2022 General TFC/MLS Banter (no transfer/roster discussion)

[Oldtimer]

This thread is a catch-all for general banter not specifically related to transfer rumours.

[jloome]

https://www.latimes.com/espanol/deportes/articulo/2022-01-05/la-galaxy-anuncia-juegos-de-pretemporada-ante-toronto

Preseason game Jan. 29 in LA.

[rydermike]

https://twitter.com/Total_TFC/status/1479112498573832195

[Oldtimer]

https://twitter.com/Total_TFC/status/1479112498573832195

https://media4.giphy.com/media/OqCZgQySXvaP6/giphy.gif?cid=790b761166a13516e5922659b64c4fbeea9f d5f9e42be4e1&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

(https://media4.giphy.com/media/OqCZgQySXvaP6/giphy.gif?cid=790b761166a13516e5922659b64c4fbeea9f d5f9e42be4e1&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)I would expect MLS to vigorously defend their trademark for their Toronto division.

[Joe Kool]

just weird to see.....

https://s2.glbimg.com/GeSbK15rJtb0ZLJVFSh_De8y60k=/0x0:1228x491/640x0/smart/filters:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_bc8228b6673f488aa253bbcb03c80ec5/internal_photos/bs/2022/K/q/8t9HlsRhKoaH7lhawW5Q/taquarussu.jpeg

[MikeForbes]

Should just make them our Brazilian farm team. They already look like it with the logo.

[portu]

LOL it even has the maple leaf

[James17930]

I'm flattered, to be honest.

[OgtheDim]

Gotta say one thing about Miami - they win the prize for stadium plans per actual stadium built ratio.


https://twitter.com/sbjsbd/status/1479225026444513282

[James17930]

Gotta say one thing about Miami - they win the prize for stadium plans per actual stadium built ratio.


https://twitter.com/sbjsbd/status/1479225026444513282

That stadium is gonna be tight if it ends up looking like that in the end.

Some things are worth waiting for. Now they just have to make sure they get a good team to play in it.

[MightyDM]

Former coaches:

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59914385

[Brooker]

Former coaches:

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59914385

http://mrwgifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Robert-DeNiro-Laughing-Hysterically-In-a-Movie-Theather-In-Cape-Fear.gif

[jloome]

The more I think about it, the more sense it makes that we'll be playing with a lone striker most of the time, with Pozuelo and Insigne playing as inverted wingers underneath that player.

Peruzza will probably see some more serious minutes if only because he's a big striker with good feet; he's the sort of player who could play well as a target man, laying the ball off for the two DPs.

(I know, I have a Peruzza thing. May well be wrong. Early days for the lad.)

Either way, lone striker setup lowers the pressure somewhat, especially if we resign Akinola. I think he's sort of a guaranteed 8-12 goal guy already despite some shortcomings and inconsistency. But any big striker with touch would be a good fit.

We need to find another Adam Buksa, someone in Eastern Europe or Asia who is lethal with head and feet, a space finder who poaches a ton and beats defenders to crosses.

[jloome]

Should just make them our Brazilian farm team. They already look like it with the logo.

Maybe they are and the club has just been quiet about it...

Not the worst idea in the world, setting up feeder clubs in great footie nations.

[los sonadores]

The more I think about it, the more sense it makes that we'll be playing with a lone striker most of the time, with Pozuelo and Insigne playing as inverted wingers underneath that player.

Peruzza will probably see some more serious minutes if only because he's a big striker with good feet; he's the sort of player who could play well as a target man, laying the ball off for the two DPs.

(I know, I have a Peruzza thing. May well be wrong. Early days for the lad.)

Either way, lone striker setup lowers the pressure somewhat, especially if we resign Akinola. I think he's sort of a guaranteed 8-12 goal guy already despite some shortcomings and inconsistency. But any big striker with touch would be a good fit.

We need to find another Adam Buksa, someone in Eastern Europe or Asia who is lethal with head and feet, a space finder who poaches a ton and beats defenders to crosses.

Makes sense. And another Buksa would do it.

Peruzza looked so good at first and (in the highlights) at San Antonio. I never quite sorted the talk of his injury problem - was it supposed to be his back? Seemed more internet talk than official info. Does anyone know what was actually going on?

Vanney successfully converted (an albeit young) Akinola from winger to centre forward. Jozy seemed the mentor there. I’m eager to see what he can do there once he’s back and fit.

[Yohan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQCNFRwcBM0&ab_channel=MajorLeagueSoccer

[Yohan]

With the value of MLS teams going up so crazily, is MLS the biggest Ponzi scheme in sports history?

https://www.hudsonriverblue.com/2022/1/11/22878054/nycfc-value-655-million

[MightyDM]

Makes sense. And another Buksa would do it.

Peruzza looked so good at first and (in the highlights) at San Antonio. I never quite sorted the talk of his injury problem - was it supposed to be his back? Seemed more internet talk than official info. Does anyone know what was actually going on?

Vanney successfully converted (an albeit young) Akinola from winger to centre forward. Jozy seemed the mentor there. I’m eager to see what he can do there once he’s back and fit.

It was his back - the club mentioned it at some point

[noxx98]

fuboTV has won the Canadian rights to the Premier League starting next season. They already have Serie A and access to OneSoccer and Bein. I wonder if they make a push for MLS rights.
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/article-fubotv-buys-canadian-rights-to-english-premier-league/

[MikeForbes]

Does DAZN still hold UCL rights? It is getting really expensive to be a soccer fan.

[noxx98]

Does DAZN still hold UCL rights? It is getting really expensive to be a soccer fan.
Yeah they do. I think it's until 2024, but I'm not 100% sure.

[benito]

I started using FuboTV in the fall for Serie A games and I have been pleased with the service. Its annual fee is a little cheaper than dazn and quality of video is quite good.

[DinamoTFC]

Good to know thanks

[Canary10]

Seattle finished the signing of Rusnak today. Good signing for them. He was very good for a pretty poor RSL team for years.

[Amir.]

poor...lol they went to playoffs three of the last four years and just went to conference final...on paper seattle just gets stronger...rusnak lodeiro ruidiaz paulo...wow

[Canary10]

poor...lol they went to playoffs three of the last four years and just went to conference final...on paper seattle just gets stronger...rusnak lodeiro ruidiaz paulo...wow

Don't think making the playoffs is the yardstick for a good team in MLS, lol. They barely made it this year. They had uncertain ownership, coaching changes, weird controversies, etc over Rusnak's time there.

Yeah, Seattle looks strong.

[Joe Kool]

Yeah they do. I think it's until 2024, but I'm not 100% sure.

I would hate for them to lose all soccer except UCL because I don't want to keep that service at that price for just one competition. I don't watch anything else on DAZN other than EPL and UCL right now.

[spe18]

I started using FuboTV in the fall for Serie A games and I have been pleased with the service. Its annual fee is a little cheaper than dazn and quality of video is quite good.

I actually signed up for FuboTV on the day of the final of the Canadian Championship, as they carry OneSoccer too, which is the channel that was showing that match.

After the trial, kept it on the annual plan, and so glad to have done so. Since now I can see Serie A games, including Napoli - where Insigne currently plays. Plus get to see matches in France's Ligue 1 too!


I would hate for them to lose all soccer except UCL because I don't want to keep that service at that price for just one competition. I don't watch anything else on DAZN other than EPL and UCL right now.

But one reason to still keep DAZN is that is where the other MLS games featuring only American teams are shown, if not already on TSN. PLUS NFL Sunday ticket!

[Joe Kool]

But one reason to still keep DAZN is that is where the other MLS games featuring only American teams are shown, if not already on TSN. PLUS NFL Sunday ticket!

I follow TFC, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A and EPL so winter game watching schedule is pretty full and summer it is TFC or sitting on my patio or other summer activities. To be honest I have no interest in any MLS games that don't involve TFC. I also haven't followed NFL since I was in university all those years ago but yeah if you are an NFL fan that is a great option.

[jloome]

Trivia question: is Jack Harrison the first former MLSer to score a Premier League hat-trick? The only competition I can think of would be McBride and Dempsey.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jan/16/west-ham-leeds-premier-league-match-report

[James17930]

Our eMLS dude just won the first tournament of the season:

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/toronto-fc-s-goalmachine-takes-home-emls-league-series-one-title

[Initial B]

Hey, TFC won a championship this weekend! Congrats, goalmachine! :D

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/toronto-fc-s-goalmachine-takes-home-emls-league-series-one-title

edit: D'Oh, didn't turn the page...

[James17930]

Hey, TFC won a championship this weekend! Congrats, goalmachine! :D

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/toronto-fc-s-goalmachine-takes-home-emls-league-series-one-title

edit: D'Oh, didn't turn the page...

I forgive you.

[rydermike]

Full preseason schedule released - https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2022-mls-preseason-schedule-and-results

2 games in California, 4 games in Austin, Texas
https://i.imgur.com/ud5n7AA.png

[jloome]

Full preseason schedule released - https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/2022-mls-preseason-schedule-and-results

2 games in California, 4 games in Austin, Texas
https://i.imgur.com/ud5n7AA.png

Holy crap, that's a lot of games in 17 days.

[rydermike]

Holy crap, that's a lot of games in 17 days.

