Regular Season Phase 2 Game 11 Miami "@" TFC Sun Nov 1 7:30pm - No clue, of what's

[OgtheDim]

happening to you

but the rhythm is going to get you


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZkjeJKBI0M

Lets face it, we all be addicts to this TFC stuff

Might as well dance

:pbjtime::pbjtime::pbjtime::fluffy::michael::micha el::taz:

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


Have at It People

[OgtheDim]

A win here and the last game of the season is basically a tune up where people can be rested or played into shape.

But a win here isn't guaranteed - Miami is like NYC or Atlanta - great offence - no defensive midfield presence & CB's that can't contain for long.

[Red CB Toronto]

The Reds had quite the training session today, could be interesting come Sunday. After the snow today they could find themselves playing in the rain Sunday night. https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/123145547_10157189162981805_680115210851394088_o.j pg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=2&_nc_sid=a26aad&_nc_ohc=F_Ul-p-3cgsAX-boht0&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=27b74851935ddae937ead1e68bc9b0b0&oe=5FC169A3

[Red CB Toronto]

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/122900048_10157189163011805_1747426747653322176_o. jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=2&_nc_sid=a26aad&_nc_ohc=iOprGT_MEukAX_NQiGA&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=d5443e65591448d0d2127be738d3f82b&oe=5FC23BC8

[OgtheDim]

Kayln Kyle on Footy Talks indicating Miami missing 3 defenders for this game.

Given their issue has been their defence all season - we should be feasting on this team.

[MikeForbes]

Federico Higuain is an Inter player, we are conceding atleast one goal. His brother is okay too, I hear.

[James17930]

Is this a must win? I can't tell anymore.

Don't think we're going to win the shield now, so we have to at least finish 2nd to keep as much home field advantage as possible, right? I wouldn't want to just rest everybody for these two games and then plummet in the standings.

[ag futbol]

Is this a must win? I can't tell anymore.

Don't think we're going to win the shield now, so we have to at least finish 2nd to keep as much home field advantage as possible, right? I wouldn't want to just rest everybody for these two games and then plummet in the standings.
I don’t know if it’s “must win” but we should show good form.

These guys need a bit of a boost heading into playoffs. I’d pretty much consider the game over at the point we pull a decent number of starters as opposed to at the final whistle.

[Derko]

Simply put, we have to take shots to score goals, :scarf:

[NK Toronto]

Kayln Kyle on Footy Talks indicating Miami missing 3 defenders for this game.

Given their issue has been their defence all season - we should be feasting on this team.

If Mullins is our striker I can"t see us feasting on any team.

[OgtheDim]

If Mullins is our striker I can"t see us feasting on any team.


They leave a heck of a lot of space between their defenders & their midfield. And they don't press well. Poz should feast on that.

[Bushmancan]

The Philly - Columbus game is at 3:30, we will know what we need to do prior to game time.

[OgtheDim]

https://twitter.com/SportsAviation/status/1322905196335419392

Another thing to take into account - Inter with a 2+ hour flight up to Hartford this morning. Every flight is a charter now but still...that's a long trip the morning of a game.

[MikeForbes]

I love Sunday night games. I can watch the Dolphins/Rams this afternoon, have BBQ for supper and settle in to watch TFC.

[MikeForbes]

Confirmed to be no Delgado or Morrow tonight. Osorio listed as questionable.

[OgtheDim]

On the other hand

Akinola & Mavinga both available.


Still think we win this but Bradley & Fraser is def now the B team midfield.

[MikeForbes]

Mavinga starting over Ciman would be a huge upgrade.

[OgtheDim]

The Philly - Columbus game is at 3:30, we will know what we need to do prior to game time.


So far Columbus beating Philly on a Joe Bendik couldn't quite reach that special.

I would prefer a draw as that leaves us with a chance of getting the shield and likely wraps up second in the whole of the league.

[OgtheDim]

CBus & Philly is a pretty good playoff style grinding game.

Rain right now in Hartford but dropping down a bit for game time.

[Smokecell]

we would need to win out to win the shield coupled with philly ending this game as is (1-1) followed by an L to NER.

I imagine that the result in this PHIvCLB game will heavily influence our XI tonight. If Philly wins may as well rest up and play the kids.

[OgtheDim]

Aaaa...there's the Joe Bendik I fondly remember.

[Bushmancan]

we would need to win out to win the shield coupled with philly ending this game as is (1-1) followed by an L to NER.

I imagine that the result in this PHIvCLB game will heavily influence our XI tonight. If Philly wins may as well rest up and play the kids.

Columbus up 2 - 1 90+1, we now must get points not only for the shield potential but to stop Columbus from grabbing 2nd.

:scarf:

COYRs

[MikeForbes]

We might go from being happy to worried if Columbus wins and we again fail to score.

[tfcfans]

We also need to get past 44 points to avoid losing out to Columbus for second, Seattle and Portland as well could pass us out West too if we only end with 44. Seattle will be favored in all 3 of their games (all three are “lesser” opponents), and Portland will be favored in at least 2/3 of their remaining games, and winning out puts either (or both) of them ahead of us at 44 points. Even if we can’t win the Shield, we could easily go from one road playoff game, to three road playoff games, to win the MLS Cup; I think that’s worth fighting for frankly.

[OgtheDim]

A loss tonight and Philly wins the shield & we are reliant upon Orlando or Atlanta to keep second and there is a possibility of ending up in 4th (if Orlando wins in 2 out of 3 games they have but lose to Columbus)

A draw tonight & we have a sniff at the shield but still could drop to 3rd.

A win tonight & we clinch 3rd, need just 1 point dropped by Columbus to grab 2nd & still have that sniff at the shield

(we lose the tie breakers against Philly, Columbus & Orlando)


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

Regardless, that loss by Philly means we are playing our best team tonight & next week.

A Philly win or a draw in that game and we could have coasted the last game with even a point tonight.

[NK Toronto]

The most important thing is to field a healthy and full strength lineup. If we are are at full strength we can beat any team anywhere. If we have to field a lineup like we did against NYCFC then we are hard pressed to beat anyone.

