Match Day 5 - TFC @ Houston Saturday April 21 3pm - Playing It Forward

[OgtheDim]

This one is all about the future


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

Have at It People

[Red CB Toronto]

Had the pleasure of meeting all Aidan, Julain and Ryan tonight, looking forward to seeing some if not all of them see some action on Saturday. On a more serious note I wonder if Victor is close at all he gets a run out at Houston to see where he stands and if all goes well , you have him ready for Mexico?

[Blindside16]

Let's see what the kinds can do

[Graeme]

After last night I think Morrow needs another 45 minutes...

[paul-collins]

After last night I think Morrow needs another 45 minutes...
... but he also needs the altitude training. Hard choice.

[JT Red127]

... but he also needs the altitude training. Hard choice.

Altitude training? Why do you say that?

[Jack]

... but he also needs the altitude training. Hard choice.

Guadalajara isn't at high altitude.

And yes, I agree Morrow needs a run-out. He didn't look bad, but if he can be his sharp self against Chivas, that's a huge boost.

[C.Ronaldo]

I agree morrow needs a 45 run out but Morgan was solid (minus a few stray passes) and really got under their skin.

[ensco]

Guadalajara isn't at high altitude.



Depends what you think "high" is.

It's not Mexico City, but it's similar to Denver.

[Canary10]

Depends what you think "high" is.

It's not Mexico City, but it's similar to Denver.

It's a bit lower than where scientists typically agree oxygen issues start to have performance impacts. But tell that to anyone that plays in Denver.

[Jack]

The cutoff is around the 2,000 m mark. Guadalajara is at ~1,500, while Mexico City is ~2,400, right?

Anyway, I guess it can't hurt to do a bit of extra training for Morrow, but I'd rather he be match sharp with some playing minutes in an actual game.

[wopchop]

Guadalajara - 1566m
Denver CO- 1609m
Commerce City CO - 1574m
Mexico City - 2250m

[Red CB Toronto]

Depends what you think "high" is.

It's not Mexico City, but it's similar to Denver.

That makes sense I read somewhere they were considering training in Denver for a few days before making the trek to Mexico.

[paul-collins]

Given that TFC have been doing tenting / oxygen deprivation training *after* the Azteca game, I'd say that *they* believe 1500m matters.

I'm not sure where you're getting 2000 as the cutoff, very first link I get (wiki so YMMV) says effects can start at 1500. This is an aerobic game so oxygen matters.

https://www.higherpeak.com/altitudechart.html - drop of effective oxygen from 20.9% to 17.3% means only 83% the amount of oxygen available, compared to what our guys are used to.

(edited to add, I saw the training note in my twitters but can't find it now, but it was definitely in the context of the players who returned home instead of going to Colorado)

[OgtheDim]

Hasler, Hernandez & Irwin did interviews today about playing in Houston.

[Hamilton_Red]

We scored two away goals at Azteca Stadium to win the tie. I have been very hard on this team over the years & not generally Mr. Optimistic. This team can turn this around and win this tie - they have it in them to do it.
I don't think Chivas can hold us scoreless. Once the first goes in then the momentum will be massive.

They can do it.

[OgtheDim]

We scored two away goals at Azteca Stadium to win the tie. I have been very hard on this team over the years & not generally Mr. Optimistic. This team can turn this around and win this tie - they have it in them to do it.
I don't think Chivas can hold us scoreless. Once the first goes in then the momentum will be massive.

They can do it.

Houston isn't THAT tough....

[Oldtimer]

We scored two away goals at Azteca Stadium to win the tie. I have been very hard on this team over the years & not generally Mr. Optimistic. This team can turn this around and win this tie - they have it in them to do it.
I don't think Chivas can hold us scoreless. Once the first goes in then the momentum will be massive.

They can do it.

Wrong thread. This is the Houston match thread.

[Red CB Toronto]

Will be interesting to see if either Aidan or Ayro get any action this weekend? Always like to see someone new take the field.

[Prof]

I agree morrow needs a 45 run out but Morgan was solid (minus a few stray passes) and really got under their skin.

Morgan's poor marking cost us the first goal.

