MLS iS Back Round of 16 - TFC vs NYCFC Sun. 26 July 8:30 PM - An Empire State of Mind

[Red CB Toronto]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsZlY0Vz4-o

__

Have at it as TFC takes on NTCFC once again in some post-season football during these uncertain times.

[Joe Kool]

I would have liked to see Vancouver/TFC for an all Canadian match up but I guess I don't mind to see TFC knocking NYCFC out of another cup game. Night game this time. Let's see some offense and hopefully Mavinga and Gonzalez can play a full 90 so we are not messing with the backline part way into the game.

[OgtheDim]

https://img.cartoongoodies.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/20094227/Teletubbies-4-friends-GIF.gif

AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN

[OgtheDim]

Practice Penalties, ya dummies!!!

[Joe Kool]

Practice Penalties, ya dummies!!!

Haha yeah no kidding. Have to pray that it never goes to penalties and also we need to make sure NYCFC doesn't get any red cards because that always affects TFC negatively for some reason too. That could be the worst scenario for TFC....NYCFC gets a red so goes into a bunker to play for the draw then goes to penalties. That is a nightmare night for TFC fans.

[PaceyWinger]

Haha yeah no kidding. Have to pray that it never goes to penalties and also we need to make sure NYCFC doesn't get any red cards because that always affects TFC negatively for some reason too. That could be the worst scenario for TFC....NYCFC gets a red so goes into a bunker to play for the draw then goes to penalties. That is a nightmare night for TFC fans.

Piatti hasn't missed a penalty since 2009 according to the internet. He's also only made 4 of them since that time fwiw.

[Red CB Toronto]

Practice penalties and hope they do not need to play a man up.

[Bushmancan]

This looks like our route ....

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EdqjfOiXYAUgO2w?format=png&name=large

[OgtheDim]

Seattle vs Toronto for the final is ON!!!

[Joe Kool]

Piatti hasn't missed a penalty since 2009 according to the internet. He's also only made 4 of them since that time fwiw.

Good to know but we would also have to ask ourselves will he be on the field at the 90th min if he starts....probably not. Also, is there extra time in these games or straight to PK's? That is one part of the rules I did not look into yet.

[rydermike]

Good to know but we would also have to ask ourselves will he be on the field at the 90th min if he starts....probably not. Also, is there extra time in these games or straight to PK's? That is one part of the rules I did not look into yet.

Straight to PKs


Pozuelo also has 5 goals in 4 games against NYC, including 3 penalties.

[Joe Kool]

Straight to PKs

Thanks.

[613reppingTFC]

Q
Auro- Gonzo- Mavinga - Laryea (can morrow get in yet or still out? have we heard how long?)
Bradley - Delgado
Piatti - Poz - Endo (Oso and Deleon to sub)
Ayo (Jozy to sub)

[ag futbol]

Laryea doing a bang up job in my books (on both sides). Think he’s starting before end of the season but maybe hasn’t cemented the starters role just yet.

[Derko]

Laryea doing a bang up job in my books (on both sides). Think he’s starting before end of the season but maybe hasn’t cemented the starters role just yet.

I actually prefer Lareya coming in as a sub winger, but with Morrow out we have no choice, he is doing quite well as a defender on the left, we don't want to fart around with the Spanish connection on the right side, would like to see Piatti bag a goal or two. I really liked his strike from outside of the box against Montreal, again my bane is TFC not wanting or incapable of striking outside of the box, trying to be a bit too tricky and fucking it up.

[magmadragon]

I bet if there is a penalty situation, Sean Johnson simply stands in the middle against Pozuelo.

[PaceyWinger]

I actually prefer Lareya coming in as a sub winger, but with Morrow out we have no choice, he is doing quite well as a defender on the left, we don't want to fart around with the Spanish connection on the right side, would like to see Piatti bag a goal or two. I really liked his strike from outside of the box against Montreal, again my bane is TFC not wanting or incapable of striking outside of the box, trying to be a bit too tricky and fucking it up.
I do feel obliged to state that while Auro Jr speaks espanyol he comes from Brazil where they falas la língua português (apologies to anyone who speaks the language - i do not!). That group has been amazing though so I completely agree that we want to keep them together.

[Auzzy]

I bet if there is a penalty situation, Sean Johnson simply stands in the middle against Pozuelo.

Then Pozuelo will do this. Plus there was another one where he went hard to the right. Maybe that was even against NYC?

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/07/17/goal-alejandro-pozuelo-converts-penalty

Although the first Panenka against Johnson was delicious. About the slowest one I've ever seen.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Practice Penalties, ya dummies!!!

THIS!

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Haha yeah no kidding. Have to pray that it never goes to penalties and also we need to make sure NYCFC doesn't get any red cards because that always affects TFC negatively for some reason too. That could be the worst scenario for TFC....NYCFC gets a red so goes into a bunker to play for the draw then goes to penalties. That is a nightmare night for TFC fans.

and THIS!

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Straight to PKs

IMO that's a BS rule for any serious tourney or Cup style competition.
Should be 2 x 15 extra minutes.

[rydermike]

IMO that's a BS rule for any serious tourney or Cup style competition.
Should be 2 x 15 extra minutes.

It's because of the heat. I would not be surprised to see the 2022 WC in Qatar adopting the same rule

[ManUtd4ever]

Seattle vs Toronto for the final is ON!!!

That would be something.

[Red CB Toronto]

Tomorrow night can not come soon enough, let the Reds knock out NYCFC once again !

[ensco]

You cannot just practice penalties for a few days. That is exactly what got England into trouble with PKs for decades.

This is a fabulous book on the subject
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQS4E22/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

In Italy, Spain and Germany, PKs are taught, practiced every day, monitored, and personalized. In all club training. It has been that way for decades.

You want to be good at this as an institution? You have to start five years before you need to be good at it.

[OgtheDim]

Oh, I agree with you ensco.

But this team notoriously does not take pens seriously and gets antsy if it goes to them.

My memory is they practiced them once before the 3 MLS cup finals and not once at all before the CCL final or the Voyageurs final of last year. Even if you do it once, you are better off mentally then going into it cold.

[MikeForbes]

I always look for

[MikeForbes]

I love NYCFC games. Lots of goals and we usually win.

