Matchday 10: Columbus at Toronto, Sat 31 May 5pm

[Yohan]

Columbus was in a terrible freefall for a while, but coming off a 2-0 over Chicago. But they will be missing Higuain, who is suspended for this match.

[ryan]

They will likely have a bit of a chip on their shoulder cause we gave it to them good in their park. I just hope their keeper doesn't fuckin score, that'll make me happy.

[Fort York Redcoat]

We should play the kids for this one.

Not really but I can't say how little this game means to me sandwiched between the Vcup.

[maninb]

If Henry gets anywhere near the field I'll SCREAM!!! With a healthy backline there's NO EXCUSE for RN to play him..Caldwell and Haglund should be our starters going forward, with Orr as a good backup

[BuSaPuNk]

If Henry gets anywhere near the field I'll SCREAM!!! With a healthy backline there's NO EXCUSE for RN to play him..Caldwell and Haglund should be our starters going forward, with Orr as a good backup

Caldwell is suspended for this game. Henry will start.

[Graeme]

Caldwell is suspended for this game. Henry will start.

Plus I see twitter comments that Orr may have broken a rib on Wednesday?

[Ultra & Proud]

Plus I see twitter comments that Orr may have broken a rib on Wednesday?
Looked like he did. He favored it for the rest of the match after his collision.

[notthesun]

Big break catching Higuain's yellow card accumulation suspension. Good chance for Henry and Hagglund to put in a good performance together.

[Graeme]

-----------------------------Bendik--------------------------
--Bloom---Henry (Orr, if healthy)---Hagglund---Morrow---
--Rey--Osorio(? if healthy)---Warner-----Jackson (if healthy)
---------------------Gilberto---------Defoe-------------------

Thoughts? 2-0 TFC

[Wince]

Gilberto will get one this weekend! ;)


(Sorry, had to be done).

[barticusz]

Warner is out for Saturday. Nelson said so himself in the post game. Not sure what his injury but our midfield continue's to get ravaged.

[Ageroo]

So will the Trillium Cup be on hand at this match? A win by us and it is ours.......:)

[Phil]

So will the Trillium Cup be on hand at this match? A win by us and it is ours.......:)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2a/Trillium_Cup_logo.jpg

Feed yer lawn.....Feed it

[Cas87]

Would love to see a 4-3-3

Bendik
Bloom -- Henry -- Hagglund -- Morrow
Rey/Osorio -- Orr -- Jackson
De Ro -- Defoe -- Gilberto

Only because if necessary De Ro can drop behind to help the mids, but this would put the pressure on the Crew and test their midfield without Higuain.

But knowing Nelsen, it will be the usual 4-4-2

[Fort York Redcoat]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/2a/Trillium_Cup_logo.jpg

Feed yer lawn.....Feed it

Lawns love fertilizer. Fertilizer Cup.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Warner is out for Saturday. Nelson said so himself in the post game. Not sure what his injury but our midfield continue's to get ravaged.

I wonder if Issey is playing Sat?

Unimpressed.

[pdubs]

any word on the jackson concussion? seems he has been out the better part of a month?

[shwade]

Henry and Hagglund in the middle? Damn, don't think Hagglund can keep Henry in check .
1 penalty given away by Henry or a red card for him.

[OgtheDim]

If we end up playing Hall and Bekker in the midfield....

[shwade]

If we end up playing Hall and Bekker in the midfield....

Hall, bekker and our senior citizen dero in mid. With henry single handedly destroying our defence.
Good Lord this could be ugly.

[ensco]

Defoe will score 3.

[ManUtd4ever]

Our spine is going to be very fragile on Saturday. Defoe better score 3 or it might get ugly indeed.

[Abou Sky]

Don't forget about the March from Shoeless Joe's, leaving at 4pm, be there by 2:30-3 for refreshments and songs.

Bring loud things!

[Ivy]

There's a march??? :S

[Yohan]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/05/29/toronto-fc-vs-columbus-crew-mls-match-preview

Sorin Stoica is the ref. Be prepared for more drama

[Cashcleaner]

Been looking forward to this match for a while now. Columbus currently has a record of 4-4-4 and are sitting slightly above us in the East with 16 points to our 13. However, they've also played three games more than TFC and their Points Per Game is actually a little lower than ours (1.33 PPG for Columbus and 1.44 PPG for Toronto). Their last league match was a 2-0 win over Chicago at home, and before that they played Portland away and drew 3-3.

Offensively, they're actually bouncing back from a bit of a goal drought earlier this month. Higuain has been on fire the last few matches, so I'm rather glad he'll be sitting this game out. :D

Anyhoo, conditions tomorrow should be pretty good. Looking at sunny skies with a high of around 21 in the afternoon. The weather shouldn't play much a factor at all.

[barticusz]

Is 21C warm enough for Gilberto to pop in his first goal. I say yes!

[Still Kicking]

Remember that Orr and Hagglund had a strong game in Columbus - with Caldwell out due to the red in KC, I think a return to those two with Morrow and Bloom in the back four. The midfield will be a fascinating mess, Lovitz, Bekker, Hall and Rey? I am hoping for Defoe and Moore up front (Gilberto as a sub)...

[Joe Kool]

The fact that we may need to rely on putting Hall in the game scares the hell out of me. Just saying... He's a real nice guy though to talk to.

[Sopo]

Don't forget about the March from Shoeless Joe's, leaving at 4pm, be there by 2:30-3 for refreshments and songs.

Bring loud things!

I'm in town for my bachelor party. Me and 10 others will be there for the march.

[Canary10]

Guys, with a win here we can fucking take the Trillium Cup!!

[OgtheDim]

Fwiw, Jackson training today, according to Molinaro.

[Ultra & Proud]

I hope we win it just so that when they present the cup to Defoe he can flash the 'what the...' look like Winter did that time we won it in Columbus.

