MLS Match Day 22 - Charlotte @ TFC Sat July 23 7:30pm - All I've Got to Give to You

[OgtheDim]

is Passion


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z0bLO6NObk



*******

Have at It People

[Smokecell]

Insigne and Berna off the bench I imagine. Probably be down 2-0 by that point to set up for an epic debut comeback. Or not...

[MikeForbes]

Bernardeschi is in full training today, so gotta think he will be ready to debut on Saturday.

[ensco]

With a win, we go to 6 wins and 12 losses.

Same pace as Seattle in 2016...

[Mr. Inbetween]

With a win, we go to 6 wins and 12 losses.

Same pace as Seattle in 2016...

"It's the hope that kills you." :cheers:

[Inklink]

These two better be in the lineup! There's no buffer!

[jloome]

These two better be in the lineup! There's no buffer!

I'm sort of dying to find out how much better we look with two world-class players in the lineup. This is going to be very interesting.

Over/under on Jimenez topping his eight league goals in the remaining fifteen with these guys offering up service.

Don't think we're going to see Insigne, unfortunately, not from his training progress.

[Bushmancan]

With a win, we go to 6 wins and 12 losses.

Same pace as Seattle in 2016...

Your lips to gods ears… but they also had Frei. LOL.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Best case scenario:
We may see Insigne and Berna for no more than 30 minutes together.

Worst case scenario:
We'll see just one of them (probably Fede), and for no more than 30 minutes.

Any sports bettor man to give some odds just for fun for these suppositions?

:lurk5:

[portu]

To make the playoffs we’ll need 10 wins or 9 wins and 2 draws out of 13 matches. Not an impossible feat, but it’s possibility is extremely dependent on how dominant Insigne/Bernie are.

Playoffs likely requires us to hit 48 points.

[stevep]

Best case scenario:
We may see Insigne and Berna for no more than 30 minutes together.

Worst case scenario:
We'll see just one of them (probably Fede), and for no more than 30 minutes.

Any sports bettor man to give some odds just for fun for these suppositions?

:lurk5:

all i care about with this game is will tfc have full lineup, I am so sick and tired of watching the scrubs they field every week
including all 3 Italians oso and kaye
to determine if this is going to happen i look at the odds
tfc to win odds were +130 now closer to +100
if all were playing odds should be around -166 for tfc

at this point in time its not looking good for the Italians to start this weekend

[leedsandTFC]

https://twitter.com/TSNScianitti/status/1549426001259728896

[MikeForbes]

I expect Bernie for 30ish minutes and Insigne for like 10-15.

[Ultra & Proud]

I expect Bernie for 30ish minutes and Insigne for like 10-15.

I think Bernie & Criscito start. Bernie probably good for 55-60 minutes then Insigne for 20 or so later on.

[leedsandTFC]

i think bernardeschi aims for 60 but could go longer (like criscito on his debut), and insigne gets a half

[MikeForbes]

I give the conservative estimates because we have the biggest game of our season that Tuesday night against Vancouver.

[Mr. Inbetween]

I hope to at least get to see live LI, JJ, FB, JO, MB, MAK, DC, all get a chance to play together; at least a half hour.

[Yuushalinsky]

I hope to at least get to see live LI, JJ, FB, JO, MB, MAK, DC, all get a chance to play together; at least a half hour.

This is it for me - I need to see the front 7 wreak some havoc.

[los sonadores]

I hope to at least get to see live LI, JJ, FB, JO, MB, MAK, DC, all get a chance to play together; at least a half hour.

After the elevens we’ve played this season that would be heaven, too good to be true. (Not predicting how they play together but it would be a start).

[SoccMan2]

Hopefully by early October we get to see Insigne and the rest of the signings playing I can’t wait let’s go!

[ronzilla]

Give credit where it's due. Aside from the poor ball distribution, Bono had an excellent game and earned his starting position for this weekend.

Insigne and Bern should get as many minutes as possible, regardless if there's another big match 2-3 days later. They will recover quickly and have time to rest next week.

[Mr. Inbetween]

After the elevens we’ve played this season that would be heaven, too good to be true. (Not predicting how they play together but it would be a start).

Maybe this time will become known in the lore of TFC as 'Season Of The Elevens'.

[Joe Kool]

Hopefully by early October we get to see Insigne and the rest of the signings playing I can’t wait let’s go!

Last year I remember it was a rare moment that almost never happened all season when we actually had all 3 DPs playing in the same game. It should never be like that. When paying big money these players need to be playing a high percentage of games and minutes. I really hope once we get going we don't stop. I have been a Napoli fan for years and when people questioned Insigne coming here the one thing I was happy about is that he was a durable player and almost never injured. Then he got his current injury just before he came. Hopefully just a rare occurrence and not indicative of what is to come. Hopefully we get all our first choice players on the pitch as much as possible for the rest of the year.....for a change.

[MikeForbes]

Insigne in full training again. Looking like a double debut for Saturday.

[Ultra & Proud]

Is Osorio in training? Nobody said.

