Match Day 4 - March Goes Out Like a Beast - SKC @ TFC Friday March 31 7:30pm

[molenshtain]

I agree, and we really need Bradley to start imo. Altidore has been our best attacking threat this year but still, if not fit he could definitely come on later especially since we'll likely have Seba back. Anybody think there's a chance Edwards gets a start over Ricketts?

I think if Altidore's not ready to go it's more likely Hamilton that gets the start than Ricketts. Seba and Tos don't really gel on there own together while Hamilton showed well playing with Seba last year over the summer. It's been a while since they've had the chance to give Hamilton minutes anyway so I assume they'll take the opportunity. Better to have Altidore and Ricketts coming on after 60 mins to close out the game against a tired defence playing a high line too.

Bradley's a freak of nature though. He'll start every game when healthy.

[Canary10]

I think if Altidore's not ready to go it's more likely Hamilton that gets the start than Ricketts. Seba and Tos don't really gel on there own together while Hamilton showed well playing with Seba last year over the summer. It's been a while since they've had the chance to give Hamilton minutes anyway so I assume they'll take the opportunity. Better to have Altidore and Ricketts coming on after 60 mins to close out the game against a tired defence playing a high line too.

Bradley's a freak of nature though. He'll start every game when healthy.

Yes.

[notthesun]

Hamilton will be coming back from Qatar with the U-23s though. Ricketts might start as he's had the week off.

[Captain]

SSH = Members. The card came with the package.

I usually use Gate 3 as Gate 4 is a shit show and habitually opens up late and I'm one of those guys that insists on getting in ASAP (sad I know).

Most people using Gate 3 are not members. HOWEVER, with 21K in season seats sold, in theory, 2/3 of the seats are members so who knows. The idea here is to try to reduce the crowding that goes on at Gate 1.

Does anyone have a link to a map of BMO field that includes the gate #'s? I have no idea which gate is which.

[molenshtain]

Hamilton will be coming back from Qatar with the U-23s though. Ricketts might start as he's had the week off.

Ah, fair enough then. I'd forgotten he hadn't been with the squad of late. Ricketts will probably get it then, yeah.

[Yohan]

I agree, and we really need Bradley to start imo. Altidore has been our best attacking threat this year but still, if not fit he could definitely come on later especially since we'll likely have Seba back. Anybody think there's a chance Edwards gets a start over Ricketts?

Edwards is a winger who is being converted to wingback.

[Red CB Toronto]

I tend to enter via the west side of the north patio, it is cake walk compared to some of the other gates.

SSH = Members. The card came with the package.

I usually use Gate 3 as Gate 4 is a shit show and habitually opens up late and I'm one of those guys that insists on getting in ASAP (sad I know).

Most people using Gate 3 are not members. HOWEVER, with 21K in season seats sold, in theory, 2/3 of the seats are members so who knows. The idea here is to try to reduce the crowding that goes on at Gate 1.

Does anyone have a link to a map of BMO field that includes the gate #'s? I have no idea which gate is which.

[OgtheDim]

Does anyone have a link to a map of BMO field that includes the gate #'s? I have no idea which gate is which.

http://bmofield.com/plan-your-visit/...everages/#maps

[Red CB Toronto]

Man it looks like it will be a wet evening. Friday can't come soon enough.

FriMar 31
Light rain

6°C
3
3°
POP 80%
2-4 mm
30 km/h E
1

[notthesun]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/tfc-t...inco-dre-moor/

So Vanney says that in his mind, he's chosen a #1 GK, but he won't say who it is, and he says he still wants to give minutes to both Bono and Irwin early in the season.

This is mostly a gut feeling, but if I were to guess I'd think that he sees Bono ahead of Irwin right now.

[Canary10]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/tfc-t...inco-dre-moor/

So Vanney says that in his mind, he's chosen a #1 GK, but he won't say who it is, and he says he still wants to give minutes to both Bono and Irwin early in the season.

This is mostly a gut feeling, but if I were to guess I'd think that he sees Bono ahead of Irwin right now.

I think Irwin. I interpret the "giving minutes" part to an explanation why Bono started the last game.

[Richard]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/tfc-t...inco-dre-moor/

So Vanney says that in his mind, he's chosen a #1 GK, but he won't say who it is, and he says he still wants to give minutes to both Bono and Irwin early in the season.

This is mostly a gut feeling, but if I were to guess I'd think that he sees Bono ahead of Irwin right now.

If he has a #1 in mind then he should say so and play them now.

It would also help the backline gel with whoever is in net too , he's going to create a controversy out of nothing and we really should have had our #1 decided by the end of our pre-season.

