Match Day 10 - TFC @ Seattle Saturday May 6 3pm Take A Stab At Forever

[OgtheDim]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yun1IlBnDmY

(Up early due to the quick turnaround between games)


Have at It People

[Blindside16]

This is one game that I haven't been looking forward to simply because I have to relive that goddamn save over and over again. We all know motivation for this one is easy to come by. It by no means will erase what happened in December (only winning the December game this year will do that) but it will go a ways to making a statement that we are going for both the Shield and cup this year. Seba has found his groove and is clicking with Jozy. Raheem will be bombing down the flanks pushing their backline. If New England can score 3 we should be able to at least score 2. I like us with a 2-1 win.

[MightyDM]

It will be very interesting to see who even travels. Altidore and Vasquez are doubts for me, as they need their minutes carefully managed, and I think if they could rest beitashour they would.

[Fort York Redcoat]

We just beat the most in-form team in the league. Past is ancient history. I'm hoping for a shut out.

[Joe Kool]

Would love to see a rematch with our full squad against theirs but it just ain't going to happen this weekend even though everyone will be talking about the MLS Cup rematch. Not really a rematch without the same players involved. I really hope we rest some guys and the guys that do play have some good fortune. I want us to win the Columbus game more than this one so hope we do the smart thing to rest guys and don't play our full squad again just to make the rematch an "event" for MLS because I am sure there is pressure to do so. So many people questioned if Seattle were the better team last time so I am sure they are looking to prove it with this game.

[C.Ronaldo]

Would love to see a rematch with our full squad against theirs but it just ain't going to happen this weekend even though everyone will be talking about the MLS Cup rematch. Not really a rematch without the same players involved. I really hope we rest some guys and the guys that do play have some good fortune. I want us to win the Columbus game more than this one so hope we do the smart thing to rest guys and don't play our full squad again just to make the rematch an "event" for MLS because I am sure there is pressure to do so. So many people questioned if Seattle were the better team last time so I am sure they are looking to prove it with this game.

i want to see some J-ambons (my new name for JHams) and ricketts play. Maybe spencer too. We need our fwd depth to gain confidence

[Initial B]

I see a lot of player rotation in this one. I imagine we'll see Mavinga in place of Morrow and Ricketts in place of Altidore, and subbing out Seba and Vasquez after 60 minutes. Our backline will probably suffer a brainfart, so i'm thinking this could end up a 1-0 loss or 1-1 tie.

[Auzzy]

According to Kurt Larson, Giovinco, Vazquez, Beitashour & Zavaleta didn't travel to Seattle. Protecting them from the long flight & crappy turf in Seattle; and saving them for the more important in-conference game vs. Columbus next Wednesday.

http://www.torontosun.com/2017/05/05/no-giovinco-and-vazquez-as-toronto-fc-rests-stars-versus-seattle

I'm fine with that. The remaining TFC players (incl. a few who don't normally start or get much playing time) will be motivated anyway vs. Seattle, w/o much pressure or expectation with so many regulars missing. The pressure will be on Seattle, who won't have much to crow about even if they win.

[MightyDM]

It will be very interesting to see who even travels. Altidore and Vasquez are doubts for me, as they need their minutes carefully managed, and I think if they could rest beitashour they would.

Just Sayin...

i actually thought Altidore would be the one not to travel, not Gio. Whoever plays will be very hungry for a win. A bit surprised re Zavaleta though. He's young and not carrying a knock, as far as has been reported.

[Detroit_TFC]

I basically agree with the rest for the four. As a fantasy MLS player, it's brutal and I'm drafting a strongly worded letter. :)

[OgtheDim]

Who is the RB / RWB?

[UpTheReds]

I'm ok with those who didn't travel. Zavaletta has played every minute of every game for TFC this season. I'd rather have those four fresh for the Columbus game.

[PopePouri]

My bet is Cooper.

[MightyDM]

Who is the RB / RWB?
morrow. Or Endoh.

[charlieocc]

Who is the RB / RWB?
Delgado maybe? 

[mcolvy]

Delgado maybe? 

Endoh is the current backup there. He doesn't have any other position in our 3-5-2. That is a weak link for us, while LWB is a strength.

After we are fully healed at centreback, I wonder if one of Morrow or Edwards gets moved over to the right..? That would be a great pairing eh

[PawTar711]

I think that we have a good chance this game, we are away, so in that sense, we have to fly over to Seattle. We're playing the team that is sponsored by Xbox, in their humongous stadium, its so crazy to play there, however, what I truly, meant, was that, we have a great team this season, and were continuing the battle to the United States tommorow in Honor and pride, and what I think is we have to Dine in Hell.

Jacob

[jloome]

Endoh is the current backup there. He doesn't have any other position in our 3-5-2. That is a weak link for us, while LWB is a strength.

After we are fully healed at centreback, I wonder if one of Morrow or Edwards gets moved over to the right..? That would be a great pairing eh

I'd be surprised if it's not Morrow, as he can use both feet. Jozy and Tosaint ricketts up top, Cooper in for vasquez, or Osorio if Cooper is on the shit list (his last two appearances were kinda shit).

[Hamilton_Red]

Morgan back in the frame for tomorrow? I'd be testing out a park the bus approach tomorrow 4-5-1 with Ricketts starting and Altidore on the bench. The Seattle fans deserve a damp squib of a miserable game. We have no obligation to entertain those bastards. 0-0 after 85 minutes and a Ricketts counter attack to win late.

[notthesun]

I hope Hamilton gets some minutes.

[Couchy81]

I hope Hamilton gets some minutes.

Yea that would be nice. Good call.

[Cas87]

I feel with Seba, Victor, Zava and Benita resting at home the lineup will look something like this:

Bono
Haggs -- Hernandez -- Mavinga
Morrow -- Chapman -- Bradley -- Delgado -- Edwards
Ricketts -- Jozy

Subs:
Spencer for Jozy -- 65'
Cheyrou for Bradley -- 75'
Osorio for Chapman -- 75'
maybe one of the young defenders for Haggs (depends on how the game is going)

Bench: Irwin, Alseth/Aubrey, Endoh, Cooper, Cheyrou, Spencer, Osorio

[ensco]

This is one game that I haven't been looking forward to simply because I have to relive that goddamn save over and over again.