[jloome]

Vancouver’s going to be tough in the final. They’re really improving right now. They got White back from injury, Cavalini’s scoring, their new DM is a baller and they just signed Gressel to play wide.

Cropper’s been good in goal for them replacing Hassel who was injured against us with the non-foul goal that shouldn’t have been disallowed. He might be injured though; they were playing a young guy the other night.

[Ultra & Proud]

Vancouver’s going to be tough in the final. They’re really improving right now. They got White back from injury, Cavalini’s scoring, their new DM is a baller and they just signed Gressel to play wide.

Cropper’s been good in goal for them replacing Hassel who was injured against us with the non-foul goal that shouldn’t have been disallowed. He might be injured though; they were playing a young guy the other night.
Did Gressel even report yet? Didn't sound like he was in a hurry.

[stevep]

Pinnacle has tfc +129 now
this is same odds as Columbus and San Jose games
somethings not right

[Yuushalinsky]

looks like Insigne's training more fully now - should be a good 'un to see the full squad

[jloome]

Did Gressel even report yet? Didn't sound like he was in a hurry.

Yeah, shots of him training with them yesterday.

Charlotte beat Chelsea in an exhibition game last night so they’ll be buzzing from that.

[jloome]

Minnesota playing a mixed first-second team crushes Everton 4-0 playing a mix of first and second team players.

It wasn’t close, either. Outworked and played by an MLS squad. Friendly, sure. Bad EPL club, sure. But still… EPL club.

[Canary10]

Minnesota playing a mixed first-second team crushes Everton 4-0 playing a mix of first and second team players.

It wasn’t close, either. Outworked and played by an MLS squad. Friendly, sure. Bad EPL club, sure. But still… EPL club.

Everton are going to be relegated I think. Barely made it last year.

[jloome]

Everton are going to be relegated I think. Barely made it last year.

It would seem so. They had seven starters in and Lampard told them to play it as a serious game.

They still got spanked.

If nothing else, they’ll help put lie to the notion that any team that is in a top division is automatically brilliant. They were shit.

[Canary10]

It would seem so. They had seven starters in and Lampard told them to play it as a serious game.

They still got spanked.

If nothing else, they’ll help put lie to the notion that any team that is in a top division is automatically brilliant. They were shit.

Lampard was an awful choice as manager.

[MikeForbes]

Insigne training with the team again. Bernie training inside (not injury related) per the usual journos today.

[Kamp Berg]

Insigne training with the team again. Bernie training inside (not injury related) per the usual journos today.

No sign of Westberg today either.

[noxx98]

No sign of Westberg today either.
Bono played well and probably deserves another start.

[Kamp Berg]

Bono played well and probably deserves another start.

I missed the last game, but heard the goal was Bono’s error? Either way, seems odd that Westberg’s not there at all. Osorio is back 👍🏻

[ronzilla]

It wasn't Bono's error. He played great and made several big saves.

[Canary10]

It wasn't Bono's error. He played great and made several big saves.

Maybe shouldn't have played the ball short, but it was really the defenders dicking around playing the ball around the back instead of clearing when they were under pressure that caused the goal.

[Inklink]

I can't wait another week, need the Italians all in the lineup!

[Ultra & Proud]

Maybe shouldn't have played the ball short, but it was really the defenders dicking around playing the ball around the back instead of clearing when they were under pressure that caused the goal.
That's how I saw it. Bono put our defenders in a bad spot but you'd think at some point after giving up the kind of goals we've been giving up that our defense would opt for safety first instead of trying to play it out no matter the pressure. At this point, in situations like that, I'd rather see some hoof ball and hope for the best up field.

[leedsandTFC]

i think bernardeschi and insigne start this one.

nelson/ kerr as impact subs will actually be very positive as well, bringing that sort of running into the game late should be very good.

[Joe Kool]

For those planning to drive down to the game FYI. Beerfest is on this weekend on the Ex grounds so people going to that will likely be using a bunch of the parking available already by the time anyone gets down there for the game. Plan ahead.

[Yuushalinsky]

For those planning to drive down to the game FYI. Beerfest is on this weekend on the Ex grounds so people going to that will likely be using a bunch of the parking available already by the time anyone gets down there for the game. Plan ahead.

this is giving me an excuse to go early

[OgtheDim]

$85 for entry including 5 beers...

Enjoy the BMO pricing.

[MikeForbes]

27 bucks for a quart of vodka for me. I'll pay that and enjoy watching Insigne and Bernardeschi each score in a 3-1 win Saturday. Probably the most excited I have been for a game in a long while.

[Lil'John]

i think bernardeschi and insigne start this one.

nelson/ kerr as impact subs will actually be very positive as well, bringing that sort of running into the game late should be very good.

Yes. Correct.

[Kamp Berg]

This is definitely my most anticipated game since 2020

[Kamp Berg]

‘Head coach Bob Bradley confirms both Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi are ready to go for Saturday.’

Doneil and Mavinga too.

[Yuushalinsky]

‘Head coach Bob Bradley confirms both Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi are ready to go for Saturday.’

