Canadian Championship - Rovers FC@TFC Wed April 24th 7:38pm - He Said, "Enter at

[OgtheDim]

Your own risk

I am not Responsible"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX4TRokw78E&ab_channel=ElaineVEVO

*********

Have At It People

[flatpicker]

The only other time I have gone to a game that featured a League 1 team called Rovers was when I went to a couple games in Bristol while visiting family. Both times Rovers lost. So I take that as a good sign for this week's matchup. lol

[jloome]

Trap game? Anyone know enough about Simcoe to know if there's any threat? I read a piece today but it was a bit muddled. Sounded like they have two of the defecting Cubans from the WC cycle, as well as possible some ex-pros?

[los sonadores]

This article sort of makes me want to cheer for Simcoe Country, hah. I like a heavy underdog and frankly I don’t think we’re going to win anything much, overall, in any competition, until we get better. Also, it sounds like the club is truly well run (which we cannot say about TFC).

2000 travelling supporters expected, and Simcoe has 5 former CPL players (including the two Cubans) plus a U-17 Canadian player.

https://canpl.ca/article/theyre-local-heroes-simcoe-county-rovers-inspiring-barrie-community-ahead-of-dream-toronto-fc-clash

[SenorDingDong]

Surely this is the game Mailula gets his start?

[barticusz]

Surely this is the game Mailula gets his start?

Hahah still not good enough.

[MikeForbes]

I can see Ayo potentially scoring a goal. League1 Ontario is probably his level currently.

[Red CB Toronto]

Will be very interested to see if John put out the best 11 to start, blow them up for 3, 4 or more first half goals and then empty the bench for the 2nd or does he manage the roster with the road trip to Orlando on the weekend in mind. Do we see some TFC II signings? There is no doubt Simcoe County will be coming here to play especially with an expected 2K or so of their fans making their way down the 400 for the game.

[MikeForbes]

Will be very interested to see if John put out the best 11 to start, blow them up for 3, 4 or more first half goals and then empty the bench for the 2nd or does he manage the roster with the road trip to Orlando on the weekend in mind. Do we see some TFC II signings? There is no doubt Simcoe County will be coming here to play especially with an expected 2K or so of their fans making their way down the 400 for the game.

This is the perfect time to give guys like Mabika, Mailula, Kosi, Kerr and maybe even a couple kids like Ythallo and Staniland some game time. Have Prince, Bernie, Oso and whoever else ready to go in the second half if needed.

[OgtheDim]

All the language out of Herdman is they are taking this one seriously and will rotate some senior members in who knew last week this would be a starting assignment for them.

Oso loves beating teams like this because it feeds his "top dog in Canada" mentality - I think Herdman also has that approach.

Mabika, Gravan, Kerr should start. Kosi will for sure, as a CB, based on Friday's presser.

Anybody carrying a knock should not start- Petretta, Berne.

I'm a little concerned about how our midfield will look - although watching Flores scare these guys could be fun.

[Red CB Toronto]

Based on the 20 who dressed on Saturday, if Berna and Raoul sit plus Kevin Long returns to the lineup, do we see a TFC II signing or two to fill things out, giving John some roster sub options if the Reds get up in the first half, does he start resting guys come the second half? I do not want to call this a trap game because of the wide gap in roster quality and John having them ready, but on the other hand you do not want to get into a scrappy one goal win or something.

https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/438125114_1830997320736239_5987058669161027264_n.j pg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=TomA4dXveKwAb4FRfZi&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=03_Q7cD1QHVibThfOhoMfGAS-UIYhPZUCNrAZfl7DhkzczieTYFPQ&oe=664E9874


All the language out of Herdman is they are taking this one seriously and will rotate some senior members in who knew last week this would be a starting assignment for them.

Oso loves beating teams like this because it feeds his "top dog in Canada" mentality - I think Herdman also has that approach.

Mabika, Gravan, Kerr should start. Kosi will for sure, as a CB, based on Friday's presser.

Anybody carrying a knock should not start- Petretta, Berne.

I'm a little concerned about how our midfield will look - although watching Flores scare these guys could be fun.

[Prof]

Surely this is the game Mailula gets his start?