[C.Ronaldo]

Aketxe redemption day?

i have faith it will happen eventually, that left foot is too good to be wasted

[C.Ronaldo]

Morgan's poor marking cost us the first goal.



i re watched highlight, it wasnt Morgan, morgan was one of the ball watchers and seemed too afraid to poke it out for a corner (or too close to net)


Auro gave his man too much space close to goal, everyone fell apart though. Looks like osorio couldnt catch his man either

[portu]

Aketxe redemption day?

i have faith it will happen eventually, that left foot is too good to be wasted
That left foot is all he has and it’s only good for shooting. My hope for him is almost all but gone.

[Derko]

That left foot is all he has and it’s only good for shooting. My hope for him is almost all but gone.

Whom else on TFC will attempt a shot on goal out side of the 18 yard box, other than from a free kick, nada, no one, mind you Portu, you are the one who referred to our bench as scrubs, so I take comments like that with a hint of salt

[C.Ronaldo]

That left foot is all he has and it’s only good for shooting. My hope for him is almost all but gone.

nah, somethings there, Vanney will bring it out

He did it with zaveleta, marky, bono, osorio, morgan, cooper raheem and others

hes young, i have faith. this isnt Robbie Findley

[portu]

Whom else on TFC will attempt a shot on goal out side of the 18 yard box, other than from a free kick, nada, no one, mind you Portu, you are the one who referred to our bench as scrubs, so I take comments like that with a hint of salt
When did I refer to our bench as scrubs? If I did I feel it was probably in reference to how they stack up against Liga MX benches and even then I’ve already admitted I was wrong in that regard.

And being able to take shots outside the 18 is one aspect of play we know he has, but you can’t keep a player on the pitch for that reason alone. A midfielder is not the kind of player you can let ghost for a whole game until they come up with a piece of magic.

[DinamoTFC]

anyone know what players made the trip to houston?

[MightyDM]

Morgan's poor marking cost us the first goal.

osorios poor marking on the throw + Morgan’s poor marking + moors poor marking + auro’s poor marking cost us the first goal. We were collectively asleep.

[MightyDM]

Aketxe redemption day?

i have faith it will happen eventually, that left foot is too good to be wasted

Lets hope. Because the Bostock comparison has sure stuck with me.

[MightyDM]

nah, somethings there, Vanney will bring it out

He did it with zaveleta, marky, bono, osorio, morgan, cooper raheem and others

hes young, i have faith. this isnt Robbie Findley


Vanney really does does bring out the best in players. Very impressive and really good if we want to see Canadians come through the development system. Except for Q.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Vanney really does does bring out the best in players. Very impressive and really good if we want to see Canadians come through the development system. Except for Q.

Who is Q?

[OgtheDim]

Picard asked that a heck of a lot but we never did find out.

[James17930]

Picard asked that a heck of a lot but we never did find out.

:lol:

[Shway]

Who is Q?

Probably Quillian Roberts.

[flatpicker]

https://media.giphy.com/media/aVd5u1e6PQS5y/giphy.gif

[Leedsoronto]

Good luck TFC2

[OgtheDim]

https://media.giphy.com/media/aVd5u1e6PQS5y/giphy.gif



:hurray:
That is so darn appropriate.

[Shway]

Good luck TFC2

TFC 1.5.....

Not really the II team.

[InDa_110]

TFC 1.5.....

Not really the II team.

https://youtu.be/TR-bsTkkXVY

[MightyDM]

Who is Q?

Quillan Roberts

[portu]

Wonder what we're gonna see today. Fraser really impressed me against Colorado. Same with Hamilton on the wing, shame we don't play a 4-3-3 he would get more time.

[Red CB Toronto]

I was not overly impressed with Mitch in his one first team appearance last year vs Ottawa.

[OgtheDim]

Getting a second look today it seems.

https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/987752997500456960

[portu]

I was not overly impressed with Mitch in his one first team appearance last year vs Ottawa.
Yup. What I don't get is loaning in a guy you let go of in the off-season and giving him a first-team opportunity that lots of TFC II guys would be desperate for.

If I'm Onkony or Romeo, for example, I'm insulted by this move.

[notthesun]

Better lineup than I was expecting honestly. Thought they wouldn't even bring Hasler and Ricketts.

[Red CB Toronto]

Man that is a short bench. only four outfield players on the bench.