Has anyone heard anything regarding Jozy? Will he even be available for the playoffs? If not he may already have played his last game for TFC.

[rydermike]

The Union lost, so all we need to do is win by 16 goals tonight and we'll be back First Place for the Shield.




Yes, that's a joke. What's not a joke, is that I remember when we allowed that tying goal against San Jose in that match that feels like it was 2 years ago but was only March, that it would come back to haunt us.

[OgtheDim]

Hmmmm

https://twitter.com/GarethWheeler/status/1323046029713879054?s=19

[Smokecell]

Priso starting over Fraser tells you all you need to know about his role on this team. Good on the young lad. Hopefully he takes the chance than Liam never did.

[MikeForbes]

Priso and Akinola are who he is referring to. They both start. Fraser sits because he is not very good.

[Hugh Jazz]

Positives and negatives to this starting XI. I like the option of having Laryea come in for the final 30 minutes against a poor defence. Will be interesting to see how Priso does.

[MikeForbes]

Laryea looked gassed Wednesday night. A night (partially) off is a good thing.

[OgtheDim]

Fans in the stands tonight - hopefully not too many there for Higuian.

[SoccMan2]

Fans in the stands tonight? Just saw a few TFC fans in the stands already, must be TFC fans that are living in the US I would assume?

[ag futbol]

RIP Liam Fraiser’s career with TFC. Anyway let’s hope Priso makes his chance.

Has looked a tad green for me thus far.

[Bushmancan]

Little worried about injuries on a night like this... touch wood!!

[Bushmancan]

Good idea to take shots. Ball will be slippery.

[MightyDM]

RIP Liam Fraiser’s career with TFC. Anyway let’s hope Priso makes his chance.

Has looked a tad green for me thus far.

Not sure that this means Fraser is written off - as Caldwell said a few minutes ago, you have to have someone quick beside Bradley right now. Fraser isnt that palyer.

[OgtheDim]

RIP Liam Fraiser’s career with TFC. Anyway let’s hope Priso makes his chance.

Has looked a tad green for me thus far.


He's positionally better then Fraser and a better tackler and has some recovery speed - early days.

Team needs to move the ball quicker - this thing of taking it back to Bradley isn't going to work.

[ag futbol]

Not sure that this means Fraser is written off - as Caldwell said a few minutes ago, you have to have someone quick beside Bradley right now. Fraser isnt that palyer.
Fair. Bit of hyperbole on my part but realistically it seems like he’s pretty far down the pecking order.

[ag futbol]

He's positionally better then Fraser and a better tackler and has some recovery speed - early days.

Team needs to move the ball quicker - this thing of taking it back to Bradley isn't going to work.
Looks good to me so far. Good progression from earlier games

[MikeForbes]

Higuain discovering that Serie A does not have defenders the quality of Eriq Zavaleta.

[Bushmancan]

You really notice when Piatti isn't in there.

[MikeForbes]

You really notice when Piatti isn't in there.

Yeah. Endoh and DeLeon are really struggling.

[OgtheDim]

Endoh for Laryea - just a matter of when

[ag futbol]

Yeah the options up top are quite limited. I’d throw on Nelson at half potentially

[jloome]

Miami has a really weak back-Line shape and we should be able to break the trap.

[PaceyWinger]

that feeling when you advance the ball up the field, run out of options, recycle it backwards only for it to end up on the boot of Zaveletta who blasts it straight out of touch for a turnover.

[MikeForbes]

Fair. Bit of hyperbole on my part but realistically it seems like he’s pretty far down the pecking order.

Fraser is the product of unrealistic hype from TFC bloggers and journos based on one good game for Canada. Even now when someone starts over Fraser, the #TFCLive crew just talk about how Liam isn't starting and not about how good Priso could be.

[OgtheDim]

Our biggest issue is Bradley can't advance and has no pace and can't dribble past people so we might as well have 5 defenders.


Edit: we really do miss Delgado & Osorio

[MightyDM]

Fair. Bit of hyperbole on my part but realistically it seems like he’s pretty far down the pecking order.

agreed

[jloome]

We’re not going to keep this kid long.

[NK Toronto]

Osorio and Delgado are both key players to our midfield. When they are absent we get dominated.

[MikeForbes]

Our biggest issue is Bradley can't advance and has no pace and can't dribble past people so we might as well have 5 defenders.


Edit: we really do miss Delgado & Osorio

When in doubt, force the ball to 3rd centerback Michael Bradley.

[bhandsome90]

Is it just me, or is the build up play slow and narrow?

[OgtheDim]

AAAAAAUUUGGGGGHHHH

We have a throw DEEP in their end, but Auro takes so long to get ANY throw off all our guys are covered so he sends it back to Zavs who send it back to Westberg

******

I have hated this aspect of Auro since he started. He needs to do things quicker.

[NK Toronto]

Our luck has run out.

[Bushmancan]

Now that we have woken up... its time to play some football.

[jloome]

I hate Caldwell’s commentary. I really do. He sells us short constantly.

[MightyDM]

shit. the ball was in Gallaghers feet.

[ag futbol]

How was nobody there on the right side? Crazy.

[PaceyWinger]

Gallacher what are you doing? Not looking great fellas.

[OgtheDim]

Sigh - defending pathetic

**********

This is TFC circa 2015-2016 where everything had to go to the back because nobody had an outlet in the middle and then we relied upon a bit of Giovinco magic with a counter.

[MikeForbes]

French World Cup Winner, Blaise Matuidi! The Frenchman! He is such a representative of France, Stevie!

[notthesun]

I know we're missing guys but sheesh this is bleak. We generated, what, one chance all half?

They're pressing us into a complete shell, we're not doing anything positive at all.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

2 things:

Next season Gallacher has no business being with TFC.
Without Oso and Marky in midfield we'll never dominate posession no matter who we play..

[ag futbol]

I know we're missing guys but sheesh this is bleak. We generated, what, one chance all half?

