tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47009365372733105832024-03-14T11:48:31.869-04:00West Stand GirlRelentless optimism, passionate declarations and random babble about my beloved TFC.KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-11772059049873549222012-11-12T19:26:00.000-05:002012-11-12T23:43:39.471-05:00Renewal Of Faith? No, Just My Tickets<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Hey I have tickets again</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Oh dear, what have I done?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Surrounded by 6 years of SSH stuff...sigh</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I went ahead and did it. I renewed my season's tickets for 2013. I'll wait while you fall over in shock - you OK? Then I'll continue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unlike previous years, renewing my tickets for next season was not an automatic decision. Usually as soon as I get that renewal e-mail I don't even hesitate. But this year...oh this year. The drama that has swirled about our team this year certainly had an impact on my decision; as did the horrific season the team had on the pitch. If you had asked me during any game during the last month of the season I was still on the fence. A fence built of poor results, a poorly managed team, more drama than most soap operas, anger and apathy in the stands, and the team holding off on even announcing <a href="http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/10/anselmi-lower-prices-higher-expectations" target="_blank">renewal information until just days</a> before the final home game. Not really the recipe to get me pumped up about next season. The <a href="http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/10/reds-reflect-look-forward" target="_blank">end of season presser</a> also wasn't exactly inspiring and well, that cynicism I discovered this year? That was in full force for several days - I was angry at all the time, emotion, energy and money I'd put into supporting this team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me clarify something - I'm known (even now) for my optimism and my belief that things will work out in the end. I've succumbed to cynicism, anger and have flirted with apathy this year yet even still, deep down there's still this hopeful, excited fan that just wants to cheer for her team - and for that I make no apologies. But this past season has taxed even my sunshiny persona. I know many folk who are far more cynical than I that immediately renewed their tickets and yet still I waited.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rollback on the<a href="http://tfc.mlserenewal.com/" target="_blank"> ticket prices to 2007 levels</a> was a startling announcement - I had hoped for some kind of reduction but never expected them to actually do the right thing. A reduction of some kind yes, but all the way back to the beginning? That was a surprising move and for that I will give a small nod of approval. Until the price reduction was announced I was likely going to give up one of my tickets, as paying for two seats when one was often going unused at the previous year's rates was not sitting well with me. Then I received a very nice (what? It was nice, in a 'please, please renew your tickets' way) email from my TFC ticket rep reminding me off all the benefits of renewing my tickets, plus the added bonus of free Raptors tix - free Raptors tickets? Sold! What? I like basketball. This was part of my response:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"<span style="font-size: x-small;">...I'd planned on renewing my tickets; well at least once the prices were reduced that is. Up until that point I was somewhat on the fence as I (as well as many of my SSH brethren) have not been well pleased with the way that the club has been run over the past six years and this year in particular....I was glad to see that the club took the first necessary step to stem the tide of anger and apathy"</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then received a very nice (what? It was nice, he was happy I was renewing) email in reply talking about the focus now being on the team and the team's performance - good news everyone! Sorry, cynical side putting in a brief appearance...but I'm reserving judgement (probably) until oh, at least later on this week when the first player cuts are announced. OK, back to ticket talk!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bottom line is that after many long conversations with myself and pretty much ignoring what anyone else was doing - sorry folks, nothing anyone else said was going to influence me but me - in regards to renewing, I decided that affordable tickets were just enough to keep me on board. I have hope (see, still optimistic!) that over the next few years I'll see my team slowly make it's way back to respectability. Please note I said the next few years - I have zero expectations for a dramatic turnaround for our Reds in the upcoming season - but at the end of the day I want to be there to see it happen; when it happens. I guess six years plummeting to the depths of MLS aren't enough to completely eradicate that hopeful, excited fan that first walked into BMO back in 2007...hope I get to see her again in 2013 because I kind of miss her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So; see you next year?</b></span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-10106878187554465072012-09-11T18:04:00.001-04:002012-09-11T18:04:23.925-04:00Tide Is Turning; On And Off The Pitch<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Post-match High Still Going Strong</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Wheeeeeeee!!!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: That actually happened, right? Will it happen again?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Jubilant supporter couch - Soon, The Duke</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>Who doesn't love a good celebratory video!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THEY WON!!! They won, they won, they won. Did I mention that they won? Were you there? Oh I hope that you were because Saturday night is the sort of night that you remember; not just for a day, or a week, or a year, but forever. Am I overstating things? No, I don't think so - Saturday was a special night at BMO and if you were there you know exactly what I mean. You're still smiling aren't you? Still filled with that sense that hey, maybe the tide is finally turning for Canadian soccer? Yeah, me too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Was it the perfect game? No. Was it pretty damn close? Yes, yes it was. They played a great first half - the only thing that marred it were some missed scoring opportunities. But our men (still sounds weird, still going with it) had full control of the game, highlighted by some outstanding defensive work led by Kevin McKenna and a monster game by Atiba Hutchinson and JDG in the midfield. And then that goal!! The one that some of us missed so quickly and cleverly did they take it. The one that we were sure was going to be called back at any moment? That was fantastic. So great to see such intelligent play from our team - this is how you win games. And you know what? That was one of the best games I've see the Canadian team play. They were organized, quick, passed the ball, talked to one another and well, they were better; plain and simple. The best game of football I've seen at BMO in six years. Really, I mean that. This is the turning point </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWW8MYZY6uIRsTNqCKbii7aNTW7UACAbVanawbdvkwoNGfyo_430bTLq_6yQ_v19qMeg1Rv5Fbd1aQ8wMNyYsiV5sxISB5kyXMoWv9RMuhCSeeRW0mpHig5aRMIZRNCDbQXVV592Uamc/s1600/IMG_20120909_231347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTWW8MYZY6uIRsTNqCKbii7aNTW7UACAbVanawbdvkwoNGfyo_430bTLq_6yQ_v19qMeg1Rv5Fbd1aQ8wMNyYsiV5sxISB5kyXMoWv9RMuhCSeeRW0mpHig5aRMIZRNCDbQXVV592Uamc/s320/IMG_20120909_231347.