our suraez, he can do what suarez does for Liverpool. We seriously miss use him IMO.

[Shakes McQueen]

He's a good player; he'll come good, he's just got the jinks.

Gilberto is doing everything well, except scoring. I still have lots of confidence in him.

Not the start from him that we wanted, but I think he'll be fine.

[PopePouri]

Best team won, I have Hagaland for Henry any day of the week.

And Orr in the middle was a great idea.

Bring on Montreal.!!!

Yep. Henry pretty much saw his starting role disappear today.

[ManUtd4ever]

Solid performances all around, and a much needed, well deserved victory. Orr and Hagglund in particular were excellent filling in today.

It was especially refreshing to see that TFC didn't revert into a defensive shell with the lead in the second half today, and could have easily put away a couple more goals in the latter stages of the game.

Well done.

[ManUtd4ever]

Those getting on Bekker, give your head a shake. The kid played a cracker today.

Agreed. He's been steadily improving in every start.

[Redcoe15]

Defoe is a beast! And I love how that Moore goal played out. Our side deserved that win against the Red Bulls is Shite! :scarf:

[nonc]

Don't say we never get lucky.

[pdubs]

bad news tho only a hand

John Molinaro ‏@JohnMolinaro (https://twitter.com/JohnMolinaro) 1m (https://twitter.com/JohnMolinaro/status/467800377920733184)
Osorio said he had his hand stepped on and that it's broken. Has to get an x-Ray. #TFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash)

[stevep]

Bekker played the game of his life today. Great win from the boys. JD scored a rocket! Get back on the damn bandwagon!

every time we got in trouble and then every time he touched the ball I thought to myself, whew we are fine now Becker has the ball, great game by becker

[nonc]

Hagglund two starts two shutouts :)

[ManUtd4ever]

bad news tho only a hand

John Molinaro ‏@JohnMolinaro (https://twitter.com/JohnMolinaro) 1m (https://twitter.com/JohnMolinaro/status/467800377920733184)
Osorio said he had his hand stepped on and that it's broken. Has to get an x-Ray. #TFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash)

Damn, he's having a rough start to the season.

[Canary10]

every time we got in trouble and then every time he touched the ball I thought to myself, whew we are fine now Becker has the ball, great game by becker

He was calm on the ball. Was stuck in. Deserves a lot of credit for this win. The whole team came together today. We needed that and they fought for and got it.

[OgtheDim]

Okay, it's only one game, but Moore looks like a serviceable MLS striker. Holds up the ball well and has an eye for what's going on around him

Him for Agboss is possibly a good deal.

[notthesun]

Yep. Henry pretty much saw his starting role disappear today.

Henry has better tools but Hagglund has shown none of Henry's rashness. You can be a beast on the field but if you consistently make big mistakes, you're not worth the risk of playing.

Keep starting Hagglund for as long as he performs.

[ManUtd4ever]

Hagglund is just as strong in the air, and less error prone than Henry. It's obviously a limited sample size, but he has been nearly flawless in two starts against Columbus and New York.

[Leedsoronto]

Those getting on Bekker, give your head a shake. The kid played a cracker today.

I've been anti Bekker, but I concede he was almost MVP today

[Pookie]

NYRB look disinterested for most of the game. And that miss on the sitter that would have made it 1-1... thank you karma.

3 more in the bank.

[Canary10]

NYRB look disinterested for most of the game. And that miss on the sitter that would have made it 1-1... thank you karma.

3 more in the bank.

I don' t buy that. We played a good game and deserved the win.

[QBall]

Gilberto's confidence must be shot by now. Not only does he get subbed out when weren't assured of the win but the guy who gets subbed in is paying his first game for the Reds and scores.

[ManUtd4ever]

NYRB look disinterested for most of the game. And that miss on the sitter that would have made it 1-1... thank you karma.

3 more in the bank.

We missed a few great chances as well.

Not sure why some people have to try and discredit a well deserved victory, but whatever. To each his own.

[Lumpy]

Gilberto's confidence must be shot by now. Not only does he get subbed out when weren't assured of the win but the guy who gets subbed in is paying his first game for the Reds and scores.

I think he was subbed out because he played 85 minutes on Wednesday.

[Canary10]

We missed a few great chances as well.

Not sure why some people have to try and discredit a well deserved victory, but whatever. To each his own.

That ball from Bekker that Defoe took off his chest and hit on the volley just over was awesome.

Pookie, the next time you insinuate JD isn't worth his money I'll remind you of how he put his laces through that ball on his goal. He finishes like few in this league. All in good fun of course.

[mitchf]

Okay, it's only one game, but Moore looks like a serviceable MLS striker. Holds up the ball well and has an eye for what's going on around him

Him for Agboss is possibly a good deal.
He has shown absolutely nothing. Not a single run w/ the ball or really any type of touch. I don't know what makes you say that and I'm not criticizing him.

