Match Day 1 - TFC @ Philly Saturday March 2 1 pm - And I've Seen It & I Knew

[OgtheDim]

I Have to Believe in the Fantastic
And I've Seen It & I Knew


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fhKeAJp1o8



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

Have at it People

[OgtheDim]

And, yes, for the first time in a long time, we are underdogs against Philly.

[Yohan]

It's going to be a sloppy game and I'll be surprised if TFC gets anything out of this.

[ensco]

They were a playoff team, but they have made significant changes. We owned them them last year, beat them combined 5-0 in the two games we played. I think Vazquez and Giovinco either scored or assisted on every goal but one.

They made a big move for Marco Fabian from Frankfurt, but he has hardly played in two years. He was dominant player in Frankfurt before he got hurt. If he is good to go, they might have the best pair of MFs in MLS, Fabian and Bedoya.

I think the strikers are Cory Burke and a new guy from the Chilean league. They just traded CJ Sapong last night.

TFC 2017 would have pumped 4 goals past their back line. Theie defenders are young and not that good.

God only knows what will happen in this game.

[Initial B]

Fwiw, Philly beat the Ottawa Fury 2-1, needed a PK FTW after Ottawa opened the scoring.

[Mikmacdo]

I expect another awful lineup. I'd just play defensive and hope for a draw. Jozy shouldn't play give him two more weeks of rest. Pozuelo and hopefully others will be here in 2-3 weeks.

Auro moor mavinga morrow
DeLeon Delgado Bradley Osorio
Hamilton Boyd

Hopefully morrow or DeLeon can connect through the air with Boyd or Hamilton to score.

[Joe Kool]

Will be interesting for sure....not sure what to expect at all. Going by comments by Philly fans they also don't think their team is very settled or ready yet for this game. What a kickoff game for MLS for the season. Two unsettled teams....

[JT Red127]

Will be interesting for sure....not sure what to expect at all. Going by comments by Philly fans they also don't think their team is very settled or ready yet for this game. What a kickoff game for MLS for the season. Two unsettled teams....

Sounds like 60% of MLS teams throughout the season. :)

[Derko]

Strike the ball at the net as much as possible, fuck with the ticky-tacky "Attractive" football, win a mucker, ffs, are you listening coach and players

[noimpactinmtl]

Strike the ball at the net as much as possible, fuck with the ticky-tacky "Attractive" football, win a mucker, ffs, are you listening coach and players

What we’re doing now is essentially dumping aerial crosses into the box and pray for the best. We can’t hoof it up because Boyd is more likely to cough it up and create a counter for the opposition. We can’t bunker and counter because our line is shaky at best.

We’re right now waiting for Pozuelo to come over to add a dynamic into the attack with Altidore as our target man. The two striker formation is now going to become one forward and one attacking mid with Osorio and a TAM player on the other side.

This team best formation could be 4-2-3-1 with Bradley and Delgado as the double pivot.

[ensco]

The weather forecast is rain and 6 degrees. So more anti-soccer is on deck.

Honestly, just do the Panamanian tanker dance.

10 men back, only go forward on the counter, if in doubt, hoof it anywhere, play for the goalless draw.

Only goal of this game would be to get the back line settled and working together. Get them some confidence. The front line has to wait for Jozy and Pozo anyway.

[69Chevy396]

Strike the ball at the net as much as possible, fuck with the ticky-tacky "Attractive" football, win a mucker, ffs, are you listening coach and players
One touch foitball wins in MLS

[Ultra & Proud]

The weather forecast is rain and 6 degrees. So more anti-soccer is on deck.

Honestly, just do the Panamanian tanker dance.

10 men back, only go forward on the counter, if in doubt, hoof it anywhere, play for the goalless draw.

Only goal of this game would be to get the back line settled and working together. Get them some confidence. The front line has to wait for Jozy and Pozo anyway.
Agree 100% and the mids should be chosen and expected to support the defense at all costs.

[iamthelight_]

I genuinely don't expect us to win at all until Pozuelo gets here. We look awful.

[Smokecell]

^ Even with Pozuelo we still lack some bodies that can finish. Jozy will help of course but these next TAM signings will be pivotal to our success this year, possibly more so than Pozuelo himself.

[Lil'John]

I genuinely don't expect us to win at all until Pozuelo gets here. We look awful.

