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denime
05-24-2008, 06:51 AM
TFC tries to keep unbeaten string alive


LARRY MILLSON
From Saturday's Globe and Mail



TORONTO — Toronto FC and D.C. United go at it again tonight in Major League Soccer, but this time they will be playing on the grass at RFK Stadium in Washington.
Toronto defeated D.C. 1-0 on Wednesday on the artificial turf of BMO Field in Toronto, but was not particularly impressive in stretching its unbeaten string to six games. They have four victories and two draws during the stretch.
"It was a great result considering that it wasn't a great performance," head coach John Carver said. "[D.C.] possibly could have gotten something out of the game. But I felt we deserved to win the game on Saturday [a 0-0 draw] against Columbus and we didn't but that's how the game works."
Carver said he did not plan to change anything, even though his team will be facing the same opponent for the second time in four days. ..

Read more (http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080523.wspt-soc-torfc-23/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home)


D.C. looking to put an end to woeful season by upsetting white-hot TFC
United on a four-game losing streak, while Toronto unbeaten in six

Josh Rubin (http://www.thestar.com/opinion/columnists/94603)
Sports Reporter
As Toronto FC look to extend their six-game undefeated streak tonight, they will come up against a team trying to end a streak of their own.
D.C. United, who went down 1-0 to TFC at BMO Field on Wednesday night, has lost four in a row. Their last victory came April 26.
Despite their woeful results – which include a 3-1 drubbing by Chivas USA – the team is confident, according to assistant coach Chad Ashton.
"We're positive. We know where we need to get," said Ashton.
Where they need to get is out of the cellar – they sit last in the MLS with two wins this season.
Helping their confidence is that United has won the MLS Supporters' Shield – the regular-season points title – for two years running. They had to rally for the title last year.
"Last year, we were 16 games in and we were 12 points behind the first-place team," said Ashton.
This season, though, they've been hit by a raft of injuries. Among the toughest blows was the loss of veteran playmaking midfielder Ben Olsen, who's recovering from ankle surgery....

Read more (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/429502)


No need to plan the parade, TFC isn't that good :mad:
By BILL LANKHOF (bill.lankhof@sunmedia.ca):hump: TORONTO SUN

When Toronto FC heads into Washington tonight, it might be time for a dose of reality. And, if not tonight against D.C. United, certainly next week against the L.A. Galaxy.
It's time the Reds lost.
You know, before there is any more silly talk about this team actually being MLS Cup-worthy.
True, nobody has planned the parade route. Yet. True, many in the mainstream media are still about as likely to visit BEE-MO Field as the Sea of Tranquillity. And, most people wouldn't recognize Tyrone Marshall if he stood at Bay and King St. wearing a name tag.
But there it was the other day on a chat room. Soccer fans actually talking about Toronto FC and its chances of winning the league championship. Then, there it was again on a radio talk show -- a doofus from Woodbridge, or wherever, sounding off on the team like a TV preacher on gloryland. Evidently the team scarf was cutting off the blood flow to his head.

Read more (http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2008/05/24/5656036-sun.html)


Canada can't be star struck vs. Brazil

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Showing respect is fine, but the Canadian men's soccer team can't be star struck when it plays Brazil in an international soccer friendly next week in Seattle, says midfielder Dwayne De Rosario.

"If you are in awe, you are in a little bit of trouble," De Rosario said during a conference call Friday. "Hopefully we go out there and not be in too much awe and watch them play around us (because) the next thing you know we are in awe and five goals in the back of the net."

Canada will play the world's No. 2-ranked team next Saturday at Qwest Field, then face Panama June 4 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The two matches are preparation for Canada's 2010 World Cup qualifying series against St. Vincent & the Grenadines.

Read more (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/05/23/canada_brazil/)


Canadian women's soccer team to host Brazil


The Canadian women's soccer team will face the Word Cup finalists from Brazil in an Olympic tuneup at BMO Field in Toronto on July 10.
Brazil is currently ranked fourth in the world and is coming off a defeat in the final of last year's World Cup against Germany. Canada, currently ranked ninth, failed to advance past the qualifying round at the World Cup.
"Brazil has erupted into one of the powerhouses in women's soccer over the last four to five years," Canadian coach Even Pellerud said in a release. "The women's team is developing the same international status that the men's team has always had.
"Both teams are intensively preparing for the women's Olympic football tournament, so this encounter will serve as one of the major tests before Beijing."

Read more (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2008/05/23/canada-brazil-soccer.html)




SUNSHINE (http://www.torontosun.com/SUNshineGirl/home.html)

scooter
05-24-2008, 07:21 AM
mornin
good job as always
come on you reds- a win tonight would silence that twit lankhof
i know we have a ways to go but we are building a team

King Jeff
05-24-2008, 07:38 AM
I always seem to have the same problems with Lankhof's columns -- right idea, but poorly written. Again, he makes decent points, but his article is poorly researched and his chilidsh writing style (Calling fans 'toilet-roll tossers' etc.) takes away from any valid points he might have raised.

