MLS Match Day 9 - TFC @ Nashville - Wed June 23 8:38pm - Off to Tenessee

[OgtheDim]

A good excuse to hear this song




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VCdJyOAQYM

******


Have at It People

[jloome]

A good excuse to hear this song




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VCdJyOAQYM

******


Have at It People

Crickets.

Surprised Cameron Lancaster didn’t make it with them. Once rated higher at Spurs than Harry Kane before injuries curtailed his development.

But he tears up USL, suggesting the skills arent gone. No room for him in Nashville, maybe we should take a flyer.

[Ultra & Proud]

Crickets.

Surprised Cameron Lancaster didn’t make it with them. Once rated higher at Spurs than Harry Kane before injuries curtailed his development.

But he tears up USL, suggesting the skills arent gone. No room for him in Nashville, maybe we should take a flyer.
Our forwards are okay right now. I would look long and hard for a Moor type CB to play with Mavinga & Singh (but use Mavinga & Singh until that time). I thought Gonzalez could be that organizer at the back like Moor after he realized his legs were gone but it hasn't stopped him from being our most caught out of positioned player in every match.

Plus I say again; if Gonzalez starts, we lose. That's how it is now. I still say if Singh & Mavinga played against Orlando last Saturday we would have won. Singh might make positioning errors as he is young but he won't do anymore than Gonzalez does and he has a chance to recover which SlOmar does not.

[MikeForbes]

This game has draw written all over it.

[rocktml]

Draw or a loss won’t cut it. We I desperately need six points out of these next two games or else Armas has to be on his way out

[spe18]

Draw or a loss won’t cut it. We I desperately need six points out of these next two games or else Armas has to be on his way out

So let's see......draw or lose on Wednesday, and Armas is automatically out, since in that case it won't be possible to get the 6 points as you have suggested?

I'm not sure why people keep calling out on Armas considering:

1. The team hasn't even played 10 games in league play yet
2. This new coach is brining a new system, which takes time to get used to/execute properly, and not to mention having the correct personnel to do so
3. On top of a new system, the team also didn't really have a proper pre=season, and played much few games then they normally would've
4. At no time has the team had all 3 of their DPs on the field at the same time
5. Plus their top DP only played his first game on the weekend - you can tell the buildup/attack starting to click

If you didn't bring in Armas, then who else does everyone suggest they ought to have brought in instead, and do you believe they'd have a better record by now (of course this is speculative)?

And if you do go ahead with letting Armas go, then what do you do? Do you bring in a temporary coach who will fill in while doing a long extensive search for their new coach in time for next season? What type of style do you want the team to be playing then? Or do you bring in a new permanent coach right away? And do you have someone lined up right away for this case?

[Slick]

At this stage, I'd be happy with anyone with a coaching license.

[James17930]

So let's see......draw or lose on Wednesday, and Armas is automatically out, since in that case it won't be possible to get the 6 points as you have suggested?

I'm not sure why people keep calling out on Armas considering:

1. The team hasn't even played 10 games in league play yet
2. This new coach is brining a new system, which takes time to get used to/execute properly, and not to mention having the correct personnel to do so
3. On top of a new system, the team also didn't really have a proper pre=season, and played much few games then they normally would've
4. At no time has the team had all 3 of their DPs on the field at the same time
5. Plus their top DP only played his first game on the weekend - you can tell the buildup/attack starting to click

If you didn't bring in Armas, then who else does everyone suggest they ought to have brought in instead, and do you believe they'd have a better record by now (of course this is speculative)?

And if you do go ahead with letting Armas go, then what do you do? Do you bring in a temporary coach who will fill in while doing a long extensive search for their new coach in time for next season? What type of style do you want the team to be playing then? Or do you bring in a new permanent coach right away? And do you have someone lined up right away for this case?

1 win out of ten is unacceptable anywhere.

[Joe Kool]

So let's see......draw or lose on Wednesday, and Armas is automatically out, since in that case it won't be possible to get the 6 points as you have suggested?

I'm not sure why people keep calling out on Armas considering:

1. The team hasn't even played 10 games in league play yet
2. This new coach is brining a new system, which takes time to get used to/execute properly, and not to mention having the correct personnel to do so
3. On top of a new system, the team also didn't really have a proper pre=season, and played much few games then they normally would've
4. At no time has the team had all 3 of their DPs on the field at the same time
5. Plus their top DP only played his first game on the weekend - you can tell the buildup/attack starting to click

If you didn't bring in Armas, then who else does everyone suggest they ought to have brought in instead, and do you believe they'd have a better record by now (of course this is speculative)?

And if you do go ahead with letting Armas go, then what do you do? Do you bring in a temporary coach who will fill in while doing a long extensive search for their new coach in time for next season? What type of style do you want the team to be playing then? Or do you bring in a new permanent coach right away? And do you have someone lined up right away for this case?

Like James said 1 win out of 10 is not acceptable. New system is square peg in round hole with the players we have and how long do you keep hammering. 10 games in you can't complain about shortened preseason anymore in my opinion as there has been lots of time now for match fitness. For all 3 DP's playing together....when have we ever had that for a string of games....or even one? We were one win away from supporter's shield without that last year. Pozuelo makes a huge difference but we can't rely on him to be the sole saviour with his brilliance every game.

Not sure what they do now and glad I am not in that business of figuring it out. I can't see this year getting straightened out and we start a winning streak as is though. Hopefully I am wrong.

[Ultra & Proud]

If you didn't bring in Armas, then who else does everyone suggest they ought to have brought in instead, and do you believe they'd have a better record by now (of course this is speculative)?

Fraser is doing excellent in Colorado with a lot less resources. Arena has the Revs in the shield race with better but still less resources than we have.

The thing is that a really good manager should get the best out of whatever roster he is given. Players should improve and work well as a unit. No players on our team could be accused of playing better than they have in the past, in fact all are playing decisively worse. Add to that a complete lack of a team playing as a solid unit and zero cohesion and it's evidence that there is no plan or at least none that can be accomplished with these players. It's not like Armas-ball is some revolutionarily complex Guardiola type system that's confusing our players.

Now if the plan was a complete overhaul then you should give a few windows for roster change but Curtis & Manning said one of the reasons Armas was selected was to keep continuity and not gut the roster as the team was a match away from winning the shield with essentially no major tunrover.

As for who to bring instead? I am not sure we could have selected anyone worse. I would say Olsen is worse but I am not 100% sure if he actually is. However, Pineda is still an assistant in Seattle and there's no way he's worse than Armas.

[OgtheDim]

Just a reminder


Kickoff is 8:38

[MightyDM]

9:08 Newfoundland....

[Ultra & Proud]

Most interesting thing about tonight is who will start in goal. Does Westberg get another shot or did he do enough bad to justify never seeing the pitch again? Otherwise I bet it's the same lineup with an even more gassed Omar slugging around.