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't let the empty seats fool you - this was a good 1/2 hour before kickoff - the stands were packed by 8pm. </span> </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiLzRvu2K9buh_1r5G0JyS0jPyEw1B7NIxwod9z1WJYQrPA5qM5lgyKFrGndLdyIEaqsOHwvSoVR-ubZtfKSK4xDljDePpprODFvZQveYWvMNciK2hCeKGqO4eqd7Vpl-NFIxvht6aYI/s1600/IMG_20120909_231531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisiLzRvu2K9buh_1r5G0JyS0jPyEw1B7NIxwod9z1WJYQrPA5qM5lgyKFrGndLdyIEaqsOHwvSoVR-ubZtfKSK4xDljDePpprODFvZQveYWvMNciK2hCeKGqO4eqd7Vpl-NFIxvht6aYI/s320/IMG_20120909_231531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the best thing? The very best thing about Saturday? Being in the stands surrounded by hyper, excited friends, supporters and fans was like nothing else I've ever experienced at BMO. While we all lamented every time the Canadian forwards seemed afraid to shoot the ball (Shoooot!!!) and groaned in unison when McKenna's header went the wrong way off the post; we were all together - one voice, one purpose, one group of supporters for one team. If you were there you know what I mean. I've never had that much fun, been that stressed or felt that part of something at any sporting event I've been to in my life. 17K + (almost 18K) rowdy fans and the vast majority cheering for Canada - while not the sellout that some were hoping for it was a giant leap in the right direction. To not be outnumbered by Panamanian supporters - Who to their credit were a lot of fun, they brought it but only added to the great atmosphere. Other away teams could learn from them - to have the stands full of flags and fans chanting "Ca-Na-Da" non-stop? Huge for the game here; huge. An truly unforgettable 90 minutes. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spirited support for Panama - boy were they loud! - But we were louder. :)</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since Friday I've talked to so many people who casually went to the game or were taken by friends and family - every single one has bought tickets for the October 12th match against Cuba. This is where the tide turns folks - if you've been dithering for some reason about supporting your national teams, it's time to come out to a game, or go to a viewing party and join us as we agonize and cheer for our team. It's wonderful; really. If you love the beautiful game then this is what you need to watch. In fact tonight you have another chance to join in on the agony and ecstasy of watching Canada play. While not a home game tonight's game against Panama is one of the most widely broadcasted games ever. Not only is Sportsnet showing it (most people get Sportsnet) but you can watch it on CityTV! Seriously - no excuses - get thee to the TV or pub or friends house and get set to watch this game! Why? Because it's a HUGE game. So big in fact that the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgo1xW_4b6s&feature=player_embedded" target="_blank">Panamanian supporters spent the last two nights having a street party</a> outside the hotel where the Canadian team is staying. That's called respect folks; it they weren't worried they wouldn't bother. Also exciting about this game is that the Estadio Rommel Fernandez is from all accounts a beautiful facility with a fantastic pitch. None of that crab grass & gopher holes that they played on in Cuba. So once again (even being without Olivier Occean and Will Johnson) our team stands a very good chance of not just walking away with a point; but all three. Believe me when I tell you this is not a game you want to miss. It will make that game you're coming to in October (because you are coming, right?) all the more special. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>SEE THEE RISE</b></span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-7063074321648321502012-09-07T11:41:00.002-04:002012-09-07T11:41:50.129-04:00Time For Some Meaningful Football<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Stressed, Excited, Anxious - all in equal parts</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: They're going to win. Right? Right?? (oh please let them win)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Soon to be in a sea of Red at BMO</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Weather: The Towrads are awake - looks like thunderstorms/rain - whee!</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKXbZ-S6ww4-6rzfZQNiBm54iQWN4MJaoyjUEZVI0TEoXhIS67kJ1fVFUVvzaeaeoQe9-r20If0Fhz28h7sMEfkumuq3Ni9X25OKPoQMt8_jiaN9esiNjfSN_ZWxIOlZ1_XZPgfp86X8/s1600/Canada+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSKXbZ-S6ww4-6rzfZQNiBm54iQWN4MJaoyjUEZVI0TEoXhIS67kJ1fVFUVvzaeaeoQe9-r20If0Fhz28h7sMEfkumuq3Ni9X25OKPoQMt8_jiaN9esiNjfSN_ZWxIOlZ1_XZPgfp86X8/s320/Canada+flag.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">SEE THEE RISE</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today the most important football game you will see so far this year (because you ARE going, right? RIGHT??) will be played at BMO Field. Forget that other team in red that so many of us follow and come out to support your Men's National Team in their quest to go to the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. This is one of the most nerve wracking things that a fan of the national team can experience - watching in stressed agony, hoping that this time they'll see it through.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As nervous, stressed, anxious and excited as I am, I feel good about this game. The team has performed well so far during this round of qualifiers (hey, 4 points is performing well!); the same core is together; they've been in Toronto together for several days getting acclimated and most importantly many of the team have been in fantastic form plying their trade for their clubs in various parts of the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But regardless of all of that what more do you need to know other than that you get to join thousands upon thousands of your fellow fans and cheer on our team - because no matter who you cheer for on any other day - this is OUR team like no other team can be. Moments like this do not come around all the time - don't pass up on the chance to be a part of what has been a very special year for Canadian soccer. Oh, did I forget to mention that almost every member of the Bronze medal winning Canadian Women's National Team will be at the game? They're going to be (deservedly) honoured before the match - don't you want to be there to celebrate their accomplishments? Of course you do. Can't you feel the excitement, the buzz, the tide turning in Canada's favour? I can; it's palpable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes they're playing against Panama, the group leader (won against both Honduras away and home to Cuba); possibly the most difficult team in Canada's group and according to coach Stephen Hart the best team in the group. They feature a great deal of speed up front, are unbeaten in this round of WCQ matches and well damn it they're a good team! Tonight's game isn't a slam dunk, hell it's not even a walk in the park; but the points are there for the taking and our men (hmm, that sounds a little odd but I'm going to go with it) are more than capable of taking all three. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And at the risk of repeating myself - this is the most important game they'll play this year (so far), the most meaningful game of football that you can watch!! There is nothing to compare to watching your country's team play; it is truly a special experience to be surrounded by your fellow fans as you all focus on willing your team to win. I can't describe it other than it is the best, most exciting, most enthralling experience you can have as a fan of the beautiful game. And no, I don't think I'm overstating it - days like this are special!! So if you haven't already bought a ticket please get online or get to BMO and get yourself down to the stadium tonight - believe me, you don't want to miss this!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ALLEZ LES ROUGES!! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>World Class Links:</b> Here are some actual previews for tonight - Waking The Red (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/9/7/3299073/canada-vs-panama-world-cup-qualifier-toronto-preview#storyjump" target="_blank">Duncan</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/9/7/3300359/canada-panama-world-cup-qualifying-toronto-scouting-report" target="_blank">James</a>), <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/Countdown2012/CountdownCanadavPanama9612.