Doneil and Mavinga too.

>Doneil

you know something I don't, he's only training with the team, right???

[MikeForbes]

Gonna be an exciting game. Stoked that both are gonna debut. Feels like we have been waiting years to see Insigne at this point.

[Ultra & Proud]

>Doneil

you know something I don't, he's only training with the team, right???
Bob said today that Henry was a player they're looking at to add to the defense (along with other options) so it's possible.

[Inklink]

‘Head coach Bob Bradley confirms both Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi are ready to go for Saturday.’

Doneil and Mavinga too.
Yesssss

[Kamp Berg]

>Doneil

you know something I don't, he's only training with the team, right???


Bob said today that Henry was a player they're looking at to add to the defense (along with other options) so it's possible.


Yesssss

I don’t know anything more, just what Ultra reported about Bob’s comments.

[Ultra & Proud]

I don’t know anything more, just what Ultra reported about Bob’s comments.
But if he signed like right now would there be time to make him eligible for tomorrow? No idea how MLS HQ operates. I assume it's a bunch of old guys laying on rafts in a giant pool and lighting expensive cigars with allocation money.

[FootBallAZ]

looks like both LI And FB are making their debut's tomorrow as per TFC's email sent out.

I assume they wouldnt send this out if they werent starting which is exciting to look forward to.

It would suck if they both debut'd off the bench with an e-mail like that, lol I assume the remaining 5 home games should justify the 40 % increase for new members lol.


cant wait for some solid interplay down the left side!!

[Mr. Inbetween]

So...
Starting lineup just maybe got interesting and fun for me/us?

Me...
---LI --- JJ --- FB ---
---JO---MB---MAK---
DC--CM---SO--DH--
------- QW---------

That, or some musical chair of that, looks and should be promising.
At least against CFC.

[Kamp Berg]

But if he signed like right now would there be time to make him eligible for tomorrow? No idea how MLS HQ operates. I assume it's a bunch of old guys laying on rafts in a giant pool and lighting expensive cigars with allocation money.

I didn’t get the feeling it was imminent, more of a maybe. Either way, I don’t think we’ll see him tomorrow, but who knows this year.
Haha, sounds about right, TAM might burn better though!

[Kamp Berg]

So...
Starting lineup just maybe got interesting and fun for me/us?

Me...
---LI --- JJ --- FB ---
---JO---MB---MAK---
DC--CM---SO--DH--
------- QW---------

That, or some musical chair of that, looks and should be promising.
At least against CFC.

I’m guessing we’ll see Bono in net, Kosi as RB, and O’Neill and McN as CBs

[Yuushalinsky]

I’m guessing we’ll see Bono in net, Kosi as RB, and O’Neill and McN as CBs

Give me JMR at some point dang it!

[Inklink]

I don’t know anything more, just what Ultra reported about Bob’s comments.

You don't know about Henry or the Italians? I got an email from TFC selling tickets "Join us in welcoming Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi as they take to the pitch for their debut"

[Ultra & Proud]

Give me JMR at some point dang it!
I was thinking about this. I always thought they were taking it easy with bringing him back as he is a commodity and they don't want to risk him getting hurt if he isn't 110% healed up.

Now somebody on the player thread said a couple days ago that maybe they were shielding him from view to prevent scrutiny and the dropping of his value on the market. The more I think about this, the more I think this could be the case. Partially because he isn't at the level some people think he is (yet tbf) and also because he wouldn't be getting proper support around him and that might make him look poor to the eye.

[jloome]

I was thinking about this. I always thought they were taking it easy with bringing him back as he is a commodity and they don't want to risk him getting hurt if he isn't 110% healed up.

Now somebody on the player thread said a couple days ago that maybe they were shielding him from view to prevent scrutiny and the dropping of his value on the market. The more I think about this, the more I think this could be the case. Partially because he isn't at the level some people think he is (yet tbf) and also because he wouldn't be getting proper support around him and that might make him look poor to the eye.

It’s tough to judge from how little we’ve seen but from the few interviews he’s done, he strikes me as sort of a shy, perhaps slightly immature kid. Again, it’s from a pretty small sample but he seems like he has great physical tools but not a great deal of the mental side in terms of drive, aggression and desire to succeed.

Just on the technique he’s shown and the seeming absence of arrogance or attitude, I suspect he will have a good career. But the hype is a bit much. I know when he practised with Liverpool last year, their midfielder Harvey Elliott told papers there they should sign him. So it might be closer than we think or it might be that they want to wait a few years and see if he develops more aggression and a quicker read of the game.

There’s a Uruguayan striker, Agustin Alvarez, who just wen to Sassuolo in Italy but three years ago was “certain” to go to Atletico Madrid or Inter Milan, on the strength of scoring buckets of goals in the premier division as an 18 year old. But they were obviously concerned about something because it just never happened. He’s still made it, but not at the heights expected.

Might end out being something like that. He still has a lot of time to impress.

[Kamp Berg]

You don't know about Henry or the Italians? I got an email from TFC selling tickets "Join us in welcoming Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi as they take to the pitch for their debut"

About Henry’s status.