[MikeForbes]

9:08 Newfoundland....

Actually 10:08. ;) 9:38 here in beautiful Nova Scotia.

[portu]

Crazy that expectations for this club have plummeted back to pre-Leiweke levels.

Kloke says Armas is highly likely to get the entire year. Molinaro saying he doesn't get sacked unless he performs as poorly as Winter in 2012. This is the standard? Insanity.

[Gringo Starr]

He has already done worse than Winter, Winter at least got us to the Champs league semis even with Paul Mariner's knife in his back.

[Ultra & Proud]

Crazy that expectations for this club have plummeted back to pre-Leiweke levels.

Kloke says Armas is highly likely to get the entire year. Molinaro saying he doesn't get sacked unless he performs as poorly as Winter in 2012. This is the standard? Insanity.

Well we have that one win so we're ahead of the Winter pace but by mid July we could be threatening it.

[Richard]

I'm absolutely gutted from Hungary not advancing in the Euro's.

I don't even want to watch this game knowing well shit the bed, and somehow Armas is being given the full season.

[MikeForbes]

I'm absolutely gutted from Hungary not advancing in the Euro's.

I don't even want to watch this game knowing well shit the bed, and somehow Armas is being given the full season.

On the contrary, I am absolutely delighted to see Germany advancing and facing the Maple Leafs of international soccer (England) in the round of 16.

[Red CB Toronto]

With both the Euros and Copa in full swing and the quality and excitement we have seen who is ready for tonight , hopefully the Reds can do well, but I’m not sure.

[ag futbol]

Crazy that expectations for this club have plummeted back to pre-Leiweke levels.

Kloke says Armas is highly likely to get the entire year. Molinaro saying he doesn't get sacked unless he performs as poorly as Winter in 2012. This is the standard? Insanity.
So basically, unless you post one of the worst records in MLS history your job is safe? Good grief.

This is a heck of a low standard to keep leading up to 2022 and 2026, which will both be major potential inflection points for fan interest in North America.

[Richard]

On the contrary, I am absolutely delighted to see Germany advancing and facing the Maple Leafs of international soccer (England) in the round of 16.

Death, taxes, and Germany beating England, the sure things life. g:D

[Graeme]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFC/status/1407847038285398020?s=19

[Kamp Berg]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFC/status/1407847038285398020?s=19

At least Gonzalez isn’t playing 🤷🏼

[noxx98]

Deserved start for Zavs after some good outings for El Salvador. Gives OG a rest in advance of the weekend as well.

[ag futbol]

Deserved start for Zavs after some good outings for El Salvador. Gives OG a rest in advance of the weekend as well.
But he’s playing the wrong position, haha

[MikeForbes]

I think we win tonight. Goals from Poz and Richie. 2-1.

[OgtheDim]

That lineup indicates to me that any yutes who start in these 3 games are doing so against Cinci.

[MikeForbes]

That lineup indicates to me that any yutes who start in 3 days are doing so against Cinci.

I see it as either

A: A coach who is desperate for a result and trusts the vets

B: The young guys aren't as good as the hype

C: All of the above

[OgtheDim]

Oh look...here be many of the yutes

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/1407856035877076997

[MightyDM]

Death, taxes, and Germany beating England, the sure things life. g:D

Not this Germany. Not this England.

[DavemTFC]

Not this Germany. Probably this England.

FYP!

[MightyDM]

what kind of shit show will we see tonight? Hard to disagree with the lineup though. Zavs deserves a shot, Q a second chance and if only we had Jozy...

[OgtheDim]

OH MY

Vic


Rau



TRRRR

[rydermike]

So nice seeing people in correct positions

[rydermike]

Why did Bradley take the corner away from Poz

[OgtheDim]

So far...not bad.

[noxx98]

We look so much better when we play ball control.

[MightyDM]

Success. 8 minutes.

[ag futbol]

Vic Rauter is the commentator for people who don’t watch sports and occasionally tune in to odd ball events as intellectual curiosities.

Which is fitting because Rauter knows as much about the sport as his uninformed audience.

[OgtheDim]

Can hear Westberg directing traffic

[MightyDM]

I love Vic. Not for MLS Cup but for this type of match Im all in.

[MightyDM]

Q right onyo Ritchies head

[ag futbol]

I love Vic. Not for MLS Cup but for this type of match Im all in.
Only if he tells us who Pot-sway-Lo is

[Thomas]

Vic is less painful to listen to than Steven C

[noxx98]

OMG Osorio. What a pass from Poz. So close.

Maybe should have played it to Ayo

[Thomas]

I hope Q makes a case in this match for starting.

[rydermike]

Hmm auro playing his correct position... Gets assist. Who would've thought

[Bushmancan]

Give them credit, great f—kin’ goal!

[Thomas]

For the Auro haters

[DavemTFC]

Holy hell that was pretty

[Bushmancan]

The decoy was brilliant…

[jloome]

Playing like they have a point to make. Disciplined, quick, aggressive.

[OgtheDim]

This game is very.....Vanney ball

[FootBallAZ]

Checked in half time of Copa brasil Colombia

What a pass by Delgado
What a beautiful dummy by Richie.
What a run touch and wicked cross by auro

Clutch from Osorio aside from that wild shot he has been in form

The 1-0 wjn vs Haiti was all Osorio with a def cross putting it on a silver platter for the win

[Thomas]

Also, more building from the back and less high press

[MikeForbes]

Missed it. Internet went out. Probably the first time that has ever happened.

[Thomas]

I’m no Zavs fan, but not missing Gonzo.

[MikeForbes]

The chemistry that guys like Osorio, Pozuelo, Delgado and Bradley have in the middle of the park is exceptional.

[jloome]

Oh yeah, this is straight up old school. Osorio looking very offended minded. Serious wheels from him a few times.

[ag futbol]

So I walk away for 5 minutes and I miss the best goal of the year? Arrgg

[MikeForbes]

Yikes.

[Thomas]

Q is looking sharper so far

[OgtheDim]

They should have scored but Q's save is top class.

[ensco]

This is my first real look at Borre. So far, not much to say.

[MikeForbes]

This is my first real look at Borre. So far, not much to say.

Borré is very Chicharito like in his ability to do nothing and still score a brace.

[MikeForbes]

Q is back, baby!

[ensco]

Borré is very Chicharito like in his ability to do nothing and still score a brace.

Well he just got subbed off.

To be fair, not many strikers look good against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro

[MikeForbes]

Well he just got subbed off.

Gonna be begging to come to TFC after this performance.

[Thomas]

Would like to see Soltedo play in this Vanney like system. Q standing on his head

[OgtheDim]

I think that last chance might have come back as offside

[Yuushalinsky]

This is the TFC we've been missing for a half - kinda sus defense, but nothing ridiculously offensive, and a great attack, supported by a rock between the PVC pipes.

