Player Ratings: Seattle v. TFC
Hi guys, come back after the game to check these out. Do note that it takes me 45-60 minutes to write them so hang in there after the match. Also, depending on whether it will rain or not, I may go and mow the lawn afterwards. Regardless, the ratings should be up by 6pm at the very latest. Good luck to the boys for today!
I was going to say that was pretty damn quick.
![[NBF]'s Avatar](image.php?s=4eaee62006567896ddcfbd21df168e1d&u=1574&dateline=1515553264 "[NBF]'s Avatar")
Good game, but horrible performance. The weather was horrendous and the game was sooooo poor I started to notice some of the banner we have on the sidelines. I know I saw a banner for "Carlsberg", but then opposite of that I saw a small banner for "Frosted Flakes".
Easily, the best formation this year. 4-1-2-1-2 or 4-4-2 (Diamond):
--------------------------------Frei-----------------------------------
Usanov-----------Attakora---------------Cann--------------Hscanovics
-------------------------------Saric-----------------------------------
DeGuzman----------------------------------------------------LeBrocca
----------------------------DeRosario----------------------------------
-----------------White-------------------Barrett-----------------------
Notes:
(1)Barrett, was subbed off for Gargan which made the formation a 4-4-1-1.
(2)LeBrocca, was subbed off for Cronin(finally).
(3)DeRosario was subbed off for gabe gala, which made the formation a 4-1-4-1.
* Very good use of the subs today.
Negatives: The only minus we had in this formation was Saric playing as a defensive midfielder, which I knew was asking for trouble and I was sure he was going to get carded or yanked.
Positives: DeRosario was playing in his more natural position and he was leathal and created opportunities. DeGuzman played well as a right midfielder which I dont mind because it gives us cover for Usanov. LeBrocca played on the opposite side covering for Hscanovics which was a smart move also. The only liability we had like I said was Saric in the middle infront of Cann and Attakora. My question is why didnt Cronin start in place of Saric?
Gabe Gala, also played which was interesting and pleasing to see since he is rumoured to be on his way out. I think he secured his place on the team by getting playing time today.
Ratings:
Frei- 7
Usanov- 7
Attakora- 8
Cann- 7
Hscanovics- 7
DeGuzman- 8
LeBrocca- 7
Saric- 7, he did barely enough.
DeRosario- 8
Gargan- 7
Cronin- 7
Gala- 7
O.B.W.- 7
Barrett- 7
*Just one question I need answered, Where's Ibrahim? I know he wasnt needed today and you would want O.B.W. to be a more confident player, but theres still a few instances where Ibrahim could be a usefull substitute.
Last edited by [NBF]; 04-25-2010 at 03:57 PM.
Such a good win against a good team; there’s very little to criticize. I suppose the cynic could say that Seattle was playing with several players who don’t normally start, but their better players did make their way onto the pitch (such Zakuani and Montero) but got little done. The ratings!
Frei (8): Going by my scale, this means an outstanding effort. CBC showed that Seattle had 4 shots on goal and as I recall, Frei needed to be very vigilant on all of them. He also came out effectively to cut out crosses and looked very commanding barking orders all over the place. He would have gotten a higher score had Seattle looked more menacing on those chances.
Usanov (6): A better outing than previous matches. Nothing flashy but fairly steady today. He did have the one instance where he had a dumbfounded look on his face as a Seattle player blew by early in the second half for a one-on-one with Frei but aside from that, no complaints really.
Attakora (6.5): I sound like a broken record but yet another good performance from Nana. There was one instance where he was caught ball-watching a little giving Evans (I think it was) a free header but no damage came to it.
Cann (7): Essentially the same comments as for Attakora minus the mistake Nana had. I would like to see (and this is about both CBs) someone yell “man on” or “time” when it comes to clearing the ball away from our penalty area. There were instances where it was a no nonsense clearance when it didn’t have to be. But I won’t complain about it too much, it’s inviting bad karma.
Hscanovics (6.5): Wasn’t all that solicited during the match I thought. But when he was called upon, he was effective and I liked the runs he made forward as he knows how to deliver an effective ball.
Saric (5.5): He put a huge smile on my face as he came right through Ljungberg early on and got away with it. He did get the ball but it was pretty brutal and was surprised he wasn’t carded. May have gotten his comeuppance a bit later when he finally did receive the yellow. However, he was lucky not to get his marching orders in the second half as he came back to cover Hscanovics who had made a run forward and brought down the guy. True, he fell pretty easily but at speed it easily could have been misinterpreted. I’d like to see him try and not fly off the handle in terms of emotions.
DeGuzman (7.5): Finally, the player we thought we were getting finally showed up a played his best game as a Toronto player. Saw a lot of the play, distributed good passes and had some delightful footwork to maintain possession of the ball. His tackling could have been a little better but overall very pleased with him today.
LaBrocca (6): Clearly ran his socks off but I didn’t think produced too much today. Oh well, they can’t all have outstanding days.
DeRosario (7.5): Yet another masterpiece by the skipper. He had a goal and an assist as well as being a thorn in Seattle’s face (I know it’s actually “side” but I want to put emphasis on it) all day long. We’re so lucky to have him.
