Match Day 11 Dallas @ TFC Friday May 25 8pm The Spirit's Time Has Come

[OgtheDim]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcC-SbcihKI#
**********

Have At It People

[ensco]

Their record is deceptive. They beat Seattle early, Philly, the Galaxy.... the only thing they have really done is beat NE away - I watched that game, Dallas were outplayed, and the refs missed an obvious PK against FCD.

Also, I want to kick Dallas' ass for losing to Tauro.

[Areathrasher]

Irwin will start. Bono is already in Philly for the US camp per his instagram.

[NK Toronto]

Curious to see what formation Vanney will use. I would like to see a 4-5-1 with a back four of Auro, Zavaleta, Mavinga, and VDW. Bradley and Aketxe as the defensive midfielders, Osorio, Vazquez and Delgado as AM's, and Seba as the sole striker.

[urdiub]

Curious to see what formation Vanney will use. I would like to see a 4-5-1 with a back four of Auro, Zavaleta, Mavinga, and VDW. Bradley and Aketxe as the defensive midfielders, Osorio, Vazquez and Delgado as AM's, and Seba as the sole striker.

Aketxe is not at all a defensive midfielder, I would swap him for Delgado in your lineup. After Telfer’s performance vs Orlando he has to be in the lineup. I would go with the same lineup as Orlando, but Gio in for Hamilton. Chapman has played well, keep putting him out there until his performance drops.

[NK Toronto]

Aketxe is not at all a defensive midfielder, I would swap him for Delgado in your lineup. After Telfer’s performance vs Orlando he has to be in the lineup. I would go with the same lineup as Orlando, but Gio in for Hamilton. Chapman has played well, keep putting him out there until his performance drops.

True, but he did start one game as a defensive mid and I thought his link up with Vazquez was quite good so I would give it another shot. I am not convinced that Chapman or Telfer have the quality to be starters. Not at all impressed with Chapman's first touch. I would like to see Aketxe get regular minutes now that the first team players are getting back as I believe he has quality and needs to play.

[MightyDM]

Seba as a sole striker is not ideal, as he cannot win the high balls, so limits hold up play. Hamilton has worked well in the past with him and can fill that role so for me it's likely they will have the 2 up front. Aketxe still hasn't earned his minutes - apparently cannot bring his game from training to match day - so I am guessing he starts on the bench. Might be a game to give Oso a rest just as a injury prevention measure, so Chapman might keep his spot. And is Morgan ready to go?

[C.Ronaldo]

I know he doesn't look like a superstar out there but chapman is getting thr job done with 2 goals.
Telfer will start but this time dallas will be ready for him. But that just gives seba more space

[urdiub]

True, but he did start one game as a defensive mid and I thought his link up with Vazquez was quite good so I would give it another shot. I am not convinced that Chapman or Telfer have the quality to be starters. Not at all impressed with Chapman's first touch. I would like to see Aketxe get regular minutes now that the first team players are getting back as I believe he has quality and needs to play.

To be honest with you, I don't think the form of Telfer or Chapman will last, but you got to at least give them a chance. Morgan had an absolutely horrible game against Montreal at the O, and when Morrow went down with injury I was extremely worried but Morgan has proved me wrong and stepped in nicely. I think you have to give Telfer the chance to show he wasn't a fluke vs Dallas.

[magmadragon]

Would trying Aketxe as a striker be a bad idea?

[ensco]

Would trying Aketxe as a striker be a bad idea?

I'd play him behind Seba in a 4-4-1-1.

It isn’t the worst thing when Vazquez sits a little deeper. Dallas use the high press a fair bit. It might really help the CBs and Bradley relieve pressure.

[Blkndkr]

Penso is referee on Friday. Put on your slicker; it’s gonna be a shitshow.

Toronto FC v FC Dallas
BMO Field (8PM ET)
REF: CHRISTOPHER PENSO
AR1: CAMERON BLANCHARD
AR2: LOGAN BROWN
4TH: ALEJANDRO MARISCAL
VAR: GEOFF GAMBLE

[NK Toronto]

Wasn't he the referee in last year's playoff game vs. the Red Bulls? He was in charge in Sunday's Atl vs. NYRB match. He seems to be always mired in controversy whenever the Red Bull's are playing.

[Blindside16]

Wasn't he the referee in last year's playoff game vs. the Red Bulls? He was in charge in Sunday's Atl vs. NYRB match. He seems to be always mired in controversy whenever the Red Bull's are playing.