Mailula should be starting in Osorio's position. He is a poacher, he and Prince up top with Bernadeschi behind them would give us more punch than what Oso offers.

[613reppingTFC]

Tried looking for this on Fubo for anyone unable to attend. It shows it at listed on One Soccer and Fubo but when I reached out and contacted someone they said that the game will be unavailable. In years past they were pretty quick to make the change and have it available. I wonder if now that they have EPL it's changed a bit of how they operate.

Also if Berna plays maybe he finally can get the monkey off his back.

[SenorDingDong]

Also if Berna plays maybe he finally can get the monkey off his back.

I'd be surprised if Berna starts but imagine he will be on the bench.

I mean if our B team can't be a league 1 Ontario team then we really need to clean house with them.

[Mikmacdo]

Trap game? Anyone know enough about Simcoe to know if there's any threat? I read a piece today but it was a bit muddled. Sounded like they have two of the defecting Cubans from the WC cycle, as well as possible some ex-pros?
they have two ex cuban national team players and a bunch of guys who were bench warmers in the cpl. they played york in preseason and lost. tfc should honestly win by 4 minimum.

[Joe Kool]

Tried looking for this on Fubo for anyone unable to attend. It shows it at listed on One Soccer and Fubo but when I reached out and contacted someone they said that the game will be unavailable. In years past they were pretty quick to make the change and have it available. I wonder if now that they have EPL it's changed a bit of how they operate.

Also if Berna plays maybe he finally can get the monkey off his back.

I would ignore the Fubo guide. It is terrible at times like this. Sometimes the game being played on One Soccer is not even what is on the guide at the time. Sometimes it changes last minute. Really unreliable. Worst case I will play the live One Soccer channel on Fubo at the start time of the game and hope for the best.

[jloome]

Well that's me out of watching. Fubo doesn't carry Leeds this year and I'm not paying more per month for the CPL and the odd Canada game than I pay for most major streaming services.

$12.99 for OneSoccer? They must be having a laugh. Mental.

[los sonadores]

Seems there are $10 tickets even at ticketmaster… I’ll probably get something and walk over to the stadium. It’ll be strange to see the north end blue but there is something really nice about these sort of matches. That we have one now in Canada says a lot about the growth of football here.

[los sonadores]

they have two ex cuban national team players and a bunch of guys who were bench warmers in the cpl. they played york in preseason and lost. tfc should honestly win by 4 minimum.

Maybe… but that’s the fun of matches like this. Also, they scored two against York, it was 3-2, so not at all bad for a preseason match.

[OgtheDim]

Fubo carries OneSoccer

[OgtheDim]

Kerr out - foot injury - plantar fasciitis

[Red CB Toronto]

Kerr out - foot injury - plantar fasciitis

Plus John said their would be a few TFC II short term signings for tomorrow evening, they have not released that announcement yet.

[James17930]

If we lose this game we don't deserve to exist.

[los sonadores]

If we lose this game we don't deserve to exist.

Think of it as taking one for Canadian soccer!

To be honest, I’d rather lose than seeing Bernie and too many of our first stringers out there with a league match on Saturday. At least Insigne is not possible… $14 million US against a League One Ontario side is a somewhat ridiculous proposition. Or maybe not… the entire wage bill of AFC Marine when they played Spurs in 2021 in the 3rd round of the FA cup was 750 quid:

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-cup-third-round-marine-tottenham-mourinho-b2473334.html

[los sonadores]

This article is a bit more detailed about Simcoe County than the others I’ve seen.

https://wakingthered.com/2024/04/23/15345/toronto-fc-welcome-simcoe-county-rovers-for-league1-ontario-teams-biggest-game-in-club-history/

[rydermike]

While my initial thought was to bench the top guys, I feel like we should throw out Bernardeschi, let him bag a hat trick and get that goal scoring monkey off his back. Also, it would be a career highlight for the Simcoe players to play him. Like when Tottenham threw out some stars like Gareth Bale, Dele Alli, and Lucas Moura out against Marine

[jloome]

While my initial thought was to bench the top guys, I feel like we should throw out Bernardeschi, let him bag a hat trick and get that goal scoring monkey off his back. Also, it would be a career highlight for the Simcoe players to play him. Like when Tottenham threw out some stars like Gareth Bale, Dele Alli, and Lucas Moura out against Marine

Jim Brennan's take this week on Footy Prime was that we should put out a strong team and try to wax them 15-0. Be good for morale, basically.

