Pre, In and Post Game Thread: Toronto FC at Chicago Fire, Saturday, April 4, 3 PM

[Red CB Toronto]

What: Toronto FC at Chicago Fire.
When: Saturday, April 4 at 3 PM
TV: Sportsnet 360

Will be interesting to see how much Jozy and The General can go after playing for the USMNT on Tuesday in Switzerland. With Wednesday being a travel day for them, how tired and worn down will they be. The bye week after Saturday could be key.

[Petor]

Ummm, the schedule on TFC's website says 3pm.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Ya it's 3pm on Sat. Title edited.

[C.Ronaldo]

and update tehe When in the thread

[OgtheDim]

Moore has been suspended.

Pic via Larson's twitter feed.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBc4oV4UsAE1Q9K.jpg

[Red CB Toronto]

and update tehe When in the thread


Change made, sorry for the confusion, confused TFC dates with each other.

[C.Ronaldo]

Moore has been suspended.

Pic via Larson's twitter feed.



sure add salt to the wound
I need me a shirt.

MORE DIKE!

[OgtheDim]

It will be Altidore and Findley with Dike off the bench.

And by the looks of things its going to be Simonin and Hagglund again as both Perquis and Caldwell are questionable.


***


We should expect a win on this one. It won't be easy, and the guys will have to work hard. But, if we are any good, we win games like this.

[Red CB Toronto]

Just hope Jozy and The General will be ready to go after a long week of travel and not much time to recover. Remember last year Michael played in Phoenix for the US vs. Mexico on Tuesday, suited up for the Reds in Columbus on Saturday and did not play the next week due to fatigue. The bye week after could be the saving grace here.

[ensco]

I'd bring Altidore off the bench, and if you get lucky, you can rest him 100%.

Too much injury risk playing again 7 time zones away in 4 days, plus Dike earned the look. His play on the goal was simply unreal.

[OgtheDim]

Altidore didn't play the full game today and will have 2 weeks off afterwards.

He starts.

[notthesun]

Start Altidore, get a 2-0 lead then sub him off for Dike.

Chicago is awful. I don't care who's in our back line, we should dismantle them. I'll be disappointed with anything worse than 3-0.

[Auzzy]

Altidore didn't play the full game today and will have 2 weeks off afterwards.

He starts.

Aha, there was method to that madness! He wanted to get off the field ASAP, stay fresh for the weekend.

[Cashcleaner]

Chicago forecast is cloudy and rainy but somewhat warm over the next few days. Tomorrow and Thursday are expected to see highs of around 18 Celcius, but the temperature is gonna drop down to 7 degrees Friday with rain and sleet expected. Saturday is looking to be sunny with a high of 14. Hopefully that will dry up the pitch over in Bridgeview by kick-off. The Fire isn't looking to great so far this season. They've got a pretty lousy record of 1-3-0 and only two goals under their belt (with a Goal Differential of -3).

TFC should be playing for the full three points Saturday. If Vanney wants to start Altidore, I'd be okay with it.

[Initial B]

I don't see TFC losing this game, but I can see them tying. Chicago is good at that.

[ronzilla]

As long as the Reds don't have to battle 12 players, this should be a comfortable win. 3-1.

[Brooker]

Never seen such confidence for a TFC away game. Chicago must be beyond atrocious.

[Areathrasher]

Never seen such confidence for a TFC away game. Chicago must be beyond atrocious.

Bar Harry Shipp they pretty much are.

[GabrielHurl]

Bar Harry Shipp they pretty much are.

1-0 win to Chicago then ?

[Areathrasher]

1-0 win to Chicago then ?

Probably

[C.Ronaldo]

dont forget the comedy stylings of magee

[molenshtain]

dont forget the comedy stylings of magee

injured until the middle of the season i'm pretty sure.

[AdamAM]

Chicago have some good pieces, and bought 3 DP's over the offseason. Don't be too dismissive of them, especially considering our shit luck lately.

[ryan]

Chicago have some good pieces, and bought 3 DP's over the offseason. Don't be too dismissive of them, especially considering our shit luck lately.

lately
lately
lately
lately?

[Areathrasher]

Chicago have some good pieces, and bought 3 DP's over the offseason. Don't be too dismissive of them, especially considering our shit luck lately.

Their new DPs have done fuck all so far and the team looked much better against Philly without Maloney.

Philly and Chicago really have been awful so far this season and if TFC want to be what they say they are going to be they absolutley have to beat them both. Can't be dropping points to bottom feeders.

[Derko]

I expect TFC to running on all cylinders against Chicago, Attack,Attack, Attack, just score more than the other guy, fuck the defense. :flare:

[ag futbol]

Their new DPs have done fuck all so far and the team looked much better against Philly without Maloney.

Philly and Chicago really have been awful so far this season and if TFC want to be what they say they are going to be they absolutley have to beat them both. Can't be dropping points to bottom feeders.
Agreed, but keeping in mind it's hard to win points on the road in MLS in general. If we get this we're averaging 1.5 ppg half way through this trip which is beyond solid.

[Detroit_TFC]

On paper this is a 3-1 TFC win. They will be looking for our guys to make dumb mistakes that give them opportunities. For that reason I'm concerned it could be a slip up game.