[Red CB Toronto]

I love NYCFC games. Lots of goals and we usually win.

Also expect Pozuelo to have a good match against NYCFC.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2l6npLjVzA

[Lil'John]

We're struggling to think of a bar patio with good screen/TV to watch it. Does anyone have any ideas?

[OgtheDim]

Stats yesterday - 2.5% chance of one person in a public gathering of 20 in Toronto having Covid

Be careful out there people

[PaceyWinger]

Looking forward to tonight. Do or die matches are always nuts.

[OgtheDim]

https://twitter.com/joshuakloke/status/1287523750091591685

I'm OK with this - Jozy only got 10 minutes + stopage the other night. I suspect he will get more tonight in the second half.

[OgtheDim]

Never easy

https://twitter.com/KristianJack/status/1287533275863490565

[MikeForbes]

I said it on that tweet, but Piatti playing through the middle with Nelson on the right seems more likely over Poz playing the false 9.

[rydermike]

Westberg
Auro OG Mavinga Laryea
Brsdley-Delgado
Piatti-Pozuelo - Deleon
Nelson

Per tfc instagram (and me guessing positions)



Guess this means Mullins is way down the depth chart.

[notthesun]

Is Jozy really not fit enough to start and go say 60 minutes? I dunno, kinda feeling like we're approaching the end of his time here.

[rydermike]

Is Jozy really not fit enough to start and go say 60 minutes? I dunno, kinda feeling like we're approaching the end of his time here.
Probably Vanney going to use him as a 45 minute player so there's always at least 2 dangerous players on. Instead of subbing off both Piatti and Jozy, can have one on at all times

[MikeForbes]

Yeah. The Jozy era doesn't seem like it is gonna carry on beyond this year.

[MikeForbes]

And if TSN's graphic is correct, I hate DeLeon as a midfielder. He should be wide right with Piatti in the middle and Nelson on the left.

[Bushmancan]

Probably Vanney going to use him as a 45 minute player so there's always at least 2 dangerous players on. Instead of subbing off both Piatti and Jozy, can have one on at all times

If he doesn’t start 2nd half, there has to be a rift. I would rather start hard and get the lead... then again I’m not the coach. ‘nuff said. Just doesn’t make sense. Maybe Nelson is showing something.

[notthesun]

I love that Nelson is getting minutes, it just feels like maybe Jozy has irked our management one too many times now.

[OgtheDim]

DeLeon takes defensive responsibility with Laryea behind him & the young guy in front - will take that.

NYC has looked listless in their games but you never know in these things.

Both teams like to have the ball so there will be times when NYC knocks it around a lot and we sit back & absorb and find our spots to press. As usual, quick ball movement is what will decide this game.

Maybe Piatti scores a goal....

[Boddington]

Streams anyone? My usual go to links are not cooperating today.

[smtavare]

Streams anyone? My usual go to links are not cooperating today.

Yes please - Fox one with artificial game sounds - i know, Iknow, but I actually prefer it - tsn seems like a houseleague match - I watch my kid every week and this seems similar

Like watching your bros at a Sunday game

[Super]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka320szYJbQ

[Chubbs]

Streams anyone? My usual go to links are not cooperating today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka320szYJbQ

[Boddington]

Streams anyone? My usual go to links are not cooperating today.

Cancel that. Got one.

[Mark TFC]

Stream anyone? Would be greatly appreciated!

[rydermike]

Horrid start

[Areathrasher]

Cancel that. Got one.

Share it? That youtube one is dead

[rydermike]

What the hell is going on with our defense

[PizzaEatingYeti]

TFC started like shit this one....

[tfcfans]

This is horrific to watch....

[NK Toronto]

The way things are going be glad you are not watching.

[flatpicker]

Is it my connection, or is the broadcast having streaming issues?

[OgtheDim]

Auro is having a baaad game so far

[Inklink]

Wow Bradley's head is in his ass to start this one.

[SKB]

Wow it looks like we are a man down. NYC way more urgency. Bradley cannot make a pass or a clear at the moment

[rydermike]

Auro is having a baaad game so far
So is everyone. I don't think I've seen 1 Good passing stretch

[Inklink]

Delgado panicking again.

[rydermike]

I feel like all our players were expecting a weather delay and got out of the headspace.

[ag futbol]

I get we’re trying to match intensity here but that was a dirt stupid yellow for a CB to take 15 minutes in

[MikeForbes]

Getting swarmed in the midfield. Bradley and Delgado have no time and are giving the ball away.

[PaceyWinger]

Bradley hasnt made a pass of consequence in 2 games.

[tfcfans]

Embarrassing so far.....no other way to put it....simply not good enough....

[PaceyWinger]

I get we’re trying to match intensity here but that was a dirt stupid yellow for a CB to take 15 minutes in

Completely unecessary

[GhostKiller]

Does anyone have a stream?

[PizzaEatingYeti]

We have non existent defense...

[OgtheDim]

Bradley is having a baaadgame

[MikeForbes]

No one can complete a pass.

[PaceyWinger]

Does anyone have a stream?
try footybite dot com

[Bushmancan]

When Vanney doesn’t like you... you don’t play. I like the gut idea with Nelson but what about Endo or Gallardo. It is easy to defend a team that only comes at you from the right

[rydermike]

Our guys are just forcing everything. We need a 2 minute spell of just passing the ball around and kill the intensity of the game to change the mood. We're playing into nycfcs hands right now

[rydermike]

Hopefully this hydration break resets us

[MikeForbes]

Altidore is definitely gonna be needed.

[James17930]

Hopefully NY tire themselves out and we can find some space.

Nelson looks invisible so far.

[Auzzy]

NYC is pressing and intercepting. Stop it with the dinky passes near the opponents, they will intercept every time! All our supposed top players keep doing that. And others aren’t moving enough, therefore not offering targets

And why can nobody on TFC put in a consistent long-range shot? It’s been that way for a couple of years.

[MikeForbes]

Moralez coming on is not great.

[ag futbol]

Ugggh, we really need to Osirio to get healthy and be out there.

[GerMc]

Wow, we are really stinking up the joint tonight! Sad to see...