I think the two LA games will be evenly split squads (half first choice/half reserves). Then the Austin game will probably be mostly a first-choice squad, then Chicago is all the reserves. Then same thing with the Houston/SKC matches. Would work out to about one game a week per player

[Amir.]

think thats 22 days but still a lot of games...better have a lot of trialists+draft picks and some second team players otherwise injuries could pile up
looks like 22 players under contract minus soteldo,altidore,akinola,delgado so down to 18 five weeks away from the first game
this team will be heavily relying on a number of homegrowns at least early on...scary

[leedsandTFC]

think thats 22 days but still a lot of games...better have a lot of trialists+draft picks and some second team players otherwise injuries could pile up
looks like 22 players under contract minus soteldo,altidore,akinola,delgado so down to 18 five weeks away from the first game
this team will be heavily relying on a number of homegrowns at least early on...scary

hoping for at least 3 additions before first game.

[OgtheDim]

Bob Bradley interview with Grant Wahl dropping next week

https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/status/1485016602844217345

[Oldtimer]

Bob Bradley interview with Grant Wahl dropping next week

https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/status/1485016602844217345

From the roster thread:


https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/status/1485640310743093251
Bob Bradley's interview with Grant Wahl. I'm giving it a listen, will let you know if there's anything noteworthy.

[OgtheDim]

Kloke with the most TFC media tweet possible tonight

https://twitter.com/joshuakloke/status/1486892955981987841

One good game against the US & one good pass against Honduras & he's an MLS all-star. :rolleyes5:

[ensco]

Kloke with the most TFC media tweet possible tonight

One good game against the US & one good pass against Honduras & he's an MLS all-star. :rolleyes5:

It is frustrating to remember how ineffective he was here and then see him hit a world class ball like that.

[Yohan]

It is frustrating to remember how ineffective he was here and then see him hit a world class ball like that.
being able to pass (when not under pressure) is all Liam Fraser could do. Can't dribble, can't beat a man to give himself half a yard of space, can't mark, not fast, can't read plays, positioning sucks. Not much of a DM

[MikeForbes]

Kloke with the most TFC media tweet possible tonight

https://twitter.com/joshuakloke/status/1486892955981987841

One good game against the US & one good pass against Honduras & he's an MLS all-star. :rolleyes5:

I honestly think Kloke knows Liam or someone in the Fraser family with how he goes out of his way to hype him.

[ag futbol]

All due respect to Fraser, I think Okello and Priso are younger and the better choices.

I think Ralph Priso will be better or is already better. Kid just needs a string of games for people to open their eyes. I don’t think he is far off Europe.

And if Okello ever puts his foot down and decides what he wants to do with his game, look out.

[mowe]

being able to pass (when not under pressure) is all Liam Fraser could do. Can't dribble, can't beat a man to give himself half a yard of space, can't mark, not fast, can't read plays, positioning sucks. Not much of a DM
Yup. I’m happy for him getting the assist, and hope he does well in Belgium. But Priso passed him in every way last year. We’re gonna be fine.

[Blindside16]

Kloke with the most TFC media tweet possible tonight

https://twitter.com/joshuakloke/status/1486892955981987841

One good game against the US & one good pass against Honduras & he's an MLS all-star. :rolleyes5:

Yes that was a great pass tonight but the only reason it worked out was David's amazing touch on the ball. Most players that just runs through on goal. I agree he should relax on the hyperbole

[Blindside16]

All due respect to Fraser, I think Okello and Priso are younger and the better choices.

I think Ralph Priso will be better or is already better. Kid just needs a string of games for people to open their eyes. I don’t think he is far off Europe.

And if Okello ever puts his foot down and decides what he wants to do with his game, look out.

This 100% . Ralph has shown much more maturity with the ball and more pace. Granted the sample size is small but I feel that Ralph is the better asset

[OgtheDim]

Before anybody asks about streams for the pre season games...

https://twitter.com/Eric_Giacometti/status/1487205970258190338

[Amir.]

kerr with two goals and nelson one with tfc leading galaxy 3-2

[Amir.]

3-3 at the break both sides leaking goals

[MikeForbes]

Not gonna read much of anything into preseason. We have no idea who is even playing on either side besides Kerr and Nelson.

[Amir.]

galaxy takes it 5-4...perruzza scored in the second half...a couple pk's conceded...no issues scoring but leaking goals...its fine for a friendly...learn and improve

[Yohan]

https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/giovinco-plays-for-toronto-fc-pre-season-loss-1.6332678

[Fort York Redcoat]

galaxy takes it 5-4...perruzza scored in the second half...a couple pk's conceded...no issues scoring but leaking goals...its fine for a friendly...learn and improve

Except Seba gets 30 mins and didn't score against what I assume was a preseason squad on the Gals side.

[ensco]

How can there be not one picture of Seba back in a TFC jersey out there?

Also, inquiring minds must know - what number was he wearing?

[jloome]

How can there be not one picture of Seba back in a TFC jersey out there?

Also, inquiring minds must know - what number was he wearing?

Closed door, no media.

[rydermike]

Some photos from the match courtesy of LA Galaxy pages and player pages. Most of the instagram ones have multiple pictures, so you can click the arrows to see more photos

https://www.instagram.com/p/CZV9AgNhmZV/
https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy/status/1487547291565129733
https://twitter.com/LAGalaxy/status/1487573498566377472
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZVU883PUzc/?utm_medium=twitter
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZVWb4dPTeK/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZVqJq0LFow/?hl=en

[rydermike]

How can there be not one picture of Seba back in a TFC jersey out there?

Also, inquiring minds must know - what number was he wearing?

Given they were wearing the red training shirts with numbers on the front and none on the back and given that Seba has been pictured wearing on of those without a number on it, he probably wasn't wearing a number.

[jloome]

Colombia is on the outside looking in re the World Cup... but is paying attention to a "Colombian" who is on his way:

https://www.pulzo.com/mundial-qatar-2022/jonathan-osorio-colombiano-que-cerca-clasificar-mundial-catar-PP1168711

[613reppingTFC]

TFC vs LAFC friendly is today at 3. looks like it's 0-0 at halftime

[MikeForbes]

2-0 TFC Achara and Perruzza have scored.

[613reppingTFC]

Looks like it ended 2-1

[ag futbol]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFC/status/1488991178871742470?cxt=HHwWjIC5pdLl-qkpAAAA
The preseason of Perruzza continues!

[jloome]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFC/status/1488991178871742470?cxt=HHwWjIC5pdLl-qkpAAAA
The preseason of Perruzza continues!

g:D

I'm calling it here: he scores at least 10 goals this season. (I know, I have a Peruzza blind spot.)

[jloome]

TFC game story has some more detail on the LAFC match:
https://www.torontofc.ca/news/reds-cap-off-california-preseason-camp-with-win-over-lafc

[noxx98]

This off season we've seen a number of MLS teams transfer players to European teams that share the same ownership (for example Auston Trusty going from Colorado to Arsenal). Trusty is a decent young player, but he's hardly Arsenal quality. However, it is a good way for Colorado to generate some GAM. They sell Trusty to Arsenal for $1M and magically create $1M in GAM for the Rapids, without any money really swapping hands - maybe just moving from one pocket to another. There's also been a few instances of teams transferring failed DPs to European teams that they share ownership with in order to get out of the contract.

I wonder if there's any chance that MLSE looks in to doing something similar. I know around 10 years ago there were rumours that MLSE was looking into Newcastle or Sheffield Wednesday. I also seem to recall (but can't find a source) that we had rumoured interest in a Serie A team. If MLSE wants to go all in on Italian soccer, buying a Serie A team wouldn't be a bad shout.

[Initial B]

If MLSE wants to go all in on Italian soccer, buying a Serie A team wouldn't be a bad shout.
I can imagine Joey Cheese having a conniption if that happened...

[Ultra & Proud]

g:D

I'm calling it here: he scores at least 10 goals this season. (I know, I have a Peruzza blind spot.)
If he stays healthy and hits the ground running he just might. He has to pad the total before July because I have a feeling he will be coming off the bench after that.

[noxx98]

If he stays healthy and hits the ground running he just might. He has to pad the total before July because I have a feeling he will be coming off the bench after that.
The year of Peruzza hype train is getting ready to leave the station. Plenty of space on board for everyone

[Gogon]

MLS teams transfer players to European teams that share the same ownership

This is a big insight. You're almost surely right about this. Savvy business practice which MLSE could easily exploit. I wonder if the candidate European assets have all been bid up in the last couple of years. But yeah, Serie A might be good hunting

[noxx98]

This is a big insight. You're almost surely right about this. Savvy business practice which MLSE could easily exploit. I wonder if the candidate European assets have all been bid up in the last couple of years. But yeah, Serie A might be good hunting
Spezia went for €25M last year. It was a risky buy since they just earned promotion, but they’re sitting mid table this year. That’s affordable for MLSE if they want to make a big bet on global soccer.

[Bushmancan]

Spezia went for €25M last year. It was a risky buy since they just earned promotion, but they’re sitting mid table this year. That’s affordable for MLSE if they want to make a big bet on global soccer.

And we could have stayed in Cinque Terre to watch our club.... oh well.

[MightyDM]

According to the Athletic, Fire are about to acquire Shaqiri. great player. whoa

[Mr. Inbetween]

This off season we've seen a number of MLS teams transfer players to European teams that share the same ownership (for example Auston Trusty going from Colorado to Arsenal). Trusty is a decent young player, but he's hardly Arsenal quality. However, it is a good way for Colorado to generate some GAM. They sell Trusty to Arsenal for $1M and magically create $1M in GAM for the Rapids, without any money really swapping hands - maybe just moving from one pocket to another. There's also been a few instances of teams transferring failed DPs to European teams that they share ownership with in order to get out of the contract.

I wonder if there's any chance that MLSE looks in to doing something similar. I know around 10 years ago there were rumours that MLSE was looking into Newcastle or Sheffield Wednesday. I also seem to recall (but can't find a source) that we had rumoured interest in a Serie A team. If MLSE wants to go all in on Italian soccer, buying a Serie A team wouldn't be a bad shout.