I'm not adverse; most MLS weeks until Leagues Cup are single game, so one four-day turnover shouldn't be extra taxing.

[SenorDingDong]

Jim Brennan's take this week on Footy Prime was that we should put out a strong team and try to wax them 15-0. Be good for morale, basically.

I'm not adverse; most MLS weeks until Leagues Cup are single game, so one four-day turnover shouldn't be extra taxing.

I'm starting to lean towards this at least for 45 min. But anyone nursing a knock should sit.

[jloome]

From his presser, I'm guessing we're getting mostly backups and TFCII kids.

Hopefully Mailula gets a start, and Thompson. They need chances to prove themselves in real game situations. Be good to see Pearlman and Mabika get time, too.

[los sonadores]

From his presser, I'm guessing we're getting mostly backups and TFCII kids.

Hopefully Mailula gets a start, and Thompson. They need chances to prove themselves in real game situations. Be good to see Pearlman and Mabika get time, too.

This is the lineup I’m expecting. Herdman, in his first club gig sounds, in general, like he’s really trying to play it safe. As he should do, given our recent injury history.

It’ll be fun - there’s a lot for everyone on both sides to play for.

[jloome]

Although in our usual well-earned cynicism, I did think it was a rather bright spot this morning when I realized we have one more win than Columbus so far this season.

[los sonadores]

Although in our usual well-earned cynicism, I did think it was a rather bright spot this morning when I realized we have one more win than Columbus so far this season.

That is shocking!

[MikeForbes]

Oh yeah, this is tonight.

[OgtheDim]

Confirmation in the Fubo guide area that Simcoe & TFC on there.

Of course, its likely Wheeler so YYMV as far as enjoyment is concerned.

[Amir.]

these are some of the players they have or at least who were announced as on the roster for 2024


alejandro portal
orlendis benitez
alexander zis
justyn thomas
shawn-claud lawson
cameron da silva
allen saye blegay
andre beecher
kai garvey
felipe d'agostini
ijah halley
javier george
milton joseph
micah joseph
jalen watson
jevonte layne
paul karagianakos
tajay reid
shamir akbar
cj smith
luc ihama
nathaniel st louis
matthew fisher
jordan barclay
rimi olatunji
andron karagramanyan
matt passacquale
dikola douglas


lots of former pros in there and good quality overall...led by zak "zico" mahrady who used to play in the lower leagues in sweden and doneil henry helped them prepare also...if toronto doesnt take this seriously there could be a possibility of an upset...if kosi thompson starts at cb like herdman hinted then simcoe should be going at him

[SenorDingDong]

Omg Cash is actually starting. It finally happened.

[MikeForbes]

Cash starts. Ayo is gonezo.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFC/status/1783265457249616069

[Amir.]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GL9ue19WMAA1tKJ?format=jpg&name=medium

[SenorDingDong]

I didn't even notice Ayo wasn't there or on the bench. So he must be gone or loaned out then.

Decently strong lineup overall. Glad Berna and Petretta are resting.

[SenorDingDong]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFC/status/1783266362745409941

[los sonadores]

Cash starts. Ayo is gonezo.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFC/status/1783265457249616069

Thanks for posting. We should really be taking care of business with this 11.
Full midfield I hope, some service from there and attacking down the left with JMR?

Franklin covering Thompson.

[Amir.]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GL9wXs7XwAAnEvy?format=jpg&name=medium

[mowe]

Did we really need to start Long in this match? He’s about to turn 34 in a few months and is one of our key players.

[OgtheDim]

Wheeler in the studio means not in the booth - might actually turn on the sound.

[Amir.]

onesoccer has it as a 3-4-3 with osorio and mailula on the wings and thompson at cb and a 4-4-2 for rovers

[jloome]

Andi Petrillo stresses all the wrong words.

