Having been in Canada recently, I can vouch that it's a cool spot.
Thus, it should be a good combination.
Showing posts with label Toronto FC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Toronto FC. Show all posts
Monday, August 10, 2015
Oh, Canada Gets Herculez!
Herculez Gomez will now play in Canada for Toronto FC, making him a true North American soccer player, now that he has plied his trade in clubs located in all of the countries that make up NAFTA.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Scrappy TFC Bows Out
Toronto FC were 45 minutes away from making history, 45 minutes from not only shocking CONCACAF but from taking a giant step forward that would benefit all of MLS.
Then the bottom fell out.
Santos Laguna scored four second-half goals to down the Canadians by 6-2 on Tuesday and won their CCL semifinal series by an aggregate score of 7-3. Santos killed MLS’s hopes of having a representative in the final for the second consecutive year.
There are two things that came out of this result. First, Toronto FC fought harder and lasted longer than many gave them credit for. Secondly, MLS is still far behind the Mexican league level.
Now, Toronto FC is not exactly the bar for MLS teams. That bar has been raised and held there by Real Salt Lake and the Galaxy and a scant few others but for the most part the bar is set. That bar is still well below Mexico’s bar. Now, there are reasons for this. Mexican teams have no salary cap, greater resources, greater support from their communities and run unopposed in their media and within the Mexican culture. MLS clubs don’t enjoy the financial resources as their Mexican counterparts nor do they enjoy the other luxuries Mexican teams have.
Within those guidelines then, Toronto FC’s run was made more remarkable. Toronto FC got past the supposed juggernaut the Galaxy were and fared better than Seattle against the same Santos side – Seattle gave up two quick goals and all hope seemed lost afterward.
Toronto FC won’t be challenging for the MLS Cup title, at least few can see that happening. Their league form this season has been poor – losses to Seattle, San Jose and Columbus have marred the start of their season. And still, even while not being part of the cup contenders, Toronto FC nearly found themselves playing for a much bigger prize.
Now, while MLS is not quite the powerhouse league many would like to believe it is but when less-successful teams like Toronto FC can battle and scrap their way and find a modicum of success against teams like Santos, that has to bode well for both club and league.
Then the bottom fell out.
Santos Laguna scored four second-half goals to down the Canadians by 6-2 on Tuesday and won their CCL semifinal series by an aggregate score of 7-3. Santos killed MLS’s hopes of having a representative in the final for the second consecutive year.
There are two things that came out of this result. First, Toronto FC fought harder and lasted longer than many gave them credit for. Secondly, MLS is still far behind the Mexican league level.
Now, Toronto FC is not exactly the bar for MLS teams. That bar has been raised and held there by Real Salt Lake and the Galaxy and a scant few others but for the most part the bar is set. That bar is still well below Mexico’s bar. Now, there are reasons for this. Mexican teams have no salary cap, greater resources, greater support from their communities and run unopposed in their media and within the Mexican culture. MLS clubs don’t enjoy the financial resources as their Mexican counterparts nor do they enjoy the other luxuries Mexican teams have.
Within those guidelines then, Toronto FC’s run was made more remarkable. Toronto FC got past the supposed juggernaut the Galaxy were and fared better than Seattle against the same Santos side – Seattle gave up two quick goals and all hope seemed lost afterward.
Toronto FC won’t be challenging for the MLS Cup title, at least few can see that happening. Their league form this season has been poor – losses to Seattle, San Jose and Columbus have marred the start of their season. And still, even while not being part of the cup contenders, Toronto FC nearly found themselves playing for a much bigger prize.
Now, while MLS is not quite the powerhouse league many would like to believe it is but when less-successful teams like Toronto FC can battle and scrap their way and find a modicum of success against teams like Santos, that has to bode well for both club and league.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Toronto FC's Monumental Challenge
Toronto FC faces a monstrous challenge today. If Toronto FC is to become the first Canadian club and second MLS side to reach the CONCACAF Champions League final, the task will be monumental.
Beat Santos at Santos.
Well, I take that back. They technically don't have to win. They can tie 2-2 or 3-3 or etc., and win the series on away goals. A 1-1 draw sends the match to extra time while a scoreless draw sends Santos through.
No way this match finishes in a goalless draw. This one has goals written all over it. Santos beat Seattle by 6-1 in Torreon last time out and Toronto FC has scored five goals in their three previous CCL encounters.
But Toronto FC will be missing Danny Koevermans and of course Torsten Frings. Without their two European standouts, the task of scoring goals and stopping Santos from scoring becomes even more difficult.
Still, nothing is impossible. Few gave Toronto FC a chance to get this far, and few gave them a shot of beating Santos at home. While they did not win the home leg, a 1-1 score is surprising to some and a decent enough result heading down to Mexico.
That Toronto FC is the last MLS club standing is a shock. FC Dallas and Colorado did not survive the group stage while LA Galaxy fans surely relished the opportunity of playing Toronto FC instead of Seattle in the quarterfinals.
Toronto FC may go down in flames and they may be swallowed up by the budding Mexican juggernaut in Torreon but the club has done itself proud and done MLS proud in this tournament regardless of the result. And if they do pull off the supposed miracle, they will surely have more MLS supporters in their corner come the final.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Escaping With A Draw
Toronto FC were strong against Santos Laguna in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League semifinal match, escaping with a respectable 1-1 draw.
Toronto FC were a bit unlucky not to get the second goal and take a victory down to Mexico. Santos went down to 10 men for the final quarter hour but Toronto FC were unable to take advantage.
Is this a great result for Toronto FC? Honestly, no. Toronto FC will need to win outright or draw by at least 2-2 in order to win the series. A 1-1 draw sends the match to extra time while a 0-0 draw or a Santos win eliminates Toronto FC.
Toronto FC now have one win and two draws from their CCL campaign while having just two bad losses to show for their league efforts.
What will make it complicated in the second leg will be the absence of Danny Koevermans. The Dutch striker was booked against Santos on Tuesday and will now serve a one-match suspension because of it. Pity, but Toronto FC have Ryan Johnson, Nick Soolsma and Luis Silva to pick up the slack. It's troubling but not disastrous.
I suppose down in the second leg that anything short of a 6-1 loss won't reflect too poorly within MLS. After all, one of the league's best sides fell by that much down in Torreon.
This team may not be a power but they also are survivors. Perhaps nobody outside their locker room believes in them, but that probably won't bother them much at all. That underdog mentality will only help the club down in Mexico, when nobody will give them a chance to do anything against Santos Laguna.
No Chance For Toronto FC?
Toronto FC and Santos Laguna. The two don't belong on the same field let alone in the same competition, right?
