Regualr Season Phase 2 Game 5 - TFC @ NER Wed Oct 7 7:30pm - Got to Get In to Get Out

[OgtheDim]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yUN6CsuVPw

*********

Have at it People

[Red CB Toronto]

I would expect Tony Gallacher getting the start, giving Justin some time to mend, guess we will have to see how serious it is.

[Joe Kool]

I would expect Tony Gallacher getting the start, giving Justin some time to mend, guess we will have to see how serious it is.

What I don’t get about the Morrow situation is that Vanney said post game that Morrow had tightness in the warmup and he decided to see how long he could go into the game before subbing. I don’t get that. Why risk burning an early sub when they could have started a healthy backup and kept all 3 subs for later in the game. We ended up using two subs for the Morrow calf and the Altidore hammy. That only left us with one tactical sub opportunity.

[OgtheDim]

What I don’t get about the Morrow situation is that Vanney said post game that Morrow had tightness in the warmup and he decided to see how long he could go into the game before subbing. I don’t get that. Why risk burning an early sub when they could have started a healthy backup and kept all 3 subs for later in the game. We ended up using two subs for the Morrow calf and the Altidore hammy. That only left us with one tactical sub opportunity.

Pure spec here:

They thought it was muscle tightness for Morrow, not a strain. BUT, Gallacher may not be able to go 180 minutes within 100 hours.

They might have been trying to get it to go like this for Gallacher

Saturday - 45 minutes
Wed - 70 minutes, subbed out for Morrow
Sunday - 60 minutes, subbed out for Auro coming back or Morrow

[Canuckistan]

What I don’t get about the Morrow situation is that Vanney said post game that Morrow had tightness in the warmup and he decided to see how long he could go into the game before subbing. I don’t get that. Why risk burning an early sub when they could have started a healthy backup and kept all 3 subs for later in the game. We ended up using two subs for the Morrow calf and the Altidore hammy. That only left us with one tactical sub opportunity.

I believe teams are allowed to use 5 subs now.

[Joe Kool]

I believe teams are allowed to use 5 subs now.

Yeah I know but the 5 is for the total amount of players you are allowed to sub. The total of 5 players can only be subbed during 3 substitutions during the game play so there is still only the 3 substitution opportunities which is my point I was trying to make. Obviously we want those to be tactical subs and not due to injuries. If Vanney knew he would likely have to make an injury sub for Morrow at some point why risk it or causing a more long term injury with Morrow but I guess it comes down to what Og said if Gallacher was not at full game fitness levels yet. I will leave it to Vanney that he is making the right call as he is in the know but his comments were puzzling to me just based on them alone.

[James17930]

Given our recent form, normally I'd predict a win here, but it's Gillette Stadium ... I'm thinking a 1-1 draw.

[Blindside16]

Given our recent form, normally I'd predict a win here, but it's Gillette Stadium ... I'm thinking a 1-1 draw.

I will just take us getting out of there in one piece with no injuries on that garbage pitch

[Joe Kool]

I will just take us getting out of there in one piece with no injuries on that garbage pitch

Yeah Vanney may limit the involvement of some of the guys due to it as well as giving some rest/rotation to the squad. I am pretty sure they said on a recent broadcast that Mavinga has a lingering issue that can be aggravated by turf so we may see Ciman.

[CBTFC]

Given our recent string of results and fixture congestion, I'm more than fine with some squad rotation for this game tomorrow evening.

We might win, lose or draw. Who knows. Just want to see a solid effort regardless the starting 11.

[ag futbol]

Agreed. Squad rotation here is a must with games being scheduled every 4 days or so.

I would be concerned if we don’t see it at some stage. We’ll burn players out and make them more injury prone.

[Graeme]

Any word on Altidore? I saw that apparently Bradley and Auro travelled with the team out of Canada earlier this week. Appearances from either?

[Ultra & Proud]

Any word on Altidore? I saw that apparently Bradley and Auro travelled with the team out of Canada earlier this week. Appearances from either?
Definitely not the surface to have your first action back after injury. I wouldn't even use Piatti.

[noxx98]

Kloke has that MB is closer to coming back but not yet. Auro is available for Wednesday. Morrow out a couple weeks. Jozy has a hamstring straight, but no timeline on recovery provided.

Time for Tony to put in a big performance on the left.

[Graeme]

Kloke has that MB is closer to coming back but not yet. Auro is available for Wednesday. Morrow out a couple weeks. Jozy has a hamstring straight, but no timeline on recovery provided.