Seems I think about that save almost every day.

Should there be a name for this syndrome? Alti-Frei-tis?

[OgtheDim]

Larson reporting Spencer didn't make the trip.

[Gringo Starr]

I was so far off with my lineup assumptions for this game, Now I hope to see some Canadians get quality minutes. More Chapman, Ricketts, Edwards and JHams

[notthesun]

With Vazquez out I'd like to see Chapman get a start but I expect it's going to be Cooper and Osorio.

[charlieocc]

With Vazquez out I'd like to see Chapman get a start but I expect it's going to be Cooper and Osorio.
Larson is implying it is Chapman in, actually

[SoccMan2]

This looks like it will be a pasting 3 4 nothing to Seattle, hope I'm wrong though because taking a pasting like that sometimes takes awhile for a team to recover and can spill into the next few games. Does this resting of players happen in the NHL where they play like over 80 regular seasons games, I'm not much of an NHL fan so anyone who follows it know?

[ag futbol]

It's now heavily a part of the NBA. NHL not so sure.

I think we will be okay. It's a deep team.

[reggie]

bono
jH HAGGS CM
JM MB JC OSO RE
T R JOZY

If we are down by 2 at half time.sub MB and jozy and play for cbus,

[CBTFC]

I'll be honest...I still haven't quite properly "dealt" with the MLS Cup Final, emotionally and mentally. Like a bitter breakup with that ex you thought was the one.

But goddam would a win today help me in that process.

To quote will johnson from portland's cup celebration...fuck seattle.

[OgtheDim]

Well that's a lot of changes

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C_KVI0JV0AIV4Tv.jpg

[notthesun]

I expect they're still lining up in a 3-5-2 so it must be Morrow playing LWB and Edwards at RWB (or vice versa). So Chapman as a sort of false #9.

[molenshtain]

I have no idea what lineup we're using at all.

like, none.

[Areathrasher]

https://twitter.com/LIVESounders/status/860926670106107904

[TFC Tifoso]

fwiw....here's how Larson had it spread out today in the paper....

---------------------------Altidore------------------------------
--------Chapman---------------------------Delgado-----------
------------------Cheyrou----------Bradley-------------------
Morrow-----------------------------------------------Edwards
--------Mavinga--------Hernandez-------Hagglund----------
---------------------------Irwin--------------------------------

[reggie]

i jus hope it doesnt get ugly today

[OgtheDim]

Its going to flow like either a fine symphony or a downhill mudslide.

[MightyDM]

https://twitter.com/LIVESounders/status/860926670106107904

That actually makes sense. Could also
be a three with Morrow at right wing back and Edwards left. In that system, chapman is 10

[MightyDM]

fwiw....here's how Larson had it spread out today in the paper....

---------------------------Altidore------------------------------
--------Chapman---------------------------Delgado-----------
------------------Cheyrou----------Bradley-------------------
Morrow-----------------------------------------------Edwards
--------Mavinga--------Hernandez-------Hagglund----------
---------------------------Irwin--------------------------------

Interesting. But I thought Seattle attacks down their left. Which would mean that Morrow is more likely on our right.

[reggie]

it sure seems that ricketts,oso and cooper are out of favor these days.lets go boys surprize us.

[AlanO]

Looks like CTV is showing this match on their main network. Easy TV viewing.

[mowe]

I'll be honest...I still haven't quite properly "dealt" with the MLS Cup Final, emotionally and mentally. Like a bitter breakup with that ex you thought was the one.

But goddam would a win today help me in that process.

To quote will johnson from portland's cup celebration...fuck seattle.
I've avoided all highlights, recaps, interviews, etc about that game. Still get worked up every time I think about it. Probably won't be over it until we face them again in the final and exact revenge. Winning today sure would be nice though.

I know squad rotation was necessary but I hope there are enough players in the lineup today who are up for this game.

[ag futbol]

Holly lineup change batman

[MightyDM]

Well, Caldwell seems to agree about Edwards. I'm surprised too that he is on the right. Reminds me of when he put Hagglund there against that speed merchant. Edwards v Jones and Morris is challenging

[MightyDM]

Boy that is lucky

[ag futbol]

Yeah that was nowhere near offside

[notthesun]

Yeah that was nowhere near offside

No, it's the right decision. Whoever that Sounders player was was offside on Morris' flick on, and he made a play for the ball. If he recognizes that he's off and stops and lets the ball go and it still goes in it's fine, but once he makes a play for the ball he's influencing play (throwing Irwin off) and thus offside.

Still thought Irwin was pretty slow to react even with the guy being there... but it is offside.

[ag futbol]

Did Morris actually make contact on the flick though? Didn't look like he did at first glance?

[MightyDM]

No, it's the right decision. Whoever that Sounders player was was offside on Morris' flick on, and he made a play for the ball. If he recognizes that he's off and stops and lets the ball go and it still goes in it's fine, but once he makes a play for the ball he's influencing play (throwing Irwin off) and thus offside.

Still thought Irwin was pretty slow to react even with the guy being there... but it is offside.

You are not wrong but it wasn't clear enough to be certain. He was no where near the ball, might have been not given.

[MightyDM]

Did Morris actually make contact on the flick though? Didn't look like he did at first glance?
Yes. No doubt about that, on the replay.

[ag futbol]

I stand corrected.

This field as atrocious however, lol. On my TV it looks like barf.

[notthesun]

I stand corrected.

This field as atrocious however, lol. On my TV it looks like barf.

The quality of whatever camera they're using is terrible.

[MightyDM]

Boy, we are being repeatedly overrun. The odd nice forward play but looking quite under the cosh.

[Bardown Snipes]

The quality of this game is absolutely ridiculous

[MightyDM]

I stand corrected.

This field as atrocious however, lol. On my TV it looks like barf.


