Matchday 29: Portland at Toronto, Sat 27 Sept 1pm
A bit stiffer test than Chivas USA. Portland is unbeaten in last 4 (2W 2D). Strong offence with Valeri having an MLS MVP season and striker duo of Audi and Urruti provide 1-2 punch. But weak defence that can be exploited.
Portland traditionally does crappy at BMO Field, but gotta take the game to the Timbers at home.
“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
Make or break game for the season, IMO, with LA up next. I'm thinking (hoping) 3-2 win.
Big test of how Vanney and the coaching staff adjust tactically.
We'll be lucky to get a point out of L.A. away, and 2 losses in a row at this stage could sink us. This a must win.
I've watched the Timbers last few games and phew.....BIG difference from the beginning of the season and last game vs Chivas . We're in for a dandy . The only way we can win iswith a top notch group effort . I'd love our D to hold like Sunday but they are quick and dangerous on the attack . Valeri's goal against Van was for me goal of the week . They are rough also , so we'll see what ref we get . It seems all the games we have coming up are against teams starting to peak . Entertaining ! Will Johnson is a force , Adi is a threat...they dominated Van . One thing for sure if we make it to the play-offs we will certainly deserve it .
ALL HELL'S BROKEN LOOSEhttp://gfycat.com/SharpKindArrowana
Saw most of the match with Vancouver, too, if they play at that level the Reds will have their hands full. Doesn't mean they can't win, but, definitely a team effort will be necessary. I agree, to make the play offs this pretty much has to be three points. If a draw, then, a result against LA is a MUST!
Lets not forget that Portland plays right now in CCL and then have to travel across the country. We might be catching them at a perfect time.
Hopefully Portland will be tired out from their CCL match with Alpha United tonight.
playing mostly their B teamOriginally Posted by QBall
“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
This is very winnable for TFC and a trap game for Portland. They are good but not in a different universe.
Still have to fly from Portland only three days to prepare. Its a trap game for them which has been mentioned.
I'm expecting TFC to come out guns blazing especially after Saturday. Confidence can go a long way with this group.
So, people keep talking about Urruti as a great player for them....and here he is playing for the "B team". People, get your negative vibe narratives right.
Isn't Urruti the first sub off the bench these days? Anyways, the defence looked a lot better with Caldwell back, but I'm sure that hi-powered Portland offence will find a hole or two. Likewise, TFC's offence seems to be hitting it's stride and Portland's defence can be porous at times. I can see us getting a 2-1 or 2-2 result. The question for me is which Jermaine Defoe we're going to be getting - the energized, something-to-prove Defoe, or the pouty, don't-want-to-be-here Defoe. He's going to be key to whether we win or lose, as well as the effectiveness of the Osorio-Bradley partnership in the middle.
Yea Adi is their main striker since coming in.
And they played a second string last night in CCL
Their B squad, a few regular subs, and some young players demolished Alpha 6-0. I saw the highlights, it wasn't even close. Alpha's defense was completely shambolic.
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
We can, and should beat Portland. No ifs and buts about it. We need points, we need to fight like they are invading out country, and we are fighting for our lives and freedom, we need to leave it all on the field, until we have cemented that play off spot.
just gonna go ahead right now and wager $100 on Urruti to score
Thought they were holding him back until the LA game? Would be good to see him available, even if just a sub...IF he's all in for the club.
It'll have to be a sub; you can't sit Moore or Gilberto after that last game.
When he's healthy, though, I think you sit Moore and go with the two DPs; bring Moore in late if needed for a spark, use him as a starter on rest days for the other two.
Definitely wouldn't sit Gilberto! The more I watch him, the more I like him! Passion in spades, with great skill to boot. Just needs to learn English, see him struggling to communicate with the rest of the lads frequently. THIS IS a play off match for the Reds, time to step up once again.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Toronto FC vs. Portland Timbers
BMO Field (1 pm ET)
REFEREE: ISMAIL ELFATH
AR1: Corey Parker
AR2: James Conlee
4TH: Geoff Gamble
Oh boy... a quick google on the ref reveals:
http://www.soccerwire.com/news/leagu...dy-for-cosmos/
http://soccerrefereeusa.com/index.ph...inute?start=15
http://dohertysoccer.com/2012/05/19/...eal-mls-match/
Oh my head. MLS....
Road Trips: July 7 2007 Chicago, July 22nd 2007 Columbus, August 11 2007 NY, October 13 2007 LA, March 29 2008 Columbus, May 24th 2008 DC, May 26 2008 Montreal, June 28th 2008 NE, March 7-11-14 2009 Charleston, March 28 2009 Columbus, April 10 2010 New England, May 12 2010 Montreal, April 7 2012 Montreal, March 16 2013 Montreal , June 3 2014 Montreal, March 14 2015 Columbus
Twitter: @RPBPhil
Oh, man...why should this one be any different. Call me crazy, but, the ref for the last match actually wasn't too bad. Didn't fall for too many of the Chivas dives, and, the two reds were deserved.
Another BIG Match . . .
^ We were thinking and saying things along those same lines. Right on!
Go TFC GO!
Do you really want us to call you crazy?
MLS is a tough, physical league, that emphasizes speed, and features plastic fields, grueling travel, extreme weather, and incompetent refs. - NK Toronto
Sure, isn't it a prerequisite for being a TFC supporterDo you really want us to call you crazy?
How am I feeling about the game on Saturday?
Just ask Bob...
WE DID IT!
Paging Michael Bradley, Michael Bradley to the microphone please. Michael Bradley.
^^^Sometimes I wish this forum had a "Like" button
Anyone know if Joe will be open at 10 for the EPL games?
I'll come at 11 I guess, but earlier would be better.
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