[FootBallAZ]

Man where would tfc be if westberg started those 10 games lol

[MightyDM]

FUN TO WATCH FOR ONCE. Q VERY GOOD. MIDFIELD EXCELLENT AND CREDIT TO AURO. NOT PERSUADED BY LAWRENCE. Ooops. i will stop yelling. Ritchie off again; brilliant dummy but he should have movedthat last one right away - that kind of thing - overthinking - happening a lot this season. And credit to Zavs. He is taking his chance.

[Yuushalinsky]

FUN TO WATCH FOR ONCE. Q VERY GOOD. MIDFIELD EXCELLENT AND CREDIT TO AURO. NOT PERSUADED BY LAWRENCE. Ooops. i will stop yelling. Ritchie off again; brilliant dummy but he should have movedthat last one right away - that kind of thing - overthinking - happening a lot this season. And credit to Zavs. He is taking his chance.

Wanted to mention - Zavs getting some responsibility with El Salvador has to be one of the best things to happen to him, seems like he's coming back and elevating his play from Nephew tier.

[ag futbol]

Confidence building first half by Q for sure. Hope he sees this one out. We need him to play well.

[OgtheDim]

FWIW - stats so far

https://www.mlssoccer.com/competitions/mls-regular-season/2021/matches/nshvstor-06-23-2021/stats

[Yohan]

Wanted to mention - Zavs getting some responsibility with El Salvador has to be one of the best things to happen to him, seems like he's coming back and elevating his play from Nephew tier.
Ya. The more reliable 2017 Zavaleta is back?

[Thomas]

Why is Poz off?

[gracos]

Pozuelo subbed off, hopefully this isnt a sign of things to come

[OgtheDim]

Oh crap...

[Thomas]

Troubling

[MikeForbes]

Man, Okello for Pozuelo is such a bad omen. Okello has been brutal outside of a 20 minute spell against Leon.

[Yuushalinsky]

Sincerely hoping that's a bit of rest ahead of Cincy - 3 games in 7 days maybe?

[Thomas]

So different without Poz

[Auzzy]

Oh look...here be many of the yutes

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/1407856035877076997

What was this tweet about? It's been deleted.

[MightyDM]

Dont agree re Okello being brutal, but agree sub is concerning.

we are not playing Armas ball as defined by the first games of the season. we are playing something else. Good.

[MikeForbes]

I personally would of brought Shaff on and shifted Osorio to the 10. He has been dangerous tonight and him having the ball more would be a positive.

[Bushmancan]

I personally would of brought Shaff on and shifted Osorio to the 10. He has been dangerous tonight and him having the ball more would be a positive.

Same… good idea.

[Thomas]

We can’t hold playing this way for another 35 mins

[MikeForbes]

Going ultra defensive. Not good.

[Bushmancan]

Looks like we are defending for 30 minutes…. But i guess it isn’t 3 center backs.

[ag futbol]

Likely a load management sub with Osorio but that really puts a huge dent in our attack with no Oso and no Poz

[Thomas]

Can you imagine having 3 DPs out there

[OgtheDim]

Singh & JMR playing for TFCII

[MikeForbes]

Akinola might aswell sit down on the pitch. He isn't gonna see much more service tonight.

[Richard]

Just tuning in, what happened to Poz?

[MikeForbes]

FFS. All geared up to defend a lead and now we are all tied up.

[Bushmancan]

We are playing for the 1st pick in the 2022 Super Draft.

[Thomas]

Could see this coming

[Inklink]

Just tuning in, what happened to Poz?

Same here and see the goal go in...

[Inklink]

Rauter please just retire already.

[ag futbol]

Did they target Bradley again on that corner? I know it ultimately bounced in front of Auro but still… concerning

[MikeForbes]

Gonna need Mullinho and Dwyer on here to cause some pain for Romney and Maher.

[OgtheDim]

Okello's first touch is....Zardes like

[RealG-TFC]

Never a handball, even in realtime you could see him chest it

[Inklink]

Mavinga got a palm to that, eh Caldwell? lol

[MikeForbes]

Okello's first touch is....Zardes like

His future is definitely gonna be as a 6 or a CB, I think.

[Richard]

You know MLS isn't doing to bad when you got free kicks like that from a team like Nashville. Much improved product from way back when TFC started.

[rydermike]

Uh oh Westberg hurt

[Yohan]

Who would have thought Lovitz would have turned into a solid MLS LB

[ag futbol]

I’m confused what the instructions were to Okello coming off the bench. He’s all over the place.

[tfcfans]

Until 3 DPs can play on the field at the same time for Toronto for 75% of a season, and a legitimate scoring threat up top is brought in, we are simply not going to be very good.

Throw in zero home games and living the nomads life in Orlando, and this is a recipe for a lost season unless we land in Toronto this summer, and the Jozy thing gets resolved with a new DP striker arriving here to replace him with a healthy Poz and Soteldo too —- that just seems like way too many things to hope for frankly.....until that changes, we will be bottom 4 in the East.

[MikeForbes]

Love the visual of Q getting his fingers taped up as fast as possible.

[rydermike]

Q is so much better than Bono. Bono would be on his line instead of making that punch

[MikeForbes]

Mullinho on. Come on, Armas.

[MikeForbes]

Who made that attempted pass to Delgado? That was just brutal.

[Richard]

Armas needs to buy Westburg a beer after that save.

[Thomas]

Time for subs….Q outstanding

[jloome]

Dude has already saved us four times from going behind.

[tfcfans]

Praying for a tie again —- is anyone really thinking a win is even possible with this group on the field.....smells like a late loss....hope I’m wrong, but we’ve been watching this movie a lot recently....

[Inklink]

What a foookin save

Where the hell were the CBs going

[Inklink]

Of course it was the Nephew stepping up stupidly there.

[MikeForbes]

I am getting so frustrated watching this.

[MightyDM]

I'm actually enjoying this game. But Armas will regret taking both taking Poz and Oso off.

[Inklink]

I am getting so frustrated watching this.

Try muting it. It helped me.

[OgtheDim]

Not happy with having no offensive capability out there right now beyond Michael Bradley but man..Westberg.

[Yohan]

Offence relies so much on Pozo

Not only Pozo makes the passes no one else on TFC can make, his mere presence creates space for other TFC players, as opposition defenders are too focused on Pozo

[MikeForbes]

Akinoka dropping so far back because Okello is literally doing nothing for the offense.

[OgtheDim]

I'm actually enjoying this game. But Armas will regret taking both taking Poz and Oso off.


Oso was dead on his feet. His minutes from CanMNT was just too much.

[jloome]

Mukhtar is a dirty cheat and this ref is being unduly influenced by the crowd because he’s only calling this one way.

[RealG-TFC]

Okello just occupies space and nothing else. Why the hell would he hold his run instead of going into the box just now?

[Yohan]

I'm listening to Nashville broadcast. So much better than Vic Rauter. And actually pretty neutral too

[MightyDM]

Much better by Laryea there. First time/

[rydermike]

Akinola has no legs. Put on Shaff to run.