After all, Santos Laguna have won Mexican titles before - los Guerreros were the first Mexican team to win a short-season title, capturing the Invierno 96 crown. They may not be one of Mexico's Big Four but they are a well-respected team within their league and one of the few Mexican teams to have built their own stadium recently, a testament to the passionate support the club enjoys in Torreon.
Toronto FC meanwhile... well, they're just a sad sack of a club, or so the perception is. Toronto FC have yet to make the playoffs, yet to win an MLS match that matters, have gone through countless coaches and players in their short existence.
And yet, here they are, these two clubs from opposite ends of the success/respect spectrum, fighting for a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League final.
Toronto FC were not a hapless club against the LA Galaxy. Now there's a team that was heavily favored, was supposed to waltz through TFC, supposed to capture attention throughout the region and the world by making a CCL run and TFC did not care. TFC did not bat an eyelid. When the Galaxy overcame a 2-0 deficit to level terms late in the first leg, ensuring that a low-scoring draw would be good enough to get through to the semifinals, Toronto FC did well to keep a level head. When Toronto FC scored an own goal to tie the second leg and give the Galaxy the edge, the Canadians kept fighting, kept battling and scored, and did not let the high-flying Galaxy back into the match.
And it is Toronto FC who are deserved semifinal representatives. Remember, this is the same Toronto FC squad that tied Pumas at home in the group stage and punched their ticket into the quarterfinals with a 3-0 win at FC Dallas. They earned their spot in the knockout rounds and earned their spot in the semifinals.
Now, their league form is terrible. Two losses by a combined 6-1 is probably most were expecting out of Toronto in their series against the Galaxy. But that matters nothing against Santos.
Of course the Mexicans are heavily favored to win the series. Mexican teams have dominated the CCL. Santos are in fine form in league and demolished Seattle by 6-1 to book their spot in the semifinal round. And with the second leg scheduled for Torreon on April 4, Santos has an advantage in this series too.
But nobody told Toronto FC that they were supposed to lose to the Galaxy. And I doubt they got the message that Santos Laguna should prevail here either.
After all, Santos Laguna have won Mexican titles before - los Guerreros were the first Mexican team to win a short-season title, capturing the Invierno 96 crown. They may not be one of Mexico's Big Four but they are a well-respected team within their league and one of the few Mexican teams to have built their own stadium recently, a testament to the passionate support the club enjoys in Torreon.
Toronto FC meanwhile... well, they're just a sad sack of a club, or so the perception is. Toronto FC have yet to make the playoffs, yet to win an MLS match that matters, have gone through countless coaches and players in their short existence.
And yet, here they are, these two clubs from opposite ends of the success/respect spectrum, fighting for a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League final.
Toronto FC were not a hapless club against the LA Galaxy. Now there's a team that was heavily favored, was supposed to waltz through TFC, supposed to capture attention throughout the region and the world by making a CCL run and TFC did not care. TFC did not bat an eyelid. When the Galaxy overcame a 2-0 deficit to level terms late in the first leg, ensuring that a low-scoring draw would be good enough to get through to the semifinals, Toronto FC did well to keep a level head. When Toronto FC scored an own goal to tie the second leg and give the Galaxy the edge, the Canadians kept fighting, kept battling and scored, and did not let the high-flying Galaxy back into the match.
And it is Toronto FC who are deserved semifinal representatives. Remember, this is the same Toronto FC squad that tied Pumas at home in the group stage and punched their ticket into the quarterfinals with a 3-0 win at FC Dallas. They earned their spot in the knockout rounds and earned their spot in the semifinals.
Now, their league form is terrible. Two losses by a combined 6-1 is probably most were expecting out of Toronto in their series against the Galaxy. But that matters nothing against Santos.
Of course the Mexicans are heavily favored to win the series. Mexican teams have dominated the CCL. Santos are in fine form in league and demolished Seattle by 6-1 to book their spot in the semifinal round. And with the second leg scheduled for Torreon on April 4, Santos has an advantage in this series too.
But nobody told Toronto FC that they were supposed to lose to the Galaxy. And I doubt they got the message that Santos Laguna should prevail here either.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Frings Injury No Death Blow For Toronto FC
Throughout Toronto FC's CONCACAF Champions League series with the LA Galaxy, I was most impressed with two playres - Ryan Johnson and Torsten Frings. Johnson needs no explanation - his goals were clutch and well-taken. He nearly scored the dagger with a rocket from outside the box late in the second leg but still had a tremendous series overall.
Frings meanwhile was the architect to the defense. Normally a central midfielder, Frings was always a step ahead, a thought ahead of the Galaxy. Playing primarily a three-man backline, Frings was able to help keep both Robbie Keane and Edson Buddle off the score sheet as the Galaxy could only score two goals (from their own players' feet anyway) in 180 minutes. I told some colleagues that if Frings were to play the entire MLS season at defender, he'd be a strong candidate for Defender of the Year.
Now word comes out that Frings is injured. A hamstring injury will sideline him for 4-6 weeks according to Toronto FC. That means he will miss both legs of Toronto's CONCACAF Champions League series against Santos Laguna and may not return until May.
A death blow for Toronto, right?
Well, in Champions League it may be. Toronto will be massive underdogs against Santos Laguna, who polished off Seattle with a 6-1 drubbing in Torreon a week ago. Toronto need to head to Mexico with at least a two-goal edge in order to have a chance but a home win of any kind seems difficult against the Mexicans. With Frings, perhaps. Without Frings... massively challenging.
In league, though, their chances may not be as bleak. Consider this: Toronto FC will play four of their next five matches at home. Their upcoming schedule:
March 24: San Jose
March 31: Columbus
April 7: at Montreal
April 14: Chivas USA
April 21: Chicago
Four matches at home, the fifth away to the expansion Impact in what could be a charged bit of a rivalry match.
The next four games are also favorable... well, aside from the first one...
April 28: at Real Salt Lake
May 5: DC United
May 19: at DC United
May 26: Philadelphia
It seems what could save Toronto during this time is that they play in the Eastern Conference. Their toughest match is the away fixture to Real Salt Lake. Aside from Chivas and San Jose, not exactly Western powers, the rest of the schedule is filled with Eastern clubs.
Losing Frings may have killed Toronto FC's CCL hopes but their league campaign should be strong. And if it doesn't, it won't be something their fans aren't used to.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Galaxy-Toronto Primer
Some random thoughts and observations about today's Galaxy-Toronto FC match...
* Judging by Landon Donovan's tweets on Tuesday night, I don't expect Donovan to be in Canada for this match. Does that mean the Galaxy won't have a chance? Of course not, but it does mean the lineup is going to change yet again. Mike Magee played in Donovan's place against DC United and came away with a goal for his efforts. Magee could get the nod once more, and given his goal, it might be good to keep him in Donovan's place for this game.