That is the same asshat. He shouldn't be allowed to call a kids house league game let alone one at the professional level

[Blindside16]

This is another 3 points for the taking. Dallas was not overly impressive against Vancouver. It will be interesting to see what Vanney does. I am thinking a 3-5-1-1 with Zavs, VDW and Mavinga at the back Auro and Telfer to bomb up the wings, Bradley in his office, Oso and Chapman playing behind Vazquez and Seba. If we can take 3 points here I can see us taking as many as 7 in the last 3 games before the break.

[paul-collins]

Because we don't have a game closer to June 1 for the kickoff of Pride Month (or, like last year, the Friday of Pride weekend), this game is the Pride Night.

https://toronto-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Match%20Day%20Guide/PrideNight.jpg

[OgtheDim]

:party::grouphug::drunk::flare::scarf:

[Carter]

Because we don't have a game closer to June 1 for the kickoff of Pride Month (or, like last year, the Friday of Pride weekend), this game is the Pride Night.

https://toronto-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/Match%20Day%20Guide/PrideNight.jpg


You mean, don’t have a home game right? :flare:

[ensco]

Been waiting for this. Glorious weather forecast tomorrow.

[Joe Kool]

Earlier in the week Dallas’ young fullback did an interview. When asked what will be tough about facing Toronto and he said dealing with Giovinco and Altidore. I was surprised the Dallas players weren’t up to speed with who is out on our team. I guess they didn’t have their team talk yet on Toronto. I guess I thought the players were more in tune with what is happening around MLS.

[Graeme]

------------------Irwin-----------------
-----Zavaleta--Hagglund--Mavinga--
-VDW--------------------------Tefler--
---Delgado------Bradley--------Osorio---
--------Vazquez----Giovinco----------

Of course, Hagglund won't start, so put Auro in VDW's spot and slide VDW into CB, but I would LOVE to see this at some point on Friday. Also, Aketxe could start over Delgado...

[TFC Tifoso]

they need to build on the win last week and get something going.....

the win last week was all heart with the 2 big guns in front being out....with Giovinco back now and the team slowly getting healthy again, they need a swagger win tomorrow.....can't wait.....

[barticusz]

Irwin has looked horrendous as of late.. yes it was with a team full of rookies but he has let in some real deflaters. Hope he comes in with something to prove.

[ensco]

I am worried about Delgado. We really need to be supportive of him. I think that miss against Chivas is the kind of thing that can haunt you for years.

[paul-collins]

You mean, don’t have a home game right? :flare:
Correct.

I'm guessing they had this planned before the June 13 date was set.

[paul-collins]

------------------Irwin-----------------
-----Zavaleta--Hagglund--Mavinga--
-VDW--------------------------Tefler--
---Delgado------Bradley--------Osorio---
--------Vazquez----Giovinco----------

Of course, Hagglund won't start, so put Auro in VDW's spot and slide VDW into CB, but I would LOVE to see this at some point on Friday. Also, Aketxe could start over Delgado...
Not sure if I want Zavaleta in the middle of 3 CBs though?

Think I'd go

------------------Irwin-----------------
-VDW--Zavaleta--Mavinga--Tefler--
--------------Bradley-------------
---Auro-------------------Delgado---
----------------Osorio------------------
--------Vazquez----Giovinco----------

[DinamoTFC]

Itll be the same backline as last game. Auro-Zav-Maving-VDW

[TFC Tifoso]

I am worried about Delgado. We really need to be supportive of him. I think that miss against Chivas is the kind of thing that can haunt you for years.

I agree.....he seems to be playing with less confidence since then....shame too because he's been steadily progressing in his time here....

Here's hoping he rebounds.....

[SoccMan2]

I thought Morrow was just about ready to come back, what happened and how much longer for him?

[OgtheDim]

I was more thinking Delgado is just gassed. He was regularly subbed until this season and given the odd game off.

[ensco]

I was listening to JJ Redick being interviewed (I know, different sport), but they asked him what is the key to a long career. He said it's dealing with failure/mistakes... he apparently had multiple doozies in 2010 that still give him nightmares.

I think it sinks a lot of guys. Knowing that you had something left to give, that you left out there...

I always loved this ad

45mMioJ5szc

[ag futbol]

Not that this is a represntive sample but there’s a fair amount of chatter in the office today (I work for a bank downtown) about people attending today’s game.

It’s also interesting to see the uptake in interest from customers in terms of taking free tickets. Last year we had issues even giving them away, this year quite a bit more interest.

Our conversion from community club to faceless corporate blob is almost complete (kidding)

[MightyDM]

Nooooooo!

[portu]

Aketxe can't even make the bench anymore lmfao 1.25m a year for absolute ass

[notthesun]

Pretty awful look that Aketxe is out of the 18 with all our injuries, unless he too is now injured.

