Match Day 14 - DCU @ TFC Wednesday June 13 8 pm Lets Turn It On

[OgtheDim]

Let's turn it on, and get everybody thinking



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9rdpa1fflg

Time for a Statement Game


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


Have at It People

[ensco]

DCU deserved better at Seattle Saturday.

They will be easily frustrated and perhaps unsettled. Last in the league, playing some decent football but cannot catch a break, this Rooney thing hanging out there
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5824523/Wayne-Rooney-snapped-Belfast-collecting-paperwork-play-MLS.html

It would really be nice to carry some positive momentum into the break.

[Tdot_LFC]

See if we can wins in consecutive games here and go into the break on a bit of a roll.

[Oldtimer]

DCU deserved better at Seattle Saturday.

They will be easily frustrated and perhaps unsettled. Last in the league, playing some decent football but cannot catch a break, this Rooney thing hanging out there
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5824523/Wayne-Rooney-snapped-Belfast-collecting-paperwork-play-MLS.html

It would really be nice to carry some positive momentum into the break.

Think about Rooney having the honour of playing for the club that Freddy Adu once played for, lol.

I expect a win, three points from this game, nothing less.

[Voodooman]

Also interested to see if any bodies who were close to coming back will come back this game or just wait till after the break.

Expecting the 3 points as well, have to get them against teams like DC. Luckily, teams around us also struggling so we right back in the playoff hunt with the W here.

[paul-collins]

Keep in mind the Marlies are at Ricoh tonight for game 6 of the Calder finals.

[JT Red127]

Keep in mind the Marlies are at Ricoh tonight for game 6 of the Calder finals.

OK. But TFC plays tomorrow.

[paul-collins]

Oh god you are right. I was imagining today was our game day!

[benito]

The new turf is looking good!


https://twitter.com/TFC_GroundsDept/status/1006231053017612291

[Voodooman]

Side note on the Marlies. Good luck to them tonight. Always did find it funny when we play the same night, the hockey fans always look at us weird and we do the same.

Excited to see this new field!

[Auzzy]

https://twitter.com/joshuakloke/status/1006567577274011653

So, a similar lineup to the last game I guess? Although they could swap some of the starting & bench players if they want to change it up a bit.

[pfk]

Going to miss the game. :( It looks like the potential rain will stop well before game time. I expect 3 points for sure.

[ensco]

We have been fragile. We all know that Philly game could have been very different.

I feel that the players need to feel positive emotion from the stands, regardless of score or game situation.

[Graeme]

Good news from the Toronto Sun: "Ashtone Morgan, Marky Delgado and Justin Morrow might be fit enough to draw back in on Wednesday night, Eriq Zavaleta is ready to go and even important defender Drew Moor is finally back in his boots after completely tearing his quad, though he says a return is still a ways off. Jozy Altidore is out of his walking boot and once this month ends, TFC should be looking a lot more like its old self roster-wise."

I'd like to see:

------------------------------Bono-----------------------------
-----------Auro-----Zavaleta---Hagglund---VDW------------
-----------Hasler---Bradley----Aketxe--Osorio------------
-----------------Vazquez------Giovinco-------------------------

or

------------------------------Bono-----------------------------
----Auro-----Zavaleta---Hagglund---VDW-----Tefler-------
-----------Hasler---Bradley------Osorio------------
-----------Vazquez------Giovinco---------------------------

And it would be great to see another striker, Delgado and one of Morrow or Morgan get some playing time.

[James17930]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dfm040EVMAEHajR.jpg:large

[James17930]

Could be a 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 depending on how they line it up.

[ensco]

Delgado not in the 18... worrying.

Aketxe still riding the pines...

[Super]

Any streams for this one?

[TheSloanRanger]

What’s the story with ineebs? Can’t get a good look at the banner they put up

[OgtheDim]

Hasler has been not up to it technically in the offensive zone.

[notthesun]

My god we're dropping too many home games.

[OgtheDim]

Could see that second one coming. They were ignoring Arriola the whole charge up.

[FootBallAZ]

What’s the story with ineebs? Can’t get a good look at the banner they put up



don't see them in the stands what is goin on

[gracos]

when do we evaluate exploding our team because its not good enough, we are already down 2-0 to the worst team in the East

[James17930]

I still think this team is way too overconfident ... maybe even arrogant.

They still don't feel like they're in any trouble or there's anything to worry about, but they better fucking start playing desperate right now or we truly are fucked.