Hi. I don't think that's true. We looked terrible in Panama, but not on Tuesday.

[jloome]

I genuinely don't expect us to win at all until Pozuelo gets here. We look awful.

Is anyone watching Atlanta tonight? Scored 52 seconds in against Herediano and look LETHAL.

We are way off the standard setter right now.

.... Anndddd nine munutes in it's two. And they're through if it holds.

[OgtheDim]

We're not playing Atlanta this month. Philly will likely be the toughest game we have - mind you with our defence, no game is easy.

[jloome]

We're not playing Atlanta this month. Philly will likely be the toughest game we have - mind you with our defence, no game is easy.

Noticed Bob De Klerk on the bench for Atlanta as De Boer's assistant.

[SoccMan2]

Make sure Ciman does not play and they might have a chance.

[Blindside16]

If we can escape with a point I will take it. We need more bodies in to sure up this line up.

[Initial B]

Honestly, just do the Panamanian tanker dance.

10 men back, only go forward on the counter, if in doubt, hoof it anywhere, play for the goalless draw.

Only goal of this game would be to get the back line settled and working together. Get them some confidence.
You know Vanney will not do that. He is *committed* to the 4-3-3 and will force the players to learn to work within it regardless of whether or not he has the right personnel. Reminds me of Winter, in a way.

[Red CB Toronto]

Jozy a go tomorrow ?

[OgtheDim]

He said he was targetting the home opener.

[gracos]

Until we build a mentality/formation which everyone understands efficiently; i dont see any positive results, i want TFC to prove me wrong but seems like everyone is on a different page

[Ultra & Proud]

Until we build a mentality/formation which everyone understands efficiently; i dont see any positive results, i want TFC to prove me wrong but seems like everyone is on a different page
Looked better last match. See how it is when not chasing a game from the start.

[OgtheDim]

A look into how Philly is no longer the inflexible 4-2-3-1 they played for years

https://twitter.com/thegoalkeeper/status/1101516292429922304


Reading through that and a few other things, Philly is happy to get us now without replacements for VV & Seba & without Altidore.

They are either going to go with a 3-5-2 or a 4-4-2.


I suspect they go with a 3-5-2 and try to burn us on the wings. This is a game crying out for a defensive 4-5-1 version of the 4-3-3 with Morgan & Morrow on the left & Auro & De Leon on the Right. Keep Boyd up top & hope to counter with Oso making the one touch passes.

[Redcoe15]

redcoe has landed in philly!!!

[Hamilton_Red]

Yes - this should be a park the bus exercise tomorrow. An away draw would be fine... Boyd taking his chance and sneaking a winner would be even better.

But us having two competitive games under our belt should be an advantage right?

[Auzzy]

Yes - this should be a park the bus exercise tomorrow. An away draw would be fine... Boyd taking his chance and sneaking a winner would be even better.

But us having two competitive games under our belt should be an advantage right?

LOL, it gives us the advantage of not knowing what the hell to expect. :D

[ensco]

Yes - this should be a park the bus exercise tomorrow. An away draw would be fine... Boyd taking his chance and sneaking a winner would be even better.

But us having two competitive games under our belt should be an advantage right?

Neither game was “competitive”. We didn’t show up, then they didn’t play.

[OgtheDim]

On another note, the field was good enough to host 2 WWC warm up games this week. No complaints about the pitch.

[General Woolfe]

I think we might possibly take a hammering later today. I predict a 3-0 Philli win, as MLSE’s disastrous off season will be laid bare for all to see

[OgtheDim]

GAME DAY

:scarf:

Its a long season.

What I'm looking for today is signs of progress. See how individuals do, see how we react to what their formation is. Assuming we face a 3-5-2, this will be a test of whoever we throw out on the left & De Leon.

Lets see how players do on a pitch that isn't a beach or a concrete running track.

[Fort York Redcoat]

GAME DAY

:scarf:

Its a long season.

What I'm looking for today is signs of progress. See how individuals do, see how we react to what their formation is. Assuming we face a 3-5-2, this will be a test of whoever we throw out on the left & De Leon.

Lets see how players do on a pitch that isn't a beach or a concrete running track.

https://www.theweathernetwork.com/us/weather/pennsylvania/philadelphia

Still -3 and cloudy with flurries coming so...bundle up, Road Warriors! That riverside wind just whips.