They're pressing us into a complete shell, we're not doing anything positive at all.
If possession in your own third of the field was winning the game we dominated that half

[Mikmacdo]

I hate Caldwell’s commentary. I really do. He sells us short constantly.

He's negative and hard to listen too. I have no idea how he has that job.

Without Piatti this team sucks. The wingers behind him are terrible. You have endoh who is barely scores, DeLeon who is slow and not really a winger, Gallardo a complete bust, Nelson is 17, shaff is one dimensional. Put laryea at left or right wing.

[oranje boven]

Can’t find a way in the middle and we have zero threat on the sides.
Deleon and Endoh work in the midfield but are unable to create any offensive opportunities.

[MikeForbes]

Healthy DP's sure would help. And Delgado and Osorio are being discovered to be the most underrated midfield duo in MLS now that they are both hurt.

[OgtheDim]

2 things:

Next season Gallacher has no business being with TFC.
Without Oso and Marky in midfield we'll never dominate posession no matter who we play..


Gallacher has been a WAAAAY better defender tonight then Auro. Its not even close. He made 1 mistake - Auro has made numerous that has caused us to lose ALL momentum going down that wing.

[bhandsome90]

Gallacher has been a WAAAAY better defender tonight then Auro. Its not even close. He made 1 mistake - Auro has made numerous that has caused us to lose ALL momentum going down that wing.

It's weird, because Auro's side whether he's on the left or right side barely gets attacked by offenses.

[tfcfans]

Well, it’s now likely 3rd in the East (chance for fourth), and an MLS Cup not in Hartford even if we somehow got lucky, got healthy by the third week of November, and made it through 3 playoff games with two on the road like in 2019.

It’s sad that two games ago it was all in our hands to finish first overall and win the Shield — we just don’t have the depth to win (or score frankly) with 4-6 starters out every game (very few MLS teams can lose multiple DPs and 2-3 other key starters and perform, it’s just the nature of MLS).....

[NK Toronto]

225 minutes and counting since our last goal scored. Our next goal scored may very well be in 2021. We need 2 new DP's who can stay healthy and TAM players who are good enough to play in the starting lineup.

[OgtheDim]

It's weird, because Auro's side whether he's on the left or right side barely gets attacked by offenses.

Oh, he is defensively decent.

Offensively, he's a liability.

And, watch the goal - he tracked the player going across the goal - NOBODY followed Matuidi.

[Derko]

That goal was on both Bradley and Zavaleta, e are really missing Oso, but Delgado can stay far away, overrated midfielder, still we go backwards far too often. Get it together in the second half ffs.

[MikeForbes]

225 minutes and counting since our last goal scored. Our next goal scored may very well be in 2021. We need 2 new DP's who can stay healthy and TAM players who are good enough to play in the starting lineup.

While I don't agree with us not scoring again until 2021, I do agree that 2 new DP's are probably incoming.

[ag futbol]

Interestingly enough, Priso was our highest rated player at half according to whoscored.

The three lowest? Endoh, DeLeon, and Akinola (after Westburg, whom I don’t really count)

[bhandsome90]

Oh, he is defensively decent.

Offensively, he's a liability.

And, watch the goal - he tracked the player going across the goal - NOBODY followed Matuidi.

I ain't gonna say anything about the fullbacks. Right now the team just doesn't have any quality wingers or pace to create space.

[bhandsome90]

Interestingly enough, Priso was our highest rated player at half according to whoscored.

The three lowest? Endoh, DeLeon, and Akinola (after Westburg, whom I don’t really count)

Did Endoh get any touches? I saw maybe 1.

[ag futbol]

Oh, he is defensively decent.

Offensively, he's a liability.

And, watch the goal - he tracked the player going across the goal - NOBODY followed Matuidi.
That was a really strange decision on Auro‘s part. If someone was really on it, they might have realized that space at the far post needed covering.

[MikeForbes]

Mullinho coming in to score a brace.

[NK Toronto]

Oh Mullins is coming in. The game is in the bag.

[OgtheDim]

That goal was on both Bradley and Zavaleta, e are really missing Oso, but Delgado can stay far away, overrated midfielder, still we go backwards far too often. Get it together in the second half ffs.


I'd take Priso & Delgado over Bradley & Priso right now. At least the ball would move.

[NK Toronto]

While I don't agree with us not scoring again until 2021, I do agree that 2 new DP's are probably incoming.

Our season could potentially end in 225 minutes

[oranje boven]

Look at that rain and flags blowing... wondering if we have wind against us or with us or across the field this half?

[Mikmacdo]

Tough to win with one DP vs a team who basically has 4.

LOL at blaming Auro for the goal.

I hope to see Laryea come on for Deleon or Endoh.

Gallacher hasnt been that bad either.

Ralph looks really good.

[MikeForbes]

Someone wipe the friggin' camera lense.

[Bushmancan]

Look at that rain and flags blowing... wondering if we have wind against us or with us or across the field this half?

Just wondering the exact same thing

[ag futbol]

Is it too much to ask to wipe the damn lens?

[NK Toronto]

Mullins should consider a career change to a field goal kicker

[MikeForbes]

Been wondering why Miami's jerseys looked weird... They don't have a sponsor on the front.

[Auzzy]

A bunch of screw-ups on the goal against, but why the hell didn't Zavaleta charge the player before the shot? He just stopped about 5 yards away from him with arms behind his back, in a perfect position to screen Westberg.

W/o Piatti, Osorio, Delgado and Laryea we have no threat on attack. Pozuelo can't do it by himself, and Akinola can't do much with 3 Miami players right around him. Maybe Mullins and Akinola will do more together? Not sure, we shall see.

I think Priso has been good with the ball. I think sometimes he hasn't been very good w/o the ball. A couple of times he just stopped and watched. For example Bradley went to the side to pressure Miami in defensive midfield, leaving a huge gap behind him, while Priso watched from around the centre circle. Realized way too late he had to go back to cover. Sometimes Priso has worked to get open on attack, but otherwise he's also watched. I want to see more hunger and movement from a young player who is trying to prove himself. That's something we often don't see from young Canadian players on TFC.