[MightyDM]

That was a deserved, well played and well managed all around win. Defoe showed why we need him, Orr was brilliant, Bekker good, Bendik a beast and Hagglund, Caldwell and Gilberto worked their socks off. Sure there were areas to improve but its about time the negative nellies who are always posting on all these threads give it a break and take some pleasure from our club. All for one!

[Shakes McQueen]

They missed a sitter, but I count at least one "borderline" sitter we failed to bag as well.

[Pookie]

That ball from Bekker that Defoe took off his chest and hit on the volley just over was awesome.

Pookie, the next time you insinuate JD isn't worth his money I'll remind you of how he put his laces through that ball on his goal. He finishes like few in this league. All in good fun of course.

His goal was awesome.

Why do people take offense at saying that the NYRBs likely had a bad game? Statistically, they average 12 shots a game and 4 on goal. Despite passing and possession advantages today they had 8 total and only 1 on goal today. A subpar performance by their standards.

Rangers fans are likely saying the same thing about the Habs this evening. Bad game for the Habs. They didn't play up to their standards. A win is still a win though even if the other side was off their game.

Not sure why that matters if I point that out.

3 points is still 3 points. Are we only allowed to say "Yay Superclub!" If we win?

[Canary10]

His goal was awesome.

Why do people take offense at saying that the NYRBs likely had a bad game? Statistically, they average 12 shots a game and 4 on goal. Despite passing and possession advantages today they had 8 total and only 1 on goal today. A subpar performance by their standards.

Rangers fans are likely saying the same thing about the Habs this evening. Bad game for the Habs. They didn't play up to their standards.

Not sure why that matters if I point that out.

3 points is still 3 points. Are we only allowed to say "Yay Superclub!" If we win?

Of course not a super club but they answered the call today. One man's "didn't look interested" is another man's "weren't allowed to play their game."

I think after this controversial week in TFC-land we should all just celebrate a good hard earned win.

[Pookie]

They missed a sitter, but I count at least one "borderline" sitter we failed to bag as well.

Sure and a handball that didn't get called for them.

Again karma was good for us today. People bitch about bad calls or bad luck. Today both went in our favour. Not sure why there seems to be an underlying defensiveness about it.

[Pookie]

Of course not a super club but they answered the call today. One man's "didn't look interested" is another man's "weren't allowed to play their game."

I think after this controversial week in TFC-land we should all just celebrate a good hard earned win.

Hey, if it shuts up the "Nelsen doesn't know what he is doing crowd," I am all for chalking this up TFC domination.

[Alonso]

he looks a step behind everyone in terms of pace. maybe lagging injury.


He could barely walk off the field two games ago, I think this is still a lagging injury for him. (Hamstring I think)

[Canary10]

Hey, if it shuts up the "Nelsen doesn't know what he is doing crowd," I am all for chalking this up TFC domination.

"TFC domination?" Why set up that straw man? We played a good game. Was it domination? No. Just give credit once in a while without it being backhanded.

[LFC8]

I'd say you gotta go with Defoe and Moore next game. Gilberto's not performing and he's taking up a DP slot. It's harsh and i'll get alot of hate for it but as soon as a player like Cambiasso or Ferdinand shows interest in playing for TFC then we gotta dump Gilberto. He's good but unless he goes....there won't be anymore Defoe's or Bradley's coming to Toronto.

[OgtheDim]

He has shown absolutely nothing. Not a single run w/ the ball or really any type of touch. I don't know what makes you say that and I'm not criticizing him.


Meh...I said what I saw. You saw differently.

To expand a little now that I'm home and no longer working off a dying phone battery.

I saw a couple of lay offs, and some runs that pulled defenders around. He also competed in the air, which considering he's no giant, was pretty good. He doesn't have the touch of Gilberto. But he's an upgrade on Weideman, IMHO.


Shall we talk about his Opta Stats? Do you want to see his Galazo? I'm no stats junkie but, interestingly, they back up what I saw. He's far from perfect. But he did a bit more then nothing.

[Alonso]

Gilberto's confidence must be shot by now. Not only does he get subbed out when weren't assured of the win but the guy who gets subbed in is paying his first game for the Reds and scores.



LOL....

If I'm Gilberto, it seems like everybody and their mother is scoring goals for TFC.

He'll unleash the fury soon enough.

[reggie]

NYRB look disinterested for most of the game. And that miss on the sitter that would have made it 1-1... thank you karma.

3 more in the bank.

wow...can you ever say anything good about this club...are you the anti TFC:scarf:

[pdubs]

LOL....

If I'm Gilberto, it seems like everybody and their mother is scoring goals for TFC.

He'll unleash the fury soon enough.

maybe he needs the warm weather aha.

[Ultra & Proud]

maybe he needs the warm weather aha.
Didn't that ESPN South American analyst say in his breakdown of Gilberto that he played poorly and didn't score in colder weather matches in Brazil?

[billyfly]

Haven't read through the thread and was at the game.....

Has anyone else mentioned that Bekker is the worst player on the field? if that was him and not Moore, he would have missed the net somehow.