[pawlukj]

big match in a "turning point" of the season, i hope the boys are ready to play good soccer going into the summer and solidify a playoff spot considering we have a few games in hand

[Richard]

I hope we win it just so that when they present the cup to Defoe he can flash the 'what the...' look like Winter did that time we won it in Columbus.

You know I would just love it if the team walked off the pitch like any regular game and not give a fuck. The fuck is the trillium cup all about, we need to send a message to the MLS FO. Seems very bush league to me.

[Fort York Redcoat]

You know I would just love it if the team walked off the pitch like any regular game and not give a fuck. The fuck is the trillium cup all about, we need to send a message to the MLS FO. Seems very bush league to me.

They know exactly what we think of it.

[Canary10]

Fwiw, Jackson training today, according to Molinaro.

Sounds like he and Oso are fit to play. That's good news.

[LFC8]

Fwiw, Jackson training today, according to Molinaro.

Always there to cheer me up:D

[Ultra & Proud]

Sounds like he and Oso are fit to play. That's good news.
Jackson and Osorio returning sure changes the look of the midfield. Feeling better now. Just the thought of Hall getting out there was making me ill.

[Canary10]

Jackson and Osorio returning sure changes the look of the midfield. Feeling better now. Just the thought of Hall getting out there was making me ill.

Fuck, first it's Lambe, then it's Hall. Are you ever happy? (Just kidding).

[OgtheDim]

Personally, I'm not all that hyped on Hall as a starter in league matches. & Lambe wasn't worth his int spot.
Depth is good but there is a difference between depth at the starter level and depth at the decent enough sub level. Hall is good enough at the spot sub level. But a midfield that consists of him and Bekker is not MLS class.

[Pint]

Osorio, Jackson and Moore all available for selection.

[gdg_9]

Defoe - Gilberto
Jackson - Oso - Bekker - Rey
Morrow - Henry - Orr - Bloom


I liked the look of Jackson and Rey out wide early in the season.
They gave Nelsen the flexibility to switch their sides whenever they want to use Rey to exploit a weak 1v1 defender, or conversely, use Jackson to help shut down a dangerous attacking wide player.

Henry looked very good against MTL, and I'd give him the start to try and keep that form going, and build his confidence back up after some disastrous games this season.
Orr starts beside him, because I'm not ready to hand both CB spots to a pair of 21 year-olds (Henry & Hagglund).

Also, Moore comes on for either Gilberto or Defoe later in the game.
His scoring touch is spot-on right now. Could see him poaching another late one.

[cincy]

Was Moore carrying an injury ? I see he wasn't on the bench Wednesday

[gdg_9]

Was Moore carrying an injury ? I see he wasn't on the bench Wednesday

Slight knock apparently.

Molinaro says he's good to go for tomorrow.

[gdg_9]

Also as per JM, Warner isn't available tomorrow due to being the best man at his brother's wedding in Denver.

[Ultra & Proud]

Fuck, first it's Lambe, then it's Hall. Are you ever happy? (Just kidding).
When I see them it's usually my eyes that are unhappy at first. Then it spreads to my brain once I figure out what the hell they are doing. Then my instinct is to spread the unhappiness to anyone who will listen or read my dribblings.

[jazzy]

We should play the kids for this one.

Not really but I can't say how little this game means to me sandwiched between the Vcup.

jokester........like I previously said what does it all mean if we blow this game? pick and choose be carefull what you wish for Mr. Nelson . If we play them , they're important . Play the best ; there are slow periods coming up . Not to mention the world cup .

[jazzy]

Was Moore carrying an injury ? I see he wasn't on the bench Wednesday

only a rumour he had a strain ......but would be surprized not to see him .

[Pookie]

TFC get the win but only because they wanted to.

[Cashcleaner]

You know I would just love it if the team walked off the pitch like any regular game and not give a fuck. The fuck is the trillium cup all about, we need to send a message to the MLS FO. Seems very bush league to me.


They know exactly what we think of it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't TFC have, like, zero interest in the Trillium Cup when it was brought forth by the league while Columbus really jumped on board with it? I seem to recall the Crew organization really get behind the whole thing while TFC's management was quite ambivalent.

[Abou Sky]

You know I would just love it if the team walked off the pitch like any regular game and not give a fuck. The fuck is the trillium cup all about, we need to send a message to the MLS FO. Seems very bush league to me.

Think that they will let me take it home?

[notthesun]

@KurtLarSUN: Is this guy scarier than Toledo? Referee Sorin Stoica: 22 MLS games; 10 red cards; 13 pens (The guy in charge of #TFC #Crew96 today)

[lobo]

I spit my coffee when I read this line in the match preview on TFC's website (http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2014/05/match-preview-tfc-vs-columbus-crew):


Rivalries aren’t fun when one side is doing all the winning. They aren’t really rivalries when that’s the case. Ryan Nelsen wants this, just as bad as he wants the Voyageurs Cup. He made that clear following the first leg of the Canadian Championship.
“It's a big game Saturday. It's the Trillium Cup and we want to win that just as bad as the Amway Cup,” he said.

I have to agree with Nelsen on this, the Trillium Cup has about the same value as the Amway Cup, whatever that it. FFS.

Big league game today. I just wish Nelly viewed the Voyageurs Cup as equally worthwhile.

[Richard]

I spit my coffee when I read this line in the match preview on TFC's website (http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2014/05/match-preview-tfc-vs-columbus-crew):



I have to agree with Nelsen on this, the Trillium Cup has about the same value as the Amway Cup, whatever that it. FFS.

Big league game today. I just wish Nelly viewed the Voyageurs Cup as equally worthwhile.