[portu]

If somebody uses injuries as an excuse again I will go nuts

[adam1001]

If anyone thinks that we will just flip a switch and start dominating once we get healthy, I think there is a reality check coming. Something has been off with this team since we lost the champions league, and I think it’s more psyche related than anything else.

[OgtheDim]

If somebody uses injuries as an excuse again I will go ballistic

No, this one is all down to some really bad defending. Hagglund & Zavs playing poorly. Nobody is closing up - awful midfield play as well.

[gracos]

how is it we are one of the most expensive clubs in MLS and yet were not showing up at all this season

[T-boy]

No, this one is all down to some really bad defending. Hagglund & Zavs playing poorly. Nobody is closing up - awful midfield play as well.

Its attacking too though - nobody for TFC is holding up the possession in the final third of the field. Gio loses possession far too quickly these days. We HAVE to try and keep hold of the ball otherwise you are constantly putting pressure on your mid and def.

[portu]

how is it we are one of the most expensive clubs in mls and yet were not showing up at all this season
v a n n e y

[Red CB Toronto]

Giving DC way too much open space here.

[gracos]

i didnt know we loaned out so many players to injury FC, this is highly frustrating

[notthesun]

Looking awful since their first goal.

Change the shape, even a first half sub, this isn't working. Vanney needs to do what Berhalter did to him two weeks ago.

[gracos]

Are we going to stay with Vanney for the rest of the season or when do we reevaluate who is in charge, and if so does management feel they can put anybody on the field and just take our money

[urdiub]

Never before this season did I think Jozy was the key DP for our team over Seba or Bradley. His physical presence to create balls for Seba from the air as well as force MLS defenses to mark him as well is so important to our play.

[ag futbol]

If we can’t grind out this game, injuries or not, I have very little faith this team is going to reach the heights of last season.

If gio wants that new contract it’s time to step up. Along with a lot of other guys.

[notthesun]

Auro's worst game of the season by a mile.

[OgtheDim]

Waaay too predictable. And I agree on the arrogance.

[James17930]

Never before this season did I think Jozy was the key DP for our team over Seba or Bradley. His physical presence to create balls for Seba from the air as well as force MLS defenses to mark him as well is so important to our play.

Yep. Without him we're fairly toothless breaking through tough defending.

[portu]

That's it. I'm done with TFC until after the World Cup.

I'll be watching Oakville-Blainville. I suggest you do as well. Support grassroots.

https://mycujoo.tv/video/canada-soccer

[ag futbol]

For fuck sakes get VDW off the left side. Ridiculous

[Hamilton_Red]

No playoffs for TFC this year on the basis of this.

[ag futbol]

Nothing less than we deserve TBH.

[notthesun]

That's fucking ridiculous from Zavaleta. That's awful.

[gracos]

Fire Vanney

[jloome]

For fuck sakes get VDW off the left side. Ridiculous


We're playing like we're drunk.

Why didn't anyone call man on for Zavaleta? The strip was coming from a mile away.

[Tdot_LFC]

Many times, boos from home fans unwarranted. Not tonight however.

[ag futbol]

That's fucking ridiculous from Zavaleta. That's awful.
I would say about 9 of the 11 look absolutely awful and the other two look below average.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

I really hope the majority of the stadium will boo our team this full game (what it remains).
They fully deserve it.

[OgtheDim]

Yup...we are officially a dumpster fire tonight.

[jloome]

There were a few occasions in that half where they looked like they thought they were the Globetrotters, such was the undeserved swagger.

Jesus. What the fuck was that?

[InDa_110]

Just out of curiosity, where is Inebriatti?

[James17930]

I can't watch this train wreck anymore.

Time for some laundry!

[wopchop]

Simply pathetic. No effort.

[Hamilton_Red]

Zavs and Hags not ready...Hasler is useless...bradley is broken...Giovinco is not interested.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

how is it we are one of the most expensive clubs in MLS and yet were not showing up at all this season

One of the most expensive?
No, we are BY FAR the most expensive.

[gracos]

We fans and supporters need to realize injuries arent why we are performing poorly, and the team wants us to accept status quo, i think we should show our displeasure at the next game and take a stand

[nonc]

Vanney being punished for starting his non-professional nephew Zavaleta.

Even when TFC were terrible they didn't play this bad at home, maybe we just suck again.

[ag futbol]

There were a few occasions in that half where they looked like they thought they were the Globetrotters, such was the undeserved swagger.

Jesus. What the fuck was that?
You know, we've never been the fastest team out there and it's starting to feel like 1 year older and many injuries later we've finally reached our tipping point in that department. We simply cannot press anybody with effectiveness in midfield or recover like we used to. The other team passes around midfiled with abandon and nobody makes the hard run back to cover off attacking threats. All of the goals were atrocious, there wasn't anything particularly special from DCU.