[OgtheDim]

While I don't agree with us not scoring again until 2021, I do agree that 2 new DP's are probably incoming.


2021 is going to be interesting with a lot of turnover from the 2017 group & the 2019 people added for that run.

[ag futbol]

Great individual goal.

Pick it up the rest of you bums.

[MikeForbes]

What a pass from Mullinho!

[tfcfans]

An actual goal - geez I guess having a real forward on the field helps with scoring - who knew?!

[MikeForbes]

Caldwell not wanting to give Mullins credit for being the greatest playmaker of our generation makes me sick.

[Auzzy]

That was nice.

With Pozuelo and Mullins both on attack, Miami can't put as many guys around Akinola, which helps.

[samuraizero]

Fantastic from Mullins and akinola.

Ayo handled that so well

[PaceyWinger]

who had Mullins wonder switch pass. Absolute class finish for Akinola (Canadian).

[Red CB Toronto]

Love it when they get to play The Brass Bonanza , great individual effort by Ayo.

[PaceyWinger]

Caldwell not wanting to give Mullins credit for being the greatest playmaker of our generation makes me sick.

lol.

[OgtheDim]

Mullins with the Rugby Up and Under and...it gave Ayo something to go for.

i.e. SERVICE

(Caldwell's point a minute before that goal is my point about Auro - he slows things down offensively to the point where he is a liability)

[PaceyWinger]

Priso is making a difference out there. His speed has shut down a few plays that typically become track meets toward our goal.

[Bushmancan]

looks like wind is at our back

[NK Toronto]

2021 is going to be interesting with a lot of turnover from the 2017 group & the 2019 people added for that run.

I think we will see a lot of changes, but I am not convinced mgmt will spend big money on DP's. Given the size of our payroll coupled with no ticket sales and the cost of operating in Hartford for several months, I believe we lost more money this year than any team in MLS.

[ag futbol]

Priso is making a difference out there. His speed has shut down a few plays that typically become track meets toward our goal.
Recoveries have been good. Passing getting a bit more positive with time. I was worried for a second he suffered from Bradley-Delgado disease

[PaceyWinger]

looks like wind is at our back

If they'd throw Jaden out there we would know for certain.

[jloome]

Mullins playing very well since coming in. He always had major talent, it just got sapped by injuries and, to some extent, teams not knowing how to use him (same as DeLeoh and Lariya, really).

[OgtheDim]

Mullins has a surprisingly deft touch....

[ag futbol]

DeLeon has been pretty bad. Throw on a sub already

[MikeForbes]

Pozuelo getting hurt would be our season over.

[notthesun]

Credit to Priso he seems very strong in the tackle, recovered a bunch of balls tonight

[Bushmancan]

Why Fraser... Priso has been great

[MikeForbes]

I know we argue about if Mullins is the greatest TFC player ever or simply the best player ever. But he has actually been the best player on the pitch since he came on.

[ag futbol]

Good first start for Priso. Something to build on for sure

[MikeForbes]

Great game from Priso.

[NK Toronto]

I know we argue about if Mullins is the greatest TFC player ever or simply the best player ever. But he has actually been the best player on the pitch since he came on.

We should consider selling him to Man City, for that De Bruyne guy whatever his name is.

[MightyDM]

Bradley has been far better than his previous two games, far far better. Poz looks mentally tired to me. He is a bit indecisive. Prisio looked good to me.

[OgtheDim]

Yeh, in the long term, this game will be known possibly more for Priso's start.

[MikeForbes]

We should consider selling him to Man City, for that De Bruyne guy whatever his name is.

KdB is good and whatever, but can he do it in a rainy night in Hartford?

[MikeForbes]

When Will Trapp can make your two central mids look like they are standing still, they might be too slow.

[MightyDM]

Ayo is stretching his calf. Not a good sign.

[Bushmancan]

Scarey

[rydermike]

Man of the match:the crossbar

[ag futbol]

My god Zavaleta looks like an orange cone trying to defend Higuain

[PaceyWinger]

Holy #9 still has it. You could see as soon as he collected that ball something cool was going to happen. He got that ball like he was Henry in the coaches box. wow.

[Red CB Toronto]

Boy do I love Richie, never gives up.

[MikeForbes]

Not sure I think it is a pen. But I am glad it is.

[rydermike]

If there was a rule that the person fouled had to take the penalty, Richie might have been the leading scorer this year

[tfcfans]

And now we pray......let’s go boys!!!!!

[Red CB Toronto]

Yes !

[rydermike]

I can't remember the last time a keeper dove on a Pozuelo penalty

[MikeForbes]

Pozuelooooo.

[oranje boven]

Haha they just have no idea

[Red CB Toronto]

Not sure I think it is a pen. But I am glad it is.

VAR official gave it a look and confirmed the PK.

[NK Toronto]

keepers don't even move on Poz's kicks.

[MikeForbes]

I can't remember the last time a keeper dove on a Pozuelo penalty

Scared of being paneka'd.

[OgtheDim]

Could hear them say "no foul...no foul" and........

[ag futbol]

Soft but still a pen. What kind of defender swings out at an attacker like that multiple times? Crazy

[SirBobSaget]

I can't remember the last time a keeper dove on a Pozuelo penalty

He's got them completely mentally beaten.

[tfcfans]

Crazy NE v DC game too....

[PaceyWinger]

If there was a rule that the person fouled had to take the penalty, Richie might have been the leading scorer this year

No kidding. So valuable.

[Auzzy]

STFU Caldwell "soft."

Laryea was grabbed around the waist from behind, his foot was then swiped from the side. One or the other might be called soft; both together are a clear-cut penalty.

[PaceyWinger]

Soft but still a pen. What kind of defender swings out at an attacker like that multiple times? Crazy

Even if it was soft he earned it with volume.

[tfcfans]

Huge 10 minutes or so here for the overall standings and TFCs place in it.....

[Auzzy]

Huge 10 minutes or so here for the overall standings and TFCs place in it.....

