MLS Match Day 1 - TFC "@" IMFC Saturday April 17 2:08pm - Cause After All This Time

[OgtheDim]

I'm Still Into You


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OblL026SvD4

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


Have at It People

[OgtheDim]

Of note


MLS is now providing real start time information so that time is as exact as we can get


Osorio is out suspended

[DavemTFC]

Is the suspension because of the Muyl incident?

[OgtheDim]

Is the suspension because of the Muyl incident?


Yepper (https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/soccer-mls-tfc-jonathan-osorio-suspension-1.5829624)

[MikeForbes]

Anyone else feel like the derby doesn't mean nearly as much without the fans in the stands?

[Red CB Toronto]

Anyone else feel like the derby doesn't mean nearly as much without the fans in the stands?

And not in the country ...

[Oldtimer]

Anyone else feel like the derby doesn't mean nearly as much without the fans in the stands?

Less emotional "impact" (to use their old name), but I can get my "hate" on pretty easy. I'll be yelling at the screen if TFC doesn't win.

[OgtheDim]

So are people in here more interested in this game now?

[Jack]

So are people in here more interested in this game now?
It feels pretty disconnected, but I am starting to get a little bit more up for it.

[ensco]

So are people in here more interested in this game now?

Well, sort of. The part I don't get is, why not leave the Canadian games until later in the year, when there is a chance we can play these games up here (and maybe even with fans). This seems dumb.

[MikeForbes]

I would say we will probably see a lot of squad rotation, but do we even have anyone left to rotate in? Bradley, Richie, Auro and Delgado all logged 180 minutes in the past week and have only two and a half days to recover.

[ManUtd4ever]

Montreal's new logo is hideous.

[Mike_S]

Well, sort of. The part I don't get is, why not leave the Canadian games until later in the year, when there is a chance we can play these games up here (and maybe even with fans). This seems dumb.

+1

Maybe I can understand with Montreal because they play each other multiple times, but Vancouver next week? Come on...

[Rust]

I'm almost sure that Montreal will have a tough season, so I expect nothing but a victory on this game, we have to get these first 3 points.

[rydermike]

Ciman can't really even give away some of our technical plans in his debut as assistant coach because we've completely revamped our playing style

[James17930]

I want to destroy them.

5-0 to TFC.

[DavemTFC]

Montreal's new logo is hideous.
Montreal's new everything is hideous this season

[Joe Kool]

https://i.imgflip.com/4txs5q.jpg

[OgtheDim]

I just realised I used the old acronym

&

I am still less embarrassed then Impact fans

[Oldtimer]

Montreal's new logo is hideous.

It doesn't look like anything that a French football club would use, I imagine that it's what they are trying to do.

PSG: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a7/Paris_Saint-Germain_F.C..svg/1024px-Paris_Saint-Germain_F.C..svg.png



Lille: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/3f/Lille_OSC_2018_logo.svg/1024px-Lille_OSC_2018_logo.svg.png



OGC Nice: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/2/2e/OGC_Nice_logo.svg/800px-OGC_Nice_logo.svg.png

[GuelphStorm2007]

Good Luck to our boys on Saturday and lets hope they can continue on with there success

[Yohan]

https://content.invisioncic.com/l286123/monthly_2021_04/0E6BE345-3EA1-45ED-892B-71926AD765C2.thumb.jpeg.0e049775b9ac29bb5f13cfd5ee 622971.jpeg

[Yohan]

https://www.wakingthered.com/2021/4/16/22388680/injury-report-erickson-gallardo-undergoes-surgery-pozuelo-mavinga-ruled-out-vs-cf-montreal?fbclid=IwAR3oWc3Enb9hRZ0ZRMKcVlFYjgcZGSGH bTAXydzEbtiHprx6gBsLVQRATns

injury report

[OgtheDim]

That's a lot of owch.

[Bushmancan]

That's a lot of owch.

No mention of Ayo though.

[leedsandTFC]

so lineup tomorrow:

bono
laryea gonzalez zavs auro
priso bradley okello
delgado akinola shaff

would be happy with this considering the circumstances.

[DavemTFC]

Bono was good on Wednesday but I'd still start Westberg if he's available

[Auzzy]

Gallardo groin surgery holy f*ck.

I wasn't expecting a 2pm start time for this, I almost messed that up. Worst possible time to play in Fort Lauderdale, expecting 33 degrees and zero clouds for the full 2 hours. 8pm would make much more sense.

I haven't taken a close look at the schedule yet. Between this & CCL I wonder if we'll get crappy time slots all season.

[MightyDM]

I feel for Gallardo. Finally gets a shot, then ...

[James17930]

Gallardo groin surgery holy f*ck.

I wasn't expecting a 2pm start time for this, I almost messed that up. Worst possible time to play in Fort Lauderdale, expecting 33 degrees and zero clouds for the full 2 hours. 8pm would make much more sense.

I haven't taken a close look at the schedule yet. Between this & CCL I wonder if we'll get crappy time slots all season.

Well, from an American TV perspective this is the least interesting game, so not surprising it gets the worst start time.