"What does it mean to watch this national championship GROW?"

[SenorDingDong]

Osorio on the wings? Interesting choice...

[jloome]

Osorio on the wings? Interesting choice...

They spend much of their times in the narrow channels in Herdman's system, so JMR and Franklin will be doing most of the actual wing work.

[OgtheDim]

Andi Petrillo stresses all the wrong words.

She was so darn good during that one WWC....having to do dailies is killing her capabilities. (well that and the whole "defend the company skimming from the NT's to pay for my salary thing")

[jloome]

"What HAS your message BEEN to them as they PREPARE to play the game of their lives even...."

[OgtheDim]

Hmm....Fubo stream 30 seconds or so behind youtube stream.

Careful on twitter if you are on Fubo.

[jloome]

Ah, the usual small, snide remarks from the OneSoccer crew.

[OgtheDim]

9 minutes in and I'm wondering if their only possession has been goal kicks

[jloome]

If we lose to this team, or even don't win convincingly, it will be a little humiliating. The difference is large.

[OgtheDim]

Yeh, the WB's are wide open every time.

[MikeForbes]

Mabika is constantly just bodying their striker. It is fun to watch.

[mowe]

Hope Owusu scores a bunch more.

[los sonadores]

Nice to see Oso roving box to box. He really should only play in the middle of the pitch.

Gavran best stop so far.

Cash money!

[MikeForbes]

Cash money!!!

[los sonadores]

almost a second from Cash.

[los sonadores]

Long with the header, Oso again involved… this is looking good for morale.

[MikeForbes]

John Herdman and crushing minnows. A great Canadian soccer tradition.

[OgtheDim]

John Herdman and crushing minnows. A great Canadian soccer tradition.

Barrie = British Virgin Islands


Weird thing on the goal is Cash went to celebrate and on the TV at least...nobody seemed to go with him.

It looks like they've been told to get the ball back quickly and keep the pace up to crush any hopes.

[SenorDingDong]

Nobody is really celebrating goals here.

Coello annoys me at times for how long he takes to make a pass. Longstaff is quicker

[jloome]

I mean, it's like FIFA on easy out there... but Mailula is playing a blinder, given the chance.

[mowe]

Beautiful goal. Shoutout Owusu for the perfect layoff.

[SenorDingDong]

I would have to imagine Oso and Long are off at half.

[rydermike]

TFC2 guys on at halftime?

[rydermike]

I don't have onesoccer but is it basically this?
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1d/17/33/1d1733fde5bf2e71b86e508d3b2f5206.gif

Edit:forgot to copy url

[MikeForbes]

TFC2 guys on at halftime?

Hope so. Zero reason to risk guys like Prince, Oso and Long before the weekend.

[los sonadores]

TFC2 guys on at halftime?

Should be.

[OgtheDim]

I don't have onesoccer but is it basically this?
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1d/17/33/1d1733fde5bf2e71b86e508d3b2f5206.gif

...

Pretty much

As I stated, I am pretty sure it took Simcoe 10 minutes to have a player in possession.

[OgtheDim]

I don't have onesoccer but is it basically this?
...


The game is on Fubo.

[rydermike]

The game is on Fubo.
Dont have that either

[OgtheDim]

Spicer as CF

[MikeForbes]

Spicer as CF

Herdman see's the vision.

[jloome]

Meh. We weren't very good, they were just awful.

[Stress]

Was at the game, so don’t know how he looked on TV but I think I’m ready to give up on Mailula. Maybe it’s the cold, but his touch looked poor and he’s too slow for someone that doesn’t also have a good size. Just can’t see him doing well in MLS and I think it’s now obvious why he wasn’t getting any meaningful minutes.


Curious if others feel differently.

[Prof]

Was at the game, so don’t know how he looked on TV but I think I’m ready to give up on Mailula. Maybe it’s the cold, but his touch looked poor and he’s too slow for someone that doesn’t also have a good size. Just can’t see him doing well in MLS and I think it’s now obvious why he wasn’t getting any meaningful minutes.


Curious if others feel differently.

I disagreee. He has obvious skill and a poachers instincts. He runs the lanes and has vision. Given more playing time with Prince, I think they will develop chemistry needed up top.