Time for Tony to put in a big performance on the left.
Thanks!

[Joe Kool]

Assuming Auro subs for Laryea to get him some fitness later in the game and keep Gallacher on the left for the full game since Tony says his match fitness is good in today's interview. I don't think they will start Auro right away for his first game back being available although I suppose they could move Laryea to the left and sub in Tony later in the match moving Laryea back to the right. I think sub is a better situation for Auro though. Thoughts?

[MightyDM]

Definitely not the surface to have your first action back after injury. I wouldn't even use Piatti.

Gallardo Sighting. Shaff on the bench

[MightyDM]

Assuming Auro subs for Laryea to get him some fitness later in the game and keep Gallacher on the left for the full game since Tony says his match fitness is good in today's interview. I don't think they will start Auro right away for his first game back being available although I suppose they could move Laryea to the left and sub in Tony later in the match moving Laryea back to the right. I think sub is a better situation for Auro though. Thoughts?

Auro has lost his position for now.

[DinamoTFC]

Don't kill me but I think we lose this 2-1 because that's what history does to us. When we're on a high we always lose a crappy one and none more than in Gillette stadium.

[Initial B]

I don't care if we lose this game so long as we don't lose any player to the turf. I still remember losing Koevermanns.

[OgtheDim]

Game before presser with Vanney

https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2020/10/06/training-sound-greg-vanney-october-6-2020?autoplay=true

Injuries

"Jozy has a hamstring strain - not sure the extent cause haven't seen the images yet"
"Justin has a mild calf strain"
"I think everybody else is OK"

Other stuff

"No I don't notice the goal song during games - kinda like watching TV where I don't hear my wife"


NER

"Tough team to play. Use their athleticism. Everything you do has to be faster & more purposeful"

[Red CB Toronto]

I would think it will be a game day bus ride for them tomorrow, it is about 100 miles from Hartford to Foxborough, MA.


Game before presser with Vanney

https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2020/10/06/training-sound-greg-vanney-october-6-2020?autoplay=true

Injuries

"Jozy has a hamstring strain - not sure the extent cause haven't seen the images yet"
"Justin has a mild calf strain"
"I think everybody else is OK"

Other stuff

"No I don't notice the goal song during games - kinda like watching TV where I don't hear my wife"


NER

"Tough team to play. Use their athleticism. Everything you do has to be faster & more purposeful"

[NK Toronto]

I will just take us getting out of there in one piece with no injuries on that garbage pitch

Since there are no fans in the stadium why do they even have to play on that turf field? Couldn't they just play at some local college stadium that has natural grass?

[OgtheDim]

Would cost them more money to set up in a new environment.

That and NER considers their cruddy pitch a part of home field advantage - regardless of the manager, they build their teams around endurance & quick passing. Their plan, always, is to take advantage of mistakes teams make playing on that carpet.

[Joe Kool]

That and NER considers their cruddy pitch a part of home field advantage - regardless of the manager, they build their teams around endurance & quick passing. Their plan, always, is to take advantage of mistakes teams make playing on that carpet.

Agreed. This is it for sure. They want visiting teams uncomfortable to give them an advantage just like NYCFC use their mini field to their advantage. It is the same when we used to have our crappy plastic surface at BMO. Teams didn't like playing on turf when they came to BMO so they had to change their lineup or strategy so it was kind of like our advantage at the time and to be honest TFC were not great and kind of needed it. Unfortunately TFC have to play the next two games on turf because Cincy play on turf too.

[MikeForbes]

There is pressure from the NFLPA to have all stadiums be natural grass fields to reduce injury risk. The turf in NE might only be a thing for another year or two.

[PaceyWinger]

It will be interesting to see who makes the starting 11. Normally this match would be an obvious candidate to rest some starters but with Cincy coming up maybe not as much as normal.

[MightyDM]

It will be interesting to see who makes the starting 11. Normally this match would be an obvious candidate to rest some starters but with Cincy coming up maybe not as much as normal.

Agreed. But some need to rest. All teams are losing starters to muscle injuries. Piatti for example is a good candidate for a rest. I'd even rest Poz if MB is back, of give him less minutes and tie to Fraser and Deleon, who are both competent.

[backbeat]

Agreed. But some need to rest. All teams are losing starters to muscle injuries. Piatti for example is a good candidate for a rest. I'd even rest Poz if MB is back, of give him less minutes and tie to Fraser and Deleon, who are both competent.