Is he delusional? One gets you into the CCL, while the other gets you some made up cup. Comon man, just say you want the 3 league points more than the V-Cup and call it a day, no need to praise the phony cup



@KurtLarSUN: Is this guy scarier than Toledo? Referee Sorin Stoica: 22 MLS games; 10 red cards; 13 pens (The guy in charge of #TFC #Crew96 today)

Well isn't that just spectacular.

#BringBackTheReplacmentRefs

[OgtheDim]

FWIW

https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10336705_10152061990176805_4210242789158690421_n.j pg

I'm thinking Moore instead of Gilberto.

[notthesun]

With Caldwell and Bradley out I wonder who's gonna get the armband. Defoe?

[Cashcleaner]

Is he delusional? One gets you into the CCL, while the other gets you some made up cup. Comon man, just say you want the 3 league points more than the V-Cup and call it a day, no need to praise the phony cup.

Words escape me on this. I don't know how the guy can even make a comparison between the two. Also, Amway Cup? Fuck man, he doesn't even know the name of the Voyageur's Cup?

[Yohan]

With Caldwell and Bradley out I wonder who's gonna get the armband. Defoe?

Bendik got it after caldwell red card last game iirc

[defensor]

@KurtLarSUN: Is this guy scarier than Toledo? Referee Sorin Stoica: 22 MLS games; 10 red cards; 13 pens (The guy in charge of #TFC #Crew96 today)
OMG. Henry game over.

[mcolvy]

Bendik or Morrow for captain.

[pdubs]

hope Hagglund gets the nod today instead of Henry. I like Henry but 4 penalties is just too much lol. Whichever game is Henry's next start (maybe today) he needs to start showing discipline.

[mowe]

The @ExpediaCA (https://twitter.com/ExpediaCA) XI: Bendik, Bloom, Hagglund, Henry, Morrow, Jackson, Orr, Bekker, Osorio, Defoe, Moore

#TFClive (https://twitter.com/hashtag/TFClive?src=hash) Bench: Konopka, Rey, Lovitz, Hall, Gilberto, De Rosario, Wiedeman.

[pdubs]

Solid 11 for us. Maybe Gilberto will see some success of the bench. Defoe and Moore seem to have good chemistry so far hope too see continuation of this today.

The bench also looks better than it has recently with Rey, Gilberto, Lovitz and Dero to potentially bring on.

[pdubs]

Toronto FC ‏@torontofc (https://twitter.com/torontofc) 3m (https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/472830642481160192)
#TFClive (https://twitter.com/hashtag/TFClive?src=hash) Bench: Konopka, Rey, Lovitz, Hall, Gilberto, De Rosario, Wiedeman.

[notthesun]

Bendik is captain according to the TFC twitter.

[notthesun]

Wil Trapp is out for Columbus, on top of them already not having Higuain.

[MartinUtd]

So Osorio is on the wing and Hagglund and Henry pairing at CB? Not what I was hoping for.

[shwade]

Any streams? Out of country for this one.

[MartinUtd]

Any streams? Out of country for this one.

Take your pick

http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=257045&part=sports

[shwade]

Take your pick

http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=257045&part=sports

Thanks

[Yohan]

enjoying a pint at Peel Pub in Montreal. come on you reds

[mowe]

Sparse crowd at kickoff

[notthesun]

As TSN just pointed out on the broadcast, the rate of penalties per game in MLS so far this season has increased by over half compared to last year.

[pdubs]

bekker come on. wtf was that.

[Yohan]

Bekker getting pushed around like a bitch again. just no balls

[Detroit_TFC]

Even factoring in latecomers, the crowd seems very light.

[pdubs]

we still love booting balls trying to pick out our strikers. can we try and work some ground build up play into it?

[Yohan]

absolutely no creativity in midfield. frustrating

[notthesun]

absolutely no creativity in midfield. frustrating

From either team. It's a snore so far.

[pdubs]

absolutely no creativity in midfield. frustrating

agreed. we love the hoof.

[Yohan]

dear lord. screwed that open header

[ag futbol]

Lump long hopeful ball towards striker /repeat

Team looks totally disjointed.

[ag futbol]

Bad defending from all quarters there.

[notthesun]

Pathetic start to this game. That was the slowest counter attack in history, how does no one get a tackle in.

edit: Oh my god a Toronto FC penalty? Is this real life?

[pdubs]

defoe so good. saving us from being completely terrible.

[gracos]

Defoe should of started against Montreal, but we did get a PK; lets see if we can score

[mowe]

Good to equalize quickly.

[gracos]

WWJDD - What would Jermain Defoe do; score a goal; thats what

[Lennon]

Dont let defoe take the penalty dont let defoe take the penalty dont let defoe take the penalty dont let defoe take the penalty dont let defoe take the penalty

[notthesun]

Fuck me that was close but I'll take it. Thank god we responded quickly otherwise I think we would've been stuck in a real slump.

[pdubs]

we need to command this game. no more hoof. all tied up. how about we and try and dictate the play? this columbus side does not look good… granted we aren't doing anything special.

[Yohan]

weak PK imo. Defoe went down a little too easy but I'll take it

[notthesun]

I'm hoping the injury to Orr is a bit of a blessing in disguise, Osorio in the middle can potentially give us better creativity building attacks. That being said I would've preferred Bekker injured rather than Orr.

[ag futbol]

These tactics are awful. Who the hell willingly cedes possession and lumps long balls at a sub 6' striker?

[mowe]

According to Kristian Jack TFC didn't act quickly enough to stop play after Orr got injured, leading to the Columbus goal

[Yohan]

nobody wants to play soccer or something

[pdubs]

These tactics are awful. Who the hell willingly cedes possession and lumps long balls at a sub 6' striker?

i agree. the only striker we have that is tall is 6'1 Dike. I understand if we would have a 6'2-6'4 striker, someone absolutely dominate in the air but we don't. i think our defenders and mids just love punting the ball, watching it fly.

[notthesun]

Note that Nelsen subbed in Lovitz when Orr had to come off while Rey is still on the bench.