[OgtheDim]

I'm thinking Westberg starts

[613reppingTFC]

I haven't taken a close look at the schedule yet. Between this & CCL I wonder if we'll get crappy time slots all season.

5 of the first 7 games are start times before 3pm. After that most are after 7pm except last game of the season

[James17930]

It's Gameday!

[ensco]

I just always think of this when I think of playing the Impact.

Pure joy.

They can play us for 100 years and will never have a moment as sweet as this.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-iZmBvmDIs

[MightyDM]

I just always think of this when I think of playing the Impact.

Pure joy.

They can play us for 100 years and will never have a moment as sweet as this.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-iZmBvmDIs

In some ways that was a sweeter moment than the Cup win. Such relief.

[MightyDM]

I'm thinking Westberg starts

No, I don’t think so. New coach and Bono earned it. Next game or the one after.

[ensco]

In some ways that was a sweeter moment than the Cup win. Such relief.

It's Ricketts' reaction that gets me. He suddenly realizes what it means, and is overcome...

[jloome]

No, I don’t think so. New coach and Bono earned it. Next game or the one after.

Westberg is just coming off injury; wouldn't make sense to throw him in cold and Bono played well the other night.

Distressing that Gallardo finally gets some time to show himself, and now he's having surgery.

Also distressing that Achara is still on the long-term DL. Is he crocked, I wonder? ACL was what did O'brien White in, wasn't it?

[jloome]

Hang on, what time's the game on? This thread has it as 2:08 but MLSsoccer has it at noon eastern.

Edit: YEah, just rechecked the page and the 'seatgeek' listing at the bottom has it as noon eastern.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-regular-season/2021/matches/mtlvstor-04-17-2021/

Double edit: But the club schedule has it at 2 pm eastern. Probably right.

[MikeForbes]

Twitter is down for me. If anyone see's the starting 11 please post it. I will give you a dollar.

[spe18]

Well, from an American TV perspective this is the least interesting game, so not surprising it gets the worst start time.

I have a feeling it was CTV that wanted the game in the early afternoon.

[jloome]

I have a feeling it was CTV that wanted the game in the early afternoon.

For anyone interested, great highlights from the first two games last night. Some cracking goals:

https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-regular-season/2021/matches/seavsmin-04-16-2021/
https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-regular-season/2021/matches/houvssj-04-16-2021/

[Fort York Redcoat]

Ya I'm with those who're for Westberg starting. Bono gets the Champions League.

Biggest rival to start. I'm ok with that.

COYR

[OgtheDim]

Same lineup as started on Wednesday.

Some of those legs are going to be tired.

[MikeForbes]

Yep. Some of the guys are bound to be gassed early. Bradley and Delgado especially.

[portu]

Definitely a good sign if all these guys can go again after Wednesday. Bono over Westberg is a gamble, but Bono returned to form could be one of the best keepers in the league so I’ll cross my fingers.

[MightyDM]

Where is Poz???

[jloome]

Where is Poz???

One of 10 on the injured list.

[OgtheDim]

De Guzman for KJ is pretty cheap by TSN here.

[Bushmancan]

Have I missed something Ayo is not injured but not in the lineup either. Is it a disciplinary thing. Any rumours?

[nfitz]

Have I missed something Ayo is not injured but not in the lineup either. Is it a disciplinary thing. Any rumours?Recovering from Covid as far as I know. He's been glimpsed in training in the last few days.

[Thomas]

Caldwell on soon. Time for the mute button.

[MightyDM]

One of 10 on the injured list.

i thought there was something "personal" there not injury???

[MikeForbes]

Listening to 45 minutes of Wheeler and Dunfield made me appreciate Wileman and Caldwell a bit more. Also, over/under on when Caldwell suggests Liam Fraser as a sub?

[flambe]

That field looks huge!

[MikeForbes]

Well...

[MightyDM]

FFFS

[OgtheDim]

Well that didn't take long...

[rydermike]

Montreal > Leon

[portu]

I have to stay calm I have to stay calm I have to stay calm

[gracos]

was the game against Leon a fluke to let in a goal that easy, lol, its a long season but those type of mistakes cannot be made

[Inklink]

Brutal

[MikeForbes]

Shaff's finishing is not on the Mullinho level.

[MightyDM]

Shoulda scored there

[MightyDM]

I have to stay calm I have to stay calm I have to stay calm

Every TFC supporter until 2016...

[MightyDM]

Are they back to 3 subs this year?

[portu]

Canadian Tire sleeve sponsor??

[MightyDM]

Better. And the Canadian Tire logo looks good on the shoulder. Surprisingly.

[MikeForbes]

Are they back to 3 subs this year?

Still 5. I honestly don't think MLS will go back to 3.

[MightyDM]

Still 5. I honestly don't think MLS will go back to 3.

Thx. We will need 5 today. But as a matter of principle, 1 is enough.

[OgtheDim]

The background crowd noise is like somebody mic'd a middle school lunch room.