* Chris Birchall returns after a one-match ban so I expect we'll see this midfield alignment: Magee out left, Beckham and Juninho in the middle and Birchall out right.
* Sean Franklin should slide back to right back for this game.
* Who gets the nod up top? How about Chad Barrett? Sorry, did you spit out your coffee? I am serious, though. Barrett returns to Toronto for the first time since his offseason trade to LA. What better way than to kickstart a player's season than a visit to his former home? I wrote up this story for MLSsoccer.com on Chad's return to Toronto, got to talk to him on Tuesday and he seems pretty excited for the chance to play at BMO Field again.
* The Galaxy have scored five goals in five games. That's not going to get the job done, plain and simple. Can they turn it around? Without Donovan it will be tough. The Galaxy haven't been generating many chances. Three of their goals have come off set pieces and the other two off defensive mistakes (the counter in Seattle and New England's botched clearance). Combine that with a team that's improving defensively and this match will be pretty tough.
* Judging by Landon Donovan's tweets on Tuesday night, I don't expect Donovan to be in Canada for this match. Does that mean the Galaxy won't have a chance? Of course not, but it does mean the lineup is going to change yet again. Mike Magee played in Donovan's place against DC United and came away with a goal for his efforts. Magee could get the nod once more, and given his goal, it might be good to keep him in Donovan's place for this game.
* Chris Birchall returns after a one-match ban so I expect we'll see this midfield alignment: Magee out left, Beckham and Juninho in the middle and Birchall out right.
* Sean Franklin should slide back to right back for this game.
* Who gets the nod up top? How about Chad Barrett? Sorry, did you spit out your coffee? I am serious, though. Barrett returns to Toronto for the first time since his offseason trade to LA. What better way than to kickstart a player's season than a visit to his former home? I wrote up this story for MLSsoccer.com on Chad's return to Toronto, got to talk to him on Tuesday and he seems pretty excited for the chance to play at BMO Field again.
* The Galaxy have scored five goals in five games. That's not going to get the job done, plain and simple. Can they turn it around? Without Donovan it will be tough. The Galaxy haven't been generating many chances. Three of their goals have come off set pieces and the other two off defensive mistakes (the counter in Seattle and New England's botched clearance). Combine that with a team that's improving defensively and this match will be pretty tough.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Not holding back
John Carver didn't hold back much after Toronto lost to Chivas 2-1 on Saturday.
He said he was "absolutely furious" with his defense and also was disgusted with the league and its scheduling. In fact, he even said Toronto FC asked the league to postpone next Saturday's match against Chivas due to extreme hardship.
Here's audio of the interview.
Quickly, TFC has these guys absent on international duty: Greg Sutton, Tyrone Marshall, Jarrod Smith, Jim Brennan, Amado Guevara, Carlos Ruiz, Marvell Wynne, Carl Robinson and two others I'm missing.
Listen to the audio to see how he thinks he may have to fill the void.
He said he was "absolutely furious" with his defense and also was disgusted with the league and its scheduling. In fact, he even said Toronto FC asked the league to postpone next Saturday's match against Chivas due to extreme hardship.
Here's audio of the interview.
Quickly, TFC has these guys absent on international duty: Greg Sutton, Tyrone Marshall, Jarrod Smith, Jim Brennan, Amado Guevara, Carlos Ruiz, Marvell Wynne, Carl Robinson and two others I'm missing.
Listen to the audio to see how he thinks he may have to fill the void.
Friday, July 25, 2008
McTrade finally happens
The news broke last night during the broadcast and now it's all over the web. Chad Barrett for Brian McBride.
It's like trading two shiny new quarters for an old 10-dollar bill.
Barrett would be pretty good if it weren't for one thing: his inability to finish. Being as he's a forward and his job is to finish, that's kind of a big issue. Had McBride been in Barrett's position to finish the chances that were served up to him on silver platters, Chicago might have a win or three more in their win column.
As it stands, Chicago is in good position to make the playoffs. With McBride, though, you've got to think that the Fire is second behind New England in terms of MLS Cup favorites, with Columbus a distant third.
Of course, it will be strange to see Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Brian McBride on the same side. That might take some getting used to.
So does McBride instantly become one of the league's best three forwards? The best forward, period?
Good thing for us out here at HDC is that McBride's first game with the Fire might be against the Galaxy on Aug. 21. So we've got that to look forward to.
It's like trading two shiny new quarters for an old 10-dollar bill.
Barrett would be pretty good if it weren't for one thing: his inability to finish. Being as he's a forward and his job is to finish, that's kind of a big issue. Had McBride been in Barrett's position to finish the chances that were served up to him on silver platters, Chicago might have a win or three more in their win column.
As it stands, Chicago is in good position to make the playoffs. With McBride, though, you've got to think that the Fire is second behind New England in terms of MLS Cup favorites, with Columbus a distant third.
Of course, it will be strange to see Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Brian McBride on the same side. That might take some getting used to.
So does McBride instantly become one of the league's best three forwards? The best forward, period?
Good thing for us out here at HDC is that McBride's first game with the Fire might be against the Galaxy on Aug. 21. So we've got that to look forward to.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
So much for Toronto
I'm not a TFC supporter but even I'm starting to get frustrated.
I can just imagine how the Red Patch Boys feel about their club's latest setback.
Toronto FC failed to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League as Montreal nabbed Canada's lone spot in the upcoming tournament. Needing just a win, Toronto FC actually went ahead early but could not seal the deal. Montreal got an equalizer from Rapids washout Roberto Brown and held on for a 1-1 draw.
It must be incredibly frustrating for TFC fans to pack the house only to watch their team score one goal a game, or many times actually see them score no goals at all. But this is a slap in the face, losing out on the chance to participate in what could have been an exciting event for the team and its fans. To add insult to injury to Toronto fans, it's Montreal's team that gets to go and represent Canada.
Not sure what Toronto needs but they need something. Perhaps it's time for the front office to work something out with Chicago instead of being the reported stubborn fools they've been. Toronto needs something; otherwise there will be more frustrating draws at BMO Field this season.
I can just imagine how the Red Patch Boys feel about their club's latest setback.
Toronto FC failed to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League as Montreal nabbed Canada's lone spot in the upcoming tournament. Needing just a win, Toronto FC actually went ahead early but could not seal the deal. Montreal got an equalizer from Rapids washout Roberto Brown and held on for a 1-1 draw.
It must be incredibly frustrating for TFC fans to pack the house only to watch their team score one goal a game, or many times actually see them score no goals at all. But this is a slap in the face, losing out on the chance to participate in what could have been an exciting event for the team and its fans. To add insult to injury to Toronto fans, it's Montreal's team that gets to go and represent Canada.
