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.Quote:
Originally Posted by ensco
It wasn't just that they were technically pretty perfect, we were tactically so too for the first half.
This was great to see.Quote:
Originally Posted by jloome
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by James17930
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.
So this brings us back to the 'is BB bad at coaching tactics or are the kids just unable to execute them' question.Quote:
Originally Posted by jloome
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.
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.
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 gameQuote:
Originally Posted by los sonadores
I actually came to see Kaye's home debut- which got completely lost in the hoopla italiano.Quote:
Originally Posted by Gringo Starr
I figured the chances of the Italians actually seeing the field were only 50/50.
That 2nd Bradley goal was so beautiful as a team, had to watch it again this morning…. Pressure on heavy Charlotte touch by Osorio, win the ball back …quick touch to MAK, to Insigne, beautiful back heal to Bradley who steams through Charlotte D (still recovering from the lost ball) and MB finishes with that chip.
Honestly haven’t seen passing like that and moving the ball forward in a long time. So much fun being there.
to not buy season seats for the next 4 seasons is a mugs gameQuote:
Originally Posted by TFC/Everton
if one doesnt buy season seats cant afford to see tfc anymore
my oh my how things have changed
I'm generally impressed with how Kosi played with veterans surrounding him - seems like it's easier freewheeling it if you have more people to cover.
How the fuck does an MLS team defend against what we've got without resorting to goon squad tactics (which MLS will quickly stamp out if they see it might happen)?
So turns out the guy playing for Juve and Italy might just be good enough for MLS after all!?
That match might just be a perfect alagory for our season in reverse. The team without the Italians and the team with them which will be the second half. Still not expecting play offs but add another dp and some extra starting quality players around them for next season and we go from worst team in the league to one nobody wants to play
All the talk of how “bad” and over it Bradley is ignores that he’s also been playing on a team of kids. If anything Bradley is just unable to carry the team on his back anymore. When the quality comes in, it brings up his level and the whole team.Quote:
Originally Posted by Richard
Kerr went wide a lot but Nelson only got to the sideline when the ball was near. Freddie & Insigne always went straight to the sideline to start from.Quote:
Originally Posted by James17930
I actually hope it does the opposite, and that'd be a good thing. All his problems come when he tries to find a next level or carry the team, he doesn't have that in him and never hasQuote:
Originally Posted by Canary10
Bradley was at his best when he played with less ego, which was when Seba and especially Vasquez was here. He played a more limited game and that plays massively to his strengths. This Bradley was an elite level MLS mid fielder and absolutely superb when we won the cup
Without them he's always had some huge flaws in his game, mainly his propensity for trying to be a play maker and trying passes and plays he simply can't and inexplicably taking set pieces. This Bradley is a player I've never rated highly, he lacks positional discipline and gives the ball away in really bad places on attack
I saw much more of the first MB than the latter one last night and that's hugely promising, because he still has something to offer if he can focus on that part of his game. The fact he got two goals, the second a banger, is icing on the cake. Let's see how it plays out.
Yup, good point. Allows him to play his best game.Quote:
Originally Posted by JoesphNdo
In the cold light of the next morning, we beat an expansion team who's DP's are not good at what they should do, who have no identity as to how they play, who did not adjust tactically to our wide play, who sit in a mid block & wait for somebody to score a chance, who put everything mentally into beating an EPL team in a midweek friendly and who have an awful away record.Quote:
Originally Posted by leedsandTFC
The fact the second half team was getting pushed back into our end tells us how badly needed decent wing attackers are for this system to work.
******
I would like to see how we do against a team committed to the press or direct play or with at least a decent defence or attack.
Teams we face the rest of the way that will give us trouble
Nashville's defence
LAG's offence
Miami's offence
Montreal & Orlando & Portland's commitment to never give up
& the last game away to what I think is the best team in the league who should finally get to MLS Cup this year - Philly
We were very very good that first half last night - best we have been since 2017 -that last goal looked like something out of Vasquez, Seba & Jozy.
Lets see us do it against tough determined competent competition.
I know passports shouldn't matter but I really like having a CMNT element to the team. I don't want Canadians for the sake of having Canadians but when we can get one that fills a need or role I'm all for it. Kaye fits the bill for sure. I was hoping to see Henry last night and was happy to see him doing sprints at halftime.Quote:
Originally Posted by ensco
I would very much like to not see le yutes all get subbed on at once - at the very least, I would like to see how Nelson plays with Bernardeschi for that 'latter' 45 minutes - ideally only 30 as hopefully Lorenzo can go 60 in Vancouver.Quote:
Originally Posted by OgtheDim
Unfortunately was at a wedding and couldnt make the game (or watch it)
Anyone know where I can watch the full game and not just highlights?
I went to buy a Bernadeschi jersey, they told me they can’t sell them yet because they are figuring out how to fit his name on the back of a jersey … what the hell lol losing a lot of sales
Quote:
Originally Posted by samuraizero
If you have TSN live, its a game on demand option right now.
It was a thing of beauty...in the first half anyway.
Ya, Looked exciting in the first half from highlights. The only game I've missed this year lol -- of course I get to see all the losses xDQuote:
Originally Posted by ManUtd4ever
Watched the replay this Morning
The first half was magnificent obviously and whoever made the point about switching the point of attack was bang on. It’s something the kids haven’t done enough and need to learn to do.
The other thing that was obvious was with both Berna and LI drawing the extra defender, the late man run was always on and it was easy to break through the middle third of the field. Charlotte’s continuous use of the high line looked foolish.
Increasingly disappointed with the performance of the youth players. I don’t think these guys understand what a once-in-lifetime opportunity they are being handed here by BB. Most of their counterparts have to scratch and claw just to make a case to get on the field. They should be working harder out there, these chances to prove they can play at this level might not come up again.
I was at a wedding last night too. The only wedding I have this year happened to be at the debut of this new team!! Several of us at the party were watching replays of the goals and were very impressed.
I had forgotten that great feeling, of seeing fear on the faces of opposing defenders. Haven't seen it since 2017.
Looking at the tackle by Henry before their red
If that was them on us, we would not be happy if that wasn't called a penalty.