[613reppingTFC]

Okello hasn't looked all that strong on the ball

[MikeForbes]

Here is where we miss Pozuelo. We have zero people to take free kicks.

[MightyDM]

Marky was wide open there for Richie to pass

[MightyDM]

The background crowd noise is like somebody mic'd a middle school lunch room.

Hahahhahah

[portu]

Is there a race track nearby? It sounds like a horn for the purge is going off

[MikeForbes]

Gotta tighten up here or this could get ugly.

[Yohan]

Toye just playing with Gonzo. Apparently Gonzo is only good against Mexican opposition

[MikeForbes]

Auro and Laryea are having a rough go of it.

[Inklink]

Indy500 going on next door I think.

[gracos]

i dont know who has played more games this season so far, it doesnt look to be clicking today, well done MTL scouting us and i guess we still have to go back to the drawing board

[OgtheDim]

I like the way we play for situations like this. If we were all about ball control, we'd be facing 5 defenders with 4 in front of them & going nowhere.

[alex andrew]

world class

[notthesun]

Two Auro giveaways and two goals against

[MikeForbes]

Just getting abused by Montreal's pace.

[portu]

Auro off

[Inklink]

Poor from Bono and Auro.

[OgtheDim]

Two Auro giveaways and two goals against


yeh, pretty much -

Singh is not all that fast

[rydermike]

If you told me in these two games we'd win one 2-1 and be down 2-0 in the other, I would've assumed the opposition's would be reversed

[MightyDM]

Well, now we see the downside to Armas system.

[gracos]

I was right so far about Armas and RBNorth, MTL also has a new coach we should not be overpowered like this, and by the way take Ali with you

[portu]

Can’t blame Singh for his pace but we’re getting fucked right now

[James17930]

Just getting abused by Montreal's pace.

Absolutely burned. We look like children out there. FFS.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Get back to the drawing board boys.
Can't play high press like that, you will get totally destroyed by half of MLS teams - all those with with pacy forwards.

[MikeForbes]

Okello has been poor so far. But no one looks good right now.

[Kamp Berg]

Everything that I was worrying about before the games against Leon is happening now.

[MightyDM]

Also that chance was very similar to that of Shaff. Quality does show.

[MikeForbes]

This is how I expected the games against Leon to look.

[jloome]

Everything that I was worrying about before the games against Leon is happening now.

We seem unprepared for a defensive counter.

just packing the back with five has been enough to undo any movement we have. Then we’re caught high and they’re off and running.

mullins is inert up top.

[OgtheDim]

Get back to the drawing board boys.
Can't play high press like that, you will get totally destroyed by half of MLS teams - all those with with pacy forwards.


Nah....the press is giving us chances. Giveaways by FB's are always really bad for a press team.

And, don't forget, we are missing 4 starters.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

OK, this has been a disaster so far.
Let's hope in a 2-2 draw at the end.

That would be great for TFC after this start.

[SoccMan2]

Armas needs to go! Lol!

[Thomas]

Yes, Armas out! This whole season (38 mins in) has been a complete and utter disaster.

[portu]

Where the fuck is VAR

[notthesun]

How is that not a yellow card on Waterman? Pulled Shaff back when he was away.

[James17930]

Nah....the press is giving us chances. Giveaways by FB's are always really bad for a press team.

And, don't forget, we are missing 4 starters.

Yeah. We still have to remember how understaffed we are, regardless of how well they did against Leon.

We only have 1 pure goal scorer on the pitch right now, and only 1 pure speed guy.

We need reinforcements.

[rydermike]

Auro took the PK in pre season

[Oldtimer]

We seem unprepared for a defensive counter.

just packing the back with five has been enough to undo any movement we have. Then we’re caught high and they’re off and running.

mullins is inert up top.

This is the weakness of this system. The midfield is in the wrong position to deal with the transition in play.

[MightyDM]

Oh god no not a penalty. Who will take?

[MikeForbes]

Auro taking our PKs is scary.

[rydermike]

horrible PK

[portu]

Yeah I think that may be the most moronic penalty I’ve seen. Including Poz Piatti

[MikeForbes]

Yep. Should of been Mullinho.

[mowe]

We all saw that coming...

[MikeForbes]

Don't let Auro take this again.

[OgtheDim]

Yeh, no to Auro taking those ever again. That was BAAAD

[Thomas]

Terrible PK. I wouldn’t do any worse.

[MikeForbes]

Marky will drain this.

[YYZ_Fan]

Bradley taking a Free Kick. Auro with the PK. Oh dear.

[alex andrew]

champagne

[MikeForbes]

Marco Delgado!

[MightyDM]

Hahaha. OMG. What about Mullins??????

[rydermike]

Auro has had a horrible game. 2 giveaways for goals, terrible PK. He was one of our best players vs Leon

[James17930]

Really like Marky stepping up there.

[MikeForbes]

Hahaha. OMG. What about Mullins??????

Sometimes superstars shy away from the limelight.

[Bushmancan]

Looking forward to seeing more young guys in the 2nd half. Problem is hard for OG and Singh, lots of football in a little over 10 days.