Poz, Piatti, Mavinga, all need to sit - why take the chance?

i also think it's a stain on the league that this has to be even considered - it's outrageous.

[MikeForbes]

Sitting Poz and Piatti to start sounds good. I seriously doubt Vanney would be able to resist bringing them on in a tight game though.

[noxx98]

I think we go with a stronger lineup today and bench heavy lineup vs Cinci. If our bench players can't beat a Cinci team that's averaged 0.53 goals a game, then they should be sitting in the stands not the bench.

[OgtheDim]

Jerk Chicken & Coke

Its a Wednesday :)

[Red CB Toronto]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EjwqmMpX0AAZSDo?format=jpg&name=large

[GerMc]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EjwqmMpX0AAZSDo?format=jpg&name=large

That is a pretty strong line-up. Not much in the way of rotation (except those who are injured), save Gonzalez (and frankly, they could rotate him right out of the 18 the way he has been playing lately!).

[James17930]

Very interesting. Hopefully no one gets hurt.

[RedsYNWA]

Just wondering but did Altidore through his career here missed more games than he started?
For a big $ DP love the guy but he is made of glass man

[NK Toronto]

Surprising lineup. I expected more starters resting

[GerMc]

The scottish guy just said that Altidore was out for the rest of the season...

[NK Toronto]

Almost. Would be nice if we got the opening goal for a change.

[NK Toronto]

horrible defending by Ciman

[OgtheDim]

This game has 1-1 draw written all over it.

[GerMc]

Wow, great defending from Delgado and Laryea!

[NK Toronto]

What is it with us and lousy first halfs.

[Mark TFC]

If anyone has a decent stream, that would be awesome! The only ones I'm finding are glitching every ten seconds. Impossible.

[bhandsome90]

Turf is a joke. Why does MLS still allow it....

[NK Toronto]

This game has 1-1 draw written all over it.

The way we are playing now I'll take it

[tfcfans]

Anyone else thinking a tie with no injuries would be a success tonight?

[Bushmancan]

Passing is very sloppy. Giving the ball away.

[OgtheDim]

Speed out wide is our hope here...need to get Laryea & Gallacher out running.

[RedsYNWA]

Someone got back to me stating he (ALTIDORE) made 148 out of 238 appearances or 62% of TFC games since he joined...most likely less as he came of the bench plenty of times.
IDK for a 50% chance in your line up player he is very handsomely paid

[tfcfans]

Seems like a foul - but I’ll take it !!!

[NK Toronto]

I think we got away with one there.

[Bushmancan]

Caldwell is supporting us. Woohoo!!!

[ag futbol]

I thought it was good. Marginal, but good. Farrell just too clumsy to be bailed out there.

[OgtheDim]

Will take it....

[James17930]

Nah, that's a clean shoulder to shoulder.

Great goal.

[SirBobSaget]

Kinda looked like a push into the back ... oh well! If Caldwell is fine with it then it really must be clean. Takes some serious strength to bully Farrell off the ball.

[Auzzy]

Shoulder.

Bruce Arena is gonna have a conniption, love to see it.

[benito]

Ayo has put together a very good year. His hustle and pace has led to a few goals.

[GerMc]

It was 1v1, though I wouldn't have been surprised if they called it back. My dad was asking me how I would have felt if it had been against a TFC defender!

Well, we almost always play better when we score first, so here's to that!

[NK Toronto]

The background crowd noise sounds like something from an SCTV comedy skit from the 1980's

[Auzzy]

The fake fan noise is awful tonight, worst I’ve ever heard. It’s louder than the Revs fans are when they’re in attendance. And it’s just a non-stop grating wall of sound, more like the tarmac at Pearson than a footy stadium.

[NK Toronto]

The way Bono is playing he may not get another start.

[RedsYNWA]

Bono looking like crap

[OgtheDim]

The fake fan noise is awful tonight, worst I’ve ever heard. It’s louder than the Revs fans are when they’re in attendance. And it’s just a non-stop grating wall of sound, more like the tarmac at Pearson than a footy stadium.

Sounds like a bunch of 12 year olds trying to start the wave every 5 seconds.


*******

Bono not on his game tonight

[GerMc]

I like that Bono is getting some time and he has been playing well lately, but we have seen 2 big mistakes from him tonight that are reminiscent of when he was in his slump. I hope he pulls it together in the second half.