On my tv Mavingas hair looks the same colour as the pitch....

[Lab Rat]

Does anyone have a live feed.? Thanks.

[pdubs]

yea i first thought it was a non HD channel on my tv lol

[ag futbol]

Chapman is exceptional out there. He finds guy's in a hurry.

[MightyDM]

Cheyrou poor there, and Edwards totally out of position. But excellent counter.

[ag futbol]

The quality of whatever camera they're using is terrible.
Yeah agreed. Looks like it's a standard def signal.

[MightyDM]

That was a rugby tackle. And not a bad one, either.

[pdubs]

woooooooooo

[tfcfans]

YAY!!

[MightyDM]

TOTALLY against the run of play! Awesome!

[ag futbol]

Yes! Great play!

[molenshtain]

yessssssssssss

[molenshtain]

both teams playing really well, we're just playing a little bit better

[ensco]

Seems I think about that save almost every day.

Should there be a name for this syndrome? Alti-Frei-tis?

Well, that is a good "alti-dote" for that syndrome.

[notthesun]

Our best moves have been through Chapman. Played the ball to Delgado that earned us a corner and now his pass leads to Jozy's penalty goal. Good stuff.

This is why I see Chapman as the only proper backup for Vazquez on our squad. He plays the same kind of game. Osorio and Cooper don't.

[MightyDM]

Cheyrou beaten again. I adore him as a player but so far looks like he has lost a step.

[charlieocc]

Tbh a penalty goal against Seattle is more satisfying than an open play goal...

[ag futbol]

Cheyrou beaten again. I adore him as a player but so far looks like he has lost a step.
Yeah you could see when he reached for that ball in midfield and didn't get there he's still adjusting to what his body allows him to do these days.

[MightyDM]

Although Cheyrou had a lovely touch there. Hopefully it is just lack of game time.

[OgtheDim]

Does anyone have a live feed.? Thanks.

Use an ad blocker and just click out all the x's and the pop ups.

http://24nbastreams.com/live-soccer-stream-02/

[ag futbol]

This team plays a dangerous game at times trying to build from the back.

Good clearance from mavinga... confidence builder.

[Lab Rat]

Thanks

[OgtheDim]

Their midfield is not exactly rock solid. Still likely to lose this but Seattle only looks dangerous when breaking from a mistake or a counter.

[pdubs]

Chapman making the most of this start

[MightyDM]

What a ball by Chapman!

[notthesun]

Wow, that's beautiful from Chapman. Gaining confidence.

[molenshtain]

Chapman, Bradley Delgado having monster games in midfield.

[MightyDM]

Excellent clearance by Hagglund there, great in the air.

[ag futbol]

He looks like the Canadian Zidane this first half, haha.

Preseason I saw him combine with Vasquez really well. Maybe we trot that out against the Looks and try to win 5-0 :)

[AlanO]

Hagglund's been strong at the back.

[molenshtain]

Hagglund's been strong at the back.

So has Mavinga. Much better than his last performance.

[Detroit_TFC]

That JA shot couldn't be better, really should be 2-0 TFC. Incredible first half so far.

[notthesun]

Really great half all things considered.

[molenshtain]

one of the besr road performances I can remember. Let's hope it continues.

[ag futbol]

Great half. It was looking lobsided at first but we really came into the game well.

Back 3 deserve a shout out. That's a completely different group than we've seen all season and it's been effective when called upon.

[charlieocc]

That was a pretty solid half. A few little moments in our own box, but mostly pretty solid. Chapman looks great

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Fuck me, I've lost the full first half, I thought the game is much later today!!!!

WTF, they begun this match at sunrise West coast time????

[molenshtain]

I've caught myself a couple times over the last few games wondering 'are we ever going to lose again?'

I mean this is MLS - we're going to lose quite a few more times this season. But goddamn if we don't look like an entire class above the rest of the league sometimes. Especially with how deep we are now... makes you dream big things.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Stream also here:

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

[Areathrasher]

That was a very pleasing half

[PizzaEatingYeti]

So how TFC is playing, can we hope at least in a draw?

[MightyDM]

They have switched Morrow and Edwards. Good.

[molenshtain]

ugh, seattle fans are so impressively shit. They are every stereotype of fake American soccer fans rolled into one insufferable group.

[Lumpy]

Much prefer Cheyrou over Osario. At least Cheyrou will go for 50/50 balls whereas Osario seems to avoid contact at all cost. Neither are speed demons but Cheyrou is a much better passer.

[pdubs]

I like that edwards isn't afraid of anything

[molenshtain]

Oh fuck. Osorio and Cooper on the field at the same time is going to make for an unbearable last 25 minutes.

[ag futbol]

Dude these guys crying for every half call. What a joke.

[MightyDM]

Much prefer Cheyrou over Osario. At least Cheyrou will go for 50/50 balls whereas Osario seems to avoid contact at all cost. Neither are speed demons but Cheyrou is a much better passer.

Cheyrou is a brilliant player who has lost a step or two. Go watch a couple of games on replay and just pay attention to Osorio and you will see that he works incredibly hard off the ball and is almost always in the right position. And hasn't lost any steps. He is a real asset to this club. I never understand why people are so hard on him, given his high skill level and that he bleeds Red.

[Shakes McQueen]

I've caught myself a couple times over the last few games wondering 'are we ever going to lose again?'

I mean this is MLS - we're going to lose quite a few more times this season. But goddamn if we don't look like an entire class above the rest of the league sometimes. Especially with how deep we are now... makes you dream big things.

It's good to feel confident and happy as a sports fan, but let's not too quickly forget that second half against Orlando earlier this week.

[ag futbol]

That osorio sub too soon for me... need to see things out a bit.

[MightyDM]

Great ball by Oso! How did Morrow miss that??!!