[James17930]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DeE9qLrVQAEhPI-.jpg

^Re: Aketxe – he could be injured and so not make the bench, but generally I agree with the sentiment. He has certainly been underwhelming.

[NK Toronto]

Aketxe has to be injured given who is on the bench tonight.

[JonO]

Not sure where I fell off the block, but can someone please enlighten me as to what happened to Morgan?

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/joshuakloke/status/1000161782843957248

Fun times

[JonO]

Man, its quiet in here

[nonc]

Bradley at CB :facepalm: the horror

[gracos]

sometimes things dont go your way, it seems like this going to be tough to advance to the playoffs, but not impossible

[ag futbol]

Arrg what bullshit.

[notthesun]

We are the worst team in the world at penalties.

[ag futbol]

We just need to keep pushing. They are leaky as F at the back.

[CBTFC]

We are playing ridiculously well, we can have this game.

[portu]

Sorry but this Bradley at cb experiment needs to end he's horrendous there

[ag futbol]

I would not argue with putting hagglund in, some how.

[gracos]

why do we play Bradley at D when hes a M, are we that thin

[NK Toronto]

We need Jozy back asap.

[nonc]

Osorio where the attack goes to die

[ag futbol]

And that’s why we need a new backup striker.

[PAOK17]

Rickets what the??????

[notthesun]

oh my god Ricketts

[portu]

Tosaint Ricketts: the reason we need a 3rd striker everybody

[ag futbol]

Tosaint Ricketts: the reason we need a 3rd striker everybody
But we can’t because anyone with more talent will be unhappy at not starting /sarcasm

[nonc]

Our backup strikers are trash

[RedsYNWA]

This is unreal we should be up 3-1

[PAOK17]

Oh look...another injury. This season is getting rather comical.

[gracos]

bye Mavinga, our luck just continues

[nonc]

Mavinga the new glass man

[NK Toronto]

Last year everything went our way. This year nothing is going our way.

[nonc]

If Giovinco wants a new contract 2 years before one expires he needs to do more

[notthesun]

This is insane. We should be up 4-1. We're all freaking over them.

[gracos]

Does Aketxe stay past the summer window??

[portu]

Does Aketxe stay past the summer window??
He shouldn't. But I feel like this management group has grown vain, so, yes.

[gracos]

Any estimates of how many signing will happen during the summer transfer window??

[portu]

Barrios is so good. Would trade Jozy for him + a bagload of TAM/GAM in a heartbeat.

[ag futbol]

I think Fraser will be great at some point... but still a little green at this point.

Impressive for 20

[NK Toronto]

Aketxe, Delgado, Zavaleta all out with injuries. Now add Mavinga.

[portu]

Any estimates of how many signing will happen during the summer transfer window??
Cap space is so tight rn that there's no way anyone comes in without someone coming out. Plus even if manage to shift enough space we likely don't have TAM to make an impact sort of signing. Gonna be an interesting (or boring) window for sure.

[notthesun]

Look I know we have no CBs but Bradley back there just doesn't work, move him back into midfield. He was in midfield against Orlando and we won, I'm pretty sure we haven't won a game in MLS with him at CB.

[SoccMan2]

This a complete joke with injuries Zaveletta injured again, Mavinga again at what point do you forget about these guys for this season and go out and get some healthy guys at the back because some of these guys are obviously not healthy everytime they come back they can’t last more than a game before they go down again.

[OgtheDim]

Barrios is shit. We are so much better than these guys. This is freaking painful.

[ag futbol]

God Rauter, you ask like 5 questions for a weeks work and you can’t even get the details right.

[notthesun]

Giovinco is 34 according to Rauter, ugh... how is he still on soccer broadcasts

[AdamAM]

He just called Giovinco 34 years old and Bez rolled his eyes hahahahah

[ag futbol]

Okay but i’ll give him some credit now... he’s ticking the right notes for a halftime brush over.

[portu]

Barrios is shit. We are so much better than these guys. This is freaking painful.
Lmao okay

[urdiub]

Oso getting worse with every game since CCL ending, Telfer has been caught ball watching 3 times now, 2 couldve been easy goals for Dallas.

Ricketts is playing for FC Edmonton next year.

[gracos]

Is it just injuries or is their a bigger issue from the way last year went to this year

[portu]

Oso getting worse with every game since CCL ending, Telfer has been caught ball watching 3 times now, 2 couldve been easy goals for Dallas.

Ricketts is playing for FC Edmonton next year.
100% could see Ricketts trotted out as the 'star player' for a CPL team

[notthesun]

I like going back 4 but it should be VdW-Hagglund at CB, Bradley CDM and take Telfer off for Chapman instead.