[PaceyWinger]

Piatti has to get it together. We keep losing balls so cheeply.

[TFC1986]

Maybe the line change of everyone playing in different positions is throwing us off

[oranje boven]

Whew... nice save

[notthesun]

Auro should've fouled to stop that counter.

[SKB]

We should be done 2 if not 3 goals. Men against boys at the moment and we are the boys

[GerMc]

Great save! The way TFC is playing that could have been it...

[Bushmancan]

Hopefully NY tire themselves out and we can find some space.

Nelson looks invisible so far.

to be clear I think it is remarkable for him and he will be great. So was not a criticism of him. We are being one dimensional.

[OgtheDim]

They don't trust Nelson - you can see them not make that outlet pass.

[OgtheDim]

Waaaay too slow by Piatti & Pozuelo right now.

[rydermike]

Altidore and Osorio need to come in for Nelson and Delgado at half time

[SKB]

Whole team looks out of sync...but give NYC credit they are working hard.

[Inklink]

Delgado so bad.

[OgtheDim]

I'd switch Laryea & Auro around.

[OgtheDim]

Vanney pissed about width & speed - I suspect Piatti comes off.

[MikeForbes]

I wish Gallardo was better. This game is crying out for a player with his alleged skill set.

[Jcm144]

any links? the youtube link doesnt work anymore

[PaceyWinger]

Bradley with one of the worst halves I've seen from him. One good ball to Nelson but slow, hesitant, and not sharp. Credit NY press but with all of the passing quality in this squad you would think we could break them down.

[MikeForbes]

Endoh will come on for Nelson though, I feel confident in saying that.

[gracos]

I think we are half way of seeing our boys arrive back at YYZ, most dreadful half this whole tournament, and to pay 6.3 million on a bench player, there is no way he is further behind playing at least an hour, i think if we continue benching him we need to cut the contract and sign a new DP

[Boddington]

Share it? That youtube one is dead

https://sports24.club/watch/MLS-is-back-tournament-fs1.html

[GerMc]

While it sound like heresy, I would consider taking Bradley off (and if we had any CBs, Gonzales as well, he is also having a pretty terrible game). But to be honest, no one has been good. We definitely don't deserve to win given the way we are playing. I hope Vanney is able to give them some backbone in the break. I do think some changes are required. Agree that Delgado needs to come off if you are going to keep Bradley on. Not sure why the put Nelson if they won't play the ball to him. Vanney complained on TV about having no width, but Nelson has been wide open all night on the left, and I don't think they passed it to him once.

I hope the second half is much, much better.

[PaceyWinger]

Vanney pissed about width & speed - I suspect Piatti comes off.

I agree. Ticky tack passing 50 yards from goal is great and all but it you cant get the ball into the box you're not going to score very often. Jozy needs to be in this game.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Because the way NYC is playing and how motivated they are, TFC needs to put together it's best half by far in the tourney for the next 45 mins to have a chance in advancing.
With both Jozy and Osorio not playing, that will be extremely difficult to do.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Piatti has played so far like a nobody being paid $200,000 per season.

[rydermike]

We playing so predictable. Either try the right side or boot it up. No build up on the left so NYC clogs the right. Need to play on the left a bit to open up the right side. Laryea has tunnel vision to me. Just goes straight up, then gets to the line and has no space. There's been times when he could just cut to the middle either a pass or him cutting (but I think it's due to his left foot being weak). I need to see the replay again but I think his shot Nelson was wide open for a backwards diagonal pass but he's always looking straight.


The team doesn't trust Nelson at all. I feel he was put in a tough spot starting. Best for me is to ease young guys in as a sub, when they benefit from playing against tired players. Playing from the start against full strength players is tough without experiemce

[MikeForbes]

We will dominate the second half and win. Jozy comes on and scores the equalizer and winner.

[GerMc]

Why wouldn't you make changes at the half? Why would you go with an 11 that played absolutely terribly? Maybe he thinks that his half time chat can lead to a 180 in terms of performance. I hope he is right!

[TFC1986]

Ok I've seen enough...sub time

[MikeForbes]

Also, who the hell are they crossing to? Pozuelo is not gonna win many headers.

[rydermike]

Pozuelo needs a Pozuelo to pass him the ball. He made a nice run but Delron didn't have the vision to even attempt it

[SKB]

Are you kidding no changes? We have 5 subs what is Vanney thinking??

[tfcfans]

Wouldn’t want to change it up or anything - after such a well-played first half :facepalm:

[James17930]

Guys, the subs will come soon. He wanted to wait and see what NY did first.

[tfcfans]

I guess if we have no intention of actually winning the whole thing, then we may as well take the 3 week vacation starting now....maybe Jozy will be fit to play a whole game by mid-August.....maybe....:facepalm:

[alex andrew]

beat 'em thrice when they were better

karma won't forget pozuello's panenka

go tfc !

[Auzzy]

Extremely lucky again, that coulda shouda been a penalty against us.

Vanney will wait until after we’re down two to make a sub. We could be down two already.

EDIT I guess he’ll do something soon.

[rydermike]

Vanney just said Gallardo and Jozy coming in

[rydermike]

Predictable

[alex andrew]

they are better !

[James17930]

DeLeon needs to come off. Too slow and hurting.

[MikeForbes]

Just piss poor. Gonzalez can barely move out there.

[GerMc]

Shocking. I said we should take Gonzalez off. Anyone would be better.

[ag futbol]

Well now that the game is pooched maybe we should make some subs

[Bushmancan]

About time.

[OgtheDim]

There is a reason why when we are down, Auro goes off for Laryea. Got caught up there walking back.

Oh well...that is game over I suspect.

[rydermike]

Changes that should've happened at the half

[smtavare]

Well now that the game is pooched maybe we should make some subs

This is on Vanney no changes well into the 55th minute with such poor play

[GerMc]

Subs too late. Surprised that Vanney didn't wait until it was 3-0 (or even 4-0).

[OgtheDim]

Shocking. I said we should take Gonzalez off. Anyone would be better.


Zavs?

Ciman?

[Auzzy]

The horses are long gone, quick close the barn door!