[alex andrew]

power nap needed

[notthesun]

What I don't get is Auro scored a completely normal penalty in preseason, just a regular good shot. Then he pulls out the hesitation move in an actual game? Like... why? Good job Marky anyways.

[benito]

Sometimes superstars shy away from the limelight.

He doesn’t want all the attention. A real Team player.

[MikeForbes]

Okello is coming off at half.

[oranje boven]

Lucky break... whether GK jumped early or not that first PK was less then desirable
Now let’s see if we can regroup...

[OgtheDim]

In this heat, we will slow.

So will they.


They'v had like 3 chances - we've had 5.

Second half will be interesting.

[James17930]

But let's be honest - our rivalry is better if Montreal is good. So good on them so far.

But we can't lose this game. Gotta find a way to negate their speed.

And we need a DP striker yesterday.

[nfitz]

Okello is coming off at half.I'm not sure Auro has the legs to be out there any longer.

Looks like they are all still recovering from Wednesday - less than 3 days ago.

And what's with TSN? Are they incapable of showing a replay in any timely manner? Not to mention the B-team hosting.

[portu]

I'm not sure Auro has the legs to be out there any longer.

Looks like they are all still recovering from Wednesday - less than 3 days ago.

And what's with TSN? Are they incapable of showing a replay in any timely manner? Not to mention the B-team hosting.
All of this^

[OgtheDim]

These TSN guys do NOT like the press at all.

NEWSFLASH - the press is here to stay people - they will block on occasion but the press got us the chances we had in that half

[rydermike]

Gallardo only out 4-6 weeks after surgery. I was thinking it might be a few months

[portu]

I’d like to see Bradley move to the 10 and Delgado to the middle two

[alex andrew]

I’d like to see Bradley move to the 10 and Delgado to the middle two

agree

[ag futbol]

Well, if the last two games were the ones that made us hopeful, this first half makes me think at least some of the things we said about our roster going into this season are true (lack goal scoring threat, slow CB’s).

Some of these guys really have to sharpen their teeth up front. Mullins missing the net on a free header, Shaffleburg looking sort of clueless when being put through 1v1... if we can punish teams in some of these situations, especially when playing a defensively weak Impact team, it’s going to make our lives difficult down the road.

[portu]

Pathetic defending today, we’re going to find out how legit the “no excuses mentality” is

[James17930]

I'm so impressed by Singh. He looks so composed.

[Auzzy]

Fucking jump Bradley maybe?

[OgtheDim]

That's a goal where somebody should have been shouting out to Bradley.

[rydermike]

Well in other news, via the google lineup I just noticed Jahkeele is now wearing #7

[Auzzy]

Oh god Caldwell's BS. "Bradley's body position was too closed." WTF, he just likes to hear himself talk. No, when you're defending a corner, especially that close to net, you need to know who's behind you, and you need to friggin jump.

[OgtheDim]

Peruzza always looks like he is playing in 2002

[alex andrew]

Oh god Caldwell's BS. "Bradley's body position was too closed." WTF, he just likes to hear himself talk. No, when you're defending a corner, especially that close to net, you need to know who's behind you, and you need to friggin jump.

yes, but bradley is not a defender, he cannot defend

[MikeForbes]

Looking for goals and Liam Fraser comes on. Of course Caldwell thinks this is great move though.

[jloome]

Fucking jump Bradley maybe?

early days, lots of injuries.

at least he adjust3d at the half but men against boys quite often today.

[rydermike]

Bradley smh

[portu]

Bradley should come off lol

[jloome]

Damn, Bradley, can’t miss that.

[portu]

Laryea should have also played that straight across to Perruzza

[jloome]

A couple of encouraging balls from Fraser, some good movement from Peruzza.

[portu]

Bradley having straight up senior moments on the pitch today

[MikeForbes]

Laryea should have also played that straight across to Perruzza

I love Richie, but he can be can be very selfish on the ball.

[MikeForbes]

Singh got beat bad there.

[rydermike]

Laryea should have also played that straight across to Perruzza

He might have been ahead of the last defender and offside. He was when Richie first got it.

[alex andrew]

I love Richie, but he can be can be very selfish on the ball.

most of the time

[rydermike]

The way we're playing, might as well give Jahkeele some minutes. See what he can do

[Auzzy]

yes, but bradley is not a defender, he cannot defend


early days, lots of injuries.

at least he adjust3d at the half but men against boys quite often today.

Sorry man, I don't care about injuries, not being a defender etc. Everyone including your own strikers are defenders on a corner kick. And every player on this team can jump.

However it is a regular occasion for Bradley to not to know what's going on behind him, he rarely swivels his head, and only sees what's right in front of him.

[James17930]

They have the two main things we don't have - speed and power.

[MikeForbes]

Singh got abused today. The whole backline did though.

[Yohan]

tired, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong.

I've seen games like this in early 2018

[mowe]

Horrific defending today.

[ag futbol]

Perruza has made some good runs and but these guys have completely missed it

[rydermike]

Auro had more power on that than his penalty

[jloome]

Why does Auro ever shoot the ball? Jesus H

[portu]

Singh hasn’t been bad all things considered. His partner that makes a million has been horrific though.