[Shakes McQueen]

wow...can you ever say anything good about this club...are you the anti TFC:scarf:

Everyone needs to curb this kind of stuff, please. As long as his points are well made and not troll-bait, it really doesn't matter where his opinion of TFC's performance rates, from outright cynicism to effusive praise.

Same goes for vague criticisms about people's "critical thinking skills", or insinuating someone is a Nelson/Leiweke/MLSE/TFC boot licker.

Agree to disagree, and move on, instead of readjudicating the same old fights about whether people are being sheeple, or not positive enough.

[Thomas]

A great result. I didn't notice the absence of Henry, other than no red cards or major gaffes. Some seem to like Becker's performance. I thought he was maybe a bit better than usual, but not nearly good enough. Haggland and Bloom impressed in relation to their low wages. I am very happy with the overall result.

[lobo]

man, we needed that.

http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/56/5655/KOSMG00Z/posters/man-wiping-forehead.jpg

[stevep]

did anybody think of the mario ballotelli goal vs germany in the euro with that defoe goal today?

[habstfc]

TFC deserved the 3 points, the better team today by far. TFC had at least 4 or 5 really good scoring chances , NY had 1. Bekker seems to hold on to the ball too long when he should pass it or moves it too quickly when he has more time and a better option. He played pretty good overall though, with the exception of shooting the ball wide on that glorious chance. Defoe is awesome and worth every penny.

[lobo]

Those getting on Bekker, give your head a shake. The kid played a cracker today.

agreed. lots of good play on both sides of the ball today from bekker. kid just can't put a ball on goal to save his life though.


LOL.... If I'm Gilberto, it seems like everybody and their mother is scoring goals for TFC. He'll unleash the fury soon enough.

gilberto is doing everything except score goals. he is a serious workhorse, winning lots of balls, smartly holding up play, setting up teammates, creating space for defoe, and (as an added bonus) making deep recovery runs to get the balls his teammates cough up on many occasions. he never quits. the goals will come. anybody who says get rid of him because he is not scoring is looking at his play from one dimension only. gilberto is suffering more fouls than anyone else on the team, so that tells me he is working hard and causing lots of trouble for defenders. of course, i want to see him score as much as anyone, but I'm happy to have such a multi-dimensional striker on our side. i'm really getting sick of hearing ppl wanting to throw him to the rubbish pile for not scoring yet. FFS, the guys scored 14 goals in 24 games in Brazil Serie A last year. if he can score there, he can score here. gilberto is not giving up, we shouldn't give up on him either.

to me, the one who is looking frustrated and lacking confidence out there is osorio. not much working for him and not much going his way. hope it turns around for him soon.

and to echo what others have said ... orr was a pleasant surprise at CM, hagglund was fantastic, and defoe with a bullet!

[jloome]

orr was a pleasant surprise at CM, hagglund was fantastic, and defoe with a bullet!

Hard to say how we'd have done against a more competitive team as NY was asleep for much of it; but if Orr can keep playing like that as a DM it gives us a lot more flexibility to use Bekker as just a creative mid, a backup to Bradley.

Thought Rey and Osorio actually did quietly quite well, dropping short balls behind the defense for forwards to run onto.

[Pookie]

"TFC domination?" Why set up that straw man? We played a good game. Was it domination? No. Just give credit once in a while without it being backhanded.

Relax. Seems that if I say NY looked disinterested, it gets folks back up. And I said disinterested based on Henry sauntering over for corner kicks, joking with opponents, lack of contesting for balls, lazy passes and an inability to fight through to get shots on goal (backed up by 4 shots less than their average per game and winning fewer 50/50s). That wasn't the only reason the game ended as it did. I just made an observation about them.

That game was won on the back of a solid effort from many, playing a team that wasn't at the top of their game, with an awesome strike set up by an equally awesome pass by Orr playing a "new" position and a favourable call or two that went our way.

That's the way it unfolded. Nothing backhanded about it.

[Pint]

Good win... Tons of fun to watch and be part of. Some times people just don't like having nice things

[bimmer]

Has anyone else mentioned that Bekker is the worst player on the field? if that was him and not Moore, he would have missed the net somehow.

? Yeah he had a poor miss but I thought he was one of our best out there today.

[backbeat]

Was a fun game to be at today - great atmosphere and so nice to win with a clean sheet.

to me we looked weaker when Gilberto was subbed off - his work rate is amazing - he's all over the pitch, in the air everywhere, Moore may have put the ball in the back of the net but he hung up top with Defoe where as Gilberto would be helping out the back 4 - it was a huge difference when he came off imo

Defoe is awesome, man he can make things happen - orr, bekker, the back line - strong performance....loved it and some creativity in the box - fun game to be at......