Edit:Okay Mullins for ayo

[DavemTFC]

Apologies if someone has already pointed this out but if you're going to rest Gonzalez, wouldn't the game against arguably the most cross-happy team be kind of the worst time to do it?

[MikeForbes]

Mullinho magic coming up.

[ag futbol]

I don’t know what they are asking Okello to do but wholly hell kid, minutes around here don’t come easy, make the most of your chance (and maybe even hit second gear every once in a while).

I don’t understand why we left Priso on the bench. He might not be as attack focused as Okello, but he can at least solidify the midfield and contribute

[Thomas]

Nashville has raised Lovitz’s game by a few levels.

[DinamoTFC]

Apologies if someone has already pointed this out but if you're going to rest Gonzalez, wouldn't the game against arguably the most cross-happy team be kind of the worst time to do it?
Nothing makes sense. There's something toxic in the air with this group. No one can even stay healthy for 90 mins.

[Bushmancan]

I am glad we feel that we don’t need Jozy. We have Mullinho, that was a brilliant flick. (Glad to eat my words). But the selections in general are odd.

[rydermike]

Mullinho!!

[jloome]

MULlINHO!

The legend grows…

[MikeForbes]

The fucking legend. Where are the haters now?!

[DavemTFC]

Just build the mullinho statue outside BMO already

[Richard]

Mullinho magic coming up.

Nostradamus over here.

[MightyDM]

i was thinking "who will possibly score?" Now we know! Mulhino!!!

EDIT: TYPED BEFORE THE GOAL

[RealG-TFC]

Okello with the screen

[ag futbol]

There was always only going to be one man for the job!

[Inklink]

LOL No way. He actually scored.

Maybe that hit both heads

[Yohan]

Nashville has raised Lovitz’s game by a few levels.
also somehow has 13 caps for USMNT

[Yohan]

lol. it's like a basket pick and roll.

go Mullinho!

[OgtheDim]

Moulinho!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Inklink]

Never change TFC. I bet no team has given up a goal within 5 minutes of scoring in MLS history more often than TFC.

Nephew chasing the man Auro already had.

[rydermike]

Terrible defending. Westberg had no chance

[MikeForbes]

Ruining that Mullinho magic...

[DinamoTFC]

This team is garbage. Embarrassing.

[ag futbol]

That’s just shit defending.

[DavemTFC]

Zavaleta keeping everyone onside

[jloome]

Bah, Zavs failing to cover the post. Tracked a man already covered leaving Hakanson unmarked coming in.

[OgtheDim]

Mavinga ball watching there for a bit...

[MikeForbes]

Atleast the TFC twitter admin has caught on to the Mullinho nickname. Little wins tonight.

[ag futbol]

Well, Jayden Nelson has 2 goals tonight at least…

[Thomas]

That’s why Zavs didn’t start for quite some time under Vanney

[rydermike]

In other news, TFC2 is winning 3-1. Luke Singh scored and Jayden Nelson scored twice

[samuraizero]

Armas has lost the plot here.

Going from a serviceable team with effectively the same roster to absolute hot garbage is pretty fucking pathetic.

[jloome]

Auro, what the fuck…

The guy has so much talent but makes so many bad decisions.

[ag futbol]

Come on Auro you are going to waste that back heel from Mullinho to bamboozle 5 guys, lol

[DavemTFC]

Hate it when technical players like Mullinho pull off a clever backheel only for american scrubs like Aauron Jr. to just kick it out of play the 😤

[MikeForbes]

Caldwell saying we should be happy at 2-2 after leading this game twice. Settling for mediocrity, I guess.

[Inklink]

So much slipping.


Hate it when technical players like Mullinho pull off a clever backheel only for american scrubs like Aauron Jr. to just kick it out of play the 

LOL! Nice.

[ag futbol]

You have to be fucking kidding me.

[Yohan]

lol. Auro escapes second yellow by sprinting the hell out of the pitch on the sub

[noxx98]

Get Armas out of here now.

[MikeForbes]

Armas out. Whatever.

[rydermike]

Are tou kidding me

[Richard]

Complete capitulation. :facepalm:

[jloome]

Fuck.

[DavemTFC]

Fucking shambolic

[MikeForbes]

Bunch of nobodies just carving us up. Totally unacceptable.

[Inklink]

Seriously wtf Mavinga

[MightyDM]

Oh Dear Oh Dear Oh Dear

[ag futbol]

Endoh you dope, put that ball in the first time!

[Thomas]

Lovitz something else

[OgtheDim]

See you tomorrow morning people - I just can't

[gracos]

Armas and Curtis out now, called it RBNorth has not worked, isnt working and will never work for Toronto FC

[samuraizero]

Why do we keep putting Zavaleta in. He basically doesn't exist.

[Yohan]

Armas and Curtis out now, called it RBNorth has not worked, isnt working and will never work for Toronto FC
you keep trying this

it's not going to stick lol

[tfcfans]

Let me know when next season starts - the next game played by any of these guys that I truly care about is CANMNT WCQ in September.....until then this is just a waste of time.....

[Thomas]

Agreed, they need to clean house with management and start fresh

[DavemTFC]

I'm already firmly #ArmasOut but if we don't beat Cinci and that idiot is still here I'm jumping on the #CurtisOut train too

[MikeForbes]

This is the kind of game that gets a coach fired. Or should. So rattled.

[ag futbol]

Agreed, they need to clean house with management and start fresh
This might not be the obvious conclusion after watching this but it’s time to move on from Bradley.

Needs to be a different influence in midfield and on the team.

[Bushmancan]

“We played hard, the fight was really good. I thought we had it in the bag at half time. So i saved our offense for Saturday” …. 1st quote tomorrow

“We have confidence in the coach and the decision he makes”…. 2nd Quote

”The 200 page plan is well thought out and the GM has the vision this club needs” … 3rd Quote

Tanenbaum quote….”Thank god the Leafs sucked so bad, no one even notices i extended their contracts.”

[Inklink]

Get these two clowns outta' here.
https://www.frontrowsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/curtis-ali122314b.jpghttps://images.mlssoccer.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_8_desktop_mobile/prd-league/uwaupmg0jvcolhtoul1r.jpg

[MikeForbes]

This might not be the obvious conclusion after watching this but it’s time to move on from Bradley.

Needs to be a different influence in midfield and on the team.

Pretty obvious to anyone who has watched this team in the past 12 months that Osorio and Delgado is the best midfield duo we have.

[Richard]

You know I'm trying to not be so damn negative with this team, I see some positives, but this teams defending is shambolic.

Manning's hand is going to be forced very, very soon.

[Smokecell]

What a disgraceful hire Armas was

[Thomas]

Agreed, as that position’s influence on the game is massive.

This might not be the obvious conclusion after watching this but it’s time to move on from Bradley.