The defending from the fullback positions has been putrid. Bradley looks like a regular midfielder rather than super human. Giovinco can't score from open play to save his life.

[OgtheDim]

Just out of curiosity, where is Inebriatti?

There is a banner out saying "Football without Ultras is nothing".


I'm seething at that about as much as the game.

[adam1001]

Déjà vu back to our glory days. Should have been 5-0 based on that performance.

[NK Toronto]

I must have missed the announcement that tonight was "Retro Night" at BMO Field...... a return to the Aaron Winter era.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Vanney being punished for starting his non-professional nephew Zavaleta.

Even when TFC were terrible they didn't play this bad at home, maybe we just suck again.

I was thinking the same.

[InDa_110]

Is this because of Columbus and the "flare fight"? No inebriatti?

[SKB]

There is something wrong in the dressing room. With this team. Giovinco’s goal scoring is dropping off dramatically. This started last year, he kept his totals up via free kicks, but his goals from open play are almost non existent. He wanted to renegotiate his contract this year for a LT contract but TFC has passed. He is playing like he does not care anymore.

[Oldtimer]

This is 2012 bad. Never expected that against the bottom feeder of the East.

[SKB]

Our back four looks just terrible, like a second grade unit. I know we have had injuries but the look so slow and out of position. Bradley looks like he has lost his confidence and lost a few steps. Is he injured? Or has just aged quicker than expected. When the US team missed the WC a lot of blame went to Bradley, is there some validity to that now?

[jloome]

You know, we've never been the fastest team out there and it's starting to feel like 1 year older and many injuries later we've finally reached our tipping point in that department. We simply cannot press anybody with effectiveness in midfield or recover like we used to. The other team passes around midfiled with abandon and nobody makes the hard run back to cover off attacking threats. All of the goals were atrocious, there wasn't anything particularly special from DCU.

The defending from the fullback positions has been putrid. Bradley looks like a regular midfielder rather than super human. Giovinco can't score from open play to save his life.

All year. Bradley and Giovinco look like they've regressed a step, Auro isn't a good enough defender to start despite his obviously good wing play, Van Der Weil doesn't move well on the left. Zavaleta clearly is not ready to start at this level, making slow decisions and covering ground poorly.

Osorio, Bono and Telfer have been our only consistent performers.

We should make the playoffs easily with this lineup but I'm starting to worry, even with 2/3 of the season to go.

[ag futbol]

We fans and supporters need to realize injuries arent why we are performing poorly, and the team wants us to accept status quo, i think we should show our displeasure at the next game and take a stand
I think this a curious statement. The team just came off a championship season and went out and spent money on several new signings and maintains the highest payroll in the league.

We're not failing because we're standing still, we're failing because the moves we made have not made the best use of our money, guys on our existing payroll have generally trended downwards, and injuries have reeked havoc with the roster. The third one is a to a certain degree chance, although we've generally been willing to take a chance on guys with some red flags on the grounds it wasn't going to continue to flair up and be a problem.

In summary, we've been trying but this plan appears to be going down in flames and it's going to be back to the drawing board pretty soon.

[SKB]

We cannot continue this way, we cannot wait for people to get healthy. Changes need to be made.

[benito]

Just out of curiosity, where is Inebriatti?

they posted a message on Facebook.


Inebriatti was sanctioned, once again, due to our pro-Seba banner (which was not cleared with the club prior to it's display) and our use of flags during match play last home match. We felt that after both sets of sanctions that we have endured affably this season this new punishment is unnecessary and unjust.
Read the complete post.
https://www.facebook.com/206355019550469/posts/909425655910065/

[notthesun]

No VAR review on that Telfer penalty, all righty, sure

[OgtheDim]

....

We're not failing because we're standing still, we're failing because the moves we made have not made the best use of our money, guys on our existing payroll have generally trended downwards, and injuries have reeked havoc with the roster. The third one is a to a certain degree chance, although we've generally been willing to take a chance on guys with some red flags on the grounds it wasn't going to continue to flair up and be a problem.

In summary, we've been trying but this plan appears to be going down in flames and it's going to be back to the drawing board pretty soon.

Agree but back to the drawing board doesn't mean cleaning house.

[jloome]

Why don't we just play the fucking 3-5-2 all the time? It's clearly our best formation.

Good to see the team show up tonight, albeit only for the second half.

[ag futbol]

Agree but back to the drawing board doesn't mean cleaning house.
Well agreed, not at that point yet.