So now Vanney is throwing on a 3rd CB, what could possibly go wrong...

[rydermike]

Now we have 4 CBs since Bradley plays CB 99% of the time

[ag futbol]

Someone needs to hold a weekend crash course for Vanney to explain taking a midfielder / forward off for a CB does not actually help with defending

[Auzzy]

LOL Higuain wanting a PK after his attempt had already gone out of play.

[Bushmancan]

So now Vanney is throwing on a 3rd CB, what could possibly go wrong...

Tonight we score

[OgtheDim]

My issue with that play is both our DM's were not following the runners into the box.

[MikeForbes]

Now we have 4 CBs since Bradley plays CB 99% of the time

5. Fraser fights with Bradley for who can drop the furthest into defense.

[OgtheDim]

Someone needs to hold a weekend crash course for Vanney to explain taking a midfielder / forward off for a CB does not actually help with defending


Given they have about 7 attackers on the pitch right now...

[ag futbol]

Why is there 5 minutes added time? Bit of a joke

[Derko]

Oh Michael you are so done, what was that

[OgtheDim]

Mullins is the quintessential US forward with a chip on his shoulder about all these non American CB's giving him the gears.

[ag futbol]

Given they have about 7 attackers on the pitch right now...
Understood, but common school of thought is you want fresh legs in midfield to win those battles first. Not just throw on 5 CB’s to do panic station defending and last ditch tackles.

[MikeForbes]

Look at the defensive work rate on 13.

[PaceyWinger]

Why is there 5 minutes added time? Bit of a joke

Columbus rolling around on the ground.

[Bushmancan]

Auzzy three CBs at the back and it almost happened....we give up the midfield

[tfcfans]

Start the car.....

[MikeForbes]

Gritty win. I love it.

[NK Toronto]

start the car

[Red CB Toronto]

Returning to their winning ways, the Reds supporter shield dreams stay alive.

[notthesun]

What a steal of a game. The Laryea special once again.

[oranje boven]

Mistake by Miami not putting that last corner into the box. It’s windy it’s wet.....

[SirBobSaget]

wtf these hartford ball boys launching the ball back for a super quick throw in. Jeez home field

[Auzzy]

Start the car.....

Wooohooo!

[OgtheDim]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlWCLw75XnE

[tfcfans]

Huge win, gives them hope that at worst (with a win) they would only have Philly as a potential road game.....And NE winning tonight may give them some incentive to want to get up to 6th and stay out of the first round playoff games between 7/10 and 8/9.

[Yohan]

Why is there 5 minutes added time? Bit of a joke
Well, Matuidi was in pain for a while after getting sacked by a Bradley backpass

[NK Toronto]

wtf these hartford ball boys launching the ball back for a super quick throw in. Jeez home field

You are right. Curtis needs to have a word with them.

[OgtheDim]

I do miss this after hard fought last few minute wins...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLsLSo9mjfDzFzkCyjHM_-GwQIbiHfhe1y&v=_6FBfAQ-NDE&feature=emb_logo


:frown:

[MightyDM]

Priso deserves huge credit, as do Mullins, Richie and Ayo. Poz looks tired to me.

Zavs was competent next to Mavinga and Bradley and Fraser both looked much much better than the last time each played. All in all a good night

[Derko]

Happy with the win 👍 I will ask the question, if your captain is playing a shite game, why would you not sub him off, just asking

[Smokecell]

Bradley was much better.

Priso looks to have the tools to be a Red for a very long time.

Ayo is an ace.

Hopefully the stars line up next weekend. We could have had this is the bag but we’ve tossed some points in the fire this season.

[Auzzy]

I can't remember the last time a keeper dove on a Pozuelo penalty


Haha they just have no idea


keepers don't even move on Poz's kicks.


Scared of being paneka'd.


He's got them completely mentally beaten.

On that note, I LOVED this Halloween tweet from TFC...

https://twitter.com/TorontoFC/status/1322531267729068033

[Mikmacdo]

Zavs has been good the last two starts. Bring him back on 100-150k?

I prefer Osorio and Delgado double pivot over Bradley and whoever.

Ayo is a beast. Sell Jozy to a Saudi Arabian team to free up money for a dp left winger.

Endoh shouldn't start.

[Auzzy]

Oh I didn't realize TFC has a week until the last game vs. NYRB. That's nice, good to get a bit of a rest. Maybe we can get some players back. Too bad that we're playing away and Philly home. NE has been decent lately, what are the chances that Philly gets fewer points vs. the Revs, than TFC gets vs. NYRB?

[OgtheDim]

Guaranteed 3rd & could have second wrapped up if Columbus doesn't win against Orlando mid week.

[tfcfans]

Could do with Seattle and Portland losing some points too - Colorado just went up 2-1!!!

(Just for fun math - in case we lost next week and we still make MLS Cup - a Seattle tie and two wins leaves them with 42 points from 22 games or 1.909 pts per game - TFC at 44 from 23 would be 1.913 - that’s how close a tiebreaker would be from Seattle v Tor (part IV) taking place in Hartford v Seattle).....Portland winning out and us losing will put them ahead of us as well, based on Goal Differential...obviously if we get a result next week, then none of this matters, but it’s still something to look at just in case....

Update --- the only Western team that can still finish ahead of us now is Portland and that's having them win out (they are up 1-0 tonight and they play Weds vs Colorado, and Sunday at LAFC) and we would have to lose on Sunday; and then we both end up with 44 points after 23 games with identical 13-5-5 records and then Goal Differential would go their way......

[MightyDM]

Cudos to Vanney too. Managed a limited line up very well

[MikeForbes]

Osorio should be back Sunday. Hopefully Piatti and Delgado can be back for the first game of the playoffs. I never hope or assume anything when it comes to Altidore and injuries.

[ag futbol]

I’ll take it.

Some decent performances out there and certainly a good debut by Priso.

That said, clearly there needs to be a bit of a changing of the guard at certain positions (or backup positions) on this team. Feels like the league has moved on from how certain guys play.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

wtf these hartford ball boys launching the ball back for a super quick throw in. Jeez home field
Yeah, that shocked me too.
That f-ing ball boy was for sure a Miami supporter.