[los sonadores]

Hoping LI and FB make their debuts. Some bits of footage of Bernardeschi here:

https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/can-insigne-bernardeschi-turn-around-toronto-fcs-season/sn-amp/

(And note the possession regains numbers for LI and FB….)

[stevep]

Pinnacle tfc+119
does not make sense
Wtf is going on. These are 5 pylon odds

[Richard]

Pinnacle tfc+119
does not make sense
Wtf is going on. These are 5 pylon odds

No idea if we will win, but betting the total over 3.5 is enticing.

[khso11]

Finally, the season opener. Waited too long for this.

[OgtheDim]

Been a long time since felt could do this


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



IT'S GAME DAY :scarf::drum::flare:

[Yohan]

Been a long time since felt could do this


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



IT'S GAME DAY :scarf::drum::flare:
It's the hope that kills you

[MikeForbes]

It was an incredibly long pre-season this year. It is finally opening day at BMO!

[Yuushalinsky]

Gimme:

GK (I'm not picky and I think Bono has gotten HOSED by defense this year)

Criscito - Henry - O'Neill - JMR

MAK - Bradley - Osorio

Berna - JJ - Insigne

I'm almost certain I got my sides wrong so please correct me

[Kamp Berg]

Bono
Thompson—McNaughton—O’Neill—Criscito
MAK—Bradley—Osorio
Berna—JJ—Insigne

Maybe Henry for McNaughton.

[MikeForbes]

Really can't see Insigne starting. Bernie likely.

[Kamp Berg]

Red jerseys tonight!

[Mr. Inbetween]

It was an incredibly long pre-season this year. It is finally opening day at BMO!


:hurray:

[Kamp Berg]

Really can't see Insigne starting. Bernie likely.

Yeah, he’ll probably share time with Nelson

[Yuushalinsky]

Yeah, he’ll probably share time with Nelson


I'm sweating

but if Nelson learned anything from Insigne/Berna this past week maybe he'll be better who knows

[Kamp Berg]

I'm sweating

but if Nelson learned anything from Insigne/Berna this past week maybe he'll be better who knows

Training and playing with such high calibre talent has to benefit the kids learning.

[MikeForbes]

Training and playing with such high calibre talent has to benefit the kids learning.

As long as he has the right attitude and absorbs what he see's. Some young players will sulk at the thought of someone coming in and taking away his starting spot.

[leedsandTFC]

Really can't see Insigne starting. Bernie likely.

imo from what we've seen, bradley likes to get guys in from the start if they are getting limited mins (criscito, MAK).

can see this continuing tn

[Joe Kool]

Really can't see Insigne starting. Bernie likely.

I would say that is possible if they didn’t send an email out to everyone to come and watch the debut of Insigne. Since they did I think he starts for sure. I would be shocked if anything else.

[Kamp Berg]

As long as he has the right attitude and absorbs what he see's. Some young players will sulk at the thought of someone coming in and taking away his starting spot.

If they do, I don’t think they’ll be around for long. I’m sure the Bradley’s sniff that shit out quick. I imagine that’s already part of the reason Bob prefers some more than others.

[ag futbol]

Food for thought. It was about 5 games before Giovinco adjusted to MLS and he had the benefit of a preseason.

Let’s not expect instant success here.

[mauser09]

Food for thought. It was about 5 games before Giovinco adjusted to MLS and he had the benefit of a preseason.

Let’s not expect instant success here.

I'm hoping for a debut like Pozuelo's

[MikeForbes]

Food for thought. It was about 5 games before Giovinco adjusted to MLS and he had the benefit of a preseason.

Let’s not expect instant success here.

I'm just excited to have those game day butterflies again. I am gonna go out on a limb though and say Bernardeschi scores tonight.

[69Chevy396]

Food for thought. It was about 5 games before Giovinco adjusted to MLS and he had the benefit of a preseason.

Let’s not expect instant success here.

These players have just come off a gruelling year, in League and International play, but are well rested, and hungry. If you are going to bet on any game this year, that TFC scores 4 or more goals, this is the one.

[OgtheDim]

A certain amount of beer is indicating to me that this game is going to be epic one way or another.

I hope the beer is accurate. 😊

[barticusz]

It’s nice to have some excitement back. Really looking forward to this game. I’m keeping my expectations low but my hope is sky high.

[ensco]

Charlotte are pretty impressive up front. 8 goals in last three league games. We may need to score a bunch to win.

[OgtheDim]

Every game moving forward is win 4 - 3 or bust

[MikeForbes]

Just casually pacing in my kitchen refreshing my phone, waiting for that sweet, sweet starting lineup tweet.

[Kamp Berg]

Insigne starts

[MikeForbes]

My guys leedsandTFC nailed it. Both start!

https://twitter.com/TorontoFC/status/1550974787903782922?s=20&t=XIiBJ3l81yP29Jn6AV2P7g

[Bobo]

Reading that lineup top to bottom is horror to happiness.