This is a big insight. You're almost surely right about this. Savvy business practice which MLSE could easily exploit. I wonder if the candidate European assets have all been bid up in the last couple of years. But yeah, Serie A might be good hunting


Spezia went for €25M last year. It was a risky buy since they just earned promotion, but they’re sitting mid table this year. That’s affordable for MLSE if they want to make a big bet on global soccer.

Agree with Gogon. Idea right there, staring right in front of me/us; never entered my mind.
Insightful and smart noxx98.
For a team like Spezia, chump-change for MLSE.
Even if at first they take a minority stake with player exchange and development stipulations.
As well as first right of refusal to any available shares for control or full ownership.
I mean if ex-Saputo consigliere Joe Tacopina can do it.
Even if they have to get in bed with him or someone of his sort for only a short time; so long as they saran wrap themselves; legally.

[Bushmancan]

^Even if they have to get in bed with him or someone of his sort for only a short time; so long as they saran wrap themselves; legally.

I have to think of the "Naked Gun" with that one

[jloome]

For anyone who has access to Brit channels via Kodi or an app, BBC1 has Nottingham Forest's FA cup tie on tomorrow. Don't know if Richie will feature, given that he just played two internationals and the manager is leery of his experience (I'm a little worried he doesn't rate MLS and doesn't know what he has, but we'll see I guess).

[ensco]

According to the Athletic, Fire are about to acquire Shaqiri. great player. whoa

What will he be on, I wonder? Could easily be the same as Insigne. Could it be more?

[jloome]

Richie is on the bench for the first time with Nottingham Forest vs. Leicester today. Game's about to kickoff. I shall update.

EDIT: Forest up 2-0 in the 23 min, two goals in two minutes. A nice header, a bad backpass.

EDIT: 3-0 Forest at the 31 minute of a Joe Worrall header on a corner.

EDIT: Leicester gets one back. Exciting game.

EDIT: 4-1 Forest on a Jed Spence goal, well worked.

Doesn't look like Richie's going to get on. I wonder if it's a speed-of-game issue this early; the pace is frantic compared to MLS. You forget when watching two Premiership squads how it can be because there's often one team bunkering, which skews the perspective. This is going at the same speed as Liverpool-Chelsea. It's loony tunes quick.

[Canary10]

Richie is on the bench for the first time with Nottingham Forest vs. Leicester today. Game's about to kickoff. I shall update.

EDIT: Forest up 2-0 in the 23 min, two goals in two minutes. A nice header, a bad backpass.

EDIT: 3-0 Forest at the 31 minute of a Joe Worrall header on a corner.

EDIT: Leicester gets one back. Exciting game.

EDIT: 4-1 Forest on a Jed Spence goal, well worked.

Doesn't look like Richie's going to get on. I wonder if it's a speed-of-game issue this early; the pace is frantic compared to MLS. You forget when watching two Premiership squads how it can be because there's often one team bunkering, which skews the perspective. This is going at the same speed as Liverpool-Chelsea. It's loony tunes quick.

Spence looks like a very good player. Scoring a lot. Richie’s going to have trouble getting starts behind him.

[rydermike]

Pacific FC accidentally leaked the Canadian Championship dates

https://twitter.com/canplnews/status/1489359285066817537

[jloome]

Spence looks like a very good player. Scoring a lot. Richie’s going to have trouble getting starts behind him.

He's on loan from Middlesborough and there's scuttlebutt he's got multiple Premier League teams already interested. I suspect they bought Richie thinking they might lose Spence during the window, but it didn't happen.

But what they did do is loan out their other left back and have said they consider Laryea able to play both sides. So he's probably looking at backup duty on the right flank, and he's competing with Max Lowe for the starting job on the left. Lowe is another loanee, from Sheffield United but less highly regarded.

[Stress]

Here’s highlights from today’s friendly with Austin.

https://youtu.be/xI0_41owUq0

[Red CB Toronto]

Here’s highlights from today’s friendly with Austin.

https://youtu.be/xI0_41owUq0

Good to see , even with it being closed doors the Austin supporters made their presence known.

[Auzzy]

Here’s highlights from today’s friendly with Austin.

https://youtu.be/xI0_41owUq0

Thanks for this! I'm too old to learn all the new TFC players' names and faces...

So Urruti is playing for Austin now.

[Yohan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frGHtxOkVl8&ab_channel=TifoFootball

I thought this was good vid on just hard it is to maintain the grass

[OgtheDim]

Could be a lot worse...could be Charlotte

https://twitter.com/Topbin90/status/1491892041307103236

[ensco]

^Thank you for this. OMG that is funny.

[RealG-TFC]

Haha the frankness was amazing

[Gogon]

Oh that's priceless !!! Made my day. Thank you

[Initial B]

That's a good way to get the Front Office to sit up and take notice of squad deficiencies. Or get fired. One of the two. g:D

[Mr. Inbetween]

I don't know about the other things you posted, but this was true. TFC (and columbus crew the following year) held open tryouts at BMO field.
I don't remember the cost - but both of those numbers above seem familiar. I think it was was closer to $125 though.

I had a few friends go and try out who were pretty familiar with the provincial soccer landscape at the time. They said it was Nepotism at its worst.
MoJo and Co already had a couple players lined up (players known to associates and contacts of people within the club).
I'm told the sessions were insulting, it was almost a "Thanks for your money, now we'll run you through some random sessions and you can go home after that" feeling. Felt like they were already cut before even starting the day.

It was a way to get local talent to come to them (cos you know actual scouting would have cut into MoJo's drinking time) and generate some easy revenue. (i think that last past was really the driver)

I know Columbus did the same thing a year later - not sure if they got the idea from TFC or if the league was pushing it?

Regardless - It was slimy as fuck.

Moved from another thread to a more appropriate one as per Oldtimer suggestion...

I think the first part was an attempted joke- poke of fun on Reddit- about TFC's current issues at right-back and a possible solution exercise from the past.
I was surprised to learn that it was actually entertained and executed; a la Philadelphia Eagles. Let alone the trialists had to pay for that privilege!
I guess these days it sort of more respectfully morphed, not necessarily for football but really anything, to adult 'day/week camp' professional or fun events.

[Oldtimer]

Could be a lot worse...could be Charlotte

https://twitter.com/Topbin90/status/1491892041307103236

:D love the refreshing honesty.

[jabbronies]

Moved from another thread to a more appropriate one as per Oldtimer suggestion...

I think the first part was an attempted joke- poke of fun on Reddit- about TFC's current issues at right-back and a possible solution exercise from the past.
I was surprised to learn that it was actually entertained and executed; a la Philadelphia Eagles. Let alone the trialists had to pay for that privilege!
I guess these days it sort of more respectfully morphed, not necessarily for football but really anything, to adult 'day/week camp' professional or fun events.

It was a kick in the teeth for a lot of guys. There were some who were well over the age you'd expect for a signing like this (26+ year olds) but they weren't beer league players. They were guys playing at highest levels in and around the city. and some of them were decent ages too (i knew guys that were between 19 - 23)

This is one of MANY reasons why the local soccer people didn't like TFC meddling in the grassroots/local game.

I don't know what the relationship is like know though. I'm fucking too old to be in the know LMAO

[OgtheDim]

Could be a lot worse - part II

Portland

WARNING - abuse allegations


https://twitter.com/ScrambledMeggs/status/1492048075086438401

[jloome]

https://www.torontofc.ca/news/toronto-fc-announce-roster-schedule-for-austin-preseason-camp

The game against Chicago today is going to be livestreamed.

[nick.mastro]

https://www.torontofc.ca/news/toronto-fc-announce-roster-schedule-for-austin-preseason-camp

The game against Chicago today is going to be livestreamed.

Any links ??

[Red CB Toronto]

Any links ??

Will be through the TFC website, check there closer to the 1 pm start.

[jloome]

Will be through the TFC website, check there closer to the 1 pm start.

Gee, thanks TFC:

"THis is a region-restricted broadcast and is not available in your area."

[MikeForbes]

Gee, thanks TFC:

"THis is a region-restricted broadcast and is not available in your area."

Yeah. Pretty lame. Not gonna go through the effort of finding and using a VPN for a preseason game.

[jloome]

Yeah. Pretty lame. Not gonna go through the effort of finding and using a VPN for a preseason game.

Tunnelbear. Free, 500mb a month, Toronto centric. Seems to work.

What a stupid oversight on their part. It's not like they have fans coast to coast or anything.

They just instituted a thirty-minute lightning delay, so you're not missing much.

[gracos]

it seems like so far in this game against Chicago, we are much more aggressive and always want to get the ball, so far was impressed by the different play style which we are playing

[spe18]

Tunnelbear. Free, 500mb a month, Toronto centric. Seems to work.

What a stupid oversight on their part. It's not like they have fans coast to coast or anything.

They just instituted a thirty-minute lightning delay, so you're not missing much.

Is there a chance that it may have actually been the stream provider that put the geoblock in?

I have a feeling this is not a TFC production :)

[MikeForbes]

I love preseason when everyone on Twitter talks up players based on 20 minutes of action. Haha.

[spe18]

Is there a chance that it may have actually been the stream provider that put the geoblock in?

I have a feeling this is not a TFC production :)

Update: just tried watching Chicago's stream, and theirs appears to be geoblocked too.

Infact, it mentions "stream locally.........."

[OgtheDim]

Is there a chance that it may have actually been the stream provider that put the geoblock in?

I have a feeling this is not a TFC production :)


The geoblock on these games is an MLS rule.

[jloome]

Update: just tried watching Chicago's stream, and theirs appears to be geoblocked too.