Hey, will we see this guy today?

https://images.thestar.com/Sd9mDlOgnxyn9aykY-VZITTf2pI=/1086x724/smart/filters:cb(2700061000)/https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/tfc/2015/08/07/toronto-fc-trades-warren-creavalle-to-philadelphia/warren-creavalle.jpg

[ManUtd4ever]

We have Jozy and Pozuelo coming soon. There's light at the end of the tunnel. We just need to tread water until then.

[Hamilton_Red]

Shouldn't expect a result today. It would be a good sign of the depth of the squad if we did get a point or three. Won't be any fun if we get blown out.

[Red CB Toronto]

How good is Philly anyways?

[MightyDM]

1-1. We still can’t keep a clean sheet. But our residual quality and cohesiveness shines through.

[Ultra & Proud]

How good is Philly anyways?
Earlier a lot of people said they would be pretty good but I didn't see a lot done to improve the depth or anything. Now they are being picked to be way out of the playoffs. Hard to say but if I had to guess I would vote mediocre.

[OgtheDim]

Still waiting on the lineups - methinks this game don't start right at 1.

[Red CB Toronto]

Still waiting on the lineups - methinks this game don't start right at 1.

Its out now, Hamilton over Boyd up front interesting.

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/1101893050790563841

That's a 3-5-2 I think, which to me is the right decision here.

[OgtheDim]

That's going to be a 5-4-1 for a good chunk of the match.

[jasper]

https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/1101893050790563841

That's a 3-5-2 I think, which to me is the right decision here.

Thinking its more likely a 3-4-3 with Deleon and Osorio as inverted wingers.

[Ultra & Proud]

Still waiting on the lineups - methinks this game don't start right at 1.
Hopefully not. I get off work at 1pm. Got to hussle to watch.

[gracos]

downfall for Altidore segment, just shows Altidore doesnt set up a lot of chances, and we dont have a lot of playmakers, going to be tough this year, with him being the only consistent goal scorer

[daner90]

I was thinking 5-4-1 as well. Actually makes alot of sense with our personnel

[OgtheDim]

Way I'm looking at this game is best summed up by something I just saw - a bit of Herman Melville taken out of context:


For the present other matters press, and the best we can do now for the head, is to pray heaven the tackles may hold.

Yup

Pray heaven the tackles may hold

[portu]

Interesting to see how we perform against lesser competition than Panamanian upstarts

[samuraizero]

Does anyone have a stream by chance?

edit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st-EzxDOGMg

[Oldtimer]

3-4-3 for TFC
4-4-2 diamond for Philly.
Interesting.

[MightyDM]

Thinking its more likely a 3-4-3 with Deleon and Osorio as inverted wingers.

Thats what they said in the pre game.

[Oldtimer]

Philly pushing hard.

[rydermike]

I'm struggling to get used to Hamilton and Delgado wearing 7 and 8 respectively. Everytime I see Hamilton's number, I keep thinking its a new DP; Delgado I keep thinking is Aketxe

[notthesun]

Auro kind of looks like Giovinco with the gloves.

[portu]

Jeez I forgot Andre Blake is still in MLS

[portu]

It would be such a win for Hamilton to finally come to into his own. The guy has always had the potential to be a 10-12 goal guy in this league imo

[MightyDM]

given that our problem is conceding goals, I don’t get the thinking with the 3-4-3. It’s like Vanney has regressed in his thinking to his first part season. Philly putting right where Panama did - behind the really high wing backs

[MightyDM]

NIce holdup play by Hamilton. Bradley two give aways Surprising. Still exploiting the space down our flanks. Just like panama

[Valdal]

Does anyone have a stream by chance?

edit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st-EzxDOGMg

480p I cant handle that lol anyone have a 720p stream?

[MightyDM]

Better. Caldwell good today. “overelaborate”

[MightyDM]

Poor pass by Delgado there

[MightyDM]

Nice forward ball by Bradley and good run by Hamilton

[Oldtimer]

TFC getting some good rhythm at times but missing in the final third.

[MightyDM]

Auto and Delgado are a step behind the pace at the moment. Bradley has picked his game up. Hamilton on making some smart runs so far. Morrow Oso ok.

[portu]

Hamilton's got way more confidence it seems

[jloome]

TFC getting some good rhythm at times but missing in the final third.