Peruzza needs to start over Mullins, it’s night and day

[notthesun]

We're completely gassed. That goal came off a goalkeeper throw out, one pass up the field for a 3v2 break, with all our midfielders behind the ball. No energy.

I get wanting to stick with what worked but playing a full 11 on short rest in the first week of the season was a mistake.

[Thomas]

Singh is terrible. Fraser doesn’t seem very creative. Just makes very short safe passes.

[James17930]

Okay, enough of this. Time to go back to bed.

[OgtheDim]

Covid
Injuries
Games


Caught up to us this game

[alex andrew]

of all the teams in all the mls, it had to be montreal

[gracos]

early days, lots of injuries.

at least he adjusted at the half but men against boys quite often today.

Who is consistent in keeping our health of our players the management, and finding the right doctors, physio, and other specialists, would come down to Ali and Bill, that hasnt changed over the offseason, to be this injury ridden looks very poor on our club and how it is ran, are there any other clubs missing this many players, one has to think something isnt working well here

[GerMc]

I can’t watch it anymore. This is embarrassing. Not impressed with Armas’ ability to adapt when the press failed in the first half, some absolutely terrible performances from Auro, Bradley and Bono.

[Oldtimer]

#vanneyout

Oh wait... :lol:

[Yohan]

I can’t watch it anymore. This is embarrassing. Not impressed with Armas’ ability to adapt when the press failed in the first half, some absolutely terrible performances from Auro, Bradley and Bono.
one of biggest criticisms from NYRB supporters on Armas is that he doesn't really have a Plan B, and his in game adjustments suck

[MikeForbes]

Looks like we have another coach who is terrified of taking Bradley off.

[OgtheDim]

...Peruzza needs to start over Mullins, it’s night and day

HERETIC


Seriously - Mullins can't start 2 games within 3 days in this heat

[Soccerpro]

1.It was clear that Jozy would probably be injured most of the year again, I hope Ali has his eye on a goal scorer.

2.It's too bad that Julian Dunn-Johnson is injured, along with Mavinga. They both would have done well in the back.

3.TFC is underwhelming on the wings. Shaffleburg runs fast, that's it. Laryea is dangerous on his wing.

4.Starting the same lineup that played midweek when it's 33 degrees out in the middle of the day was foolish.

Not the end of the world today, but a reality check about where TFC really are.

[Auzzy]

Covid
Injuries
Games


Caught up to us this game

And 2pm in Fort Lauderdale makes it worse.

[ag futbol]

Singh hasn’t been bad all things considered. His partner that makes a million has been horrific though.

Peruzza needs to start over Mullins, it’s night and day
Singh looks like he’s learning. Doesn’t seem to entirely understand that Omar is going to get turned on occasion and he’ll have to pinch.

In defence of both Mullins and Peruzza, the service is no where near good enough.

[Oldtimer]

one of biggest criticisms from NYRB supporters on Armas is that he doesn't really have a Plan B, and his in game adjustments suck

That seems pretty clear.

The match against LAG will be telling.

[rydermike]

Can we get Bradley off of set pieces.

[ag futbol]

Singh is terrible. Fraser doesn’t seem very creative. Just makes very short safe passes.
That’s sort of what we’re asking from the guy in that position though.he’s supposed to win the ball and shuffle it, quickly. It’s on Bradley, Delgado, and the guys up front to make it work.

I can’t believe TSN cleaned house and I still have to listen to Caldwell. I’d rather watch with no commentary.

[MikeForbes]

Bradley taking our free kicks is dreadful. We have been spoiled by Giovinco and Pozuelo.

[gracos]

League play has been poor from game 1, it doesnt seem like we scouted all possible option but rather brought Alis buddy, RBNorth is going to be a very difficult time in this clubs history, to come up this flatfooted is horrendous and doesnt bode well

[Thomas]

Time for muzzle Caldwell

[rydermike]

Too little too late

[MikeForbes]

He was selfish there but it worked out.

[OgtheDim]

That seems pretty clear.


Can I say ACTUALLY on this one


Armas flat out said in his youtube bit with Wheeler & Dunfield that he expected teams to do different things that made the press as it was operating not work & that they would have to adjust.

I also maintain that any joy we had in that first half (and we had a lot of chances) was because of the press.

I'm also wondering given all our injuries & the tiredness of our team what if anything could be done formation wise.

What are we missing today?

Our two most influential attacking midfielders
Our fastest CB
Our 2 best forwards


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

[mowe]

Great goal

[MikeForbes]

Time for muzzle Caldwell

Anyone ever notice his disdain for our Hispanic players?

[Auzzy]

Is there a way to hear only the stadium sound on TSN Live? I've had enough of Caldwell and Wileman.

I had a bunch of thoughts. About the high press, differences from how TFC played against Leon, about Singh & Gonzalez often way too high especially in the first half, about lack of urgency particularly from some of the young guys (beyond what you would expect from tiredness & the mid-week game), etc. But it's just not worth the effort to type that much, given the effort we see on the field, and nobody is going to want to read it.