But if we see the kind of team play from TFC like 2nd half of game vs RSL, we'll do fine.

Let's not talk about the potential for Jozy to go full Incredible Hulk mode on the ref if that trend continues...

[mcolvy]

Bar Harry Shipp they pretty much are.

Chicago spent all their money on strikers this summer... Forgetting about those big holes on defense and central midfield. When everyone is healthy they will have about 30% of their cap in strikers who are on the bench.

Probably the most mismanaged roster in the league at the moment.

[jloome]

Chicago spent all their money on strikers this summer... Forgetting about those big holes on defense and central midfield. When everyone is healthy they will have about 30% of their cap in strikers who are on the bench.

Probably the most mismanaged roster in the league at the moment.

They have Jeff Larentowicz, an MLS 1.0 career defensive midfielder, playing center back.

[Red I]

Chicago spent all their money on strikers this summer... Forgetting about those big holes on defense and central midfield. When everyone is healthy they will have about 30% of their cap in strikers who are on the bench.

Probably the most mismanaged roster in the league at the moment.

..soooo, kinda like TFC 2014? Ya, that will likely not turn out well as time goes on, if history is any indication.

[ronzilla]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but did the Reds get screwed last year in chicago with a disallowed goal that was perfectly legit ?

[Areathrasher]

Correct me if i'm wrong, but did the Reds get screwed last year in chicago with a disallowed goal that was perfectly legit ?

Nope you are correct.

[ensco]

..soooo, kinda like TFC 2014? Ya, that will likely not turn out well as time goes on, if history is any indication.

Kinda like TFC 2015 also I am afraid

[Red I]

Kinda like TFC 2015 also I am afraid

sigh ... yeah

[Richard]

Kinda like TFC 2015 also I am afraid

Except this year we got a CB and DM with excellent pedigree. Although they are injured now, if they play we could be a top team.

[OgtheDim]

Cheyrou isn't injured.

[AdamAM]

lately
lately
lately
lately?

looooool, probably should've said shittier than usual :rolleyes:

[Graeme]

------------------------Bendik---------------------------
--Bloom--Hagglund--Simonen--Morrow--
-- -----------Bradley---------Cheyrou---------------
--Findley-------Giovinco--------Osorio----------
-------------------Altidore---------------------------------

[ensco]

Except this year we got a CB and DM with excellent pedigree. Although they are injured now, if they play we could be a top team.

Could be. But with Altidore, Findley, Moore and Dike, and Giovinco (depending on game situation), and Hamilton.... we have a lopsided roster and are way overinvested up front (in terms of dollars and caliber of player).

[Alonso]

Kinda like TFC 2015 also I am afraid

Cheyrou, Perquis and myself would disagree.

With these signings, we are still short though....

However we are miles ahead from last year.

[JavierMartini]

Tfc! T-o-r o-n-t o0o0o0o0 tfc :D

Happy Morrow is back. However most of our dangerous play and all the corners came from runs of Ashtone Morgan down the flank. This worries me, where is the attack going to come from now?

[Soccerpro]

We need a win. Going 1-3 would be trouble. I don't want to be sub 500 going into the gold cup.

[kodiakTFC]

We need a win. Going 1-3 would be trouble. I don't want to be sub 500 going into the gold cup.

I agree. Chicago is not a strong side. There is no excuse not to win here. Anything less than a draw would be a disaster.

[flamehawk]

Tfc! T-o-r o-n-t o0o0o0o0 tfc :D

Happy Morrow is back. However most of our dangerous play and all the corners came from runs of Ashtone Morgan down the flank. This worries me, where is the attack going to come from now?

It's not ideal but I wonder if Morrow can slot it at RB and have Morgan remain on the left. If Morgan's defensive frailties become to obvious, we can move Morrow back and get Crevealle on.

[notthesun]

Ref assignments out.

Chicago Fire v Toronto FC
Toyota Park (3:00pm EDT)
REF: JUAN GUZMAN
AR1: Eric Boria
AR2: Kyle Atkins
4TH: Sorin Stoica

[molenshtain]

I agree. Chicago is not a strong side. There is no excuse not to win here. Anything less than a draw would be a disaster.

There are no "disasters" 4 games into the season in a particularly weak conference where over half the teams make it into the playoffs. The Revs lost 9 straight games last year. Look what happened to them.

[Cashcleaner]

There are no "disasters" 4 games into the season in a particularly weak conference where over half the teams make it into the playoffs. The Revs lost 9 straight games last year. Look what happened to them.

Disaster would definitely be the harsh term in the case of a loss to the Fire - well unless it was a blow out or something; but let's be honest, we are going to be the much stronger team in Bridgeview tomorrow.

By the way, new forecast has a high of 14 Celsius tomorrow afternoon. Should dry the pitch up nicely.

[mowe]

There are no "disasters" 4 games into the season in a particularly weak conference where over half the teams make it into the playoffs. The Revs lost 9 straight games last year. Look what happened to them.

It's a weak conference precisely because of teams like Chicago. Last year NE got a big boost with the addition of Jones, we can't rely on that.