They're taking the defensive stoicism too high, need more movement in the final third off the ball. Very little right now, so not a lot of options, just lanes.

[ensco]

I like Deleon's game. Better passer than I remember

[notthesun]

Ciman is insane in a bad way.

[ag futbol]

WTF is Ciman thinking with that sort of play? What an idiot

[portu]

I like Deleon's game. Better passer than I remember
Always liked him, but he seems really good today

[OgtheDim]

The wings are where our offence goes to die.

Ciman is where our hopes die.

[jloome]

I like Deleon's game. Better passer than I remember

I don't see it yet. He makes reckless movement decisions and loses the ball a lot.

[ensco]

The thing I don’t like is how much Mavinga and Ciman both gamble on tackles. You can only have one guy playing like that.

Ciman with a nice intervention there

[notthesun]

They're causing problems with the press on us in our own third. Need to more support from midfielders and Hamilton for passing options.

[jloome]

The thing I don’t like is how much Mavinga and Ciman both gamble on tackles. You can only have one guy playing like that.

Ciman with a nice intervention there

Yeah, that's going to be a problem at some point. Both lost their gigs at top clubs for pretty much reasons of reckless decisions. Great athletes but not line leaders; we need Moor out there, so hopefully today is better.

[ag futbol]

I hate us tactically right now in the final third. Vanney is telling a group of players that aren’t that talented to essentially pass around the other team and tap it into the net.

Not going to happen. We need to find the opportunity to cross, shoot, or just put it into the mixer and simply take it. Tell Hamilton and DeLeon to take every chance to attack the net and be done with it.

Right now, Andre Blake might as well be on vacation

[ensco]

OK this is good.

Who will take it?

[notthesun]

This is gonna get called back I feel like.

[MightyDM]

We are growing into the game. Nice to see. Ciman seems to be good in the air.

[MightyDM]

If they are going to use VAR they need to make it much faster

[ensco]

That should have been called back.

and... unreal

[ag futbol]

Wholly shit what a bad call

[notthesun]

We are the worst team in the entire world at penalties

[MightyDM]

We are cursed on penalties. Oso. Just put the laces through it man

[portu]

What the fuck is wrong with our penalties

[rydermike]

Next Practice: Penalty Shot competition

[tfcfans]

Another loss coming up.....it’s pathetic how much joy a 0-0 Final Score would give me......

[Valdal]

When did we become this pathetic ?

[rydermike]

Here's a Pozuelo penalty
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5cg2fy

[ensco]

When did we become this pathetic ?

Oso still thinking about Guadalajara.

[Brandino88]

Seriously do they even practice penalties???

[RealG-TFC]

Why wouldn't Hamilton take it?

[TFC1986]

Can't believe they gave a penalty.
But I did believed we would miss. Hamilton should have taken it

[Valdal]

Is Osorio worth 850k ?

[Oldtimer]

Next Practice: Penalty Shot competition

Honestly, this team needs a major focus on set pieces.

Also, that was a terrible call, should not have been a penalty.

[OgtheDim]

Neither a penalty nor a well taken one.

[ag futbol]

How is that not “clear and obvious”? Are these guys blind?

I would be roundly pissed if that was given against us

[notthesun]

There's no obvious taker on the field right now. Osorio probably would've been my first pick too but man that was weak as hell.

I would actually give Ciman the next one if these are the players we're picking from.

[stevep]

That pk was worse than Boyd's

[jloome]

I hate us tactically right now in the final third. Vanney is telling a group of players that aren’t that talented to essentially pass around the other team and tap it into the net.


An ongoing issue for three seasons. We have really good counter potential and two strong center forwads. We should be running the overlap and trying to cross centrally, have Osorio coming in as a tailer.

[Canary10]

I’m of the belief you can’t really practice penalties. The pressure in a game situation can’t be simulated.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Learn how to take penalty shots you fucking idiots!
At least 5 players should be FORCED to execute 20 penalty kicks every training day, AFTER the regular training session is over.

This is way beyond ridiculous as far TFC-s penalty record goes the last few years.

[nonc]

Osorio doesn't even have a shot why would he take a pk. Probably should have just had Ciman hit a bullet.

[MightyDM]

An ongoing issue for three seasons. We have really good counter potential and two strong center forwads. We should be running the overlap and trying to cross centrally, have Osorio coming in as a tailer.