And yes it's early in the season, we're missing too many good players, quick turnaround from the Leon games with no time to build up conditioning yet, etc. etc.

[Thomas]

At least Ritchie is still giving it his best

[portu]

Laryea making bad selfish decisions today, but cool goal

[Oldtimer]

At least Ritchie is still giving it his best

Excellent penetration of the defence there.

[Thomas]

Did you see Singh ball watching them casually jog back

[alex andrew]

Laryea making bad selfish decisions today, but cool goal

no need for the defenders to stop him

[Auzzy]

Did you see Singh ball watching them casually jog back

Yes a bunch of times.

[Yohan]

Did you see Singh ball watching them casually jog back
taking lessons from Gonzo

[Oldtimer]

What are we missing today?

Our two most influential attacking midfielders
Our fastest CB
Our 2 best forwards


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

You'd think Armas would move towards a slower possession style and plug the midfield to counter Montreal's attack and make up for the missing players. A good coach isn't one dimensional.

[Kamp Berg]

I feel bad for the players today, they weren’t put in a position to succeed.

[Yohan]

I'm ok with a loss, as long as it's one step back, two steps forward.

It's very tempting for a manager to trot out same line up, even after a mid week game, for the sake of 'team chemistry' and 'consistency'.

But, fitness levels should have been better monitored after two grueling games vs Leon using the press. Your horses can only run so far, no matter how much you whip them.

Let's see Armas learned this lesson next game.

[notthesun]

We probably should've shuffled the lineup a little bit, but even with that, playing on short rest this early in the season is tough.

Our press generated tons of chances against Leon but really did not do much today. Again, probably lacking energy. The giveaways leading to the first two goals were deflating as well.

Just need a break and to get some guys back. Looking forward to next week.

[ag futbol]

It’s hard to know exactly what’s happening looking at this game in isolation.

But at face value, it’s not a great look losing the season opener by some distance to what is expected to be a bottom feeding Montreal side.

Let’s see how we respond in the next outing.

[reggie]

how bad was leon,and why do i have mute every tfc broadcast

[Oldtimer]

I'm disappointed and didn't think Armas set up the team to win, but I'll give him some time to get it together. I wasn't impressed with Vanney when he first started and had to eat my words. I've learned from that experience.

[reggie]

at the end of the day,,,i still blame curtis,no left back.no cb cover no wingers.

[oranje boven]

Disappointing after such a high after knocking down Leon.... but as stated earlier, key key parts missing to the line-up. Trouble is a couple key parts just never maintain healthy status.

[Rust]

I couldn't watch the game... What the hell happened? I can't believe we let Montreal score 4 times.

[Yohan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9vxFkDrHs

I missed it during the game, but what the hell was that reaction from Peruzza? Only acceptable reaction for a teammate scoring is being happy for the guy

[ManUtd4ever]

Armas has very limited options at the moment.

An emotional letdown after Wednesday on short rest with a severely depleted lineup...I'll give them a pass today.

[MikeForbes]

Playing with no DPs is hard.

[OgtheDim]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9vxFkDrHs

I missed it during the game, but what the hell was that reaction from Peruzza? Only acceptable reaction for a teammate scoring is being happy for the guy


Hmm...that will be on game film & there will be a discussion sometime this week. Lets see if the attitude repeats itself somehow.

[DavemTFC]

I had a bad feeling we were going to come crashing down to earth today tbh. Auro, OG, and Singh were as bad today as they were good on Wed. Embarassing set piece defending by Bradley on the third. Very little creativity especially on the bench - really, Morrow at LW when we're behind? Didn't realize DeLeon was on since half time until like 70 mins in

Our CB's are still extremely vulnerable in transition and there will be more of those moments if we're a pressing team. That's going to be the easiest way to beat us until we get a better CB or Singh makes a colossal improvement

Also I'm furious at TSN for getting rid of KJ so they could hire JDG instead - I know he's new at this but I honestly don't see a path towards him being even passable as a TV personality, that's how bad he was today and during the one playoff game last year.

[ensco]

That first goal was brutal. It changed everything. Screwups from everybody at the back on that play.

We were chasing the game in scorching heat from then on.

[leedsandTFC]

we're used to playing with 3 DPs.

in 2017, we essentially had 4/5.

today we were playing with 0, and missng TAM mids and defenders too.

very tough, montreal targeted singh, but some nice passing movement and you can see what they are trying to do.

[MightyDM]

Coach was naive to keep the same lineup, but he didn't have huge choices. Auro had a stinker. Best forgotten.

[reggie]

we're used to playing with 3 DPs.

in 2017, we essentially had 4/5.

today we were playing with 0, and missng TAM mids and defenders too.

very tough, montreal targeted singh, but some nice passing movement and you can see what they are trying to do.
we have been playing with one DP for almost 2 yrs

[DinamoTFC]

Things will be alright. I'm not even upset.

We just had 2 big CCL games. The kids are still inexperienced and they will improve over the season. We are missing many starters. Even Vanney wouldn't have won this game with the youngsters.