Infact, it mentions "stream locally.........."

Chicago look friggin terrible.

Tip on that free VPN: you don't need to leave it on. Once the livestream is going, it stops checking location .

[jloome]

Jimenez scores, nice turn and shoot from close to the back post after we pinged it around the box a little. Good finish. 1-0 for the good guys in the 56 min.

[jloome]

LOL, Chicago commentator has Petrasso and Peruzza completely confused, and has referred to Lorenzo Insigne twice as 'Rolenzo.'

Oy vey.

[jloome]

Walkes has looked really solid so far. They turned over most of the first lineup around min. 63 but the young guys are doing great, pinning Chicago back.

Oop! Almost spoke too soon. Chicago had a breakaway but Ranjitsingh stoned him.

EDIT: LOL, same guy, Jon Doran -- who has serious wheels -- gets behind our backline again.... and Ranjitsingh stones him again.

[OgtheDim]

Serious wheels walking through our #3 & #4 defenders is a tad worrying.

[jloome]

Serious wheels walking through our #3 & #4 defenders is a tad worrying.

Definite occasional risk of pressing high the entire game. Looked like McNaughton was caught out on the first and he just split them on the second.

[ag futbol]

Serious wheels walking through our #3 & #4 defenders is a tad worrying.
Yeah the organization between the mids and the CB’s there not good. They should have been able to deal with that.

Kerr looks really good. Always making runs to open up space

[jloome]

Looking good early, boys. Can't remember the last time we looked that cohesive and aggressive in a pre-season match.

[ag futbol]

Looking good early, boys. Can't remember the last time we looked that cohesive and aggressive in a pre-season match.
Yeah agreed. Osorio, Pozuelo, and Bradley were insane as a midfield unit. Jimenez fits so well. Lots of good performances across the board.

Still not convinced JMR is a fullback in any way, shape, or form.

[Mr. Inbetween]

Hey everyone.
The Luddite in me has made me give up.
It's probable right in front of me, internet accessible somewhere; just can't seem to re-find it.
I thought I saw this game's starting player/formation lineup diagram posted somewhere?
If anyone else saw it... some help/direction would be welcomed and appreciated; thanks.

Yay for the good guys; liked what I saw.
We should at least be a few standing spots better than the Fire then last season?

[Mr. Inbetween]

Which should keep us positioned within reach of the Playoffs until the summer window.

[OgtheDim]

Some of us have long memories

10 years ago preseason looked soooo good

[Kamp Berg]

Jimenez scores, nice turn and shoot from close to the back post after we pinged it around the box a little. Good finish. 1-0 for the good guys in the 56 min.

Nice saves from Ranjisingh! Wouldn’t have blamed him for missing either of them.

[jloome]

Hey everyone.
The Luddite in me has made me give up.
It's probable right in front of me, internet accessible somewhere; just can't seem to re-find it.
I thought I saw this game's starting player/formation lineup diagram posted somewhere?
If anyone else saw it... some help/direction would be welcomed and appreciated; thanks.

Yay for the good guys; liked what I saw.
We should at least be a few standing spots better than the Fire then last season?

It's on the TFC twitter feed if you scroll down slightly:

https://twitter.com/TorontoFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembe d%7Ctwterm%5E1492506997232750594%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.torontofc.ca%2Fnews%2Fli ve-reds-take-on-chicago-in-preseason-friendly

[los sonadores]

Yeah agreed. Osorio, Pozuelo, and Bradley were insane as a midfield unit. Jimenez fits so well. Lots of good performances across the board

Missed the match. What shape were the midfield three in?

[ag futbol]

Missed the match. What shape were the midfield three in?
Felt like a triangle with Poz playing in front. But Osorio definitely pivoted to get forward frequently.

[Mr. Inbetween]

Thanks for the reply jloome; very kind of you and appreciated. :)
Please don't get frustrated with me; be gentle.
If you are referencing the diagram with the starting XI in a column, then I already saw it.
Otherwise, it seems I still have missed it somehow. Forgive me, just to clarify...
I am talking about the typical pitch diagram with the dots and the players names beside them.
Usually of both sides coaches' opening match formations; eg. 4-(1-2)-3.
I thought I saw an 'official' posting but it may have also been a fan's comment and illustration on the inter-web.
I am ok to figure it out from what I viewed and has been mentioned about the game by yourself and everyone else's comments.
Just thought there was something quasi official from TFC/BB.
Sorry. Cheers; confusion to the enemy- not us.

[Auzzy]

Unfortunately I missed the rest of the match after the storm delay. I figured they would have the full highlights but all I've found were the few short clips on TFC twitter.

I thought Salcedo didn't look too great in the few minutes I watched, what did others think? He seemed to be a bit over-aggressive and got caught overcommitting while way out of position. But I didn't see enough to have much of an opinion about him or anyone.

Yes the geo-blocking is league policy.

[Auzzy]

Pozuelo sighting at 0:20: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=693174765175746

I forgot that Pozuelo used to be at Swansea City.

[Greatest Ripoff]

I forgot that Pozuelo used to be at Swansea City.

Ha. I didn’t even know that. I just looked it up and I actually saw him live when they played at Upton Park that season. It was the match where Andy Carroll’s arm hit Chico’s ponytail and he went down like a ton of bricks causing Carroll to get a red.

[jloome]

The Limp Acts are playing Santos Laguna in CCL right now. Santos stadium is 2/3 empty. They're apparently on a very poor run of form.

[jloome]

Guardian piece on Insigne.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2022/feb/14/inter-lorenzo-insignes-scudetto-seriea-bandini

[ensco]

^Very well written piece. Wow, only one goal from open play this season…

[Gogon]

^Very well written piece. Wow, only one goal from open play this season…

Ah, you noticed that did you? Me too. And only 5 for 8 on penalties this season too

[Mr. Inbetween]

^Very well written piece. Wow, only one goal from open play this season…


Ah, you noticed that did you? Me too. And only 5 for 8 on penalties this season too

Also... for this season...
IIRC most or all of Criscito's goals are from penalties as well.
I haven't taken the time to research Destro's goals yet.
However, I am suspecting his production is predominantly from open play given Criscito seems to be the team's de facto penalty kick taker.
What I am not sure about, is if Destro's play is the cause of most of those penalties and Criscito's takes.

[Joe Kool]

I watched Insigne every week for last couple years. I am not concerned about him only getting one open play goal so far this season. Hopefully nobody is looking at that stat and worried in any way about his ability to contribute with TFC.

[jabbronies]

I watched Insigne every week for last couple years. I am not concerned about him only getting one open play goal so far this season. Hopefully nobody is looking at that stat and worried in any way about his ability to contribute with TFC.


Straight up stats never tell the whole story. Thanks for clearing this up!

[Section 223]

I watched Insigne every week for last couple years. I am not concerned about him only getting one open play goal so far this season. Hopefully nobody is looking at that stat and worried in any way about his ability to contribute with TFC.
Absolutely anyone who follows soccer outside of the North American game knows that Insigne is a World class too 50 player

[Joe Kool]

Straight up stats never tell the whole story. Thanks for clearing this up!


Absolutely anyone who follows soccer outside of the North American game knows that Insigne is a World class too 50 player

Yeah I think safe to say most of us know this in this forum so maybe I am just stating the obvious.

[jabbronies]

Yeah I think safe to say most of us know this in this forum so maybe I am just stating the obvious.

Sometimes that's needed.

[jloome]

What a little dick he is.

"Soteldo: I gave away a year of my career in MLS"

Yeah... gave away. Like you weren't paid $1.4M to dribble the ball into isolation and have the worst strike rate in MLS.

https://en.as.com/en/2022/02/16/soccer/1645045539_049633.html

[Joe Kool]

What a little dick he is.

"Soteldo: I gave away a year of my career in MLS"

Yeah... gave away. Like you weren't paid $1.4M to dribble the ball into isolation and have the worst strike rate in MLS.

https://en.as.com/en/2022/02/16/soccer/1645045539_049633.html

Haha...why am I not surprised at that quote? Seems to fit the attitude he looked like he had. TFC are better off without that kind of ego.

[ag futbol]

What a little dick he is.

"Soteldo: I gave away a year of my career in MLS"

Yeah... gave away. Like you weren't paid $1.4M to dribble the ball into isolation and have the worst strike rate in MLS.

https://en.as.com/en/2022/02/16/soccer/1645045539_049633.html
God I hope he flops in Mexico.

[woolly]

God I hope he flops in Mexico.

Pretty sure they're going to get tired of his shit just like everyone else.

[jloome]

Pretty sure they're going to get tired of his shit just like everyone else.

That Santos quote about not wanting him back was pretty telling. They must have been kissing each other after we paid $6M for him.

[Initial B]

That Santos quote about not wanting him back was pretty telling. They must have been kissing each other after we paid $6M for him.
Which is another strike against Curtis and Manning that they couldn't read the signs. Hopefully BB has a good BS detector.

[rydermike]

I wonder how he'll react to Gignac being the man at Tigres. Will he pout when he's not the PK taker

[ag futbol]

Which is another strike against Curtis and Manning that they couldn't read the signs. Hopefully BB has a good BS detector.
Which is also hilarious because after taking a million years to do anything Ali Curtis always talked about how much work and how well thought out his plans were.

Not sure what he does with his time but the maxim of busy vs productive rings true

[Richard]

What a little dick he is.

"Soteldo: I gave away a year of my career in MLS"

Yeah... gave away. Like you weren't paid $1.4M to dribble the ball into isolation and have the worst strike rate in MLS.

https://en.as.com/en/2022/02/16/soccer/1645045539_049633.html

What a tool. Good riddance.