Needs to be a different influence in midfield and on the team.

[MightyDM]

I'm actually starting to feel sorry for Chris Armas. I suspect he is a very decent person. Unfortunately, he certainly hasn't made this team better

[rocktml]

Too many excuses my friend, 1 win in 9 games should not be tolerated by a club of our stature.

[Thomas]

I don’t feel sorry for Armas. He makes decent coin and he was brought on to do a job. This is the big leagues, at least here.

[MightyDM]

Oso was dead on his feet. His minutes from CanMNT was just too much.
Fair enough. So dont start him; bring him on for Poz. Totally different team with them both off.

[Auzzy]

Holy eff I should have done some work instead of watching that game, just the highlights would have been painful enough. Absolute garbage.

[ag futbol]

Agreed, as that position’s influence on the game is massive.
Agree, if he was accepting of downsizing his role I’d be more supportive but this is just nonsense.

It’s been years since he actually completed a line splitting pass. He’s like 1/ 100 on corners and free kicks but insists on taking those. And outside of that, there’s just something about his presence in midfield that slows down others.

Can’t be any sacred cows here. I think it’s best to make some changes while he still has trade value.

[Oldtimer]

This team is an embarrassment under Armas.

#armasout

[SoccMan2]

What an embarrassment wow it’s back to TFC of old the laughing stock of the league again .

[MightyDM]

We can’t hold playing this way for another 35 mins

prescient

[gracos]

you keep trying this

it's not going to stick lol

thats the only way i can call them both out, dont want to tarnish the TFC name and Armas/Curtis dont deserve the right to tarnish it either, so Armas/Curtis combined are called to me RBNorth, i could call it RBToronto but that also makes a disgrace to a city which we call home, so it may not stick, but hopefully Armas/Curtis dont either and we decide to go on a different path because its just not working

[Inklink]

Agree, if he was accepting of downsizing his role I’d be more supportive but this is just nonsense.

It’s been years since he actually completed a line splitting pass. He’s like 1/ 100 on corners and free kicks but insists on taking those. And outside of that, there’s just something about his presence in midfield that slows down others.

Can’t be any sacred cows here. I think it’s best to make some changes while he still has trade value.

Curtis, Armas, Bradley...maybe the bald guys are the problem! :D

[ag futbol]

Curtis, Armas, Bradley...maybe the bald guys are the problem! :D
No hair, no job!

That’s what they tell me.

[tfcfans]

Praying for a tie again —- is anyone really thinking a win is even possible with this group on the field.....smells like a late loss....hope I’m wrong, but we’ve been watching this movie a lot recently....

I’m going to just leave my previous post here....I just keep betting against us and keep getting paid, I highly recommend it, as until the roster has changed up front, and in the back (And this was without Omar back there😱😱?!), and the Coach isn’t alienating his team on multiple fronts, the results seem inevitable to me.....they can keep my ST money until 2022, I’m not paying to see this crap unless the Borre for Altidore swap happens 😂😂 (I just mean the roster spot, not an actual “trade”) and Poz, Soteldo, Borre are all on the field together at BMO, then maybe I’ll see them before 2022.....😂😂😂😂

[MightyDM]

Until 3 DPs can play on the field at the same time for Toronto for 75% of a season, and a legitimate scoring threat up top is brought in, we are simply not going to be very good.

Throw in zero home games and living the nomads life in Orlando, and this is a recipe for a lost season unless we land in Toronto this summer, and the Jozy thing gets resolved with a new DP striker arriving here to replace him with a healthy Poz and Soteldo too —- that just seems like way too many things to hope for frankly.....until that changes, we will be bottom 4 in the East.
Jozy is our DP striker. We could play him but have chosen not to - thats on management. We wont be getting a new DP striker given these rules; and this year he looks fit. Certainly hungry due to USMNT. Has he lost a step? Maybe. But that should be ours to find out.

[ag futbol]

Jozy is our DP striker. We could play him but have chosen not to - thats on management. We wont be getting a new DP striker given these rules; and this year he looks fit. Certainly hungry due to USMNT. Has he lost a step? Maybe. But that should be ours to find out.
The first mistake was extending him. The second, not offloading him when still had some semblance of value (cause there were obvious signs of decline). The third, not doing loss mitigation before he blew his top and basically turned himself into an unreliable salary anchor.

[MightyDM]

Caldwell saying we should be happy at 2-2 after leading this game twice. Settling for mediocrity, I guess.

didnt age well

[Ultra & Proud]

Armas and Curtis out now, called it RBNorth has not worked, isnt working and will never work for Toronto FC

It's not RBNorth, it's what they switched NYRB to when they went to shit and Armas got sacked. Didn't work with them and their highly skilled, Shield winning press team and won't work for us either. Issue isn't RB system, it's Armas-ball. Won't work anywhere, for anyone.

[barticusz]

Although I firmly believe that each manager needs time to settle in, they also need to get results. 1 win and 6 losses in 9 games is not acceptable. Something needs to change. The problem we have is that our defence is just not good enough and a new manager won’t drastically improve that. We may win a couple more games with them but we’re not a contender.

Maybe what this team needs to own is that they are not elite. They do not belong in the upper echelon of this league and the only way for them to get results is to put their heads down and earn it for 90 minutes. We’re on the verge of some major personnel changes and it will be interesting who the management team backs. Armas has won the manager vs player battle against Jozy but the question is who is next.

On the Curtis end, I still like his moves but we need him to find a solution on the defensive side and soon.

[Slick]

Our season is done. I can't see us making a comeback. I have zero faith in this management.

PS: Q was the man of the match. Can't believe it took Armas 10 games to figure out the better goaltender.

[Ultra & Proud]

Jozy is our DP striker. We could play him but have chosen not to - thats on management. We wont be getting a new DP striker given these rules; and this year he looks fit. Certainly hungry due to USMNT. Has he lost a step? Maybe. But that should be ours to find out.
The way Akinola spent most of the night just walking around out there it was like Jozy never left. He taught him well.

[ensco]

I only started watching around the 70th minute (and if you think you are mad, you have no idea, just be glad you aren’t a Colombian MNT fan).

My blinding glimpse of the obvious: we are a pretty terrible team without Pozuelo and Osorio on the field.

[MightyDM]

This team is an embarrassment under Armas.

#armasout

no other conclusion is possible

[Initial B]

That's the second game in a row TFC has let in a goal during Tobias time. This time two of them. It's amazing how the substitutions of Osorio and Pozuelo completely changed the complexion of the game. I understand saving them both for Saturday, but the results seem to indicate poor game management skills from Armas. Vanney eventually learned how to see out games, so I assume that Armas will eventually learn as well, but it won't be this season.

And there is no way that Armas will be gone even if they lose in Cinci (though he should be at that point), because: a) FO will argue a Covid season and playing away from home so gets a pass, b) TFC is out of sight and out of mind of the majority of Toronto mainstream media, so no pressure on that front.