[molenshtain]

Cheyrou is a brilliant player who has lost a step or two. Go watch a couple of games on replay and just pay attention to Osorio and you will see that he works incredibly hard off the ball and is almost always in the right position. And hasn't lost any steps. He is a real asset to this club. I never understand why people are so hard on him, given his high skill level and that he bleeds Red.

because he was a better player four years ago then he is now. He's one footed and the ball sticks to his foot. He can't cross, he can't shoot, his off the ball movement when we're in possesion is awful, he avoids geting stuck in to tackles at all cost. He can't play a through ball. He's slow. I could go on and on.

That said, he's a solid squad player and I love his passion for the team and the city and I hope he never leaves and retires here as our first true legend.

[ag futbol]

I don't know what Caldwell is talking about. That was an inch perfect pass, Morrow just has to hit the target.

[pdubs]

yep morrow needs to bury that.

Osorio looks good.

[charlieocc]

The amount of grappling defenders get away with on Altidore is ridiculous

[MightyDM]

because he was a better player four years ago then he is now. He's one footed and the ball sticks to his foot. He can't cross, he can't shoot, his off the ball movement when we're in possesion is awful, he avoids geting stuck in to tackles at all cost. He can't play a through ball. He's slow. I could go on and on.

That said, he's a solid squad player and I love his passion for the team and the city and I hope he never leaves and retires here as our first true legend.

We see completely different players. And I like the one I am seeing.

[Lumpy]

I would have left Altidore on. He's played 80 minutes so not much different than playing 90. He holds the ball up now we don't have anyone who can.

[MightyDM]

The amount of grappling defenders get away with on Altidore is ridiculous


Agreed. But when he is on with Giovinco, it's not a bad thing that they are grappling him.

[pdubs]

I wish we had Cheyrou in his prime.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Pressure mounting exponentially from Seattle.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

We can count for about 4 minutes added.

[MightyDM]

I wish we had Cheyrou in his prime.. Times a hundred. Lovely player

[PizzaEatingYeti]

These 5 minutes will be forever.
Fuck you ref, why not add a full half????

[ensco]

One of the all time TFC performances. Just a delicious game.

Putting aside the second tier lineup.... I'd be curious to know what the record is of teams that play at home on a Wednesday night and then play out west Saturday at noon.

[oldtraffordPEI]

Cheyrou is awesome, still has it! We are lucky to have him on his salary considering the value he brings in depth.

[oldtraffordPEI]

Coopers fired up lol

[pdubs]

What a game.

[ag futbol]

Yes!!!

[tfcfans]

YAY!!! Great job in a short week, a west coast trip, and a "partial" lineup!!!!

[MightyDM]

One of the all time TFC performances. Just a delicious game.

Putting aside the second tier lineup.... I'd be curious to know what the record is of teams that play at home on a Wednesday night and then play out west Saturday at noon.

lovely word Ensco! "Delicious " indeed

[ensco]

Of course all the playoff games were bigger, but for pure enjoyment for devoted connoisseurs ... that was magnificent. This is a team to be proud of.

[ag futbol]

Cheyrou is awesome, still has it! We are lucky to have him on his salary considering the value he brings in depth.
There were a few vervous moments early but I agree. He was a rock out there.

[oldtraffordPEI]

great match...not a big fan of the last 7-8 min though, blasting it down the field and giving up possession, letting SEA set up for attack after attack

[Shakes McQueen]

Pretty impressive results recently, considering the number of games we have played. Looks like they've finally blown off the early season rust.

[charlieocc]

Holy shit boys we've actually gone and done it

[OgtheDim]

Wow..

[ensco]

great match...not a big fan of the last 7-8 min though, blasting it down the field and giving up possession, letting SEA set up for attack after attack

They were exhausted.

[MightyDM]

Jozy, Hagglund and Bradley awesome. Delgado had moments going forward and also brain cramps. Cheyrou grew into it, silky smooth by halftime. Chapman earned more time, Oso too.

[notthesun]

Amazing road performance. Despite all Seattle's possession we out-chanced them, could've had 2 or 3. Altidore and Chapman with the best performances going forward.

Loved how organized we looked at the back despite all the changes. Solid redemption performance from Mavinga, still a bit squirrely at times but he took a goal off Dempsey's head in the first half and bailed out Morrow on a weak back pass late. Hagglund was a god damn monster. His jumping ability is incredible, he wins every contested header. Fire me into the sun for ever thinking he was a good trade chip.

[MightyDM]

Also much more organized when we went to four at the back. Not sold on Mavinga though.

[shwade]

Top of the league boysss

[General Woolfe]

Great performance from the Reds today. Perfect road strategy from Vanney well executed by the players who really performed as a unit today.

I was critical of the captain and Jozy in midweek but they both stepped up today with impressive performances from both. Chapman and Cheyrou also caught the eye, and the revamped backline stood firm the entire 90 minutes. Its nice to know the depth in our squad is as impressive in reality as it is on paper. Those were major changes today so its nice to come away with all three points


:scarf:

[OgtheDim]

Did anybody actually notice Hernandez? I didn't and that's a good thing.

[ensco]

Oh and by the way...

Eat it you raving green boogers. We are the better team and we both know it.

[ag futbol]

It's pretty impressive how we shut down Morris, Depsey (although he's slowing down a lot), and company. They rarely impacted the game.

[red-o]

This looks like it will be a pasting 3 4 nothing to Seattle, hope I'm wrong though
And I am glad you're wrong!

[ensco]

Did anybody actually notice Hernandez? I didn't and that's a good thing.

Only when he nicely cleaned up that chance deep in the box late.

[69Chevy396]

Chapman should start ahead of Cooper or Delgado. Mavinga not MLS quality. Team played great despite that terrible knee busting carpet. Bradley was great.

[StokeciTFC]

That was the game worthy of last years final.

[Shakes McQueen]

Oh and by the way...

Eat it you raving green boogers. We are the better team and we both know it.

Fack you boogers!

...I've been drinking.

[OgtheDim]

Well this looks like something out of Mourinho with Chelsea

https://twitter.com/MattDoyle76/status/860964990798266369

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Great second half (I only saw that), except the last 10-15 minutes.
We will be a truly good team when in such situations these last 15 minutes are not such nailbiters.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Ricketts has been pretty much zero this season so far...