[OgtheDim]

Seba not burying that chance used to be surprising.

[Tdot_LFC]

Yes! Excellent movement

[OgtheDim]

Uh..OK

We seem to have decided to play with pace again.

[wopchop]

FINALLY. Some fucking heart!

[Hamilton_Red]

Wow what a difference Morrow makes! We have really missed him.

[jloome]

We need to pick it up.

[Tdot_LFC]

Still time to go for the winner!

[Hamilton_Red]

Vanney...coach of the year. Blames the wind for the first half and a differnt team comes out.

[tfcfans]

I think that sums up the season.....

[ag futbol]

For fuck sakes. I don’t know what happened there but 6 guys somehow got outfoxed by 2

[OgtheDim]

defence...what defence?

I think that's about the 4th goal against this season where we just let guys walk through everybody.

[tfcfans]

Crazy.....just a ridiculous game.....

[urdiub]

Just end me.

Edit: Hagglund my saviour.

[notthesun]

Dude fuck the analysis. This game is just dumb.

[wopchop]

What is happening

i'm so angry. I'm so happy.

[ag futbol]

At this rate Nick Hagglund should be our substitute striker.

[nonc]

Caldwell jinxed TFC but Hagglund saved us again

[ag futbol]

I don’t know how to describe what the hell I just saw but letting 4 goals in at home and getting 1 point from a last place team isn’t going to cut it.

At least Morrow is back.

[OgtheDim]

That was so MLS

[tfcfans]

A tie after the first half is a good result, but this is a game that needed to be 3 points against a weaker DC squad at BMO.

[adam1001]

I’m ready to go to sleep. What just happened? On the bright side, I am thrilled to have Morrow back.

[sn0re]

I’m ready to go to sleep. What just happened? On the bright side, I am thrilled to have Morrow back.

Morrow was the difference

[Couchy81]

Glad I didn't switch it off at half. Heard a lot of people left the stadium. Epic comeback but still not good enough against DC.

[witenite]

Hagglund is the second coming of vidic. From his physical appearance to his beautiful headers, I had to do a double take

[OgtheDim]

We are within 4 points of 6th place with a game in hand.

Our problem is we have been playing this poor against the worst teams in the East. We raised our game in the first half against Columbus & in the second half tonight. Need to put in a full 90 in the next few games to have any hope.

NYC away

NYRB home

I do not think we have the mental strength this season to do it.


On another note, I heard a journo indicate that Vanney's goal in these last 3 games was 5 points. Job done but yeeessssh - our defence was poor tonight & it wasn't down to injuries.

[InDa_110]

W
t
f
?

[NK Toronto]

What's happened to this team and its ability to defend? I've never seen a team give up so many goals on the counter. There needs to be a total reset on their style of play with an emphasis on defending. Is this on Vanney or the players?

[wopchop]

We are within 4 points of 6th place with a game in hand.

Our problem is we have been playing this poor against the worst teams in the East. We raised our game in the first half against Columbus & in the second half tonight. Need to put in a full 90 in the next few games to have any hope.

I do not think we have the mental strength this season to do it.
Yes, the terrifying thing is that we still have lots of games against a lot of top teams - NYCFC (2), Atlanta (2), NY Red Bulls (2), Sporting KC (1) and LAFC (1)

[Red CB Toronto]

I know they got a point and are 4 points out of the playoffs at this point but tonight just sucked. To spot a last place team a three goal lead and to just look completely sloppy on the fourth after coming back to tie it, just not good enough.

[General Woolfe]

Say what you like about a valiant comeback but that was another shitshow in a season full of shitshows. There can be absolutely no defence of going in at half time three down at home to the worst team in the league. It’s hard to see positives right now, if there even are any. However I suppose getting Morrow back in the line up, (a wingback unafraid to put a cross over) and the fact we somehow gained a point on Orlando, are pluses. Yet it should have been so much more and I can help feel that little by little we are throwing away this season and are going to suffer the same fate as Portland a few seasons ago, going from Champs to chumps overnight. We should be sitting here talking of a dynasty, chasing our third successive title, but Toronto being Toronto instead we are in danger of going down in the history books as one season wonders. Whilst the root of our problems this season has been mediocre off season signings (Aketxe, Auro, VDW) who just aren’t up to filling the gap injuries left us facing. Putting all our chips on winning a competition that always has, and always will be, designed to favour Mexican teams left us in a hole we have found almost impossible to dig ourselves out of. Whatever happens in the CC this year I hope we don’t make the same mistake again. MLS Cup should have been the priority not only this season but every season

[OgtheDim]

What's happened to this team and its ability to defend? I've never seen a team give up so many goals on the counter. There needs to be a total reset on their style of play with an emphasis on defending. Is this on Vanney or the players?