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a> and<a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?3716-One-last-thing-to-remember-ahead-of-Canada-v-Panama" target="_blank"> Squizz at CSN</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-35890638347051951902012-09-05T20:50:00.000-04:002012-09-05T21:10:56.782-04:00The Good, The Bad and The Ugly<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Can't we all just get along?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Time for a vacation; for everyone</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Somewhat subdued supporter couch</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b> Newest BMO Field chant - SKA! SKA! SKA! *clap clap clap* </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September started out with a bang for TFC eh? As in *bang!*, shot to the heart (Bon Jovi earworms for everyone!) for many supporters and fans at around oh the 87th minute of the match in Kansas - I wonder if we can blame Dorothy or some other shoe stealer for our woes against the Wiz? No? Hmm, worth a shot - we've used every other <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/09/after-90-blame-game.html" target="_blank">excuse</a>...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I worked through the long weekend I haven't really had a chance to voice my thoughts on the state of things both on and off the pitch over the past few days. And with no games to discuss for our Reds in the next while due to the International break we've got to find something to talk about...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Good: It can't all be bad; really.</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our fragile, broken, tired Reds hung with one of the best teams (if not the best) for most of the game on Saturday. Considering my lowered expectations for any TFC match right now I was surprised that it took 87 minutes for the axe to fall. Was actually thinking they might escape with a point - see, I still have hope!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No further injuries to the already sparse team occurred.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Darren O'Dea may just be the real deal back there. I like him more and more each game - especially his highly vocal command of the back line. Really, this could be the beginning of the pieces for our defense.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RJ's goal. This was actually a pretty nice goal off a lovely ball from Ecks (another huge game from him). Well taken, no hesitation, just great.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wiedeman - Yes, I realize my putting him in the good list is a shock considering my issues with his play since the very beginning. But the best 'first touch in the modern era' actually looked good out there. Again showing a ton of energy and making some really nice runs. I still have my doubts - could be a one game wonder. But for now? Welcome to the Good list Andy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vacation! Hey, this has to be on the good list. Those TFC players that haven't been called away for international duty are getting some rest and relaxation time. Here's hoping they return refreshed, rested and focused a week from now.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Bad: Even when playing out the string there must be drama - it's the TFC way!</b></span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The inevitable loss in the dying minutes of a match. While not surprising (sadly), this just furthers to break the spirit of every fan and supporter. Not to mention the players.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Torsten Frings' status - After being thrown under the bus by Mariner after the Santos game he was suddenly listed as injured on the MLS injury report. Is it his hip? Or has he been laid low with Dichioitis? Mariner was to have addressed this before the match but instead did a sideline interview during the game and barely explained what the issue was other than yes, he'd injured his hip and hey may not play for the rest of the season - I think that is something we the fans would have preferred to know before the game, don't you think?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freddy Hall in net. This is not calling into question his play (although that tying goal? Ugh.) This is about the freezing out of Milos in net. There are lots of rumblings about a contract dispute and that he's been nailed to the bench for asking for more money. And with Frei coming back to the No. 1 spot next season it looks as though Hall is being groomed for the second spot if not already a lock. This is another frustrating end to a player's time with TFC. Whether Kocic is asking for this, it's maddening as a supporter to see what has been the No. 1 keeper since Frei went down be treated as though he's not needed. And maybe come training camp he won't be; but this does nothing but leave a bad taste.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Subs. While this could go on the Ugly list I'll leave it up here on the Bad list - once again Mariner chose to well not use his bench; at all. As in not one. Boggles the mind just a bit right? When you have a tired squad one would think that the injection of fresh legs could help turn the tide in your favour. I've been vocal in my calls for Avi to see more time and today in <a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2012/09/05/frings-to-miss-remainder-of-mls-season" target="_blank">an interview with Kurt Larson</a> Mariner states that he hasn't shown the proper attitude in training and in games. Fair enough, if that's true then why keep naming him to the subs bench? Bring up one of the Academy kids and give him an opportunity to play. Putting Avi on the subs bench only to leave him there to prove a point serves no one.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Ugly: And with a thud we come crashing back down.</b></span></div>
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anselmi is named President and COO of MLSE. Actually this almost went on the Good list. Teflon Tom was never (never, ever, ever) going to be fired. This falls under Ugly because it underscores that our team isn't a CLUB that has a focused owner or vision (I realize this comes as a shock to no one); it's a tiny, insignificant part of a business that TT has managed to squeeze a great deal of money from for his MLSE overlords. Great deal of money = promotions! Simple as that. As many of us loathe this man, this is a bitter pill to swallow; especially after his <a href="http://iphone.tsn.ca/tsnpodcasts/CC%20Tom%20Anselmi%20Sept%204.mp3" target="_blank">interview on TSNRadio</a> (not to mention his smarminess during the Winter is gone, Mariner is king presser back in June) in which he - in true Teflon Tom fashion - tries to distance himself from TFC as much as possible and is already laying everything on PM (feel that Paul, that bus heading for you now?). A more frustrating caretaker (and I use that word loosely) for our Reds would be difficult to find. On the Good note - this hopefully will keep him far, far away from TFC going forward. Oh and you MUST check out <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/9/5/3294302/is-this-how-an-interview-with-new-mlse-president-would-go" target="_blank">this hilarious </a>(yet scarily accurate) faux interview with the Teflon Tom himself by Michael Gardner over at <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/9/4/3292057/anselmi-promoted-never-has-anything-been-as-simultaneously-hilarious" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a>.