[OgtheDim]

Great second half (I only saw that), except the last 10-15 minutes.
We will be a truly good team when in such situations these last 15 minutes are not such nailbiters.

With all due respect.... stop it with the negative waves.

Away

A 6-7 hour jet trip across the continent

Within 72 hours of a tough home win

Without our MVP

Without our best CB

Without our top assist man

With two newbies in at CB

On turf

With 40K in attendance (OK, that isn't all that intimidating - it took them 2:37 to start the "I can't hear a effin thing" chant towards our 25 or so Reds away support - can they be more plastic that lot)


And we were the better team.


We are a truly good team.

[Areathrasher]

Rotated lineup.
3-4-3
Bradley more involved going forward
Mavinga looking decent
Chappers
Top of the East

Deeply Satisfying

[PizzaEatingYeti]

With all due respect.... stop it with the negative waves.



That's not negative waves at all.
I said it was a great half except that final.
Truly good teams have not almost always make their supporters to be happy to see out the finals of the matches.

In the last 15 minutes we let that many balls dropped into our 16 box like in the 30-40 minutes before.
This is what I am talking about.

[Shakes McQueen]

mhPUoQwEEB0

[molenshtain]

1 shot on goal for seattle through our last 210 minutes against them.

That trophy last year should be ours and they know it.

[ag futbol]

1 shot on goal for seattle through our last 210 minutes against them.

That trophy last year should be ours and they know it.

The officiating this game was much better vs. the final. They actually found his whistle and didn't allow Alonso to run around kicking people for 90 minutes without even getting carded.

[Joe Kool]

Great game by the players. Different faces and different formation in an away situation like today cannot be easy. If our guys, besides Altidore, had more confidence in front of goal we could have had a few more goals. Giovinco watching at home probably thought damn....if he was there he would have netted at least one.

[OgtheDim]

The maps

https://twitter.com/11tegen11/status/860975836161339392

Hernandez made less then 3 passes to anybody. But positionally, he held his own.

[paul-collins]

Oh and by the way...

Eat it you raving green boogers. We are the better team and we both know it.

QFT ;)

[UpTheReds]

That was a really professional display. Our squad depth is easily the best in this league.

[Thomas]

Completely agree. Only negative comments from Yeti. Even when we win! We know they are far from perfect.


With all due respect.... stop it with the negative waves.

Away

A 6-7 hour jet trip across the continent

Within 72 hours of a tough home win

Without our MVP

Without our best CB

Without our top assist man

With two newbies in at CB

On turf

With 40K in attendance (OK, that isn't all that intimidating - it took them 2:37 to start the "I can't hear a effin thing" chant towards our 25 or so Reds away support - can they be more plastic that lot)


And we were the better team.


We are a truly good team.

[mistercorporate]

It feels good to be top of the Supporters Shield standings this early in the season :D

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/MattDoyle76/status/860992297160159232

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/05/06/armchair-analyst-chapman-shines-toronto-fc-take-three-seattle

[molenshtain]

interesting that the two guys who started with Bradley in midfield for our cup run - Osorio and Cooper - are now probably at the bottom of our midfield depth chart.

[Redcoe15]

:scarf:

BWAH!!! EAT YOUR SNOT, YOU SEATTLE ASSSTAINS!!!

[ManUtd4ever]

Very impressive performance given the circumstances, and a bit of revenge is always nice.

[Initial B]

Wow, top of the table for at least the next few hours. The team was fun to watch. The amount of clever passing attempts was delightful.

[boozilla]

Mavinga had some awkward, but effective moments. I do miss Drew Moore.
Was Hernandez a bit rusty?
They meant business today and I'm looking forward to the Columbus game.

[Auzzy]

Awesome game especially given the circumstances. Seattle had 63.5% of the possession, but could do very little with it. Shots on target 5 vs 2 in favour of Toronto! TFC easily could have scored 2 -3 more goals on golden chances, and made it less of a nail-biter. Seattle only had about 1 decent chance.

Man I forgot what a bunch of whiny bitches Seattle are. Some of the calls they were arguing were just ridiculous. I guess they're used to getting their way when playing at home. (Extends to the fans & some of the commentators on mlssoccer.com as well.) Granted the first yellow called against Seattle was wrong, should have gone the other way.

[Auzzy]

I feel with Seba, Victor, Zava and Benita resting at home the lineup will look something like this:

Bono
Haggs -- Hernandez -- Mavinga
Morrow -- Chapman -- Bradley -- Delgado -- Edwards
Ricketts -- Jozy

Subs:
Spencer for Jozy -- 65'
Cheyrou for Bradley -- 75'
Osorio for Chapman -- 75'
maybe one of the young defenders for Haggs (depends on how the game is going)

Bench: Irwin, Alseth/Aubrey, Endoh, Cooper, Cheyrou, Spencer, Osorio

Someone buy this guy a beer! Almost perfect prediction of a very surprising lineup. Only differences were Irwin starting over Bono, and Cheyrou instead of Ricketts.

[Detroit_TFC]

Better fking believe I took a screen shot of the Shield standings. It made me smile.

[UpTheReds]

Results basically went our way today. We will remain top of the east after this weekend, if Portland drop points tonight we remain top of the league! Happy days!

[OgtheDim]

4th in PPG - work still to do.

[mistercorporate]

4th in PPG - work still to do.

By a whisker, we got this! :D

[SirBobSaget]

The officiating this game was much better vs. the final. They actually found his whistle and didn't allow Alonso to run around kicking people for 90 minutes without even getting carded.

Man, don't check reddit where the Sounders supporters feel the Ref killed them. They claim TFC got all the breaks ... ya?

[MightyDM]

Rereading all of this, a great win. Just great. Some pluses and minuses on individual play, but, a great win.

[SirBobSaget]

Amazing squad management by Vanney. Mavinga redeemed himself with a few key plays. The B backline was amazing. This is a game where nothing was expected instead dominated and got the 3 pts.