That makes sense

[Canary10]

65% penalty success rate for TFC. That’s appalling.

[rydermike]

That pk was worse than Boyd's

Boyd at least had power in it. Oso basically passed the ball to the keeper

[notthesun]

Why is Picault getting behind Ciman on every single long ball?

[MightyDM]

I don’t understand why we are playing the wing backs so high. We keep getting beaten down the left into that space

[RedsYNWA]

Welcome to the club Oso:(

PK"s over the past 18 or so months

UPDATED

Gio 4-4
Altidore 5-2
VV 3-1
Bradley 0-2
Boyd 0-1
Oso 0-1

[ensco]

Why is Picault getting behind Ciman on every single long ball?

Both teams look weirdly slow at the back. Maybe it's the wind? If these teams could create the score would be 3-3.

[MightyDM]

Why is Picault getting behind Ciman on every single long ball?

Formation. Auro has apparently been instructed to play high. Huge areas of space there

[RealG-TFC]

Osorio doesn't even have a shot why would he take a pk. Probably should have just had Ciman hit a bullet.

This too.

[ensco]

Damn.

[ensco]

Well at least TFC kinda sorta look like an MLS club.

[tfcfans]

Holy F@&@& - The Captain Scored a goal?!

[MightyDM]

Boyd at least had power in it. Oso basically passed the ball to the keeper

That kind of penalty can work, if you are a regular right foot taker and you give the keeper the eyes. Oso didn’t sell it and in fact it was a bit obvious

[ensco]

Yeeeeeees.

When did MB last score? !!!

[portu]

Harder chance to bury than it looks. Take an extra touch to settle and your angle becomes smaller at best or gone at the worst because someone's caught up to you.

[rydermike]

Sign Bradley to a new DP contract :)

[ag futbol]

The anti-hero with the goal! Take that critics

[MightyDM]

The General! Sign him up!

[RedsYNWA]

OMG BRADLEY SCORED

I fell of my chair :scarf:

[portu]

Great ball from Auro, great run to draw attention from Hamilton, good finish by Bradley. Fucking love it.

[ensco]

I don't see it yet. He makes reckless movement decisions and loses the ball a lot.

How about now?

[jazzy]

Is Osorio worth 850k ?

Never ..... but who in our mgmt understands quality .

[ensco]

Great ball from Auro, great run to draw attention from Hamilton, good finish by Bradley. Fucking love it.

Move really started by a nifty ball from Deleon under pressure.

[portu]

Move really started by a nifty ball from Deleon under pressure.
That too!

[rydermike]

That kind of penalty can work, if you are a regular right foot taker and you give the keeper the eyes. Oso didn’t sell it and in fact it was a bit obvious

Side footed penalties can and do work, but still need some power in it. It looked fairly weak from me, like he lacked confidence. Blake fully grabbed it with ease. Usually if its a strong enough and put right near the post the goalie will still need to parry it or grab it with effort. Blake was basically waiting for it to roll into his arms

[Ultra & Proud]

No idea why Ciman wouldn't take the PK. I recall him being good at them.

[Defoe]

Captain Baldy with a great goal

[ag futbol]

I hate us tactically right now in the final third. Vanney is telling a group of players that aren’t that talented to essentially pass around the other team and tap it into the net.

And of course that comes back to bite me in the ass immediately

[Hamilton_Red]

Good first half. feels like we are short two quality strikers though.

[Leedsoronto]

Should be 2-0 now

[ensco]

I LOVE Michael scoring in the US. He will savour that.

He is subject to so much unfair abuse down there.

[jloome]

How about now?

Yeah... I'll reserve judgment.

[ensco]

Should be 2-0 now

Should be 4-3 or something. So many missed chances both ways, the PK is just one.

[jloome]

Damn, my feed went out just in time for the goal, and now it's not showing the halftime.
Bah.

[benito]

I LOVE Michael scoring in the US. He will savour that.

He is subject to so much unfair abuse down there.

Completely agree

[notthesun]

Yeeeeeees.

When did MB last score? !!!

Apparently:

Last in any competition was with the U.S. on that wonder goal against Mexico.

Last in MLS was vs. Montreal in 2016 playoffs.

Last in MLS regular season was September 2016.

[TFC1986]

Wow.
I'm glad we got those two games with Panama in. Got us warmed up to try and hopefully we can win this

[OgtheDim]

Philly looks like a team playing their first game. And the pitch is bouncy.