[ag futbol]

Oso getting worse with every game since CCL ending, Telfer has been caught ball watching 3 times now, 2 couldve been easy goals for Dallas.

Ricketts is playing for FC Edmonton next year.
I don’t know what you’re watching with osorio. Who do you think has found Giovinco for basically all of his shooting opportunities this game? He’s also making a fair number of hard runs to make 1-2’s with Auro on the right.

That’s far more tangible than a lot of the rest of the team.

[urdiub]

I don’t know what you’re watching with osorio. Who do you think has found Giovinco for basically all of his shooting opportunities this game? He’s also making a fair number of hard runs to make 1-2’s with Auro on the right.

That’s far more tangible than a lot of the rest of the team.

Thats fair, it just seems that Oso has a tendency to give the ball away when trying to dribble out of trouble in the midfield, which is extremely frustrating when he could always pass it back to the CBs.

[ag futbol]

Thats fair, it just seems that Oso has a tendency to give the ball away when trying to dribble out of trouble in the midfield, which is extremely frustrating when he could always pass it back to the CBs.
That’s fair, he’s given away a few. I’d say Fraser, who is finding his game a bit, has been a little slow on his passing or occasionally rather obvious with his intentions.

[NK Toronto]

Well at least they haven't conceded in the first 15 minutes of the half.

[notthesun]

Last year everything went our way. This year nothing is going our way.

It's really feeling this way.

[gracos]

should i come to a realization that this is going to be a write off for the season, and just watch our team grow or is there a way back in the league

[PAOK17]

It really has come down to this...

We have always been good when scoring first, however, we've all noticed how difficult it is to break down teams that play 11 men behind the ball. However, as long as we scored first, we knew that the floodgates would open up.

This year, we had a bunch of injuries in the back. We've been so poor in defence that I have come to expect to be scored on in the first 10 minutes. That allows teams to dig down and defend even more. To the point that we have 70% possession but nearly impossible to score when all opposing players are in the box.

We can kiss this season good bye. Not because we are too far behind, but because I haven't seen anything to give me confidence we can actually start winning a string of games to get us back in it.

[RealG-TFC]

We can still make the playoffs but we definitely are not getting anywhere close to top of the East.

[sn0re]

Too many Canadians on the pitch Kappa

[notthesun]

We should've won today no question, our finishing was just horrid. We didn't play poorly, we just couldn't score gimmies. We can't afford to be dropping these home games.

[ag futbol]

This season feels like it’s very close to slipping away. The lineups we’re fielding right now just aren’t cutting it. No guarantee we get any healthier from here on out.

Too many easy points lost at home. Some winnable games against bad teams overlooked in the name of the CCL.

The roster needs adjusting and as much as he didn’t play, Aketxe’s signing is a total eyesore.

[gracos]

I hate to say this but Vanney isnt bringing out the best in his team

[timbercorvus]

Could Aketxe being out of the starting 11 and also out of form have something to do with this? https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/toronto-fc-ager-aketxe-assault/

[NK Toronto]

Wileman said during the game that he was out with an injury

[Canary10]

We’re in big trouble guys.

[Detroit_TFC]

Ok, I'm ready for the panic button now.

[Areathrasher]

Fuck. Sake

[OgtheDim]

10 guys out after today.,.. We are going to be the best 8th place team ever.

[ag futbol]

I hate to say this but Vanney isnt bringing out the best in his team
I don’t know. To me this is more about roster construction.

We picked up a lot of guys with red flags on injuries and suddenly they all go down. I’ve never been particularly thrilled with Ricketts up top, Moor had no obvious successor with a clean bill of health and was obviously slowing down at the end of last year.

We spent huge money on a RB and an “AM” in the off-season. It doesn’t feel like that money improved the team as much as it should have.

[gracos]

I don’t know. To me this is more about roster construction.

We picked up a lot of guys with red flags on injuries and suddenly they all go down. I’ve never been particularly thrilled with Ricketts up top, Moor had no obvious successor with a clean bill of health and was obviously slowing down at the end of last year.

We spent huge money on a RB and an “AM” in the off-season. It doesn’t feel like that money improved the team as much as it should have.

Doesnt Vanney have a say on his roster of players, or does Bez make every signing

[OgtheDim]

Altidore
Zavs
Aketxe
Delgado
Mavinga
Morrow
Morgan
Moore

Sorry only 8 guys out.

[NK Toronto]

And Bono on International duty.

[notthesun]

I don’t know. To me this is more about roster construction.