[MikeForbes]

Time for Gallardo to show something.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Why wouldn't you make changes at the half? Why would you go with an 11 that played absolutely terribly? Maybe he thinks that his half time chat can lead to a 180 in terms of performance. I hope he is right!

Because the coach thought we need to be at least 2 down to make any change.... :facepalm:

[tfcfans]

TFC can take 3 weeks off and start the remainder of the season from second place in the conference.....better to wait until it’s 2-0 to make changes....solid strategy....

[ag futbol]

The first half of this game left me with the impression that we were going to play tiki taka come hell or high water.

We really should have made some adjustments. Felt like we played into the trap over and over and over.

[NK Toronto]

This might be our worst game in the Vanney era.

[OgtheDim]

Aaaaa...Jozy. I do enjoy him making defenders have to work hard.

[gracos]

On their way back to YYZ, not happy with the result, but is fair

[James17930]

This is on Vanney no changes well into the 55th minute with such poor play

I thought he'd do it around the 50th. Yeah, he waited too long.

[rydermike]

I feel like Vanney is a good coach when things are going well and he just has to maintain.

When there's adversity, he doesn't know how to react to bring things back to the original level until it's too late.

[GerMc]

Zavs?

Ciman?

That is the problem, I guess. Definitely not Zavs, but we have seen Mavinga and Ciman play well together. Gonzalez has been absolutely terrible tonight.

[rydermike]

This might be our worst game in the Vanney era.



Nothing worse than that 4-nil loss to that panamanian Semi pro team in the champions league

[ag futbol]

Nothing worse than that 4-nil loss to that panamanian Semi pro team in the champions league
Losing to SJ while up 2 men sticks out for me.

This is not a great game but nowhere near an all-timer.

[alex andrew]

designated player ???

[gracos]

designated player ???

The Designated Player (DP) rule in the MLS allows for teams to sign a limited number of players whose salary exceeds the maximum cap, as each DP player counts for $480,625 (£381,000) against the cap in 2017.

[alex andrew]

not necessary better, but determined !

[OgtheDim]

I feel like Vanney is a good coach when things are going well and he just has to maintain.

When there's adversity, he doesn't know how to react to bring things back to the original level until it's too late.


There are a number of games last season that showed otherwise.

I think this one is on the player's mentality & on our defence. Gonzalez seems to have lost a step & Auro is playing like he did in his first few games - too many inside moves and not tracking back. Couple that with Bradley having a bad game dealing with the press & we are getting killed in the midfield.

Not enough width, not enough pace and a defence that can't handle the long ball. All stuff for Curtis to fix.

[MikeForbes]

Osorio looks like he hasn't kicked a ball since March.

[alex andrew]

The Designated Player (DP) rule in the MLS allows for teams to sign a limited number of players whose salary exceeds the maximum cap, as each DP player counts for $480,625 (£381,000) against the cap in 2017.

haven't seen one lately !

[tfcfans]

Well the positive thing is - we won’t lose on penalties at least....:facepalm:

[Bushmancan]

It’s easy to be an armchair coach but how does Jozy not start the 2nd half. 2-0 is still a nerve wracking score. If we get one, huge pressures on NYCFC

[alex andrew]

two nothing is very dangerous !

i haven't lost hope, we'll do it !

[gracos]

I dont know if we need to reconsider a new coach for not being prepared for this game, not playing your players designated as DP (Altidore), providing a debut to a unknown player(Nelson). not making smart changes at smart times, and not being able to focus his team in order to complete task at hand, a great coach can get great results out of his players, and unfortunately for Vanney he has been unable to do so

[Mikmacdo]

Why are people so hard-on vanney? It's not his fault Jozy is unreliable and Ayo and Achara are injured.

[ag futbol]

Dare I say it but I actually agree with Caldwell. Bradley has clearly burned out at times but there’s simply no addressing the sacred cow of substituting the captain.

P.S. the lineswoman on our side of the field is awful.

[PaceyWinger]

Bradley is killing me.

[rydermike]

I notice NYC is still attacking with a 2 goal lead. By this point, Vanney would've subbed off our offensive players and been trying to park the bus

[Mikmacdo]

Also Piatti isn't a do he can't even play 60 minutes.

[notthesun]

Okay for real who scouted Gallardo? He just sucks. It's not like he's some bit part either, we could have an actually useful player in his place with the resources tied up in him.

Even Aketxe, for all his lack of care and discomfort, at least showed some visible talent at times. There's just nothing here with this guy.

And yes I stand by this even if he scores lol

[PizzaEatingYeti]

I notice NYC is still attacking with a 2 goal lead. By this point, Vanney would've subbed off our offensive players and been trying to park the bus
You're right.

[PaceyWinger]

Okay for real who scouted Gallardo? He just sucks. It's not like he's some bit part either, we could have an actually useful player in his place with the resources tied up in him.

Even Aketxe, for all his lack of care and discomfort, at least showed some visible talent at times. There's just nothing here with this guy.

And yes I stand by this even if he scores lol
I mean.. it would be shocking at least. I keep expecting to see something. but nothing to report as of yet.

[notthesun]

Dare I say it but I actually agree with Caldwell. Bradley has clearly burned out at times but there’s simply no addressing the sacred cow of substituting the captain.

So looking forward to Fraser leaving for playing time and predictably becoming a legit starter while Bradley is a bench player in a year and half haha kill me

[alex andrew]

Also Piatti isn't a do he can't even play 60 minutes.

but he's got connections !

[MikeForbes]

Mullins is the chosen one.

[ag futbol]

I dont know if we need to reconsider a new coach for not being prepared for this game, not playing your players designated as DP (Altidore), providing a debut to a unknown player(Nelson). not making smart changes at smart times, and not being able to focus his team in order to complete task at hand, a great coach can get great results out of his players, and unfortunately for Vanney he has been unable to do so
To me it’s not the lineup decisions that hurt us. It was sticking to a possession / short passing game to our detriment early when NYCFC tactically had our number. Remember Altidore / Osorio may not be 90 minute fit. Nelson is maybe a better sub than starter but remember we were forced into that last minute when Akinola pulled up in warmups.

We should have reverted to a more defensive posture and held the fort for their initial serge. Hit them on the counter and revert to possession based play once they burnt out a bit. Our eagerness to keep possession and the lack of energy from midfield played right into what NYCFC wanted.