After this we have Dallas, Orlando, and Philly. The latter two are very winnable. We should be aiming to be one of the top teams, not just squeak into the playoffs. Picking up road points this early in the season will go a long way, especially with the Gold Cup coming.

[Blizzard]

Cheyrou isn't injured.

Exactly and he is earning DP money paid down with allocation! A huge addition to the team.

[Yohan]

http://forums.bigsoccer.com/attachments/upload_2015-4-3_8-56-44-png.46743/

[OgtheDim]

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 2h2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/584155579930677248) A chance we see Morgan get his second straight start tomorrow. Vanney wouldn't say, but there's a chance Morrow slides inside.

Oooooookkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[Auzzy]

Anybody recognize this guy? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Morrow#/media/File:Justin_Morrow_SJ_Earthquakes.jpg

[notthesun]

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 2h2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/584155579930677248) A chance we see Morgan get his second straight start tomorrow. Vanney wouldn't say, but there's a chance Morrow slides inside.

Oooooookkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

Honestly I would prefer we stick with Simonin and Hagglund. They did all right against RSL. Morrow is really not a CB.

[molenshtain]

Honestly I would prefer we stick with Simonin and Hagglund. They did all right against RSL. Morrow is really not a CB.

Had a lot of minutes there in San Jose, and IIRC he played pretty well at CB last year so long as he wasn't going up against a big target forward. He'll likely be going up against Amirkwa tommorow, so he has that going for him if we do play him inside. I also suspect that if we do end up playing him at CB it'll be to accommodate Hagglund getting the start at RB and letting Simonin get another start. Vanney seems like a guy who rewards form, regardless of experience and reputation.

[MightyDM]

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 2h2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/584155579930677248) A chance we see Morgan get his second straight start tomorrow. Vanney wouldn't say, but there's a chance Morrow slides inside.

Oooooookkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

If that is the case, it's intriguing. Morgan gave the team width vs RSL, which they had not had versus Vancouver and Columbus. I'd have some new respect for Vanney if he did that. Morgan, Simonin and Hagglund all earned a spot with their play last week.

[MightyDM]

Tfc! T-o-r o-n-t o0o0o0o0 tfc :D

Happy Morrow is back. However most of our dangerous play and all the corners came from runs of Ashtone Morgan down the flank. This worries me, where is the attack going to come from now?

Apparenlt from Morgan!

[OgtheDim]

Doubt Siminon stays in. If you read Larson's piece today, the concern is the pace of the Fire counter attack. Morrow and Morgan on the left would nullify that.

[ronzilla]

The Reds need to hand chicago a good beating, to send out a message.

I just pray it's not the other way around. :)

[ronzilla]

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 1h1 hour ago

(https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/584338497219141632) Caldwell, Perquis, Zavaleta, Bloom did not travel with Toronto FC.


5 retweets 2 favorites

[OgtheDim]

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 1h1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/584337424739766272)
Pitch conditions today are decent at Toyota Park. Michael Bradley and Joe Bendik walked it yesterday. Didn't seem to have major complaints.

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 1h1 hour ago (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/584335546631131137)
Available bench players for TFC here in Chicago: Simonin, Delgado, Dike, Warner, Lovitz, Jackson, Konopka

[molenshtain]

So Creavalle at RB and Morrow at CB. Let's hopee Maloney continues to be completely fucking inept.

[ag futbol]

I'd prefer if we kept Simonin on the field and just anchored a DM in front of the backline. What he might lack in pace he makes up for in passing range.

With the backline being advertised I expect the ball to be sailing over the head of our midfielders a lot.

[Yohan]

So Creavalle at RB and Morrow at CB. Let's hopee Maloney continues to be completely fucking inept.
With defensively inept Creavalle and Morgan at FB, Chicago will just fling crosses into the box, and 2 CBs will have a hard time battling couple of athletic Chicago strikers. And TFC already has enough trouble defending crosses.

[shwade]

Simonin and Hagglund need to continue to develop their partnership, they didn't do too bad against RSL.
We need Morrow as a fullback, Creaville and Morgan don't know how to get back properly (and Creaville doesn't know what to do when he gets forward either).

[Ajax TFC]

Couple points: In Salt Lake, part of our improved play in midfield was Warner at the base of it keeping the shape together. Bradley cannot hold the midfield shape as a DM. I think Bradley should come in for Osorio and play RM, where his endless running and pressing will be an asset rather than a weakness. Maybe Osorio can move up a line at Findley's expense.
I think Morgan and Hagglund as the fullbacks might be the way to go in this game rather than Morrow and Creavalle. Morgan's attacking ability is better than the other fullbacks we have, and his defense isn't really any worse (it's probably better) than Creavalle. Hagglund is better with the ball at his feet at RB than Creavalle, and he's better defensively. Morrow can partner Simonin at CB.

