Match Day 28 - TFC @ Charlotte - Sat August 27 7:08pm - If you've got nothing left

[OgtheDim]

Back It Up Now


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgGLl8CanQo


*********

Have at It People

[Oldtimer]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say this will be a TFC win.

[SenorDingDong]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say this will be a TFC win.

Berna is going to score. Thats the only prediction I will make.

[James17930]

Berna is going to score. Thats the only prediction I will make.

Richie drawing the penalty!

[Joe Kool]

As long as the team doesn't think, because of the last meeting, that they just need to show up to earn the 3 points.

[Canary10]

Will be interesting to see if Charlotte comes out to play at home. The reverse fixture was one of the most bunkered I've seen a team play against us in a while.

[jloome]

Will be interesting to see if Charlotte comes out to play at home. The reverse fixture was one of the most bunkered I've seen a team play against us in a while.

Yeah different story possibly. But when I think about the start of that game they did try to press us high, they just couldn't contain the upfield movement and once we'd done it two or three times they seems to lose any will to try.

[noxx98]

I predict a win, 3-0.

[613reppingTFC]

No Oso in the lineup. Ayo starts over JJ again

[Kamp Berg]

No MAK or Oso, wtf is going on? Nelson has improved, but that midfield looks pretty porous on paper.

[ag futbol]

Okello on the bench. Is he just back from injury or did I miss that he was back earlier? (And perhaps just not being selected)

[boysblue]

Trying to watch this one from outside NA. Hopeful somebody can post a link to a stream. Hesgoal.com not hosting this game unfortunately.

[jloome]

Okello on the bench. Is he just back from injury or did I miss that he was back earlier? (And perhaps just not being selected)

That lineup is a fucking disaster.

no word this week Oso was injured so what's going on?

last I saw they were talking about MAK starting and now he AND Oso are out?

Gahd this better not be some primadonna BB shit over that Kaye quote to CP, where he said we do better when we have more talent on the field. It wasn't tactful but it was true.

[ronzilla]

https://sportshub.stream/event/charlotte_toronto_69017158/


Trying to watch this one from outside NA. Hopeful somebody can post a link to a stream. Hesgoal.com not hosting this game unfortunately.

[noxx98]

Okello on the bench. Is he just back from injury or did I miss that he was back earlier? (And perhaps just not being selected)
First game back.

Game delayed due to lightning. Looks like there's a thunderstorm south of Charlotte but seems to be passing quickly.

[James17930]

Dum dee dum ...

[NK Toronto]

I am watching "Engraved on a Nation" on TSN and several red patch boys are shown. Wondering
If any of you on this forum were featured?

[ronzilla]

Delayed due to lightning. Kickoff 8:08 pm

[FootBallAZ]

That lineup is a fucking disaster.

no word this week Oso was injured so what's going on?

last I saw they were talking about MAK starting and now he AND Oso are out?

Gahd this better not be some primadonna BB shit over that Kaye quote to CP, where he said we do better when we have more talent on the field. It wasn't tactful but it was true.


There was an article interviewing him yesterday making it seem like top six would be playing.


He mentioned it himself they need to build a bit chemistry but they are solid

Paraphrasing of course.

[NK Toronto]

Tonight's line up underscores our lack of squad depth.

[ronzilla]

https://twitter.com/CharlotteFC/status/1563671224437587968

[los sonadores]

Tonight's line up underscores our lack of squad depth.

Yeah, everywhere except Centre-half is a big problem.

[ag futbol]

Wild (unfounded), probably wrong speculation: Osorio has a transfer cooking which is why he’s not with the team tonight.

Late scratch is suspicious (but probably nothing)

[NK Toronto]

Wileman just said Oso not feeling well

[DavemTFC]

Has there been any reason given at all for why oso isn't even there?

Edit: nvm, see above post. Missed the pre game show, surprised that's all that was said

[NK Toronto]

Was no pre game show. Wileman just said it before kickoff.

[DavemTFC]

Was no pre game show. Wileman just said it before kickoff.
Yeah that's what I meant lol. Joined like a minute after kickoff

Fuchs very well could be sent off against us again. Fede and Richie giving him fits

[jloome]

Very poor so far, nobody looking to distinguish themselves.

[NK Toronto]

Playing as if they have given up on the play-offs

[jloome]

We're not getting any real pressure on the ball. This is toothless.