The positive is the kids will know what losing and the lows feel likes after a major high. The kids are getting experience that will help later on in the season.

Once all the injured players and a new DP eventually comes and kids are experienced we will be very strong.

[leedsandTFC]

we have been playing with one DP for almost 2 yrs

piatti played most games last season, jozy played about 1/2.

poz played every game.

[spe18]

we have been playing with one DP for almost 2 yrs

I believe CF Montreal have just one DP on their roster :)

[MikeForbes]

Nah. I'm not upset. It sucks, but this is what happens when you play CCL and half the team is injured. I would take beating Leon over a team we play 100 times a year any day.

[Bushmancan]

Covid
Injuries
Games


Caught up to us this game

YES and I blame MLS. How can you book at 2o’clock game in 33°C or 92°F.

We just took out one of the top three Mexican teams, and we’re about to play one of the top two Mexican teams. At least start the game at 7pm and find a northern game to start in the afternoon.

The problem now is i’m invested in CCL, so do you play everyone hard now against the Whitecaps or do you prepare for Cruz.

No excuses for Ali, but for Armas and the boys a little.

In two weeks, we could be 2 - 1 and into the CCL semis or 0-3 and out of the CCL. These boards are going to be very interesting to watch.

[Fort York Redcoat]

I still prefer what just happened the last 3 matches to throwing Champions League for MLS results.

We scored twice.

We have a week to recover and tweak things against Vancouver.

[portu]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9vxFkDrHs

I missed it during the game, but what the hell was that reaction from Peruzza? Only acceptable reaction for a teammate scoring is being happy for the guy
Richie missed him twice on a square pass for a goal including that one. I’d also be pissed.

Richie playing like he’s playing for himself (and a transfer to Besiktas).

[SoccMan2]

Richie missed him twice on a square pass for a goal including that one. I’d also be pissed.

Richie playing like he’s playing for himself (and a transfer to Besiktas). First of all your team scored and you still react like that? Try that shit in Europe and you won’t be seeing the field for awhile. Hopefully it’s a one off , can’t say I’ve ever seen Altidore react like that after TFC scored and he thought the player scoring should have passed him the ball. It’s a team game your team just scored you don’t react like that. If I’m Laryea I’m giving him an earful once I see the highlight but I’m sure a Bradley will have a nice little talk with him once he sees that highlight.

[reggie]

piatti played most games last season, jozy played about 1/2.

poz played every game.

yes in name only,,piatti and jozy s 2 goals and missing half the season are not dp caliber

[PizzaEatingYeti]

YES and I blame MLS. How can you book at 2o’clock game in 33°C or 92°F.


I don't blame MLS at all, but I blame (big!) MLSE/TFC, for not objecting this start time at least 10 days ago, asking to change it for earliest possible to 6 PM.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

In two weeks, we could be 2 - 1 and into the CCL semis or 0-3 and out of the CCL. These boards are going to be very interesting to watch.

Yes, very interesting 2 weeks ahead!
Also some hard decisions to make by Armas about what team to put out in each of these 4 following matches (no matter even if the injured list would be just minimal).

[East Coast Red]

I know he's divided opinion on this board before, but seriously, after that display, can anyone really want to see Auro in a red shirt again? He is probably the most clueless pro footballer I've ever seen. Felt a bit for Singh, didn't think he did too bad for a kid thrown in the deep end, and constantly being drawn out wide to cover for the lack of a left back.

[ensco]

This game got me right back to feeling negative about pro sports during Covid, and it's not because we lost.

Everything about it was off and felt fake.

Playing in Florida. Playing in midday heat. Playing Montreal in Florida. Playing with no training camp because of an outbreak. Playing in empty stadiums. Playing 60 hours after the last game, in 33 heat and 90% humidity, when you had a choice, ffs.

I didn’t watch last year, the Leon games got me back in big time, but now.. I dunno. I will watch the CCL games for sure, but that may be it.

It is about money and nothing else. I get why that works for the owners and players, but it doesn’t work for me.

[Auzzy]

Auro was far from the only problem, and not even the biggest problem.

[reggie]

too much blame going towards Singh,sure he got beat,but bono should of cut the angle on the second auro and gonzo on the first, bradley on the 3rd and he missed a sitter when it was 3 to 1,lets see what happends in the next couple of weeks

[Fort York Redcoat]

too much blame going towards Singh,sure he got beat,but bono should of cut the angle on the second auro and gonzo on the first, bradley on the 3rd and he missed a sitter when it was 3 to 1,lets see what happends in the next couple of weeks

Well balanced take.

Agreed.

Long wait and a lot to do.

[Auzzy]

This game got me right back to feeling negative about pro sports during Covid, and it's not because we lost.

Everything about it was off and felt fake.

Playing in Florida. Playing in midday heat. Playing Montreal in Florida. Playing with no training camp because of an outbreak. Playing in empty stadiums. Playing 60 hours after the last game, in 33 heat and 90% humidity, when you had a choice, ffs.