Both I think.

Vanney & co have been waiting to get people back. Sure...fine. But, how about making sure nobody waltzes into the box in the meantime? There is nobody back there yelling at people during play to watch player x do y - nobody telling defenders what is going on. That's where we miss Moor the most.

Morrow tonight came on & showed his offensive ability but it was his side their 4th goal came on.

[stevep]

Caldwell jinxed TFC but Hagglund saved us again

i checked in play betting odds at the time
dc had a 6% chance of winning when it was tied 4-4
i cant remember what we had but it was significanlty more than 6%

[benito]

Crazy game tonight. They looked much better in the second half but they still wasted another winnable game. There are still many more games to play and they need to improve.

[stevep]

i was watching the repay of the dc 4th goal over and over again
when the first dc guys kicks the ball the guy on the right side was not offside but the guy that scored the goal (on the left side) was clearly in an offside position when the first guy kicked it to the 2nd guy on the right, then the 2nd guy kicked it to the guy that was offside and he scored. isnt that offside??

[TFC1986]

Very entertaining game. I enjoyed it as a soccer fan. Great weather out on the pitch.
Plus the more of these games, makes resale tickets super cheap to buy. A win, win for me.

[NK Toronto]

Games like tonight really make MLS look bad. I can't remember a game in which 5 goals were scored in one half. Most of the goals tonight were not scored because of great plays, but rather because of guys being caught up the field, players out of position, or lack of marking. On Osorio's goal he was left alone in the middle of the box with no D.C. player within 20 feet of him.

I don't understand how professional players can play with such a disregard for the fundamentals. I thought that Vanney was this master tactician but he has to take the blame for allowing this type of play. At the end of last season there was all kinds of speculation that he would be under consideration for the U.S. MNT job, but his stock is falling faster than Tesla.

[ag futbol]

Food for thought: what’s the score tonight if a healthy Mavinga was in the line up?

[NK Toronto]

Food for thought: what’s the score tonight if a healthy Mavinga was in the line up?

Good point. He is TFC's best defender, by a significant amount. Mavinga replaces Zavalata and that 3rd goal doesn't happen. Him and Jozy are probably the 2 most impactful players missing, arguably the 2 best players on the team. Yet having said that there is no way they should give up 4 goals against DC. After TFC tied it at 4 I just wanted the game to end as I was worried we would give up a 5th, and we almost did.

I think there is more wrong here than just injuries.

[Defoe]

Zavaleta is going to get Mark Bloom'd soon. Terrible player.

I agree with the fan who said Justin Morrow was the difference.

As to most valuable; I think Altidore is important; but considering we are scoring the lights out; I'd say Mavinga and Morrow are more important. Every one of our starting 11 is important though.

[stevep]

I think that was truly an incredible comeback twice!!
that is a sign of real character and heart and grit and determination to fight to the end
that is a sign of a really good team, shades of tfc vs montreal 2016 game 2 at bmo field

DC put all they're guys back and we still were able to come back
just envision mavinga in for zavaletta and jozy up top with seba

as of now 43 points gets you sixth place
only 23,000 at the game tonight, that's not good

[NK Toronto]

I've read from some posters here that Zavaleta is related to Vanney. Is that true?

[ensco]

You guys who are torqued at the result just don’t understand the great stories.

There is a protagonist. An antagonist. A heroic struggle. A false dawn. Ultimately, redemption. For sure. Maybe even victory.

The journey is the thing.

[NK Toronto]

You guys just don’t understand the great stories.

There is a protagonist. An antagonist. A heroic struggle. A false dawn. Ultimately, redemption. For sure. Maybe even victory.

The journey is the thing.


I think I liked last year's story better.

[ensco]

I think I liked last year's story better.

Ahh. If Kamara taps that ball in late in the conference final, you wouldn’t think that.

I like this one better I think. But then again, I believe.

[NK Toronto]

Ahh. If Kamara taps that ball in late in the conference final, you wouldn’t think that.

I like this one better I think. But then again, I believe.

You are the eternal optimist sir. Perhaps I can interest you in some old shares of Nortel that I still possess. I hear a comeback is imminent.

[ensco]

^I don’t think you understand what I am saying.

[OgtheDim]

A neutral would have enjoyed that second half but thought the first was poorly played.