[NK Toronto]

There is no correlation between the fan noise and what is happening on the field. They should just turn it off.

[ag futbol]

Let’s just get out of here without any injuries. What a disgrace of a field. Clean up your act MLS.

[DinamoTFC]

I thought it was good. Marginal, but good. Farrell just too clumsy to be bailed out there.
50 50 ball all day. Just cause akinola is strong like an ox doesn't mean it should be a foul.

[PaceyWinger]

Probably as good a result as we could hope for given how much this shit turf changes the game. It's pathetic playing on a surface like this. May as well be concrete.

I thought the Ayo play was beautiful - he's the stronger guy and on the replay you can see the defender trips himself up. If thats a foul then you have to call every push on every play. And if that was a TFC defender I would be taking him to task for not blasting that ball first touch into the bleachers.

[alex andrew]

hey, is it a good game ? turned the tv now !

[alex andrew]

aha ! bit ...bit...ok...well...

[NK Toronto]

KJ thinks the goal was a foul. I am surprised it didn't go to VAR.

[alex andrew]

watched 3 seconds of the game and agree with the host

[alex andrew]

fair play was invented so that 'strong as an ox' doesn't ....

love the referee in me !

[OgtheDim]

Not all that spicy for a derby match....

[NK Toronto]

Well the low budget fake crowd noise is back. I can hear the MLS haters saying "even your fake crowd noise is inferior to the Premier League".

[MikeForbes]

Ayo Akinola is such a beast out there. I pray Canada can convince him to declare his love for the NT.

[alex andrew]

mask and chewing gum,

but again, he's in the woods !

[PaceyWinger]

KJ thinks the goal was a foul. I am surprised it didn't go to VAR.

The ref in realtime and the VAR on review disagree. Was their contact sure, but the reason he coughed up the ball was his own left foot.

[MikeForbes]

Auro coming on for Gallacher who hasn't been on the same page as Delgado or DeLeon tonight.

[MikeForbes]

Buksa looks like a Bustsa.

[MightyDM]

Gallgher didnt look very solid defensively for me. Everything is a bit disconencted; Bono shakey but was awesome last match so he gets a pass for me

[NK Toronto]

Looks like we are just trying to protect a 1-0 lead.

[Bushmancan]

Looks like we are just trying to protect a 1-0 lead.

But we also are throwing out the occasional long ball so their CBs need to be careful. As long as we don’t see Mullins until the 80th minute.

[ag futbol]

Wtf Delgado. Why?

[OgtheDim]

Looks like we are just trying to protect a 1-0 lead.


More looks like we are playing on a crud pitch and have no idea of the weight to put on every pass.

[Bushmancan]

Brain fart.

[PaceyWinger]

Delgado what are you doing?

[Bushmancan]

Psyche... Bono also went the right way

[MightyDM]

"rash challenge" indeed. What are you doing Marky

[tfcfans]

Wow....just get out of here with 3 points somehow....

[benito]

That was horrible

[PaceyWinger]

hahaha what a fuck up

[GerMc]

We dodged a bullet there!

[PaceyWinger]

thay looked like something we used to do

[NK Toronto]

Buksa looks like a Bustsa.

Quick, tell me who will win the 5th race tomorrow at Woodbine

[MightyDM]

I feel sorry for that guy. DP and he has been not starting? Must have lost all confidence.

[ag futbol]

We are inviting too much pressure. There needs to be more of a credible attempt to attack

[Bushmancan]

It’s like we are trying to give them the game.

[MikeForbes]

Quick, tell me who will win the 5th race tomorrow at Woodbine

Probably a horse.

[OgtheDim]

Wow....just get out of here with 3 points somehow....

I'll take 1 right now - we are looking like we always do on this pitch - annoyed and unsettled.

[PaceyWinger]

thatvwas a handball before Auro's foul

[NK Toronto]

If we manage to hold on then start the car.

[PaceyWinger]

Probably a horse.
I would take horse over guy 100% of the time

[MightyDM]

you can really see the difference with a 'keeper who does not start possession well. very interesting.

[MikeForbes]

I would take horse over guy 100% of the time

I think they should mix it up have multi-animal races. A horse vs. an antelope? I'm all in.

[PaceyWinger]

Ayo had the keeper frozen. Close!

[alex andrew]

I think they should mix it up have multi-animal races. A horse vs. an antelope? I'm all in.

no horse has one horse power !!!!