Barrett (6.5): Another industrious performance from him. He’s probably one of our most skilled players. Couldn’t score but I thought did enough to warrant attention from Seattle all the live long day. Well…actually until he was substituted but you get the picture.
White (6.5): Wasn’t as dangerous during the match but countered that with a well taken goal. He appears very clinical.
Gargan, on for Barrett – 62nd minute (6.5): I’m not really sure how the formation was affected by this move because Gargan plays at RM or RB and a striker came off for him. He did appear to be fairly forward at times so make of that what you will. In any case, I thought he had some good passes, kept the ball well and really put everything he had into his performance today – case in point when he chased after the ball late in the game and beat three players to it. He could have stayed down and appealed for a foul but was up and off again as the referee was telling everyone to play on.
Cronin, on for LaBrocca – 74th minute (6): Like for like replacement as the commentators said LaBrocca was gassed (well, indirectly they did). I actually originally thought Cronin was coming on for Saric who was on a yellow and on the verge of getting a second one as that’s what I would have done had I been manager. But I suppose having fresh legs to stay with the also-fresh Zakuani (who is already fast) is also a good idea. Anyway, no complaints about him and thought he was effective in his short time on the pitch.
Gala, on for DeRosario – 80th minute (NR): Was adequate during his 10 minutes.
P.S. Players need to play at least 15 minutes to get a rating.
Preki (6.5): A diamond 4-4-2 from him today which oddly resulted in DeGuzman being on the right flank. However, it seemed to work fairly well. Seattle did get some chances but overall were kept bottled up. I would have liked to see Saric subbed off immediately after his close call on a potential second yellow. However, I liked the idea of having a fresh player to keep up with the also-fresh Zakuani (as mentioned earlier) and DeRosario getting the chance for an applause, some rest and a chance for Gala to get some game time.
Referee (7): One thing I really liked was his management of the game. Was fairly consistent throughout and didn’t really fall for Seattle’s wet tissue act. A lesser referee might have gotten given in to giving a second yellow to Saric. It was certainly a foul, but no yellow. I suppose persistent infringement could have been a cause for a yellow but I thought Saric had calmed down between his first half yellow and that moment.
TFC MOTM: Frei. Though DeRosario got a goal and an assist, it was Frei’s numerous quality saves early on that kept TFC in the match to then get the winner later.
Most impressed by opposition’s: Freddie Ljungberg. He was really the only player that looked dangerous during the match.
Least impressed by opposition’s: Freddie Ljungberg. Folds faster than a cheap suit and it’s getting to be a tired act. Constantly whines and complains to the referee when he doesn’t get his way. I had great joy as Saric demolished him early on.
Conclusion: A very impressive performance from the white-clad Reds against a top team in the league. Of course, they had some rotation players in there but it was impressive nonetheless. Even as their better players came on later, they were well bottled and got nothing going as they chased the match in the later stages. Early on, TFC’s possession could have been better and indeed was much so in the second half. That’s how you have to do it. I hope this provides a good platform to build on. Mo still has to go though.
The referee getting plunked reminded me of my father trying to get to the shed by running through one of our backyard games.
Don't think he ever had a flourescent orange shirt though, but it was the 70's.
Once again I'd give Saric a sub-acceptable performance
4/10...
This guy is just awfull... I want to see him banished to the end of the bench alongside Garcia...
In the little I saw of him today I was really impressed w/ Gala... Excellent control on the ball today... I'd actually consider slotting him in for Saric for the remainder of the season. A Nana-esque Canadian development in the making?
What the HELL is Preki doing giving Saric the start over and over again?
He is useless. He's a thug. He could have easily been red-carded today.
Saric the start and Cronin given zero minutes? I have zero confidence on Preki's roster-choosing abilities.
Saric; accident waiting to happen. Not only are his tackles reckless, his passing is atrocious almost always missing his mark.
Saric is horrible - an absolute red card waiting to happen. Worse than Harmse ever was. BUT to get the most out of JDG, he needs to play with a holding mid - too bad Carl is gone.Originally Posted by Roogsy
Cronin was subbed in later in the 2nd half, showed some decent hustle.
I was hoping to see him in for Saric because I was worried he would get carded again. I would say it was Saric's best game so far though in terms of not giving the ball away a dozen times.
As long as it doesn't actually cost the team, today for instance, I like having a goon out there.
Off the top of my head was it 2 times or three where he looked like he wast trying to start a fight today?
To Saric:
Listen buddy, your not Danny Dichio...stop
Yeah sorry about Cronin...I mean "minimal" minutes. Cronin should be getting the start over Saric...period.
Saric had a strong game, that tackle on Ljunberg was huge for the game, as well as his consistent tough play.
The Harmse comparisons are so stupid. Harmse had 1 red card with us, cut the red card machine crap.
Saric isn't a great player, but he was great for us today.
Saric was not "great". If that is great, I'd have to wonder what accolades someone would get for a truly great game. He had several boneheaded moments and the rest of the game didn't give the ball away like he had done many times in previous games.
For the role he plays, Saric was strong today. Lucky, maybe, but he was great as a pest/enforcer, which is a valuable role in this league which the "supporters" on this site can't seem to grasp.