[ag futbol]

Akinola looks like he’s playing for a USL contract

[NK Toronto]

Charlotte just firing shots at Bono from anywhere. Looks as if they are hoping he gives up another soft goal.

[jloome]

Akinola looks like he’s playing for a USL contract
He's showing nothing. If you're not getting service, at least make
a pest of yourself.

Even the Italians look unbelieving tonight.

[smtavare]

Cant stand Insigne- there i said it

[Bushmancan]

Not meant as a criticism, more of an observation. Nelson is so fast, why doesn’t he occasionally take on their RB into the box. Akinola isn’t providing a target, so push hard and try to draw the foul.

[jloome]

Kerr hurt his foot, completely unaware of the cover man coming up behind him because our team clearly doesn't communicate.

would we miss him playing with 10? He, Nelson and Akinola all look out of their depth entirely. It really shows tonight with two of them centrally.

I actually rate Thomson higher as a kid than Kerr. Bob just believes he's a fullback for some reason.

[jloome]

What I want to know is what's really going on in the dressing room. I have a hard time believing from their play that all is well under BB's tenure.

[ag futbol]

He's showing nothing. If you're not getting service, at least make
a pest of yourself.

Even the Italians look unbelieving tonight.
Looks a little frustrated but it’s like you said, make something of it. And there he gets the pass but can’t keep himself onside.

[boysblue]

This team (TFC) is far too easy to play through in the midfield. Good thing Charlotte cannot finish or they would be down a goal or two. And agree that Akinola is not up to MLS standard.

[Bushmancan]

Kerr hurt his foot, completely unaware of the cover man coming up behind him because our team clearly doesn't communicate.

would we miss him playing with 10? He, Nelson and Akinola all look out of their depth entirely. It really shows tonight with two of them centrally.

I actually rate Thomson higher as a kid than Kerr. Bob just believes he's a fullback for some reason.

Kind of self induced problem, let Laryea go, loan Auro, JMR gets hurt… Thompson becomes fullback..

[NK Toronto]

Insigne always looking to pass to Feder. Looks like he doesn't have faith in most of his teammates. We are still far away from being an MLS contender.

[portu]

What I want to know is what's really going on in the dressing room. I have a hard time believing from their play that all is well under BB's tenure.

Seconded.

[noxx98]

Insigne always looking to pass to Feder. Looks like he doesn't have faith in most of his teammates. We are still far away from being an MLS contender.
To be fair, I don't really blame him.

[ag futbol]

I like Nelson’s dribbling a lot more when he doesn’t have time to think. When he lines up the fullback he over does it. Just pick a side and hit the guy with some pace.

[Bobo]

Rain, rain, come again, save me from this shocking pain.:violin:

[Gringo Starr]

This is dreadful, give Oso whatever he wants-team looks lifeless without him

[gracos]

i hope TFC plays slower finding the pass and creative play then being rushed, they are better so far in the 1st half, but sometimes sloppy in the build up, lets hope for a better 2nd half

[Oldtimer]

What I want to know is what's really going on in the dressing room. I have a hard time believing from their play that all is well under BB's tenure.


Seconded.

It could just be that the team realistically knows there's no post season coming, it's about next year now.

[los sonadores]

j
It could just be that the team realistically knows there's no post season coming, it's about next year now.

Seems likely. That and we haven’t fielded a strong enough eleven. Nelson and Kerr with Thompson off the bench is not serious. We have a few guys who really are capable of playing at a high level. And our striker is second rate also.

[DavemTFC]

I don't know what to make of this season from Ayo. He looked like he was about to get back on form in the spring and then just plateaued and now is just full on regressing

[jloome]

Jowziak was shit at Derby and he's shit at Charlotte. Phew.

[jloome]

Looks like Bob had words at half.

[Bushmancan]

Sick!!!

[jloome]

Considerable, weighty words.

[noxx98]

Cant stand Insigne- there i said it
lol.

[Oldtimer]

Nice play by Bernie and Insigne.

Good thing Bono wasn't made to pay for his terrible positioning on the near goal against TFC earlier.

[Bobo]

That goal was only slightly more highlight-worthy than Vargas (?) celebrating Jozwiak hitting the side of the net.

[Yuushalinsky]

lmao can tell when the fairweathers show

kind of a sick goal tbh

[smtavare]

Yaa ..,still cant stand him

[Yuushalinsky]

Nice play by Bernie and Insigne.