Looking at a glass half-full situation, TFC is only 7 points out of a playoff spot with two-thirds of a season left to play. How my expectations have fallen...

[firm]

After watching the tfc game can I cry I just want to cry

[Canary10]

Need to play Bradley as a proper holding midfielder instead of so high up the pitch. Once teams are past our midfield it’s daylight. They just run straight through our defense.

[MightyDM]

I only started watching around the 70th minute (and if you think you are mad, you have no idea, just be glad you aren’t a Colombian MNT fan).

My blinding glimpse of the obvious: we are a pretty terrible team without Pozuelo and Osorio on the field.

This is true.

[tfcfans]

Jozy is our DP striker. We could play him but have chosen not to - thats on management. We wont be getting a new DP striker given these rules; and this year he looks fit. Certainly hungry due to USMNT. Has he lost a step? Maybe. But that should be ours to find out.

.....But it’s not happening and frankly that contract and his DP roster spot has been an albatross since 2018 and he hasn’t been reliably healthy since that time —- for the 2018-2020 period he has played approx. 3314/8190 MLS regular season minutes - about 40% of the time over three years - this is an ongoing problem that needed to be dealt with before Armas even arrived - they gave him a legacy contract after Gio left, and it has been an anchor ever since - frankly any success in 2019/2020 has very little to do with him and we spend more time going “will be or won’t he” than anything else, or “oh oh, he’s grabbing his hamstring again”


Let me be clear, I love what he did for us in 2016-2017, but it’s not 2017, and for all the criticism we heap on the Bradley’s of the world, at least you know he’s going to be in the lineup 90% of the time (sometimes to our detriment 😱😂, but still), and he gave up his DP spot, and took a paycut to make the team better as his skills have diminished....

I get that Jozy is entitled to his money, and it’s the teams fault for signing him to that deal, but geez, you put in work 40% of the last three years; your goodwill from 2017 is running thin with me; retire the number, and build the statue, but a 24 year old healthy DP forward with pace would look really good right now.....

[reggie]

poz and oso had tightness and asked to come off,lol they will be out at least 4 to 6 wks now.it only going to get worst,jus move the fat from this club now,mavinga,auro , delgado gonzo,jozy,armas,ali,manning

[Gringo Starr]

Let me know when next season starts - the next game played by any of these guys that I truly care about is CANMNT WCQ in September.....until then this is just a waste of time.....

You may be forgetting about Canada at the Gold Cup in July

[DavemTFC]

That's the second game in a row TFC has let in a goal during Tobias time. This time two of them. It's amazing how the substitutions of Osorio and Pozuelo completely changed the complexion of the game. I understand saving them both for Saturday, but the results seem to indicate poor game management skills from Armas. Vanney eventually learned how to see out games, so I assume that Armas will eventually learn as well, but it won't be this season.
He won't. He's now held a head coaching position for 2 and a half years and from all the NYRB chatter I've seen the mistakes he made there are exactly the same as the ones he's making with us, including the ridiculous, short-sighted, cowardly move to bunkering the entire second half. Hell, at least when Vanney brought on an extra defender it was only for the last 5-10 minutes. Armas put Morrow in at LM for half an hour and then had no answer once Nashville equalised other than Mullinho and pray.

Armas isn't some rookie coach - he has to have managed at least 60-odd games at this level now. If he was going to learn from these fundamental, egregious mistakes he would have done so by now. Jloome's post from a few days ago looks more and more spot-on every day.

Armas doesn't have the capacity to learn from his mistakes. Armas isn't going to ever be even a passable manager here or anywhere else.

Get this clown out of my club now. And if the guy who hired him won't do it, fire that clown too.

[spe18]

The first mistake was extending him. The second, not offloading him when still had some semblance of value (cause there were obvious signs of decline). The third, not doing loss mitigation before he blew his top and basically turned himself into an unreliable salary anchor.

And this to me was done by Manning; with possible feedback from the board.

So why is it that Armas & Ali are getting quite the blame, when infact part of the problem is that the $600,000 of the salary budget that Altidore uses up hamstrings their abilities to further improve the roster at the present time?

[James17930]

We simply won't have a chance at having a decent record until we're back at BMO. Full stop. We saw what happened with the Raptors. Doesn't matter if all the families etc. are there or not, not playing in front of our fans is a massive detriment that we just can't overcome.

I've come to realize that all these games based out of Orlando (and on the road from there) are already lost. This whole part of the season just needs to be written off. Once we're back at BMO we can start treating the games seriously again, but of course then the question will be is it goo little too late?

[reggie]

We simply won't have a chance at having a decent record until we're back at BMO. Full stop. We saw what happened with the Raptors. Doesn't matter if all the families etc. are there or not, not playing in front of our fans is a massive detriment that we just can't overcome.

I've come to realize that all these games based out of Orlando (and on the road from there) are already lost. This whole part of the season just needs to be written off. Once we're back at BMO we can start treating the games seriously again, but of course then the question will be is it goo little too late?
yes maybe...but the way they are giving up goals.its schoolboy stuff.

[Blindside16]

And this to me was done by Manning; with possible feedback from the board.

So why is it that Armas & Ali are getting quite the blame, when infact part of the problem is that the $600,000 of the salary budget that Altidore uses up hamstrings their abilities to further improve the roster at the present time?

Ali was GM at the time of the extension. I think they were all reeling at the fact that Seba just walked for next to nothing and they were terrified at the potential of losing 2 DP's 13 months after completing the treble. The extension was made out of haste in an attempt to save face with the fanbase and try to create, if nothing else, the illusion of stability within the organization. Curtis's role in the blame game falls within the fact that once that contract was signed, theoretically he and Jozy should not really have any interaction until the situation arises where either A) they are looking to move him or B) renegotiation time. Keeping this in mid it begs the question as to how did Curtis and Altidore get to the point of having a complete fallout? I know Jozy can be outspoken and at times reckless with some of the things he says and posts to social media but I keep feeling that Curtis tried some underhanded BS and that led to the rift.

[OgtheDim]

We simply won't have a chance at having a decent record until we're back at BMO. Full stop. We saw what happened with the Raptors. Doesn't matter if all the families etc. are there or not, not playing in front of our fans is a massive detriment that we just can't overcome.

I've come to realize that all these games based out of Orlando (and on the road from there) are already lost. This whole part of the season just needs to be written off. Once we're back at BMO we can start treating the games seriously again, but of course then the question will be is it goo little too late?


In the light of the morning, and seeing the tweets of Mavinga & Westberg from last night - agreed.

Its just too much to overcome.

***********

I have officially moved over to "lets hurt as many teams as possible & see some good football & look for tea leaves about 2022" mode. If the brass decide to keep Armas, so be it. They might, and they might not. If the goal is playoffs, we are not getting there either way in my mind. I just can't be focused on leadership right now as I find it all mentally too debilitating. Last night hurt but I realised that in the midst of still everything that is going on (I get to self administer a covid rapid test today as we start up our testing program), I personally have to give up on 2021 playoffs & focus on the long term - YMMV, I respect that.