[Yohan]

yay Hamilton starting over Spencer

[Red CB Toronto]

Jason Hernandez is serving in the captains role today, good to see a vet like him out there with so many kids in the lineup.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DbU8MryU8AEffyh.jpg:large

[Red CB Toronto]

And the starting lineup for the home team.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DbU8JI1X0AAO2th.jpg:large
https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=toronto%20fc&src=typd

[reggie]

jezzz that back 5..im expecting nothing less then a 3 nil loss today and 1 and 4 record with 2 of those games v lightweights and chi on saturday afternoon after a weds game in mexico.the boys will have some catching up to do.

[Red CB Toronto]

What are we expecting to see today with all these young players out on the pitch for the Reds, will they surprise us, lets bring it on. Clint is making his first back to back starts in league play since 2016, lets make it happen, bringing home the 3 pts.

[ensco]

Taintor got exposed pretty frequently in that CCL game at the Ottawa Fury last year. I hope he learned something.

[Red CB Toronto]

Dam that sucked

[Red CB Toronto]

This back line is going to get burned.

[OgtheDim]

That was all about not being used to the pace of this league.

[wopchop]

Dam that sucked
Urgh. Really poor defending on that one.

[Leedsoronto]

Ugh ! :@(

[tfcfans]

Hope everyone is super-confident that this team is digging themselves out of this hole for the MLS season; as if we don't get a result on Wednesday, this is going to feel like a wasted season following a championship season......I still worry about the emotional disappointment if Wednesday's miracle doesn't happen and they have turn it on three days later against Chicago and start getting some wins.....this is embarrassing --- this is not even watchable......honestly this is the equivalent of a forfeit.....Thanks MLS! ---- is this the future that every year we go to CCL we will be starting our season behind the eight-ball?! I understand letting this year's crew go for the "Quad" (they've earned the right to chase the "legacy"), but I think a better mix of players is necessary to balance out a CCL run with getting some real points before Game 6 or 7 every season we are in CCL going forward....

[catz4ever]

Seriously!!!!!

[portu]

well this is fun

[Red CB Toronto]

holy shit, hope no one traveled down to Houston for this piece of crap.

[Leedsoronto]

Ugh x 2

[Detroit_TFC]

Have these guys ever practiced together even once? JFC

[SKB]

Wow men against boys, the team looks absolutely lost out there.

[Red CB Toronto]

So who do you want to see come over the bench, would like to see Ayo getting a run out.

[jloome]

Taintor got exposed pretty frequently in that CCL game at the Ottawa Fury last year. I hope he learned something.

I suspect it was a smart move by Vanney to borrow him today; this game is about getting Dunn experience as a CB, and they know they're going to lose to this HOuston lineup. By bringing in a guy who is guaranteed to struggle (Taintor is awful) Dunn won't lose too much confidence by being the only boy-among-men speed of player.

Edit: Although Caldwell, who works with the club, seems to think he's getting a shot at a return, so perhaps I am too harsh. He's never looked much to me, but then again, I wasn't sure Osorio could step up either.

[SKB]

Should have scored there, no excuse missing the net.

[SKB]

Some better play now, getting some chances

[jloome]

This is great experience for these guys. Massive.

[SoccMan2]

So what’s Houston’s excuse , nobody at last weeks game in Denver just family and friends, the excuse in Denver is that the stadium is outside of Denver too far from downtown, but Houston’s stadium is right downtown and every time I see games from Houston the stadium is always empty, the MLS could not reschedule this game because a few people in Houston who care to go to games would have been inconvenience please .

[Red CB Toronto]

I suspect it was a smart move by Vanney to borrow him today; this game is about getting Dunn experience as a CB, and they know they're going to lose to this HOuston lineup. By bringing in a guy who is guaranteed to struggle (Taintor is awful) Dunn won't lose too much confidence by being the only boy-among-men speed of player.

At least Mitch cleared it there.

[Couchy81]

As long as we get in to the MLS playoffs even by a hair I don't care what happens now. I can't see going all in on the CCL screwing us. Our team will tear the league up this summer.

[Red CB Toronto]

As long as we get in to the MLS playoffs even by a hair I don't care what happens now. I can't see going all in on the CCL screwing us. Our team will tear the league up this summer.

Agree with that. It will be all hands on deck moving forward regardless of what happens on Wednesday, The General will make sure of that.

[Red CB Toronto]

What is going on with this broadcast?