[SirBobSaget]

So crazy. Hernandez was never passed to. No wonder he was never noticed. Job was to keep the line organized which he did .

[Joe Kool]

Seattle coach said Toronto won because Seattle played bad it was not because Toronto played good. Cmon dude. Give Toronto a little of the credit.

[Auzzy]

Man, don't check reddit where the Sounders supporters feel the Ref killed them. They claim TFC got all the breaks ... ya?

I guess the supporters learned their whining from the team.

[snowcrash]

Chapman is exceptional out there. He finds guy's in a hurry.
Night and day between him and Osorio in the attacking third. Oso can have the ball in the box and it doesn't surprise me any more if he lays it back to a defender just past midfield at the slightest bit of pressure.

[OgtheDim]

I didn't notice until yesterday how many Seattle Supporters have put a gold star in their twitter handle. This reminded me of the uproar Sounder fans had that their 2016 replica jerseys could not have a gold star put on them. MLS actually changed the rules for them.

Then I remembered that a few thousand people paid over $15K to get a World Series Cubs ring.

Weird.

Fandom in the US has gone WAY too attached. I wear the jersey because I support the team, and I like the shirt, not because I'm a player. If they win an MLS Cup and I happen to get a jersey in the future with some sort of star on it, the star is a reminder of that year's achievement by the players and would provide me with a memory of my enjoyment experiencing that. Its not about me, its about them and then.

[CBTFC]

Seattle coach said Toronto won because Seattle played bad it was not because Toronto played good. Cmon dude. Give Toronto a little of the credit.

Fuck Seattle.

[ag futbol]

Man, don't check reddit where the Sounders supporters feel the Ref killed them. They claim TFC got all the breaks ... ya?
I think we had some favourable outcomes, but in general a more tightly controlled game favours our team and MLS should be looking for its attacking talent to shine through. All and all I don't think there was anything crazy unfair about the officiating.

Their entire attack was putting crosses from the flank into Nick Hagglunds wheelhouse. It was stale, predictable, and easy to defend. They conversely never dealt with Chapman in the midfield and looked vulnerable frequently on the counter. Bradley > Alonso. That's why they lost. They should just count themselves lucky we didn't bring half our starters.

[Shakes McQueen]

Normally I don't really have any beef with Seattle and their supporters - they do good stuff up there, and they came into the league and did the right things for success right off the bat (turf field aside).

But I'll make an exception to drink some tears with this one, after some of the insufferable smug we endured when they won the Cup by playing the anti-est of anti-football ever, and how brilliant their "strategy" was (that strategy apparently being to not get any shots, have Frei stand on his head more than once, then "strategically" try to win the coinflip that is penalties).

We just beat you with half of our starters in the lineup. Have fun deconstructing our brilliant strategy all week.

[anto7]

I think Vanney deserves a lot of credit with the way he has been managing the squad so far this season. It can't be easy keeping everyone happy and motivated when we have such a deep squad. Leaving 4 starters at home was a good decision, we have so many games in such a short time period that it's going to be really crucial keeping everyone fresh. I was initially surprised when I saw Giovinco rested but not Altidore, however thinking back to the MLS final and the way they kicked the shit out of Seba I think it made sense leaving him at home. Jozy can take the abuse and dish it back so that worked well in this game.
Any one final thought for those on here who question Jozy's commitment and think he is lazy at times, I don't see that at all and this game he was absolutely immense for the team and worked his ass off. Sometimes forwards need to conserve energy during a game and not go chasing every loose ball so that when the opportunity arises they are ready to strike. Just take a look at Seba in this regards, yes he hustles when required but he also is very smart in conserving energy for all of those lung busting fast runs he makes throughout the 90.

[anto7]

I also like that Vanney is not afraid to try things out and then adjust if it's not working. Case in point Edwards starting on the right side and then switching with Morrow in the 2nd half.
I also like the fact that Cooper is taking a back seat lately. It appears he his not willing to work hard enough for the team plus I hate the way he is always flopping and feigning injury. He did some good work at the end of last season but so far this season I don't think he is offering much to the team. I am a little biased though since I have never really cared for him mainly due to his constant cheating. Kudos for Cheyrou for steeping in and getting Cooper under control at the end of this game. It looked pretty obvious that the Seattle players really hate Cooper and this game was not the time for his antics.

[Gazza_55]

4th in PPG - work still to do.

Now 3rd thanks to the Loons. Still work to do - absolutely, but we are getting better.

[ag futbol]

I also like that Vanney is not afraid to try things out and then adjust if it's not working. Case in point Edwards starting on the right side and then switching with Morrow in the 2nd half.
I also like the fact that Cooper is taking a back seat lately. It appears he his not willing to work hard enough for the team plus I hate the way he is always flopping and feigning injury. He did some good work at the end of last season but so far this season I don't think he is offering much to the team. I am a little biased though since I have never really cared for him mainly due to his constant cheating. Kudos for Cheyrou for steeping in and getting Cooper under control at the end of this game. It looked pretty obvious that the Seattle players really hate Cooper and this game was not the time for his antics.
The "cheating" was to our advantage for once as it served to run out the clock. I think the argument was little more than a ploy for that purpose.

Anyway, I agree he hasn't been great. My concern is not his work rate, which is usually good, it's that he doesn't release the damn ball fast enough. He spends too much time feigning and turning in midfield when there are better options. It's selfishly killed one too many attacks.

[Hamilton_Red]

Now 3rd thanks to the Loons. Still work to do - absolutely, but we are getting better.

Dallas is still the benchmark team this year. Dallas - Toronto final this year @ BMO.

[TFC Tifoso]

full points on a cross-country road game, against the defending champs, with a less than full roster......just awesome!

[MKR]

cooper's concacaf tactics are disgusting. he's such a punk. shame he lacks the football IQ and any kind of class, because he has some good feet and some skills.

[Canary10]

cooper's concacaf tactics are disgusting. he's such a punk. shame he lacks the football IQ and any kind of class, because he has some good feet and some skills.

I really disagree. At times we play very naive. Cooper is a guy who works the game, pisses people off. Need a few players like that on your team.