[pdubs]

Note that Nelsen subbed in Lovitz when Orr had to come off while Rey is still on the bench.

if rey doesn't have a knock this is very telling.

[Yohan]

hey, a build up play on counter. shock

[ag futbol]

i agree. the only striker we have that is tall is 6'1 Dike. I understand if we would have a 6'2-6'4 striker, someone absolutely dominate in the air but we don't. i think our defenders and mids just love punting the ball, watching it fly.
Even if we had that guy, we play it long so often it's easy for the other team to defend. Just really fundamentally poor.

[pdubs]

Even if we had that guy, we play it long so often it's easy for the other team to defend. Just really fundamentally poor.

agreed. right now it makes zero sense. I'm convinced either Nelson dictates this or our guys love launching long balls.

[RealG-TFC]

Does Bekker know he's actually payed to play? Jeeze he gives up so easily.

[defensor]

lol bekker is a pylon on defense

[defensor]

as for the tactics, what are we going to do other than hoof? play through lovitz and beaker? yeah right... not that it's not Nelsens fault

[notthesun]

Don't let Bekker take the free kick, don't let Bekker take the free kick, don't let Bekker take the free kick

[pdubs]

i know most of this board dislikes Jackson but he has dirty speed. fasting guy on the pitch.

[ag futbol]

as for the tactics, what are we going to do other than hoof? play through lovitz and beaker? yeah right... not that it's not Nelsens fault
Easily use Rey and Osorio. Our fullbacks are also capable of getting foward. Start doing something with our strikers besides just having them sit next to the central defender and wait for a 60 yard pass.

I don't see a ton of talent on Columbus either, but they at least try to play a little.

[notthesun]

Don't let Bekker take the free kick, don't let Bekker take the free kick, don't let Bekker take the free kick

Sigh. Just give them to Defoe when Bradley's not here and Lovitz should get all the right-sided ones.

[ag futbol]

Osorio looks way out of sync. Save that first game he's done very little this year.

[Yohan]

Lovitz has also missed a lot of passes

[RealG-TFC]

Lovitz is brutal so far. Should have put on Rey instead.

[notthesun]

Holy fuck please let Defoe take this god damn it

[ag futbol]

Jackson is going to hit this? you can't be serious.

[Yohan]

just abysmal set piece

[pdubs]

from that range I would let Defoe just try and curl one in. strange jackson would take it.

[notthesun]

Are we a serious team? Nelsen what the fuck are you doing? Why is Jackson even thinking of taking free kicks?

Jesus christ you're paying Defoe $6 million a season. Tell the team he's taking the free kicks it's not fucking hard. So frustrating to see something so obvious not being done.

[gracos]

Anyone know why Morgan isnt on the bench??? Would be a good defensive option especially after the showing he presented last week

[Couchy81]

Brutal half. Nelsen is screwing his career up if he keeps letting the kids dictate the way the game is played. Long balls and non-DP's on free kicks wtf.

[SirBobSaget]

Lovitz has only looked good ass a late game sub. Making all kinds if mistakes today. Getting really tired of watching nelsen tactics. It's pretty much mariner ball with 10 times the payroll

[mowe]

I don't see a ton of talent on Columbus either, but they at least try to play a little.

This is my biggest complaint. Other MLS teams aren't significantly more talented than TFC but they still manage to keep possession and create chances. But Nelson seems like he has no ideas other than hoofball 442.

[Couchy81]

It's pretty much mariner ball with 10 times the payroll

Bingo

[dantdot]

I want to know what we're doing every week in practice. It looks like a team that hasn't played before every single game.

[pdubs]

looking towards second half we have notoriously slow starts letting teams back into games. Hopefully Nelson comes out more aggressive, gives us a different look. We are not playing well despite being tied. Pipe dream maybe.

[gracos]

Joe Bendik(great goalkeeper for MLS)
Mark Bloom(been impressive for this year)
Nick Hagglund(future of our backline)
Doneil Henry(was having a slump; hope he is over it)
Justin Morrow(doing his job well)
Jackson(doing his job well)
Bradley Orr(good team communicator)
Kyle Bekker(young; may need time to develop; possible bench player)
Jonathan Osorio(great to play in the midfield)
Luke Moore(happy with the trade for Agboss)
Jermain Defoe(needs service, but converts well)

Bench
Chris Konopka(understand his position)
Jeremy Hall(possibly look for a trade with Orlando)
Dwayne De Rosario(getting slower due too age)
Alvaro Rey(waste of international spot)
Daniel Lovitz(young, needs to develop)
Andrew Weideman(need to release or trade when Dike comes back)
Gilberto(needs to get used to MLS)

[nonc]

I wish Aron Winter was our coach.

[pdubs]

bloom come on attack the goal. fack

[Lennon]

Has Defoe ever taken free kicks? I don't think he's really good at them ..

[nonc]

Alvaro Rey(waste of international spot)


Rey is easily one of the best wingers we've had his replacement will probably be worse.

[pdubs]

rare bad first touch by Defoe. beauty pass by lovitz. need more of those.

[ag futbol]

These team is regressing.

[SirBobSaget]

I don't think Jackson has connected on a cross yet. Worse than richter on the attack.

[notthesun]

Has Defoe ever taken free kicks? I don't think he's really good at them ..

No but would you trust Jackson ahead of him? It's a pretty simple decision.

[SirBobSaget]

So rested the attackers on Wednesday so that can play a nice safe defensive game on Saturday

[notthesun]

Great pass from Osorio, need to see more of that because he has the ability.

[Lennon]

No but would you trust Jackson ahead of him? It's a pretty simple decision.

Jackson no, Becker yes.

[pdubs]

more sitting back. no big deal.

[notthesun]

Jackson no, Becker yes.