I would prefer Cronin starting over Saric as well but zero confidence in Preki's ability to select the roster? Really? After today's performance?
I give up...
Agreed.
I thought Saric had a good game, but fair is fair, Saric had three fouls worthy of yellows and could've put our team at a further disadvantage.
Yes, this was his best game as a member of the team. But he did turn the ball over, make lazy tackles and could've put us in trouble. Definitely has anger issues, which could lead to a red with some MLS refs.
Cronin was dependable when brought in. He's always dependable when brought in. He's professional, consistent and is just as good in attack as he is in defence. Also, he's not out of position as much as Saric was; a couple times today and more often in other games.
I hope Cronin starts on Wednesday, but I have a feeling Preki will want the same XI starting Wednesday, hence why Barrett and DeRo came off early. Still, Cronin will likely start on May 1 against RSL.
I see now why Preki is choosing to start Saric because he sets a certain tone on the field with his tough, no nonsense tackles. I think he sent a message to seattle with his tough tackles and our team on a whole played with a similar level of aggression and toughness. I did get nervous that he was going to pick up a second yellow but we are way to premature with calling him a red card machine. I felt defensively he did a decent job and overall fulfilled all his duties.
Offensively he rarely moves the ball forward and i have yet to see him make a probing pass. As a fan i would prefer someone who was capable of that offensive flare once in a while but I think Preki is happy with the type of performance he gave today.
Defensively Saric has more of an impact on the game then Cronin would at the same position. Like others have commented before Cronin does nothing bad, but nothing good either. Especially seeing how Cronin is still such a young player, i think its good he is being pushed to earn a spot.
We must've been watching different games. He was absolute shit for 70% of the game, not involved the other 30%. Weakest player on the pitch, hands down.
And Lucky, Hscanovic had a great game. One of the best players on the pitch. No way he ranks out as the same as Nana, who blew coverage on two near goals.
Ok, so this statement makes the assertion that Saric did something good. I would love to review the good he did so I may be able to reassess my position. When were these good plays that he produced, especially considering the really obvious bad ones we are all aware of?
Saric is terrible. Bad tackles, poor passes, turns over the ball frequently, and his positioning is awful. He was like a 5th defender instead of giving the the CB's some space to get him the ball. Cronin plays a much better holding mid. He distributes the ball much, much better.
I would like to add just how much we miss outside midfielders/wingers. Although the team started to to expand the field of play in the second half, we were very poor in the first half. When we have ball possession in our end, we need to expand the field. Instead we clog up the midfield. There was more than a few occasions in the first half where all three midfielders, plus DeRo would get clogged up in a small space and get caught flat footed. Nobody thought, not even the full backs, to widen out and create space. No fluidity. We picked it up in the second half, and hopefully we will build on it.
The tackle on Ljungberg was a thing of beauty
What in the world? you can't be serious? did you MISS all those give aways, horrendous passes and terrible tackles? what the hell did he do except the tackle on Ljunberg?
Hscanovics play today was much more decisive. Against Philly, he constantly stalled with the ball at his feet and played himself into trouble. Today, moved into spaces well and made himself available, delivered good balls upfield. Nice to see that improvement.
Also enjoyed watching Usmanov get ambitious going upfield a few times in the manner that Wynne did in his best moments. There's a weapon being developed there. Nice to hear him and the superb JDG communicating well. Did you see him hit that gorgeous, slicing cross-field back pass toward the west side(Hiscanovics?) in the second half? Lovely technique. More please.
Cann is looking like a very solid acquisition. For once, the back four is starting to give me reason to hope. There's clearly some depth being established in midfield and our finishing on the goals was excellent. If only Barrett could pot one in these early days...
I thought everyone seemed to be working very hard today to press Seattle in their own end and take away time and space to play balls upfield. And we were opportunistically looking for a third goal instead of completely sitting back and just hoofing it away.
Encouraging signs.
Saric plays on a fine line - a very fine line. It seems like every tackle he gets into should be a booking or a sending off. Yet he continues to breakup play, and he hasn't been sent off yet. Maybe he is just getting lucky, but until he gets sent off I have faith that he knows the limits of his tackles.
If his passing could improve, I'd like to see him stay. I still prefer Cronin, but I don't think he gets stuck in enough for Preki's likings.
Agree on all accounts.
I dont think anyone saw Alphabet Soup having any kind of ability. The first game he was like a deer in headlights and now he's overlapping, making quality tackles, making good short passes... he had an issue with holding the backline on the early Seattle chance but very encouraging overall.
True enough, Saric is one tough hombre and as long as he knows where the limit is, I'm fine with it despite it causing emotional angst and fearing the flash of a card. I know I'm kind of repeating what you just said (I also agree on the need for improved passing), but I think it needs emphasizing.
I'm very eager to see the latest MLS salaries list and see how much all these new guys make and whether Preki is keeping to his philosophy of getting the most out of no-name players who play for cost-effective salaries.
And how great is the CanNana partnership? The best we've ever seen!
Lets also not forget he arrived with the team the day of the New England match. He may only be hitting his form now, with more to come.
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