[MightyDM]

I feel for Dunn, but the on the second one Ricketts was way too deep. He should have been making that man way earlier - likely trying to do someone else’s job, which is understandable, but we need Ricketts, Hernandez, Axetke, Chapman, Hasler, Hamilton, Irwin to be solid and play their positions. We can score on this team.

[OgtheDim]

What is going on with this broadcast?

CTV/TSN are taking the Houston feed and somebody didn't mute the on field commentator. Should have taken the international feed.

[Couchy81]

Wowow nice Hamilton I love it. We need more quality Hamilton this year.

[MightyDM]

Hamilton! He has the touch he always has the touch!

[portu]

Jordan Hamilton > Tosaint Ricketts

edit: fuck

[SKB]

Holy crap we scored and we are back in this game!

[Detroit_TFC]

The guys are digging in a bit, that's what we want to see. 2-1

[wopchop]

Nice ball. Great finish. More of that!

Edit: fuck

[Red CB Toronto]

Dam but I think it was a good call.

[MightyDM]

I feel for Dunn, but the on the second one Ricketts was way too deep. He should have been making that man way earlier - likely trying to do someone else’s job, which is understandable, but we need Ricketts, Hernandez, Axetke, Chapman, Hasler, Hamilton, Irwin to be solid and play their positions. We can score on this team.

Just saying

[SKB]

Was offside, bad luck.

[Detroit_TFC]

wtf, goddamn it

[portu]

Nice ball. Great finish. More of that!

Edit: fuck
lmao jinx

[Couchy81]

Ahh back in the oven he ain't quite ready. 15 more minutes boys.

[Leedsoronto]

Ugh x 3

[OgtheDim]

Its OK....we'll get that all important away goal still.

[MightyDM]

I don’t agree with the use of video review on offside. If it was the other way around - if the flag went up incorrectly and took away a goal, you cannot video review that and give the goal because the whistle blew.

[SKB]

Really weak call by the ref, but nothing came from it.

[wopchop]

lmao jinx

No kidding!

[Couchy81]

I don’t agree with the use of video review on offside. If it was the other way around - if the flag went up incorrectly and took away a goal, you cannot video review that and give the goal because the whistle blew.

Seriously? Video review can't dispute incorrect offside calls? What's the point then I thought it is a mistake corrector.

[MightyDM]

Ricketts still doesn’t seem right to me. I think he is still sick, at least a little bit.

[Red CB Toronto]

This band playing is relentless , reminds me of the Tigres match.

[SKB]

We have had the better chances in the last 10 minutes

[Nerepis]

Have I mentioned how much I dislike Steven Caldwell as a commentator?

[SKB]

Dunn is just getting killed out there...nothing just speed.

[MightyDM]

Seriously? Video review can't dispute incorrect offside calls? What's the point then I thought it is a mistake corrector.

If the flag goes up and the whistle blows, play stops. So if it’s reviewed it’s moot. if it is a goal scoring chance you are out of luck. Interesting what will happen if the whistle goes, the goalie stops, a team scores, then the offside is shown to be wrong. All hell will break loose but they cannot give the goal.

[SKB]

Ricketts is offside again. No excuse for that. He has to be more aware.

[portu]

Ricketts' first touch and ability to pass the ball consistently fucks him and I'm glad we're all getting to see that now that he's playing consistent 90 min spurts

[MightyDM]

Ricketts is offside again. No excuse for that. He has to be more aware.

and again! He is one player who certainly doesn’t need to be offside.

[SoccMan2]

I don’t agree with the use of video review on offside. If it was the other way around - if the flag went up incorrectly and took away a goal, you cannot video review that and give the goal because the whistle blew.
Best thing that ever happened to Soccer VAR, of course you use it for offsides.

[portu]

Okay, Ricketts picks up that turnover in midfield with a good touch (wow) off his chest and then proceeds to take the biggest touchs ever to run directly into a defender like what

[OgtheDim]

ben spencer, the forward, the only one with mls experience on the bench

oh gawd.....

[MightyDM]

Dunn settling in a bit better

[Red CB Toronto]

What a save by Clint on a brilliant strike to close out the first half.

[Red CB Toronto]

oh gawd.....

I sure hope if Greg makes a sub for a striker its Ayo getting his first run out.

[RedsYNWA]

Time again to throw out another MLS result in the trash ....perhaps Aketxe should go in the recycling

[samuraizero]

Have I mentioned how much I dislike Steven Caldwell as a commentator?