[FreekAce]

agreed. lots of good play on both sides of the ball today from bekker. kid just can't put a ball on goal to save his life though.



gilberto is doing everything except score goals. he is a serious workhorse, winning lots of balls, smartly holding up play, setting up teammates, creating space for defoe, and (as an added bonus) making deep recovery runs to get the balls his teammates cough up on many occasions. he never quits. the goals will come. anybody who says get rid of him because he is not scoring is looking at his play from one dimension only. gilberto is suffering more fouls than anyone else on the team, so that tells me he is working hard and causing lots of trouble for defenders. of course, i want to see him score as much as anyone, but I'm happy to have such a multi-dimensional striker on our side. i'm really getting sick of hearing ppl wanting to throw him to the rubbish pile for not scoring yet. FFS, the guys scored 14 goals in 24 games in Brazil Serie A last year. if he can score there, he can score here. gilberto is not giving up, we shouldn't give up on him either.

to me, the one who is looking frustrated and lacking confidence out there is osorio. not much working for him and not much going his way. hope it turns around for him soon.

and to echo what others have said ... orr was a pleasant surprise at CM, hagglund was fantastic, and defoe with a bullet!

fully agree on Gilly! Been excellent except for the lack of goals. Will easily give him the rest of the season to find form. Other then the scoring he's been great.

[Detroit_TFC]

RBNY is a hot or cold team, they looked mighty cold without Tim Cahill. However, without our key guy, we looked ok. Seemed that everyone stepped up. Just a first impression, I'd like to rewatch the game to catch some of the details. Given the number of games I would not want to rewatch, I'll call this one a success.

[__wowza]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if Gilberto was an AM we wouldn't be talking about his slump. He completes passes, sets up some dangerous attacks, drops back to defend with an incredible work rate... everything but score. His time will come soon enough, and the floodgates will open when he does, but in the meantime, he's been great.

EDIT: lobo beat me to the punch with this.

[Greatest Ripoff]

Didn't that ESPN South American analyst say in his breakdown of Gilberto that he played poorly and didn't score in colder weather matches in Brazil?

Not sure but Tim Vicerky (BBC pundit from Brazil) said that. He was worried about the climate and his ability to link up with a strike partner.

Thought Bekker had a pretty good game. Some nice passing. Good to see improvements with him.

[trane]

He's a good player; he'll come good, he's just got the jinks.

The more I see him the more I like him, game in game out, he makes the right runs, finds the right positions, makes the right passes. AND he creates great scoring opportunities every game, he has to come around.

[ManUtd4ever]

I think Gilberto just needs to pop his cherry in MLS and then he'll break out.

[ensco]

The more I see him the more I like him, game in game out, he makes the right runs, finds the right positions, makes the right passes. AND he creates great scoring opportunities every game, he has to come around.

I don't know what to think. That play in the first half where the ball came unexpectedly through the box and he was wide open but just could not adjust to it, and it bounced off him for a goal kick ... that was pure Chad Barrett.

[Areathrasher]

agreed. lots of good play on both sides of the ball today from bekker. kid just can't put a ball on goal to save his life though.



gilberto is doing everything except score goals. he is a serious workhorse, winning lots of balls, smartly holding up play, setting up teammates, creating space for defoe, and (as an added bonus) making deep recovery runs to get the balls his teammates cough up on many occasions. he never quits. the goals will come. anybody who says get rid of him because he is not scoring is looking at his play from one dimension only. gilberto is suffering more fouls than anyone else on the team, so that tells me he is working hard and causing lots of trouble for defenders. of course, i want to see him score as much as anyone, but I'm happy to have such a multi-dimensional striker on our side. i'm really getting sick of hearing ppl wanting to throw him to the rubbish pile for not scoring yet. FFS, the guys scored 14 goals in 24 games in Brazil Serie A last year. if he can score there, he can score here. gilberto is not giving up, we shouldn't give up on him either.

to me, the one who is looking frustrated and lacking confidence out there is osorio. not much working for him and not much going his way. hope it turns around for him soon.

and to echo what others have said ... orr was a pleasant surprise at CM, hagglund was fantastic, and defoe with a bullet!

Bingo

[Yohan]

Much better game, though TFC won because NYRB was simply terrible and TFC was slightly less terrible. NYRB missed Cahill a lot more than TFC missed Bradley.

The Good
-Defoe in beast mode
-Hagglund
-Bekker not sucking as much

The Bad
-Not being able to put away the game. I thought NYRB was going to equalize in the 2nd half
-Alvaro Rey's increasingly poor form

The Ugly
-Bradley Wright-Phillips missing a sitter
-Luke Moore's goal, but I'll take any goal no matter how it was scored
-Gilberto's goalless streak

-Bekker is simply not a DM, and never be given so much defensive responsibility. He looked so much more comfortable just concentrating on his offence, and playing a much simpler game. He made some passes that he'd not have made in previous games.
-Orr at DM was another revelation. Good game from Orr who didn't look out of place. And his pass to Defoe for Defoe's goal was perfect. He's the good utility man every MLS squad needs. And with his declining age, might even be able to snag him next season for an acceptable salary.
-Hagglund was massive. Carbon copy of Henry minus excessive aggression. I think Hagglund won another start based on last game's performance.
-And Defoe on beast mode. He was going to get at least one goal.