[Red CB Toronto]

Status of Zusi, Besler, Espinoza and Feilhaber unclear for Sporting KC’s match Friday

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article141286973.html

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls...#storylink=cpy

[molenshtain]

....

[OgtheDim]

One nice thing about Friday night games - No transit closures.

And..a reminder that the streetcar into the Ex is back.

*************

Current Toronto Islands Hourly Weather indicates

Drizzle all day

Temps around 4 to 5 degrees all day right up until game time

East winds around 25K with gusts to 42

[ensco]

Zusi played the full 90 last night. Besler didn't play.

So unless Vermes was blowing smoke (very possible), Zusi will sit Friday.

Both Altidore and Bradley played 90 minutes yesterday, I'll be surprised if Altidore starts.

[charlieocc]

And..a reminder that the streetcar into the Ex is back.

Finally!! Thank God

[OgtheDim]

Check out this tweet at https://twitter.com/Eric_Giacometti/status/847111318826106880

I'm thinking Bradley starts while Cooper & Altidore are on the bench. Only issue for me is SKC likes to press and hack and without Cooper, we lack a certain nastiness in the midfield.

[dupont]

I've been completely out of the loop. What is Giovinco's status now? Is he coming back for this game?

[Graeme]

My guesses:

--------------------Irwin-----------------
-----Zavaleta------Moor---Mavinga----
--Beitashour--------------------Morrow-
------------------Bradley----------------
-------Vasquez-----------Osorio-------
---------Altidore-----Giovinco----------

Subs: Cooper/Ricketts on around 60. One of Edwards/Chapman/Endoh, if Vanney uses all subs.

[charlieocc]

I've been completely out of the loop. What is Giovinco's status now? Is he coming back for this game?

Yep, Kurt said he's 100% good to go.

As for Altidore, I'm not sure he starts. Bradley probably, but I think Jozy maybe gets in early in the second half against tired SKC legs, especially if Zusi is playing.

[MightyDM]

My guesses:

--------------------Irwin-----------------
-----Zavaleta------Moor---Mavinga----
--Beitashour--------------------Morrow-
------------------Bradley----------------
-------Vasquez-----------Osorio-------
---------Altidore-----Giovinco----------

Subs: Cooper/Ricketts on around 60. One of Edwards/Chapman/Endoh, if Vanney uses all subs.

I think Hagglund still plays. It will be as close to the lineup from December 10 as possible, except Jozy will not start and likely not Cooper either.

[reggie]

I've been completely out of the loop. What is Giovinco's status now? Is he coming back for this game?

yes he is 100%

[Captain]

Here's my guess

------------------Irwin----------------
-----Zav------Moor-----Haglund-----
Beita--------------------------Morrow
--------------Bradley-----------------
------Vasquez----------Oso----------
--------Ricketts---Giovinco----------

with Altidore, Cooper and Chapman subbing on (if we're ahead then we'll see Mavinga instead of Altidore)

[notthesun]

Check out this tweet at https://twitter.com/WheelerTSN/status/847160445366611972

Pitch should be good.

[MightyDM]

Here's my guess

------------------Irwin----------------
-----Zav------Moor-----Haglund-----
Beita--------------------------Morrow
--------------Bradley-----------------
------Vasquez----------Oso----------
--------Ricketts---Giovinco----------

with Altidore, Cooper and Chapman subbing on (if we're ahead then we'll see Mavinga instead of Altidore)

itd be cheyrou if he was here but I think you have nailed it. Any one else sense that Cheyrou is likely done? They are being very quiet about his absence, and " personal reasons" could mean " getting a coaching contract in France" " playing in Algeria" or almost anything.

[noimpactinmtl]

itd be cheyrou if he was here but I think you have nailed it. Any one else sense that Cheyrou is likely done? They are being very quiet about his absence, and " personal reasons" could mean " getting a coaching contract in France" " playing in Algeria" or almost anything.

I'm not complaining too much, Cheyrou probably signed knowing he's going to get time to study for his UEFA badges while getting playing time during Voyageur's Cup or international tournaments.

[GerMc]

Feilhaber out for Friday...

https://twitter.com/kcstar/status/847212279682781186

[Graeme]

itd be cheyrou if he was here but I think you have nailed it. Any one else sense that Cheyrou is likely done? They are being very quiet about his absence, and " personal reasons" could mean " getting a coaching contract in France" " playing in Algeria" or almost anything.

Toronto Sun pics of yesterday's practice show that Cheyrou was there (as well as Bradley).

[TheGoodson]

Rumor has it that at the end of this season Cheyrou is going to retire and he already has a job lined up with TFC's academy