He's a pretty awful commentator.

[MightyDM]

Best thing that ever happened to Soccer VAR, of course you use it for offsides.

Disagree. It can only be used to takeaway goals. It cannot be used to review a wrongly called offside on a goal scoring chance. What would you do, give a player the ball on a breakaway? Therefore it shouldn’t be used at all to review offsides as wrong calls won’t balance out and we will get fewer goals.

for me, penalties are ok because play is already stopped and it’s even- if you miss one you can give it, and red cards too. But otherwise they need to be very careful or you affect the fair play of the game.

at least that one was fast. I hated the one last year where they called back a goal for a foul in the build up at the other end of the pitch: that kind of thing is ridiculous. Let the lads play.

[Red CB Toronto]

He's a pretty awful commentator.

He is a guy who says it how he sees it, no filter. I don't really have anything bad to say about him.

[samuraizero]

He is a guy who says it how he sees it, no filter. I don't really have anything bad to say about him.

But he doesn't say what I wanna hear :picard:

[jloome]

He is a guy who says it how he sees it, no filter. I don't really have anything bad to say about him.

I think he's actually quite good. He's biased towards guys who play his old position, but so is every ex-player commentator

[Red CB Toronto]

Dam, totally falling apart, just one of those bad days at the office.

[Detroit_TFC]

What is going on with these starting minutes of play? Wake the fuck up.

[RedsYNWA]

Wow did not realize our B team sucked so much
Adios...see u on wed

[FIAF]

I don’t agree with the use of video review on offside. If it was the other way around - if the flag went up incorrectly and took away a goal, you cannot video review that and give the goal because the whistle blew.

Disagree mehtinks they should use VAR for offsides and goal line technology only. Since you can do it super quick without really disrupting the game. Red cards and fouls really disrupt way too much. It's almost like MLB.

[Red CB Toronto]

Wow did not realize our B team sucked so much
Adios...see u on wed


What do you expect with the last two games where the roster was mish mash of players thrown together.

[FIAF]

Comeback is on boyz

[portu]

29 games to get roughly another 43-47 points to make the playoffs if anyone's wondering

(Red Bulls with 50, San Jose with 46 were the cut-offs last year)

[jloome]

Taintor proving me wrong.

[Red CB Toronto]

Nice one by Mitch, now the Reds can't give up any more goals.

[Couchy81]

Damn Hamilton needs to get one. So many chances. Reminds of Barrett right now.

[wopchop]

Starting to see some more chances.

[OgtheDim]

Kids & Canadians the best on the park today.

[Red CB Toronto]

Starting to see some more chances.

Yep things are starting to calm down a bit, moving the ball around.

[Red CB Toronto]

Dam, The Panther just burned the Reds again. You start seeing some good things and now this.

[portu]

Vanney said Julian Dunn was physically ready for this level. Clearly not. 17-years-old lots of time to grow, but def not ready for this level by any measure.

[MightyDM]

Disagree mehtinks they should use VAR for offsides and goal line technology only. Since you can do it super quick without really disrupting the game. Red cards and fouls really disrupt way too much. It's almost like MLB.

Id settle for just penalties. The risk of delays and unfairness is too much otherwise. And the pressure will be to review everything. Goal line tech isn’t disruptive and doesn’t change the flow.

[wopchop]

Yep things are starting to calm down a bit, moving the ball around.
Lol jinx again!

[MightyDM]

That corner was right to Ricketts. He is really off today.

[Red CB Toronto]

Mino coming in, will be the 199th player to have played at least one game for the Reds. The big question is who will be the 200th, I am hoping Ayo but it could be Aiden.

Dam Spencer coming in too.

[MightyDM]

By the way, what is with these uniforms?

[wopchop]

Ricketts looked pissed coming off there. Same as last time at Colorado.

[wopchop]

By the way, what is with these uniforms?
It's to support a charity that is taking plastic out of the oceans. All these jerseys are made of recycled plastic. All the teams are wearing them during this match week I believe.

[notthesun]

I don't know. I don't think this is really fair on Dunn. How much do you actually learn just getting roasted by a way better guy over and over?

Feels like a mistake calling him up. I don't think this helps his development. He's just gonna feel like he let the team down.

[MightyDM]

It's to support a charity that is taking plastic out of the oceans. All these jerseys are made of recycled plastic. All the teams are wearing them during this match week I believe.