Not sure what Toronto needs but they need something. Perhaps it's time for the front office to work something out with Chicago instead of being the reported stubborn fools they've been. Toronto needs something; otherwise there will be more frustrating draws at BMO Field this season.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Rising up
Back on the street. Let's track the matches and upsets today.
Upset, though not in U.S. Open Cup - Vancouver takes down its MLS big brother.
Coach John Carver, as might be guessed, is not pleased.
Upset! Crystal Palace USA wins by TWO goals versus the Red Bull New York. The Baltimore team played a man down since the 34th minute of the first half.
Another Upset!
The Battery win in penalty kicks versus the defending MLS champs! Houston was 1-1 versus the Charleston Battery in regulation. Charleston played a man down, but with the lead until Houston leveled. The Battery lost another player to cards and played two men short in the second overtime.
No upset!
Richmond Kickers and New England Revolution - Defending champions, the Revs, win by three goals.
Chicago Fire scored 3 goals on the Cleveland City Stars in the first half. Cleveland got a consolation goal in the second half. Fire scored another, 4-1, final.
FC Dallas scores in stoppage time to down Miami FC, 2-1.
DC United wins, 2-0 versus the Rochestor Rhinos. Both goals by Marc Burch.
Wizards Score Again - again and again! In overtime, the Wizards score, having really turned it around from a 2-0 deficit to the Carolina Railhawks. Another PK to the Wizards. It's now 4-2. Carolina came close to scoring, but couldn't manage it, playing a man down too big a handicap.
Thus, Houston, New York and Chivas USA are out of the Open Cup as Charleston, Crystal Palace and Seattle pull off the upsets.
Watching these games is like MLS deja vu - oh, that's where that guy ended up! David Stokes, for example.
Upset, though not in U.S. Open Cup - Vancouver takes down its MLS big brother.
Coach John Carver, as might be guessed, is not pleased.
Upset! Crystal Palace USA wins by TWO goals versus the Red Bull New York. The Baltimore team played a man down since the 34th minute of the first half.
Another Upset!
The Battery win in penalty kicks versus the defending MLS champs! Houston was 1-1 versus the Charleston Battery in regulation. Charleston played a man down, but with the lead until Houston leveled. The Battery lost another player to cards and played two men short in the second overtime.
Upset!
Seattle knocks Chivas USA out of the Open Cup again, this time 2-0.
No upset!
Richmond Kickers and New England Revolution - Defending champions, the Revs, win by three goals.
Chicago Fire scored 3 goals on the Cleveland City Stars in the first half. Cleveland got a consolation goal in the second half. Fire scored another, 4-1, final.
FC Dallas scores in stoppage time to down Miami FC, 2-1.
DC United wins, 2-0 versus the Rochestor Rhinos. Both goals by Marc Burch.
Wizards Score Again - again and again! In overtime, the Wizards score, having really turned it around from a 2-0 deficit to the Carolina Railhawks. Another PK to the Wizards. It's now 4-2. Carolina came close to scoring, but couldn't manage it, playing a man down too big a handicap.
Thus, Houston, New York and Chivas USA are out of the Open Cup as Charleston, Crystal Palace and Seattle pull off the upsets.
Watching these games is like MLS deja vu - oh, that's where that guy ended up! David Stokes, for example.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Galaxy/TFC running blog
Hello, Sideline Views fans. Look at the lovely skyline of Toronto! FSN is doing a feature on Weezer, who of course I adore, and not just because Rivers Cuomo knows who I am.
The commentators are discussing the horrid defense of the Galaxy. And yet, Sean Franklin, on that defense, is Rookie of the Year material.
Oh, look, they mention the streamers - "It looks like a kid's party at Chuck-E-Cheese." Well, that's impressive.
Here's Andrea's Keys to the Game: Better defense. Score without the Dynamic Duo. If the Galaxy have a lead, don't take a corner until every streamer is out of the way (in homage to Beckham's OCD tendencies) even if it takes half an hour.
It looks like Landon Donovan might play in this match. I'm not sure. The announcers haven't said definitely yet.
Oh wait, they just did. He won't start, but he's going to be on the bench.
For those readers who were concerned about my car - it's fixed! D and E Auto Repair (Ave 35 and Verdugo Blvd) replaced the radiator and thermostat. So my wheels are rolling again.
TFC
* 18 - Brian Edwards (GK)
* 4 - Marco Velez
* 5 - Kevin Harmse
* 6 - Maurice Edu
* 10 - Rohan Ricketts
* 11 - Jim Brennan
* 12 - Todd Dunivant
* 16 - Marvell Wynne
* 23 - Jarrod Smith
* 28 - Olivier Tebily
* 96 - Jeff Cunningham
Galaxy
* 1 - Steve Cronin (GK)
* 2 - Mike Randolph
* 3 - Greg Vanney
* 7 - Chris Klein
* 12 - Troy Roberts
* 14 - Edson Buddle
* 15 - Alvaro Pires
* 16 - Joe Franchino
* 21 - Alan Gordon
* 28 - Sean Franklin
* 32 - Brandon McDonald
Kickoff!
1- Cunningham is offside, but the Galaxy defense looks shaky already.
2 - Brandon McDonald goes down in the box, doesn't get the call.
5 - TFC FK Ricketts to take, Galaxy clear.
7 - Announcers discussing Steve Cronin. BTY is Zach Wells the only regular MLS starter without a shutout to his credit this season? I think so.
8 - Vanney blocks a shot - perhaps intentionally.
9 - Randolph on Wynne - the two speedsters could cancel each other out.
10 - McDonald is attacking more than I've seen in the past.
12 - I'm not sure why Ruiz isn't starting - maybe Ruud wants him to be really hungry.
13 - Nice Buddle cross - well, a bit short, but it was a decent attack setup. Klein kills the counter going the other way.
15 - The Galaxy don't look terribly skillful right now, but there's a grit to their defending that is interesting to see.
16 - Brennan overshoots Wynne on a long pass. He's not that fast, Jim.
17 - Roberts robs Cunningham of the ball, but the Galaxy can't create.
18 - Julius James is going in for Oliver Tebily, who hobbles off. Not sure why. Maybe he pulled something.
19 - Edwards catches a long Galaxy pass.
21 - TFC with more ball possession now. Galaxy can't seem to get out of their own half. Goal kicks don't count.
22 - Cunningham is Offside! And wide!
23 - Final pass doesn't reach Gordon in the box. This is a jumbled game, as befits a lot of non-regular players hoping to impress. More heart than finesse, that's for sure.
25 - Galaxy FK - Vanney sets up - Klein takes - into the wall. Galaxy work the ball back, but the pas to Randolph is offside.
26 - Uh, oh - Dunny on the long free throw gives TF a chance in the box, Franklin slides it out for another FT.