On another note, I remain unconvinced of Ricketts as a player who takes up space that frees Giovinco. The second half charge came through us putting things out wide with Auro & VDW. Ricketts didn't seem involved much in play build up. He did find a few pockets on occasion but its noticable that Haglund as a last few minutes power forward was more effective.

[stevep]

Ahh. If Kamara taps that ball in late in the conference final, you wouldn’t think that.

I like this one better I think. But then again, I believe.


or if bradley wright phillips doesnt miss that little chip in over bono in game 2 at bmo in the conference semi final

last year would have been tragic
this game can be tragic

[NK Toronto]

or if bradley wright phillips doesnt miss that little chip in over bono

last year would have been tragic

But it didn't, which is why last year was so special. The same thing could be said about Delgado vs. Chivas, which is why the CCL wasn't so special. In sports there is often a fine line between victory and defeat.

[MightyDM]

We have been fragile. We all know that Philly game could have been very different.

I feel that the players need to feel positive emotion from the stands, regardless of score or game situation.

boy this was presceint Ensco.

[MightyDM]

I still think this team is way too overconfident ... maybe even arrogant.

They still don't feel like they're in any trouble or there's anything to worry about, but they better fucking start playing desperate right now or we truly are fucked.

Thats how I see it. They need to learn humility

[James17930]

Well, I committed one of the cardinal sins of football – I turned the game off at half-time – but despite how exciting the second-half was, still, a point at home against a team we needed to beat isn't what we needed.

So let's hope – BIG HOPE – that the comeback is what sparks the mentality change and that TFC approach the rest of the season with the same grit and guts they showed today and actually manage to string a winning streak together.

Because they have to stop walking out on the field expecting to win.

[stevep]

Well, I committed one of the cardinal sins of football – I turned the game off at half-time – but despite how exciting the second-half was, still, a point at home against a team we needed to beat isn't what we needed.

So let's hope – BIG HOPE – that the comeback is what sparks the mentality change and that TFC approach the rest of the season with the same grit and guts they showed today and actually manage to string a winning streak together.

Because they have to stop walking out on the field expecting to win.

you think you made a mistake
I left BMO field at halftime

[ensco]

Have we ever gotten a result down 3 before?

They clawed their way out of a very deep hole. Twice.

[TheGoodson]

Ahh. If Kamara taps that ball in late in the conference final, you wouldn’t think that.

I like this one better I think. But then again, I believe.


Agreed, IF TFC can get fully healthy and on the pitch at the same time. They will make the playoffs and then go on an amazing run in the playoffs.

Last night felt like 2015 all over again, scoring bunches of goals abut couldn't defend if their life depended on it

[TFC Tifoso]

Holy CRAP.....what a game....

Pretty obvious that the change at halftime was a positive one, Hagglund and Zavaleta needed help as they were getting sliced up.
And even in the Philly game before this, even though we won, Hagglund and Hernandez were having a hell of a time, but thankfully Bono bailed them out.

This team cannot go with 2 CBs until Mavinga comes back, because the rest don't have the athleticism to cut it.
Maybe they can put vdW as a CB if need be, but we need at least one mobile CB in there.....

[samuraizero]

You could see Ricketts getting frustrated this game.
He was making runs, asking for the ball, but he was barely played to.

Maybe he was out of position or too covered too often?

[ag futbol]

Maybe they can put vdW as a CB if need be, but we need at least one mobile CB in there.....
VDV needs to get to the RB role, as soon as possible. Auro is a good player and has been much better than expected but the lax defending on occasion is really costing us. If VDW plays as well on that side as Morrow does on the left we will be a lot closer to sorting things out.

Edit: top of the shopping list right now should be a new CB. Healthy, solid, and leadership material. Other areas we may well sort out with guys coming off the injury list... CB not so confident.

[michaeltfc91]

Not even lying, I think Hagglund should be our starting striker until Altidore is back... my lineup next game

--------Giovinco----Hagglund
Osorio---Vasquez---Bradley---Aketxe
Morrow---Zavaleta----VDW----Auro
--------------Bono

Once Jozy and Mavinga and Moor are back then we can go back to normal

[TFC Tifoso]

VDV needs to get to the RB role, as soon as possible. Auro is a good player and has been much better than expected but the lax defending on occasion is really costing us. If VDW plays as well on that side as Morrow does on the left we will be a lot closer to sorting things out.

Edit: top of the shopping list right now should be a new CB. Healthy, solid, and leadership material. Other areas we may well sort out with guys coming off the injury list... CB not so confident.

I agree.....and I think that really is what the plan was until the injury list grew.