So, on that note


Okello - he was a pylon that caused Bradley to feel like he had to move up farther to provide some offensive capability. I've noticed Okello isn't going down to TFCII, possibly because people in his position keep getting injured, possibly because they see things in him that are worth keeping around.

Westberg - MUCH better keeper - distribution with him is on a different level - sell Bono

Zavs played well until our second goal - he's better in a 3 person back line but by and large as a stay at home #3 CB, he's passable in this league. He suffers what the rest of our team suffers - we can't control attacks against us in transition and rely upon our keepers & Mavinga's athleticism. Need an experienced brain with some ability to run still back there.

Kemar Lawrence locks down his side but he needs the DM's to lock down in step with him - Bradley & Delgado are not always doing that right now - this is one of those mental aspects of the game that being away from home is going to affect.

Agree with ensco - without Osorio or Pozuelo, we are not a very good team attack wise. Their replacements don't find space like those 2 do. Right now, for me, that's the #3 need on this team, after a DP level striker & a brickwall defender.

[Graeme]

...their abilities to further improve the roster at the present time?

Instant improvement: add Altidore to the line-up. (of course, we may have to let Armas go to do that, but I don't care...)

[ensco]

Yeah, Raptors hardcores already went through this, it's pretty much impossible to compete properly this way. It has tempered my view throughout. We may in fact totally suck, but it's impossible to know why.

Honestly, I think the solution is, don’t watch every game. Or at least don’t watch the same way. There is a ton of international football the next month, give over to that.

This too shall pass.

We'll be at BMO in August, maybe we can charge from behind in the second half.

[Auzzy]

In the light of the morning, and seeing the tweets of Mavinga & Westberg from last night - agreed.

Its just too much to overcome.

<snip>

Agree with ensco - without Osorio or Pozuelo, we are not a very good team attack wise. Their replacements don't find space like those 2 do. Right now, for me, that's the #3 need on this team, after a DP level striker & a brickwall defender.

That tweet from Mavinga really made me think, as well as other interviews etc. I agree with what you wrote, and also what ensco wrote this morning. I'm going to always try to consider the team's environment. Doing this for the 2nd straight season is nuts, especially when most of the competition is living almost normal lives by now.

Considering the environment and what the players are going through, in a way it shines an even harsher light on organizational failures. Things like not having a proper fitness and monitoring program during the off-season, when you know the players will be more vulnerable than ever. Somebody in the large organization of MLSE should have been able to set up a caretaker program after Vanney's fitness guys left (and frankly I think those guys must have been awful anyway, so it's probably a longer-running problem). Things like agreeing to early afternoon games in the Florida heat, possibly due to broadcasting requests (but then later we ended up with TFC games overlapping with Champions League and Leafs playoffs hockey). Things like not being able to patch obvious gaps in central defence and striker, or somehow resolving the Jozy problem. There are probably lots of other unnecessary issues that we haven't heard about.

Lots of these problems lie way above or before Armas. That doesn't mean he's good or he should stay; in fact such issues highlight that the Armas search and hiring process may have been just as bad. But I think bringing in more chaos by dumping Armas right now may be even worse. Unless he's truly lost the room, the players may not take that well at all.

[Auzzy]

Still a ton of head scratchers from Armas himself. E.g. OgtheDim mentioned that Osorio's TFC minutes would need to be managed after the Canada games, and AFAIR they were not. I think he started the following TFC games. Yesterday, only a few days after the previous game, probably Pozuelo should have started, but Osorio should have come on later as needed. Instead of having to take both off at the same time, and we lost complete control over the ball.

In terms of gaps in the roster or at least how Armas lines them up: I still think we never adequately replaced Will Johnson, although Nicolas Hasler also did a decent job there. If our central D is weak or tiring, we should be able to sit a terrier in front of them, to shield them and help plug gaps. I don't think Bradley can be that guy. He doesn't have the speed and agility for that, especially late in games. Plus Armas has said that he wants Bradley to join the attack more (which is another head scratcher). What about Priso, and tell him not to roam around? Even if he isn't fit for a full 90, maybe he should have come on especially after Pozuelo and Osorio, and just sit in front of the D while letting others roam more.

Too bad about Okello, I was hoping for much more from him after early flashes. I don't know if that's the limits of his abilities, or if it's partially coaching and the role he's being asked to play.

[MightyDM]

In the light of the morning, and seeing the tweets of Mavinga & Westberg from last night - agreed.

Its just too much to overcome.

***********

I have officially moved over to "lets hurt as many teams as possible & see some good football & look for tea leaves about 2022" mode. If the brass decide to keep Armas, so be it. They might, and they might not. If the goal is playoffs, we are not getting there either way in my mind. I just can't be focused on leadership right now as I find it all mentally too debilitating. Last night hurt but I realised that in the midst of still everything that is going on (I get to self administer a covid rapid test today as we start up our testing program), I personally have to give up on 2021 playoffs & focus on the long term - YMMV, I respect that.


So, on that note


Okello - he was a pylon that caused Bradley to feel like he had to move up farther to provide some offensive capability. I've noticed Okello isn't going down to TFCII, possibly because people in his position keep getting injured, possibly because they see things in him that are worth keeping around.

Westberg - MUCH better keeper - distribution with him is on a different level - sell Bono

Zavs played well until our second goal - he's better in a 3 person back line but by and large as a stay at home #3 CB, he's passable in this league. He suffers what the rest of our team suffers - we can't control attacks against us in transition and rely upon our keepers & Mavinga's athleticism. Need an experienced brain with some ability to run still back there.

Kemar Lawrence locks down his side but he needs the DM's to lock down in step with him - Bradley & Delgado are not always doing that right now - this is one of those mental aspects of the game that being away from home is going to affect.

Agree with ensco - without Osorio or Pozuelo, we are not a very good team attack wise. Their replacements don't find space like those 2 do. Right now, for me, that's the #3 need on this team, after a DP level striker & a brickwall defender.

What did Mavinga and Westberg tweet?

[FootBallAZ]

So I been disappointed with management in all fronts for almost 2.5 years

Even the way they fired reps after they received payments from whoever chose to keep money with TFC.

Tim leweike and Bez are levels above.

Regarding the raptors comparison its not close


1. First 10 games raps lost by 5 or less with a lot of questionable calls

2. Management, coach, and medical staff are levels above


3. Although raptors ended up 7th last.
They still were very competitive, almost beat number 1 team in the west in Utah with injuries to star players .

Raptors did beat good teams especially in the west. Kept it competitive late in the 4th for others.

There has been significant growth from players this year

The management decision not to bring back, ibaka,gasol and sign baynes turned out to be the right call in hindsight.