[Jack]

What a little dick he is.

"Soteldo: I gave away a year of my career in MLS"

Yeah... gave away. Like you weren't paid $1.4M to dribble the ball into isolation and have the worst strike rate in MLS.

https://en.as.com/en/2022/02/16/soccer/1645045539_049633.html
Sounds like a bad translation, to me. Like, it's a literal one, but it's not capturing the meaning of the expressions. But overall, he's saying he gave away a year and it didn't go well. I don't think he's blaming TFC or MLS, but rather himself (based on subsequent comments in the interview).

In the same interview, he also admits that he wasn't on his best behaviour, so at least he recognizes it.

In Spanish:
El venezolano señaló que “hay cosas que no he hecho bien, por no estar con la familia, por ser joven, pero todo eso se corrige”.
Soteldo también ha sido tachado de indisciplinado: “Voy a trabajar para no cometer más esas cosas y menos acá, vengo con muchas ilusiones”.

"There are things I haven't done properly, because I wasn't with my family, because I'm young, but all this can be corrected."
"I will work to not do these things, especially here, I am here with a lot of hope"

[los sonadores]

Sounds like a bad translation, to me. Like, it's a literal one, but it's not capturing the meaning of the expressions. But overall, he's saying he gave away a year and it didn't go well. I don't think he's blaming TFC or MLS, but rather himself (based on subsequent comments in the interview).

In the same interview, he also admits that he wasn't on his best behaviour, so at least he recognizes it.

In Spanish:
El venezolano señaló que “hay cosas que no he hecho bien, por no estar con la familia, por ser joven, pero todo eso se corrige”.
Soteldo también ha sido tachado de indisciplinado: “Voy a trabajar para no cometer más esas cosas y menos acá, vengo con muchas ilusiones”.

"There are things I haven't done properly, because I wasn't with my family, because I'm young, but all this can be corrected."
"I will work to not do these things, especially here, I am here with a lot of hope"

Bad translations are rife these days between shoddy journalism and google translate. (So many communication avenues and so little communication.)

[jloome]

Sounds like a bad translation, to me. Like, it's a literal one, but it's not capturing the meaning of the expressions. But overall, he's saying he gave away a year and it didn't go well. I don't think he's blaming TFC or MLS, but rather himself (based on subsequent comments in the interview).

In the same interview, he also admits that he wasn't on his best behaviour, so at least he recognizes it.

In Spanish:
El venezolano señaló que “hay cosas que no he hecho bien, por no estar con la familia, por ser joven, pero todo eso se corrige”.
Soteldo también ha sido tachado de indisciplinado: “Voy a trabajar para no cometer más esas cosas y menos acá, vengo con muchas ilusiones”.

"There are things I haven't done properly, because I wasn't with my family, because I'm young, but all this can be corrected."
"I will work to not do these things, especially here, I am here with a lot of hope"

It doesn't help that the "Media" reporting it all played it as attacking MLS as well. Maybe I'm being too harsh on the guy.

Good to see you on the boards Jack.

[jloome]

So apparently in his first Clausura appearance, Soteldo came on in the second half and broke the record for most chances created in a single game with 10, including two assists.

[Yohan]

So apparently in his first Clausura appearance, Soteldo came on in the second half and broke the record for most chances created in a single game with 10, including two assists.
Can we do all former TFC players posts that doesn't have any relations to current TFC in the former player thread? Thanks

http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/showthread.php?33310-Former-TFC-player-coach-staff-new-thread&p=1954790#post1954790

[jloome]

Bradley with his thoughts on preseason. Salcedo's snapping group shots.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/bob-bradley-at-dawn-of-new-toronto-fc-era-it-s-going-in-the-right-direction

[Marlowm1]

Bradley with his thoughts on preseason. Salcedo's snapping group shots.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/bob-bradley-at-dawn-of-new-toronto-fc-era-it-s-going-in-the-right-direction

It is night and day between last year and this year. I really get the sense that Mr. Bradley is really trying to build up the young players and trying to help them to succeed. I wonder which of the young players will break out under his guidance, similar to what happen with MA Kay.

[jloome]

It is night and day between last year and this year. I really get the sense that Mr. Bradley is really trying to build up the young players and trying to help them to succeed. I wonder which of the young players will break out under his guidance, similar to what happen with MA Kay.

Based on the little we've seen in preseason, Nelson and Peruzza are probably good bets. Maybe JMR, too, although if he's having a good year as a wingback, he'll be gonzo alonzo shortly. I got the sense from the coverage during his trials in England that he was doing well.

[Mr. Inbetween]

Based on the little we've seen in preseason, Nelson and Peruzza are probably good bets. Maybe JMR, too, although if he's having a good year as a wingback, he'll be gonzo alonzo shortly. I got the sense from the coverage during his trials in England that he was doing well.

If we field 25% or more of our own-youth as starters, at least until the summer window, I guess we will be in good European Football company?

https://www.90min.com/posts/most-homegrown-players-europe-manchester-united-chelsea

[jloome]

If we field 25% or more of our own-youth as starters, at least until the summer window, I guess we will be in good European Football company?

https://www.90min.com/posts/most-homegrown-players-europe-manchester-united-chelsea

What really struck me from that list is that most end up playing for another club. So even when they "make it", it's often despite not forcing their way in with the people who trained them. Are coaches hyper critical of the players they develop, I wonder?

[Mr. Inbetween]

What really struck me from that list is that most end up playing for another club. So even when they "make it", it's often despite not forcing their way in with the people who trained them. Are coaches hyper critical of the players they develop, I wonder?

Great insight jloome... to continue with more, related to that, I came across some reddit discussion on the FA.
Involving past and present issues with their yutes programs; rules.
I think very interesting commentary.
Seems authentic and knowledgeable, and 'gives some perspective' to TFC/Ontario/Canada issues with youth development and academies.
Hope the following link is targeted correctly... involving G_Morgan... at end/bottom you may need to Continue this thread... to [deleted]'s comments.
https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/i12imw/premier_league_has_seen_a_52_per_cent_increase_in/fzudlfg/

[OgtheDim]

FWIW

TSN with a 90 minute MLS preseason preview show tonight @ 7:30pm

[ag futbol]

^ nice catch, thanks!

[OgtheDim]

Ooooo.. Caldwell & Kilbane actually discussed Priso.

[Kamp Berg]

Ooooo.. Caldwell & Kilbane actually discussed Priso.

Positive or negative?

[OgtheDim]

Positive or negative?


Positive - Caldwell saying he will push Bradley & get time in a double pivot - Kilbane went so far as to say Bradley was poor last season.

[Section 223]

Positive - Caldwell saying he will push Bradley & get time in a double pivot - Kilbane went so far as to say Bradley was poor last season.
“Bradley was poor last year” Anyone out there surprised with that comment?

[OgtheDim]

“Bradley was poor last year” Anyone out there surprised with that comment?


Kilbane is the only pundit saying it. EVERY journo covering the team has avoided the whole discussion of Bradley being not as good as he should be.

Frankly, the first guys last year who called out TFC were Kilbane & De Guzman. Only after that did it seem safe for journos to actually question TFC's capability.

[MikeForbes]

Kilbane just spits facts. Bradley got moved out of the midfield last year because his legs are gone (and partly because of Omar being injured). I know people probably think I am being negative and am a big Delgado fan, but moving Marky was about opening up those minutes for MB. Priso will see his minutes, but in my mind it will because Osorio could be pushed into the RW/RM position if Kerr/Achara struggle early on.

[Section 223]

Kilbane just spits facts. Bradley got moved out of the midfield last year because his legs are gone (and partly because of Omar being injured). I know people probably think I am being negative and am a big Delgado fan, but moving Marky was about opening up those minutes for MB. Priso will see his minutes, but in my mind it will because Osorio could be pushed into the RW/RM position if Kerr/Achara struggle early on.
If you’re saying that Delgado was moved to give Mike more playing time , than I believe we have our first coach Bradley blunder.

[Ultra & Proud]

If you’re saying that Delgado was moved to give Mike more playing time , than I believe we have our first coach Bradley blunder.
Pretty sure he was moved due to salary cap hit, being one of the guys riding on 2017 success, plus being a player with the ability to score some allocation $$ in a deal.

On the pitch I think he was moved to give Priso more time because after the season gets rolling I see a Osorio- Pozuelo - Priso midfield happening a lot. I also think Priso is being eased back into it slowly after injury and most likely MB would be able to pick up the system quicker right off the bat so he begins the season as starter while he is still fresh and Priso learns the ins & outs of whatever BB has planned.

[James17930]

Saw a promo for MLS on TV here in Taiwan - the main sports channels are going to be carrying games live.

The league's media footprint keeps growing.

[jloome]

First episode of the annual documentary All for One is out. Some interesting footage of Bradley coaching. Damn, he does not mess around.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANNLZ-mtNmI

[Mr. Inbetween]

What really struck me from that list is that most end up playing for another club. So even when they "make it", it's often despite not forcing their way in with the people who trained them. Are coaches hyper critical of the players they develop, I wonder?

Human nature?
Most of us, coaches included, do not realize or appreciate what a good thing we may have until we've given up on it or driven it away; losing it to miss it.
The grass is always greener...

[Thomas]

From the Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/feb/25/mls-2022-predictions-young-stars-heading-to-europe-and-a-sounders-title-charge

[A Stick]

Kilbane is the only pundit saying it. EVERY journo covering the team has avoided the whole discussion of Bradley being not as good as he should be.

Frankly, the first guys last year who called out TFC were Kilbane & De Guzman. Only after that did it seem safe for journos to actually question TFC's capability.

