link doesn't work.
Printable View
Via RedNation Online, I interview Eric Avila about his adjustment to TFC, playing with Frings, and life in the big city:
Eric Avila Finding Himself At Toronto FC
http://www.rednationonline.ca/Avilaf...selfatTFC.aspx
Really good interview, I particularly liked this:
Quote:
“Of course, it’s always a learning experience,” he says of his newfound playing time, which has seen him utilized as a centralized attacking midfielder, the top point of a 4-3-3 triangle. For Avila, a fixed position doesn’t restrict his game
That's really good that he can be creative within the system. It's so important.
Decisions. Decisions. New strip now up at East Side Stand Up!
Bulls and Goats and Pumas, oh my!
My TFC preview, featuring B.A Baracus, and doing bad things to goats. we can rest players for tuesday (but we won't) and still put out a respectable-ish side.
that was worth it. My report on last night's game
and looking beyond that
4-3-3 or not 4-3-3, that is the question. Even without the man the 5 at the back has been built around so far, do TFC go with that extra man back there on Tuesday, can it work?
yes they should, and maybe, hopefully, probably not but it's likely our best chance of getting the point we need.
Winter Gambles - Winter Loses - TFC Out of Playoffs
http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/2011/09/winter-loses/
My video look back at the loss in Los Angeles Saturday evening that saw TFC's slim mathematical chances of a late season run getting them into the back door of the MLS playoffs to an end in a 3-0 loss to Chivas USA.
Instead of taking much of a look back at a forgettable game I instead speak about the gamble that Aron Winter took with his lineup Saturday evening and how anything less than a win on Tuesday in the Champions League versus Pumas will likely open him up to a huge torrent of criticism from the fans based on the choices he made Saturday in California.
Something in common. New strip now up at RedNationOnline!
Nigel Reed has a blog on the Whitecaps:
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/blogs/nigel...an-empire.htmlQuote:
The Whitecaps are on course to become the worst expansion team since Toronto FC in 2007. Four years ago, Mo Johnston's hastily assembled motley crew won just six games. Vancouver, by contrast, has tasted victory just four times in 29 starts.
The loss to Seattle hammered the final nail in the coffin. As a result the Whitecaps officially became the first team to be eliminated from the post-season. No playoffs, no Cascadia Cup - not even a Canadian Championship to show for their months of endeavour.
Plata Ready to Go Against Pumas
Joao Plata speaks to RNO about the upcoming Pumas game, his recent injury, contract for next year, and his gratitude to supporters
Do it. Buy PlataQuote:
Being capped at that level, Plata’s value skyrockets in the eyes of his former employers, LDU Quito. MLS rules, however, have given Toronto the right of first refusal, and Plata wants them to pick up his option.
“I’ve got one year left with a buyout option. I still don’t know [if I’ll stay] but I hope the coaches keep me.”
I wrote something up about the TFC Academy II CSL Reserve game played in Kingston on Saturday. I posted it in the TFC Academy thread in the Canadian Soccer section of the forum, but may as well add it to the "TFC blog" thread, even though the rest of the blog isn't TFC related. :)
Here's my writeup about the game. I don't have any of the names from either side (since numbers don't match up with the CSL Rosters or anything else that I could find), but I'm hoping to be able to update it with more details.
DeRo And Revisionist History
http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/2011/09/dero/
In this post, on the anniversary of "cut me a cheque", former Red Dwayne de Rosario makes a bid for the MLS MVP Award and why I feel that this should not give any TFC supporter reason to doubt that he still had to leave Toronto.
this is a great idea...bloggers can post their links here and i don't have to be scurring around looking for the ones to read
fantastic!
I am writing occasional pieces going forward for a British football comentary site called It's Round & White about TFC, MLS and the sport in general in North America.
Here is my most recent piece for them regarding how the the character Owen Hargreaves has shown in achieving a comeback to the top flight in English football is to be commended but that this perception I feel should be tempered by the lack of character I think was on display a decade ago in choosing to turn his back on Canada to play for England.
http://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk...ardly-a-saint/
Another week, another roundup from Paul James - once again pretty heavy on TFC with the two games, as well as thoughts on tonight's game against Pumas. Thoughts on Winter's tactics/strategies and ideas how to approach the match.
And once again with two players there is always a blunt assessment on - De Ro and Hargreaves - two questions come in on their recent performances.
PAUL JAMES ON SOCCER PODCAST: EPISODE 27
TFC Has Been Here Before
http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/20...n-here-before/
A brief look ahead to the Pumas game Tuesday through a brief look back at what happened the last time a Mexican side came to BMO Field.
Taking one for the team. New strip now up at East Side Stand Up!
I decided to watch the game at home and shades again of the old days,constant serious picture problems during the whole game including no play by play audio yet field audio was there even in the second half.
It simply makes no sense.
did you pay attention to that scrolling apology they had. they spelt apologise appoloogise. seriously.
also our season going to mid October at the least, is 3 1/2 months longer than vancouver's did, which amuses me.
that and other random observations, along with some pearl jam here, as well as a more traditional match report here.
all in all very impressed with winter and all the players last night.
My brother-in-law loses his mind:
http://the-penaltyarea.blogspot.com/...nam-pumas.html
TFC Still Alive in CONCACAF
http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/20...e-in-concacaf/
TFC is still alive in CONCACAF after Tuesday night's draw versus Pumas. In this video blog I look back at the game and the clear task ahead.
TFC Supporters Town Hall 2011
http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/20...own-hall-2011/
Some interesting observations, including tidbits of news about the club, plans for the games ahead and a look ahead to the future discussed during the TFC Supporters Town Hall held Thursday evening Sept. 29th at BMO Field.
Just thought I'd post it for those who follow us:
RedNation Online has been nominated for a Canadian Online Publishing Award!
Best served cold. New strip now up at East Side Stand Up!
gameday, here's my preview, we want 5!
and here's a bit of a q and a with a new york blogger, talking about the impact of de ro's exit, rafa marquez, and hans backe's job security.
TFC v NYRB Post Game Video Blog
http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/2011/10/tfc-v-nyrb/
A video look back at the TFC v NYRB game and some of the very encouraging things on display in the 1-1 draw at BMO Field.
A couple TFC articles/interviews that came in today
Inside the MLS: Andy Iro
Morgan ready for CMNT challenge
Keeping it positive. New strip now up at RedNation Online!
We're dominating the thread - where's Bgnewf and Darlofletch!?
Another Paul James pod - ramping up for the World Cup Qualifiers and team selection from Hart, segueing into his comments on Terry Dunfield and PJs thoughts on him as a player, then into the two improved results against Pumas and NYRB.
PAUL JAMES ON SOCCER PODCAST: EPISODE 28
TFC Gets The Week Off
http://viewfromthesouthstands.com/2011/10/practice/
TFC players apparently have the week off to rest for the remainder of the season and the crucial Champions League game in Dallas two weeks from now. Thoughts on Aron Winter's choice.
Good question. off wallowing in what the fuck's the point land would be my own answer.
anyway, here's an article where I depress myself by looking at the options for Canada at the centre forward position.
Can Occean be the man for Canada?
I think that Winter has got it right.
Some time off, followed by some time for practice.
Obviously the focus will be on the CCL match and not Philly.
Given that Dallas have been suffering from exhaustion, a fresh team could be the best offense. It might help to know that Dallas has given their players 4 days off.