For the most part, I think fans are realistic about TFC's ability and potential. We've played well at home, but I don't think anybody is ready to proclaim us MLS Cup winners in waiting. Of course there are going to be fans that think we'll win the title. But, hell, some people still pick the Leafs to win the Stanley Cup each year.

TorontoFC_Matt
05-24-2008, 07:57 AM
Someone should put the that cork up Lankhof's ass hahaha. See they got no teams left to bash so they choose TFC. It's alright, I laughed... You are right King Jeff, it almost seems like someone personally attacked him so he takes it out on his articles with an incorrect approach

Cambridge_Red
05-24-2008, 07:59 AM
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=538543&cc=5901

King Jeff
05-24-2008, 08:09 AM
"However, Hunt was lambasted by TTFF adviser and FIFA vice-president Jack Warner as the 'worst minister of sport ever' "

Irony.

werewolf
05-24-2008, 08:12 AM
That is a perfect example why I don't read the Sun. It is time we lost to either the last place team we beat, or another garbage team that we beat earlier this year off goals from Cunningham and Jarrod Smith before the midfield signings.

People actually get paid for that crap? :noidea:

Alarius
05-24-2008, 08:21 AM
As stated above Bill's points are valid.. although I don't like his tone.
We are a team that's playing together right now.. but sooner or later our lack of finishing is going to bite us in the butt. DC is a strong team determined to dig its way back up the ladder, and today is not going to be a cake walk (as some fan's believe it to be).

footyfan
05-24-2008, 08:27 AM
And...
United Players Come To Soehn's Defense

By Steven Goff (http://projects.washingtonpost.com/staff/email/steven+goff/)
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, May 24, 2008; Page E03

The blame for D.C. United (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/D.C.+United?tid=informline)'s poorest start since its inaugural season 12 years ago has been widespread. It's been assigned to goalkeeper Zach Wells (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/Zach+Wells?tid=informline) and the defense for conceding soft goals, to playmaker Marcelo Gallardo (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/Marcelo+Gallardo?tid=informline) and the attack for a shortage of scoring opportunities, to reigning MVP Luciano Emilio (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/Luciano+Emilio?tid=informline) for his goal drought and to the front office for its offseason moves.

But from the stands at RFK Stadium (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/RFK+Stadium?tid=informline) to the message boards where fans gather online, much of the criticism for the club's 2-7 record has been leveled at second-year coach Tom Soehn (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/Tom+Soehn?tid=informline), whose team has already matched last season's loss total despite playing less than one-third of the schedule.
Yesterday, as the club made final preparations for tonight's visit by Toronto FC (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/Toronto+FC?tid=informline), several players came to Soehn's defense.




More here (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/23/AR2008052302759_2.html?nav=rss_sports/dcunited&sid=ST2008052302998)

icecoldbeer
05-24-2008, 08:38 AM
No need to plan the parade, TFC isn't that good :mad:
By BILL LANKHOF (bill.lankhof@sunmedia.ca):hump: TORONTO SUN

When Toronto FC heads into Washington tonight, it might be time for a dose of reality. And, if not tonight against D.C. United, certainly next week against the L.A. Galaxy.
It's time the Reds lost.
You know, before there is any more silly talk about this team actually being MLS Cup-worthy.
True, nobody has planned the parade route. Yet. True, many in the mainstream media are still about as likely to visit BEE-MO Field as the Sea of Tranquillity. And, most people wouldn't recognize Tyrone Marshall if he stood at Bay and King St. wearing a name tag.
But there it was the other day on a chat room. Soccer fans actually talking about Toronto FC and its chances of winning the league championship. Then, there it was again on a radio talk show -- a doofus from Woodbridge, or wherever, sounding off on the team like a TV preacher on gloryland. Evidently the team scarf was cutting off the blood flow to his head.

Read more (http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2008/05/24/5656036-sun.html)




Thanks denime! Who pissed in this tw@t's cornflakes? TFC hardly gets any TV coverage and when we get something in the paper during a 6 game unbeaten streak he writes an article trashing the squad? Niceeee! Way to develop a fan base buddy.

Toronto 'til I Die!