Bendik
Hagglund - Simonin - Morrow - Morgan
Warner
Bradley - - - Cheyrou
Altidore - Giovinco - Osorio

[Yohan]

Couple points: In Salt Lake, part of our improved play in midfield was Warner at the base of it keeping the shape together. Bradley cannot hold the midfield shape as a DM. I think Bradley should come in for Osorio and play RM, where his endless running and pressing will be an asset rather than a weakness. Maybe Osorio can move up a line at Findley's expense.
I think Morgan and Hagglund as the fullbacks might be the way to go in this game rather than Morrow and Creavalle. Morgan's attacking ability is better than the other fullbacks we have, and his defense isn't really any worse (it's probably better) than Creavalle. Hagglund is better with the ball at his feet at RB than Creavalle, and he's better defensively. Morrow can partner Simonin at CB.

Bendik
Hagglund - Simonin - Morrow - Morgan
Warner
Bradley - - - Cheyrou
Altidore - Giovinco - Osorio

This won't happen because Bradley dictates to Vanney what he wants to do. It's so frigging obvious that Bradley is running the show, and Vanney has to adapt the game to whatever Bradley says. So we're going to see that retarded double pivot and Bradley running around like a headless chicken and losing ball.
And Vanney won't drop Bradley's friend Findley.

[molenshtain]

This won't happen because Bradley dictates to Vanney what he wants to do. It's so frigging obvious that Bradley is running the show, and Vanney has to adapt the game to whatever Bradley says. So we're going to see that retarded double pivot and Bradley running around like a headless chicken and losing ball.
And Vanney won't drop Bradley's friend Findley.

Who would you play over Findley? he's been fine so far.

It's also not at all obvious that Bradley is doing Vanney's job. any evidence you have would be welcomed.

[JavierMartini]

Honestly I would prefer we stick with Simonin and Hagglund. They did all right against RSL. Morrow is really not a CB.

Almost every attack was through morgan vs rsl.

[OgtheDim]

Warner has been better this season and is making the Gold Cup time look a lot less of an issue for us. But I think he too needs that double pivot.

Chicago tends to back off and not press high. Lets see how much space that gives to our midfield to operate before we throw in a formation change.

[mowe]

Couple points: In Salt Lake, part of our improved play in midfield was Warner at the base of it keeping the shape together. Bradley cannot hold the midfield shape as a DM. I think Bradley should come in for Osorio and play RM, where his endless running and pressing will be an asset rather than a weakness. Maybe Osorio can move up a line at Findley's expense.

Good point. It's common knowledge that Bradley's best position is ahead of a destroyer DM. Not sure if Warner can be that guy but it's worth trying.

I would run a diamond midfield with Warner at the base, Bradley at the top, Oso and Cheyrou on the sides, and Giovinco/Altidore up top.

Simonin and Morrow as our CBs is risky. I'd keep Creavalle at RB until Bloom gets back, and try out Hagglund/Morrow in the middle.

[molenshtain]

When we signed Cheyrou the club kept describing him as a guy who can and will play the Michael Carrick role. I don't know why we haven't used him that way. it would suit both his and Bradley's abilities.

[OgtheDim]

Watching this we are going to have the narration choice of Gerry Dobson or some dudes from Chicago.

[Yohan]

Who would you play over Findley? he's been fine so far.

It's also not at all obvious that Bradley is doing Vanney's job. any evidence you have would be welcomed.
the problem with Findley is that because of disorganization of TFC midfield and Giovinco playing CAM so not tracking back as much is that strikers also need to pitch in defensively. Findley has been playing a poacher role so far, and a poacher is a luxury role for TFC IMO. if Gio is not going to play defence (and he shouldn't be dropping back so deep) and double pivot is going to be a headache for TFC, then strikers need to do more to help out defensively.

as for the other point, let me see if this game folds like I imagine it would (I think Harry Shipp is going to look like an all star this game), and I'll present my case

[jloome]

With defensively inept Creavalle and Morgan at FB, Chicago will just fling crosses into the box, and 2 CBs will have a hard time battling couple of athletic Chicago strikers. And TFC already has enough trouble defending crosses.

To who? Chicago plays a 433 with fast, wide forwards. They don't have people banging in headers up front.

They've looked pretty rotten so far.

[Yohan]

To who? Chicago plays a 433 with fast, wide forwards. They don't have people banging in headers up front.

They've looked pretty rotten so far.
they lined up 4-4-2 last game. good players find space for headers, esp when opposition defenders suck at marking like TFC. for TFC, back post runs

[jloome]

they lined up 4-4-2 last game. good players find space for headers, esp when opposition defenders suck at marking like TFC. for TFC, back post runs

They lined up 442 because Maloney and Accam were out. They have all three DPs back. Still, they won in a 442 so maybe he stays with that. Even then, they don't match up to us in the air.

My issue is whether they'll overwhelm us numerically in the midfield. I tend to think our three are better than their four, Shipp excepted. Even then, he's a good player, but pretty overrated. Great passer.

[portu]

This won't happen because Bradley dictates to Vanney what he wants to do. It's so frigging obvious that Bradley is running the show, and Vanney has to adapt the game to whatever Bradley says. So we're going to see that retarded double pivot and Bradley running around like a headless chicken and losing ball.
And Vanney won't drop Bradley's friend Findley.
THIS! If Bradley wanted someone traded today it'd happen within the week, he's the real "brains" behind this club now.

[AdamAM]

Hey guys, in Niagara for the weekend and hotel wifi sucks too much to livestream anything. Anyone know some spots where I could catch the game?

