Match Day 3 - Nashville @ TFC Saturday March 14 4pm - And a New Day Will Dawn

[OgtheDim]

For Those Who Stand Long



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fw_Codf29Pw



********

Have at It People

[Joe Kool]

Home Show is on this weekend. Bear in mind for anyone planning to park at Ex Place since parking lots will likely be busier than normal.

[Yohan]

Nashville is bad. Like typical expansion side bad.

No reason why TFC can't take 3 pts

[Red CB Toronto]

Home Show is on this weekend. Bear in mind for anyone planning to park at Ex Place since parking lots will likely be busier than normal.

That is why I advise to anyone Park north of the Ex.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

2-0 or 3-1 for the good guys.
(With what normaly should have been a 4 goal win, but a lots of great scoring chances being squandered....).
:scarf:

Having just a nerve-wrecking 1 goal win against such side would not go down as a positive, and God forbid, having a collective brainfart or collective no show on part of TFC, resulting in a draw, will be a minor disaster.
Getting beaten at home by Nashville should not be talked even as a slight possibility, but if it happens it's a bigger calamity than the coronavirus. lol...

[Ultra & Proud]

Nashville have no offense to speak of. Their best offensive threat is Zimmerman. That being said they are solid defensively and I woulnd't be surprised with a 1-0 or 2-0 score for us. They aren't a Cinci kind of expansion team.

[OgtheDim]

Nashville have no offense to speak of. Their best offensive threat is Zimmerman. That being said they are solid defensively and I woulnd't be surprised with a 1-0 or 2-0 score for us. They aren't a Cinci kind of expansion team.

Yeah, that's my take.

Nashville started out with a press against Portland that was effective against a team that doesn't play the ball quickly. Then when Portland scored, the Timbers went into bunker ball and Nashville could do nothing.

I expect them to press. I also think we are going to be passing the ball around a heck of a lot. The quicker we move the ball, the more incisive our offence will be.

There is going to be a lot of grumbling in the stands.

This is a good game to see if Fraser can deal with the press & pass the ball quickly.

[MikeForbes]

I expect a 2-0 win. Altidore gets a brace and the team bunkers down for the clean sheet. Exact same lineup as against NYCFC.

[ensco]

Yeah, that's my take.

Nashville started out with a press against Portland that was effective against a team that doesn't play the ball quickly. Then when Portland scored, the Timbers went into bunker ball and Nashville could do nothing.

I expect them to press. I also think we are going to be passing the ball around a heck of a lot. The quicker we move the ball, the more incisive our offence will be.

There is going to be a lot of grumbling in the stands.

This is a good game to see if Fraser can deal with the press & pass the ball quickly.

I watched that whole game and I did not think Nashville had no offence.

I came away thinking Nashville had good possesion, was a bit snakebit, and couldn't play from behind.

Also Accam and 1-2 other players had their homes destroyed in those tornados last week, so they did not practice properly.

Mukhtar is a pretty interesting player, who hasn't shown anything yet. Accam has burned us before.

I expect goals. Could be a trap game.

[magmadragon]

I'm more concerned about Og going with Dolly and not Led Zep.

[CorrwgBach]

I'm more concerned about Og going with Dolly and not Led Zep.

Nashville not Wolverhampton.

[magmadragon]

Nashville not Wolverhampton.

That point flew right over my head. :facepalm:

[DinamoTFC]

Nashville is bad. Like typical expansion side bad.

No reason why TFC can't take 3 pts

These type of opponents require the most attention and focus by our team since we usually waste points against them. We usually take for granted those teams that don't play open.

[Lil'John]

These type of opponents require the most attention and focus by our team since we usually waste points against them. We usually take for granted those teams that don't play open.

Correct. Our performances in the first two games would suggest we should win - but we still have to win.
I'm encouraged though by what seems to me our much greater attacking penetration compared with last year.
Last year we often had lots of possession without ever looking dangerous, which was not the case in the first two games.
This may be due to Pozuelo playing in his best position.

[ag futbol]

I watched that whole game and I did not think Nashville had no offence.