I didn’t watch last year, the Leon games got me back in big time, but now.. I dunno. I will watch the CCL games for sure, but that may be it.

It is about money and nothing else. I get why that works for the owners and players, but it doesn’t work for me.

These are all good points. Also playing after the team had NOBODY in charge of health & fitness maintenance over the off-season, despite all the other massive problems the athletes have to deal with.

Everything is pissing me off too much today. The world in general and sports in particular. I better take a nap and a walk.

[reggie]

These are all good points. Also playing after the team had NOBODY in charge of health & fitness maintenance over the off-season, despite all the other massive problems the athletes have to deal with.

Everything is pissing me off too much today. The world in general and sports in particular. I better take a nap and a walk.
im with you...watching crowds at mls games yesterday pissed me off even more.i jus wanna go to a damm game.

[Bushmancan]

Yes, very interesting 2 weeks ahead!
Also some hard decisions to make by Armas about what team to put out in each of these 4 following matches (no matter even if the injured list would be just minimal).

Stayed up late and watched Cruz vs CA.. (will not say result) , so the next two league games mean something to Cruz. I caught the second half. Very good pace (expected more quality). So much bickering with the occasional rolling on the ground. Bad tempers and more physical, what you want in a 1st vs 2nd. The wings will kill us if we aren’t careful.

[portu]

This game got me right back to feeling negative about pro sports during Covid, and it's not because we lost.

Everything about it was off and felt fake.

Playing in Florida. Playing in midday heat. Playing Montreal in Florida. Playing with no training camp because of an outbreak. Playing in empty stadiums. Playing 60 hours after the last game, in 33 heat and 90% humidity, when you had a choice, ffs.

I didn’t watch last year, the Leon games got me back in big time, but now.. I dunno. I will watch the CCL games for sure, but that may be it.

It is about money and nothing else. I get why that works for the owners and players, but it doesn’t work for me.
I definitely feel this as well. Post-pandemic last year I didn’t watch at all consistently. I felt so disconnected from it all. I still do to be honest and can definitely see myself picking and choosing the games I watch later in the season.

[MightyDM]

I definitely feel this as well. Post-pandemic last year I didn’t watch at all consistently. I felt so disconnected from it all. I still do to be honest and can definitely see myself picking and choosing the games I watch later in the season.


Yup. but that second leg v Leon....

[ag futbol]

I don't blame MLS at all, but I blame (big!) MLSE/TFC, for not objecting this start time at least 10 days ago, asking to change it for earliest possible to 6 PM.
Yeah, I would have to agree here. This is one of the key games of the year for building TV viewership (and down the road generating gate traffic, if that ever happens). Someone who is on the fence turns into that game and sees that performance, you’ve lost them as a viewer until the next big attention catching event occurs (and that’s won’t be the CCL unless it’s the final, hate to break it to some people).

Worst part being, it’s not like our team isn’t worth the attention. I very much think it is. But you’re never going to build a TV audience with Julian DeGuzman, Steven Caldwell, and 2pm kickoffs in god damn south Florida on 3 days rest.

These are all good points. Also playing after the team had NOBODY in charge of health & fitness maintenance over the off-season, despite all the other massive problems the athletes have to deal with.

Yeah, not to pile on, but add it to the list of things where Curtis hasn’t been on-the-ball.

Either you hire the new full-time fitness coach or you get a consultant to come in and provide the program. If the old guy wasn’t doing this you should have been aware and corrected the issue. You don’t sit on your ass and do nothing, wait until your head coach is in place and then he hires his staff and THEN you provide some sort of program.

[ensco]

I wish there were a better answer. Canadian teams in North American sports are f$*#$ until this is over, and I don't see the point. Vanney quitting told you everything you need to know about how hard this is on management at Canadian teams.

But for many here, TFC is a welcome distraction (even if it is a shambolic version!) and I don't want to pee in anyone's cornflakes.

I also think it's kind of wrong to get riled about management failures around acquiring players, fitness etc... if somebody isn't doing their job properly in this thing, I get it.

[Yohan]

I wish there were a better answer. Canadian teams in North American sports are f$*#$ until this is over, and I don't see the point. Vanney quitting told you everything you need to know about how hard this is on management at Canadian teams.

I suppose this is a fair question to ask.

Is it fair to expect TFC to win everything and play super awesome soccer during these conditions?

I'm just happy with some decent footy and something to build for next season when this COVID doesn't turn everything into shambles.

[Derko]

Is it fair to say that Bono could have stopped at least 2 of those goals? I will put money on Bono NOT starting against Vancouver.

[OgtheDim]

So apparently Richie Laryea's goal was the only goal from open play by any of the remaining 8 CCL teams this past weekend.

[East Coast Red]

Is it fair to say that Bono could have stopped at least 2 of those goals? I will put money on Bono NOT starting against Vancouver.

When you think back to 2017, it's amazing just how far Bono has fallen. Sad to see.

[Canary10]

When you think back to 2017, it's amazing just how far Bono has fallen. Sad to see.

He did save the tie against Leon with a pretty spectacular save.