[gracos]

ha ha ha

[GerMc]

That all came from a Bradley give-away!

[MikeForbes]

The team was better without Bradley.

[rydermike]

I notice NYC is still attacking with a 2 goal lead. By this point, Vanney would've subbed off our offensive players and been trying to park the bus
And look what happens when you continue to attack a team that is desperate to score, you score instead and extend a lead

[SirBobSaget]

What's Bradley's pass completion? Absolute shamble performance

[NK Toronto]

Losing to SJ while up 2 men sticks out for me.

This is not a great game but nowhere near an all-timer.

Well then this comes a close second.

[Bushmancan]

It’s over. NYCFC deserve credit with that said I can’t remember when we have played so poorly ... horrible passing, no finish. It’s too bad to end a tournament like this.

[MikeForbes]

Bring back the Osorio/Delgado/Pozuelo midfield.

[69Chevy396]

The team played like it was the third game in a week, in blazing hot humid conditions, and missing their top forward. Mmmmm. That sounds about right. Bradley was exhausted, but he wasn’t alone.

[notthesun]

One of Bradley's worst ever games and Fraser is sitting at less than 30 minutes in the whole fucking tournament

I'm so done with this

[PaceyWinger]

Probably Bradleys worst game in a red shirt. At least that I can recall. If Fraser ever played a game that bad he'd probably never see the pitch again.

[SirBobSaget]

Has Jozy even touched the ball? Is he going to need another 4 weeks to get in shape after this next 3 week layoff?

[Auzzy]

Bradley coughs up the ball, then everyone including Bradley goes for a leisurely stroll and watches NYC score.

[ag futbol]

How does Fraser not get a run out in this game? I mean the starters are zombies having played so many minutes in the Florida sun over the past two weeks.

Still no burn!

[alex andrew]

you can't defend against will and determination and ambition

no guardiolas can tell you how to do it

[SirBobSaget]

The team played like it was the third game in a week, in blazing hot humid conditions, and missing their top forward. Mmmmm. That sounds about right. Bradley was exhausted, but he wasn’t alone.

Where do you think NY has been playing their games?

[PaceyWinger]

What's Bradley's pass completion? Absolute shamble performance

Off topic.. I saw Bob Saget about 10 years ago in TO and it was one of the funniest nights of my life. I've seen some great standup but he was on fire.

[GerMc]

That was a nice goal. Huh, imagine of some of those folks had gotten on the pitch earlier!

[GerMc]

What's with the short corners? Not a single one has worked.

[benito]

This score flatters TFC.

[alex andrew]

That was a nice goal. Huh, imagine of some of those folks had gotten on the pitch earlier!

mmm.....zico falcao socrates eder would have helped...

[MikeForbes]

Edinson Cavani will be taking Altidore's DP spot by next game, I heard.

[ag futbol]

This score flatters TFC.
It certainly does.

I hope what we are seeing out of our midfield is just a blip, guys tired from running around in Florida and Vanney’s criminal lack of rotation / subs.

The skeptic’s view is the opposition is targeting Bradley, he’s slowing down, and Delgado looks bang average without a strong Bradley playing beside him.

[gracos]

this is my most frustrating game watching our club lose, they didnt even show desire to win and now for sure they are flying back to YYZ, can we cancel the season now, no point of playing till next year, the coach was outcoached and couldnt bring out the best out of his team

[bones]

Someone check the calendar..... is this 2009? That was shit.

[Yohan]

TFC was screwed the moment there was no CF to play off of, and the tiki taka BS didn't work. Everyone made terrible decisions, especially holding the ball too long and made it easy for NYCFC to pressure. Fullbacks making senseless runs when midfielders keep coughing up the ball. Gonzalez looked lethargic. Bradley ran out of gas but wouldn't admit it. Pozuelo probably had one of his worst games as a Red. I felt bad for Westberg.

[alex andrew]

next time ! whatever next time means these days !

[backbeat]

and everyone praying for Seattle .... i knew it was an arrogant jinx

what a lethargic showing....

why is our TAM on the bench?

rotation is an excuse - we are not a team that drives the play

NYCFC unfortunately - totally deserving of the win....

pathetic

[SirBobSaget]

Vancouver looking 100x better than TFC despite missing key players and being a budget team. Did TFC really care about winning this tournament or did they just want to max the regular season games, play some golf then go home?

[Red CB Toronto]

It is what it is, TFC was shit on Sunday night, now this team has to sit around for almost a month waiting for whatever is next.

[Joe Kool]

W..T..F...did I just watch? I knew when I saw the starting lineup we would lose. I was hoping I would be wrong. Turns out I wasn’t.

[OgtheDim]

In the light of the next morning, Leach encapsulates what I'm thinking

https://twitter.com/MLeach680News/status/1287698927685337088

[OgtheDim]

I am glad to hear the reports that Vanney was seething afterwards - one reporter indicated he hasn't heard Vanney this pointedly ticked off at the team after a game ever. Not yelling, not calling out his players. Just angry at people repeatedly not doing what he & the coaching staff asked of them.

Vanney made a point of saying Nelson played well all things considered & that he was happy with his performance



2019 was unexpected fun

2020 will be whatever it will be with this team - its unbalanced and the defence, once again, just isn't good enough but Poz & co are, when given time, great to watch

But the transition from the bad 2018 is not complete yet - we do not have the tactical capability to play against teams who play us narrow

2021, in my mind, requires some serious rethinking of the whole of the back line and a retooling of the midfield including a hard look at the role of Bradley - I think the 4-2-3-1 is our likely best approach - we have 3 very good lone strikers and some excellent ball movers & at least one good fullback with some defensive responsibility who likes to bomb down the wing.

But this team needs to complete that transition from 2018

[flambe]

I do wonder if they were somewhat happy to go out of this tourney. The season point accumulation is over at this point. Only benefits of staying in are for the concacaf spot and pride. TBH, I’d want out of Florida and to be back home in “safer” Canada.

[ensco]

Of course Vanney is upset. We were crap and he is the manager. But there is no bigger message about the “meaningfulness” of this to gain from that.

The bigger picture belongs to others. Us.