I came away thinking Nashville had good possesion, was a bit snakebit, and couldn't play from behind.

Also Accam and 1-2 other players had their homes destroyed in those tornados last week, so they did not practice properly.

Mukhtar is a pretty interesting player, who hasn't shown anything yet. Accam has burned us before.

I expect goals. Could be a trap game.
They just lacked the size to compete for balls in the box. Thought they moved the ball okay but final product wasn’t there

[ensco]

They just lacked the size to compete for balls in the box. Thought they moved the ball okay but final product wasn’t there

Maybe. They just seemed a bit disjointed the way most expansion teams do. But they worried Portland enough that the Timbers went full bunker early, which is interesting.

Nashville did not look at all like Cincinnati. That team could be trouble.

[magmadragon]

From watching the highlights, I think we take Nashville lightly at our peril.

[OgtheDim]

From watching the highlights, I think we take Nashville lightly at our peril.

I think they switch up a few positions though - bring in Fraser & Ciman over Osorio & Gonzalez - possibly Laryea starting over Auro. Gotta do some load management.

[MightyDM]

Correct. Our performances in the first two games would suggest we should win - but we still have to win.
I'm encouraged though by what seems to me our much greater attacking penetration compared with last year.
Last year we often had lots of possession without ever looking dangerous, which was not the case in the first two games.
This may be due to Pozuelo playing in his best position.

What position do you see Poz as having played?

[MightyDM]

I think they switch up a few positions though - bring in Fraser & Ciman over Osorio & Gonzalez - possibly Laryea starting over Auro. Gotta do some load management.

i think you are right about Ciman and Laryea - not for load management but because they have earned it. Not sure about Fraser because I am not at training, but has he earned even a shot at MB's role over Oso? The only time he looked that good was for Canada, not TFC

[MikeForbes]

How mad will some of you be when Fraser doesn't start again this time? I will make this a running question.

[James17930]

How mad will some of you be when Fraser doesn't start again this time? I will make this a running question.

If he doesn't play, but then doesn't get any loaned out, I'll be mad. He needs to develop.

Maybe they can loan him to Forge.

[jabbronies]

I think they switch up a few positions though - bring in Fraser & Ciman over Osorio & Gonzalez - possibly Laryea starting over Auro. Gotta do some load management.


Ciman for Gonzalez?? That doesn't make sense. Having two forward moving CB's?
And then sticking a kid in Liam Fraser into a situation where he would be the main defensive option in the middle of the park?

That is a recipe for failure.

[CBTFC]

Load management?!?! We just started the season and have one game a week, lol. The LAST thing I would do is mess with the starting 11, especially our Mavinga/Gonzalez CB pairing.

[TFC1154ever]

Load management?!?! We just started the season and have one game a week, lol. The LAST thing I would do is mess with the starting 11, especially our Mavinga/Gonzalez CB pairing.

Bingo. Both won’t be playing internationally either during the break. 7 days apart from each match. Keep rolling. In April, the squad rotation can begin.

[leafsman]

Load management should only be done on the road anyway.

[Ultra & Proud]

Load management should only be done on the road anyway.
I would definitely do some load management at Cinci. Artificial pitches mean load management days for me.

[Joe Kool]

I don't agree with squad rotation when it comes to CB pairings of any of the back line really for that matter. Tinkering with the back line unless you absolutely have to is a recipe for goals against in my opinion. Communication and knowing the other player's defensive tendencies takes time to learn and you can't just swap people in easy and expect the same results. One miscue can be a goal. That is my two cents anyway. Let the other defenders play when they need to only. If you want to give them game minutes give them a TFC II game here or there if that is possible.

[OgtheDim]

Ciman for Gonzalez?? That doesn't make sense. Having two forward moving CB's?
And then sticking a kid in Liam Fraser into a situation where he would be the main defensive option in the middle of the park?

That is a recipe for failure.

Failure like...our first 3 playoff games last year?


Looking through the season (baring a corona lay off which seems more likely every hour), this is one of the few games everybody can look at and go - here, take a rest. Its going to happen - just have to pick when.