We picked up a lot of guys with red flags on injuries and suddenly they all go down. I’ve never been particularly thrilled with Ricketts up top, Moor had no obvious successor with a clean bill of health and was obviously slowing down at the end of last year.

We spent huge money on a RB and an “AM” in the off-season. It doesn’t feel like that money improved the team as much as it should have.

Auro was a good buy, due both to his ability and the fact that VdW has turned out to be a better CB than RB. Imagine what our back line would look like right now if he wasn't here...

Aketxe was a mistake, I have to agree at this point. Even ignoring his poor performance, we have Vazquez at attacking mid and other guys that can somewhat fill a creative role when Vazquez is out (as we proved in the CCL).

It's Jozy we have no replacement for. Ricketts and Hamilton really are ghosts out there. Aketxe's salary should have went to a competent target man. Bez's first real mistake in 2.5 years.

[gracos]

and i may have misheard but at half time Vanney said they arent worried about the signing season coming up and arent looking through avenues available; i find that a mistake to not always having eyes open to whats around

[OgtheDim]

Subtle note

Gonzalez made 9 saves tonight.

That's the most by a keeper in one game since 2010.

We can't finish worth beens

[Canary10]

Subtle note

Gonzalez made 9 saves tonight.

That's the most by a keeper in one game since 2010.

We can't finish worth beens

He was so effing annoying all night too. Really wanted to punish him.

[OgtheDim]

4 years ago whenever I saw Ricketts play for Canada, I despaired because he couldn't finish & had a lousy first touch. When we got him, I was less than impressed at the thought of him out there. He proved me wrong for 1.5 seasons.

The old Ricketts has returned.

I think he's gone next season.

[Canary10]

4 years ago whenever I saw Ricketts play for Canada, I despaired because he couldn't finish & had a lousy first touch. When we got him, I was less than impressed at the thought of him out there. He proved me wrong for 1.5 seasons.

The old Ricketts has returned.

I think he's gone next season.

He only had to walk that one chance into the net. So frustrating.

[ag futbol]

Subtle note

Gonzalez made 9 saves tonight.

That's the most by a keeper in one game since 2010.

We can't finish worth beens
I mean there were a few gems the first two Giovinco shots and the penalty, for sure. But I suspect this also includes the Tosaint Rickets Timbit School of Soccer finishing drill and a few dribblers the he lapped up then proceeded to roll on the ground a lot.

Wasn’t the same level of pressure in the second half, for sure.

[ag futbol]

Auro was a good buy, due both to his ability and the fact that VdW has turned out to be a better CB than RB. Imagine what our back line would look like right now if he wasn't here...

Aketxe was a mistake, I have to agree at this point. Even ignoring his poor performance, we have Vazquez at attacking mid and other guys that can somewhat fill a creative role when Vazquez is out (as we proved in the CCL).

It's Jozy we have no replacement for. Ricketts and Hamilton really are ghosts out there. Aketxe's salary should have went to a competent target man. Bez's first real mistake in 2.5 years.
I honestly don’t think VDW is an ideal CB. I liked the idea of getting a quality RB in the offseason. Like the equivalent of Morrow (who we miss more than anyone has really acknowledged) on the opposite side.

Auro has been great for the money although occasionally defensively lax. However, my thoughts are either we should have identified a more attack minded RB for the money spent or we should have simply purchase a CB if that’s where he ends up playing.

And let me qualify this by saying I like VDW and can understand why he has a big pay packet. I’m just not sure TFC and MLS are the right fit for that pay packet.

[Amir.]

Hagglund available and Bradley starts at cb with a rookie at cm when points are needed..Giovinco way off on set plays..hard to see the team getting a lot of points like this and two away games coming against teams that have been doing well lately..

[jloome]

Auro has been great for the money although occasionally defensively lax.

His blown coverage in the box has outright cost us two games. He can't mark tight; he's a good winger. But Beita was a better defender and we didn't need the extra width.

This season's in jeopardy, but to me the big question is why we have so many injuries. I mean, the backline has been decimated all season.

Also, it's hard to understate how much Jozy pulled defenses out of shape compared to Ricketts or Hamilton. He's often frustrating for his off the ball indolence, but when we're in possession he's really important to us scoring goals.

[Canary10]

His blown coverage in the box has outright cost us two games. He can't mark tight; he's a good winger. But Beita was a better defender and we didn't need the extra width.

This season's in jeopardy, but to me the big question is why we have so many injuries. I mean, the backline has been decimated all season.

Also, it's hard to understate how much Jozy pulled defenses out of shape compared to Ricketts or Hamilton. He's often frustrating for his off the ball indolence, but when we're in possession he's really important to us scoring goals.