[PaceyWinger]

I think they should mix it up have multi-animal races. A horse vs. an antelope? I'm all in.
Horse v cheetah v antelope with one female lion thrown in there for the NASCAR crowd.

[MikeForbes]

A third centerback coming on? What could possibly go wrong?

[Auzzy]

TFC need to hold the ball somehow. I feel like Piatti needs a break.

3 at the back, oh god...

[Bushmancan]

Run Mullins run.

[MikeForbes]

Patrick Mullins is the best defensive striker in the world. Roberto Firmino can kick rocks.

[alex andrew]

bono is not only good, he's lucky too !

if we make it, my affirmation stands !

[tfcfans]

This is scary “park the bus” crap now....

[Bushmancan]

I almost feel dirty with this one!

[tfcfans]

Yay!!!!

[Auzzy]

Start the...

[alex andrew]

congratulations !

[tfcfans]

Start the Car !!

[MikeForbes]

That is how you win on the road. Really proud of that win.

[notthesun]

Akinola is legit. Keep feeding him minutes and we're in for a big payday in 2 years

[ag futbol]

Take the points and run. What awful entertainment value all the way around.

If MLS wants a real TV contract it needs to sort out these sorts of venues. Terrible for the viewer

[OgtheDim]

3rd win ever in that place, from what they said earlier - grind it out and keep going.

[PaceyWinger]

that match was close only because of the pitch. revs are not on our level. bruce arena is over rated and I lived in boston so let me also say a quick fuck that boring place.

[PaceyWinger]

Akinola is legit. Keep feeding him minutes and we're in for a big payday in 2 years

agreed. people are already starting to take notice.

[DinamoTFC]

Kudos to the boys. Can't believe we pulled it off

[GerMc]

Well, TSN, is showing the end of the Montreal-Columbus game and I find myself in the disturbing position of hoping Montreal wins :facepalm:

EDIT: And now I can stop, as the game is over and Columbus lost. I feel dirty...I think I am going to go take a shower!

[Yohan]

Lucky to escape with all 3 points but whatever it takes!

Revs missing Carles Gil and Gustavo Bou really hurt their attack.

[Auzzy]

Lucky to escape with all 3 points but whatever it takes!

Revs missing Carles Gil and Gustavo Bou really hurt their attack.

Yeah we were lucky Gil & Bou were out.

[PaceyWinger]

guys i think we broke Columbus

[bhandsome90]

Ugly game, but came out with 3pts.

Bono really needs some serious work on his distribution, basically non-existent. Ciman had a really strong, smart performance tonight.

[Red CB Toronto]

Start the Car !!

Start the bus as that is exactly what they are taking back to Hartford tonight.

[Joe Kool]

Well with that crappy field that looked extra slippery at the start along with it being a road game against a team that likes to use physicality over skill and pound our players all night long, I think TFC did really well to get all 3 points. This was never going to be an easy game or a pretty one for that matter (luck on our side for a change on the penalty). Back in 2017 on our great run I recall a good number of road games where we scrapped for all 3 points and the game was very ugly but you know what....we got the 3 points and in the end that was all that mattered. On to Cincy...

[SirBobSaget]

Ugly game, but came out with 3pts.

Bono really needs some serious work on his distribution, basically non-existent. Ciman had a really strong, smart performance tonight.

And with holding onto the ball. Am I crazy or did he punch a lot of simple catches and also drop a lot of catchable balls? Had no command of the box

[Auzzy]

And with holding onto the ball. Am I crazy or did he punch a lot of simple catches and also drop a lot of catchable balls? Had no command of the box

I thought most of his punches were OK, safer as he was getting to them through a crowd. Better than dropping the ball in that situation, as he did on other occasions.

And yes, awful and risky on at least 2-3 crosses tonight. One he should have / could have caught. I think there were 2 others that he totally misjudged and came out wrong. He either should have stayed on his line, or judged the flight of the ball better to attack it at a catchable height. Luckily it didn't cost us. I thought at his height he would do much better at crosses; I don't remember that being a significant weak spot of Bono's in the past but my memory may be cloudy. This may also be the kind of thing that needs more in-game experience in order to be consistent, but Bono probably won't be getting much of that.

[CBTFC]

The background crowd noise sounds like something from an SCTV comedy skit from the 1980's

lol, I was thinking the same thing. What sort of vibe were they going for, ambient bar chatter before the two main characters come into the scene? I ain't mad, just curious. lol.