Missed that. Support it. But it looked like the TFC II logo on them. Thanks for clarifying.

[Derko]

Not are very encouraging past few league games.

[Thomas]

Yes, he is getting burned all over the place.


Vanney said Julian Dunn was physically ready for this level. Clearly not. 17-years-old lots of time to grow, but def not ready for this level by any measure.

[OgtheDim]

Kids gotta see the speed of what they are going to be up against and trying to get to.

BUT, I don't think the 3-5-2 was the right call here. Should have been a 4-4-2 or a 4-5-1.

[Red CB Toronto]

I don't know. I don't think this is really fair on Dunn. How much do you actually learn just getting roasted by a way better guy over and over?

Feels like a mistake calling him up. I don't think this helps his development. He's just gonna feel like he let the team down.

He is going to be playing most of this season with TFCII anyways, look at it differently, this first team stint could make him hungry, motivated to get better.

[Red CB Toronto]

And here we come with Mr. 200 Aidan Daniels. Congrats to him on being the 200th player to have suited up for the Reds in their 12 seasons of play.

[MightyDM]

Well, that is four gifts. Could easily be 1-1 or 2-2 on the day, even with this line up.

[samuraizero]

Irwin looks more concerned about breaking his fall than reaching for a save.

[portu]

Nice to see J Hams with armband

[notthesun]

Well, that is four gifts. Could easily be 1-1 or 2-2 on the day, even with this line up.

This lineup makes gifts a certainty rather than unfortunate moments.

[Derko]

Well I hate to use that stupid British term, Boys against Men

[portu]

Irwin has proved over the last few games that he's still starting quality. Big trade bait for late summer when fixture congestion becomes less of an issue.

[Red CB Toronto]

Nice to see J Hams with armband

I agree, a good look on him, now make a statement wearing it, Captain Hamilton !!

[OgtheDim]

The nice thing about having a star over the crest now - no PTSD over moments like this.

[Couchy81]

Well at least Irwin is getting a good stretch

[notthesun]

Taintor is legit so bad, man

[OgtheDim]

Not as bad as that brass band playing Wonderwall....

[Red CB Toronto]

Taintor is legit so bad, man

Well he will always have that goal,can't take that away from him.

[portu]

Without injuries we probably could have sent out something like this: Irwin; Morgan, Hagglund, Hernandez, Hasler; Fraser, Delgado/Oso, Chapman, Aketxe; Ricketts, Hamilton

Shame we're dealing with such a bad injury bug.

[wopchop]

Sigh. Feel bad for Aketxe. Good stop.

[OgtheDim]

Beards for Aketxe?

[portu]

What is with this club and penalties. SERIOUSLY

[wopchop]

What is with this club and penalties. SERIOUSLY
Yeah, we are cursed on penalties.

[notthesun]

Depressing end to the game man, Aketxe needed that... we must be one of the worst teams in the world in penalties.

edit: Daniels had a nice cameo at least

[SKB]

Atketke, no idea how it is spelt, he Is not going to pan out. Not as advertised. I know others will say it is too early and I am being harsh but have seen him for two full games and he is just not that good. An average player at best in this league. Good passer, but too slow and only plays at one end of the field. Everyone says his shot was so good, do not think so really, misses the net too many times and he just blew the PK

[SKB]

Did anyone see a player out there that really stood out and might be a good player down the road?

[Leedsoronto]

We have a TFC2 team that lose most games so no surprise that when they take a step up they lose.

Good experience for the guys and I am sure not many clubs could field two separate winning teams in the same week.

[Red CB Toronto]

Did anyone see a player out there that really stood out and might be a good player down the road?

I am not going to judge anyone off today's game, throwing players together like this is not an ideal situation for success at all.

[OgtheDim]

Did anyone see a player out there that really stood out and might be a good player down the road?

Chapman

[General Woolfe]

Boy what a whipping!

I can only only hope the sacrifice for the CCL ends up worthwhile. It will take a miracle in Mexico, and perhaps we need to question Vanney’s decision to forgo three pointwe desperately need in order to chase what is effectively a lost cause on Wednesday. Let’s be honest here, we lost the CCL at home on Tuesday with an incredibly disappointing performance and only the most optimistic of us hold out any hope we can salvage the tie. By effectively throwing away at least six MLS points in pursuit of the CCL dream we have probably surrendered the SS as well. Hopefully however whatever happens on Wednesday we can reorganize quickly and get back to the form we showed last season and reclaim the MLS Cup, which in my opinion, is the most important trophy of all.