[Canary10]

[QUOTE=Pookie;1668951]Relax. Seems that if I say NY looked disinterested, it gets folks back up. And I said disinterested based on Henry sauntering over for corner kicks, joking with opponents, lack of contesting for balls, lazy passes and an inability to fight through to get shots on goal (backed up by 4 shots less than their average per game and winning fewer 50/50s). That wasn't the only reason the game ended as it did. I just made an observation about them. /QUOTE]

Welcome to how Thierry Henry plays.
He takes corners that way to get fans going. Usually he scores. Yesterday he was shut down.

[shwade]

I recall saying a couple of games ago that I'd rather have Hagglund in there instead of Henry because he's much more composed and isn't just a bulldozer. Glad he's getting his chance and hopefully he continues to excel and doesn't regress..which seems to be a problem for some young players on this team.

[Pookie]

wow...can you ever say anything good about this club...are you the anti TFC:scarf:

Never thought about it that way.

I advocate for coaching stability. Keeping and using draft picks. Not trading for the sake of trading and keeping a core together. Allowing players time to develop without putting immediate expectations on them. Using DPs as a way to get over the top, not to make the team competitive. Especially when that is going to drive ticket prices up.

And most certainly I really dislike the ticket sellers telling me that it will be easy to turn around in 1 year (TA and TL) when they are trying to sell me tickets... Every year.

I guess that is anti-TFC since 2007.

There are a few positives with this team jncluding the upcoming draft. Tim B was a great choice in terms of connections to the league. If the young players are given time, instead of called out here all the time like Henry has been, they could be a good team.

[Pookie]

Much better game, though TFC won because NYRB was simply terrible and TFC was slightly less terrible. NYRB missed Cahill a lot more than TFC missed Bradley.



Careful dude. The pitchforks are already out for that observation.

[Canary10]

Careful dude. The pitchforks are already out for that observation.

So annoying.

[Yohan]

Careful dude. The pitchforks are already out for that observation.
come at me, bro. ;)

[Canary10]

Actually New York had been a better team without Cahill in the line up this year Yohan.

[T-boy]

So we beat a good MLS team and its "because they were poor".

Toronto sports fans suck.

We won, can't we actually be HAPPY??????

[tfcocd]

[QUOTE=Pookie;1668951]Relax. Seems that if I say NY looked disinterested, it gets folks back up. And I said disinterested based on Henry sauntering over for corner kicks, joking with opponents, lack of contesting for balls, lazy passes and an inability to fight through to get shots on goal (backed up by 4 shots less than their average per game and winning fewer 50/50s). That wasn't the only reason the game ended as it did. I just made an observation about them. /QUOTE]

Welcome to how Thierry Henry plays.
He takes corners that way to get fans going. Usually he scores. Yesterday he was shut down.

In the MLS games I have seen he often saunters around but then comes up with moments of class with passing or scoring. Definitely saw examples in the game where henry looks to have lost a step but he still created that chance for wright-Phillips.

The Defoe goal was inside the box so it wouldn't rate as most spectacular at BMO but must be in the conversation for top 5 based on the power used to hit the top corner! I was enthusiastically out of my seat for that one and looking forward to more.

Defoe was looking lively and there were several moments where he got the service that created potential for more goals. Once the team gets that buildup right more consistently we may be in for some multi goal displays!

[ManUtd4ever]

New York was shorthanded and wasn't at their best. So what?

We were missing Bradley and Jackson, and we outplayed/outchanced them big time.

There always seems to be a disclaimer noted by certain people following a win, no matter what the circumstances were.

[ensco]

It's weird, this feels exactly like the conversation that was going on in the Leafs thread in January.

The team is 7th in the league or something (when normalized for games played) and in that sense is totally on track.

But how many games have TFC looked well organized in?

Will the play start to rise to confirm the record, or will the record start to show what most people sense when evaluating the play?

[Canary10]

It's weird, this feels exactly like the conversation that was going on in the Leafs thread in January.

The team is 7th in the league or something (when normalized for games played) and in that sense is totally on track.

But how many games have TFC looked well organized in?

Will the play start to rise to confirm the record, or will the record start to show what most people sense when evaluating the play?

If there's anything we have been in every game it's organized. No one can fault Nelsen with his organization.

[reggie]

I think the only reason we won is because ny had some bad sushi on Friday night.

[Canary10]

I think the only reason we won is because ny had some bad sushi on Friday night.

Ha ha. I thought it was Thierry Henry's worrying about Samir Nasri's girlfriend. He was distracted.

[TFC07]

So we beat a good MLS team and its "because they were poor".

Toronto sports fans suck.

We won, can't we actually be HAPPY??????

Relax. It's only couple of people here whining about this game and keep coming up excuses to not give TFC any credit.