He hit the post twice earlier in the season and has wasted every opportunity since. Give Defoe (or Gilberto) a couple chances already.

[SirBobSaget]

Here's an idea lets wait until 87th min to make a sub and try to influence the gsme

[notthesun]

Wonderful. I had a feeling we'd concede.

[Lennon]

He hit the post twice earlier in the season and has wasted every opportunity since. Give Defoe (or Gilberto) a couple chances already.

Even the best FK takers only score on 7% of their shots .. can't draw any conclusions from like 10 attempts.

[QBall]

FFS that's the second goal that Bendik has just stood and watched it go in.

[gracos]

Ryan Nelsen is walking a fine line; you cant think Leiweke is too happy with the recent results and form

[SirBobSaget]

Sub by nelsen once again too late. It's a bloody big deal

[Yohan]

I give up

[notthesun]

Zonal marking on corner kicks needs to die. Opposition players are allowed to make free runs and defenders jump into crosses with no momentum. Exactly what just happened, Henry got beat because he was at a disadvantage from the beginning.

edit: Oh and Arrieta was blocking Bendik and no TFC player cared to step between them. Fucking bush league

[adam1001]

To Koevermans' credit, we are still the worst team in the world. What a sorry display of soccer.

[pdubs]

I give up
2nd. even if we manage a late goal this is utter shit.

[gracos]

De Ro coming in for Osorio, Nelsen needs to be fired, if it were Bekker i could understand not now

[Yohan]

Great slow ass dero in mid and bekker as dm. Genius

[QBall]

Oso for DeRo. I don't know.

[ag futbol]

These decisions are just progressively more baffling all the time.

[starter]

Oso for DeRo. I don't know.

Save Osorio for midweek Montreal game?

[flamehawk]

I actually fell asleep for 5-7 min. This football is brutal.

[SirBobSaget]

6 beers in and a perfect summer day but this is still boring as s!!! I need to take up fishing maybe

[pdubs]

we can't even connect passes…

[pdubs]

defoe is class. this team is still playing like utter shit.

[ag futbol]

Now imagine if we actually tried to do that before we were down a goal and chasing the game.

[notthesun]

We're a fucking shit team with the best striker in the league.

What does that equal? Garbage play, great goals, mediocre results.

[QBall]

Defoe thou art our god.

[LFC8]

We'd probably be in last place without Defoe lol

[flamehawk]

We're nothing without defoe. Happy we scored, but this whole midfield needs rejigging. 0 creativity/vision.

[gracos]

are we being treated similiarly to TML, they could care less but want to bring a team to take our money without providing a decent product. Or do we still need to improve the squad drastically in hopes of even making the playoffs; or is it because of our form and style of play, whatever it is I hope it improves sooner than later. I will always support just trying to figure out why we have not made the playoffs since 2007

[ag futbol]

We're nothing without defoe. Happy we scored, but this whole midfield needs rejigging. 0 creativity/vision.
That's the way we're playing it though. We're swapping out creativity for work rate constantly and we refuse to let anyone move forward to break our defensive shape.

[adam1001]

We are not worthy of Defoe. Blows my mind that we've had fools like Bekker and Jackson taking our free kicks.

[flamehawk]

That's the way we're playing it though. We're swapping out creativity for work rate constantly and we refuse to let anyone move forward to break our defensive shape.


That's exactly it. It comes down to tactics and how the midfield is set-up. Probably why Nelsen was so ready to ship someone like Issey out too..

[ag futbol]

Give Gilberto credit. He's set up 3-4 great opportunities since he's come on.

[pdubs]

gilberto is setting up everybody. dero needs to do better on that shot.

[notthesun]

Gilberto best in the league at behind-the-leg flicks (maybe 2nd best after Dempsey).

[gracos]

Doneil Henry scores, hes a pretty good attacker; now to work on the defensive format

[adam1001]

We showed up to the game 80 minutes late. Wow

[pdubs]

i don't know how we did that. its exciting. we have massive problems all over the pitch but we have some fucking grit.

[ag futbol]

Have you ever seen a player so wildly up and down over the course of a game as Henry?

[Lennon]

Best worst game everrrrrrrrrrrr !!!!!! :d

[flamehawk]

Goallll! Henry is great for corners.

Lol at Defoe trying to stop Henry from taking off his shirt and getting the yellow.

[notthesun]

Nelsen has us playing crap football, but with determination and drive. I guess that is improvement.

[gracos]

TFC wins the Trillium Cup; time to win the Voyageurs Cup now later this week

[notthesun]

Credit to Lovitz on the delivery. He also sent in the corner for Henry's headed goal against Montreal. Like I said, every right-sided dead ball should be his.

[ag futbol]

The coaching staff can thank the players for saving their ass on that one. Game plan was absolutely atrocious top to bottom.

[gracos]

I would like to see Gilberto, Defoe, and Moore all on the top line, and work with a 3 person mid; keeping a 4 man backline

[LFC8]

Scoring 2 goals to win the game in the last 10 minutes....that's like the opposite of TFC!

[Nerepis]

Well, the boys have heart. Last year that would have been a loss.

[starter]

I would like to see Gilberto, Defoe, and Moore all on the top line, and work with a 3 person mid; keeping a 4 man backline

But.. but.. but.. OK

[ag futbol]

I would like to see Gilberto, Defoe, and Moore all on the top line, and work with a 3 person mid; keeping a 4 man backline
You can't do that, it might cause us to change our shitty gameplan everybody knows about three weeks in advance.

[Couchy81]

2 cups in one week lets go!

[flamehawk]

I would like to see Gilberto, Defoe, and Moore all on the top line, and work with a 3 person mid; keeping a 4 man backline


Me too. I'd rather you ben coaching the team than Nelsen.

Makes sense, with Moore in the middle as the target man, holding the ball up for Defoe and Gilberto.

[Detroit_TFC]

Unbelievable to get 3 pts. The subs worked big time, credit when credit's due.