[los sonadores]

Meh. We weren't very good, they were just awful.

Difficult to say, the levels were so different. 5-0 was Spurs vs Marine. One loses track of the score after awhile but it was fun in the stadium, most people seemed to be enjoying it, cheering for Simcoe to score. Their Cuban 10 strikes a nice ball. Probably it’s all tiresome on TV, I don’t think I’d bother.

What else? Gomis shouldn’t play wingback. Spicer looked more comfortable at striker than at wingback though not especially good.

Thompson seemed better at RCB than his other positions though not sure if he’s ready to play there in MLS or ever will be. But I’d say there or bust. Thompson, Franklin and Dumitru were good together but not quite the intensity for MLS (and that certainly wasn’t needed here). I think if Kosi plays RCB, Thompson needs to play wingback beside him, he’s more fullback than wingback… even if Kosi gets forward almost the most often of the two. Nevertheless, it seemed Thompson played with purpose which I don’t think I’ve seen before from him. He’s very quick… though he was burned early on by their Cuban ten.

Oso was the most effective player on the pitch. I think the guy is a central mid and should not be playing the wing at all, doesn’t matter if the wings play at times in the inside channels. Against Simcoe he’s box to box, in the league he’s probably a ten.

[los sonadores]

About Cash Money, I’m of the mind that, yeah, he’s too small and slow to play much in MLS. Despite the goal and the nice strike I can see why he’s not gotten a start before this.

[jloome]

I thought Mailula was quite good in the first half but tried to do too much in the second. His finish was good, and the long strike, and the ball to Owusu (which he knocked back to Osorio but clearly could've taken himself).

He certainly looked at least backup worthy. (Admittedly against poor opposition).

[los sonadores]

I thought Mailula was quite good in the first half but tried to do too much in the second. His finish was good, and the long strike, and the ball to Owusu (which he knocked back to Osorio but clearly could've taken himself).

He certainly looked at least backup worthy. (Admittedly against poor opposition).

I’m sceptical. I didn’t see enough there… but difficult to tell in that match.

[los sonadores]

Davidson’s article.

I didn’t know Dumitru was 17. He looked very composed.

https://ca.news.yahoo.com/toronto-fc-puts-semi-pro-013322809.html

[los sonadores]

The highlights:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm5mA4SDcg4

[los sonadores]

And from the other side, if people want to do a bit more reading:

https://www.barrietoday.com/columns/playing-field/column-toronto-fc-runs-roughshod-over-upstart-rovers-8649363

[SenorDingDong]

I thought Mailula was quite good in the first half but tried to do too much in the second. His finish was good, and the long strike, and the ball to Owusu (which he knocked back to Osorio but clearly could've taken himself).

He certainly looked at least backup worthy. (Admittedly against poor opposition).

He was a mixed bag for me. Thought he had some great sequences of play, passes the goal and the shot and some really poor touches as well and a couple passes to nowhere. TFC social media is giving him some love though which I'm sure is good for his confidence.

I thought Kosi Thompson didn't look good. Almost gave away a goal. I'd be done with him after this season.

Simcoe made Mabika look great, he was just so big and powerful and bullied all their forwards.
But I still don't know if I would keep him.

JMR was also a little frustrating. He had acres of time and space on the ball and I felt really should have done more at times. Some really poor shot attempts and too many backwards passes.

[los sonadores]

Although in our usual well-earned cynicism, I did think it was a rather bright spot this morning when I realized we have one more win than Columbus so far this season.

Or maybe not entirely shocking given how much Columbus is putting into their Champions Cup. Still, unexpected that it’s us with more wins.

[los sonadores]

He was a mixed bag for me. Thought he had some great sequences of play, passes the goal and the shot and some really poor touches as well and a couple passes to nowhere. TFC social media is giving him some love though which I'm sure is good for his confidence.

I thought Kosi Thompson didn't look good. Almost gave away a goal. I'd be done with him after this season.

Simcoe made Mabika look great, he was just so big and powerful and bullied all their forwards.
But I still don't know if I would keep him.