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/09/torsten-frings-injury-update" target="_blank">Frings is done for the season</a>. Word came today Torsten Frings will have arthroscopic surgery on his hip thus ending his season and likely his time with TFC. This causes me more anger and sadness than just about anything else. A legend in the world of football chooses to come here to finish his career and this is how it ends? Frings has had to deal with several injuries, coaching changes, dwindling fan support, and an embarrassing marketing ploy by TFC in which hundreds of commuters basically ignored him over the course of this season. And now this; a likely career ending injury (because even after surgery and rehab the chances of him coming back are pretty much nil). Depressing to say the least. </span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One final thing - this could go on the Ugly list but I chose to just address it separately - what I am on about you ask? Supporter and fan sniping. Look, I know that this has been a long, frustrating, depressing and difficult season. And I know that we all have very strong opinions and feelings about the team we love, the players, the coaches, the management; hell sometimes the colour of the kits - but when did we all stop talking to one another like we were all part of the same community? Because that's what we're supposed to be; a community united by our love of football and our team. Instead of coming together as a community to try to make things better, it's become all about who is a "real" supporter, what's the right way to support and it's open season on anyone that has dissenting or negative opinion - regardless of what side of the divide you fall on. I'm not talking about the supporter group forums (that's a whole other kettle of fish), but our favourite method of voicing our opinions; Twitter and blog comment fields. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I disagree with a lot of people (a lot it would seem); and I know there are plenty that don't share my views, but this constant immediate attack on anyone that doesn't share your views on the coach, the players, etc. is getting wearing. I enjoy a spirited discussion as much as the next person and dissecting my team with other fans is something I enjoy. Or at least I did. But it's become less like a discussion and more like a defend yourself or capitulate until you agree sort of shouting match. Some criticism is warranted or we're watching different teams. On the same note being all negative doesn't help either. However, for the most part (other than this blog) I stay out of 'public' discussions most days and instead use messaging or texting for one on one venting - Because more often than not, that's what it is, venting. Watching TFC is a highly emotional experience, venting is required. - or post on game threads where opinions seem to be respected. Otherwise I spend my time getting more frustrated than when I watched or attended a game - instead of commiserating we're hating - enough! Feel free to disagree, voice your opinions and support in whatever way suits you; but remember that we're all part of the same community; that we all want to see our team do well and that (to be completely hokey) we're all in this together. So, see you next week?</span></div>
</div>
KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-85010386469001913742012-09-01T16:20:00.001-04:002012-09-01T16:20:29.866-04:00Hey, There Are Still Games To Play!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Curiously calm</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: A lot can happen in 10 games</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Not at the Air Show</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> TFC - all of their games are without frontiers - except the fear part</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is something to be said for playing out the string. The only pressure on TFC players for the next 8 weeks is to try to ensure that they have a spot on the squad next season. And you know what? That can make for some highly energetic, driven and yes, entertaining football. There are only eight games in MLS play and two away games in CCL play left for our Reds - not a great deal of time for some - but really, that's almost two months of games to be played and hey, a lot can happen in those two months. Things like a scrappy, upstart little team from Canada coming together in triumph to win back the hearts and minds of their fans....sorry, drifted off into 'feel-good movie' mode there. But umm, they could play some good games - really, it could happen! Wait! Where are you going? I'm not delusional, really...hello?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight our Reds take on that baby blue team the <strike>Kansas City Wizards</strike>, Sporting KC in an epic battle between first and worst. Yes, I said epic and I meant it! SKC always seem to be that team that brings out the worst in TFC, not just this season but from the very beginning. Maybe it's the pajama like kits that SKC sport? Some sort of subliminal message that puts our Reds to sleep? Yeah, that's the reason we can never beat them (grasping at straws). And of course let's not forget its compliment of players we love to hate (Jacob "I've blocked half of TFC's fans on twitter" Peterson and that Bunbury fellow) - both of whom are not playing tonight - happy dance! But that doesn't suddenly mean this game is a walk in the park and that our Reds can stroll into Livestrong (or Performance Enhancement Park as some of my rather witty blogging brethren call it) and steal three points. I will consider it a massive victory if they can eke out a draw.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As has often been the case this season TFC are coming off a run of several games (three in the last week) and SKC is well rested and have the added advantage of playing at home. And while The Wiz are missing Peterson, Bunbury and backline anchor Aurelien Collin (for yellow card accumulation) our Reds still need to find a way to stop Kei Kamara. If only to prevent more (even if all too true) comments about how TFC resembles a lower division English side what with the long balls and kicking it out all the time...but other than that, he's just plain dangerous up front and has an alarming (seriously, every bloody game?) tendency to score against the Reds. Notice that I didn't even mention Zusi or Sapong or Espinoza...OK, I'll stop - starting to depress myself again and I'm trying the "all is well regardless of outcome" method of coping with the game today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But wouldn't it be great if they won tonight? Just for shiggles? Even though there is little (OK, very little) to no chance of that happening; it'd be an awful lot of fun. We could celebrate like we won something - parade time! *Crickets* No to the parade then? Hmm...OK, after we win two in a row we'll talk. Hopefully we'll all get to watch something good tonight (Psst, the new Doctor Who is on!) and not have to have epic meltdowns on Twitter...what, just me again? OK, hopefully I don't have another epic meltdown on Twitter - so uh, see you all later?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME ON YOU REDS!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Laborious Links:</b> The usual suspects with actual analysis and stuff - <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-matchup-toronto-fc-desperate-for.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, Waking The Red (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/9/1/3283566/toronto-fc-sporting-kansas-city-preview-kei-kamara-paul-mariner-spoiler" target="_blank">Duncan</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/31/3281853/how-you-doin-sporting-kansas-city-part-3" target="_blank">John</a> & <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/31/3283956/toronto-fc-sporting-kansas-city-preview-kei-kamara-roger-espinoza#storyjump" target="_blank">James</a>) and <a href="http://rednationonline.ca/Countdown2012/CountdownTorontoFCKansasCity83112.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-5133864782626417842012-08-30T21:17:00.000-04:002012-08-30T21:17:47.181-04:00Should We Stay Or Should We Go Now?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Sad, angry yet unwilling to let go of some shred of hope</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Why? Just why? Because they're my team; sigh</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Hiding under SIX years worth of SSH scarves and tickets</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b><i>Well? Should we?