[MikeForbes]

Reading that lineup top to bottom is horror to happiness.

We absolutely need Kaye and Bradley to have better games tonight to supply service to the front 3. Both have been sub par the last two games.

[Richard]

Reading that lineup top to bottom is horror to happiness.

Only in MLS would you have world class and third division players in the same lineup.

The season officially starts today.

[MikeForbes]

Those studs in Insigne's ear are worth more than Luca Petrasso's yearly wage.

[mowe]

Reading that lineup top to bottom is horror to happiness.
Seriously. I can’t believe we’re putting out that defense behind that front three.

Should be interesting at the very least.

[MikeForbes]

For anyone at BMO, are we looking at a sellout?

[OgtheDim]

MAJOR crowd lineup

[Richard]

I hope Doneil finds form and kick starts his career again, what a story it would be, good to see him back home. :scarf:

[MikeForbes]

I hope Doneil finds form and kick starts his career again, what a story it would be, good to see him back home. :scarf:

I have been super critical of it being lazy, but Henry becoming a solid 3rd CB would be huge.

[Inklink]

lol I had forgotten about Gilberto (seeing that JDG piece on TSN).

[OgtheDim]

Big, loud and effin noisy

[gracos]

Love Berna's attitude towards the whole situation he knows it might take a little time to gel, but he seems genuinely excited with this next step of his career

[OgtheDim]

Ok, haven't seen this in a long time

[gracos]

Ok, haven't seen this in a long time

now its time for the club to keep up this momentum, and that starts with a good performance tonight

[69Chevy396]

Stream, anyone?

[Inklink]

Insigne brought out his actual kids? lol

[James17930]

Is the start delayed?

[Bushmancan]

Bernadeschi looks like he is going kill this.

[MikeForbes]

Putting the phone away for the first half. Let's fucking go.

[Inklink]

LMAO!!

[Richard]

Well take it!

[rydermike]

The quality of the Italians is so evident

[Bobo]

JJ must be the happiest man in the world at this moment.

[James17930]

My god, we are already a totally different team.

This is nuts.

[Inklink]

MB can score?!

[Richard]

Lets gooooo!

[Bobo]

Slipping while taking the corner is peak Berna, which is good enough for us.

[OgtheDim]

Uh.. Guys

[gracos]

This is awesome, well done so far TFC, we just need to keep up the momentum for the rest of the season

[rydermike]

This could be like the Blue Jays yestersay

[James17930]

MB scoring on a header?

WHat is going on??? :)

[Bobo]

In nine minutes we saw Bradley score a header and MacNaughton pull off a dummy. Talk about inspiration.

[Inklink]

Not offside and the late ass flag

[Inklink]

Kosi cannot be starting, sorry.

[OgtheDim]

Kaye is having a good half so far

[rydermike]

Kosi cannot be starting, sorry.
A player making mid five figures in the same lineup as a guy making eight figures is peak MLS

[tfcfans]

Packed and loud at BMO again, and actual control of the ball for long stretches — it’s like the adults are playing now. Now if we can sign two guys for the back line (and a keeper) and stabilize that end of the field - we may be really fun to watch again - but at least it’s a start....

[Inklink]

A player making mid five figures in the same lineup as a guy making eight figures is peak MLS

So true haha

[James17930]

For all our early pressure we seem pretty comfortable to just sit back now. Hopefully it's just 'conserving energy.

[James17930]

Kosi cannot be starting, sorry.

I think he's been fine so far.

What exactly is he doing wrong?

[SirBobSaget]

Every corner ball is dangerous this is so delightful! Never want to see a Bradley dead ball again.

[Inklink]

Damn half a step offside

[Inklink]

Berna!

[MikeForbes]

This is a proper weekend at Bernie's. So happy!

[OgtheDim]

Uh, guys....

[James17930]

Uh, guys....

You feeling those rumblings ...? :)

[jloome]

Who taught Kosi to release the ball quickly? Where did that come from all of a sudden (sure, he blew the pickup on the cross, but really, everybody's been better tonight).

Man, it's nice having a first team again. THat was a hell of a strike.

[Kamp Berg]

What a difference!

[MikeForbes]

Amazing the difference players like Insigne and Bernie make over Jayden Nelson and DeAndre Kerr.

[James17930]

Who taught Kosi to release the ball quickly? Where did that come from all of a sudden (sure, he blew the pickup on the cross, but really, everybody's been better tonight).

Man, it's nice having a first team again. THat was a hell of a strike.

The difference in the entire team is so sudden it's mind blowing.

[MikeForbes]

Honestly, recall Auro to replace Thompson and we are on our way.

[jloome]

Honestly, recall Auro to replace Thompson and we are on our way.

I don't know man, that recovery run to mark Reyna sorta indicated maybe why Bradley likes him so much. That was blazing.

Auro is a better defender straight up but has nothing going forward.

[Inklink]

I don't know man, that recovery run to mark Reyna sorta indicated maybe why Bradley likes him so much. That was blazing.

Auro is a better defender straight up but has nothing going forward.