[MKR]

I really disagree. At times we play very naive. Cooper is a guy who works the game, pisses people off. Need a few players like that on your team.

you're probably right. his 'style' just goes against so much of how i was taught to play the game and how to conduct myself, but still you're probably right. i guess it's also one reason why Canada always fails in concacaf.

[OgtheDim]

There's a time and a place to CONCACAF. Cooper was told off earlier in the season publicly (well as publicly as Vanney will do) for going down with a foul and not getting up quick, thus giving up tactical advantage. Cooper did that again on Saturday.

He's useful and very good against a team like Atlanta or NYCFC. I suspect he starts against the Loons.

[Canary10]

you're probably right. his 'style' just goes against so much of how i was taught to play the game and how to conduct myself, but still you're probably right. i guess it's also one reason why Canada always fails in concacaf.

Yeah I get it. It's hard to watch sometimes.

[molenshtain]

It's just gamesmanship. After years and years of watching teams pull similar stuff to what Cooper does game after game and watching our team yell into the void to no avail, I'm not at all irritated by Cooper's antics.

Part of learning to be an elite team, which is what we're in the process of right now, involves learning and repeating the gamesmanship required to close out wins and get inside the head of your opponent. It's part of the game. It's not pretty, but if you wanna be the best you gotta be able to do it.

[JoesphNdo]

To each their own but I personally can't stand seeing Cooper in our shirt. It bothered me when we'd see Drogba do it, it bothered me when Atlanta were being so over the top earlier this season and Cooper doesn't get a pass on it just because he's wearing our shirt for me. I wish the league would sanction it far more

[molenshtain]

There's nothing for the league to sanction though. You can't call a player a liar for going down with an apparent cramp late in the game or whatever. It's not the same as going back and disciplining a player for a tackle the ref missed. I'm sure we'd all rather not have it but everyone does it. Better to be better at it than everyone else than be left behind.

sometimes you just gotta be a dick to win. Part of the game sometimes, especially big games. The final last year is a prime example of why it's important for the team to be able to win that side of the game. Seattle did that day and they won in part because of it.

[Joe Kool]

To each their own but I personally can't stand seeing Cooper in our shirt. It bothered me when we'd see Drogba do it, it bothered me when Atlanta were being so over the top earlier this season and Cooper doesn't get a pass on it just because he's wearing our shirt for me. I wish the league would sanction it far more

I know it is part of football culture, more in some parts of the world than others, but I don't like watching it but pretty much accept it as part of the game. I don't think it will ever change. It does bother me though when players on the teams I am supporting do it. TFC players don't need to do it to win so I would rather it not happen. Cooper did it alot when he first got here but then he started to play harder and not go down so easy and I thought our culture was rubbing off on him a bit and I respected him more for it. Now it seems he has gone back to the old comfort zone of Panamanian tactics so far this season. Lodeiro was really pathetic as well. His gameplan basically was to get anywhere around the outside of the 18 yard box and when he felt a hand he would go down. Just terrible to watch and to see Seattle get free kicks for that.....and Seattle fans are complaining about TFC players?

[Areathrasher]

Not going to be able to win the CCL without a few players of Coopers ilk

[Section_105]

There was a picture on Seba's instagram of him with his feet up and right ankle in an icepack. anyone else hear if he had an injury to keep him at home?

I think it was wise to rest him either way but I was worried he might be pissed to be left off the flight. But if there is an injury issue that will keep my mind calm about his mind going ballistic on a stanchion somewhere.

[Section_105]

Great game by Vanney and the boys. Karma giving us a hat tip that it was Torres that brought down Jozy for the PEN.

Great to see Cheyrou looking like a boss out there again as we will need him when the USMT comes a callin for Bradley. Chappman was fantastic, Haggs was a beast and cleaned out everything, ....great performances all around.

I creeped the sounders reddit and while there were some tinfoil hatters hating on the ref most of the comments were about how bad their team was. Was refreshing to see a balanced review of their own bad game when most of what I've seen is them bitching like their players on the field. Good on em. Now if only they would get fired up about being forced to look at that gawdawful plastic pitch every two weeks. just horrid to look at and for their players.

[anto7]

I know it is part of football culture, more in some parts of the world than others, but I don't like watching it but pretty much accept it as part of the game. I don't think it will ever change. It does bother me though when players on the teams I am supporting do it. TFC players don't need to do it to win so I would rather it not happen. Cooper did it alot when he first got here but then he started to play harder and not go down so easy and I thought our culture was rubbing off on him a bit and I respected him more for it. Now it seems he has gone back to the old comfort zone of Panamanian tactics so far this season. Lodeiro was really pathetic as well. His gameplan basically was to get anywhere around the outside of the 18 yard box and when he felt a hand he would go down. Just terrible to watch and to see Seattle get free kicks for that.....and Seattle fans are complaining about TFC players?

I am totally with Joe Kool and JoesphNdo on this one. The idea that we should try to be better than everyone else at cheating rather than be left behind is not my idea of a soccer team I would want to support. I would much rather win games by playing superior soccer than cheat our ways to win.
Do you think Cooper is being a good teammate when he goes down feigning injury as the play continues putting us under extra pressure? He pulled the stunt on Sat and it was blatantly obvious there was nothing wrong with him and finally one of his teammates picked him up off the floor as if to say get on with the fucking game.
Listen to Caldwell and what he thinks of teammates cheating and diving, he is not in the least bit impressed by it and often calls out Seba for doing it too. The difference with Seba's antics (not that I am condoning them) is that he gets the shit kicked out of him each and every game and it must get pretty frustrating for him which probably leads to him embellishing things on occasion.