Should fortune favour us in the Canadian Championship and we find ourselves in the CCL again next year I think we should rethink the strategy we employed this year. I know we have also been unfortunate with injuries, but I’m not convinced the sacrifice of one competition in pursuit of another is really the best strategy.

Let’s hope Lady Luck shines on our efforts in midweek and we can somehow find a way to return from Mexico with a shiny new piece of silverware to fill that vacant hole at Downsview, rendering this post redundant...

Onwards and upwards TFC!! :scarf:

[Detroit_TFC]

Well, after Wednesday either way it goes, there's some work to do. The lower half of the roster didn't do well on this pop quiz.

[OgtheDim]

This team has decided to prioritize the CCL. Down 1 goal, they don't feel out of it. We will see what happens but there was no way in hell they were going to bring the A team to an out of conference away game in heat wearing a black uniform.

[ensco]

^CCL chance is franchise changing, way way way more important the SS. Also more important than MLS Cup 2018. We may not get this opportunity again in our lifetimes.

I am cool with dumping this game.

[C.Ronaldo]

Perfect games for Cooper and Raheem. Oh I hope.aketxe improves. But it's just hope right now

[Richard]

We are the greatest MLS team of all time and we should have aspirations to be the best club on the North American continent.

Playing in international competitions only helps the organization as a whole.

[GerMc]

Did anyone see a player out there that really stood out and might be a good player down the road?

I thought Telfer played well...

[wopchop]

I thought Telfer played well...

He made a few decent crosses that could have turned into something.

[General Woolfe]

^CCL chance is franchise changing, way way way more important the SS. Also more important than MLS Cup 2018. We may not get this opportunity again in our lifetimes.

I am cool with dumping this game.
I have to disagree. MLS Cup should be the most important competition every year. CCL would be a bonus

[General Woolfe]

Perfect games for Cooper and Raheem. Oh I hope.aketxe improves. But it's just hope right now

I think we'll live to regret leaving Raheem available in the expansion draft. Only Telfer and Irwin got pass marks today (even if the goalies positioning was questionable on some of the goals) Dunn should be shipped back to TFCII asap. He had an absolute nightmare today. Perhaps more worrying for the first team going forward is the gap between Seba & Jozy and Hamilton & Ricketts. The last two really dont look reliable replacements if you ask me. We could have done with a third quality striker to cover injuries and provide some competition to keep the first choice pair honest. Aketxe has been a bust so far, in retrospect i'd rather we'd spent the money on Quintero who looks a more better player to my eye. I know hes not a midfielder but with Seba and Altidore often dropping deep im sure he could have been accommodate with much better results than Aketxe has offered thus far

[Initial B]

If there's one thing this game cemented in my mind, it's that Aketxe is a bench player, possible super-sub, but not a starter. He's not the answer for when Vasquez is not longer a starter. And Dunn should definately go back to TFCII for the rest of this season. Now that he knows what MLS-level play is like, it's something he can work towards.

[MightyDM]

There is something off with Ricketts at the moment.

no one can get credit from this game, but I thought Hamilton and Chapman looked good and Fraser when he had the ball. Not sure about his defensive positioning though. That’s about it for me. Others had moments but, like Aketxe when he missed the penalty, had something bad to offset anything good.

irwin a few nice stops.

[TFC Tifoso]

Perfect games for Cooper and Raheem. Oh I hope.aketxe improves. But it's just hope right now

highly doubt either would've made a difference on a day like today....

they were both serviceable (at best) players who could possibly offer something with other talented players around them....not the players you'd expect to win with leading an attack....and neither would help the defense today.....

the kids played because of the CCL and tbh, I can't see how anyone is disappointed with a loss today, considering the roster and circumstances....

[Red CB Toronto]

Mitch with his first career MLS goal this afternoon become the 100th TFC player to score in the team's 12 seasons across all competitions.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DbVTsRWV0AAYrVg.jpg:large

[Richard]

Oh god. That list reminds me that at one point Mista was paid 1M to end up scoring one goal.

Man that list is an eyesore. :ack2:

[Oldtimer]

That list reminds me that at one point Mista was paid 1M to end up scoring one goal.