[reggie]

if Thierry was 5 years younger we would of lost for sure...we were so lucky last night.:flare:

[mitchf]

Relax. It's only couple of people here whining about this game and keep coming up excuses to not give TFC any credit.
Because one of our DP's is a liability who's teasing everybody with his physical ability, while our midfield with and without Bradley can't string passes to each other to put together any type of sustained possession.

This type of soccer is destined for the gutter.

[jazzy]

Actually I called it........Henry was worn out from celebrating Arsenals big win......first since he left ? :)

[TFC07]

Because one of our DP's is a liability who's teasing everybody with his physical ability, while our midfield with and without Bradley can't string passes to each other to put together any type of sustained possession.

This type of soccer is destined for the gutter.

Which DP? I personally think Gilberto doing well besides scoring goals. I am willing to give Gilberto a season to adjust to MLS since South American players have a rep to take a year to adjust playing in MLS.

Midfield problem is more on coach than players. We do have players to sustained possession, but the tactics and the way Nelsen got this team playing is problem.

[mitchf]

Which DP? I personally think Gilberto doing well besides scoring goals. I am willing to give Gilberto a season to adjust to MLS since South American players have a rep to take a year to adjust playing in MLS.

Midfield problem is more on coach than players. We do have players to sustained possession, but the tactics and the way Nelsen got this team playing is problem.
I see nothing in Gilberto except for a lack of awareness and clumsy finishing. He's got the body to run and look the part though!

I'm imagining our management going down to Brazil to scout this guy... "Hey look there's this Gilberto who's top 5 in scoring and he's relatively young.." "Let's watch him!" "Wow he's big and can run, DP material!"

Swing and a miss.

[Leedsoronto]

So we beat a good MLS team and its "because they were poor".

Toronto sports fans suck.

We won, can't we actually be HAPPY??????

Most here are happy I think, I certainly am, we made them look poor by closing them down fast and working forward as a team, they are a good team and we was just that much better on the day.

[Abou Sky]

did anybody think of the mario ballotelli goal vs germany in the euro with that defoe goal today?

No, but I have watched it about 30 times (10 views of footage, they show a few angles) and said 'Holy cow' to every one!

[Canary10]

No, but I have watched it about 30 times (10 views of footage, they show a few angles) and said 'Holy cow' to every one!

In one angle the camera can't even keep up to the ball.

[reggie]

I think NY took there foot off the gas when they didn't see issey on the field yesterday.

[Pookie]

I see nothing in Gilberto except for a lack of awareness and clumsy finishing. He's got the body to run and look the part though!

I'm imagining our management going down to Brazil to scout this guy... "Hey look there's this Gilberto who's top 5 in scoring and he's relatively young.." "Let's watch him!" "Wow he's big and can run, DP material!"

Swing and a miss.

Ever wonder why TFC players go on to excel elsewhere? 8 games in and that ^^ is the pressure they have here.

[redisthenewblk]

I think NY took there foot off the gas when they didn't see issey on the field yesterday.

Sarcasm? I liked Issey and I'm sad to see him go, but I doubt he was striking fear into the hearts of our opponents - at least not so early in the season.

[Pookie]

Defoe's goal was clinical. Ironically, Urutti scored a beauty yesterday as well. He now has 3 on the season.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2014/05/17/goal-maximiliano-urruti-smashes-it-roof-net

[Richard]

Defoe's goal was clinical. Ironically, Urutti scored a beauty yesterday as well. He now has 3 on the season.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2014/05/17/goal-maximiliano-urruti-smashes-it-roof-net

Wow that turn he made before the goal was even sexier. I'm glad for him and looks really happy at Portland.

[tfcocd]

Careful dude. The pitchforks are already out for that observation.

Hey this is a boring place without differing opinions.

To pick up on one of your frequent points regarding depth through domestic core I can't help but think that hagglund, bloom and morrow are a good representation of the development stages you keep raising as a requirement for success in mls. They all seem to be athletic, technically capable domestic players. Bloom ideally is one of your 12-22 roster spots and is showing the critical capability for a depth player to adequately fill the starting role when needed.

lovitz, Bekker are others the team will be looking to develop in this mould. If TFC had a better setup for loaning players last season I am sure Bekkers development would have been accelerated that much more.

[reggie]

Defoe's goal was clinical. Ironically, Urutti scored a beauty yesterday as well. He now has 3 on the season.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2014/05/17/goal-maximiliano-urruti-smashes-it-roof-net

good for him...we got a 1st rd pick for him,that should make you happy.

[Pookie]

Hey this is a boring place without differing opinions.

To pick up on one of your frequent points regarding depth through domestic core I can't help but think that hagglund, bloom and morrow are a good representation of the development stages you keep raising as a requirement for success in mls. They all seem to be athletic, technically capable domestic players. Bloom ideally is one of your 12-22 roster spots and is showing the critical capability for a depth player to adequately fill the starting role when needed.

lovitz, Bekker are others the team will be looking to develop in this mould. If TFC had a better setup for loaning players last season I am sure Bekkers development would have been accelerated that much more.

I would agree that it is a start. They need development time and ideally an environment that furthers their development.