It will be interesting to see what they do with Ralph's younger brother. He seems to be like a diamond in the rough too.

[ag futbol]

Kilbane is the only pundit saying it. EVERY journo covering the team has avoided the whole discussion of Bradley being not as good as he should be.

Frankly, the first guys last year who called out TFC were Kilbane & De Guzman. Only after that did it seem safe for journos to actually question TFC's capability.
Let’s see what happens. I share the opinion that he was not very good last year. However, on a team with so many problems it’s hard to tell how much of that was a fatal flaw.

Personally, I think expectations should be set as a Cheyrou type role. A starter when fresh or super sub but not automatic every time out.

If he keeps getting exposed on corners and set pieces he will have to take a major step back though.

[Richard]

Let’s see what happens. I share the opinion that he was not very good last year. However, on a team with so many problems it’s hard to tell how much of that was a fatal flaw.

Personally, I think expectations should be set as a Cheyrou type role. A starter when fresh or super sub but not automatic every time out.

If he keeps getting exposed on corners and set pieces he will have to take a major step back though.

I trust Bob will make the sensible decision. He will give his son every opportunity to prove himself on the pitch however will not ruin his own credibility.

[OgtheDim]

Charlotte coming in big with the attendance

https://twitter.com/AndrejevAlex/status/1497318020070400000

[Oldtimer]

With all these Italians coming in BMO Field needs to seriously upgrade it's pizza offerings, especially since our top player will be from Naples.

[benito]

With all these Italians coming in BMO Field needs to seriously upgrade it's pizza offerings, especially since our top player will be from Naples.

does BMO still sell porchetta?

[Ultra & Proud]

With all these Italians coming in BMO Field needs to seriously upgrade it's pizza offerings, especially since our top player will be from Naples.
What? You trying to say Pizza Pizza isn't top drawer, authentic pizza?

[A Stick]

does BMO still sell porchetta?

Yes they do, check the north east under the stands.

[OgtheDim]

Porchetta also available in the West - middle concession stand.

[Blindside16]

What? You trying to say Pizza Pizza isn't top drawer, authentic pizza?


I am boycotting until they get a true authentic pizza like Domino's

[Mr. Inbetween]

Porchetta also available in the West - middle concession stand.

Had it, enjoyed it. Not inexpensive, then again hardly anything is at TFC BMO these days.
Also expecting some price hikes this season given current food inflation.
Hope the Porchetta is still available. http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/images/smilies/yum.gif
Someone on the periphery mentioned to me a while back possible Food & Beverage reboots.
Think they were likely referencing the announced Mill Street focus.
No direct mention in concession highlights on BMO website, but IIRC agree it was available middle west side at the Panini Station at Section 207.

https://www.bmofield.com/plan-your-visit/food-beverage/food-concessions

[jloome]

I noticed this on M. Bradley's wiki. As part of his deal to sign with us, Roma promised
"two friendly matches at BMO Field (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMO_Field) over six years, and a player development program for Toronto FC players at Roma's training facility.[23] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bradley_(soccer)#cite_note-23)"

Anyone ever hear what happened to that part of the deal?

[Richard]

I noticed this on M. Bradley's wiki. As part of his deal to sign with us, Roma promised
"two friendly matches at BMO Field (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMO_Field) over six years, and a player development program for Toronto FC players at Roma's training facility.[23] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bradley_(soccer)#cite_note-23)"

Anyone ever hear what happened to that part of the deal?

I don't know about the friendlies but those player development agreements are dime a dozen in football, absolutely worthless where nothing really ever happens in my opinion.

Unless a club is providing training courses/sending coaches over to TFC these development programs deals are just for marketing. Didnt we also have one with Tottenham when we got Defoe?

[Auzzy]

I noticed this on M. Bradley's wiki. As part of his deal to sign with us, Roma promised
"two friendly matches at BMO Field (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMO_Field) over six years, and a player development program for Toronto FC players at Roma's training facility.[23] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Bradley_(soccer)#cite_note-23)"

Anyone ever hear what happened to that part of the deal?

That is probably about as real as the "amazing sports science company" which was supposed to come in to help TFC improve fitness and avoid injuries. That was announced in the year after the MLS Cup win, when injuries really plagued TFC under Vanney.

We never heard about that again, and the injury issues got worse.

[DinamoTFC]

In the touchline talk video with Bill Manning and Wheeler from Feb 25, around 23 minute mark, Bill says there's buzz again on the business side of the club.

He says all premium seats and all suites are sold out. He says season seats are over 21/22 thousand sold and counting.

[leedsandTFC]

In the touchline talk video with Bill Manning and Wheeler from Feb 25, around 23 minute mark, Bill says there's buzz again on the business side of the club.

He says all premium seats and all suites are sold out. He says season seats are over 21/22 thousand sold and counting.

Looking at what's left for the home opener and it's not much.

Should be a sell out or very close to I reckon (under 1500 left on ticketmaster as of this afternoon)

[Mr. Inbetween]

In the touchline talk video with Bill Manning and Wheeler from Feb 25, around 23 minute mark, Bill says there's buzz again on the business side of the club.

He says all premium seats and all suites are sold out. He says season seats are over 21/22 thousand sold and counting.

Not sure what to make of this.
Great, yet being reserved. The support ship has not sunk.
TFC is back to business with rebuild direction and announcements; on track with some immediate ROI.
The bleeding seems to have been stemmed and the wound has healed.
The patient is back to the condition they were in before being admitted.
Hopefully they can move past and get the Club into better shape; more than just a pre-decline difference of SSH@1000 support.
At this point, all of this is a recapture of lost customers/previous business.
Lets see if TFC/MLSE are able to further capitalize and move the needle to the next level; SSH@25000.
Y07-SSH@14000; https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/toronto-fc-sold-out-of-season-tickets-1.670654
Y16-SSH@18700; https://www.cp24.com/sports/toronto-fc-season-ticket-holders-told-they-may-have-to-change-seats-for-mls-cup-1.3188794
Y17-SSH@21000; http://now.com/2017/05/24/toronto-fc-joins-leafs-raptors-in-selling-out-season-ticket-supply/


(https://battlefordsnow.com/2017/05/24/toronto-fc-joins-leafs-raptors-in-selling-out-season-ticket-supply/)

[Oldtimer]

This is not the thread for roster discussion, note the title includes "no transfer/roster discussion," off-topic posts have been deleted. leedsandTFC please note which thread you are posting in, please.

Laryea should be discussed in the roster thread: http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/showthread.php?43372-TFC-2022-player-in-season-roster-discussion/page2

:topic:

[rydermike]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CaneEyEJTHt/?utm_medium=copy_link

[rydermike]

https://twitter.com/BenSteiner00/status/1499083615937904640

[Amir.]

2020 final in June and 2022 final in July. Is Bob Bradley about to win two titles in two months?

[nick.mastro]

Which final winner determines a CL spot?

[Ultra & Proud]

Which final winner determines a CL spot?

The second one.

[Blindside16]

2020 final in June and 2022 final in July. Is Bob Bradley about to win two titles in two months?


I guess technically a quadruple is on the table this year then?

[Oldtimer]

I guess technically a quadruple is on the table this year then?

No, if TFC wins it will count towards 2020, not 2022. :D

[Mr. Inbetween]

Not sure what to make of this.
Great, yet being reserved. The support ship has not sunk.
TFC is back to business with rebuild direction and announcements; on track with some immediate ROI.
The bleeding seems to have been stemmed and the wound has healed.
The patient is back to the condition they were in before being admitted.
Hopefully they can move past and get the Club into better shape; more than just a pre-decline difference of SSH@1000 support.
At this point, all of this is a recapture of lost customers/previous business.
Lets see if TFC/MLSE are able to further capitalize and move the needle to the next level; SSH@25000.
Y07-SSH@14000; https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/toronto-fc-sold-out-of-season-tickets-1.670654
Y16-SSH@18700; https://www.cp24.com/sports/toronto-fc-season-ticket-holders-told-they-may-have-to-change-seats-for-mls-cup-1.3188794
Y17-SSH@21000; http://now.com/2017/05/24/toronto-fc-joins-leafs-raptors-in-selling-out-season-ticket-supply/
(https://battlefordsnow.com/2017/05/24/toronto-fc-joins-leafs-raptors-in-selling-out-season-ticket-supply/)

Following quotes are from another thread... MLS Match Day 2...


Very limited tickets remaining on Ticketmaster, will be close to a sell out.
Should be 25k+ min, weather permitting.


Will not really know until once in the stands and we can eye ball things. TFC has been known in the past to play games with scarcity, making it appear there is more demand than there actually is. They never like it to look like there is a flood of tickets out there. As some have said with the much higher priced tickets these days MLSE appears to prioritize profit over attendance. Regardless it will be great to be back at BMO with more voices in the stands.


Are you saying they are withholding tickets from public sale to make it appear like there are more available?
More likely people are excited to see a new coach, new team
As of a couple weeks ago, was up to 22k+ SSH for the season, including all the most expensive seats sold, per bill manning btw.


https://globalnews.ca/news/8656822/toronto-fc-home-opener-crowd-covid/
Manning says he's expecting 23k+ to be in attendance.