27 - Harmse shoots! It's high.
28 - Cunningham is offside- though the whistle was late.
30 - Franklin clotheslined by Smith, but the FK is too far out to be considered dangerous.
31 - Gordon shoots wide and awkwardly.
33 - Dunny on a throw - deep into the box. Dang, he's good at those, but the Galaxy cover the back chip attempt.
36 - Wynne stumble nearly leaves Gordon alone on goal, but Marvel recovers.
37 - TFK FK to TFC FT - but Cronin comes out to catch it.
38 - Klein to Gordon, who brings ball down and touches to Buddle, who one-times. It's high, but that's the first flash of genuine offense from the Galaxy.
39 - Cunningham in the box, shoots, Cronin parries, Galaxy clear. Speaking of offensive chances.
41 - Pires gets pulled by Edu, who sees yellow. It's far out, but it's a FK and Vanney takes it. A soft chip to the players in the box, but TFC clears.
43- Pires looks to be holding his side.
45 - TFC on the attack. Ricketts beats two, gets in the box, Cronin off his line to snuff the attack.
45+ McDonald hard tackle to stop a TFC counter, but it looked clean.
Halftime - The Galaxy have to regret that they didn't test the backup keeper more, but they're not getting run off the field by an undermanned TFC, either.
46 - Now TFC fans are throwing streamers at the Galaxy goal during the run of play. Great. but why should anyone be surprised. If the argument is that players should be able to play through mere paper on corners, why shouldn't the same be expected elsewhere? If it's ok to affect the game in one spot, why not another?
47 - GOAL- Julius James gets a header on a free kick by Ricketts. The rain might have been a factor, but it seems that James just out-jumped Troy Roberts to it.
53 - Edu's low shot is bobbled by Cronin - the rain probably contributing again, but Cronin eventually hangs on.
54 - Velez gets whistled for a foul and is pissed about it, which turns into a yellow.
55 - Smith on a counter - he's not offside - and somehow, everybody misses his cross. TFC corner, eventually. It ends up in Cronin's hands.
61 - Vanney smart defensive play there.
63 - The rain is the12th man right now. It's a mess to watch. But part of soccer is dealing with the elements, right, John Terry?
65 - GOAL! The ball bounces perfectly for Cunningham, while Galaxy guys slip and slide. He takes on Cronin and puts it away for his second of the year. Apparently Cunningham can only score against the Galaxy. 2-0 TFC
70 - Ruiz is on for the Galaxy, but hasn't made an impact yet.
72 - Ricketts wide in the box as more streamers are thrown.
74 - Smith alone on goal - Cronin out - Smith shoots wide.
76 - announcers aren't even calling the game any more. They're saying TFC should build extra seats.
77 - Roberts and Wynne in the box, Roberts wins out, while Wynne lies down - why not, he's winning.
78 - Ricketts shoots at Cronin. Cronin catches.
80 - Galaxy with a little run of possession, but no shots on goal.
82 -Klein with a horrid cross.
83 - Gordon and Ruiz put together an attack, but Edwards is set for the rather outside shot of Ruiz.
85 - FK by Ruiz is deflected for a corner. Franchino takes it.
86 - Fans are throwing full cups of beer, not just streamers. The ball gets cleared to Franklin, whose outside shot is high and wide.
90 + As the announcer notes, the fan on the field is helping TFC - taking more time off the clock.
Gordon is pulled down right at the arc. Klein wants it. It's deflected.
Ha, ha. The fans want the final whistle, but it seems the refs are fighting back against the timewasting by pitch invasion and streamers. It doesn't help the Galaxy, though. In fact, Cunningham gets a late chance on a counter that he sends high and wide.
Well, the Galaxy are back to .500 on a couple of rain time goals. It's easy to say that TFC had the advantage of being more familiar with how to play on wet turf, but one goal was due to poor marking, and the other was on a Keystone Kops sequence of lost defensive shape. Above and beyond that, the Galaxy generated little offense themselves.
The commentators are discussing the horrid defense of the Galaxy. And yet, Sean Franklin, on that defense, is Rookie of the Year material.
Oh, look, they mention the streamers - "It looks like a kid's party at Chuck-E-Cheese." Well, that's impressive.
Here's Andrea's Keys to the Game: Better defense. Score without the Dynamic Duo. If the Galaxy have a lead, don't take a corner until every streamer is out of the way (in homage to Beckham's OCD tendencies) even if it takes half an hour.
It looks like Landon Donovan might play in this match. I'm not sure. The announcers haven't said definitely yet.
Oh wait, they just did. He won't start, but he's going to be on the bench.
For those readers who were concerned about my car - it's fixed! D and E Auto Repair (Ave 35 and Verdugo Blvd) replaced the radiator and thermostat. So my wheels are rolling again.
TFC
* 18 - Brian Edwards (GK)
* 4 - Marco Velez
* 5 - Kevin Harmse
* 6 - Maurice Edu
* 10 - Rohan Ricketts
* 11 - Jim Brennan
* 12 - Todd Dunivant
* 16 - Marvell Wynne
* 23 - Jarrod Smith
* 28 - Olivier Tebily
* 96 - Jeff Cunningham
Galaxy
* 1 - Steve Cronin (GK)
* 2 - Mike Randolph
* 3 - Greg Vanney
* 7 - Chris Klein
* 12 - Troy Roberts
* 14 - Edson Buddle
* 15 - Alvaro Pires
* 16 - Joe Franchino
* 21 - Alan Gordon
* 28 - Sean Franklin
* 32 - Brandon McDonald
Kickoff!
1- Cunningham is offside, but the Galaxy defense looks shaky already.
2 - Brandon McDonald goes down in the box, doesn't get the call.
5 - TFC FK Ricketts to take, Galaxy clear.
7 - Announcers discussing Steve Cronin. BTY is Zach Wells the only regular MLS starter without a shutout to his credit this season? I think so.
8 - Vanney blocks a shot - perhaps intentionally.
9 - Randolph on Wynne - the two speedsters could cancel each other out.
10 - McDonald is attacking more than I've seen in the past.
12 - I'm not sure why Ruiz isn't starting - maybe Ruud wants him to be really hungry.
13 - Nice Buddle cross - well, a bit short, but it was a decent attack setup. Klein kills the counter going the other way.
15 - The Galaxy don't look terribly skillful right now, but there's a grit to their defending that is interesting to see.
16 - Brennan overshoots Wynne on a long pass. He's not that fast, Jim.
17 - Roberts robs Cunningham of the ball, but the Galaxy can't create.
18 - Julius James is going in for Oliver Tebily, who hobbles off. Not sure why. Maybe he pulled something.
19 - Edwards catches a long Galaxy pass.