I use SKC as the benchmark in that they have 4 drafted players that are a significant part of their starting 11 and a young phenom that came through their Academy. SKC takes the time to scout and develop talent and as a result they consistently have a contending team.

My fear is that TFC will give up on the players because they don't get immediate results… which seems to be the benchmark for the team. In my view, the benchmark to justify high (or a return to high) ticket prices.

[Pookie]

good for him...we got a 1st rd pick for him,that should make you happy.

I didn't like the reason he was let go… not a marquee name that "the great fans of Toronto deserve" and may not contribute to a one season turn around… but yes, a 1st round draft pick is something. We can measure that one over time as he has about 10 years left in the tank.

Wonder if Defoe at 34 entering the last year of his contract will be worth a first rounder to anyone…?

[lobo]

I see nothing in Gilberto except for a lack of awareness and clumsy finishing. He's got the body to run and look the part though!

I'm imagining our management going down to Brazil to scout this guy... "Hey look there's this Gilberto who's top 5 in scoring and he's relatively young.." "Let's watch him!" "Wow he's big and can run, DP material!"

Swing and a miss.


ugh, another flimsy one dimensional assessment of gilberto. swing and a miss for mitchf.

[Fort York Redcoat]

I see nothing in Gilberto except for a lack of awareness and clumsy finishing. He's got the body to run and look the part though!

I'm imagining our management going down to Brazil to scout this guy... "Hey look there's this Gilberto who's top 5 in scoring and he's relatively young.." "Let's watch him!" "Wow he's big and can run, DP material!"

Swing and a miss.

So you watched him play in Brazil? Enlighten us with you're scouting unless, of course, your opinion is as limited as our own in seeing him clearly struggle to execute in this league, on this particular team.

[mitchf]

Ever wonder why TFC players go on to excel elsewhere? 8 games in and that ^^ is the pressure they have here.
It's an honest assessment. He looks incredibly mediocre. I think a lot of our players have played great, not Gilberto.

ugh, another flimsy one dimensional assessment of gilberto. swing and a miss for mitchf.
One dimensional? "Lack of awareness and clumsy finishing" can be broken down into many things, but yeah whatever...

So you watched him play in Brazil? Enlighten us with you're scouting unless, of course, your opinion is as limited as our own in seeing him clearly struggle to execute in this league, on this particular team.
Well no, of course not..

[__wowza]

It's an honest assessment. He looks incredibly mediocre. I think a lot of our players have played great, not Gilberto

Is this assessment based of off him as a striker or him as a player? Like I said, if he was an AM, we wouldn't be having this debate, but it seems as though everyone is quick to write his play off because of the goose egg under his goal column.

[Wingback6]

It amazes me how people move from one 'target' to another. Bekker, Henry, now Gilberto.... Who is it gonna be next week, Jackson? Some rumblings already on Osario, give it a rest.

About Gliberto, .... RVP said that his first season after Henry left he wasn't scoring and he was really down about it. But Wenger said 'it's okay, you are working hard, helping the team, your are helping the attack, just keep doing what your'e doing, the goals will come' this was after something like seven or ten games of the season where he was now THE number 1 striker at Arsenal. Then finally he got one, and they started going in.

Gilberto is a bit slow, but he has good looks, and works all over the field. He gets himself into good positions, the goals will come. Or they won't. Then maybe he gets shipped. But don't dump on him. He is working hard, the team is doing okay. And it is the team that wins games, not individuals.

[shwade]

It amazes me how people move from one 'target' to another. Bekker, Henry, now Gilberto.... Who is it gonna be next week, Jackson? Some rumblings already on Osario, give it a rest.

About Gliberto, .... RVP said that his first season after Henry left he wasn't scoring and he was really down about it. But Wenger said 'it's okay, you are working hard, helping the team, your are helping the attack, just keep doing what your'e doing, the goals will come' this was after something like seven or ten games of the season where he was now THE number 1 striker at Arsenal. Then finally he got one, and they started going in.

Gilberto is a bit slow, but he has good looks, and works all over the field. He gets himself into good positions, the goals will come. Or they won't. Then maybe he gets shipped. But don't dump on him. He is working hard, the team is doing okay. And it is the team that wins games, not individuals.

I dunno...all I've been reading is people saying that they like what they see from Gilberto so far despite it being frustrating to see him not score. He's still helping the team and I think we all realize that

[OgtheDim]

Funny how nobody noticed that our former red headed RB is now stuck on the bench with NYRB since a few early season gaffes.

[notthesun]

Funny how nobody noticed that our former red headed RB is now stuck on the bench with NYRB since a few early season gaffes.

He's apparently been god awful for them because I've heard nothing but bad things about his replacement, Kimura, yet he's still starting ahead of him.

[DOMIN8R]

Funny how nobody noticed that our former red headed RB is now stuck on the bench with NYRB since a few early season gaffes.

Oh...... I noticed. He's always had a problem managing his *road rage*. It leads him to bad *under pressure* decisions. They seem to have caught up with him. Better NYRB than us!