Once again, still not sure what to make of some of these more recent SSH/attendance numbers referenced in the latest Global article against earlier ones.
I guess they jive more or less.
Laying them out for anyone to scrutinize, comment, correct...
Y18-SSH@23,000
Y22-SSH@23,000; a Manning Expectation?
The sold or committed are @22,000+; with a possible Manning embellishment of 1,000SSH since @21,000SSH is mentioned later in article as well.
Manning is projecting next game attendance @23,000/24,000, but then that's not much of a 'casuals' game day bump; 2,000 to 3,000 people.
Is it?
Many under 10,000 attendance games last season.
Obviously due to Covid, but I suspect also in part attributable to performance and the TFC/MLSE SSH deferral initiative.
Apparently 80% SSH engaged their deferral initiative; so a 20% SSH loss; of or from which base number?
If, as stated, there is a couple of thousand- 2,000SSH new members then 21,000SSH - 2,000SSH = 19,000SSH.
Then 19,000SSH possibly represented the 90% of the pre-Covid retention?
Therefore, it suggests a possible loss of 4,000SSH over the course of Y19, Y20 and Y21 seasons?
Is my assessment, are my numbers, is my math, right?

[Areathrasher]

There's an article up on The Athletic surveying MLS GMs. Some interesting stuff about cheating and working around the cap.

The manner in which teams violate the rules vary, the CSOs said. Many pointed to creative ways to pay agent fees as the most common way to spend outside the cap. CSOs said teams will pay consulting and scouting contracts, marketing arrangements or schedule friendlies with teams to hide payments.

“The trick that a lot of the teams will try and use is that they enter into scouting agreements with agents,” one CSO said. “That’s the way they take 10 percent off. If you’re running a budget, say you even just take the salary cap, which is whatever, $5 million, 10 percent of that is $500k, which is a player. I’d say there’s a handful that are still doing that. It’s certainly a real struggle for us. Because we are faced with this every time we look to sign a player from abroad, we just get told the same thing: ‘Hey, we’re just going to do a scouting agreement, it’s what we do with a bunch of other clubs.’ That is something we face quite a lot. And 10 percent across all the players add up quickly.”

One CSO provided a recent example.

“We were talking to an MLS free agent this offseason that we didn’t end up signing,” he said. “But part of those conversations were literally his agents being like, ‘Oh, yeah, well just pay us the agent fee through the MLS Next Pro team. That’s what we do.’ So when we presented an offer, it had a marketing agreement but not an agent fee. Generally speaking, you look at the marketing agreement, the agent fee comes out of that. That gets paid to the agency. That’s above board, that’s the way it works. And they responded and we’re like, ‘OK, we could agree to this and then, you know, have our 10 percent net agent fee on top of it.’ And we were like, ‘What the fuck are you talking about? That’s the marketing agreement, that’s literally where that comes from.’ And they were so confused. They didn’t know that the agent fee was included in that. So it’s like, ‘OK, hmmm, wonder what his previous team was doing.’”

One CSO said finding ways to pay comparable agent fees to leagues around the rest of the world is a sign of MLS rules simply falling behind.

It's a very deep dive. This is just an excerpt of one of the topics.

[Blindside16]

No, if TFC wins it will count towards 2020, not 2022. :D


I realize that. I was just being facetious

[Oldtimer]

I realize that. I was just being facetious

Me too g:D I knew you knew (hence the grinning smiley). Fun all around. :)

[jloome]

There's an article up on The Athletic surveying MLS GMs. Some interesting stuff about cheating and working around the cap.


It's a very deep dive. This is just an excerpt of one of the topics.

For those of us who don't want to subscribe for one article. can you fill us in on other TFC content? I noticed in the google news teaser there's something about Michael Bradley.

[Areathrasher]

For those of us who don't want to subscribe for one article. can you fill us in on other TFC content? I noticed in the google news teaser there's something about Michael Bradley.
There was a question about the current MLS player most likely to be a manager and he won that poll in a landslide

Edit: oh yea Bob and Insigne were on the list for best offseason signing and Insigne was on the best player in the league list.

Wasn't a lot of TFC specific stuff bar that bit on Bradley. TFC were voted one of the ownership groups that fully support the team financially but were also on a list for not getting bang for their buck. Rutty was second place in the poll for most likely to be sold to Europe this year after Taty. That was about it I think

[Auzzy]

There's an article up on The Athletic surveying MLS GMs. Some interesting stuff about cheating and working around the cap.


It's a very deep dive. This is just an excerpt of one of the topics.

I wonder if they mentioned what seems to be a common method at TFC/MLSE: have aging veterans on very low contracts (or alternately getting a high-pay contract off the books), and the guys then (supposedly) work in some other roll with the club after they retire as players. TFC has had some players that really worked after retirement (like Danny Dichio), plus others where it seemed suspect (like Frings and Cheyrou).

Plus there's TFC's latest gimmick: trading for another team's one off-season buy-out...

[jloome]

There was a question about the current MLS player most likely to be a manager and he won that poll in a landslide

Edit: oh yea Bob and Insigne were on the list for best offseason signing and Insigne was on the best player in the league list.

Wasn't a lot of TFC specific stuff bar that bit on Bradley. TFC were voted one of the ownership groups that fully support the team financially but were also on a list for not getting bang for their buck. Rutty was second place in the poll for most likely to be sold to Europe this year after Taty. That was about it I think

Cheers dude, appreciated.

MB is an interesting cat, no doubt. There was a fan poll one year involving USMNT members and he was voted both most popular and least popular at the same time.

[OgtheDim]

Palate cleanse

https://twitter.com/SachaKljestan/status/1499877442416267269

[Phil744]

Best player on the pitch today was Luca not sure if that's a good thing or bad...

[spe18]

In the match currently on going between Austin & Miami - towards the end of the 1st half - where Miami made a fairly simple clearance in their own goal, the ESPN colour guy was saying that one of the Man United defenders needed to watch that play, as in the derby today, that defender looked like a fool on one of the Man City goals!

[Blindside16]

Me too g:D I knew you knew (hence the grinning smiley). Fun all around. :)


:cheers:

[Blindside16]

Palate cleanse

https://twitter.com/SachaKljestan/status/1499877442416267269


This is probably the feel good story of the year

[jloome]

This article gives us some perspective on how we don't see what happens to most academy players. This former academy player has 11 goals and five assists this season in England's League One.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/football/%E2%80%9Clooks-bound-for-the-top-tier%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-fulham-cast-eyes-over-influential-bolton-wanderers-player-the-verdict/ar-AAUVkDb

It appears we released him, based on the fact that he was playing in the semi-pro Nationwide League, at Solihull Moors, after TFC Academy and picked up from there.

[rydermike]

This article gives us some perspective on how we don't see what happens to most academy players. This former academy player has 11 goals and five assists this season in England's League One.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/football/%E2%80%9Clooks-bound-for-the-top-tier%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-fulham-cast-eyes-over-influential-bolton-wanderers-player-the-verdict/ar-AAUVkDb

It appears we released him, based on the fact that he was playing in the semi-pro Nationwide League, at Solihull Moors, after TFC Academy and picked up from there.

I've read about him before. He moved here with his family, then ended up going back to school in the UK. I don't think he was released, it was just his parents moving here then back for work.


Edit: Yup seems like that was it
"I started out with Chelsea and was there until I was 15, then my family moved to Canada and I was part of the Academy at Toronto FC.
"Then, when we moved back, I studied civil engineering at Loughborough University before the opportunity arose to join Solihull and play in the National League and it was something I couldn't turn down."
https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/11685/11232193/west-ham-sign-oladapo-afolayan-from-solihull-moors

[RealG-TFC]

Jozy nets his first for the revs

[jloome]

Mavinga almost landed us a high-profile transfer...
https://www.jeunesfooteux.com/RC-Lens-Kakuta-etait-a-deux-doigts-de-rejoindre-la-MLS_a53007.html

[jloome]

Red card to Dom Dwyer in the game against Montreal today, high foot Waaaaaay late. Rounding to form!

[ag futbol]

Mtl giving away 3 points against Atlanta on the road. Up 3-1 with a man advantage, it’s now 3-3

[jloome]

Charlotte leading New England after 10 mins.

Hmmmm.... I wonder who's playing center half for NE today?

EDIT: LOL, 3-1 now.

Good call, Bruce.

[jloome]

Chicago Fire's stadium looked empty for their win yesterday. Transfermarkt says they're averaging 17,000 a game but I'd be surprised if there were really 5,000 in that cavernous place. Looked really bad. On top of that, they must've been piping in crowd noise still, as there's no way that scattering of bodies was producing that much noise.

Not a good look for the league when the highlight reel is full of empty seats.

[ag futbol]

^ a temporary stop onto somewhere better one would hope. They got out of bridge view with the idea of eventually scoring somewhere closer to the core of the city.

[jloome]

^ a temporary stop onto somewhere better one would hope. They got out of bridge view with the idea of eventually scoring somewhere closer to the core of the city.

Yeah, there seems to be a consistent effort to land the right "home" without any concern to the fact that they have an intransigent fan base, at best. If a supporter base is strong, you can put them in a cow pasture 10 miles away and people will still make their way there.

But miles out of downtown combined with zero local buy in....

The thing is, they haven't won anything since the Open Cup in 2006, and US clubs and fans don't seem to take that competition seriously.

I really wish MLS just used a proper "team with the most points wins" systems, so that cups other than the MLS cup meant something to U.S. fans.

It wouldn't even take much adjustment. Call the Supporters shield winners the "league champions", call the playoff the winners the "MLS Cup" holders, run the domestic cups concurrent to the league like other countries.

It works everywhere else. And it's not as if MLS fans aren't watching leagues overseas. Every poll I've ever seen (similar to pro/rel) is basically 50/50. A few years of doing it and the 50% who think every title needs to be a playoff would get accustomed.

[Richard]

Yeah, there seems to be a consistent effort to land the right "home" without any concern to the fact that they have an intransigent fan base, at best. If a supporter base is strong, you can put them in a cow pasture 10 miles away and people will still make their way there.