And yet another "character" team effort, but that game certainly could've gone quite a few ways. Looked more like a 2-1 or 3-1 game. Akinola could've had a hat trick if a few more things fell into place.

Enjoy a rest today, get back into some training tomorrow and saturday, and get ready for Cincy on Sunday evening. Perfect timing for the game feeling stuffed on turkey, mashed potatoes and all the trimmings.

[portu]

Akinola now tied top 5 for goals.

Stats Head-to-Head

Akinola (20 years old): 11 matches, 8 starts, 768 minutes - 8 goals, 0 assists, no cards and 124k

Altidore (30):12 matches, 10 starts, 714 minutes - 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 yellow cards and 6 million dollars

[Joe Kool]

Akinola now tied top 5 for goals.

Stats Head-to-Head

Akinola (20 years old): 11 matches, 8 starts, 768 minutes - 8 goals, 0 assists, no cards and 124k

Altidore (30):12 matches, 10 starts, 714 minutes - 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 yellow cards and 6 million dollars

Nice one. Quite the contrast.

[MightyDM]

Akinola now tied top 5 for goals.

Stats Head-to-Head

Akinola (20 years old): 11 matches, 8 starts, 768 minutes - 8 goals, 0 assists, no cards and 124k

Altidore (30):12 matches, 10 starts, 714 minutes - 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 yellow cards and 6 million dollars

Ayo is having a great year and it is good to see his development. I suspect his skill level is around the Jozy level from just before he went to Holland, given his age, relative competitions they were in, etc etc (Jozy was on the books of Villareal but had several loans, including to Hull in the UK). The challenge for the club is that we need a Jozy of 2017 to complete at the highest level - ideally that is the Jozy of 2020 but if not, who? is the question.

[KRO]

KJ thinks the goal was a foul. I am surprised it didn't go to VAR.

The way I understand it, VAR can only check for offside relating to a goal, penalty decisions and yellow/red cards.

[rydermike]

And with holding onto the ball. Am I crazy or did he punch a lot of simple catches and also drop a lot of catchable balls? Had no command of the box

He did miss a few easy catches (either punched or on occasion where he completely missed the ball). Q has better positioning, Bono stays too deep. I remember one situation where he came out and punched the ball straight to a Revs player, then had to make a diving save. I was calling out the cross location from my couch right before it happened. Should have been a straight forward catch without the need for the save.

[Auzzy]

The way I understand it, VAR can only check for offside relating to a goal, penalty decisions and yellow/red cards.

Nah VAR also reviews possible fouls committed in the attacking phase of the play, leading up to the goal.

[ag futbol]

We should definitely pat the team on the back for this win.

This is MLS’s version of a “Rainy night it Stoke”. A game that’s decidedly unglamorous and easy to excuse if it doesn’t work. We had some luck but still took the points and ran.

In the scenario, it’s all you can ask for... short if kicking that poor excuse for a franchise in the ass and forcing them to build a real stadium.

[Initial B]

I'm just glad there were no injuries. The win is just icing on the cake.

[Bushmancan]

For all my criticism of Vanney at times, i don't think the tactics were wrong. We did come out strong, played the long ball to try to expose them.... one was very close by Akinola, the other one went in. i think we had the soccer gods on our side.

We were sloppy, we got about 5 divine interventions on NE sure sitters but on nights like last night, you just take it and run. Even when we hunkered down, i was ok because the vibe was just survive. Other nights, i may not be so kind but it was a miserable night in a miserable city. Take the 3.

[KRO]

Nah VAR also reviews possible fouls committed in the attacking phase of the play, leading up to the goal.

Yeh -you're right. I remember one of our goals being disallowed a couple of years ago for a foul that had happened way down the field.

[NK Toronto]

Akinola now tied top 5 for goals.

Stats Head-to-Head

Akinola (20 years old): 11 matches, 8 starts, 768 minutes - 8 goals, 0 assists, no cards and 124k

Altidore (30):12 matches, 10 starts, 714 minutes - 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 yellow cards and 6 million dollars

The current Altidore contract might be the worst one in TFC history. This could be a fun topic to discuss. What were the worst contracts given out by TFC?

[OgtheDim]

The current Altidore contract might be the worst one in TFC history. This could be a fun topic to discuss. What were the worst contracts given out by TFC?