JMR was also a little frustrating. He had acres of time and space on the ball and I felt really should have done more at times. Some really poor shot attempts and too many backwards passes.

Is Thompson’s contract up at the end of this season? Given how much Herdman can use a RCB who can get forward, I’d continue with the experiment at least while Thompson doesn’t count against the senior cap. He and Franklin worked well together.

Mabika was certainly calm and composed in the centre last night. He’s only 25, and with a grand total of 15 games played at the MLS level before joining us, I think he’s coming along well.

Cash, if he was adequate in the league, I don’t think we would need Etienne.

[SenorDingDong]

Is Thompson’s contract up at the end of this season? Given how much Herdman can use a RCB who can get forward, I’d continue with the experiment at least while Thompson doesn’t count against the senior cap. He and Franklin worked well together.

Mabika was certainly calm and composed in the centre last night. He’s only 25, and with a grand total of 15 games played at the MLS level before joining us, I think he’s coming along well.

Cash, if he was adequate in the league, I don’t think we would need Etienne.

Thompson contract is up. I agree that I think Herdmann is seeing if this will be a fit and if its not he's probably gone.

[jloome]

Cash, if he was adequate in the league, I don’t think we would need Etienne.

A judgement call, not anything that can be claimed as fact, as he never gets a chance in the league.

He was good last night. His lack of pace was evident on the breakaway, but his passing was good all night and excellent a few times, he got into dangerous spots around the box.

He has clear issues based on his size and strength, but he also is clearly well trained and was dangerous consistently. He tucked the goal away nicely to the short side on a moving keeper, he set up the Osorio goal, because Owusu really should've just nodded it in instead of cutting its back for a more challenging finish by Osorio, and his shooting inside the box led to the second half goal.

So... I don't know. Clearly Herdman doesn't rate him but I look at what Ayo or Peruzza have done -- nothing -- and that both have received many more chances than this guy, and that doesn't really sit right either. He may not, at 23, be ready for prime time, but he should at least get some backup time to prove himself, because practise doesn't mean shit compared to game time. There are plenty of guys in football history who haven't looked particularly good in practise but are excellent under pressure.

[jloome]

People whining about the 7-0 comment aren't thinking like managers; he has a tough game on the road against Orlando this weekend. Every league game is a new fight, a new reason to find motivating factors to raise the team up. By selling them that he's mildly disappointed with that performance (which he should be, it should've been 10-0 easily) he tells the team he expects better on Saturday.

By doing it publicly when asked in the presser, he prevents it being "leaked" as something it's not. Present one face to the world and you prevent the world from reinterpreting who you are.

[jloome]

I thought Herdman's comments on Mailula were quite positive.

"Every week he keeps his head down, he works hard, he’s always got a positive outlook. Players like that, they build a resilience through MLS. This season might not be his season. It might be. But if he keeps doing what he’s doing, which is stay focused, he’s got a chance.”"

[Kamp Berg]

I thought Herdman's comments on Mailula were quite positive.

"Every week he keeps his head down, he works hard, he’s always got a positive outlook. Players like that, they build a resilience through MLS. This season might not be his season. It might be. But if he keeps doing what he’s doing, which is stay focused, he’s got a chance.”"

Herdman’s pressers are such a breath of fresh air

[los sonadores]

A judgement call, not anything that can be claimed as fact, as he never gets a chance in the league.

He was good last night. His lack of pace was evident on the breakaway, but his passing was good all night and excellent a few times, he got into dangerous spots around the box.

He has clear issues based on his size and strength, but he also is clearly well trained and was dangerous consistently. He tucked the goal away nicely to the short side on a moving keeper, he set up the Osorio goal, because Owusu really should've just nodded it in instead of cutting its back for a more challenging finish by Osorio, and his shooting inside the box led to the second half goal.

So... I don't know. Clearly Herdman doesn't rate him but I look at what Ayo or Peruzza have done -- nothing -- and that both have received many more chances than this guy, and that doesn't really sit right either. He may not, at 23, be ready for prime time, but he should at least get some backup time to prove himself, because practise doesn't mean shit compared to game time. There are plenty of guys in football history who haven't looked particularly good in practise but are excellent under pressure.