[Ajax TFC]

Starting XI:


Bendik
Creavalle - Hagglund - Morrow - Morgan
Bradley
Osorio - - - Cheyrou
Findley - Giovinco - Altidore

[OgtheDim]

Fire looking like a 4-4-1-1

And Morrow starts in the middle.

[JavierMartini]

SN1 is "currently unavailable" wtf :/

[jloome]

SN1 is "currently unavailable" wtf :/

Ironically, I don't normally get it on my very basic digital package. But they have it on free preview ....

[jloome]

they lined up 4-4-2 last game. good players find space for headers, esp when opposition defenders suck at marking like TFC. for TFC, back post runs

They have Quincy Amarikwa alone upfront with Maloney behind him, and two playes wide who are better coming inside and using speed (Accam) and passing, Shipp.

So they'll play it like inverted wingers and cut inside all day. They're not going to be pinging in crosses to two guys under five-nine.

[JavierMartini]

Ironically, I don't normally get it on my very basic digital package. But they have it on free preview ....

What channel is that on, I'm supposed to get it but idk what's going on with rogers.

[jloome]

I'm in Edmonton ... Telus digital has it on 907.

[FRANKIE65]

Not sure when the bastards changed it, but, now the game is on Sportsnet one...frickin Pittsburgh, Columbus hockey game on 360. Guess it's stream time again...fuck me

[OgtheDim]

Streams

http://firstrowca.eu/watch/335054/1/watch-chicago-fire-vs-toronto-fc.html

http://cricfree.sx/watch/live/chicago-fire-vs-toronto-fc-live-streaming

http://livetv.sx/en/eventinfo/302980_chicago_toronto/

[Richard]

Starting XI:


Bendik
Creavalle - Hagglund - Morrow - Morgan
Bradley
Osorio - - - Cheyrou
Findley - Giovinco - Altidore



Bradley as DM. OOOOOOK, good luck with that.

[ronzilla]

http://livetv.sx/en/eventinfo/302980_chicago_toronto/


http://live.drakulastream.eu/static/freepopups/2842611136384100.html


http://live.drakulastream.eu/static/freepopups/2842611136384090.html


http://www.stream2watch.com/sports/soccer/chicago-fire-vs-toronto-fc-live-stream-april-04


http://www.stream2utv.eu/watch/27812/1/MLS-Chicago-Fire-vs-Toronto-FC.html

[jloome]

Bradley as DM. OOOOOOK, good luck with that.

It's his best position, by a mile. But they won't play it like that anyway. We're playing a flat three up top and in the middle with players pivoting to the strong side, same as every game up until now, I'm guessing.

[OgtheDim]

If this game is on Eurosport somewhere, going to be happy.

[shwade]

5 more minutesss.

This is an important game to see how far the midfield and attack have come since Vancouver.

[ronzilla]

If this game is on Eurosport somewhere, going to be happy.


http://www.stream2watch.com/sports/soccer/chicago-fire-vs-toronto-fc-live-stream-april-04

[Areathrasher]

SN1 is "currently unavailable" wtf :/
Same thing happened to me last weekend :lol:

[notthesun]

Jesus fuck Creavalle is fucking awful. I can't watch him play this position anymore.

[Ajax TFC]

The kit colours are indecipherable, especially in the shade of the TFC box

[mowe]

Cheyrou looks good going forward

[Yohan]

oh dear. Creavalle with a yellow already. another red card alert?

[Jpexxx]

lolwut

[Alonso]

CSN annoucer: "Hagglund disallowed goal was the wrong call last week"

[shwade]

Wtf is happening

[shwade]

Yeah that seems about right

[mowe]

Fucking ridiculous. Our defenders can't deal with shit

[OgtheDim]

We look like we are afraid of the ball.

[jloome]

We look like we are afraid of the ball.

If I said we've sucked so far, I'd be generous.

Might be good for us, though, wake us up.

[Captain Cook]

Fuck offfff

[Ajax TFC]

The right side of our defense is just terrible

[JavierMartini]

Crevalle is doing nothing after the yellow, findley was back trying to deal with that, gave it away and then gave up on his mark.

[v00d00daddy]

Fucking ridiculous. Our defenders can't deal with shit

Our multi million dollar dm captain watched the goal from a great angle.

And we've had a fw dive too. Sad

That being said...its early and can still be ok. Hope that was a wake up call

[shwade]

Creaville should not be playing. Move morrow there and bring on simonin.

[jloome]

Findley has looked truly horrific so far. Where was he going on that last play? Wide to the corner?

[smtavare]

Findley, Ceavalle, Morgan, and Bendiks are no it starters, there Someone said it - they suck

[Ajax TFC]

Fuck yeah

[jloome]

Eek. We'll take it!

[mowe]

Hahaha Giovinco gets his first goal because of a howler by their keeper

[notthesun]

Fantastic build up, garbage finish but I'll take it.

We need to win this game. No excuses, Chicago is not good.

[v00d00daddy]

There we go. Good luck and we're even

[JavierMartini]

Findley, Ceavalle, Morgan, and Bendiks are no it starters, there Someone said it - they suck

Morgan with the assist on the goal....... why the hate?