[OgtheDim]

On another note



I have made the decision to not go to this game

For me, too much of a risk - I have too many connections with people who me attending would up the risk

Understand why the event would continue

Understand why some people will still go

[Red CB Toronto]

We have just seen the first major sporting event in this country cancelled with the world figure skating championships that was going to take place next week in Montreal. Think this is the first of more to come I expect. MLSE should really be at the forefront of this. Some of the things going on in the US is baffling, we have the Crew and Bluejackets deciding to move ahead with games even after the governor recomenned that they should be be played, at least with no crowds. These are teams who are putting the bottom line above the welfare of their fans.


On another note



I have made the decision to not go to this game

For me, too much of a risk - I have too many connections with people who me attending would up the risk

Understand why the event would continue

Understand why some people will still go

[ag futbol]

Yes, I would expect more of this to come.

MLS will be in a bit more of a bind than others as they rely on the gate a fair amount

[Derko]

That is very thoughtful of you Og👍👍


On another note



I have made the decision to not go to this game

For me, too much of a risk - I have too many connections with people who me attending would up the risk

Understand why the event would continue

Understand why some people will still go

[ensco]

I sure as hell don’t expect MLSE to do the right thing, but I don’t understand what the Province is doing tbh. We have a gateway airport here. What are they waiting for?

It is beyond obvious that this game should be behind closed doors.

[James17930]

I sure as hell don’t expect MLSE to do the right thing, but I don’t understand what the Province is doing tbh. We have a gateway airport here. What are they waiting for?

It is beyond obvious that this game should be behind closed doors.

That's certainly better than having possible postponements later, but of course don't expect Ford to do the right thing.

[glaze]

I have no desire to go to the game.
Refunds would likely be difficult, and i get how it may be a league decision, if mlse says no tfc then what about Raptors leafs etc.
But maybe a credit to next years tix, or some kind of other goodwill gesture could be made.

[Red CB Toronto]

The NBA has just suspended their season following tonight's games. Will be interesting to see if MLS does the same.


I sure as hell don’t expect MLSE to do the right thing, but I don’t understand what the Province is doing tbh. We have a gateway airport here. What are they waiting for?

It is beyond obvious that this game should be behind closed doors.


That's certainly better than having possible postponements later, but of course don't expect Ford to do the right thing.

[MightyDM]

I don't agree with squad rotation when it comes to CB pairings of any of the back line really for that matter. Tinkering with the back line unless you absolutely have to is a recipe for goals against in my opinion. Communication and knowing the other player's defensive tendencies takes time to learn and you can't just swap people in easy and expect the same results. One miscue can be a goal. That is my two cents anyway. Let the other defenders play when they need to only. If you want to give them game minutes give them a TFC II game here or there if that is possible.
While I agree in principle with your point, Ciman was very good the last part of the season and we want that Ciman on the pitch which for me means starts to keep sharp and fresh.

[MightyDM]

The NBA has just suspended their season following tonight's games. Will be interesting to see if MLS does the same.

Don't see how they can do otherwise. Too bad; I was being utterly selfish and going to the game with friends I havent seen for a long time

[ag futbol]

The NBA has just suspended their season following tonight's games. Will be interesting to see if MLS does the same.
Clearly this is just another scheme to keep Liam Fraser out of the starting lineup.

[613reppingTFC]

^lol

[Captain]

Have there been any statements from MLS or MLSE about games?

[ensco]

This is absurd. The advice from health professionals on how to slow this thing down is overwhelming.

We are all in this together. It's just sports.

The Province of Ontario must mandate closed doors or suspend all sports events today. This morning.

[Oldtimer]

This is absurd. The advice from health professionals on how to slow this thing down is overwhelming.

We are all in this together. It's just sports.

The Province of Ontario must mandate closed doors or suspend all sports events today. This morning.

The Provinces and the Feds are meeting this morning. Expect a coordinated national strategy.

[Oldtimer]

Have there been any statements from MLS or MLSE about games?