It was and is a mistake to put the players (and the team's other employee's, including Vanney) in this position, and it only happened because the state of Florida has the Trumpiest governor in the US. It's truly awful. I cannot think about this tournament without thinking about that.

I hold Garber and Abbott accountable for needlessly gambling with peoples health and lives like this, even if nobody gets seriously sick.

It seems TFC will get out of there without anyone visiting a Florida hospital. That is good enough for me.

I will have forgotten this ill conceived stupidity in two days, and everybody else will within three months of the end of the pandemic.

[Initial B]

One of the things I noticed was: On the first goal, it looks like Medina was Nelson's mark, but Jayden focused on the ball instead of his man and left him open. I wonder if that's what led the other players to not use him as an outlet. Regardless, after the first 30 minutes Bradley looked fatigued. I think it probably would have been better to rest him in the 3rd game and give a chance to Fraser. Well, armchair quarterbacking is easy in hindsight, but this didn't look good on Vanney.

[Auzzy]

TFC was screwed the moment there was no CF to play off of, and the tiki taka BS didn't work. Everyone made terrible decisions, especially holding the ball too long and made it easy for NYCFC to pressure. Fullbacks making senseless runs when midfielders keep coughing up the ball. Gonzalez looked lethargic. Bradley ran out of gas but wouldn't admit it. Pozuelo probably had one of his worst games as a Red. I felt bad for Westberg.

I think TFC immediately looked better once Altidore was out there. (Couldn't he have come in 5 minutes earlier, before the 2nd NYC goal? By then it was clear that whatever the 2nd half adjustments were supposed to be, they weren't happening.) I even wonder if they might have had more success with Mullins in the first half than what they were trying.

Pozuelo isn't a fast dribbler. But he often manages to wriggle through tight spots with some crafty moves. He had some success with it last year. NYC knew that, expected it, and weren't having any of it. If you pressure Pozuelo with two athletic players, with someone else goalside in case he wriggles through the first two, Pozuelo loses the ball 95% of the time. Smart teams in MLS will learn from that. Pozuelo needs to learn as well and stop with that. And the rest of the squad needs to offer him quicker targets so he has options. A few times it worked nicely last night, more often on the right side. The left side was pretty dead, which makes us easy to defend. And there was lots of ball watching throughout the game. (The start of the DC game was MUCH better.)

Other than that: If they (incl. Vanney) learn something from the last few games, I'm happy. Start the charter and get the hell out of the Covid swamps of Florida. They'll have to quarantine for 2 weeks back here. I wonder what Jozy and other US-based players will do?

[Auzzy]

I am glad to hear the reports that Vanney was seething afterwards - one reporter indicated he hasn't heard Vanney this pointedly ticked off at the team after a game ever. Not yelling, not calling out his players. Just angry at people repeatedly not doing what he & the coaching staff asked of them.

Vanney made a point of saying Nelson played well all things considered & that he was happy with his performance

2019 was unexpected fun

2020 will be whatever it will be with this team - its unbalanced and the defence, once again, just isn't good enough but Poz & co are, when given time, great to watch

But the transition from the bad 2018 is not complete yet - we do not have the tactical capability to play against teams who play us narrow

2021, in my mind, requires some serious rethinking of the whole of the back line and a retooling of the midfield including a hard look at the role of Bradley - I think the 4-2-3-1 is our likely best approach - we have 3 very good lone strikers and some excellent ball movers & at least one good fullback with some defensive responsibility who likes to bomb down the wing.

But this team needs to complete that transition from 2018

I agree with all that. It's good to be reminded that the players often aren't doing what they're asked. I just hope Vanney also learns from it. Not just in terms of benching certain players forever, which he does often anyway. But in terms of his own decisions and tactics. I still think Vanney can be a great manager at times; at other times he's thick-headed and obtuse.

I'm pretty sure that Nelson screwed up badly a number of times, but it's certainly good that Vanney didn't throw the kid under the bus. We shall see if/when Nelson is on the field again.

[ag futbol]

One of the things I noticed was: On the first goal, it looks like Medina was Nelson's mark, but Jayden focused on the ball instead of his man and left him open. I wonder if that's what led the other players to not use him as an outlet. Regardless, after the first 30 minutes Bradley looked fatigued. I think it probably would have been better to rest him in the 3rd game and give a chance to Fraser. Well, armchair quarterbacking is easy in hindsight, but this didn't look good on Vanney.
With our zonal marking system you want the forward to rush out and pressure that ball (which he did). Auro needs to keep track of his area there and that’s his man.

Not that Nelson was great on the day. Clearly he has talent but also looked green. Couldn’t sort out his marks on the overlap (Laryea was going nuts), needed to pressure with more urgency, and still a bit slow to release the ball (think this is why people won’t pass to him).

He’ll get there but I would look for more 20-30 minute gigs as a sub rather than as a starter (understand our hand was forced on the day). At his age, if he has the potential everyone assumes he does, there should be a lot of upside.

[Bushmancan]

I think TFC immediately looked better once Altidore was out there.

Pozuelo isn't a fast dribbler. But he often manages to wriggle through tight spots with some crafty moves. He had some success with it last year. NYC knew that, expected it, and weren't having any of it. If you pressure Pozuelo with two athletic players, with someone else goalside in case he wriggles through the first two, Pozuelo loses the ball 95% of the time. Smart teams in MLS will learn from that. Pozuelo needs to learn as well and stop with that. And the rest of the squad needs to offer him quicker targets so he has options. A few times it worked nicely last night, more often on the right side. The left side was pretty dead, which makes us easy to defend. And there was lots of ball watching throughout the game. (The start of the DC game was MUCH better.)

Good point. NYCFC cheated all night and we wilted.

I just felt although we played much better, it was Seattle all over. Why doesn't Jozy start the 2nd half. The thing about Altidore and even Achara to a lesser degree, they can hold the ball and either turn and score or play off. They also know how to run through channels to create opportunities.

This team needs a quality striker, it keeps our opponents honest. One thing last thing on Jozy, who knows what his current issue is but remember in '17 in that Columbus game, he was seriously hurt and played through it and scored that key goal. He will always get a free pass from me and i am not even counting the MLS finals goal.