[levyashin]

Give Gilberto A full season then re-:hump:assess.
Until then please shut up!

[DOMIN8R]

Although, this last game was not without its frustrations, both Gilberto and Bekker showed sufficient improvement, IMO. First, Gilberto seems to have adapted to the MLS style of play and recognized, through tutelage or other, that flopping to draw the foul will not get you *the advantage* in MLS - unlike Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. Second, Bekker showed better judgement and flashes of brilliance than in the past. Check out 30.30. Bekker’s pass to JD is perfect and could have led to a goal. Bekker’s subsequent goal post hit was a testament to his ability. He’s earned my confidence, as long as he continues to improve!

[Hamilton_Red]

I really hope so...if it clicks and he starts banging goals in - we will be a contender. He is the first layer of depth.


It amazes me how people move from one 'target' to another. Bekker, Henry, now Gilberto.... Who is it gonna be next week, Jackson? Some rumblings already on Osario, give it a rest.

About Gliberto, .... RVP said that his first season after Henry left he wasn't scoring and he was really down about it. But Wenger said 'it's okay, you are working hard, helping the team, your are helping the attack, just keep doing what your'e doing, the goals will come' this was after something like seven or ten games of the season where he was now THE number 1 striker at Arsenal. Then finally he got one, and they started going in.

Gilberto is a bit slow, but he has good looks, and works all over the field. He gets himself into good positions, the goals will come. Or they won't. Then maybe he gets shipped. But don't dump on him. He is working hard, the team is doing okay. And it is the team that wins games, not individuals.

[Derko]

Give Gilberto A full season then re-:hump:assess.
Until then please shut up!

I agree

[trane]

I see nothing in Gilberto except for a lack of awareness and clumsy finishing. He's got the body to run and look the part though!

I'm imagining our management going down to Brazil to scout this guy... "Hey look there's this Gilberto who's top 5 in scoring and he's relatively young.." "Let's watch him!" "Wow he's big and can run, DP material!"

Swing and a miss.

Listen, dude, I am the first guy, who will tell you that the first job of a striker is to finish, and he has not been doing that, but any honest observer of this sport who knows what he is talking about in looking at Gilberto will tell you what most whom have grown up with the sport on these boards seem to be saying, he has it all he just needs to start finishing them, which is obviously a great issue, but your assessment strikes me as very shallow. Lack of awareness, he is almost always in a good position, that is why he gets so many chances, which yes he has not fininsehd, but he has not skyed them a la Barett, he has almost always just missed.

[trane]

I don't know what to think. That play in the first half where the ball came unexpectedly through the box and he was wide open but just could not adjust to it, and it bounced off him for a goal kick ... that was pure Chad Barrett.

I know what you are saying, but I see a difference between him and Barrett, to me Gilberto's misses seem those of a striker who is slightly off, while Barrett seemed like those of a dude who was trying to hard and was too nervous. I am not seeing that in Gilberto.

A couple of weeks ago I would have said, about Gilberto, love what I see, but if he does not score he will have to go, he needs a change in scenery, but now, I am thinking if he does not score jut take away his number 9 shirt and give him the 10.

[Shakes McQueen]

I know what you are saying, but I see a difference between him and Barrett, to me Gilberto's misses seem those of a striker who is slightly off, while Barrett seemed like those of a dude who was trying to hard and was too nervous. I am not seeing that in Gilberto.

A couple of weeks ago I would have said, about Gilberto, love what I see, but if he does not score he will have to go, he needs a change in scenery, but now, I am thinking if he does not score jut take away his number 9 shirt and give him the 10.

Barrett always looked like he no plan beyond just running, and then kicking the ball in the general direction of the net as hard as he could. Gilberto just looks like a bonafide striker who is snakebitten, but otherwise doing everything else with aplomb. And I don't say that as a Barrett hater - I always liked the guy's work rate.

I think the guy just needs a goal, so he can exhale. It must be weighing on him a bit at this point.

[Oldtimer]

Strikers tend to go in streaks, Gilberto is no exception.

As far as "lack of awareness," that is not what I see at all. He has a very good sense of positioning and where to play the ball. He does not resemble an athletic player like Chad B. in the slightest.

[Pookie]

Funny how nobody noticed that our former red headed RB is now stuck on the bench with NYRB since a few early season gaffes.

Not quite the full story. Gaffes in the first couple and an ankle sprain that kept him out for 6 games.

Of course you have to play your way back in, especially on a new team.

[billyfly]

? Yeah he had a poor miss but I thought he was one of our best out there today.

Not the game I saw.

[trane]

Barrett always looked like he no plan beyond just running, and then kicking the ball in the general direction of the net as hard as he could. Gilberto just looks like a bonafide striker who is snakebitten, but otherwise doing everything else with aplomb. And I don't say that as a Barrett hater - I always liked the guy's work rate.

I think the guy just needs a goal, so he can exhale. It must be weighing on him a bit at this point.

That is exactly my feeling at this time.