</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a tough few days for anyone that supports TFC - OK, a tough few, well pick whatever measure of time between April of 2007 and present day that works for you. And I'm not even going to really talk about that last minute let-down on Tuesday night, as it would mostly just be angry, depressed ranting. I think I've figured something out though; I still haven't come to the realization that investing emotion into this team is going to bring frustration, anger and tears more often than joy; for I know that there is joy to be had; just not for us, not yet. This is not a team for the faint of heart; or the expectation of great things, or really any expectations it would seem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which quite frankly sucks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really; what other way is there to put it? As someone (somewhat sadly) pointed out to me after the CCL match - this is the only team that I've to call my own. I'm not like a number of my friends that have grown up supporting the same team since they were kids, that have had that personal connection to a club for years. I don't count the teams from the EPL and lower divisions or other international teams that I've picked as "my own" - it's not the same. Those attachments were for me mere warm-ups to having a club that I could call my own. In the past six years I've become more committed, more attached and more involved with my team. I've rarely missed a home game, I've promoted the team to friends and family (dragging them to games as much as possible), I've blathered on incessantly to co-workers, have spent countless hours talking/discussing/hashing/agonizing over them on twitter and other social media and gotten involved with some of the team initiatives. And yet just when it (again) seemed like things might be looking up this year and we might get a stable, competitive team; the wheels fell off - more than once.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It isn't even that I expected my team to be uber successful - I didn't think trophies would come right away. Some of those lowered expectations came before I knew much about the MLS and the parity that exists in the league; before I knew how easy it was to go from the basement to the penthouse. And yet I still had faith, I still had hope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead I've watched for six years as the team I love has been mis-managed, as players have come and gone in record numbers, coaching changes every time I blink and an ownership that has used one of the most rabid and loyal fanbases in the MLS as marketing fodder instead of focusing on the business of football. Innocence never lasts but there are days when I would still like to be the wide eyed and ignorant fan I was back in 2007 - OK, I don't actually mean that. I'd always rather know than not. It's just the knowing in this case is so often soul crushing; I envy the fan I was six years ago, the one with all of the pure joy and hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I've watched the change in others - not just in the dwindling numbers at BMO, the erasure of the vaunted SSH waiting list, the annual ticket price increases - no I'm talking about those same friends that have tirelessly followed a team for years; most often without success - that are now talking about not returning, not following and likely giving up on a team that I know they love. That is how difficult this team is to follow and support - people who have lasted through decades of supporting the same team are considering walking away from their local team; not because of the product on the pitch (OK, partly because of that), but because of the behaviour of the Front Office. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've spent six years faithfully showing up to games (both home and away), buying merch, buying beer and food, attending pub nights, going to end of season parties, going to pancake breakfasts and attending town halls. And in return? Ticket increase after ticket increase (still one of the most expensive teams in the MLS to support), well over 100 players, 7 coaches, constant assurances that 'this year we've got it right', growing '<a href="http://weststandgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/05/special-events-results-on-pitch-are.html" target="_blank">Special Event</a>' nights and lots of happy shiny marketing about the 'best fans in the league' in BMO Financial ads. But in the end all that has done is leave a tired, frustrated and dwindling fan base. One that at least in these recent, and oh so very trying weeks, seem more than willing to walk away until some modicum of success is reached, until an executive with actual football knowledge and experience is put in charge (for all of our sanity, please step aside Tom; please) and for Management to demonstrate with their actions some appreciation of we, the exploited. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making matters worse was the announcement yesterday from the <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/29/3277837/impact-give-tfc-a-lesson-in-how-to-treat-fans" target="_blank">Montreal Impact </a> that they will be <b><i>lowering</i></b> their ticket prices for next season. That's right; they are in their first season, they're not completely terrible but (and yes, most of it is pure optics) they are lowering their ticket prices! Can you imagine TFC doing that? Instead, for four straight years MLSE and the TFC Front Office rubbed their hands with glee and got to gutting the golden goose. After that crushing blow to the TFC fan psyche, came word they that (close to) fellow basement dweller the Portland Timbers will be freezing their prices for next season - true they're not lowering their prices, but even with the prices frozen those tickets are still less than TFC's and for a fanbase that is just as rabid, devoted and engaged. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which leads me to the staying or going part. The last few days have brought about some fairly intense debate about whether or not SSH will renew for next year, watch games going forward in any manner or even attend games for the rest of the season. My friend <a href="http://rednationonline.ca/Articles2012/TheNuclearOption.aspx" target="_blank">Lars Lowther over at Red Nation Online </a>has one solution, <a href="https://twitter.com/JohannesLanger" target="_blank">John</a> at <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> came up with a <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/30/3276427/disappointment-a-wtr-mini-musical" target="_blank">musical option</a> (more of a how to deal with the stress) and well, all you have to do is check any TFC follower's twitter timeline to see how divided the supporters are on what they plan to do next season; regardless of whether or not the FO freezes or lowers tickets prices.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I do want things to change; desperately. Nothing would make me happier than to hear the Teflon Tom has stepped aside and someone with actual football knowledge and experience would take the reins and remake the management of the team from top to bottom. But am I holding my breath waiting for it to happen? Not a chance. Will it stop me from mentioning it as much as possible? Not a chance. What about Mariner you ask? If you read the blog you know that I don't like the way he coaches the team or the direction he's taking the team in terms of style of play. Do I think Aron Winter deserved a chance to finish out the season? Yes. Do I want Mariner fired? No. Really, that is not the answer right now. This team needs stability; period. And if another year of low possession, dump and chase football with the same coach and the same core of players helps to bring that stability, then so be it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for me? Where will I be come next March? If the prices go up it will be very difficult for me to renew. I already sacrifice other aspects of my life in order to pay for my seats each year and an increase will likely put them out of reach for me if I want to be realistic about what's in my bank account. However, if at the bare minimum they freeze - although really, this is a lower the damned prices situation if there ever was one - then yes, MLSE will get my money for one more year. Why? Because damn it they're my team. I'm not willing to walk away yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will continue to speak my mind (hi friends at MLSE); I rarely if ever buy food or drink at games, have only ever bought a couple pieces of merch and yet there I am every home match willing to cheer on my team. And yes I know that MLSE get the vast majority of their money from ticket sales. Am I not filled with rage at being used to promote the brand of TFC week in, week out? Yes. But what supporters of any team aren't being used? Does the subtle but constant erosion of the supporter/old school football atmosphere not tick me off? Hell yes. But again, it's not done yet - so therefore neither am I. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those who know me well, know that I am well used to protests and standing up for the rights of others (as well as myself). I'm certainly not shy and other than voicing my opinion on this blog (and other social media) why do I not take the ultimate step and turn my back until things change? It's not in me to walk away yet - this season has done a lot to change the way that I look at things in regards to TFC - but there is still this wide-eyed innocent, hopeful fan that just wants to watch her team play every week. So for now, that's where you'll find me, at BMO, anxious, biting my nails, hoping to see something to make me shout with joy, something (anything!) to wipe away the erosion of my optimism over the past six years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what about you? I know a lot of you are on the fence. I know some of you have made your choice. So please let me know whose faces I'll be seeing not just for the rest of the season but next year. Leave your answers in the comments section - and please know that I understand and respect if your choice isn't mine. Cheers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-79286051143164224312012-08-28T12:03:00.002-04:002012-08-28T12:03:48.188-04:00And Now For Something Completely Different<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Really quite excited</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: I'm in a CCL state of mind - which means hyper and optimistic</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Fidgety supporter couch</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Weather: No towrads in sight</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Take that Ashtone! And you take that Quintero!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's time for the second biggest game of the season for TFC (the first being <a href="http://weststandgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/03/tilting-at-windmills-or-finally-step.html" target="_blank">waaaay back in March</a>) before we have to return to the mundane reality of MLS play. Was it really only a few short weeks ago that we (and by we I mean the 10 or 15 of us that went) got to watch our Reds lay a smackdown on poor CD Aguila. I said it <a href="http://weststandgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/08/if-tfc-wins-and-theres-no-one-there-to.html" target="_blank">then</a> and I'll keep saying it; CCL games are different. If you've never gone to one I cannot stress enough what you are missing - don't believe me? Come join us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides, this is the one that you want to come to. This is the revenge game. Revenge for what you say? (Seriously, you do follow this team right? Just checking). Revenge for that drubbing that Santos laid on us last spring in Torreon; for that punch that Quintero threw at Ashtone Morgon and for every insufferable word out of Hercules Gomez's mouth. Sorry, got a little worked up there; they are after all our biggest continental rivals outside of MLS and since CCL is what we're playing for these days, they get my ire up like no other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This game is going to be much different than the CD Aguila one a few weeks ago. For one thing Santos are a much better team; actually that's pretty much it. They're a much better team - they are the team to beat in our group - win against them and we continue; don't and we're done. And given all that has transpired not just this season but in the past few weeks there isn't much left for our Reds to play for that is meaningful. Yes respect and a stable team are both very meaningful and if they approach the former and show glimmers of the latter by the end of the season I will be well not pleased exactly but much less inclined to let my cynicism run rampant. But I mean meaningful in the 'hey we're still competing for something, we're not going to lay down this entire season' (OK, not the CCL season anyway) and show the fans that their support hasn't been entirely in vain. Lose and any vestiges of hope that are left from the beginning of the season will be gone and along with it (barring an unlikely winning streak or even a full 90 minute effort streak) more of the already dwindling fanbase.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not saying the entire season hangs in the balance because of tonight's game; but it's close in the minds of many. If TFC don't advance in the CCL will that change my support, will it cause me to not renew my season tickets? Not one bit - I'll still be there for every home game and I'll still be watching every away game, but wouldn't it be great to have some of that hope back again? Remember how it felt when they won in Dallas last fall? And how that feeling carried us through the off season? I want that again. And if we can't have it in MLS play (6 years and counting, I'm not holding my breath) then why not CCL?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mariner rested several players on Saturday so on paper TFC will have the strongest team possible for their starting XI tonight. Which with this team isn't saying a lot given depth issues and injuries (they'll definitely be missing Reggie Lambe tonight). But with Eric "The Red Card" Hassli back there will be some toughness up front and Torsten back (and hopefully on form) bossing the midfield we'll see our Reds taking the game to Santos. And with new backline boss man Darren O'Dea already showing why he was signed to hold the defense together I have hope that we'll see a strong backline tonight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More than anything I just want to have some fun tonight; that's all. I realize that's a simple request and may seem odd - whoever said football was fun? I did. Because I know that it can be; both in watching and playing. The game against CDA was one of the best nights I've had at BMO this season and helped remind me why I love my team and what it feels like to be joyful at a match. Why am I so bubbly and optimistic? Something about CCL games bring it out of me; maybe because it's not the oft depressing grind of MLS games; whatever the reason I'm looking forward to seeing my friends and seeing my team - is there a better way to spend a night? Not many; see you there?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>VAMOS ROJOS!!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Los Links:</b> Your usual pre-game suspects - <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-matchup-with-bonus-starting-11-all.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, Waking The Red (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/28/3273208/toronto-fc-vs-santos-laguna-concacaf-champions-league-preview#storyjump" target="_blank">Duncan</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/27/3271106/how-you-doin-santos-laguna-part-1" target="_blank">John</a> and <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/28/3273953/know-your-enemy-santos-laguna-ccl-come-out-and-play-home-edition" target="_blank">James</a>) and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/Countdown2012/CountdownTFCvsSantosLaguna.