Even so, it was our midfield that got creamed. We were allowing them to pursue and overload the right side, like i said easy to say later and be critical but it really was somewhat predictable. If Poz was playing false 9 how much do we really want him tracking back (he is a quality attacking midfielder).

[Richard]

Don't care didn't watch game.

Completely pointless to go ape shit over these games, absolutely nothing to be gained, and a lot to loose health wise if you don't win the genetic lottery.

Real games start next year 2021.

[rydermike]

Vanney needs to stop using Pozuelo as a False9. He's at his most dangerous playing as an attacking midfielder where he can set up the striker. Look at the assists he got. Two tap ins for Akinola, and one breakaway. Pozo doesn't have the speed or physicality to keep beat these defenders but his play making and vision is elite if he has someone (anyone) to set up. In the false 9 role, he doesn't have the wingers who can make that offensive contribution on this team, meaning using him as a false 9 is just a waste. Play hm as a 10,and et someone just take those tap ins. Even Patrick Mullins, as much as we like to hate on him, can score those point blank shots that Pozo serves up on a platter.

[Ultra & Proud]

Bring back the Osorio/Delgado/Pozuelo midfield.

This!

We looked excellent with Osorio in the Bradley spot. Fraser just isn't defensively good enough and is too slow to be dependable right now. If Fraser started over Bradley he would have been overrun too.

Also I hope we're scouting CBs because we're going to need a couple soon. One with speed and pedigree and another bench option one. That should be on the front burner at TFC HQ.

[Ultra & Proud]

And as far as this tournament goes, no matter what the players say you can tell that as soon as the points didn't count towards the season, they lost interest. I haven't seen this many poor decisions, bad passes, and lazy play since we mailed it in after things went south in 2018.

It should be mentioned though that our conditioning is questionable. I know there's been a lot of goals in the last 15 minutes of matches but I watched almost every match at this thing and the only team that frequently looked burnt by the 60th minute was us. I don't recall a team in worse 90 minute, hot weather shape than us. Even trash heaps like Atlanta had energy at the end, they just have no talent or game plan. But who knows how it went down there. Maybe Vanney played it safe and trained less due to heat and Covid concerns.

[ensco]

14 Miami Marlins test positive.

Any MLS musings about playing games outside a bubble in September/October are pretty much fantasy.

[MikeForbes]

Yeah, in my mind, our season ended last night. It is just hard to see how MLS can pick up and resume the season right now. And even if they do, there is a strong chance TFC returns without their home stadium unless something drastically changes.

[Oldtimer]

Nobody on TFC got sick, that's a "win" in my book. Exiting now and getting out of that disaster that is the US COVID-19 crisis is what any sane person would want.

Zero surprise that all 3 Canadian teams exited to return to Canada. It's not 100% safe here for sure, but it's a lot better than there right now. Why fight to stay in Florida?

[OgtheDim]

14 Miami Marlins test positive.

Any MLS musings about playing games outside a bubble in September/October are pretty much fantasy.


Bubble in Canada talk incoming within 2 weeks

[PaceyWinger]

Bubble in Canada talk incoming within 2 weeks

There is a lot to sort out for players families etc, but they should probably consider it. Either that or the three Canadian teams should join the CPL for a year. We would finally look like the club we thought we would this season!

[ag futbol]

14 Miami Marlins test positive.

Any MLS musings about playing games outside a bubble in September/October are pretty much fantasy.
All it is going to take is a story of one professional athlete in North America coming out and saying they have lasting symptoms of this virus and their career is now in question.... Everyone will run for the hills.

[ensco]

All it is going to take is a story of one professional athlete in North America coming out and saying they have lasting symptoms of this virus and their career is now in question.... Everyone will run for the hills.

Here is your story. Sadly, the tone the player takes is predictable.

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/red-sox-pitcher-eduardo-rodriguez-confirms-hes-dealing-with-heart-issue-stemming-from-covid-19-infection/

The NBA is the league to watch. It has by far the highest median net worth per player. Those guys, alone, can be Carlos Vela and tell their bosses where to go.

[ag futbol]

Here is your story. Sadly, the tone the player takes is predictable.

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/red-sox-pitcher-eduardo-rodriguez-confirms-hes-dealing-with-heart-issue-stemming-from-covid-19-infection/

The NBA is the league to watch. It has by far the highest median net worth per player. Those guys, alone, can be Carlos Vela and tell their bosses where to go.
Sadly, that’s everything you would fear and none of the obvious questions asked. As you seem to allude to, I’m not sure if the player even realizes what he’s facing.

Agreed the NBA is the horse everyone should follow here.

[Blindside16]

There is a lot to sort out for players families etc, but they should probably consider it. Either that or the three Canadian teams should join the CPL for a year. We would finally look like the club we thought we would this season!


That would not be a bad idea, but the CPL has been mute on what their plan is from the get go. At this point I would be surprised to see them start back up. As long as the pandemic continues to burn like a wildfire down in the States the border will remain closed. Hell the US has had more cases in the last 48 hours than Canada has the entire pandemic. There is no way, at least not to those with logical thought, that we sure resume this season. First and foremost, way put players lives at stake? I have heard horror stories of some of the early health complications people are facing from this virus (i.e. blood clots, internal organ damage etc.) and I cannot understand why they are willing to risk people's lives for the sake of entertainment. Secondly, it will tarnish any accomplishment made be teams. For example, let say the re-start and have TFC, Montreal and Vancouver play each other for the next 2 months (or longer) and let us for the sake of argument say we dominate those games and raking in the points. We then go on to win the East or perhaps even the shield. How with a straight face can we say we are best in the East or even the league when over 50 % of our games will be played against the same 2 teams? You cannot make that claim without facing Seattle, LAFC, Columbus etc etc. The owners and more importantly that asshat Garber need to realize we all see and understand that this year is about as far from normal as we will ever get. Pack it in and try again in 2021.

[OgtheDim]

The NBA is the league to watch. It has by far the highest median net worth per player. Those guys, alone, can be Carlos Vela and tell their bosses where to go.


They have more player power then any other sports league in the world.

The MLS comparison is with the NFL - watch that situation over the next 2 weeks.