Sure, man, but everything that happens in a football team involves judgement… it might be said that making innumerable judgement calls is the reason people are hired to run the clubs. Doesn’t mean we have to agree, of course. But after being at the stadium (closer to seeing the whole match than a TV screen, but very far from the daily grind of practise, etc), I think Herdman is not wrong on this one. Cash had some good moments, good responses to certain situations but his speed and size/strength did not look up to MLS in general.

Everyone’s level was lifted playing against Simcoe, and actually that was part of the pleasure in watching… our roster became packed with players showing their ideal capabilities (except in the 2nd half, hah… we lost Oso, and we also, via the subs, lost our capacity to penetrate on the wings).

In his press conference (with Osorio) after the match he was asked how he thought Cash did and he said ‘Cash is not playing because he has Insigne, Osorio and Bernie in front of him but he’s a hard worker and he has a chance’. Not exactly a ringing endorsement especially after they’re rushing in Etienne to cover for Insigne and Oso. I do think he’ll be given a chance, at least off the bench but watching him against Simcoe, that he hasn’t had a chance yet didn’t surprise me. He looks good in the highlights, and sure, in time, give him some minutes but I’m not sure that his pluses outweigh this minuses in this league.

Of course, Herdman might be wrong. I watched live or on TV most of the Nats men’s matches he coached and often didn’t agree with his take on players.

[los sonadores]

People whining about the 7-0 comment aren't thinking like managers; he has a tough game on the road against Orlando this weekend. Every league game is a new fight, a new reason to find motivating factors to raise the team up. By selling them that he's mildly disappointed with that performance (which he should be, it should've been 10-0 easily) he tells the team he expects better on Saturday.

By doing it publicly when asked in the presser, he prevents it being "leaked" as something it's not. Present one face to the world and you prevent the world from reinterpreting who you are.

I agree with this. Herdman has been quite open all along so far, more than most. He lets us in on his thinking though not at the expense of firstly motivating his players.

[los sonadores]

I thought Herdman's comments on Mailula were quite positive.

"Every week he keeps his head down, he works hard, he’s always got a positive outlook. Players like that, they build a resilience through MLS. This season might not be his season. It might be. But if he keeps doing what he’s doing, which is stay focused, he’s got a chance.”"

Sounds better than my condensed, half quote above of (almost) the same moment… but what does it mean? He’s okay to have around but at least one more season away from playing in the league and even so, with another season of training under his belt, he has only a chance. Herdman also mentioned that because he’s done well in SA doesn’t mean he should playing here.

Not really the sort of under 22 players the clubs are bringing in from abroad… and with good reason. I think he’s a bit too much, experience wise, to play with tfc 2 but not enough in general to play much in the first team. Maybe in time but I’m not expecting it.

[jloome]

Not really the sort of under 22 players the clubs are bringing in from abroad… and with good reason. I think he’s a bit too much, experience wise, to play with tfc 2 but not enough in general to play much in the first team. Maybe in time but I’m not expecting it.

That's fair. He's a u22 initiative but he's on a relatively low wage. I think he was worth a flyer based on his producitivy there, but the level he's at physically at 22 he faces some of the same challenges Coello does in being smart/consistent enough to be worth using despite the physical lack of presence.

His technique was really good, on the half-volley, on his long passing. The speed didn't seem up to being a winger. If we're playing a team bunkered in he'll probably look really good. If he has to play two ways a lot, he probably becomes a big liability, as he's small enough to get around easily but not quick enough to make up for it.

But that was also a knock on Oso, that he wasn't quick or strong enough, and he really improved his pace from his first few years to when he was starting regularly in 2017/2018.

I think he has something offensively. It's hard to explain intangibles sometimes but his lateral movement into the box, the way he was looking for space, the way he was quickly writing off the bad first option and moving the ball to someone dangerously... I just see something, I guess. Whether it's enough to make up for the physical shortcomings is the question.

But that's also going to be on how we use him. If we expect a two-way player, we'll be disappointed. I don't think he's a winger. I think he's a poacher/second striker who needs to operate near the box.