Philly likely to win this one because Picault is just killing Ciman & Ciman is...well Ciman.

But, will take the feeling right now even though I know an hour from now its likely to be not the result we want.

[ensco]

Apparently:

Last in any competition was with the U.S. on that wonder goal against Mexico.

Last in MLS was vs. Montreal in 2016 playoffs.

Last in MLS regular season was September 2016.

That is incredible.

[notthesun]

We started very much on the back foot but grew into it well and have had the 3 best open play chances to show for it (DeLeon header, Hamilton in alone, and goal). Gotta be happy with this.

[ensco]

Auro, Deleon, Hamilton all with textbook stuff on the goal.

Props to JHam, so hard to hold discipline, maintain the deep run and create the channel for the man behind you

[gracos]

Will Vanney allow Bradley to be a little more freely, now that Vazquez is gone, Bradley looks good if he can roam effectively

[stegosaurus]

Things that haven’t sucked: DeLeon (except when losing possession for no reason), Bradley “Shouldn’t even be on $1 million a year,” Mavinga/Moor, maybe Auro.

Things that haven’t been good: Bono’s distribution, Osorio can’t even at least send his penalties into orbit like everyone else, Hamilton the 10-12 goal a year striker who can’t score 1v1.

[GBV]

How is that not “clear and obvious”? Are these guys blind?

I would be roundly pissed if that was given against us

Between this, the Fiorentina-Inter fiasco Sunday and the other games I've seen this week, I think that's the fourth totally bogus PK I've seen get rewarded with VAR part of the equation.

[Gringo Starr]

I'm looking forward to seeing us play with a lead for a change

[ensco]

The story of the game is how bad Fabian has looked. He has been horrible.

We have Pozo, Altidore, maybe others coming still... but Philly is looking at their full season team right here.

They look hopeless.

[FootBallAZ]

Bradley's goal was lucky, he literally.kicked it right down the middle, If they goalie leaned right he would have saved it, but glad to see him score and get that off his back.

Still have no confidence in spot shots.

DeLeon is a player. Can't believe Hamilton didn't get a shot on net.

Was it all of our defenders have gone down except for moor so far.

Don't think it was hand ball for the penalty.

[MightyDM]

Auro, Deleon, Hamilton all with textbook stuff on the goal.

Props to JHam, so hard to hold discipline, maintain the deep run and create the channel for the man behind you

Hamilton is playing well. Could have taken one more touch on that chance but full credit to him.

[Canary10]

Where’s all the sand?

[MightyDM]

Really nice to seeMoor back. He was missed.

[BelfastBoy]

We're gonna win the league!

[stegosaurus]

Between this, the Fiorentina-Inter fiasco Sunday and the other games I've seen this week, I think that's the fourth totally bogus PK I've seen get rewarded with VAR part of the equation.

It’s possible that MLS has indicated to PRO that near handballs be called in the box or something. Every year MLS has things they want refs to be harder on, etc.

[Defoe]

So what do we think of the quality?

IMO The quality so far between both clubs:

Offence: MLS 2.0
Midfield: MLS 3.0
defence: MLS 1.0

For a nice score of 2.0.

It's not bad soccer... it's not great soccer. I remember in 2014 watching a game was just brutal and I had a hard time watching the quality was so bad. These are mid table clubs on paper and they can pass the ball around for long stretch's and make some nice plays.

[MightyDM]

Where’s all the sand?

Hahahahahah

[barticusz]

Hey all, the previous stream link isn’t active. Anyone have another stream?

[jloome]

youtube.com/watch?v=qKTOTqImcy8

[69Chevy396]

Youtube stream no longer working, does anybody have another one?

[Laurignano]

Is it me or does our 3-4-3 look more like a 3-4-2-1 (DeLeon and Osario more narrow / more like a LAM and RAM) ? I'm not sure how I feel about this setup yet, but to be fair this type of formation isn't something you can just roll out and expect it to be executed perfectly.

[MightyDM]

Bradley is up for this

[69Chevy396]

youtube.com/watch?v=qKTOTqImcy8
Thanks...but unable to open...please send it as a link

[jloome]

Is it me or does our 3-4-3 look more like a 3-4-2-1 (DeLeon and Osario more narrow / more like a LAM and RAM) ? I'm not sure how I feel about this setup yet, but to be fair this type of formation isn't something you can just roll out and expect it to be executed perfectly.