MLB is being naive and darn right dangerous right now.

[Ultra & Proud]

The regular playing in other team's stadiums can work if done right. They probably should have waited until August to start MLB but it can work and it's been proven in places already. Biggest issue N.A sports will have is the threat of the entitled and spoiled rich athlete refusing to isolate for the good of the sport and competition. All it takes is a couple of guys like Lou Williams and you screw up your team, the league, and the safety of lots of people inside and outside your sport. MLS is working so well because nobody is breaking the bubble. NBA had it's moments already with food deliveries :facepalm: and of course Lou William's "only getting take out wings" at the strip club but for now they have it under wraps. Not sure baseball is setting any strict rules. All teams should be isolated, even at home, and only travel to the parks and to airports in private planes & buses. Then it should work fine but of course, everything should really be in stage 3 before thinking of it.

[OgtheDim]

The regular playing in other team's stadiums can work if done right. They probably should have waited until August to start MLB but it can work

The US is not going to be better by August

And MLB is supposedly sending the team that had Covid, after they get tested, straight to another park - the idea of incubation is being totally missed.

[PaceyWinger]

The regular playing in other team's stadiums can work if done right. They probably should have waited until August to start MLB but it can work and it's been proven in places already. Biggest issue N.A sports will have is the threat of the entitled and spoiled rich athlete refusing to isolate for the good of the sport and competition. All it takes is a couple of guys like Lou Williams and you screw up your team, the league, and the safety of lots of people inside and outside your sport. MLS is working so well because nobody is breaking the bubble. NBA had it's moments already with food deliveries :facepalm: and of course Lou William's "only getting take out wings" at the strip club but for now they have it under wraps. Not sure baseball is setting any strict rules. All teams should be isolated, even at home, and only travel to the parks and to airports in private planes & buses. Then it should work fine but of course, everything should really be in stage 3 before thinking of it.

I disagree about the "all it takes" part of your point. People catch this at Home Depot. You don't have to be selfish, just unlucky and sometimes not too carefull. Like, say some clubhouse attendant takes the bus to work and is asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. You could easily take down a team. This is less likely to happen in Canada because the prevalence of the virus at this point is fairly low. Even if you're not carefull your likelihood of running into an infected person isn't high (in relative terms to say Florida). MLBs issue is even if all of the players are careful, they are travelling into and out of a place where the current level of infection is so high that it's far more likely to find an unlucky encounter somewhere in your day. If there are 12000 new reported cases a day there is some level much higher than that of people who are spreading it whether they feel ill or not. To me this is why the bubble is FAR superior an option in North America, even if the Premier League and Bundesliga were able to follow a play from home strategy.

[Ultra & Proud]

I disagree about the "all it takes" part of your point. People catch this at Home Depot. You don't have to be selfish, just unlucky and sometimes not too carefull. Like, say some clubhouse attendant takes the bus to work and is asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic. You could easily take down a team.

I assume the guys who just work at the stadiums would now be screened, masked, & gloved but probably also generally socially distanced from the superstar players even prior to Covid19. That's why I said the fellow players as they would interact in locker rooms & hotels with no PPE or distancing.

[MightyDM]

Good point. NYCFC cheated all night and we wilted.

I just felt although we played much better, it was Seattle all over. Why doesn't Jozy start the 2nd half. The thing about Altidore and even Achara to a lesser degree, they can hold the ball and either turn and score or play off. They also know how to run through channels to create opportunities.

This team needs a quality striker, it keeps our opponents honest. One thing last thing on Jozy, who knows what his current issue is but remember in '17 in that Columbus game, he was seriously hurt and played through it and scored that key goal. He will always get a free pass from me and i am not even counting the MLS finals goal.

Even so, it was our midfield that got creamed. We were allowing them to pursue and overload the right side, like i said easy to say later and be critical but it really was somewhat predictable. If Poz was playing false 9 how much do we really want him tracking back (he is a quality attacking midfielder).

Totally agree with this: Why doesn't Jozy start the 2nd half. The thing about Altidore and even Achara to a lesser degree, they can hold the ball and either turn and score or play off. They also know how to run through channels to create opportunities.

Also, Shaff should have started the second half. We had no width and with Poz and Piatti and DeLeon won’t. They are all good players, but Vanney said at the half “no width”. He should have created some. And sent a message.

[ManUtd4ever]

Bubble in Canada talk incoming within 2 weeks

If MLS is serious about completing the regular season without jeopardizing anyone's health they should strongly consider staging all regular season games in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal as Hub cities much like the NHL model.

The players would have to be willing to sacrifice their personal lives for a while for the sake of their income. The MLB/NFL model is not feasible in the foreseeable future in the U.S. without serious risks involved.

[MightyDM]

Agree with Ensco Og and others who emphasize the coronavirus health implications. In the most important picture, the health of the players, it is good they lost. But Vanney still should have brought Jozy on at the half.

[MightyDM]

If MLS is serious about completing the regular season without jeopardizing anyone's health they should strongly consider staging all regular season games in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal as Hub cities much like the NHL model.

The players would have to be willing to sacrifice their personal lives for a while for the sake of their income. The MLB/NFL model is not feasible in the foreseeable future in the U.S. without serious risks involved.

Very well put indeed

[ag futbol]

Agree with Ensco Og and others who emphasize the coronavirus health implications. In the most important picture, the health of the players, it is good they lost. But Vanney still should have brought Jozy on at the half.
I speak out of complete ignorance but I assume the time he got was dictated by what the medical staff would allow.

Lots of things you could question about our tactical approach to the game. Why not start Mullins so we have some sort of hold up play up top? Why did we continue to try and play out of the back when it wasn’t working? Etc...

[OgtheDim]

I speak out of complete ignorance but I assume the time he got was dictated by what the medical staff would allow.

Lots of things you could question about our tactical approach to the game. Why not start Mullins so we have some sort of hold up play up top? Why did we continue to try and play out of the back when it wasn’t working? Etc...

Vanney said something a few times in prep for the game. "They have a way of playing". NYC didn't play that way at first & it freaked TFC out & the players who had not experienced that in awhile were unable to adjust (Piatti & Auro & Delgado & Bradley). NYC came out like NYRB.