How do we convince Gilberto that he is actually a #10?

[stevep]

heres your lineup moving forward

forward, defoe, gilberto
midfield, derosario, bradley, osorio, rey, (orr is ok too)
defence, morrow, caldwell, (henry, hagglund, tossup) bloom

[nonc]

Very good from Gilberto he helped change the tide. We were sleepwalking and he was lively.

[Detroit_TFC]

Key plays all around that 3rd goal. Not least of which was DeRo galumping Tchani to get the free kick.

[starter]

You can't do that, it might cause us to change our shitty gameplan everybody knows about three weeks in advance.
You do not screw the gameplan, the gameplan screws you!

[jloome]

Great slow ass dero in mid and bekker as dm. Genius

Bekker should never play DM. Afraid to go in.

Team showed great heart today. We have some real quality; tactically inept, though. It wasn't until we effectively started playing a diamond in the last ten minutes that we got anywhere.

[flamehawk]

"Nelsen: I have to give credit to the substitutions, they changed the game out there."

I agree that his substitutions worked today ... but sounds kinda silly giving yourself credit.

[ManUtd4ever]

Exciting finish and tremendous resolve by the players today, but once again, we relied on Defoe capitalizing on the only clear cut opportunities we generated in order to have a chance to earn a result.

Credit to Nelsen for having our squad well organized defensively, but that's not enough. Our attack has been almost entirely reliant on turnovers and lucky bounces. We simply cannot generate offense as a result of fluid build up and possession.

Our recipe for success thus far is not sustainable.

[notthesun]

Massive opportunity and we somehow, someway managed to take it. Now even at 5th place, 16 points with Columbus, one ahead of New York, with 3 games in hand on Columbus and 4 on New York.

[jloome]

I hate to say it, but Issey is making Montreal a different team. They're up on the Revs right now.

[jloome]

"Nelsen: I have to give credit to the substitutions, they changed the game out there."

I agree that his substitutions worked today ... but sounds kinda silly giving yourself credit.

I think he meant the substitutes. Kiwi speak.

[Milanista]

lol you guys fall in love with these avg players my god. He is gone, move on. This team needs help in the central part of the field and not on the wings

As I've been saying for months now Nelson needs to deploy a more offensive unit. We have the fire power to score many goals, he simply plays way too conservative!!! When he made the changes the whole game turned around, start playing more attacking football bc this team needs to play that way to win.


I hate to say it, but Issey is making Montreal a different team. They're up on the Revs right now.

[ag futbol]

This is a random observation for the game thread ... but I can't believe Patrick Mullins dropped so far in the draft.

[LFC8]

Someone should make a "We Miss You" thread for Laba and Issey. Everyday they're mentioned atleast once...and it's getting kind of annoying.

[jloome]

This is a random observation for the game thread ... but I can't believe Patrick Mullins dropped so far in the draft.

Me neither. From the first time I saw him touch a ball for New England it was obvious he was the next Pontius/Josh Wolff type strong forward. He can finish, he works hard.

Scouts really, really got that one wrong.

[ag futbol]

Me neither. From the first time I saw him touch a ball for New England it was obvious he was the next Pontius/Josh Wolff type strong forward. He can finish, he works hard.

Scouts really, really got that one wrong.
These guys really put too much stock in the combine IMO. Seen it so many times that someone has a good week and everyone thinks that's the bottom line, when really, you're balance of play over a season means a lot more.

So teams end up taking Tesho Akindele instead of Patrick Mullins. Or if I want to be cynical, I'll say Kyle Bekker instead of Dillon Powers, etc...

[Blixa]

The last 15min was a relentless assault. Tactically we're limited as hell but whatever we're doing might be good enough to make playoffs this year.

[AdamAM]

Last week we couldnt beat a SKC team missing half of its starting XI and this week we beat a Columbus team minus Higauin and Trapp by the skin of our teeth at HOME. Don't look at the standings and games in hand, this team's success is not sustainable and we need to do something. We have the players, but not the coach. Big Tim, we all know you werr shitting yourself after that Piss Stains 2nd goal, grow some balls and get a new head coach!

[jloome]

The last 15min was a relentless assault. Tactically we're limited as hell but whatever we're doing might be good enough to make playoffs this year.

We have Defoe and Bradley. Both players are so far above the stock of MLS' average that we could shit the bed in half these games and still take points.

But they certainly seemed motivated tonight; Gilberto was excellent in the hole and wide.

[ensco]

Bizarre how much that looked like the Sergio Ramos goal.

[pdubs]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHJO8w7Jrmo

[pdubs]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4S2ALNKf8U

[jasper]

Last week we couldnt beat a SKC team missing half of its starting XI and this week we beat a Columbus team minus Higauin and Trapp by the skin of our teeth at HOME. Don't look at the standings and games in hand, this team's success is not sustainable and we need to do something. We have the players, but not the coach. Big Tim, we all know you werr shitting yourself after that Piss Stains 2nd goal, grow some balls and get a new head coach!

give me a break. so what, they didnt have higuain and trapp in the lineup? we were without bradley and captain caldwell, who are just as important to us as they are to them. Yes it was an ugly game, but we had two 21yo's in central defence, and a 21yo and 23yo in the middle of the park. if you expected this to be a blowout for us with the lineup with the players we had available, i cant fathom why. this was a sweet win, savour it.

[pdubs]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQTNQK2VxUY

[starter]

Will Nelsen explore further this [433] experiment, or the slow and painful will be back the next game?

[molenshtain]

ha. We're fourth in the league on PPG.

[MKR]

i'm genuinely happy for Henry. I think he sucks, but i hope this can be a turning point for him. I'd be really happy to see him succeed.

Also thought Gilberto had a great game. A redemption game if you will. There's hope for him yet. after all setting up goals is just about as good as scoring them. and he almost did that twice (flick to dero was insane).