21 - TFC with more ball possession now. Galaxy can't seem to get out of their own half. Goal kicks don't count.
22 - Cunningham is Offside! And wide!
23 - Final pass doesn't reach Gordon in the box. This is a jumbled game, as befits a lot of non-regular players hoping to impress. More heart than finesse, that's for sure.
25 - Galaxy FK - Vanney sets up - Klein takes - into the wall. Galaxy work the ball back, but the pas to Randolph is offside.
26 - Uh, oh - Dunny on the long free throw gives TF a chance in the box, Franklin slides it out for another FT.
27 - Harmse shoots! It's high.
28 - Cunningham is offside- though the whistle was late.
30 - Franklin clotheslined by Smith, but the FK is too far out to be considered dangerous.
31 - Gordon shoots wide and awkwardly.
33 - Dunny on a throw - deep into the box. Dang, he's good at those, but the Galaxy cover the back chip attempt.
36 - Wynne stumble nearly leaves Gordon alone on goal, but Marvel recovers.
37 - TFK FK to TFC FT - but Cronin comes out to catch it.
38 - Klein to Gordon, who brings ball down and touches to Buddle, who one-times. It's high, but that's the first flash of genuine offense from the Galaxy.
39 - Cunningham in the box, shoots, Cronin parries, Galaxy clear. Speaking of offensive chances.
41 - Pires gets pulled by Edu, who sees yellow. It's far out, but it's a FK and Vanney takes it. A soft chip to the players in the box, but TFC clears.
43- Pires looks to be holding his side.
45 - TFC on the attack. Ricketts beats two, gets in the box, Cronin off his line to snuff the attack.
45+ McDonald hard tackle to stop a TFC counter, but it looked clean.
Halftime - The Galaxy have to regret that they didn't test the backup keeper more, but they're not getting run off the field by an undermanned TFC, either.
46 - Now TFC fans are throwing streamers at the Galaxy goal during the run of play. Great. but why should anyone be surprised. If the argument is that players should be able to play through mere paper on corners, why shouldn't the same be expected elsewhere? If it's ok to affect the game in one spot, why not another?
47 - GOAL- Julius James gets a header on a free kick by Ricketts. The rain might have been a factor, but it seems that James just out-jumped Troy Roberts to it.
53 - Edu's low shot is bobbled by Cronin - the rain probably contributing again, but Cronin eventually hangs on.
54 - Velez gets whistled for a foul and is pissed about it, which turns into a yellow.
55 - Smith on a counter - he's not offside - and somehow, everybody misses his cross. TFC corner, eventually. It ends up in Cronin's hands.
61 - Vanney smart defensive play there.
63 - The rain is the12th man right now. It's a mess to watch. But part of soccer is dealing with the elements, right, John Terry?
65 - GOAL! The ball bounces perfectly for Cunningham, while Galaxy guys slip and slide. He takes on Cronin and puts it away for his second of the year. Apparently Cunningham can only score against the Galaxy. 2-0 TFC
70 - Ruiz is on for the Galaxy, but hasn't made an impact yet.
72 - Ricketts wide in the box as more streamers are thrown.
74 - Smith alone on goal - Cronin out - Smith shoots wide.
76 - announcers aren't even calling the game any more. They're saying TFC should build extra seats.
77 - Roberts and Wynne in the box, Roberts wins out, while Wynne lies down - why not, he's winning.
78 - Ricketts shoots at Cronin. Cronin catches.
80 - Galaxy with a little run of possession, but no shots on goal.
82 -Klein with a horrid cross.
83 - Gordon and Ruiz put together an attack, but Edwards is set for the rather outside shot of Ruiz.
85 - FK by Ruiz is deflected for a corner. Franchino takes it.
86 - Fans are throwing full cups of beer, not just streamers. The ball gets cleared to Franklin, whose outside shot is high and wide.
90 + As the announcer notes, the fan on the field is helping TFC - taking more time off the clock.
Gordon is pulled down right at the arc. Klein wants it. It's deflected.
Ha, ha. The fans want the final whistle, but it seems the refs are fighting back against the timewasting by pitch invasion and streamers. It doesn't help the Galaxy, though. In fact, Cunningham gets a late chance on a counter that he sends high and wide.
Well, the Galaxy are back to .500 on a couple of rain time goals. It's easy to say that TFC had the advantage of being more familiar with how to play on wet turf, but one goal was due to poor marking, and the other was on a Keystone Kops sequence of lost defensive shape. Above and beyond that, the Galaxy generated little offense themselves.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
No help needed
I'm watching the Toronto-Columbus game here (and Dodgers-Angels is on the tube) and I was wondering about the Galaxy's upcoming trip to Toronto. I think it will be the first opponent they will have played twice and the first opponent against whom they will have completed their season series.
The Galaxy's game at Toronto is on May 31, and David Beckham likely won't be there. He'll be with England that day, more than likely. It's no coincidence, of course, that the Galaxy's game at Toronto was scheduled for that day. Toronto is the only venue in the league where no help is needed to sell tickets, so it will be a packed house with or without Beckham around to hype the game.
It's scoreless right now, as the Crew and Toronto battle it out in what could be a preview of an Eastern Conference playoff spot. It's a good game so far. The Galaxy, heck any team, will have a tough time up on Toronto.
The Galaxy's game at Toronto is on May 31, and David Beckham likely won't be there. He'll be with England that day, more than likely. It's no coincidence, of course, that the Galaxy's game at Toronto was scheduled for that day. Toronto is the only venue in the league where no help is needed to sell tickets, so it will be a packed house with or without Beckham around to hype the game.
It's scoreless right now, as the Crew and Toronto battle it out in what could be a preview of an Eastern Conference playoff spot. It's a good game so far. The Galaxy, heck any team, will have a tough time up on Toronto.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Streaming silly
An email reader wants me to take Mike Wilbon to task over criticizing TFC fans for throwing streamers onto the field during corner kicks, but I think Wilbon is right.
I love atmosphere at games, but I hate anything being thrown on to the field. TFC fans aren't being original in this - the Legion 1908 of Chivas USA has a streamer ritual towards the goal near the end of every home match.
Thing is, I've seen Brad Guzan fight his way through streamers when trying to catch a cross - and he didn't look happy about the "support" from the fans.
I've watched TFC matches where the team needed only a goal to win or draw late in the game and fans were still throwing streamers to the opposition corner kicker, eating up clock time that their squad could presumably use to score.
I hate, hate, anything outside the field of play physically affecting the game. The emotional impact of fan support doesn't need to be translated into stuff flying out from the stands. The streamer shower almost always delays the match. What's a few seconds lost in return for atmosphere?, some might ask, but I really fail to see the point. Plus, I think it sets a bad precedent to throw anything on to the field - streamers today, something heavier and more painful in the future, perhaps. Cheer, jeer, sing, but don't detract from the game. It's a turn-off to me to watch players pick streamers off from the corner arc. I want to see soccer being played.