[shwade]

Good link up tho

[OgtheDim]

LOL

I was going to say we look far more dangerous on the ball then them. Have been giving it up far too easily.

[jloome]

Findley, Ceavalle, Morgan, and Bendiks are no it starters, there Someone said it - they suck

I think Morgan still has the potential, and Bendik is a decent keeper. Findley is unconvicing, as is Creavalle. Both have some skill, though. Mostly decision making issues.

[Ajax TFC]

Morgan is much better when allowed to attack. The last two and a half years TFC was a defense first team and he was terrible. Now we're primarily an attacking team and he's picking up where he left off under Winter

[Alonso]

That went through the defenders legs and the keepers legs.... LOL!!!

Double 5 hole bitches!

[shwade]

Oso's been invisible so far.

[jloome]

wOW, creavalle just mugged maloney and they missed it. Go PRO!

[portu]

Bradley owning this game, amarikwa still biggest flopped in the league

[Yohan]

Morgan is much better when allowed to attack. The last two and a half years TFC was a defense first team and he was terrible. Now we're primarily an attacking team and he's picking up where he left off under Winter
Eric Gehrig is a converted CB playing RB and he keeps drifting in, giving Morgan all the space.

Morgan looks ok when nobody bothers to mark him and test him defensively

[Ajax TFC]

Eric Gehrig is a converted CB playing RB and he keeps drifting in, giving Morgan all the space.

Morgan looks ok when nobody bothers to mark him and test him defensively
He has space because the formation is designed to create space for the fullbacks. The narrow midfield and attack keeps the opposition inside and creates space out wide. He uses his space quite well compared to Creavalle, who somehow manages to run into an opposing player no matter how much space he had when he received the ball

[OgtheDim]

Eric Gehrig is a converted CB playing RB and he keeps drifting in, giving Morgan all the space.

...

And he keeps doing it. Morgan is going to wear down that side all game.

[jloome]

Creavalle reminds me of Amadou Sanyang.

[smtavare]

Bring on Jackson for Findley - bring up ball on other side

[Yohan]

Oso is really not having a good game

[Captain Cook]

that was pretty shoddy from Osorio

[Yohan]

He has space because the formation is designed to create space for the fullbacks. The narrow midfield and attack keeps the opposition inside and creates space out wide. He uses his space quite well compared to Creavalle, who somehow manages to run into an opposing player no matter how much space he had when he received the ball
or, Chicago read the scouting report and just don't respect Morgan ;)

[Ultra & Proud]

Bring on Jackson for Findley - bring up ball on other side
Good call. Hopefully early in second.

[jloome]

Has Jozy touched the ball in this half?

[notthesun]

Sportsnet is the worst broadcaster of all time.

[shwade]

Findleys not smart enough to play Gio's passes.

[portu]

Findley is lazy

[jloome]

So far, this game is displaying that MLS teams win and lose on their bit parts, not their stars; both teams severely lacking in a few areas. Findley, Creavalle, Morrow have all been weak, Cheyrou has been abysmal.

Weak half so far.

[jloome]

Is that Dolan doing the color? Only a Canadian coach would think a team would be happy with that display of mediocrity.

[pdubs]

Findley is not a wide player. He is bad with the ball at his feet and he can't across. Prefer Lovitz honestly especially on the right cutting in.

[notthesun]

Looking like the Vancouver first half. Getting destroyed by long balls to pacey wingers/forwards. If we shore that up they don't have much. For gods sake tell Creavalle to park his ass 5 feet behind Accam at all times.

[JavierMartini]

Eric Gehrig is a converted CB playing RB and he keeps drifting in, giving Morgan all the space.

Morgan looks ok when nobody bothers to mark him and test him defensively

Nah if they try and challenge Morgan he pushes the ball past them and beats them with pace. We saw it all the time under winter.
Heck he was even covering the right side when crevalle and hagglund were nowhere to be seen. He's hungry for his spot & our attack for the last two games has been on his flank. To mark Morgan out you need to prevent the entry ball to him.

[OgtheDim]

Cheyrou has been abysmal.

..


Disagree, his touches (apart from one cross that went flying out) have been good, his positional play excellent and he's taken Shipp out of the game for much of it.

Osorio needs to step up his game though.

[evermorian]

Sportsnet is the worst broadcaster of all time. I'm watching it on Eurosport and am finding it hilarious how much the announcers are critiquing the performances of both teams. It might be a bit of Eurosnobbery, but you can tell they are used to a higher level of play than what this game is offering.

[JavierMartini]

Has Jozy touched the ball in this half?

Yeah, hes had some good touches dropping back and even contributed to the goal in a 1-2 with bradley.

[OgtheDim]

Is that Dolan doing the color? Only a Canadian coach would think a team would be happy with that display of mediocrity.

The Fire guys said about the same thing.

We are WAAY better then Chicago. Just need to keep the ball. That goal was a 17 pass move. We do things like that, we score.

[AdamAM]

Unentertaining first half, Osorio missed a sitter! Use your body to control the ball, not your testes!

[nonc]

Creavalle and Findley the right side of my nightmares.