Good thing Bono wasn't made to pay for his terrible positioning on the near goal against TFC earlier.

please give a new goalie. it's been fucking painful

[portu]

I’m a big Akinola/Jimenez proponent. But they are showing nothing.

(I still don’t believe in a DP striker solution)

[jloome]

lmao can tell when the fairweathers show

kind of a sick goal tbh

Unbelievable finish. I think that bouncer was deliberate.. he sort of shapes his foot at the last second realizing the keeper has come over and skips it over him.

[Yuushalinsky]

I’m a big Akinola/Jimenez proponent. But they are showing nothing.

(I still don’t believe in a DP striker solution)

I'm still a JJ defender and I can recognize that he's not 100% after basically a full season of play in Poland and Toronto

I don't know what the excuse for Akinola is.

[Yuushalinsky]

Unbelievable finish. I think that bouncer was deliberate.. he sort of shapes his foot at the last second realizing the keeper has come over and skips it over him.

Great little corner too - the service has been better

[jloome]

Jesus.... Nelson coughs up the ball, then chases it down... then tackles it into our zone.

[Yuushalinsky]

Jesus.... Nelson coughs up the ball, then chases it down... then tackles it into our zone.

can't think of someone I'd rather less have with the ball right now

[portu]

MacNaughton regressing back to CPL levels.

Bono could play like god he should still not be re-signed.

[tfcfans]

Woooo!!!!

[DavemTFC]

Bernie amazing

[jloome]

Bernie with the bow, LOL

[Bushmancan]

You don’t shoot, you don’t score.

[Yuushalinsky]

Bernie

[portu]

There was such a heated debate about Bernadeschi before he signed 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Oldtimer]

Bernie covers another Bono mistake, then soon after scores on the other side. Wow.

[jloome]

Different team in the second half with Insigne playing basically in the hole

[Yuushalinsky]

Bernie covers another Bono mistake, then soon after scores on the other side. Wow.

Bernie is the next captain, mark my words

[ag futbol]

Damn. Am going to have to watch the second half later but good to see we scored.

I realize playoffs are an outside possibility but we need this one to keep any faint hope alive

[Bobo]

Big defensive play at one end, great goal at the other. Wonderful work from Berna.

[JoesphNdo]

There was such a heated debate about Bernadeschi before he signed 🤣🤣🤣🤣

People *significantly* under estimate the gap between MLS and a league like Serie A, I think.

Love this guy so far! It's amazing what adding a few incredibly talented footballers even to a poor side does. Wait until these are fully rested and joined by another DP

[Yuushalinsky]

Big defensive play at one end, great goal at the other. Wonderful work from Berna.

the work rate on Berna is insanity. I'm glad we got him at his prime,

[Section 223]

There was such a heated debate about Bernadeschi before he signed 藍藍藍藍
Many people on this site believe they know soccer but really don’t.

[Amir.]

man criscito what a player doing nutmegs all over sending great crosses...

[Yuushalinsky]

This one is kinda over - TFC seem to have their foot on the gas and insigne+berna have been on fire. Nelson hasn't been awful in his time on, thankfully, and Macnaughton needs a biiiit of rest, think he's running a bit on fumes.

[Bushmancan]

MLS East just wants to keep us alive…. All results so far are going our way. 3 games this week, need MAK and Oso. Loved to see how Bernie tried to get Jiminez the goal.

[jloome]

The team that showed in the second half is tough to beat in this league.

[JoesphNdo]

MLS East just wants to keep us alive

It's not the disappointment that kills you, it's the hope

[Yuushalinsky]

MLS East just wants to keep us alive…. All results so far are going our way. 3 games this week, need MAK and Oso. Loved to see how Bernie tried to get Jiminez the goal.

and he almost scored even without the deflection. JJ has at the very least been visible in helping hold up the play.

[tfcfans]

Yay !!!

It should be a fun atmosphere at BMO on Wednesday !

[Oldtimer]

I have a hard time believing from their play that all is well under BB's tenure.

First thing Insigne hugged BB after the final whistle. I think any "theories" that there is something wrong under BB's tenure can be laid to rest.