But miles out of downtown combined with zero local buy in....

The thing is, they haven't won anything since the Open Cup in 2006, and US clubs and fans don't seem to take that competition seriously.

I really wish MLS just used a proper "team with the most points wins" systems, so that cups other than the MLS cup meant something to U.S. fans.

It wouldn't even take much adjustment. Call the Supporters shield winners the "league champions", call the playoff the winners the "MLS Cup" holders, run the domestic cups concurrent to the league like other countries.

It works everywhere else. And it's not as if MLS fans aren't watching leagues overseas. Every poll I've ever seen (similar to pro/rel) is basically 50/50. A few years of doing it and the 50% who think every title needs to be a playoff would get accustomed.

Supporters shield is irrelevant with an unbalanced schedule in my opinion. The league needs to be split in two with teams only playing games in their own conference, playoffs would be standard East vs West.

This is what I would like to see in the future.

Eastern Supporter's Shield
Western Supporter's Shield
MLS Cup Playoffs(East Vs West)
MLS Super Cup Friendly(Eastern Supporter's Shield vs Western Supporter's Shield)

MLS Open Cup(All teams including Canadians)

US Open Cup
Canadian Championship Cup

CONCACAF Champions League

[OgtheDim]

Chicago is one of those MLS teams where the Leagues Cup format starting next year is going to actually get them noticed locally. Until then, all they can do is make the right long term decisions as to their potential base.

Which reminds me - we are the only MLS team without an official Spanish language #hashtag. So crazy in a city with so many people from South & Central America who follow the sport religiously.

[OgtheDim]

Question to the masses:

Is Larry T's interest in Chelsea an indication that he believes the ascendance of Ed Rogers with his already proven personal intervention style makes MLSE nonviable in its current ownership configuration?

[ag futbol]

Sorry if posted elsewhere but in my experience real estate people (like Larry) continually partner on deals. They do the same thing many times over. He partners on one project, her partners on the next. He’s doing the same thing here with sports

I wouldn’t read into this being an indication of his satisfaction with Bogers.

[rydermike]

Toronto FC II beat York United 3-0 in a friendly yesterday
https://twitter.com/yorkutdfc/status/1507762027565133832

[Canary10]

Not sure where to put this, but the first renderings of Exhibition Station on the Ontario Line came out. Well, we all wanted a better link across BMO to Liberty Village than that horrible tunnel and looks like that station will finally bring it. One positive of the Ontario Line, assuming it is built in our lifetimes.

https://blog.metrolinx.com/2022/03/27/ontario-line-subway-project-breaks-ground-at-exhibition-station-see-the-new-renderings-released/

[MightyDM]

Looks like the preparatory work includes a “temporary pedestrian bridge”. That’s a good thing because it will be built regardless of whether the Ontario Line is ever completed.

[Canary10]

Looks like the preparatory work includes a “temporary pedestrian bridge”. That’s a good thing because it will be built regardless of whether the Ontario Line is ever completed.

Good catch, I didn't notice that. That's good news.

If the Ontario Line actually got built, I could walk about 500 metres to the Leslieville or East Harbour Stations and get literally dropped off in front of BMO Field.

[TheGoodson]

That bridge won’t been done for years… Supposedly 3 years but it’s metrolinx so probably closer to 5 years

[Canary10]

That bridge won’t been done for years… Supposedly 3 years but it’s metrolinx so probably closer to 5 years

It's only a temporary bridge. The new Exhibition Station will provide a better permanent link across the tracks, although that's even further away (2030 earliest probably).

[Joe Kool]

It's only a temporary bridge. The new Exhibition Station will provide a better permanent link across the tracks, although that's even further away (2030 earliest probably).

Ok so when I saw you wrote 2030 I went holy crap but then I realized we are already in 2022 so actually not that far off. Just looks ominous being that big of a number in the 2000's. LOL. We are not even supposed to have to walk anymore by then unless the movie makers lied to us. I want my hoverboard.

[OgtheDim]

We were supposed to get a second tunnel under the GO rails built farther West - timed for 2026.

[rydermike]

Toronto FC II hire former TFC player (played once in 2007) David Monsalve as Goalkeeper Coach
https://twitter.com/davidamonsalve/status/1509289928663998467

[Auzzy]

We were supposed to get a second tunnel under the GO rails built farther West - timed for 2026.

Maybe they'll open the "new" north entrance to the existing tunnel by then, so we don't have to all squeeze up the west staircase like now. :D :D

(Which is actually a major reason for the current congestion in the tunnel -- that's the pinch point, plus folks from/to Liberty Village having to mix with GO passengers on the existing narrow staircases.)

[Initial B]

My son trained with David Monsalve when he was with the Ottawa Fury. Seemed like a decent coach when I talked with him and my son liked him, fwiw.

[jabbronies]

It's only a temporary bridge. The new Exhibition Station will provide a better permanent link across the tracks, although that's even further away (2030 earliest probably).

Is that date for sure? You would think that they would at least want that bridge sorted by 2026

[Canary10]

Is that date for sure? You would think that they would at least want that bridge sorted by 2026

For sure the station itself won't be done until then at the earliest. The early works report said the temporary bridge will be in service until Exhibition Station opens. The public timeline on the Ontario Line is to open in 2030 but I know there is a lot of skepticism about that date even. Hopefully the temporary bridge is good and can handle the World Cup crowds.

[OgtheDim]

Portland continuing to double down on the stupid

https://twitter.com/shebainpdx/status/1510732669679640578

Yup, a team accused of not taking domestic violence & sexual assault seriously seeks to change the mind of a 27 year old woman through her Dad.

[OgtheDim]

We play Portland at our place on the 13th of August.

It won't happen but one of the S groups really should put up a You Knew sign....

[jloome]

A surprisingly lucid and sensible tactical analysis of Jesus Jimenez so far by WTR...

https://www.wakingthered.com/2022/4/5/23010447/toronto-fcs-star-striker-in-the-making-jesus-jimenez

We really need to create more chances for him, though. We're averaging just four shots on target per game and eight overall.

[OgtheDim]

Buried deep in the report to the city about the 2026 WC


2024

• Capital construction at Stadium commences




2025

• Capital construction at Training Sites and BMO Field commences

• Temporary seating expansion installation commences at Stadium (impacts on

Exhibition Place service capacity until post-World Cup)



Slightly confusing but it looks like

2024 - some permanent construction at the stadium

2025 - some more construction within the stadium starts
- temporary stands constructed


Still not sure what this all means....stadium upgrades are likely to the press box area which will be expanded for sure, likely meaning a West revamp of some sort.

The temporary seating, based on the "service capacity" comment likely means north stand increases biting into the area in front of the food court.

Just wish they would have bitten the bullet to go for a full on north regeneration including a build over the food building but...that would take vision & more money then MLSE would be willing to put in.

[Cas87]

^^
The one thing to remember about anything regarding work at BMO (for anything not just WC 2026) is that MLSE operates it for the City, which is "renting" the land at Exhibition place from its board of directors (which basically a body that decides if any project will bring in $$ to exhibition place in some way, shape or form).
So its the multiple level approval seeking that always takes time and reduces whatever vision may have been there at the beginning.

I do agree with you Og that some kind of covered/'galleria' type walkway between the BMO scoreboard and the food building would have made sense in the long run.

[jloome]

In tonight's loss, Bruce Arena ended up with Jozy at left wing (where he's used him several times this year) and Omar Gonzalez at right back. They lost 3-2 to Miami.

Take away Bou and Buksa for injury and Buchanan and Gill alone is not enough. Bruce Arena may be the winningest coach in league history, but they look awful MLS 1.0 without three of their four best players from last year.

[OgtheDim]

Gonzalez on their last goal was just bad memories from last year

[ag futbol]

Gonzalez on their last goal was just bad memories from last year
Dude walked right around him and poked in the winning goal. Enjoy New England!

[OgtheDim]

This is actually a well crafted tweet by PRO explaining this decision & with the record of the voices.

https://twitter.com/PROreferees/status/1513206541259792385

[ag futbol]

Not trying to spook anybody but I wish to note a general observation within my business: demand for sports tickets from customers is extremely low. Even when we can find takers, cancellations come back often.

Have to wonder if this will boomerang back around and hit MLSE in the pocketbook eventually

[JoesphNdo]

Not trying to spook anybody but I wish to note a general observation within my business: demand for sports tickets from customers is extremely low. Even when we can find takers, cancellations come back often.

Have to wonder if this will boomerang back around and hit MLSE in the pocketbook eventually

Case in point, I just got an email selling me south end season tickets. That's never happened before

[leedsandTFC]

Not trying to spook anybody but I wish to note a general observation within my business: demand for sports tickets from customers is extremely low. Even when we can find takers, cancellations come back often.

Have to wonder if this will boomerang back around and hit MLSE in the pocketbook eventually

probably a decent amount of hesitancy around large events with COVID around still.

[benito]

This is actually a well crafted tweet by PRO explaining this decision & with the record of the voices.

it would be great if these were shared on the telecast. It would give viewers more confidence in the rulings especially when the commentators are second guessing/unaware of the rules.

[OgtheDim]

probably a decent amount of hesitancy around large events with COVID around still.


Took one look at all the hype about the "wonderful crowds" at the Jay's games on the weekend & shuddered - know of at least 1 attendee who caught covid there.

I'm Ok with BMO because its outside but the hesitancy is real.

[Smokecell]

Took one look at all the hype about the "wonderful crowds" at the Jay's games on the weekend & shuddered - know of at least 1 attendee who caught covid there.

I'm Ok with BMO because its outside but the hesitancy is real.

I managed to get covid at BMO.