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-26954522907993153062012-08-25T16:12:00.003-04:002012-08-25T16:12:41.635-04:00Orange You Glad I Didn't Write A Negative Post?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Opting to laugh instead of whinge</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Checking my head for awhile; also I may be sleep deprived</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Work now; bar later. After that? Much sleep</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> See? It could be worse. We could all be Brian</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Party time in Houston! Oh wait, that was the last trip. I mean milk and cookies for everyone and in bed by 8pm with your teeth brushed and lights off! At least I hope that's what happened. I'm assuming that's what happened as no reports of scandalous - or even saucy - behaviour have surfaced. Ah the Dynamo - the team that is to TFC what alcohol is to The Simpsons - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUVwR0rw5fk" target="_blank">the cause of and solution to all of life's problem</a>s. OK, maybe not the solution; alright definitely not - I just wanted to use the clip OK? Geez. Although that fateful trip did get the ball rolling on the exodus for Aceval and Soolmsa (Suarez forgot to loan him one of his nine lives) so that was a solution of sorts for Mariner & Co. - Yes, made it work!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been pretty doom and gloom of late so I'm striving for a more positive tone before tonight's match in Houston - bear with me; it's been awhile since I managed that. Let's see...Houston - fantastic on set pieces, haven't lost at home in 20 games (3rd longest streak in the MLS), have devastated TFC twice this season, wear orange (what? I like orange), are currently fifth in the league, their keeper has the best name (c'mon Tally Hall? Awesome) and did I mention they were fantastic (seriously, they're deadly) on set pieces? See? Positive!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What? Wrong team? Damn. OK; positive things about TFC...right, right...Umm, they've yet to lose in Houston this season - unless you count respect from the fans, the league, the fans - but otherwise it's an unbeaten streak! Let's see....highest hipster quotient of any MLS team - led by <a href="https://twitter.com/EricAvila12" target="_blank">Eric Avila</a> once Demit Omphroy left last season, the #xoxoBoysInTheCity Crew (if you don't follow them on twitter I can't explain it to you) can frequently be found looking fly (wait, no one says that any more do they?), drinking super hip coffee (not made by Jimmy B.; Teflon Tom & the Duke of Earl keep him locked up on off days) and keeping the swag industry (it's not an industry? Damn) alive and well. Highest Canadian content of any MLS team - lookin' at you Whitecaps and Impact - we are TFC and we are Canadian!! And they're OUR team; love them or loathe them - and this season it's likely both - they're OURS. Aww...see, I love our team!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going into tonight's game with zero expectations - OK, I'm trying to have zero expectations. This is a very good Houston team and a shaken and stirred TFC side that still has a gazillion more games to play in the next week (read: 3) that includes the home match against our hated CCL rivals Santos Lagunas. So no pressure or anything. I've no idea what kind of lineup we'll see tonight - I fear that Ecks will be back in the centre with O'Dea after Dicoy's not overly impressive first game back - but I hope not. I'll try to keep my bitching to a minimum when Avi once again doesn't step foot on the pitch; although should Wiedeman start again all bets are off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a close to a happy shiny post as I get on approximately 8 hours of sleep in the past 48 hours. I'll be watching and cheering and hoping that our boys at the very least just put in a complete 90 minute effort. If they do that - even if they get destroyed - if they do that I'll be well, less ticked off than usual. Deal?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME ON YOU <strike>ORANGES </strike>REDS!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lack of sleep Links: </b>I suggest you read these if you want to know actual details about the match tonight. <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-matchup-not-in-da-club.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/24/3266278/houston-dynamo-vs-toronto-fc-preview-mls-eric-hassli#storyjump" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a>, <a href="http://www.partiallyobstructedview.com/2012/08/beyond-pov-fs-know-your-enemy-houston.html" target="_blank">Partially Obstructed View</a> and <a href="http://rednationonline.ca/Countdown2012/CountdownTFCHoustonDynamo.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>. </span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-28664095678152480292012-08-24T01:15:00.000-04:002012-08-24T01:15:04.809-04:00Wake Up!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Sick and tired of being sick and tired</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: See above</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: For some reason; BMO field this coming Tuesday</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>Things to do: Blast this at 11 before every TFC match in the locker room</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My final TFC tweet of the evening last night was this: </span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="https://twitter.com/kzknowles/status/238469926673866752" target="_blank">"I'm sad, I'm angry and I'm tired. I love my team but nights (weeks, months, seasons) like this are hard on the soul. #TFC"</a></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could have ended almost every night with those words over this season. It's confounding as a fan to watch them this year. I struggle with each passing game - wait, TFC doesn't have a passing game - to find the passion and joy I once had when watching the team that I love. I can handle watching my team lose - well that's obvious as I've been watching TFC for six years - as long as they put forth the effort. What I'm having shall we say difficulty with is the unsettling trend of sleepwalking through the first half (and beyond) that has plagued the most recent stretch of games. Add to that the still oft confusing lineup and substitution choices by Mariner and what you get is our Reds still firmly occupying the MLS basement with little to no hope in sight that they might climb out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Let's get the negatives out the way first (there will be positives; honest):</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew Wiedeman again? Really? Why was he back in the starting XI after that sub par performance on Saturday? Was he being rewarded because it was his birthday or because Mariner is convinced of this mythical "best first touch in the modern era" that he's witnessed - because we certainly haven't. Wiedeman put in another quite frankly terrible effort and should not see the starting XI again anytime soon.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RJ in the midfield. I'm not sure why this experiment continues. It is obvious that he does not perform well that deep - he is not a midfielder, nor a winger and is at his best when playing up top.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Silva up top. Luis is a talented young player with speed, a lovely touch and completely at ease in playing as the attacking midfielder (and played worlds better when he dropped back in the second half). He doesn't need to be up top with Hassli in order to score goals, but putting him there takes away what game RJ has and that in effect puts the entire team down a man.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sleep-walking through the entire first half (and then some). There's nothing enjoyable about watching the two or three players actually putting forth an effort getting more and more frustrated while their less engaged teammates sleepwalk through the game.