[Gringo Starr]

I enjoyed watching LI and Fede kill the game as much as the goals

[jloome]

First thing Insigne hugged BB after the final whistle. I think any "theories" that there is something wrong under BB's tenure can be laid to rest.
I dunno, it could be as little as some complacency because they sure came out a different team in the second half.
Like, night and day.

[Oldtimer]

Whatever was troubling Mavinga earlier in the season seems over. He played a great game.

Bono was Bono. Not so great but bailed out by poor finishing by Charlotte and some good defending by Mavinga and Bernie tracking back. Can't wait for Q to be back.

Bradley was solid again.

[Gringo Starr]

Getting to play along side someone as quality as Criscito must have helped Mavinga a lot,

[Yuushalinsky]

Hoping Mavinga can recover - would like to see Mac+O'Neill so Mavinga can take a bit of a sit, but these games may be way too important for us.

2 more wins with the slate in front of us could actually see us vault into a playoff spot - 4 points is kinda iffy but doable.

[ronzilla]

Excellent:

Insigne
Bern
Mavinga

Great:

Macnaughton (aside from bad give away)
O'Neill
Criscito

Good:

Laryea
Bono
Nelson


Poor:

Bradley
Akinola
Kerr

[barticusz]

Great win. Tough first half but they pulled through which is what we needed. Mavinga has been great lately and outside of a few bad plays by MacNaughton happy to see him continue to do well.

[DavemTFC]

Outstanding second half, Bernie especially, plus Laryea was quietly great on both sides of the game throughout the whole game. Mavinga really good as well, though with the injury at the end and MacNaughton having a bit of a rough one (the first game he's really struggled in since spring), it might not be a bad idea to see O'Neill and/or Henry in the next game.

Rode our luck a bit in the first half but we need a game or two like this down the stretch where we have to be opportunistic. Keeps our faint hopes alive

[DavemTFC]

Poor:

Bradley
lmao, MB could announce he's cured cancer tomorrow and some people would still hate him

[Thomas]

It’s interesting to read through these comments after having watched the game. It sounded like we were doomed. Far less than perfect, absolutely….but we got the away result.

[Richard]

lmao, MB could announce he's cured cancer tomorrow and some people would still hate him

I've been pretty consistent the last few years that he should not be an everyday 90 minute player, however this year he has been a revelation.

Bradley is now on the 4th phase of his footballing career, he might have another 1-2 years left at this level.

We still need a replacement though as teams can easily breeze by him too quickly.

[PawTar711]

I think that was another great game. If our designated players can do this for the remainder of the season, you would wonder why they didnt come to Toronto FC earlier. Almost, to say that given they are the remedy to the beginning being on and off with winning or losing, they have proven that they are good. :scarf::flare::drum:

[Richard]

What's the word on MAK? Is he done for this season or what? The guy plays one game and goes poof.

If we have any chance of making it to playoffs we need rotation in the middle.

[JoesphNdo]

Yeah I've never rated Michael Bradley particularly highly but since the Italians came in he's stepped his game up. He's playing within himself and seems to have taken his ego out of the game and he's been great, I thought he was very good last night focusing on the things he's good at. When he does that, even at his age, he still has alot to offer

[Hala Hrvatska]

GIve it to the Italians, and get out of the way. That's the game plan. Don't mess with it going forward. What a beauty by Berna. Plus 3 and on we go.

[OgtheDim]

What's the word on MAK? Is he done for this season or what? The guy plays one game and goes poof.

If we have any chance of making it to playoffs we need rotation in the middle.

MAK was questionable for this game but he was the interview on Thursday - likely last minute before travelling decisin to be held back for Wednesday / Saturday. If there was a game where we could avoid pushing players to go to, it was this one. LAG at home & the L'Impact will be much tougher.

[OgtheDim]

TSN has nothing on this game but a 33 second highlight package from their broadcast & an AP 3 paragraph blurb - no replay on demand. League has the highlights from the Carolina broadcast perspective.

[Richard]

TSN has nothing on this game but a 33 second highlight package from their broadcast & an AP 3 paragraph blurb - no replay on demand. League has the highlights from the Carolina broadcast perspective.

So looking forward to Apple running the show

[jloome]

TSN has nothing on this game but a 33 second highlight package from their broadcast & an AP 3 paragraph blurb - no replay on demand. League has the highlights from the Carolina broadcast perspective.