That conversation starts & ends with Mo

[NK Toronto]

Mo Johnston? How much did TFC pay him to coach?

[OgtheDim]

Everything flowed from there...

[Oldtimer]

The current Altidore contract might be the worst one in TFC history. This could be a fun topic to discuss. What were the worst contracts given out by TFC?

Without question the worst was using the DP slot on Mista by Mo. On this list by Fox sports (and throughout the league) he was widely considered the second-worst DP in MLS history (with only Denilson being considered worse). His one notable action was kicking over a water bottle stand after being subbed out.

https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/gallery/mls-worst-designated-players-history-120616

[Canary10]

Without question the worst was using the DP slot on Mista by Mo. On this list by Fox sports (and throughout the league) he was widely considered the second-worst DP in MLS history (with only Denilson being considered worse). His one notable action was kicking over a water bottle stand after being subbed out.

https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/gallery/mls-worst-designated-players-history-120616

He's the obvious.

I don't want to bring up the other somewhat obvious one. Don't want to re-hash old arguments!

[Initial B]

Without question the worst was using the DP slot on Mista by Mo.
And now he's coaching my Ottawa team. I hope he has better luck as a NA coach than player. :D

[ag futbol]

I would argue JDG. Mista was awful too though.

Struggling to remember others. The bad old days are starting to fade from memory, haha

[Richard]

At least Mista scored in a CCL game.

[Canary10]

I would argue JDG. Mista was awful too though.

Struggling to remember others. The bad old days are starting to fade from memory, haha

Yeah, that's who I was referring to.

[MightyDM]

The current Altidore contract might be the worst one in TFC history. This could be a fun topic to discuss. What were the worst contracts given out by TFC?

Not even top 50. Or did you miss the first decade of the club?

[NK Toronto]

My view is based on Jozy's current contract which began in 2019, not what he has accomplished in the past. We are paying him $6MM a year for 2 goals. That is not money well spent. 2017 is long gone and he will not be returning to that level. Time to move on from him.

I know hindsight is 20 20 but if we even had an above avg healthy striker in 2019 we could have been cup champions. I know Gallardo has been a flop but what are we paying him a couple of hundred thousand a year? Its much harder to walk away from a $6MM contract, especially when you aren't generating any ticket sales revenue. So we may be stuck with him until his contract expires.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Sorry, but for me Jozy's last contract is the worst one made in TFC's history, the most detrimental to the club. I am looking just at players, not coaches or managers/presidents.

You have to consider the huge $$$ value of the contract PLUS the very long period it's valid for PLUS the present circumstances and ambitions of the club (not what was 8-12 years ago), and with these in mind make a honest comparation to any other very bad contracts. You have to correctly do this without putting in balance what Jozy has done BEFORE this contract for TFC - and this is why is almost impossible to do it for most of the forum members.

Simply we are attached too much to Jozy because of his past contribution to the glory of TFC.
Attachment wise something similar would be like having Seba back for the whole 2020-2021 seasons with a firm contract of $ 6 million per year, but he would contribute just like a player being paid max. 1.5 millions, and still most people saying: "oh well, not a big deal, because he was the magical Seba in the past for TFC"...

Let's be clear about this: I'm not a Jozy hater at all, and I never was (on the contrary!), but all the many great things he's done for this club are just a long past memory.
A contract like this is pure poison for the bearer club in a capped league wich is MLS, such leagues being very rare in the world.

In any of the countries with the top 10 strongest intern championships, financially strong teams if made such grave error with such contract, would have a long time ago swallowed the $$ loss, buying out the player, or giving it for any other team even just for 1.5 million salary a year (and paying the rest). But of course in the MLS these would not work...

[MightyDM]

Jozy’s contract was the right thing to do at the time. He is immensely important at this club at it is very hard to find strikers of his caliber, very hard indeed. Even with his subsequent injuries it was the right thing to do, and if they can keep him fit for 2021 he will still be a real force in the pitch. It’s not like he is 37 We are lucky to have a player of his skill and background at the club. Auro’s development no doubt owes a lot to his mentoring. It’s a good contract and I for one am glad we signed it.