Official statement here:

https://twitter.com/MLS_PR/status/1237860243301748737

[RealG-TFC]

This is silly, they should just suspend the season until this all gets sorted out.

[ag futbol]

Official statement here:

https://twitter.com/MLS_PR/status/1237860243301748737
That a bunch of nonsense.

Basically, we’ll wait until the government tells us to shut down otherwise “our cleaning procedures are really good”

[Red CB Toronto]

All morning activity on the NHL has been canceled, skates, media availability , team meetings. The board of governors is having a 1 pm conference call. It’s fully expected now they will align with the NBA and suspend the season. I believe at this point MLS has no choice unless the Soccer Don is completely out to lunch.

[noxx98]

TFC cancelled practice today. I can't see the game happening.

[Oldtimer]

All morning activity on the NHL has been canceled, skates, media availability , team meetings. The board of governors is having a 1 pm conference call. It’s fully expected now they will align with the NBA and suspend the season. I believe at this point MLS has no choice unless the Soccer Don is completely out to lunch.

We'll see.

The NBA/NHL/MLB/MLS have been in close communication, so I expect there to be a similar approach.

Regardless of what individual leagues do right now, I expect North America to look like Italy in a few weeks and everything will shut down anyway. The US has majorly mishandled this and we have an open border with the US.

[Ultra & Proud]

TFC cancelled practice today. I can't see the game happening.
They probably have an inside word that it's off.

[Oldtimer]

MLS has suspended their season, per the Athletic.

[Boddington]

MLS has suspended their season, per the Athletic.

TSN and Sports Illustrated reporting the same.

https://www.tsn.ca/report-mls-suspending-season-1.1456550

EDIT: Added link to TSN article.

[fergiejr]

https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1238128176502628353/photo/1

MLS Statement.

[Captain]

680 News just announced that the MLS official suspension noitce is coming soon.

[Boddington]

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/03/12/major-league-soccer-suspends-season-30-days-impact-coronavirus

MLS Official

[SPALE]

No games for 30 days. MLS just put statement out

[OgtheDim]

Good

Will miss it

Will be happy when it comes back

More important stuff to do right now

[gracos]

I wonder how long after the season resumes will MB be able to return; this might actually be another benefit to the club more than just the preventative measures

[daner90]

We may actually see Piatti this year....

[jabbronies]

Failure like...our first 3 playoff games last year?


Looking through the season (baring a corona lay off which seems more likely every hour), this is one of the few games everybody can look at and go - here, take a rest. Its going to happen - just have to pick when.

Micheal Bradley was present for our first 3 playoff games last year. He more than makes up for what is lost by adding Ciman to replace Gonzalez.

Liam Fraser should not be put into a situation without a proper defensive leader behind him. Especially his first game of the season. Especially if you are trying to build his confidence to take on more minutes as the season progresses.

That is why this would be a failure.

You do one or the other - not both. Not this early.

[GerMc]

MLS suspends season for 30 days.




Major League Soccer Suspends Season for 30 Days

NEW YORK (March 12, 2020) – Major League Soccer has suspended match play for 30 days, effective immediately, as the league continues to assess the impact of COVID-19 with its medical task force and public health officials.

At the appropriate time, the league and clubs will communicate plans for the continuation of the 2020 season and update the status of league events.

“Our clubs were united today in the decision to temporarily suspend our season – based on the advice and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and other public health authorities, and in the best interest of our fans, players, officials and employees,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “We’d like to thank our fans for their continued support during this challenging time.”

For more information, visit MLSsoccer.com (https://click.fanmail.mlssoccer.com/u/?qs=df05be97e3fe91394466a394ff3434f230fd84a52101d9 49d66127399fe19090777ff942afa58b86d2a9b8d4191ff908 cb95a2399be756db).

[MKR]

why did you guys move the MLS suspension topic into the game thread? Surely this deserves its own thread as its own topic, no?

[Oldtimer]

MLS suspension thread is in the news section.

http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/showthread.php?42833-MLS-suspending-season-for-30-days-!!!&p=1918722#post1918722

Thread closed as this game isn't happening. Please move suspension discussions to the suspension thread.