I’ve been telling people for two decades that soccer is hated by the sports media establishment in Canada. They run on a Bro culture of hockey, basketball, football, baseball. If it’s not one of the traditional four big leagues they turn up their noses to it as a pussy sport, they always have.

When I worked at urban papers, most of the national soccer columns I wrote were VOLUNTEER, in a place where nobody on staff volunteers columns. They only let me do it because I was a) a successful columnist, so they knew it would generate interest and b) FREE space filler.

It seems little has changed.

[Richard]

I’ve been telling people for two decades that soccer is hated by the sports media establishment in Canada. They run on a Bro culture of hockey, basketball, football, baseball. If it’s not one of the traditional four big leagues they turn up their noses to it as a pussy sport, they always have.

When I worked at urban papers, most of the national soccer columns I wrote were VOLUNTEER, in a place where nobody on staff volunteers columns. They only let me do it because I was a) a successful columnist, so they knew it would generate interest and b) FREE space filler.

It seems little has changed.

CBC started off well with TFC in my opinion and those were the dire days of Mo and company. They really missed a trick here and could have had all the Canadian content in this country from grass roots right to the national team along with world cup rights.

Isn't it hilarious that Canadian broadcasting(Nats/CPL/CONCAF) of soccer in this country is foreign own by the Spanish?

[NK Toronto]

I’ve been telling people for two decades that soccer is hated by the sports media establishment in Canada. They run on a Bro culture of hockey, basketball, football, baseball. If it’s not one of the traditional four big leagues they turn up their noses to it as a pussy sport, they always have.

When I worked at urban papers, most of the national soccer columns I wrote were VOLUNTEER, in a place where nobody on staff volunteers columns. They only let me do it because I was a) a successful columnist, so they knew it would generate interest and b) FREE space filler.

It seems little has changed.

Given the changing demographics of this country I believe this will change. A relative of mine used to work to work in an admin role for MLSE and he said that their marketing studies indicated that basketball and soccer were the sports expected to have the largest growth. I have 2 teenage boys and both are avid basketball and soccer fans, and have zero interest in hockey, baseball and American football, and many of their friends are the same.

I know for a fact that baseball is concerned about the lack of interest in the game by younger viewers. Football was the big sport when I was in high school, however today many high schools don't even play due to injury and concussion concerns. I think it's only a matter of time before the CFL folds, the sooner the better as far as I am concerned. As for hockey, participation in this sport has peaked and I believe will drop given the costs of playing as well as the exclusionary attitudes of the people running it. Didn't the Scarborough Minor Hockey Association shut down about a decade ago due to lack of participation?

Go back 100 hundred years and the most popular sports in America were boxing and horse racing. Both are now fringe sports. I would love to be around 50 years from now to see what the north American sports landscape looks like. I suspect we wouldn't recognize it.

[jloome]

Given the changing demographics of this country I believe this will change. A relative of mine used to work to work in an admin role for MLSE and he said that their marketing studies indicated that basketball and soccer were the sports expected to have the largest growth. I have 2 teenage boys and both are avid basketball and soccer fans, and have zero interest in hockey, baseball and American football, and many of their friends are the same.

I know for a fact that baseball is concerned about the lack of interest in the game by younger viewers. Football was the big sport when I was in high school, however today many high schools don't even play due to injury and concussion concerns. I think it's only a matter of time before the CFL folds, the sooner the better as far as I am concerned. As for hockey, participation in this sport has peaked and I believe will drop given the costs of playing as well as the exclusionary attitudes of the people running it. Didn't the Scarborough Minor Hockey Association shut down about a decade ago due to lack of participation?

Go back 100 hundred years and the most popular sports in America were boxing and horse racing. Both are now fringe sports. I would love to be around 50 years from now to see what the north American sports landscape looks like. I suspect we wouldn't recognize it.

Good points.

I do wonder if Canada's improving fortunes have more to do with the demographic shift than improved coaching and infrastructure. When I look at foreign leagues rated higher than MLS is does seem more and more that team tactics and player intelligence is increasingly where the gap lies, rather than athleticism or ability on the ball.

[MikeForbes]

TSN has nothing on this game but a 33 second highlight package from their broadcast & an AP 3 paragraph blurb - no replay on demand. League has the highlights from the Carolina broadcast perspective.

The replay is up on TSN now. Watching it currently since I missed last night's game because of that COVID thing.