[OgtheDim]

So... Jermaine Defoe without the technique or the Mom

[los sonadores]

That's fair. He's a u22 initiative but he's on a relatively low wage. I think he was worth a flyer based on his producitivy there, but the level he's at physically at 22 he faces some of the same challenges Coello does in being smart/consistent enough to be worth using despite the physical lack of presence.

His technique was really good, on the half-volley, on his long passing. The speed didn't seem up to being a winger. If we're playing a team bunkered in he'll probably look really good. If he has to play two ways a lot, he probably becomes a big liability, as he's small enough to get around easily but not quick enough to make up for it.

But that was also a knock on Oso, that he wasn't quick or strong enough, and he really improved his pace from his first few years to when he was starting regularly in 2017/2018.

I think he has something offensively. It's hard to explain intangibles sometimes but his lateral movement into the box, the way he was looking for space, the way he was quickly writing off the bad first option and moving the ball to someone dangerously... I just see something, I guess. Whether it's enough to make up for the physical shortcomings is the question.

But that's also going to be on how we use him. If we expect a two-way player, we'll be disappointed. I don't think he's a winger. I think he's a poacher/second striker who needs to operate near the box.

That’s fair. The U-22 initiative, because it’s so restrictive and is set within a web of restrictions, encourages higher wage, higher ceiling/sales players. I’m not sure we should he taking a flyer on someone inexpensive and fundamentally iffy for those spots… inexpensive though, seems our current reality. The league is getting closer to the large majority of the starting spots being high paying positions. And the level of the guys off the bench is rising as well.

I think my sense of Mailula at the stadium also involved intangibles despite my charges of lack of size and speed (two things that can be measured, but shouldn’t only be measured on a scale, etc). Oso early on is a good comparison. I wasn’t bothered by his lack of size or speed because he moved very well within himself, he seemed like he could pretty much do as he pleased and there was something promising about that. Now, his talent was as a ten, which he wasn’t often allowed to play but his mobility was balanced and adequate and clearly allowed him to adapt and do well in other roles. He still is in that position - he’s good enough to do other things and so he’s asked to do them but he’s still best as a ten (in its variations).

Mailua seems as though he is not going to be very adaptable. He’s got a good offensive sense at times and good technique but in between the moments when these come together he doesn’t look this level and that’s worrying. I don’t remember Oso looking as if he shouldn’t be on the pitch. Coello is a bit of the same phenomenon as Cash but as you say he has managed to be consistent and his mind and technique often bail out his lumbering slowness. So he kind of gets by and when he has a little time on the ball he’s a joy to watch. All the same he often seems to playing at the wrong position (however I can’t think of another position that he would certainly excel in), or be playing in the wrong league (not sure though, in the higher leagues, where he should be playing).

[Rocket Robin]

Result and details of the Sun Apr 28/24 League1 Ontario Men's Premier Divisison game between Vaughan Azzurri and Simcoe County Rovers

played at NMRP. Includes post game interview with SCR head coach Zico Mehredy. Yes I ask him about the TFC game. http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports24/24l1o018.htm

[tfcfans]

CS LAURENT beats Halifax —- TFC playing another minnow in the QF !

[Red CB Toronto]

CS LAURENT beats Halifax —- TFC playing another minnow in the QF !

An it is two legs also, TFC now has 8 games in the month of May beginning this Saturday, playing every Saturday and Wednesday, a crazy stretch.

[MikeForbes]

Boo. US Open treatment for the Canadian Championship now. I was excited to see TFC in Halifax.

[Red CB Toronto]

Boo. US Open treatment for the Canadian Championship now. I was excited to see TFC in Halifax.

9 games from May 4 to June 1st, playing every Saturday and Wednesday, crazy They are home for the next four Saturdays with road games in Nashville, DC, Philly and Montreal.

[OgtheDim]

That fixture in Montreal could be a real issue for "where" and if the Montreal Ultras decide to make an appearance ....

[Mr. Inbetween]

That fixture in Montreal could be a real issue for "where" and if the Montreal Ultras decide to make an appearance ....

Be aware. Be cautious. Be smart.

[SenorDingDong]

CS LAURENT beats Halifax —- TFC playing another minnow in the QF !

Mailula time baby!