[Hamilton_Red]

Really nice to see the progress from Henry. He has the potential to be a very good CB..If he scores from corners and stops giving up pens.

Also Giberto payed very well whe he starts scoring we will be rally scary to play against.

what can you say about Defoe - what an excellent left footed goal.

only worries are in centre mid field- OSo needs to play their while Bradley is away.

[Thomas]

Well we we won the match, and that's what counts.


We're a fucking shit team with the best striker in the league.

What does that equal? Garbage play, great goals, mediocre results.

[MKR]

Really nice to see the progress from Henry. He has the potential to be a very good CB..If he scores from corners and stops giving up pens.
.
really? i just think he has the potential to be average which would be a pretty big step up from his usual form.

[Richard]

Tactically inept for most of the match, but once again the players found a way to come through.

Happy for the win but the game plan must change.

[pawlukj]

that was the funnest time ever at a game, tons of crazy supporters.. good goals... great day

[OgtheDim]

"Nelsen: I have to give credit to the substitutions, they changed the game out there."

I agree that his substitutions worked today ... but sounds kinda silly giving yourself credit.

He was talking about the players.

Lovitz was a threat on the left, and worked at defence (covered for Bloom and Morrow a couple of times) - good enough for a rookie.

DeRo settled the midfield down (Osorio was gassed) and went at players - sub time fits him so much better.

Gilberto runs and runs and runs and his passing instincts were very good.

[mowe]

Big 3 points today. We are keeping pace for the playoffs. Now let's win the next two games before the break.

[Sweeper]

Haha....a nice win to silence the naysayers.....and there are a lot of them on this board. Would rather pick the team/organization apart than support them. A good day indeed for the true supporters.

[OgtheDim]

Cruddy stuff:

Bekker is afraid of responsibility - I counted at least 8 times where he was telling somebody to pass it back to one of the CD's or to Bendik. The sooner we get him out of there for Bradley and Warner/Osorio, the better.

As for hoofball, well apart from Lovitz, nobody in the midfield was moving around. What do you expect them to do?

But, gosh, Columbus was poor - really really bad passing. Tchani ruled the mid from his DM position but apart from that, they were poor.

Oh, and Henry doesn't know how to pass the ball - makes a lot of passing errors.

Hagglund > Henry


And that ref is power mad. More concerned about his position then anything else.

[Redcoe15]

Our side won against the Pisstains today and captured their second Trillium Cup. I think it's safe to say I'm happy with the results. :tongue: g:D

[Lumpy]

Haha....a nice win to silence the naysayers.....and there are a lot of them on this board. Would rather pick the team/organization apart than support them. A good day indeed for the true supporters.

Some will remain silent until the next loss then they will resurface.

[barticusz]

I cant' wait for Warner to come back.. Bekker and Osorio is the middle just dont' do it for me. Granted I only watched the first half.. About to watch the second.

[Lumpy]

Cruddy stuff:

Bekker is afraid of responsibility - I counted at least 8 times where he was telling somebody to pass it back to one of the CD's or to Bendik. The sooner we get him out of there for Bradley and Warner/Osorio, the better.

As for hoofball, well apart from Lovitz, nobody in the midfield was moving around. What do you expect them to do?

But, gosh, Columbus was poor - really really bad passing. Tchani ruled the mid from his DM position but apart from that, they were poor.

Oh, and Henry doesn't know how to pass the ball - makes a lot of passing errors.

Hagglund > Henry


And that ref is power mad. More concerned about his position then anything else.

Bekker and Osorio both need to have a rest break.

[OgtheDim]

Good stuff

Defoe - da bomb There is no striker playing like that in this league right now. Speed, touch, vision and control. And did you see how much he celebrated that final goal? And the win? (the cup...not so much)

Bloom Hagglund and Morrow - solid,workmanlike defence - I'll take them for the next 4 years, thank you very much.

DeRo - power, pace, grit, desire - he can't do it anymore for very long but in the right situation, he can do the AM role for 10 minutes or so - he put Tchani on his heels and that gave room for others And he got the crowd into it near the end.

Gilberto - he changes how teams have to play Defoe

Moore - solid, not spectacular, but does the job. I'd be interested to see him with Dike next season for the odd game.

[boozilla]

Down a goal with 10 min. to play.
In the past this would have been a full gone conclusion. I'll take the ugly win.

[T-boy]

It was a dull game, not much from either team, TFC were generally flat.

BUT - this team has HEART, and a massive amount of it. I haven't seen a TFC team in a long time with so much team spirit. That won't win the league, but it will get you quite far. When Bradley is back, there is the makings of a team in there somewhere.

And, that flick by Gilberto was one of the best pieces of quick thinking skill I have ever seen at BMO! There's hope for the guy yet!

[DOMIN8R]

TFC is Sparta?
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BpAgO5DIIAAk7Cl.jpg

[Pookie]

Gilberto continues to impress. Maybe not the guys who focus on the goal totals but he does a lot of things really well.

Not bad for a new guy, in a new country that doesn't speak English…. not to mention has to learn English from a bunch of Brits and Scots… good thing O'Dea isn't here anymore… he'd give up ;)

Brennan: "Don't listen to the critics. Whatever is meant to happen will happen"
Defoe: "Daft cows. Stiff upper lip mate. Soon Bob's your uncle."
Caldwell: "Yea, dunnae bother aboot a daftie. Whit's fur ye'll no go past ye"


Last 15 mins or so were fun to watch.

[trane]

I would like to see Gilberto, Defoe, and Moore all on the top line, and work with a 3 person mid; keeping a 4 man backline

These are exactly my thoughts.

[ManUtd4ever]

ha. We're fourth in the league on PPG.

That is definitely impressive. I think we have the talent to be even better if Nelsen takes the shackles off.