[smtavare]

I hate playing Osario on the wing, he drifts in too much!, we need better wingers

[jloome]

Disagree, his touches (apart from one cross that went flying out) have been good, his positional play excellent and he's taken Shipp out of the game for much of it.

Osorio needs to step up his game though.

Cheyrou was dispossesed twice in our end, one almost costing a goal, and has misplaced most of his passes; and Shipp is playing wide, so Cheyrou doesn't have to pick him up most of the time until he cuts inside. When he does, he's been open a couple of times and had an open look at the top of the box. Cheyrou had a shambolic half, and I think he'd admit it himself.

We were mediocre all over the pitch there, except for our new DP. Giovinco was the best player on the pitch, aside from maybe Joven Jones.

[Mark TFC]

I don't understand the Findley hate. He may be having a poor match, but he's typically a good player.

I do agree that Warren Craevalle has to go though. I've been saying it since last season. Please send him packing.

[Yohan]

fun fact. Joevin Jones, who scored the goal for Chicago and has looked like one of best Chicago players so far this season, was a former TFC trialist

[OgtheDim]

....Cheyrou had a shambolic half, and I think he'd admit it himself.
.....

Then you missed about 5 passes by Cheyrou that nobody else but Giovinco can do on this team.

[mowe]

Creavalle needs to be subbed out. Bring on Jackson or Delgado.

[shwade]

That would be a penalty if it was a toronto player.

[JavierMartini]

that's a penalty that gets called against us all the time. elbow to the face? that's ok!

[JavierMartini]

That would be a penalty if it was a toronto player.

qft. it's sad but true.

[Yohan]

if Vanney doesn't take out Creavalle now... red card eventually.

[tfcfans]

Beautiful Play!!

[Jpexxx]

Good god.

That made me wet.

Cheyrou!!!

[shwade]

Beautiful. Cheyrou and Gio are on another level from the rest.

[jloome]

O shit man, that was class...

[Defoe]

gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooool

[notthesun]

That was a great fucking goal.

Now please get Findley off the pitch.

[nonc]

HAHa eurosport must've liked that goal though

[Ajax TFC]

or, Chicago read the scouting report and just don't respect Morgan ;)
It's all give and take. They're trying to take away space from the strikers by giving it to Morgan and Creavalle. Morgan has done a good job of using that space. Sure they can decide to mark him better, but then they'll open up space more centrally

[Inklink]

Beautiful touches.

[Captain Cook]

phew, thank the lord for that.

[Defoe]

I love that such a class goal could come from a non DP

edit - fml

[Inklink]

This backline is brutal. It will always be TFC's downfall.

[Captain Cook]

aaaaaaaaaand fuck off.

[OgtheDim]

Ummm...............Cheyrou everybody?


And Giovinco with space.\

OHh...............I'm behind ya'll. Darn.

[Alonso]

Awesome

[mowe]

Bendik screened

[pdubs]

Now go score again. Pathetic. So soft

[tfcfans]

....and there is the TFC we have been following for the last 8+ years....yeesh....

[JavierMartini]

why is morrow behind amerikwa screening bendik? wtf. if he touches it it's offisde.

[JavierMartini]

that was studs up? no card? ok.

[Jpexxx]

TFC is gunna need to be a team that scores a lot of goals if they wanna win games this year...

[notthesun]

Creavalle stands in no mans land marking nobody for 5 full seconds while Maloney beats Hagglund 1-on-1. Anyone could see that coming, where the fuck is the help?

[RealG-TFC]

Jozy needs to get into this game

[Jpexxx]

why is morrow behind amerikwa screening bendik? wtf. if he touches it it's offisde.


He certainly looks uncomfortable at CB

[Inklink]

ROFL Crapvale

[notthesun]

Get creavalle off the pitch vanney holy fuck

[shwade]

Why is Creaville still on the pitch...what is Vanney waiting for

[pdubs]

Creavalle with the lazy cross. Makes my blood boil.

[RealG-TFC]

Omg creavalle

[nonc]

Is Bloom still injured? Only plausible explanation of Creavalle.

[RealG-TFC]

Time for Jackson, take Creavalle off

[shwade]

STOP ATTACKING THROUGH THE RIGHT!!
they need to ignore Creaville out there.

[Inklink]

Crowd's playing some sick tunes.

[aajking]

woww creavalle...

[Ajax TFC]

You can see how strong the wind is by how fast the garbage is blowing down the field

[jloome]

Time to give Bright Dike a runout.

[Inklink]

Altidore has been invisible.

[nonc]

Findley/Creavalle/Vanney gonna seal points for Chicago

[portu]

Jackson for Findley and Delgado for Creavalle please

[shwade]

That pass reminds me of the Frings days.

[TheGoodson]

the way Altidore is playing wide and deep. Vanney needs to take Findley out and put in Dike as we need a physical presence in the middle.

[shwade]

Jackson for Findley and Delgado for Creavalle please

Dike for Findley. We need to go for the win.

[Ajax TFC]

Well that was inevitable

[Inklink]

Someone called it.

Hope Vanney is happy.

[JavierMartini]

and crevalle gets us a red. vanney should have pulled him wtf.