[portu]

Jozy’s contract was the right thing to do at the time. He is immensely important at this club at it is very hard to find strikers if his caliber, very hard indeed. Even with his subsequent injuries it was the right thing to do, and if they can keep him fit for 2021 he will still be a real force in the pitch. It’s not like he is 37 We are lucky to have a player of his skill and background at the club. Quo’s development no doubt owes a lot to his mentoring. It’s a good contract and I for one am glad we signed it.
I don’t even want to begin to unpack this

[PizzaEatingYeti]

I don’t even want to begin to unpack this

Same here, same here... :facepalm:

[OgtheDim]

Might be worth noting the rest of the league's top strikers.

Atlanta - Josef Martinez
Chicago - Herbers, Sapong
Cinci - Kubo, Locadia
Colorad0 - Shinyashiki, Mezquido
Columbus - Zardes
Dallas - Jara
DCU - Ola Kamara, Jordy Reyna
Houston - Quintero, Lassiter, Ramirez, Manotas (couldn't score against Miami last night)
LAFC - Vela, Rodriquez, Rossi, Wright-Phillips
LAG - Chicarito, Pavon
Miaimi - Higuian, Agudelo (aside, their website is so shit - Higuian is not even on their normal roster page)
Loons - Kia Kamara
Impact - Urruti, Mason Toye
Nashville - Accam, Badji
NER - Bou, Buksa
NYCFC - Heber, Castellanos
NYRB - Royer
Orlando- Akindele, Dike, (hint as to what has been the issue with this team - go to their club page & the first list is the board of directors)
Philly - Przybylko, Santos
Portland - Blanco, Ebobisse
RSL - Ramirez, Johnson
San Jose - Wondo, Rios
Seattle - Rui Diaz, Morris
SKC - Russel, Pulido
Vancouver - Cavalini


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

I bet you most of us would have no clue who those players are and what their capabilities are.


The contract on Jozy is one thing. The capability of Jozy, even when walking wounded, within the MLS striker pool is near the top. There are maybe 3 players there who I would say are better then Jozy - Vela, Chicarito & Martinez.


I'm not sold on Jozy playing in a system with Poz - I don't think it will work in 2021 & 2022 (the window for Poz because he is 29 this year & will slow down in 2 years).


But, people who say he's rubbish just do not understand what level of strikers there are in this league. MLS is VERY midfield heavy in its quality.

[NK Toronto]

I don't think people are saying he is rubbish but rather the size and term of his contract vs his production have shown that it was a bad signing. You also have to factor in his history of injuries. It's risky to give out long-term contracts to players with a history of frequent injuries. He is a very talented player no question but you can't score when you are not playing.

I feel his current contract was a panic move by management who felt attendance would drop after losing both Seba and VV, plus the lousy 2018 season. If you recall before Jozy was renewed he was making comments in the media about being in an impasse with mgmt about his contract and maybe leaving the club. I believe that if Seba didn't leave Jozy gets a shorter term at less money.

If Jozy's contract expired at the end of 2020 does anyone believe the club would even give him an offer?

What's disappointing here is with Poz we have a small window of opportunity to do something really special in the next couple of years, but to make this happen we need a top quality, healthy and reliable striker and currently we don't have one, and maybe can't go and get one. Ayo maybe can be that guy but he is probably a few years away.

[MightyDM]

Some facts that are hard to dispute:

1. Jozy when not hurt is a top top MLS striker;

2. There are very few of those as show by Og above.

3. It is very hard to get a top striker in and there have been far more failures than success. Far far more

4. Seba and VV left TFC at a time of their choosing, not of managements

5. If they had not re-signed Jozy TFC would have had to take a risk that it could bring someone in who could score;

6. It is very hard to get a top top striker in and there have been far more failures than successes. Far far more

7. Had they lost Seba VV AND Jozy the club would have looked as if it was falling apart. There was no choice but to resign Jozy, unless they had a top striker already ready to sign, which they did not because the club was not prepared for Seba and VV to leave.

[NK Toronto]

But he is hurt, more often than he is healthy, which is also a fact and one of the reasons that makes it a bad contract. Wasn't there a stat put out in the past week or so that indicates he has played less than 50% of game minutes over the past 2 seasons?

The other factor to consider is that TFC is willing to go out and spend more than any other club so comparing Jozy to other MLS strikers is not rationale as to whether his contract is good or bad. How many of those strikers make $6MM a year?

I can't help but wonder what other options would have been available to the club if that $6MM were used elsewhere. Doesn't Poz make less than $4MM a year? What could we have gotten for $6MM?

Anyway I don't think I am going to change anyone's mind who disagrees, but that is what makes this forum so fun. There would be no debates if everyone thought the same.