It's because DeLeon and Osorio are both much better coming inside than playing the overlap. That would be the thinking.

[jloome]

Thanks...but unable to open...please send it as a link

Dude, just stick https://www. in front of it.

[MightyDM]

Bradley is up for this


They should elbow him him in the nose more often!

[tfcfans]

Holy Crap!!!!

Now just don’t get the second yellow.....

[rydermike]

Who needs a DP striker, when you have a goal scoring DM

[ag futbol]

Yes!!!

[notthesun]

Unbelievable hahaha

[benito]

Beautiful finish!

[gracos]

Bradley is showing his worth of a new DP contract, so far i see hes worth it

[T.O TILL I DIE]

Whhhhhaatttttttt?? Michael bradley on his way to a hat trick? Whats this world coming to! Glad to finally see this from him!

[stevep]

Boy Caldwell talks a lot

[ensco]

Two goals, a yellow, and a near second yellow.

I'd say MB is putting in a good shift here.

[TheGoodson]

Michael fucking Bradley. That’s is all

[TFC1986]

Golden boot

[Red CB Toronto]

Hail To The General !!

[jloome]

Whhhhhaatttttttt?? Michael bradley on his way to a hat trick? Whats this world coming to! Glad to finally see this from him!

Again, when he played the high midfield spot in the Eredivisie, he was second in league scoring with eighteen goals.

[Hamilton_Red]

We posted all the “He’s only a TAM player” postings up in the dressing room and it really pissed Bradley off!

[ensco]

We have been quite lucky, and should now commence tanker parking operations to see this out.

WE WANT THAT CLEAN SHEET.

[T.O TILL I DIE]

Projection: MB gets more goals this season than Pozuelo 😂

[nonc]

Love when Bradley scores, he was jacked.

[notthesun]

First ever brace for Bradley with us.

Great ball by Mavinga to play it back in quickly to Osorio after the free kick was cleared and before Philly had reset. Created instant danger.

[rydermike]

We posted all the “He’s only a TAM player” postings up in the dressing room and it really pissed Bradley off!

So let's call him a TFC2 player. He'll win MVP and Golden Boot

[MightyDM]

We have been quite lucky, and should now commence tanker parking operations to see this out.

WE WANT THAT CLEAN SHEET.

Looks like we might be playing a bit more 5-3-2

[ag futbol]

For a guy who doesn’t often show to hold up the ball, Hamilton is actually not half bad at it when he gets it

[RedsYNWA]

If you told me MB gets a brace I would have bet my house.......

Good on You Captain :flare:

[notthesun]

Hamilton's best game in possession that I've seen. Excellent hold up play all game.

The biggest thing with replacing Jozy is not being as lethal in front of goal or creative, that's asking too much. It's occupying the other team's central defenders and providing a reliable outlet up the field that will let us keep the ball. Hamilton's doing that today.

[jazzy]

Again, when he played the high midfield spot in the Eredivisie, he was second in league scoring with eighteen goals.

This ! It’s almost forgotten how low we’ve seen him , constantly dropping back .....hopefully this is consistent in our future formations . It changes a lot .

[T.O TILL I DIE]

Again, when he played the high midfield spot in the Eredivisie, he was second in league scoring with eighteen goals.
While i dont doubt his ability to produce that many goals, i dont think he’ll score near that muchZ But damn that was nearly 15 years ago he produced 16 goals not 18 btw lol. But i do believe MB will produce numbers this season we havnt seen from him in the past.

[Red CB Toronto]

Michael was just simply looking to match Seba's two goal performances in Saudi Arabia last night ( :

[MightyDM]

For a guy who doesn’t often show to hold up the ball, Hamilton is actually not half bad at it when he gets it

He is taking his chance. But I’d be thinking about bringing Boyd on if I were Vanney

[jloome]

We look disciplined today, it's been good. I know we're not going to play as team as tactically woeful as philly every week, but this is a damn sight better.

[rydermike]

Osorio missed a penalty then gives the Union one

[ag futbol]

Get your hands down Oso, wtf

[jazzy]

Nice to revisit the always exciting MLS refereeing......

[tfcfans]

Is there any chance we get three points today?