[ag futbol]

I’ve been telling people for two decades that soccer is hated by the sports media establishment in Canada. They run on a Bro culture of hockey, basketball, football, baseball. If it’s not one of the traditional four big leagues they turn up their noses to it as a pussy sport, they always have.

When I worked at urban papers, most of the national soccer columns I wrote were VOLUNTEER, in a place where nobody on staff volunteers columns. They only let me do it because I was a) a successful columnist, so they knew it would generate interest and b) FREE space filler.

It seems little has changed.
Give it (more) time. Basketball was dismissed for quite a while too. First as a joke. Then a curiosity for urbanites. Now it has a mass appeal. The TSN’s and Sportsnets will never learn to love soccer, but they are about 5-10 years from being irrelevant.

Socioeconomic reality of today: things are changing. Hockey is expensive and ice time is hard to come by. In my own social circle, the average response I’ve gotten from a parent asking if they’ll register their kid in minor hockey is “maybe if they ask, but we’re registering them in other sports right now”. That’s normally followed by some backhand comment about not wanting their kid to be a “hockey douche”. People who grew up with the sport and played for a long time tend to be the exception, but everyone else seems fairly mixed about their involvement.

Sports like baseball, soccer, and basketball that are cheap to play and have less concerns surrounding head injuries / repetitive contact are the most popular choice. And I should add, are the most requested by the kids too.

[ag futbol]

CBC started off well with TFC in my opinion and those were the dire days of Mo and company. They really missed a trick here and could have had all the Canadian content in this country from grass roots right to the national team along with world cup rights.

Isn't it hilarious that Canadian broadcasting(Nats/CPL/CONCAF) of soccer in this country is foreign own by the Spanish?
Totally agree. The cbc was torn down and had to reinvent itself in maybe ways. This would have been a great opportunity and beneficial for all.

[NK Toronto]

Give it (more) time. Basketball was dismissed for quite a while too. First as a joke. Then a curiosity for urbanites. Now it has a mass appeal. The TSN’s and Sportsnets will never learn to love soccer, but they are about 5-10 years from being irrelevant.

Socioeconomic reality of today: things are changing. Hockey is expensive and ice time is hard to come by. In my own social circle, the average response I’ve gotten from a parent asking if they’ll register their kid in minor hockey is “maybe if they ask, but we’re registering them in other sports right now”. That’s normally followed by some backhand comment about not wanting their kid to be a “hockey douche”. People who grew up with the sport and played for a long time tend to be the exception, but everyone else seems fairly mixed about their involvement.

Sports like baseball, soccer, and basketball that are cheap to play and have less concerns surrounding head injuries / repetitive contact are the most popular choice. And I should add, are the most requested by the kids too.

Sports consumers today have many more choices than even 5 years ago. I can't remember the last time I even watched Sportsnet, which is nothing more than a vehicle for promoting the Blue Jays. The only reason I keep TSN is for TFC games, otherwise I have no use for either of these channels. Most of my sports watching is now via streaming services such as DAZN and FUBO, and my footy information is through various soccer podcasts.

As for hockey, because we live in Canada we get a skewed perspective about its global popularity. If you want to piss off a hockey fan just tell them that hockey is an irrelevant sport played in six countries in the world, and watch the steam start coming from their ears. There is a reason the world junior hockey championship is played in Canada more often than not. When played elsewhere no one shows up.

Sorry for the rant, but I too am disappointed by the total contempt exhibited by the sports media in this country towards soccer.

[nick.mastro]

There was such a heated debate about Bernadeschi before he signed 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Haha for real. Favorite player on the team for sure

[ensco]

I believe the problem with TFC coverage is that Bell and Rogers are allowed to own MLSE. That should never have been permitted, it totally eliminates new entrants like DAZN and FUBO and Mediasport, and all kinds of other knock on effects flow from that.

[nick.mastro]

Sports consumers today have many more choices than even 5 years ago. I can't remember the last time I even watched Sportsnet, which is nothing more than a vehicle for promoting the Blue Jays. The only reason I keep TSN is for TFC games, otherwise I have no use for either of these channels. Most of my sports watching is now via streaming services such as DAZN and FUBO, and my footy information is through various soccer podcasts.