Jozy’s interplay with Giovinco is stellar too. They can really work nice little one-twos to open up defenses and create chances.

[NK Toronto]

I'm not prepared to give up on Aketxe so soon. There have been a few games where his vision and passing ability have looked really good. I recall the game against Seattle where he had the ball just outside his penalty area and made what was about a 30 yard pass upfield to Vazquez that was right on his foot. I believe technically he is stronger than Chapman or Delgado, both of which are known quantities. To me he currently is an unknown quantity so if I am Vanney I would play him next to Vazquez over a significant stretch of games to get a really good assessment of what he can do. He is still only 24 years old, he came here not being able to speak the language, he probably never played in such cold temperatures, or on a pitch that resembles a cow pasture, and MLS is a more physical league compared to La Liga. He may very well need an adjustment period. As long as Jozy is out I would only go with a single striker and use 5 midfielders. No sense in wasting a starting spot on Hamilton or Ricketts neither of which have the ability to be nothing more than reserves. Nothing else seems to be working so why not give Aketxe a decent run. We are now in all likelihood playing for next season's roster spots.

[stevep]

this was a very strange game from Giovinco
he looked like the soul has been ripped out of him
he had a terrible game by Giovinco standards yet he had the highest audi index of any tfc player
he looked like he had no passion for the game
his body language was very bad, no fire in him tonight
i thought it looked like he was deliberately not trying or if not that definitely not giving his best effort, that is for sure

he may be done mentally with this league

[DinamoTFC]

How are all these players getting injured in training ?
Does this have something to do with the strength coach ? This is actually mind boggling.

[stevep]

ffs put bradley back in the midfield
no matter what, no exceptions

[DinamoTFC]

Barrios is so good. Would trade Jozy for him + a bagload of TAM/GAM in a heartbeat.

Jozy is the most important player on this team. The only man who can finish and hold up the ball, win headers and connect with teammates in the final third. Last player to ever be traded. All these games prove that.

[ensco]

I am more bothered by the Mavinga/Hagglund injuries, than by the result.

Also I think that Aketxe and Delgado not being in the 18 may be a sign of internal problems or turmoil. I hope I am wrong.

[reggie]

we are running out of ideas on the o front.give it to telfer and cross it to our 5 ft 5 striker .its 1970s scottish soccer mo would be proud.man do we miss jozy.bez spending over 1 mil on right backs when had kept beta for 300k and 1.2 mil on a mid that cant find the field i say bez has lost the off season,saying that with all the injuries we still should of won all of these games on th this home stand.

[reggie]

I am more bothered by the Mavinga/Hagglund injuries, than by the result.

Also I think that Aketxe and Delgado not being in the 18 may be a sign of internal problems or turmoil. I hope I am wrong.
apparently aketxe and delgado have the ever popular they felt some tightest ,man this team is made out of glass this year.

[Blindside16]

This game was a tough one to swallow. We easily could have and should have won this game. Bradley had a poor game, Ricketts has already mentally left for the CPL. He won't run for anything and has the same finishing touch as me. This team needs to try and figure it out. I have never seen a team bitten by the injury bug quite like this. It is almost laughable now how surreal these injuries are becoming.

[Canary10]

this was a very strange game from Giovinco
he looked like the soul has been ripped out of him
he had a terrible game by Giovinco standards yet he had the highest audi index of any tfc player
he looked like he had no passion for the game
his body language was very bad, no fire in him tonight
i thought it looked like he was deliberately not trying or if not that definitely not giving his best effort, that is for sure

he may be done mentally with this league

I think it was just frustration of nothing going right.

[portu]

Jozy is the most important player on this team. The only man who can finish and hold up the ball, win headers and connect with teammates in the final third. Last player to ever be traded. All these games prove that.
Great part of that deal would be opening up a DP spot, so that you could replace Jozy whilst gaining a valuable player and allocation money.

[ag futbol]

I'm not prepared to give up on Aketxe so soon. There have been a few games where his vision and passing ability have looked really good. I recall the game against Seattle where he had the ball just outside his penalty area and made what was about a 30 yard pass upfield to Vazquez that was right on his foot. I believe technically he is stronger than Chapman or Delgado, both of which are known quantities. To me he currently is an unknown quantity so if I am Vanney I would play him next to Vazquez over a significant stretch of games to get a really good assessment of what he can do. He is still only 24 years old, he came here not being able to speak the language, he probably never played in such cold temperatures, or on a pitch that resembles a cow pasture, and MLS is a more physical league compared to La Liga. He may very well need an adjustment period. As long as Jozy is out I would only go with a single striker and use 5 midfielders. No sense in wasting a starting spot on Hamilton or Ricketts neither of which have the ability to be nothing more than reserves. Nothing else seems to be working so why not give Aketxe a decent run. We are now in all likelihood playing for next season's roster spots.
He’s more skilled than Delgado but so far has shown to be far less useful. With Vasquez already taking a starting spot, anybody else who we put out there needs a strong motor and needs to be relentless about chasing down balls. Doesn’t seem to have that desire.