Ibaka is injured and out for the year, baynes was a negative impact on the raptors weakest position the center position


The raptors now have the 4th pick in a top 4 heavy draft. Moved up from 7th.


Some circumstances maybe similar, but to me it really highlights the class and major gap between raptors and TFC

[Initial B]

What did Mavinga and Westberg tweet?
Mavinga said how hard things were being away from home and how they need our support more than ever. I'm not sure why, but I get a feeling that was written for him by a staffer, as it doesn't seem to match his previous tweeting style. Westberg's tweet appears to have been taken down. I think they're feeling pressure from somewhere, whether it's the fans or MLSE. It's definitely not from the media, as only the CBC and Canadian Press put out articles. Both did note that the defence got 'ripped apart' and 'broke'.

[Ultra & Proud]

Mavinga said how hard things were being away from home and how they need our support more than ever. I'm not sure why, but I get a feeling that was written for him by a staffer, as it doesn't seem to match his previous tweeting style. Westberg's tweet appears to have been taken down. I think they're feeling pressure from somewhere, whether it's the fans or MLSE. It's definitely not from the media, as only the CBC and Canadian Press put out articles. Both did note that the defence got 'ripped apart' and 'broke'.
Probably fans. TFC can't Tweet, post, or anything without a flood of negative comments below it. Lots of #Curtisout & #Armasout which is fine and also some people calling out players for being crap (Westberg's been in there, Mavinga, Gonzalez, etc). I am sure some players browse comments and it's approaching 2013 level toxicity now.

[Bushmancan]

Yeah, Raptors hardcores already went through this, it's pretty much impossible to compete properly this way. It has tempered my view throughout. We may in fact totally suck, but it's impossible to know why.

Honestly, I think the solution is, don’t watch every game. Or at least don’t watch the same way. There is a ton of international football the next month, give over to that.

This too shall pass.

We'll be at BMO in August, maybe we can charge from behind in the second half.


First - Question for everyone, if the Leafs or raptors were in the playoffs, right now, would they be playing in Toronto (then why not TFC)

Second - Cannot compare this to the Raptors, sorry to me that is just an excuse... Basketball can rely on two or three guys. We lost Kwhai, Gasol, Green and Ibaka.. they deserve a ton of credit for even fighting the way they did. Good coaching and solid GM makes a difference. You could tell this year was going to be challenging, the way the east stacked up.

This team has all the raw materials (maybe not at defender and fitness) but we have chosen not to play our DP striker (whether you like him or not) and blindly given faith in an approach that had potential (more pressure and playing direct) but doesn't work in Armas' execution. It is a conscious decision by the team management to accept this..

Third - "All for One" - Q & Mavinga we want you back here as well.

[Areathrasher]

To me, Okello has looked his best when there is space open to run into - when he can open up his stride and beat players. Everything was quite congested last night. He had a flash or two out on the right but not much else.

[ag futbol]

Agree with ensco - without Osorio or Pozuelo, we are not a very good team attack wise. Their replacements don't find space like those 2 do. Right now, for me, that's the #3 need on this team, after a DP level striker & a brickwall defender.
That’s probably where our rumour for the venezuela Midfielder came in. They’re not wrong to try and address this. We need somebody who can act as an AM if Pozuelo is hurt. Even if that player isn’t going to be as top class

[jloome]

Too bad about Okello, I was hoping for much more from him after early flashes. I don't know if that's the limits of his abilities, or if it's partially coaching and the role he's being asked to play.


He's played four or fives times this year. He's looked solid twice and non-existent twice. But both of the latter were in games where he was subbed into odd roles.

IN fact, he's only played the same position twice in five appearances. He's played inside forward, underneath in the hole, on the left side and now as a defensive midfielder.

He's a hugely talented guy. They obviously don't know what to do with him. To me, he's either a very raw striker who wasn't trained in that position (great with the ball, strong, gets into dangerous spots, fast but doesn't have the acceleration to outrun a backline) or he's a two-way midfielder.

Tactically, this team has a real problem with having too many two-way midfielders, no real wreckers, only two playmakers.

Our roster is badly imbalanced, which is on Ali Curtis at this point.

As for Jozy, it's easy to forget the whole league record for youngest scorer still stands; the league site mentioned it today.

He was 16.

So he has 16 years as a pro already, travelling, working hard at the highest level for some of that. THat's a LONG career, even though he's still relatively young. If the guy is slowing down, no wonder.

The key to managing that is to use his skills in diminishment like any good manager. Use him as a late sub. Coming on full of energy in the last half or third of the game, he could be a devastating weapon for picking up late wins.

The same is true with Michael Bradley. He's actually playing much better than some here seem to credit, but he can't cover ground as well anymore and he was NEVER an ideal number six; he's a two-way mid who, for much of his career, was more offensive minded than defensive.

He'll take on the roll if asked and grimace and demand the best of himself but asking an older play to be a solid DM in this league when it's not even his strength is insane.

We have serious roster problems.

We need a starting CB to match Mavinga (and have for two seasons now);

We need a defensive midfielder who is a pure wrecker like Alonso was for most of his career.

We need a CREATIVE striker, a goal scorer who can beat guys with the ball. Personally, that's where I'd have stuck Richie Laryea, as he's a baller at beating guys and getting shots off, he can set people up AND he's selfish and easily angered. Perfect striker material. Plus the guy can fucking finish, better than Ayo anyway.

So... wrong players, lineup holes, guys playing who aren't good enough, GM who can't see or fix it, coach who's a 'player's coach' to the point where he's loved but clearly absolutely useless a stepping back and assessing how to deal with all this.

Really, we need to wipe the front office again. Manning has presided over this decline and given them extensions. I understand not being at home is difficult, but it's not best in the league to worst in the league bad. Ridiculous.

[OgtheDim]

What did Mavinga and Westberg tweet?


https://twitter.com/QuentinWestberg/status/1407916844644769795

[OgtheDim]

This isn't a competition to see who had it worse.



This morning at 10 am, half of the damn province found out we could get a hair cut again


Like, seriously, its been shit.

And players and staff have been away from here while their families deal with that stuff for the first time since October. Like us, every has been taking this differently & TFC has been, as well as IMFC & VCWC, taking this badly.



(And I don't want to hear about Bez being a genius when he saddled us with Bono's & others contracts & seeing the missteps at CBus)

[Bushmancan]

Montreal are 3-3-3, we are 1-2-6 if that doesn't piss you off, nothing will.

[ag futbol]

I support the players but obvious challenges aside I feel they are being done a disservice by this management team.

We played Auro Jr. as a central midfielder. Spent a good chunk of games finding out that our 2nd choice keeper, is still our second choice keeper. Ran around the field trying to press like a bunch of rank amateurs. And in the end, we returned to the same sort of tactics we started with before our new coach arrived (in a less potent form).

None of this suggests the people in charge know what they’re doing.