As for hockey, because we live in Canada we get a skewed perspective about its global popularity. If you want to piss off a hockey fan just tell them that hockey is an irrelevant sport played in six countries in the world, and watch the steam start coming from their ears. There is a reason the world junior hockey championship is played in Canada more often than not. When played elsewhere no one shows up.

Sorry for the rant, but I too am disappointed by the total contempt exhibited by the sports media in this country towards soccer.

It even blows my mind that even a show like "Tim and Friends" will NEVER talk about TFC, but theyll talk about the last or upcoming Argo game... pisses me off

[Mr. Inbetween]

Bernie amazing


Bernie with the bow, LOL


Bernie covers another Bono mistake, then soon after scores on the other side. Wow.

Has to be said again... seems Fede has really bought in.
The fist pump and vocal when he came back to finally break up that attack play is telling.
Then with continued effort and determination to be rewarded shortly there after.
An explanation of sporting satisfaction.
Carries an attitude that looks to be infectious; focused... but fun and easy going.
Chatting it up with a female spectator; over a drink... of water... perhaps?
Even opponent fans during a corner? All smiles.
His PR is priceless.
Even being featured in Italian media.
Saying a lot of really nice things about the organization, league, city and country.
Might even help TFC attract another Italian signing or two during the next couple of windows.
Can't ask anymore from his on or off pitch commitment and performance than this.

[Ultra & Proud]

It even blows my mind that even a show like "Tim and Friends" will NEVER talk about TFC, but theyll talk about the last or upcoming Argo game... pisses me off
I've seen them do TFC but usually only when something big happens (like the LI & FB debuts) and it's like a 45 second bit tops.

[FootBallAZ]

I dunno, it could be as little as some complacency because they sure came out a different team in the second half.
Like, night and day.


honestly- im trying to recall how many goals came from the flow of play.

aside from laryea's to bernie and oso's.

All goals basically were italian's wonderstrikes and some really nice passing by bernie.


is this chemistry between the italians or is BOB implementing these approaches?

[Canary10]

Part of the problem with our sportscasting is the media staff are not sports knowledgeable or even curious/inquisitive about other sports. They only know about hockey and maybe North American football. Athletics is another area criminally underreported in our mainstream sports.

[ag futbol]

honestly- im trying to recall how many goals came from the flow of play.

aside from laryea's to bernie and oso's.

All goals basically were italian's wonderstrikes and some really nice passing by bernie.

is this chemistry between the italians or is BOB implementing these approaches?
Agreed, it feels a tad clunky at times.

Every time Bernardeschi gets the ball on the right side I keep thinking to myself “well this looks awkward”. The guy is twisting himself into pretzels trying to get to the areas where he’s the most effective. We should be making his life easier rather than being lined up in a 1v2 situation close to the touch line. You’d think we’d move him him towards the inside channel on occasion just to get closer to a shooting position and leave more room for Laryea to overlap.

Of course he’s been effective but I would call that primary a function of his own industry rather than our tactics.

[Ultra & Proud]

Agreed, it feels a tad clunky at times.

Every time Bernardeschi gets the ball on the right side I keep thinking to myself “well this looks awkward”. The guy is twisting himself into pretzels trying to get to the areas where he’s the most effective. We should be making his life easier rather than being lined up in a 1v2 situation close to the touch line. You’d think we’d move him him towards the inside channel on occasion just to get closer to a shooting position and leave more room for Laryea to overlap.

Of course he’s been effective but I would call that primary a function of his own industry rather than our tactics.
Having somebody effective going forward from midfield would help but we haven't had that consistently since LI & FB arrrived.

[jloome]

Agreed, it feels a tad clunky at times.

Every time Bernardeschi gets the ball on the right side I keep thinking to myself “well this looks awkward”. The guy is twisting himself into pretzels trying to get to the areas where he’s the most effective. We should be making his life easier rather than being lined up in a 1v2 situation close to the touch line. You’d think we’d move him him towards the inside channel on occasion just to get closer to a shooting position and leave more room for Laryea to overlap.

Of course he’s been effective but I would call that primary a function of his own industry rather than our tactics.

On the upside, he adapted this time. He moved Insigne inside as a mid. I imagine he leaves Bernie wide because he wants at least one side where the defenders have to move out of the low block to cover an attacker.

I suspect any time we’re not getting love in the m idle from the midfielders and strikers, he’ll pull LI off the wing now and have him run the ship in terms of distribution. Certainly any time Oso isn’t there.