[MightyDM]

I am totally with Joe Kool and JoesphNdo on this one. The idea that we should try to be better than everyone else at cheating rather than be left behind is not my idea of a soccer team I would want to support. I would much rather win games by playing superior soccer than cheat our ways to win.
Do you think Cooper is being a good teammate when he goes down feigning injury as the play continues putting us under extra pressure? He pulled the stunt on Sat and it was blatantly obvious there was nothing wrong with him and finally one of his teammates picked him up off the floor as if to say get on with the fucking game.
Listen to Caldwell and what he thinks of teammates cheating and diving, he is not in the least bit impressed by it and often calls out Seba for doing it too. The difference with Seba's antics (not that I am condoning them) is that he gets the shit kicked out of him each and every game and it must get pretty frustrating for him which probably leads to him embellishing things on occasion.


I am with you.

[molenshtain]

There's a difference between cheating and gamesmanship. And it's not an either or in terms of playing the better soccer or having guys like Cooper on the field.

We lost the final because no one went out and figured out a way on the field to get Alonso, Torres and Roldan to stop getting away with kicking us. That needs to be figured out on the field, either through doing it back or by making sure you go down long enough and make a big enough deal out of it that the ref can't ignore it. Like it or not, that's is the game. It's not cheating, it's just part of managing the game.

this stuff also isn't reserved for the Tony Pulis type teams of the world either. All great teams knew how to manage games like that and do what needed to be done to get the win. Even that great Barca team from 5-6 years ago had Puyol, Busquets, Mascherano, Pedro, Dani Alves etc. Guys who could mix it up and get calls and make sure they got the 3 points at the end of the day.

Yes Cooper can over do it a little sometimes. Some of the guys on the team *cough Osorio* Cough* could learn a little about from him though. There's a reason Concacaf teams are notoriously hard to play against. They've turned gamesmanship into an art form. And they do it because it really does help win games.

[Auzzy]

I didn't really have a problem with Cooper on Saturday. He's our PITA. He knocked a good minute off the 5-minute injury time. Plus I don't think he was always faking it. At least twice I thought he was hacked pretty hard by Seattle players. One of those times I think it was Cooper's own fault, as he lost control of the ball and it drifted a bit too far from him. But I still felt the Seattle player went in more recklessly than necessary.

Seattle was hacking our players quite often, and whining to the ref incessantly about every little call.

I do feel that Cooper's touch has let him down lately. He had pretty good ball control when he arrived last year, but he seems to have lost that on occasion (e.g. the case above where he ended up getting hacked for it). Also his decision making RE when to hold the ball, and when to pass, is hit-and-miss. Some great plays and some really bone-headed ones.

[OgtheDim]

The player on our team with the worst reputation for diving is Giovinco.

[Section_105]

The player on our team with the worst reputation for diving is Giovinco.


yup, but also has a huge hack-to-no-call ratio so what are you going to do? The refs make the calls and we probably see less embellishment.

[notthesun]

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/05/08/2017-team-week-wk-10-quakes-union-nycfc-lead-way-after-wins

Morrow and Vanney in the team of the week, though I definitely would have picked Hagglund instead of Morrow. Feels like they just picked Morrow on reputation after our defensive performance vs. Seattle, but Hagglund was huge in that game and vs. Orlando.

[shwade]

I didn't really have a problem with Cooper on Saturday. He's our PITA. He knocked a good minute off the 5-minute injury time. Plus I don't think he was always faking it. At least twice I thought he was hacked pretty hard by Seattle players. One of those times I think it was Cooper's own fault, as he lost control of the ball and it drifted a bit too far from him. But I still felt the Seattle player went in more recklessly than necessary.

Seattle was hacking our players quite often, and whining to the ref incessantly about every little call.

I do feel that Cooper's touch has let him down lately. He had pretty good ball control when he arrived last year, but he seems to have lost that on occasion (e.g. the case above where he ended up getting hacked for it). Also his decision making RE when to hold the ball, and when to pass, is hit-and-miss. Some great plays and some really bone-headed ones.

I find that he's regressed since he got here. This season all he seems to do is either dribble into 2-3 defenders or hold on to the ball far too long. I'm not seeing any key passes and the frequency of his diving is an embarrassment. Most of the time he clearly isn't hurt and wastes precious minutes writhing around on the floor while we're defending a man down.

[Shakes McQueen]

To each their own but I personally can't stand seeing Cooper in our shirt. It bothered me when we'd see Drogba do it, it bothered me when Atlanta were being so over the top earlier this season and Cooper doesn't get a pass on it just because he's wearing our shirt for me. I wish the league would sanction it far more

I'm all for MLS being the first soccer league to come down hard on embellishment and diving. Until that day? I suspect every guy on every team in the league has crumpled to the ground when they really didn't need to, at least once.

As long officials keep allowing it to provide an advantage during games, guys are going to keep doing it.

Even when you look at Jozy's penalty in that game - did he REALLY have no other choice but to fall down there? Or did he go down once he had drawn ample contact for a penalty? We all know the answer to that. But would every other player in the league have done the same thing? Of course.

Messi is one of the few players I've seen, who will routinely just shrug off contact with players that would send other guys theatrically cartwheeling to the ground, grabbing their shins.

[ensco]

Messi is one of the few players I've seen, who will routinely just shrug off contact with players that would send other guys theatrically cartwheeling to the ground, grabbing their shins.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I0gS5CshUDE

[Shakes McQueen]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I0gS5CshUDE

Can't view that where I am, but I'm assuming it's a Messi dive. My statement there wasn't to suggest that Messi doesn't dive - just that I find it novel when he's driving to the goal, and his first instinct is to fight through guys, not always fall to the ground. It's a fleeting glimpse of how I wish the game was played.

[Ajax TFC]

Can't view that where I am, but I'm assuming it's a Messi dive. My statement there wasn't to suggest that Messi doesn't dive - just that I find it novel when he's driving to the goal, and his first instinct is to fight through guys, not always fall to the ground. It's a fleeting glimpse of how I wish the game was played.
It's actually a video of exactly what you're talking about. Messi driving through hacks rather than going down.

[Shakes McQueen]

It's actually a video of exactly what you're talking about. Messi driving through hacks rather than going down.

Oh okay, thanks. Yeah, there's nothing more awesome than watching Messi just cut a backline to ribbons, while getting repeatedly knocked around and hacked at.