[Auzzy]

Yeah, that shocked me too.
That f-ing ball boy was for sure a Miami supporter.

It's actually extra strange because I think the ball boys aren't supposed to be interacting with the players at all. There are pedestals around the field where the players are supposed to pick up the ball (if they don't continue with the ball that was just in play). I thought the ball boys are supposed to disinfect balls that they retrieve and place on the next empty pedestal. They shouldn't be throwing balls directly to the players of either side -- AFAIK.

Are we sure it was a ball boy? Maybe it was a Miami sub or staff member.

[NK Toronto]

Zavs has been good the last two starts. Bring him back on 100-150k?

I prefer Osorio and Delgado double pivot over Bradley and whoever.

Ayo is a beast. Sell Jozy to a Saudi Arabian team to free up money for a dp left winger.

Endoh shouldn't start.

I think this was the last time you see Endoh in a TFC Jersey.

[James17930]

Just saw the highlights. Ayo, wow, what a goal. If he can stay healthy and keep this up, he can definitely be Jozy's full-time replacement.

What are everyone's thoughts about the penalty. At first glance it looked weak, but in slow-mo it did look like the defender raked Richie's ankle with his studs.

[bhandsome90]

Zavs has been good the last two starts. Bring him back on 100-150k?

I prefer Osorio and Delgado double pivot over Bradley and whoever.

Ayo is a beast. Sell Jozy to a Saudi Arabian team to free up money for a dp left winger.

Endoh shouldn't start.

Wasn't Piatti suppose to be that DP left winger? What are the chances his Team Option is picked up?

[Auzzy]

Just saw the highlights. Ayo, wow, what a goal. If he can stay healthy and keep this up, he can definitely be Jozy's full-time replacement.

What are everyone's thoughts about the penalty. At first glance it looked weak, but in slow-mo it did look like the defender raked Richie's ankle with his studs.

I think it was the swipe to his ankle, in combination with the guy hugging him around the waist from behind. There was definitely enough that it couldn't be overturned by VAR.

[OgtheDim]

Mullins is a decent MLS forward in a tandem.

Bradley's better second half doesn't excuse how much this teams warps itself around his playing style. He is the major reason why the ball movement is so damn slow.

Priso shows a lot of potential as the next version of Osoro

Endoh isn't Delgado but then again Delgado isn't Delgado without Osorio.

Deleon never stops working & just is who he is no matter what we put out there.

Zavs is never going to be the #2 or #3 CB but in the right situation, when facing no speed, he's decent enough.

I've said my peace about Auro - I think his overthinking hurts us more then his defensive shape helps us.

Gallacher has better positional awareness then most young FB's and he tries to beat players. He needs more games. And he needs to trust his speed & crossing ability and go for the line - he's trying to be Trent Alexander-Arnold (the prototype Liverpool LB) and stand it up but he's better when he just goes for it and doesn't think.

Compare Westberg to Bendik and we know how far we have come since 2014.

[Bushmancan]

Oh I didn't realize TFC has a week until the last game vs. NYRB. That's nice, good to get a bit of a rest. Maybe we can get some players back. Too bad that we're playing away and Philly home. NE has been decent lately, what are the chances that Philly gets fewer points vs. the Revs, than TFC gets vs. NYRB?


Forecast is 19 C and Sunny for New York

[ag futbol]

Just saw the highlights. Ayo, wow, what a goal. If he can stay healthy and keep this up, he can definitely be Jozy's full-time replacement.

What are everyone's thoughts about the penalty. At first glance it looked weak, but in slow-mo it did look like the defender raked Richie's ankle with his studs.
He took a stab at the ball 3x and missed, hitting Richie at each attempt. If you’re going to be that stupid as a defender playing in the box, you get what you deserve.

[CBTFC]

Yeah I think that was a penalty, especially seeing the various replay angles showing both arms around the torso/hands on body, as well as the swipes with the feet. Those things combined warrant a PK. Yeah sure Richie "went down" a bit, but hey Mo Salah does that game in game out ;) :P

Another grimey win, this time in horrible weather conditions. Cold, wet and rainy is a miserable combination. Would be easier if it was -2 and snowing.

The full week off until the last regular season game is huge for us, will allow guys to rest and hopefully Osorio and/or Delgado can make their way back in.

[jabbronies]

Wasn't Piatti suppose to be that DP left winger? What are the chances his Team Option is picked up?

I think they will take the chance on him again and pick up his option. I still worry about his injury history though. clearly it's still an issue and we already have millions tied up in the medical room already.

[Ultra & Proud]

I think they will take the chance on him again and pick up his option. I still worry about his injury history though. clearly it's still an issue and we already have millions tied up in the medical room already.
He only has a calf strain though. I blame that more on our training staff than him. We aren't physically up for playing more than one match per week and it's been like that since 2018 with no signs of getting better.

[reggie]

piatti is a nice player,but to me he is a tam not a dp,

[Smokecell]

piatti is a nice player,but to me he is a tam not a dp,

Piatti is the player we needed Gallardo to be IMO.

[Smokecell]

Priso shows a lot of potential as the next version of Osoro


Had this exact thought myself, doubly encouraging that he looks ways ahead of where Oso was when he debuted under Nelson. I don't know the payer well enough to comment beyond that but I like what I see and hopefully the ceiling is high.

Also major props to him for coming in and playing at this level and composure. Often folks want Vanney to play kids solely based on their passport but Priso (and to a slightly lesser degree Nelson) have stepped right in and looked like they can contribute at this level right away. This is the level I have craved to see come through our academy. Early days but encouraging all around. Hoping JMR is another.