I’d dispute the idea MLS is more physical than La Liga. La Liga may not be known for its physicality but at worst it’s a top 3 league in the world and it has world class athletes who are all strong / technical / tactically aware. The league demands it. Aketxe also never really established himself in La Liga, despite having lots of potential. He spent most of his time in the Spanish second division.

MLS is physical for its level of play not all that physical on a world class level. I’ll use my tired example of TFC playing Liverpool’s subs at sky dome. From field level it looked like our guys shrunk in the wash and they were raging monsters. Luckily they were gracious guests and we kept up with them nicely for 90 minutes.

[Canary10]

Speaking of that Liverpool game at Skydome, did Mavinga play in that game? I vaguely remember him playing. Sorry, that’s not on topic.

[ensco]

I think the headline is that their GK was great, and stoned us. Irwin was great to, btw. Unlucky on the goal. The Dallas guy pulled his shot right onto the toe of Urruti

Telfer is terrific. Good on the ball, has speed, not knocked off the ball easily. Everything went through him, especially in the second half (which isn’t right, for a raw rookie) because only he consistently was beating his man.

Seba cannot buy a break. On another night he might have had four goals.

Bradley got caught ball hawking along the sideline on the goal. You cannot break shape to hunt balls down as a CB. That happened against Seattle too.

Vanney has a lot going on. That was a lineup that has never played together, and it showed. Dallas adjusted at halftime, we couldn’t (that ability to flow between formations is gone with all the newbies). Also I don’t think I believe that Aketxe and Delgado were injured.

23 games to go.

[OgtheDim]

I can understand not playing Hagglund to start as he comes back from injury. What I don't understand is we hired Hernandez and have him sitting on the bench. Surely Hernandez on the back line & Bradley back in the middle is better then Bradley in the back line & Frasier as the DM. Frasier had a decent game but there is no better DM in this league then Bradley.

[ag futbol]

Great part of that deal would be opening up a DP spot, so that you could replace Jozy whilst gaining a valuable player and allocation money.
My only beef with Altidore is his durability. What else can we say? When he plays the guy is a monster and the heart and soul of the team.

The obvious asset we have here to gain allocation money is Osorio. And I only say that as he’s in the last year of his deal and there’s no guarantee he resigns. You free him up in the summer, maybe we land some decent Garber Bucks or a smallish transfer free. Delgado snaps out of it and starts feeling more settled.

[ag futbol]

Telfer is terrific. Good on the ball, has speed, not knocked off the ball easily. Everything went through him (which isn’t right, for a raw rookie) because only he consistently was beating his man.
He did fine, but I think 90% of our attack ran through Auro in actuality.

Still debating whether that was good fullback attacking play with a lack of targets in the box or a lack of creativity that pigeon holed us into one form of attack.

[Canary10]

He did fine, but I think 90% of our attack ran through Auro in actuality.

Still debating whether that was good fullback attacking play with a lack of targets in the box or a lack of creativity that pigeon holed us into one form of attack.

Hedges mopped up every cross. Yet we kept doing the same thing with no targets in the box. To your point I think it was lack of creativity.

[Kamp Berg]

I really hope Vanney:
1.STOPS playing Bradley in defense
2.STOPS starting Ricketts or Hamilton
3.Finds a way to make Aketxe fit (maybe up top behind Giovinco and Vasquez?)

On the bright side, it looks like Fraser and Telfer might be the ‘real deal’. Good for TFC and Canada! 🇨🇦

[James17930]

I can understand not playing Hagglund to start as he comes back from injury. What I don't understand is we hired Hernandez and have him sitting on the bench. Surely Hernandez on the back line & Bradley back in the middle is better then Bradley in the back line & Frasier as the DM. Frasier had a decent game but there is no better DM in this league then Bradley.

Yeah, what's up with Hernandez?

[jloome]

Yeah, what's up with Hernandez?

His wheels are probably gone. He's technically very good but is probably a late game player only at this point, as he'd leave too much space behind.