Man that list is an eyesore. :ack2:

Also reminds me of Canizalez scoring the goal to break the all time MLS goal-less streak. "Good times." :ack2:

[Red CB Toronto]

Also reminds me of Canizalez scoring the goal to break the all time MLS goal-less streak. "Good times." :ack2:

That first season was good times all around regardless of the result, we were just happy to be here on the MLS stage, now by 2012-13 that was a different story.

[OgtheDim]

Endoh has scored as many goals as Hassli - Short Pants killed this franchise for 2 seasons with that move.



Oh, and Alan Gordon is returning next week, this time with Chicago.

[Hamilton_Red]

Endoh has scored as many goals as Hassli - Short Pants killed this franchise for 2 seasons with that move.



Oh, and Alan Gordon is returning next week, this time with Chicago.

Endoh scored as many as Julian de Guzman! FFS - those were some tough times.

Chad Barret - 4th on the list! Osorio takes that wpot with his next goals...amazing how poorly managed this club was for all those seasons.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

These were the odds at one of the most known bookies for USA customers - 5 Dimes:


-312
+469
+994



(first column for home win, second for a draw, last one for TFC win)

http://www.oddsportal.com/soccer/usa/mls/houston-dynamo-toronto-fc-8QPPk6B6/

Seriousy, who ever expected anything out of this game, like a draw (not even talking about a TFC win!) is carrying some monumental rose tinted TFC glasses.
I was expecting a decent show-up by the boys, which would have been a maximum 2 goal loss.

A draw would have been a sensational accomplishment under the given conditions.

[anto7]

I recognize every player on that list except one....who is P. Marosovic? He scored 3 goals and I am totally drawing a blank on who he is.
Also, Laurent Robert only scored 1 goal....useless lazy poser!

[AlanO]

I recognize every player on that list except one....who is P. Marosovic? He scored 3 goals and I am totally drawing a blank on who he is.
He was on the roster in 2011-2012 or so. He scored in his first ever appearance for TFC, and also in CCL against one of the big Mexican teams (Pumas?), then fell off the face of the earth a short time later.

[MightyDM]

And when did Bobby Orr score for us? Totally drawing a blank.

[Red CB Toronto]

And when did Bobby Orr score for us? Totally drawing a blank.

You mean Bradley Orr?

[anto7]

He was on the roster in 2011-2012 or so. He scored in his first ever appearance for TFC, and also in CCL against one of the big Mexican teams (Pumas?), then fell off the face of the earth a short time later.

Cheers.....but still not ringing a bell for me. What was his first name and where did we get him from?

[C.Ronaldo]

highly doubt either would've made a difference on a day like today....

they were both serviceable (at best) players who could possibly offer something with other talented players around them....not the players you'd expect to win with leading an attack....and neither would help the defense today.....

the kids played because of the CCL and tbh, I can't see how anyone is disappointed with a loss today, considering the roster and circumstances....

agreed, not changing the game but would keep us competitive.

really, we lucked out that Osorio has stepped up. cheyrou is probably were we lost our most important depth.
we lost our fwd depth with the same players p top, that something that is off with rickets is really being felt

[deschamp86]

Cheers.....but still not ringing a bell for me. What was his first name and where did we get him from?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peri_Maro%C5%A1evi%C4%87

[TFC Tifoso]

agreed, not changing the game but would keep us competitive.

really, we lucked out that Osorio has stepped up. cheyrou is probably were we lost our most important depth.
we lost our fwd depth with the same players p top, that something that is off with rickets is really being felt

I guess, but losing 5-1 or 5-3 makes no difference to me, and shouldn't matter in the big picture at the end of the year for TFC.

For me, Cheyrou was the only loss worth getting worked up over, and even still 1) he missed a lot of time last year and 2) he's still around "the team" to be influential.....

Never lamented the loss of Raheem....he's a good story, but a very replaceable piece imo.....we essentially moved him and replaced with Auro......

[paul-collins]

This game was not about our midfield. It was our back line being not-ready-for-prime-time.

Having Hagglund and Mavinga out really hurtr our depth (meaning Zavaleta has to be reserved for main team play, where he and Hagglund could have flanked Hernandez for this one). Morrow's recovery has required Morgan to be reserved for first team as well.

We have two-team depth now, but not two-team-plus-5-injuries depth.