Granted, some people throw confetti after goals - I'm ok with that because the action stops for a bit after goals anyway, since a team celebrates scoring.
I remember asking Kevin Hartman about streamers and he pointed out that he didn't mind confetti, but streamers often didn't unroll and just remained on the field. His worry was that a defender, who often backs up while watching an attacker instead of where one is stepping, could turn an ankle or knee by stepping on the lumpy streamer roll. Just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it's not a valid concern.
I love atmosphere at games, but I hate anything being thrown on to the field. TFC fans aren't being original in this - the Legion 1908 of Chivas USA has a streamer ritual towards the goal near the end of every home match.
Thing is, I've seen Brad Guzan fight his way through streamers when trying to catch a cross - and he didn't look happy about the "support" from the fans.
I've watched TFC matches where the team needed only a goal to win or draw late in the game and fans were still throwing streamers to the opposition corner kicker, eating up clock time that their squad could presumably use to score.
I hate, hate, anything outside the field of play physically affecting the game. The emotional impact of fan support doesn't need to be translated into stuff flying out from the stands. The streamer shower almost always delays the match. What's a few seconds lost in return for atmosphere?, some might ask, but I really fail to see the point. Plus, I think it sets a bad precedent to throw anything on to the field - streamers today, something heavier and more painful in the future, perhaps. Cheer, jeer, sing, but don't detract from the game. It's a turn-off to me to watch players pick streamers off from the corner arc. I want to see soccer being played.
Granted, some people throw confetti after goals - I'm ok with that because the action stops for a bit after goals anyway, since a team celebrates scoring.
I remember asking Kevin Hartman about streamers and he pointed out that he didn't mind confetti, but streamers often didn't unroll and just remained on the field. His worry was that a defender, who often backs up while watching an attacker instead of where one is stepping, could turn an ankle or knee by stepping on the lumpy streamer roll. Just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it's not a valid concern.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
RB/TFC running blog
Traffic tied me up - but here we are, with TFC leading on a Marco Velez header.
34- It seems a slight shock every time I see Tyrone Marshall in a TFC uniform. I know FC Dallas fans despise him for breaking Kenny Cooper's leg, but he was a nice guy to the press, always a great interview and had the cutest Jamaican accent ever.
37 - Edu nearly latched on to a ball in the box, but NY is able to counter and they get a FK from a handball outside the box.
39 - GOAL! Van den Burgh takes the FK. I'm somewhat surprised it got through. It wasn't that stunning of a strike. Harkes agrees with me, so I suddenly think he's a better commentator than before. 1-1
41 - TFC with a FK of their own, but it's far out and NY clears.
43 - Well, NY certainly killed TFC's momentum, getting that goal and evening the game before the half.
44 - TFC fans look cold and the weather seems gray on TV. Wynne with a good catch-up play to take away a ball in the box. He's great at those.
45 - Reyna nice move in midfield. Gets the foul.
45 + Altidore give/go with Magee. Magee's go didn't go very well, though, and Jozy can't catch up to it.
Halftime. TFC fans are making me feel a bit guilty for sitting around in bare feet, shorts and a tank top. Pretty even game from what I've seen.
The Dick's Sporting Goods commercial makes me wonder - who in that spot is having a good year? davino, kinda, Christian, sure. Poor Ching and worst off is the commercial's star, Ben Olsen. Who knows if he'll be back.
46 - Reyna's out. Sinisa Ubiparapovic is in. Another FK for TFC. This one is closer, Dichio almost gets to it.
48 - TFC has come out with energy, pressing NY back - until NY counters. Reyna has a lower leg injury. Oooh, fighting. . . well, not really. Jozy is up in all of it.
49 - Replay shows Jozy shoving Robert, then Robert shoving Freeman, but the order is unclear. Abbe sets up a compromise, gives Robert a card, and TFC the ball.
52 - Jozy from outside. Over the bar.
55 - Rohan Rickets is looking pretty good. Nearly got an assist in there. Dane Richards comes in for NY.
61 - TFC has improved so much from last year. Magee cracks a shot on a counter, just wide. good to see him back, even though it's a bit startling to see how his baby face has aged in all the time he's been not playing.
65 - Edu nearly climbs the back of VandenBurgh when VDB cuts in to try to take the ball. FK, but robert hits it too low.
67 - It's raining now. conditions are ripe for a flukey goal.
69 - Jon Conway, the NY goalkeeper, is the grandson of actor Tim Conway, whose movies I watched as a kid. I can see the resemblance, though Jon is a hugely tall, athletic guy. TFC FK cleared out.
73 - Scrappy play, JPD is doing well to keep up with the call. Kevin Goldthwaite is down.
76 - Conway off his line to catch up to a ball slotted into the box.
78 - The emotional pitch of this game is climbing. Both sides have hard game long, if a gamewinner comes, this will especially sap the morale of the loser.
79 - jozy feeds Dane with a little shovel pass, but the connection misses - just barely. NY seems inspired, attacks with numbers, Angel gets a head on the ball, but can't quite flick it and the ball is cleared.
85 - Jeff Cunningham is finally in the game. Very little time for late heroics.
86 - Reyna on the bench. Both of NY's DP's are struggling with injuries. That really handicaps the club.
90 - Late attack by TFC, but the Robert to Robinson connection misses.
90 + Jon Wolyneic into the game for Altidore. TFC pushing hard. Guevara shoots, deflection, Conway catches. CK for NY. Short corner by Magee, doesn't quite get his cross off.
Final whistle. Pretty fair result.
34- It seems a slight shock every time I see Tyrone Marshall in a TFC uniform. I know FC Dallas fans despise him for breaking Kenny Cooper's leg, but he was a nice guy to the press, always a great interview and had the cutest Jamaican accent ever.
37 - Edu nearly latched on to a ball in the box, but NY is able to counter and they get a FK from a handball outside the box.
39 - GOAL! Van den Burgh takes the FK. I'm somewhat surprised it got through. It wasn't that stunning of a strike. Harkes agrees with me, so I suddenly think he's a better commentator than before. 1-1
41 - TFC with a FK of their own, but it's far out and NY clears.
43 - Well, NY certainly killed TFC's momentum, getting that goal and evening the game before the half.
44 - TFC fans look cold and the weather seems gray on TV. Wynne with a good catch-up play to take away a ball in the box. He's great at those.
45 - Reyna nice move in midfield. Gets the foul.
45 + Altidore give/go with Magee. Magee's go didn't go very well, though, and Jozy can't catch up to it.