We have seen flashes of the attacking potential of this squad when they play desperate in the offensive third of the pitch, and it's only occurred when we're facing adversity. I want to see it on a more consistent basis.

[Pookie]

These are exactly my thoughts.



Not sure our midfield is strong enough for a 4-3-3. And 3 up top may be a little scary defending if they get caught up field.

Carver/Cummins talked about a 3-5-2

?

[trane]

^ the back seven would have to be defense first and foremost, and just support the attack.

[Pookie]

That is definitely impressive. I think we have the talent to be even better if Nelsen takes the shackles off.

We have seen flashes of the attacking potential of this squad when they play desperate in the offensive third of the pitch, and it's only occurred when we're facing adversity. I want to see it on a more consistent basis.

Perhaps but I would be cautious on the talent assessment. They finished strong against Columbus. A team that was 1-4-4 heading into the game.

Leading up to this game, TFC wasn't exacting winning over oddsmakers with their play either. That they got points in the last few games is either because of Nelsen or in spite of.

If it is because of, taking the shackles off so to speak as a function of a win against the slumping Crew could be very risky.

[jazzy]

Horrible 60 minutes , theteam was out of it........then Nelson subed what should have been the starters . Exhiled in red said it last game and Gilberto should be an AM........along with Dero starting, with Moore and Defoe up front. This game was won by Gilberto destroying the mids and D. He had 2 beauty passes up the middle 1of which Defoe scored on. There were 2 Tfc teams out there and please let me see the second one in the future. It's obvious the team responds to an offensive game now, and if Nelson can't see that then he IS wrong for the team. Hagglund and Henry can be offensive monsters, let's use them on set plays please. Very happy for Henry........him and Hagglund I repeat r our future.! Henry knows how to score now.........PS this better bethe starting line up in Montreal.

[Canary10]

Missed the game because of a wedding. We played a 4-3-3?!! And we won yet people are still complaining?!!!!

[barticusz]

Compared to recent performances.. i thought we did quite well overall.

[OgtheDim]

Missed the game because of a wedding. We played a 4-3-3?!! And we won yet people are still complaining?!!!!

To be fair, Nelsen said in his presser that we were awful.

For once, we were the awful team winning with a late goal.


I must say, there is a significant difference in this thread between what was being posted before the second goal, and what came after.

[mcolvy]

Missed the game because of a wedding. We played a 4-3-3?!! And we won yet people are still complaining?!!!!

You are being misled. We were down a goal, so Nelsen simply used his tactical genius *cough* and slid Moore over to right wing to add Gilberto to the strike core w/ Defoe. As expected, he played higher up the field. Was not an actual change to 4-3-3 as Lovitz was still riding on the left wing.

Dero came in at Center Mid, so really it was more of a 4-1-3-2, with Bekker sitting in the pocket.

Regardless, somehow it has developed and evolved into an expectation that a 4-3-3 with Moore playing between Gilberto and Defoe would somehow be effective..... LOL Defoe out on the wing. Silly silly toronto folk.

[adam1001]

Missed the game because of a wedding. We played a 4-3-3?!! And we won yet people are still complaining?!!!!
The first 80 minutes were some of the most abysmal soccer we have ever played.

[Couchy81]

I must say, there is a significant difference in this thread between what was being posted before the second goal, and what came after.

We were playing garbage football before we tied the game and pressed hard in the last 15 minutes. We won at the end and it was exciting. Pretty much all anyone needs to know about this game.

[Mark TFC]

Absolutely magical win! The match played slowly for a while but the final 20 minutes were beautiful to watch. The rookies (Hagglund and Lovitz) are showing a lot of promise and while the latter definitely needs some work in possession, he really hustled out there and worked to get the ball. I was obviously really (beyond) happy to get the win and it was sweet to watch Henry score the winner. The guy obviously loves this club and is one hell of a set piece player. And what can you say about Defoe? The man is a beast. To top it off, we applied pressure in the final minutes and made it count too - no more sitting back and nervously conceding. Well done, boys!

[reggie]

The first 80 minutes were some of the most abysmal soccer we have ever played.

yr right about that...but a win is a win....bekker and oso were awful today...tre punte is all that matters.

[Tony Santiago]

I have had season tickets since day 1. Pre-Beckham. That was the most fun game and best win we've ever had at BMO.

I don't know why season 1 stands out so strong, but I think of the glorious "home opnener" with the Dichio "23:13" goal, and even the home finale that same year with Dichio and the "turn around spectacular" (as I call it) against New England to tie it 2-2.

There have been a few other big wins and exciting games, but that was the best. It featured: Sensational weather, the come back, beating Columbus, winning a trophy, important points.

Congratulations on witnessing the glory that is TFC.

[Tony Santiago]

And it must be said...even though some don't want to hear it (which is ironic)....get your shit together whoever is drumming. Seriously. That big drum isn't designed for 2 guys to be playing salsa beats or whatever it is you're tying to do on it. Give it a rest with that garbage and pound the simple beat out that it's designed for.

Honestly, you are fucking things up. Blunt, but 100% true. Once again the two sections beside each other, who are supposed to be the leaders in support, can't co-ordinate chants not helped at all by the completely off beat drumming. Try to drum standard, in rhythm. That's it. Stop trying to implement whatever funk element it is you're trying into the very simple chants. You're ruining a good thing.

Some don't like the blunt assessment, but it's reality. People in 111 are trying to follow the lead but it doesn't go more than 10 seconds before it sounds like a train wreck. Get it together.

[Canary10]

I'll have to watch the second half later. Suffice it to say I'm mad i didn't get to watch a 92nd minute winner. Although I'm happy for the married couple.

[MightyDM]

Missed the game because of a wedding. We played a 4-3-3?!! And we won yet people are still complaining?!!!!

It was great to be there. Lost my voice. Fantastic. Fire Nelsen.