[portu]

To be honest this season has convinced me that Vanney is our saving grace and our front office is our downfall

Imagine we signed an actual DP instead of Piatti (Piatti is a nice player and good fit for the squad but not DP quality) and had a non-injured DP striker

[rydermike]

To be honest this season has convinced me that Vanney is our saving grace and our front office is our downfall

Imagine we signed an actual DP instead of Piatti (Piatti is a nice player and good fit for the squad but not DP quality) and had a non-injured DP striker

I feel like they will just convert Piatti to TAM. His salary is something like $1.5 million, which is very TAMable, but all our TAM is being spent on Bradley, Gonzalez, Osorio, and Gallardo. I feel like they'll just buyout Gallardo and then Piatti can take his TAM, opening up a DP slot. They just made Piatti a DP because there was no more TAM.

[Ultra & Proud]

Imagine we signed an actual DP instead of Piatti (Piatti is a nice player and good fit for the squad but not DP quality) and had a non-injured DP striker

I think Piatti is good enough to use a DP spot. For a while he was our best looking player out there and did the dirty work too. Plus I wouldn't judge a player coming new to MLS on results right away, especially during this mess of a year. Usually internationals have an adjustment period and COvid makes it even more stupid (no home matches for us for example). Besides most "big" name DPs aren't living up to their DP price tags and spots this season most likely because of how screwed up everything is (Pulido, Pizarro).

[NK Toronto]

Just saw the highlights. Ayo, wow, what a goal. If he can stay healthy and keep this up, he can definitely be Jozy's full-time replacement.

What are everyone's thoughts about the penalty. At first glance it looked weak, but in slow-mo it did look like the defender raked Richie's ankle with his studs.

I think if it was called against us we would be screaming mad.

[portu]

I think Piatti is good enough to use a DP spot. For a while he was our best looking player out there and did the dirty work too. Plus I wouldn't judge a player coming new to MLS on results right away, especially during this mess of a year. Usually internationals have an adjustment period and COvid makes it even more stupid (no home matches for us for example). Besides most "big" name DPs aren't living up to their DP price tags and spots this season most likely because of how screwed up everything is (Pulido, Pizarro).
The issue with Piatti is how close he is to being TAM while producing numbers that are kind of meh alongside the obvious injury issues/history. You don’t want to tie a DP spot to a guy who spends half the season injured and puts up okay numbers. At least with Jozy historically (not this season at all) he puts up numbers despite the injuries.

Piatti’s quality also isn’t super obvious. If he had a right foot he probably has 8 goals, but he doesn’t. He’s got deficiencies you don’t really expect from a DP. Pizarro’s quality is stupid obvious. But Piatti? He’s good, but it’s arguable as to whether he’s a difference maker.

[NK Toronto]

Going forward I would like the club to focus on players under 30, and who have proven to be durable. We have too many guys with "glass legs".

[Smokecell]

I think if it was called against us we would be screaming mad.

Would have been a weak PK but the player used his arm to attempt gaining position as well. That’s what did him in and why VAR didn’t bother taking a look.

[MightyDM]

Had this exact thought myself, doubly encouraging that he looks ways ahead of where Oso was when he debuted under Nelson. I don't know the payer well enough to comment beyond that but I like what I see and hopefully the ceiling is high.

Also major props to him for coming in and playing at this level and composure. Often folks want Vanney to play kids solely based on their passport but Priso (and to a slightly lesser degree Nelson) have stepped right in and looked like they can contribute at this level right away. This is the level I have craved to see come through our academy. Early days but encouraging all around. Hoping JMR is another.

i am not as sold on Nelson - he needs some seasoning to be more positionally savvy - but agree generally with your comments . To me Priso was a revelation last night. Real balance with Bradley. And perhaps not uncoincidentally, Liam Fraser had his best outing for TFC this year in hie minutes.

[MightyDM]

I think if it was called against us we would be screaming mad.

Thats true. But he had his arms all around Laryea. Should have been a pen just for that, even before the dive.

[MightyDM]

The issue with Piatti is how close he is to being TAM while producing numbers that are kind of meh alongside the obvious injury issues/history. You don’t want to tie a DP spot to a guy who spends half the season injured and puts up okay numbers. At least with Jozy historically (not this season at all) he puts up numbers despite the injuries.

Piatti’s quality also isn’t super obvious. If he had a right foot he probably has 8 goals, but he doesn’t. He’s got deficiencies you don’t really expect from a DP. Pizarro’s quality is stupid obvious. But Piatti? He’s good, but it’s arguable as to whether he’s a difference maker.

I dunno. He has done really well for us and we are a very good team with him on the pitch. And i don't see his calf strain as proof of an "injury history" given this season Osorio, Delgado, Mavinga, Morrow, Gonzalez, Ayo, Auro, Fraser (I think) Mullins (I think) and a couple of others all have had muscle injuries. He is an "ffin team fffn works" kind of player

[ag futbol]

i am not as sold on Nelson - he needs some seasoning to be more positionally savvy - but agree generally with your comments . To me Priso was a revelation last night. Real balance with Bradley. And perhaps not uncoincidentally, Liam Fraser had his best outing for TFC this year in hie minutes.
I think Nelson has potential but it’s going to take a bit longer to smooth over the edges.

Not to oversell a one-game track record but what I liked about Priso’s performance last night it was good enough for the first team, no caveats. No, “well that was a real deficiency but he’s 18” or “Ya he really screwed but there but he’s got time to weed that out.” That was just a good, solid outing.

We can argue whether that begs for more minutes or pushes others further down the list but to me at least it indicates he belongs, right now. No waiting or taking lottery tickets on future potential, he can contribute, today.

[MightyDM]

I think Nelson has potential but it’s going to take a bit longer to smooth over the edges.

Not to oversell a one-game track record but what I liked about Priso’s performance last night it was good enough for the first team, no caveats. No, “well that was a real deficiency but he’s 18” or “Ya he really screwed but there but he’s got time to weed that out.” That was just a good, solid outing.

We can argue whether that begs for more minutes or pushes others further down the list but to me at least it indicates he belongs, right now. No waiting or taking lottery tickets on future potential, he can contribute, today.

That's how I saw it. He was calm and positionally smart.

[Graeme]

That's how I saw it. He was calm and positionally smart.
I agree with that, but I also thought he played it a little too safe. Most attacks would die at his feet (but we kept the ball). Needs to sprinkle the occasional unexpected forward pass.