On another note, Hagglung has 4 career MLS goals, both from braces......he is now "The Most Interesting Goalscorer in the World"

"I may not always score goals....but when I do, I prefer a brace.".........

[Kaz]

A neutral would have enjoyed that second half but thought the first was poorly played.



You mean TFC played poorly in the opening stages of a game this season? I'm shocked...

At least they are getting better... pressing teams are scoring in the first 15 instead of first 10 now... so I guess that is progress.

The Team still isn't able to handle it.

[Prof]

Games like tonight really make MLS look bad. I can't remember a game in which 5 goals were scored in one half. Most of the goals tonight were not scored because of great plays, but rather because of guys being caught up the field, players out of position, or lack of marking. On Osorio's goal he was left alone in the middle of the box with no D.C. player within 20 feet of him.

I don't understand how professional players can play with such a disregard for the fundamentals. I thought that Vanney was this master tactician but he has to take the blame for allowing this type of play. At the end of last season there was all kinds of speculation that he would be under consideration for the U.S. MNT job, but his stock is falling faster than Tesla.

It had nothing to do with tactics. It was the wind advantage that 7 of 8 goals were scored on the south side.
:drinking:

[Lennon]

Not even lying, I think Hagglund should be our starting striker until Altidore is back... my lineup next game

--------Giovinco----Hagglund
Osorio---Vasquez---Bradley---Aketxe
Morrow---Zavaleta----VDW----Auro
--------------Bono

Once Jozy and Mavinga and Moor are back then we can go back to normal

Agreed. Beat me to it.

Our attack looks way better with him up there. He can hold up the ball and is a huge threat in the box.

[C.Ronaldo]

Agreed. Beat me to it.

Our attack looks way better with him up there. He can hold up the ball and is a huge threat in the box.

Agreed but I dont think Zavs is ready

[C.Ronaldo]

Zavaleta is going to get Mark Bloom'd soon. Terrible player.

I agree with the fan who said Justin Morrow was the difference.

As to most valuable; I think Altidore is important; but considering we are scoring the lights out; I'd say Mavinga and Morrow are more important. Every one of our starting 11 is important though.

Mavinga was the VV of 2017. He is the leagues best CB

[TMAN80]

Despite what most people here are saying, suggesting that this poor play from TFC is NOT injury related, I just have to say have a look at the back line we have been, and still are using. Mavinga was one of the best, if not THE best defenders in the league last year. Drew Moor, same thing. Morrow, well he also happens to be one of the best in the league at his position.

If you go back to the year before last, we were missing Mavinga, a type of player that make a average or below average defense great. We gave up goals that year, but were able to score more, and had a decent season. This is what we are seeing now, simple as that. Missing 3 top notch players from our starting back line is costing us far too many goals plain and simple. They are not always obvious like Zavaletas last night, but there are many small factors that are leading to goals(especially when Bradley was in CB) that would likely have been prevented with our healthy regular defenders.

Now lets just add our top attacking threat and target man in Jozy to the list. He is not replaceable, and we are all finding that out now. His hold up and goals are simply costing us games.

Players out of position is also contributing I feel, and once some continuity is established, they will start being like last season.

Lastly, up until last game, even for players returning from injury, who is as 100 percent cardio-wise as they were last season? Im guessing none, because that takes many games, and minutes.

This of course doesn't mean we will correct everything, start performing as quickly as we need, and win a bunch of games, but it sure does explain(at least in my eye's) why we are where we are. I would not expect to be higher up the table.

If we are healthy, we are the best team in this league.

[Canary10]

Mavinga was the VV of 2017. He is the leagues best CB

Wasn't VV the VV of 2017?

[C.Ronaldo]

Wasn't VV the VV of 2017?

technically yes, lol

[Joe Kool]

Despite what most people here are saying, suggesting that this poor play from TFC is NOT injury related, I just have to say have a look at the back line we have been, and still are using. Mavinga was one of the best, if not THE best defenders in the league last year. Drew Moor, same thing. Morrow, well he also happens to be one of the best in the league at his position.

If you go back to the year before last, we were missing Mavinga, a type of player that make a average or below average defense great. We gave up goals that year, but were able to score more, and had a decent season. This is what we are seeing now, simple as that. Missing 3 top notch players from our starting back line is costing us far too many goals plain and simple. They are not always obvious like Zavaletas last night, but there are many small factors that are leading to goals(especially when Bradley was in CB) that would likely have been prevented with our healthy regular defenders.

Now lets just add our top attacking threat and target man in Jozy to the list. He is not replaceable, and we are all finding that out now. His hold up and goals are simply costing us games.