I've been crapping on Kosi but I noticed that recovery as well. That was nice to see.

[MikeForbes]

I don't know man, that recovery run to mark Reyna sorta indicated maybe why Bradley likes him so much. That was blazing.

Auro is a better defender straight up but has nothing going forward.

He has potential, but I believe Auro is currently the better player. I can accept some mistakes from Kosi, Kaye is looking like a poor man's Delgado though.

[OgtheDim]

You feeling those rumblings ...? :)

I'm in the south... It is bouncing

[James17930]

He has potential, but I believe Auro is currently the better player. I can accept some mistakes from Kosi, Kaye is looking like a poor man's Delgado though.

He's still getting settled in. Give him some time.

But also, he's been pretty good this game already ...

[MikeForbes]

Bradley has been so good today.

[Inklink]

Holy shit Bradley????

[jloome]

Soooo.... Bradley's one of those tennis players who looks shit when he plays with a hack, and like Djokovic when he plays with pros.

His Dad almost cracked a smile there. Almost.

[MikeForbes]

Bradley has been so good today.

Finally! A good jinx!

[Richard]

Bradley must have drank from the fountain of youth.

[MikeForbes]

He's still getting settled in. Give him some time.

But also, he's been pretty good this game already ...

Happy to be proven wrong. Nice one touch pass from Kaye.

[tfcfans]

Wow.....just wow....

[James17930]

Okay, hell hath frozen over.

[Amir.]

Where the haters at
where the haters at
where the haters at
michael bradley balling on them

[Bobo]

Sell JJ and put Bradley at CF.

[MikeForbes]

Also, that pass from Insigne was bonkers. The "Play the Kids" Twitter movement in the mud.

[jloome]

Luke Wileman, master of understatement.
"Eight Minutes Added on. Charlotte will wish it was less."

[tfcfans]

The adults have entered the room..now to continue this on Tuesday.....:scarf:

[Kamp Berg]

13 mins over?

[OgtheDim]

That was a beyond dominant half.

[Kamp Berg]

Beating Vancouver is not looking as hard

[Bobo]

Bob even said "thanks" at the end of his HT interview, he really must be so thrilled right now.

[ag futbol]

Well, I am admittedly out on the town and will have to watch this later tonight.

Suck it MLS. We are winning this year!

[Webdogg]

Need to sub off everyone they can. Save LI calf

[stevep]

Is it possible to be in last place and first in mls power rankings?

[OgtheDim]

It surely is unsustainable but holy freaking amaze balls I've never seen an MLS team be that dominant.

[OgtheDim]

3 subs working hard at the half. Nelson, Henry and Kerr

[rydermike]

Is it possible to be in last place and first in mls power rankings?
:lol:


But exactly this

[OgtheDim]

All the Italians coming off at the half by the looks of things.

[mowe]

Need to sub off everyone they can. Save LI calf
Yeah we got a cup final in 3 days. Giving Insigne and Bernie their moment in the second half would be nice but no point risking it.

[rydermike]

Whitecaps about to complain to the Canadian Soccer Association about why the fi al wasn't last week

[MikeForbes]

Fine with both DPs coming off. Is it bad that I still think we might end up drawing now though?

[rydermike]

Fine with both DPs coming off. Is it bad that I still think we might end up drawing now though?
I'd have left them for another 5-10 minutes, just to ensure that Charlotte's confidence was completely shattered and so they could get standing Os

[jloome]

Fine with both DPs coming off. Is it bad that I still think we might end up drawing now though?

Nah, I think we all have that fear. Maybe the kids will feed off the energy and just release the damn ball more quickly. Half the time it's their indecisiveness that kills us.

[Richard]

Ugh, not the kids again.

[MikeForbes]

Imagine this time last year when everyone was getting so horny to play Canadians? Now the crowd is upset to see them coming on.

[Bobo]

Feels like it's midnight and TFC turned back into the pumpkin.

[Richard]

Imagine this time last year when everyone was getting so horny to play Canadians? Now the crowd is upset to see them coming on.

We couldn't have taken them off at 50 minutes at least? They should have been given an ovation at least, along with Henry coming back too.

[rydermike]

We replaced two guys whose country didn't make the world cup (Insigne and Bernie) with two guys who get call-ups to a world cup team (Henry and Nelson). We should be even better this half right? Lol

[MikeForbes]

Henry has looked good though 5. Nelson is back to headless chicken energy and Kerr hasn't touched the ball yet.

[rydermike]

Grounds crew will only have to maintain one side of the field

[jloome]

We're starting to look all Keystone Kops again.

Oso and Criscito both turning on the burners this hbalf purely to set the example.

[OgtheDim]

Nelson walking back as they attack.

[Inklink]

Back to regularly scheduled TFC playing style

[Yuushalinsky]

Big concern until 70th minute as long as we don't concede

[MikeForbes]

Can we please score a 5th? The second half is scary.

[jloome]

Henry has looked good though 5. Nelson is back to headless chicken energy and Kerr hasn't touched the ball yet.