[samuraizero]

I never hope or assume anything when it comes to Altidore and injuries.

Looks like Jozy has played 717 minutes in 2020 with a base salary of 6.33mil USD. He's scored 2 goals.
Means he's been paid approx $8900usd per minute of play. or 3.165mil per goal

Then there's Ayo.

973 mins of play, less than 60k/year
9 goals.

There's some value right there.

*edited because my numbers were wrong

[samuraizero]

I agree with that, but I also thought he played it a little too safe. Most attacks would die at his feet (but we kept the ball). Needs to sprinkle the occasional unexpected forward pass.

I'm sure some nerves came into this. Give the kid some more minutes and he'll be much more confident in how the team plays, and how he needs to feed into that.

[Graeme]

I'm sure some nerves came into this. Give the kid some more minutes and he'll be much more confident in how the team plays, and how he needs to feed into that.

Definitely. I would say he deliberately played it a bit safe (first start 'n' all). He needs that extra 10% to be a starter in today's TFC, but I'm sure we'll see more from him.

[ag futbol]

I'm sure some nerves have came into this. Give the kid some more minutes and he'll be much more confident in how the team plays, and how he needs to feed into that.
Agreed more forward passing should be on the menu. But I’d say this isn’t something that was unique to Priso. A few different experienced players could have the same criticism levelled against them.

I’d like to see how he looks after a few more games and with first choice options at FB and forward. Probably solves a lot of this.

But regardless, I’d still take this as a performance. I don’t have access to all the advance stats but on whoscored you can see he led the team in tackles, was tied for first in interceptions. I would suspect he led the team in recovery runs too... That’s a pretty damn good impact.

[jabbronies]

I think Nelson has potential but it’s going to take a bit longer to smooth over the edges.


My God that kid is jittery as fuck. I have no real judgment of him until he gets a bit older and plays a few more games. No where near a starter, but an option off the bench for now.




Not to oversell a one-game track record but what I liked about Priso’s performance last night it was good enough for the first team, no caveats. No, “well that was a real deficiency but he’s 18” or “Ya he really screwed but there but he’s got time to weed that out.” That was just a good, solid outing.

We can argue whether that begs for more minutes or pushes others further down the list but to me at least it indicates he belongs, right now. No waiting or taking lottery tickets on future potential, he can contribute, today.

He looked good. Could be wrong, but I think he may have vaulted over Fraiser in terms of favour with the coaching staff.

[GhostKiller]

Looks like Jozy has played 717 minutes in 2020 with a base salary of 6.33mil USD. He's scored 10 goals.
Means he's been paid approx $8900usd per minute of play. or 630k per goal

Then there's Ayo.

973 mins of play, less than 60k/year
10 goals.

There's some value right there.

I get your point, but none of those numbers are correct. Jozy has scored 2 goals this year, Ayo has 9.

[samuraizero]

I get your point, but none of those numbers are correct. Jozy has scored 2 goals this year, Ayo has 9.

You're right - I read the roster wrong.

https://www.torontofc.ca/players/jozy-altidore
https://www.torontofc.ca/players/ayo-akinola

[portu]

Re: Jayden Nelson and Co.

I really want to see the kids get loaned out more often. I like the relationship with HB Koge and want to see more of it. Jayden’s jitters are only going to go away with match experience at a challenging level. He needs starts. Fraser’s similar inconsistencies reek of a lack of confidence that he’s never gotten at the club. I’m worried that the time to vault him into the echelons of the best DMs in the league has passed. I still think if he got 25-30 starts in a competitive league he’d be a starter in this team.

[Joe Kool]

Re: Jayden Nelson and Co.

I really want to see the kids get loaned out more often. I like the relationship with HB Koge and want to see more of it. Jayden’s jitters are only going to go away with match experience at a challenging level. He needs starts. Fraser’s similar inconsistencies reek of a lack of confidence that he’s never gotten at the club. I’m worried that the time to vault him into the echelons of the best DMs in the league has passed. I still think if he got 25-30 starts in a competitive league he’d be a starter in this team.

The thing about Fraser is that he has had way more time playing in MLS (3 years, 32 games, 1861 minutes) compared to a player like Priso yet Priso looked like he belonged last game and Fraser continues to look like a CPL level player to me most times. If Fraser was going to make his mark he would have done it by now. Bradley going out with an injury should have been his time but instead Vanney preferred other lineups which tells you what Fraser probably shows in training is not a lot. In my opinion his time has passed and he is looking more like another Jordan Hamilton type player that was supposed to have potential but never reached it and probably never will. That is my two cents anyway.

[Ultra & Proud]

The thing about Fraser is that he has had way more time playing in MLS (3 years, 32 games, 1861 minutes) compared to a player like Priso yet Priso looked like he belonged last game and Fraser continues to look like a CPL level player to me most times. If Fraser was going to make his mark he would have done it by now. Bradley going out with an injury should have been his time but instead Vanney preferred other lineups which tells you what Fraser probably shows in training is not a lot. In my opinion his time has passed and he is looking more like another Jordan Hamilton type player that was supposed to have potential but never reached it and probably never will. That is my two cents anyway.

Fraser has fallen behind Priso now on the depth chart so he might as well go. He is just too slow for a MLS midfielder and pretty poor defensively. He is just overrated on this board because he's Canadian. If he was from the U.S then he'd be lumped in the same league as Lovitz was.

[Smokecell]

The thing about Fraser is that he has had way more time playing in MLS (3 years, 32 games, 1861 minutes) compared to a player like Priso yet Priso looked like he belonged last game and Fraser continues to look like a CPL level player to me most times. If Fraser was going to make his mark he would have done it by now. Bradley going out with an injury should have been his time but instead Vanney preferred other lineups which tells you what Fraser probably shows in training is not a lot. In my opinion his time has passed and he is looking more like another Jordan Hamilton type player that was supposed to have potential but never reached it and probably never will. That is my two cents anyway.

This is absolutely spot on.