Players out of position is also contributing I feel, and once some continuity is established, they will start being like last season.

Lastly, up until last game, even for players returning from injury, who is as 100 percent cardio-wise as they were last season? Im guessing none, because that takes many games, and minutes.

This of course doesn't mean we will correct everything, start performing as quickly as we need, and win a bunch of games, but it sure does explain(at least in my eye's) why we are where we are. I would not expect to be higher up the table.

If we are healthy, we are the best team in this league.

This is the way I see it too. People I know who are casual fans keep asking me what's wrong with TFC these days. I don't give them this much detail. If they really followed the team they would know. I just tell them injury issues. End of story. Can't wait until we can have full strength again. Just look at what bringing a single starter like Morrow did for the offense yesterday. I think we are still the best team in the league when healthy. Unfortunately we haven't really seen that team much at all this year. MLS teams can count themselves lucky if they can get their games against TFC in before TFC get back to full strength.

[Derko]

they posted a message on Facebook.


Read the complete post.
https://www.facebook.com/206355019550469/posts/909425655910065/

If they don't show up, it's their wasted dime, I was asked why they weren't at the game, and my response was they are probably having some sort of protest, because of something the group collectively did to piss someone off, again, I really didn't miss them.

[TMAN80]

This is the way I see it too. People I know who are casual fans keep asking me what's wrong with TFC these days. I don't give them this much detail. If they really followed the team they would know. I just tell them injury issues. End of story. Can't wait until we can have full strength again. Just look at what bringing a single starter like Morrow did for the offense yesterday. I think we are still the best team in the league when healthy. Unfortunately we haven't really seen that team much at all this year. MLS teams can count themselves lucky if they can get their games against TFC in before TFC get back to full strength.

Yup, was almost getting used to Morgan down the left, then Telfer, and VDW as well. They all did great, and played a part, but man, when Morrow came on last game, he really changed everything, and I could clearly see how important he is for us. That's the difference between a decent/average team, and a championship one.

[Oldtimer]

I've read from some posters here that Zavaleta is related to Vanney. Is that true?

Vanney is his uncle. However all indications are that Vanney is tougher on Zaveleta not easier.

[ensco]

Vanney is his uncle. However all indications are that Vanney is tougher on Zaveleta not easier.

Zavaleta has shown 100x over that he is a decent to better MLS domestic player. I worried about this in 2015 but stopped thinking about it long ago.

[paul-collins]

Zavaleta has shown 100x over that he is a decent to better MLS domestic player. I worried about this in 2015 but stopped thinking about it long ago.
He got burned on Wednesday because he's still recovering. I'll cut him some slack.

But people are absolutely correct, Mavinga and Moor are the real losses. (I am remembering how much y'all were shitting all over Moor last season, and now you see directly what his absence leads to)

... Mavinga is my favourite defender, pretty close to my favourite player on the team to be honest.

[Canary10]

He got burned on Wednesday because he's still recovering. I'll cut him some slack.

But people are absolutely correct, Mavinga and Moor are the real losses. (I am remembering how much y'all were shitting all over Moor last season, and now you see directly what his absence leads to)

... Mavinga is my favourite defender, pretty close to my favourite player on the team to be honest.

I agree. Might be my next kit if I ever buy the new one.

[neuf]

Have we ever gotten a result down 3 before?

They clawed their way out of a very deep hole. Twice.

NYC away in ... 2015 I think it was? Giovinco with the hat trick.

[ag futbol]

Yup, was almost getting used to Morgan down the left, then Telfer, and VDW as well. They all did great, and played a part, but man, when Morrow came on last game, he really changed everything, and I could clearly see how important he is for us. That's the difference between a decent/average team, and a championship one.
^ Couldn’t agree more.

I’m hoping with some regular time and less injuries, VDV becomes as good on the right as Morrow does on the left.

[NK Toronto]

VDV needs to get to the RB role, as soon as possible. Auro is a good player and has been much better than expected but the lax defending on occasion is really costing us. If VDW plays as well on that side as Morrow does on the left we will be a lot closer to sorting things out.

Edit: top of the shopping list right now should be a new CB. Healthy, solid, and leadership material. Other areas we may well sort out with guys coming off the injury list... CB not so confident.

Agreed. VDW has a natural tendency to stay back and make sure we are not exposed on the counter-attack, whereas Auro has a tendency to push forward and get caught up field. Plus VDW has a height advantage which allows him to cover players better on crosses into the box. We really need to tighten up defensively as we are giving up way too many cheap goals. Auro may be better suited to a midfield position.