[stevep]

Prediction

during summer transfer window
aketche gone
we get new CB with the aketche money

midfield is not the problem, CB is the problem

[Canary10]

It’s likely part of the injury problem relates to having to ramp up to game speed so quickly for the CCL without a proper pre-season. Wasn’t time for base building for this season.

[Davenport]

Prediction

during summer transfer window
aketche gone
we get new CB with the aketche money

midfield is not the problem, CB is the problem

Goal scoring is the problem. 14 goals in 11 games.

[notthesun]

It’s likely part of the injury problem relates to having to ramp up to game speed so quickly for the CCL without a proper pre-season. Wasn’t time for base building for this season.

Vanney also admitted we rushed guys back for CCL games when they really needed more time.

[NK Toronto]

Prediction

during summer transfer window
aketche gone
we get new CB with the aketche money

midfield is not the problem, CB is the problem


That may not be so easy, and it may not be in the club's best interests. If TFC try's to unload him in Europe so soon he will be perceived as a bust, not being able to play in MLS, and its doubtful any club would want him. Given his salary its doubtful any MLS team would take him. The only way to get rid of him may be to take on a player that another club doesn't want, or give up TAM in exchange for another MLS club agreeing to take him, which I don't believe we have a lot of right now. I think he is here for the season. I stand by my earlier comments whereby the club should give him a good run of games to see if he comes around. Since nothing else seems to be working we really don't have anything to lose.

[NK Toronto]

I can understand not playing Hagglund to start as he comes back from injury. What I don't understand is we hired Hernandez and have him sitting on the bench. Surely Hernandez on the back line & Bradley back in the middle is better then Bradley in the back line & Frasier as the DM. Frasier had a decent game but there is no better DM in this league then Bradley.

Agreed. The problem with Bradley at centre-back is that although he lines up at centre-back to start the game, he plays too far up the field as if he were a DM and continues to get caught on the counter-attack. This happened against both Dallas and Seattle with the ball ending up in our net.

[Initial B]

I'm chalking this one up to Gonzalez standing on his head for his birthday game. I also wonder if the state of the pitch might have something to do with the injuries - the replacement can't come soon enough. I though Aketxe was on loan, or is that Auro? I think the World Cup will be a welcome break for the team.

[James17930]

I'm chalking this one up to Gonzalez standing on his head for his birthday game. I also wonder if the state of the pitch might have something to do with the injuries - the replacement can't come soon enough. I though Aketxe was on loan, or is that Auro? I think the World Cup will be a welcome break for the team.

Auro is on loan with an option to buy.

Aketxe was a transfer, but Bilbao have a 'first right of buyback' clause if we try to move him.

[Canary10]

I'm chalking this one up to Gonzalez standing on his head for his birthday game. I also wonder if the state of the pitch might have something to do with the injuries - the replacement can't come soon enough. I though Aketxe was on loan, or is that Auro? I think the World Cup will be a welcome break for the team.

World Cup isn’t really a break. We have the remake match against DC United. We have 9 days off at most I believe.

Here’s a controversial thought: we miss Armando Cooper.

[OgtheDim]

We miss Allan Gorden.

[stevep]

We miss Allan Gorden.

did you see that shot!!
https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-05-26-orlando-city-sc-vs-chicago-fire/details/video/155285

this gets back to an earlier point I made, Do not start Toisant, he is a poor mans Allan Gorden.
if Tois can come in at 70 minutes and do what Gorden does he can be in this league for a long time
gotta stick with Hamilton till Jozy gets back, I said that at the game when I saw the lineups
I know Hamilton is not that good but he is the best we got. and if he starts we got Tois at 65-70 minute mark

[SirBobSaget]

Has Ricketts ver had a good game when he started? Maybe the Columbus game last year when ye scored 2? Most of his production it seems comes as a sub. Would like to see the stats.

[portu]

Has Ricketts ver had a good game when he started? Maybe the Columbus game last year when ye scored 2? Most of his production it seems comes as a sub. Would like to see the stats.
Pretty sure he was a sub that game.

Only game I can think of where he started and scored is the Galaxy game last year when we steamrolled them 4 nil

[stevep]

Pretty sure he was a sub that game.

Only game I can think of where he started and scored is the Galaxy game last year when we steamrolled them 4 nil

https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2017-05-10-columbus-crew-sc-vs-toronto-fc/lineup

he was a sub

[Fort York Redcoat]

I think the headline is that their GK was great, and stoned us. Irwin was great to, btw. Unlucky on the goal. The Dallas guy pulled his shot right onto the toe of Urruti



Yep. Just had to be Urruti.

[Richard]

Its time we find a proper 3rd striker. This is the real Ricketts we should have expected, not the guy who had 7 goals in 22 appearances(31% strike rate).