[MightyDM]

Poetic justice. And a piss off

[rydermike]

Hopefully all our players watch how to take a penalty shot here

[T.O TILL I DIE]

Jeez osorio with a terrible game. Putting his hands up in the box like a cheerleader isnt a good decision..

[Ultra & Proud]

Osorio needs to pick it up this year. He is off the pace.

[tfcfans]

Now we run around with our heads cut-off.......these next 20 minutes will tell me a lot about 2019 vs 2018....prove me wrong boys, prove me wrong.....

[jazzy]

Osorio can’t ever be captain ......he’s simply got to work everyday .....it doesn’t come easy

[MightyDM]

That’s how you do the easy one to the right. Give the eyes and hard side foot.

[ag futbol]

Has Bono even dived to the right side in his history of trying to stop penalties?

[rydermike]

Takes the exact same penalty as osorio (side footed into corner) but with power and confidence = goal

[nonc]

Has Bono even dived to the right side in his history of trying to stop penalties?
Never, auto goal.

[Red CB Toronto]

Time to hold on.

[T.O TILL I DIE]

Omg that went across the line forsure

[tfcfans]

That’s a likely goal - and we will lose, and we have the mental strength of a gnat on this team.....I can’t watch this stuff....let me know when it’s over.....

[MightyDM]

Oso has been a very good link - has played that role well. But a missed pk and a pk. Sheesh

[jazzy]

Philly , surprisingly is so bad , we can hold them off without stupid mistakes , keep within ourselves and backup each other , please ....and then .......

[MightyDM]

I hate VAR.

[rydermike]

To all the Union players complaining, it's the way of the sport now, they will let play on and let VAR make the correct call. It's the responsible move by the ref. They do it for offsides too. Play on and then reverse

[ensco]

Ciman was alert there

[Oldtimer]

Now let's give Ciman some credit.

[MightyDM]

VAR is going to destroy soccer. It’s a game that moves. Not stands around, unlike gridiron

[notthesun]

Ciman saved it. That's not all the way over.

[ag futbol]

For fuck sales TSN, is it too much for you to show the replay more than once?

[RedsYNWA]

WHy TF did Bono start his PK defence deep in the net????

[T.O TILL I DIE]

Lol who seen the Meekmill> drake sign

[rydermike]

Ciman has earned his contact there

[MightyDM]

That’s a red.

[TFC1986]

This ref makes me laugh

[notthesun]

He wasn't even looking at the fucking ball

[MightyDM]

It’s not the elbow, it’s running at the player. Reckless. Totally disagree with Caldwell.

[azorean]

That looked over in real time, Regardless, we are shit right now, Philly is shittier.

[rydermike]

WHy TF did Bono start his PK defence deep in the net????

Some refs will call a redo if the goalie steps forward off the line and then dives, so I guess Bono decided if he wants to step forward, he'll step onto the line and then dive and prevent a redo

[notthesun]

We're gonna play like 10 minutes of stoppage at this rate jesus

[ag futbol]

This is comically poor job in managing the game by the officials

[jazzy]

Opening game , ref is so lost , .....mls thinks it can be big time with poor refs ......simply sad because someone will get hurt

[benito]

This is going to be a rollercoaster ending

[TFC1986]

I'm saying 5 extra minutes added

[azorean]

This is comically poor job in managing the game by the officials

What a shit show, I will happily take the points, but boy, just awful.

[Thomas]

I wish Caldwell would stop is non stop yapping.

[ag futbol]

What a shit show, I will happily take the points, but boy, just awful.
You know when your head MLS official blows that first VAR call this league is hopelessly overwhelmed when it comes to calling games

[MightyDM]

That body check on Moor was an outrage. Never tried for the ball or looked at it.Ref has really lost control here.

[RedsYNWA]

is it too early to....

BLOW THE WHISTLE :megaphone:

[RedsYNWA]

Hey we are cutting into CURLING :)

WOO HOO

[MightyDM]

Ciman has picked up his game

[Ultra & Proud]

Osorio back to 2016 form.

[Thomas]

Yeah....Ciman has looked better so far.

[notthesun]

LMAO I am very much here for the referee calmly walking up to Blake and explaining the rules of a goal kick

[ensco]

Good professional time wasting display. Ref is not policing it.

[rydermike]

Bono yellow card time

[rydermike]

3 points

[stevep]

I like Nick deleon