Nelson is truly bad at marking. He's never near enough his man to even pressure him, always drifting too far inside as if he might get an interception that just isn't coming.

[MikeForbes]

Oso basically threatened to murder Nelson there.

[rydermike]

Jimimez back to having to play all three forward positions and CAM at the same time

[MikeForbes]

I don't understand why Shaff isn't seeing more minutes at LW.

[rydermike]

I don't understand why Shaff isn't seeing more minutes at LW.
LW is for the guy with the best hair flow. Once he got a haircut he lost his spot.

[Bushmancan]

I love how the 35 year old Italian we we worried about is still on.

[MikeForbes]

I don't understand why Shaff isn't seeing more minutes at LW.

Even if they are trying to trade him, give him some minutes. He isn't perfect as a player, but he has some legit qualities.

[jloome]

I love how the 35 year old Italian we we worried about is still on.

He looks twice as fit this game as last.

No way that's a clear and obvious penalty. His foot was in first.

[MikeForbes]

Fuchs with an awful angle on that. Guys who lose their pace suffer from that.

[MikeForbes]

Classic Doniel tackle.

[tfcfans]

A tackle that looks bad on one end leads to a frustrated Red Card at the other end....

[jloome]

I don't understand why Shaff isn't seeing more minutes at LW.

Yeah, agreed. He overrates Jayden and underrates Shaff. But the three-year age difference maybe has something to do with it, more development upside. I think Shaff is a more effective player who makes better decisions, frankly, but he isn't much good coming inside, and that seems to be what the tactics are based around.

[jloome]

Brian Edwards is a goalkeeping coach? Terrifying. Memories of that first goal in the 5-0 last day massacre in NY when all we needed was a point to make the playoffs (letting RSL in, who subsequently went all the way, making Bill Manning very grateful indeed. And there's some six degrees for you...)

[MikeForbes]

Yeah, agreed. He overrates Jayden and underrates Shaff. But the three-year age difference maybe has something to do with it, more development upside. I think Shaff is a more effective player who makes better decisions, frankly, but he isn't much good coming inside, and that seems to be what the tactics are based around.

Honestly, if we could sell Jayden to a European team for 2 million (roughly a million allocation) or give Shaff away to an MLS team for 400k allocation money, I'm taking option one 10/10 times. It would basically be Jayden Nelson for MAK.

[Richard]

It would be a miracle if we keep the clean sheet.

[MikeForbes]

It would be a miracle if we keep the clean sheet.

We will and immediately give Alex Bono a DP deal.

[OgtheDim]

The back 4 has been ok but Nelson is a black hole defensivly

[MikeForbes]

The back 4 has been ok but Nelson is a black hole defensivly

The one thing I hope he learns from Insigne is work rate. He works so hard going forward and is Zlatan defensively.

[James17930]

What happened to Kaye? I didn't see.

[Inklink]

lmao Doniel never do that again

[MikeForbes]

So much to look forward to Tuesday and beyond. We are a RB and top CB away from success.

[jloome]

What happened to Kaye? I didn't see.

Tight hamstring.

[Richard]

Why is Ayo so gassed, looks like he can hardly run at all.

[MikeForbes]

Why is Ayo so gassed, looks like he can hardly run at all.

Too many pounds put on because of an ACL injury.

[MikeForbes]

A sheet cleaned?

[Bobo]

Clean sheet?!?!?!?!

[Inklink]

Much need win, need plenty more! That 2nd half cleared the place out.


Why is Ayo so gassed, looks like he can hardly run at all.
Frustrating to watch.

[MikeForbes]

That was a friggin' night to remember. We just cleaned a decent side out. Bernie with a banger, our oft maligned captain with a brace, Insigne with a masterful assist and Alex Bono had a clean sheet.

[James17930]

Tight hamstring.

Thanks.

[Richard]

This was the definition of Jekyll and Hyde. 5 star first half. 1 star second half.

[jloome]

About time.

Damn, that felt good.

Insigne really stir the drink. Guy just sees the right pass every time. Bernadeschi was huge, Oso and Bradley were great. Defense was generally solid, even Kosi.

[TFC/Everton]

That was incredible. Insigne and Bernardeschi bring out the best in the team.

The next 4 years are going to be so much fun.

TFC is back!

[69Chevy396]

These players have just come off a gruelling year, in League and International play, but are well rested, and hungry. If you are going to bet on any game this year, that TFC scores 4 or more goals, this is the one.
I should have made that bet

[MikeForbes]

Love you, guys. So many better nights are coming starting Tuesday.

[PawTar711]

:scarf::scarf::scarf::flare::flare::flare::flare:: flare::flare::flare:That was a good game. Your right, our two international's did a great job. We need to continue to win like we did today in order to climb the ladder. I think we took Charlotte no problem, and thats why for the next game we will be playing new england. There are a plethora of games left in the season, you might as well say that things are still anew for new designated players that will score for you. So in turn, when your up on so many ggoals, you need to make sure to finish too.

[wopchop]

Wow.
I believe.
If they can find a RB and a CB stud, this team is legit.