[Jpexxx]

lol.

[shwade]

Are you fucking happy Vanney?

[mowe]

How did Vanney not see this coming? Creavalle should've been subbed off a LONG time ago.

[jloome]

Should have taken him off after the terrible first half.

[Yohan]

yeah. like I said...

bye bye Creavalle

[nonc]

Lol vanney is so stupid of course

[JavierMartini]

to be fair. what about the studs up tackle that didnt get a yellow? not that thats nto a yellow but the inconsistency is bullshit.

[shwade]

Why is Creaville still on the pitch...what is Vanney waiting for

That's what happens.

[mowe]

YUP. We're still TFC.

[v00d00daddy]

50/50

creavalle and Bendik

[Inklink]

Joe Bendik everybody.

[OgtheDim]

:facepalm:



Sooner Bloom gets back the better.

[Yohan]

game over

[jloome]

Bendik cheats to the right and gets beaten with a low laser. Bad goalkeeping.

[Defoe]

it's VERY hard to be positive about what just happened

[nonc]

Why was Bendik cheating towards his wall haha

[pdubs]

Hope he gets put away for a couple months.

Vanneys needs subs to go out and win it. Fuck it. Bye week next week. Let's go boys

[Jpexxx]

so classic

[Morlesio14]

Fuck creavalle

[Waggy]

Fucks sake

[notthesun]

Vanney should be fired if we lose this game. Not kidding.

[nonc]

Some notable subpar performances but this is all on Vanney today.

[speckles]

This game will be totally on Vanney if we lose.. worst coaching I have seen in a long time.

[king10]

bendik is not a starting goalie in MLS. You set your wall up for a reason, why would you take a stutter step behind the wall exposing the area you should have covered.

Also creavalle sticking his knee out when he already has a yellow card? use your head.

And findley has no business starting.

[OgtheDim]

Bendik needs to get that one.

[Inklink]

Giovinco is going to be homesick very soon at this rate. :(

[gracos]

TFC might as well give up this season, I see absolutely nothing different regarding this team as opposed to last year, same old same old, I am afraid we may never see a team us Torontonians may be proud of, this game should of been a fairly easy victory

[nonc]

Vanney should be fired if we lose this game. Not kidding.

Bez only wants sockpuppets, how's that working Bez

[shwade]

yeah. like I said...

bye bye Creavalle

Mayne Vanney didn't get the go ahead from Bradley to pull Creavalle? Lulz.

[OgtheDim]

This game will be totally on Vanney if we lose.. worst coaching I have seen in a long time.


Nope.

That goal is on Bendik.


Crevalle as RB? Who would have been the other choice? No moving Hagllund there would not have been a good idea.

[zorsofstesab]

Poor coaching by Vanney. Creavelle was going to get card eventually with how reckless he was playing. Vanney made a huge mistake bot taking him off...

[pdubs]

TFC might as well give up this season, I see absolutely nothing different regarding this team as opposed to last year, same old same old, I am afraid we may never see a team us Torontonians may be proud of, this game should of been a fairly easy victory

How about that 17 pass first goal build up?

[shwade]

Good news is Creavalle can't play the next game.

[PAOK17]

Why was Bendik cheating towards his wall haha
I have been saying this for years now that Bendik is NOT a good keeper. Anyone with good reflexes can make acrobatic looking saves. What separates a good keeper from mediocre/bad is decision making, distribution and reading plays. Benedik is poor in all of those.

[JavierMartini]

and now a pass back lol

[tfcfans]

I don't know how much longer I can watch this team and actually believe that something good will ever happen for us.......if there is ever a chance that something will go wrong, 95% of the time it does with this franchise.....no supporters in MLS have been treated to this level of ineptitude (bad luck? poor officiating discretion?) from franchise inception onwards......I really hope we are not sitting on 4 or 6 points after the first 7 games this year, and the season being lost before we even get to the home opener.....

.....or maybe I'm just over-reacting...... ;)

[Alonso]

We've given up some soft goals tonight.

[RealG-TFC]

Jackson instantly more effective than Creavalle/Findley. Those two are simply not good enough.

[OgtheDim]

TFC might as well give up this season, ....


:troll:

[Hieberrr]

Let's hire Jupp Heynckes. What's he doing nowadays?

[king10]

I have been saying this for years now that Bendik is NOT a good keeper. Anyone with good reflexes can make acrobatic looking saves. What separates a good keeper from mediocre/bad is decision making, distribution and reading plays. Benedik is poor in all of those.

bang on. shot stopping is the easiest part of being a goalkeeper. taking crosses, positioning, distribution, decision is the hard part. lots of keepers have good reflexes

[shwade]

This game was on Vanney from the starting lineup when he decided to start Creavalle and place Morrow as a CB. Stupid.

[Blixa]

What is the point of paying Giovinco $8 mil or Bradley $6 mil a year if you're going to pair them up with fuckwits like Creaville?

[nonc]

Nope.

That goal is on Bendik.


Crevalle as RB? Who would have been the other choice? No moving Hagllund there would not have been a good idea.

I believe that is Jackson's natural position. Say what you will about Jackson but not as useless as Creavalle