Halftime. TFC fans are making me feel a bit guilty for sitting around in bare feet, shorts and a tank top. Pretty even game from what I've seen.
The Dick's Sporting Goods commercial makes me wonder - who in that spot is having a good year? davino, kinda, Christian, sure. Poor Ching and worst off is the commercial's star, Ben Olsen. Who knows if he'll be back.
46 - Reyna's out. Sinisa Ubiparapovic is in. Another FK for TFC. This one is closer, Dichio almost gets to it.
48 - TFC has come out with energy, pressing NY back - until NY counters. Reyna has a lower leg injury. Oooh, fighting. . . well, not really. Jozy is up in all of it.
49 - Replay shows Jozy shoving Robert, then Robert shoving Freeman, but the order is unclear. Abbe sets up a compromise, gives Robert a card, and TFC the ball.
52 - Jozy from outside. Over the bar.
55 - Rohan Rickets is looking pretty good. Nearly got an assist in there. Dane Richards comes in for NY.
61 - TFC has improved so much from last year. Magee cracks a shot on a counter, just wide. good to see him back, even though it's a bit startling to see how his baby face has aged in all the time he's been not playing.
65 - Edu nearly climbs the back of VandenBurgh when VDB cuts in to try to take the ball. FK, but robert hits it too low.
67 - It's raining now. conditions are ripe for a flukey goal.
69 - Jon Conway, the NY goalkeeper, is the grandson of actor Tim Conway, whose movies I watched as a kid. I can see the resemblance, though Jon is a hugely tall, athletic guy. TFC FK cleared out.
73 - Scrappy play, JPD is doing well to keep up with the call. Kevin Goldthwaite is down.
76 - Conway off his line to catch up to a ball slotted into the box.
78 - The emotional pitch of this game is climbing. Both sides have hard game long, if a gamewinner comes, this will especially sap the morale of the loser.
79 - jozy feeds Dane with a little shovel pass, but the connection misses - just barely. NY seems inspired, attacks with numbers, Angel gets a head on the ball, but can't quite flick it and the ball is cleared.
85 - Jeff Cunningham is finally in the game. Very little time for late heroics.
86 - Reyna on the bench. Both of NY's DP's are struggling with injuries. That really handicaps the club.
90 - Late attack by TFC, but the Robert to Robinson connection misses.
90 + Jon Wolyneic into the game for Altidore. TFC pushing hard. Guevara shoots, deflection, Conway catches. CK for NY. Short corner by Magee, doesn't quite get his cross off.
Final whistle. Pretty fair result.
Expansion: year two
Having covered Chivas USA in 2005 when they were the worst team in the league and one of the worst the league has ever seen, and having covered them in 2006 when they improved substantially and in 2007 when they won the Western Conference, I feel like I have good first-hand knowledge of the trials and tribulations of an expansion MLS team.
Toronto is hosting New York on ESPN2 tonight and I feel in a way about them the way I felt about Chivas in 2006. I knew the worst was over, even after some tough early losses. And I knew the team was going to compete for a playoff spot, one which they eventually nabbed.
Toronto has talent. They have guys who can score goals and guys who can defend. They've got a new coach. But more importantly, they've taken their lumps and learned from them. Now I don't want to say that Toronto is going to compete for the MLS Cup title just yet. It's only May and the team's got a lot to prove. But everything seems to be coming together for them thus far this season, after a rough little start to the season.
I have no idea why Real Salt Lake is still struggling but it seems that Toronto has their act straightened out in Year Two.
Toronto is hosting New York on ESPN2 tonight and I feel in a way about them the way I felt about Chivas in 2006. I knew the worst was over, even after some tough early losses. And I knew the team was going to compete for a playoff spot, one which they eventually nabbed.
Toronto has talent. They have guys who can score goals and guys who can defend. They've got a new coach. But more importantly, they've taken their lumps and learned from them. Now I don't want to say that Toronto is going to compete for the MLS Cup title just yet. It's only May and the team's got a lot to prove. But everything seems to be coming together for them thus far this season, after a rough little start to the season.
I have no idea why Real Salt Lake is still struggling but it seems that Toronto has their act straightened out in Year Two.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
We know, John
Toronto FC coach John Carver quoted a famous former Swedish goalkeeper to come up with a word to describe his first win with the club. "Unbecredible" is a portmanteau, or blend, of "unbelieveable" and "incredible".
Carver added, "Don't ask me who Thomas Ravelli is," then he told the reporters anyway.
I was tempted to tell Carver - "We know who he is - do you know which MLS team he played for?" But then I figured, there were quite a few media there not covering MLS at all, just Beckham press people who probably had no idea who Ravelli was.
Carver added, "Don't ask me who Thomas Ravelli is," then he told the reporters anyway.
I was tempted to tell Carver - "We know who he is - do you know which MLS team he played for?" But then I figured, there were quite a few media there not covering MLS at all, just Beckham press people who probably had no idea who Ravelli was.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Cogito, ergo, blog
John Carver mentioned at yesterday's presser that he was bringing someone over to help him coach Toronto FC. He wouldn't tell us who it was - "He's not signed the contract yet," he pointed out.
We figured it was probably someone from Europe, because England is where Carver has been his entire previous career, and new coaches usually bring in people they know to help them out.
Later on, when Beckham was speaking to the press, a Norwegian reporter asked him about Ole Gunnar Solskjær, a former Manchester United teammate who has now retired. Ole had a plethora of injury problems and has now moved into coaching.
Hmmmm - ok, semi-wild speculation says Ole has years of experience in Engla
nd, is a new coach on the scene - hey! We'll see, I guess.
Carver expected to announce the new arrival in the next few days. "I'll be delighted to do so," he added, which really made me think that the new coach is not some unknown schmo.
Considering that TFC is a team in Canada, though, I kind of wish they'd take a look at this guy:
We figured it was probably someone from Europe, because England is where Carver has been his entire previous career, and new coaches usually bring in people they know to help them out.
Later on, when Beckham was speaking to the press, a Norwegian reporter asked him about Ole Gunnar Solskjær, a former Manchester United teammate who has now retired. Ole had a plethora of injury problems and has now moved into coaching.
Hmmmm - ok, semi-wild speculation says Ole has years of experience in Engla
nd, is a new coach on the scene - hey! We'll see, I guess.Carver expected to announce the new arrival in the next few days. "I'll be delighted to do so," he added, which really made me think that the new coach is not some unknown schmo.
Considering that TFC is a team in Canada, though, I kind of wish they'd take a look at this guy:
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Busy in the pressbox
Post-game Becks sidebar is here.
Gamer - focused on Toronto, is here.
Reaction - also Toronto-geared, esta aqui.
Gamer - focused on Toronto, is here.
Reaction - also Toronto-geared, esta aqui.
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