"There are some people who might have better technique than me, and some may be fitter than me, but the main thing is tactics. With most players, tactics are missing. You can divide tactics into insight, trust, and daring." - Johan Cruyff
Bit of getting our legs under us first half, second half was all business. Barely skipped a beat over the off-season.
Osorio, Giovinco and Auro stood out today.
Vazquez stood out as well. Patience, footwork, vision, play making ability were all on point despite the weather.
Altidore had a shocker but doesn't matter . I didn't know Osorio had such a beautiful header in him. Love Auro Jr. already.
Auro really is like our own Dani Alves!! Watching Auro and Gio celebrate was beautiful.
Van Der Weil is going to have to bring his best because Auro Jr looked great.
There was a bit of pucker factor tonight, but they managed to pull it off. Auro in front of van der Wiel in a flat 4-4-2?
Bono had to make a couple really good saves.
I wanted them off for safety but impressed Seba,Jozy,Michael,Victor played the whole game.
Great start to the season from the Reds. A much improved second half performance after a sluggish first half. Good to see Séba looking so sharp this early in the year. A goal and an assist at minus 13c is nothing to scoff at, as well as his all round performance looking precise and dangerous. Impressive debut from young Auro as well. We could have won a watch with this boy if he continues to put in performances like that. His assist summed up his overall game for me, chasing down a ball most players would have given up on, he put over an inch perfect cross for a (strangely) unmarked Giovinco to volley home. A goal that might well have killed the tie. The defence were solid if unspectacular, and the captain was as dependable as ever, typified with a lung bursting recovery run to prevent the Rapdis a shot on goal. Delgado and Osorio both had great games I thought, maintaining and recycling possession throughout the game, the later getting his reward with a great looping header which made Howard look silly as he was left stranded, unsure whether to stand his ground or commit to coming for the cross. Vazquez was his usual self, always eager to get on the ball, but a bit of a frustrating night for him as not everything he tried came off, i’ll be generous and say the cold was a factor here making the bounce of the ball unpredictable at times. I’m tempted to say Jozy is still partying our MLS Cup win. It was not one of the big man’s better nights, but at least he put himself about a bit. He had one horrific shot when a simple pass to Osorio would have made it 3-0, but I’m getting picky now so better stop there.
All in all, job done in bollocks freezing conditions. A two goal cushion and a clean sheet to take home for next week. Only the greedy could ask for more.
Onwards and upwards TFC!!! A new record breaking season starts here...
Last edited by General Woolfe; 02-21-2018 at 12:56 AM.
I get the feeling they are working on getting the starers to 90 minute fitness - getting used to 90 minutes at altitude could mean a lot in 3 weeks.
Adding Van Der Weil and Aketxe will give us a chance vs Tigres. Mavinga in for Hagglund will probably be a marginal upgrade, if at all. I think Hagglund is as competent as Mavinga.
And yet we played Champions League games in Toronto in an indoor field.
And yet we've had Champions League games rescheduled for 10 AM at BMO Field after weather-related issues.
Ah well, it worked out. I'm not sure why they scrub so many lower-tier games in England then, when the temperature is -2C and the pitch is frozen solid.
If I were Vanney I would consider benching Bradley for the 2nd leg to ensure he doesn't get another yellow and get suspended for the 1st leg vs. Tigres. Doubt Bradley would go for that though.
Based off mavingas instagram looked like him, vdw, endoh, ricketts, and some fam/friends all watched the game together. Good to see team spirit and relationships building. Also a sign tsubasa endoh is likely going to get signed or a deal in the works.
Side note: these guys didn't even suit up tonight, and when we sign aketxe too, boy are we stacked!! So fun
Last edited by DinamoTFC; 02-21-2018 at 01:00 AM.