I agree but the CCL format changes from last year has made it a lot less exciting.
And for all of the naysayers, what MLS matches would you rank higher than the CCL quarter final home and away against LA, CCL semi final at bmo against Santos Laguna, CCL play-in home and away against Motagua, Cruz Azul at BMO, away at FC Dallas to qualify for the knockout round and Plata brace against Real Estelí? And I could add another 5 matches form the Voyageurs cup that I would rank higher than any MLS match.
I do not find any american MLS team interesting or enjoyable to watch. I prefer the brand of footy played by Aguila and Tauro despite their lack of talent. No MLS player has impressed me in seven years nor has any MLS system or coach, I watch only when a Canadian side is playing otherwise I have no interest in this league. I am interested in world football in general and as I said I would watch almost any football game played by two pro or semi pro sides, with the exception of MLS the football played here continues to be somewhat naive and lacking. Again you thought that Houston would come here and whip our behind. It did not happen. Why? Because no side in the MLS is all that good, and an organized side can beat any of them with a littel offensive talent. Montreal has figured it out, and finally after seven years we seem to have figured it out. There is very little skilled or tactically intelligent play in this league. and it is boring.
^ It is a bit of a hyperbole, some players I have liked, but they are few and far between, De Ro and Cooper( with Houston) come to mind. Otherwise very little impression was left on me by any.
I thought that when RSL was playing in the CCL final first-leg a couple of years ago I saw some very good flowing possession football, the best I've seen in North America. It was like something from a totally different league than TFC. That was one of the most memorable matches I've watched in recent years, in any league. I could barely believe my eyes.
TFC has never (yet) played at that level, but we sometimes see it with the best MLS sides.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
^ To time to time, I see a MLS game/side and it does surprise me, particullalry when playing non-MLS team but then the next game I see tends to be so fucking disappointing that I never watched two MLS games in a row. (again I do follow all three Canadian sides)
This is still often true. I find it's a mixed bag; some teams have just enough skill to be able to open up space and create some steady flow: montreal, L.A., Seattle two years ago, RSL three years ago.
I watch a lot of MLS because I've adapted to it; you learn to key on the skill players and lament the general lack of tactical approach.
I think Nelsen is trying a hybrid in that he's trying to keep shape solid, like San Jose, but to not only rely on long balls to create. So effectively he's trying to create a two-way team with pretty static roles, but taking advantage of quick ball movement on the break to create openings.
I prefer free flow, a la Mexico, but most leagues you either get small and skillful, like mexico, or strong and fast like MLS -- it's only really the top divisions that combine both, the EPL, the Spanish league, to a lesser extent now the German and Italian leagues.
If you look at second division or below, it's always one or the other. Portugal is like Mexico in that there's a premium on technique and guile; Sweden and Norway are like the U.S. The championship in England is maybe the only hybrid, where the top teams have great flow, and speed, and strength. Of course, in almost any other large country, it would be the premier league.
I get what you're saying; second-division football by its nature will always be inferior, but there's inferior clever and there's inferior hard-working, and mls is the latter. I tend to agree.
^ I am a bit harsh on the MLS, but it is borne out of frustration, because at times you see games which are played well, but it is only a game here and there.
"I think Nelsen is trying a hybrid in that he's trying to keep shape solid, like San Jose, but to not only rely on long balls to create. So effectively he's trying to create a two-way team with pretty static roles, but taking advantage of quick ball movement on the break to create openings."
That is exactly what I see Nelsen doing, and while we have dropped points, it is working. Also I have to say this is my type of football. This is the basic philosophy of the football I grew up with and played as a child. Not direct in the old English style, long ball to the CF, but a direct quick counter, using the space created by the over team coming forward pressing to create. It is simple, but very effective. I tend to believe that this will be a good team by mid-late season.
Is there even going to be many fans at tonight's game?? At least are the supporters in the south end going to be in full voice today?
German 2nd division is also up there with England. Strong teams with even higher attendence then in England, 2nd division teams in Germany usually have nice stadiums, good support and enough money. Other countries once you reach 2nd division the teams quality and size of stadiums usually makes a big decline, money is often on a much smaller scale and quality of play makes a huge dip from 1st division to 2nd division. I think England and Germany can go even further to about 3rd and 4th division teams that have more fans at games then other countries 2nd and sometimes even 1st division teams.
Edmonton with the stunning 2-1 lead right now!
Vancouver's goal was offside too. lol
While dominating possession for Vancouver, Edmonton is up for this one.
There is a definite lower quality feel to the Eddies, but they are giving it way more effort than Vancouver.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
“Years have gone by and I’ve finally learned to accept myself for who I am: a beggar for good football.
I go about the world, hand outstretched, and in the stadiums I plead: ‘A pretty move, for the love of God.’
And when good football happens, I give thanks for the miracle and I don’t give a damn which team or country performs it.”
-Eduardo Galeano
Poor Eddies they are being robbed.
Very harsh decision.
TFC isn't the only team that gives up late goals. So sad. 2-2.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
Wow, just wow. This game must be fixed! Vancouver gifted with PK.
oh my Miller sent off... he is a bit of a potty mouth.
Vancouver is up 3-2 now.
3-2 for the Caps... Colin Miller sent off..
I think fitness and the Ref just killing the spirit of the Eddies ended this game.
There you go Silviu. Job done.
Congratulations.
Fuckin lucky shitcaps! I pray for the day Tfc can beat up on the fcE.
I wonder if Evil Ernie made the trip?
FUCKING BEARDED HIPPIES!
I bet that instead of showers the shitecraps have a fucking sweat lodge where they all go and bathe in each others filth and roll around in mud.
Little known fact: Darren Mattocks is actually a blonde white man!
WE DID IT!
we will just have to shut down Montreal, and then avenge the Eddies give Vancouver their 12 loss in a row.