TFC Tifoso
05-24-2008, 08:54 AM
Wow, and I was actually atarting to respect Lankhof, as he's written some decent articles this year, and actually seemed to be getting behind the team himself......then.......this.
Oh well, this idiot doesn't realize that when you add world class players in a league where few teams have them, then yes it improves your team to the point where they can be considered championship calibre. How many other teams in sports have turned it around in a season? Many. How different is our roster from last year? Much different. This guy really has no clue what he's talking about in this article.....maybe he ought to stick to talking about the Jays.

footyfan
05-24-2008, 08:54 AM
For those travelling to the game:
UnitedCast: Enjoyably Crisp (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/2008/05/unitedcast_enjoyably_crisp.html)

Hopefully that also describes my teams passing.

footyfan
05-24-2008, 08:57 AM
Thanks denime! Who pissed in this tw@t's cornflakes? TFC hardly gets any TV coverage and when we get something in the paper during a 6 game unbeaten streak he writes an article trashing the squad? Niceeee! Way to develop a fan base buddy.

Toronto 'til I Die!



I have to agree having read the article. You guys are better than that and deserve a better writer. Why does he feel the need to pile on?

You need better TV/Newspaper coverage if you want to become a Super Club™

Razcle
05-24-2008, 09:32 AM
Bill is a fuckin Twank Job....(if there ever was such a word)....fuck his article pisses me off. Just because a few overlyzealous people are talking about the MLS cup, this reporter has to swoop in a kill the party for all Sun readers.

I haven't actually read much talk about MLS cup on the message baords. Are we excited about our 6 game roll...HELL YAH....are we stupid enough to think this means a championship?

This guy needs to be drop kicked through a goal post and circle beaten with chants of "WHO ARE YAH"

Thats my rant for the day!

S_D
05-24-2008, 10:02 AM
Thanks denime! Who pissed in this tw@t's cornflakes? TFC hardly gets any TV coverage and when we get something in the paper during a 6 game unbeaten streak he writes an article trashing the squad? Niceeee! Way to develop a fan base buddy.

Toronto 'til I Die!



I actually agree with most of what he says, even though I don't like to hear it :)

Mo and Carver have put a good squad together, but it won't be great by MLS standards until we get a quality striker, and can prove that we can win on the road.

The Galaxy game was a nice win, but lets see if it can be repeated. DC is ripe for the picking, and we need to win this game. If we can win 6 to 8 games on the road and pull off a few ties, we will know this team has a pretty strong chance of competing for the cup.

When the boys go off to represent their countries, we will see how good the bench really is. To this point it is pretty well untested. We need to see them step up and be able to compete against the best the MLS has to offer.

olegunnar
05-24-2008, 10:21 AM
From Goff's blog:
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/
FYI: Sunday's scheduled reserve game at the RFK training grounds has been postponed, apparently because of TFC's upcoming Champions League qualifying schedule.

I guess that means some reserves will play on Tuesday. Hope so.

rocker
05-24-2008, 10:27 AM
I haven't actually read much talk about MLS cup on the message baords.

yeah, I agree. I do see enthusiasm with the unbeaten streak, but I also see people 1) worrying about the WCQ callups and depth, and 2) being concerned about the striker situation (certainly Cunny and Dichio are getting glowing reviews by fans every week). So in contrast to what Lankhof writes, most people have guarded optimism about this team.

Anyhow, in MLS things can change more quickly than other pro leagues. and the playoffs are pretty short, so anything can happen. In other words, TFC ain't that far from not making the playoffs, nor are they that far from winning it all.

Billy the kid
05-24-2008, 10:47 AM
I don't see anything wrong with Lankhof's article. He has a right to say he doesn't think they're good enough to win. The only thing I would point out is that his reference to last years team isn't really relevant since so few players (especially starters) are the same. So I don't know that using that as a reason they won't be good enough to win this year makes sense. But his comments on Dichio being a hard worker, but often not able to get results is accurate.

kdzb
05-24-2008, 10:49 AM
Another Idiot who is looking for attention. I will discredit and Ban the ass cunt from BMO if I was TFC officials.
How can a team feel about themselves if the reporters don't support them?
Lankhof, GO FUCK YOURSELF

ag futbol
05-24-2008, 11:14 AM
Well his points arer valid, but whoever said his tone was crap is correct.

What is this guy really talking about? Does he write a column in the newspaper when Vito from woodbridge calls in to leafs lunch? I don't think anyone besides the most dilutional cool-aid drinkers around here thinks we can win the entire league.

I don't see why he needs to bring up points like that. He should stick to his thesis which is basically that is basically we still need to strengthen our squad more and be able to score durring the run of play.

ilikemusic
05-24-2008, 02:17 PM
Why does any writer directly reference message boards and chat rooms?

That whole thing sounded like your typical message board trolling post. Really looking for a rise.

His references to last years team, our overall away record as opposed to just this season's, lack of reference to sheer depth and quality of defending (most important aspect of any team) and even comparing a tall striker to distributing midfielder; the whole thing really read like a 15 year old internet troll.

VPjr
05-24-2008, 03:09 PM
Bill Lankhoff makes me miss Dean McNulty's coverage of TFC. what does that say?