[Areathrasher]

That was so much fun

[Yuushalinsky]

Do not let Nelson near the left wing anymore

[los sonadores]

At the stadium it was apparent how vocal Henry is. Constantly positioning Thompson for one thing. We need that for sure.

[stevep]

All future game threads on this board
will all come down to one simple thing
everything else will be pretty irrelevant
this one thing will be answered by a simple
4 word question
the question is “are the Italians playing”

[portu]

At the stadium it was apparent how vocal Henry is. Constantly positioning Thompson for one thing. We need that for sure.
Came to the board to say this.

What leader at the back Doneil was once he came in. He needs to start.

[Ultra & Proud]

Do not let Nelson near the left wing anymore

I am generally pretty negative towards him but today I didn't think he was too bad.

[OgtheDim]

Nelson doesn't track bac, has no defensive awareness & attempts to dribble more than a 9 month old with a sippy cup.

[OgtheDim]

Pettrasso has a decent stint tonight.

Charlotte fans complaining about Henry tackles.

[NK Toronto]

I thought McNaughton was the best defender tonight. I think the quality of his distribution is under rated. I would play him over Mavinga.

[stevep]

I thought McNaughton was the best defender tonight. I think the quality of his distribution is under rated. I would play him over Mavinga.
Played really well. Totally solid cb

[ensco]

Focusing on the first half only… Lot of in game formation stuff going on, obviously base was 4-3-3 but with Criscito often playing wingback and pushing up the field. He and Insigne are going to terrify people down the left side. Thompson also went forward a bit.

Also both Insigne and Fede were both extremely wide, generally. Operating on the touch line.

[Mr. Inbetween]

Family Dinner...
In the back. Whose that? All big grin...

https://twitter.com/Total_TFC/status/1550605170085617664 (https://twitter.com/Total_TFC/status/1550605170085617664)

The 'Iron Man'...
'O Captain, My Captain'...
A Puppet Master...
Michael 'Don Lucchesi' Bradley...
To those who had to go... 'It's not personal, it's only business'.
To those who remain... 'Our ships must all sail in the same direction'.
To the doubters... 'You understand Football? Italians are Footballers, Sports Directing is knowing who to cast'.

Memory of the match...
Wife cheering... Berlusconi scored! Berlusconi scored!

A wonderful evening at the game.
It's been a minute.

[jloome]

Also both Insigne and Fede were both extremely wide, generally. Operating on the touch line.

This really flummoxed Charlotte, which had a three-man defensive triangle in the midfield closing on the position normally occupied by Bradley around the centre circle. But we kept tossing it wide and switching field quickly, doing the very things that defeat central blocks.

It wasn't just that they were technically pretty perfect, we were tactically so too for the first half.

[los sonadores]

This really flummoxed Charlotte, which had a three-man defensive triangle in the midfield closing on the position normally occupied by Bradley around the centre circle. But we kept tossing it wide and switching field quickly, doing the very things that defeat central blocks.

It wasn't just that they were technically pretty perfect, we were tactically so too for the first half.

This was great to see.

[DinamoTFC]

The difference in the entire team is so sudden it's mind blowing.

Really remarkable. Amazing first half. Best half in years. Second half we saw our old selves again. Players will improve some will have to go as they aren't quality enough. But boy oh boy what a treat having the Italians all playing together. Suddenly made all the players around them better too.

[Richard]

Still can't get over Bradley scoring a flick on header, and also turning back the clock a few years with that run up middle to score was something else. These two Italians really got the teams adrenaline going.

[Yohan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1gt6f43Lj4&ab_channel=MajorLeagueSoccer

[James17930]

This really flummoxed Charlotte, which had a three-man defensive triangle in the midfield closing on the position normally occupied by Bradley around the centre circle. But we kept tossing it wide and switching field quickly, doing the very things that defeat central blocks.

It wasn't just that they were technically pretty perfect, we were tactically so too for the first half.

So this brings us back to the 'is BB bad at coaching tactics or are the kids just unable to execute them' question.

[leedsandTFC]

if insigne and bernardeschi remain fit for the rest of the season we have a real shot at not only making the playoffs, but having a real run at MLS cup.

that first half, where berna and insigne were still, in bob bradley's words, "a week into pre season" was close if not better than anything any MLS team has produced all year.

the potential when these guys are up to speed and able to go for 90 is almost frightening.

[Gringo Starr]

I almost forgot that MBradley was capable of smiling, that was a great night from him-looked totally rejuvenated. With Fede its just so nice to have someone willing and capable of taking shots from range.

[Gringo Starr]

At the stadium it was apparent how vocal Henry is. Constantly positioning Thompson for one thing. We need that for sure.

I was surprised by that but yeah from the south end you could really see him taking charge of that. Thought he put in a strong half. I am also glad that a sellout crowd came out just to see his return game

[ensco]

I am also glad that a sellout crowd came out just to see his return game

I actually came to see Kaye's home debut- which got completely lost in the hoopla italiano.

I figured the chances of the Italians actually seeing the field were only 50/50.