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dicoy Williams. While I was delighted to see a more logical back four, it became apparent fairly quickly that Dicoy is just not ready to be out there. He's been a long time away from regular play and obviously needs to be worked into the starting XI slowly.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Jeremy Hall (and Aaron Maund) sub. You know what I'm going to say here; where in the hell was Eric Avila? Other than firmly nailed to the bench; again. In a game where TFC couldn't find it's way past the midfield with a map wouldn't it have been nice to see a creative player out there; being you know, creative? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The long ball. Boy oh boy isn't that fun to watch? And based on <a href="http://storify.com/slknowles/tom-anselmi-invites-john-molinaro-to-lunch?utm_medium=sfy.co-twitter&utm_campaign=&awesm=sfy.co_k690&utm_content=storify-pingback&utm_source=t.co" target="_blank">tweets from John Molinaro</a> today we can expect another year or so of watching our Reds tire themselves out running aimlessly after the ball. Exciting!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's more but I don't want to depress you further.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Positives! You didn't believe me when I said there would be positives did you?</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ecks. MOTM for me and pretty much anyone I've talked to. Back in his rightful place at right back, Ecks was a huge (OK, he's short but you know what I mean) force to be reckoned with throughout the entire match. Not only did he bounce back from a boot to the face and two elbows to the head but he kept going after losing one of his boots - that's right, he kept playing - that's effort. But more than that was the energy he brought to the field; one of the few who played the full 90 as though he was actually hmm, trying to win. Astonishing!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quincy Amarikwa. I've not had much to say about Dr. Q but last night he was a difference maker (maybe he should have played earlier?) and TFC finally came to life once he came onto the pitch.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Umm...OK I'll give Darren O'Dea a bit of love. Again a solid effort from O'Dea and seeing him be vocal and challenge in the box is great. But he needs a solid partner (not named Eckersley) to truly put the TFC defense back together. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah - I've got nothing else.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That was fun right? Do you feel better after reading the positives list? Yeah, me either. And believe me that negatives list could have been ever so much longer. It's a (not even complete) illustration of what an uninspiring, underwhelming performance our Reds put in against Columbus. The laundry list of frustrations from the fans continues to grow and for those of you (like myself) that continue to show up at BMO Field each week you can see they're voicing that frustration by just not showing up for games. Unless this team can at the very least show that they can put in a sustained effort for a full 90 minutes - see, I'm not even asking them to win; just bloody well try - the spot the empty seat game will become the spot the empty section game very quickly. So I say again to our boys in red - Wake Up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You also have to ask (or at least I do) what part the lineup and style of play choices made by Mariner are playing in TFC's taking up permanent residence in that damp, unpleasant MLS basement (they should just call in a decorator and be done with it). I realize that depth is not a word that can really be used around TFC all that much but you can only look at the players being put out there each game so often without thinking maybe, just maybe someone else should be given a run out. And the less said about the long ball the better. Besides, as I said it's not going away any time soon so we'd all better learn to love it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's sad for me about this season - other than the relentless losing, revolving door and continuing mismanagement - is that I'm slowly losing my optimism. I'm the hopeful one among my blogging brethren (as I was reminded of earlier today) who back in the day was always sure that things were going to work out; that this year was going to be better. In fact I'm the one they tease and poke fun at for my insistence on looking on the bright side. I'm not one of the SSH that will give up my seats next year and I'm not going to stop going to games. But I want that feeling back again; where I was so excited about going to see my team play - every game was an event! Now, I'm still excited but it's a dulled, tarnished excitement - I just want that happiness back - for me and for my fellow fans who's expectations get lower and lower with each passing week. I don't expect playoffs (hell, I never did for this season and I don't for next), I just want them to try, to rise above all the behind the scenes nonsense they've had to deal with; to become more than the sum of their parts. I want my team back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>See you on Tuesday?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Low Links:</b> <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/after-90-short-stemmed-trilliums.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/23/3262059/columbus-crew-2-1-tfc-ive-become-so-numb" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a>, <a href="http://typicaltfc.ca/five-sorta-thoughts-after-columbus/" target="_blank">Typical TFC</a>, <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/MatchReports2012/TFCcomebackfallsshortinColumbus.aspx" target="_blank">RNO</a> and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/Ratings2012/XIoutof10TorontoFCColumbus.aspx" target="_blank">RNO</a> again.</span></div>
KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-81860133852858078692012-08-22T12:55:00.001-04:002012-08-22T13:01:30.230-04:00Will It Be A Columbus Comeback, Or Another Comedown?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Uncertain</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Hoping for the best?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: My happy place</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's Trillium Cup time! What's that you say? What's the Trillium Cup? Umm, you do watch TFC right? OK, you can be forgiven for already forgetting about the basically manufactured rivalry between our Reds and the Columbus Crew back in 2006. As our closest (at the time) geographic rivals this made a certain amount of sense - after all what is sport without a good rivalry - and thus the Trillium Cup was born. It does rankle a wee bit that in the brief time the two teams have contested for the TC (given for aggregate wins over the course of the season) that TFC have only managed to win it just once; that being accomplished on the strength of the 4-2 victory in Columbus last season - most memorable for TFC fans as the game in which Stefan Frei was injured and lost to the team for the remainder of the season.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9V4Z8ujTyPqmBU9R7A-FuRQEZSXHAvWirwcDKWSt75slEAQB76DJzCFqffVo8gJT3HTQqFsR5ojkrJW7_Bf207bed3T2I5Y9pJJEq2mwI-RvKjSOYDW5AONnKYO1d9jm-WPdb17r9uLY/s1600/Stefan+Frei+Trillium+Cup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9V4Z8ujTyPqmBU9R7A-FuRQEZSXHAvWirwcDKWSt75slEAQB76DJzCFqffVo8gJT3HTQqFsR5ojkrJW7_Bf207bed3T2I5Y9pJJEq2mwI-RvKjSOYDW5AONnKYO1d9jm-WPdb17r9uLY/s1600/Stefan+Frei+Trillium+Cup.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the history between the two teams has not been shall we say, congenial? There has been some bad blood during road trips - I liken it to Crew supporters' jealousy over the at times tremendous travelling support that TFC has been known to put together; especially for games to Columbus. So there is always a heightened atmosphere around these matches regardless of what is happening in the season for either team. In this case of course is the floundering of the good ship TFC with little or nothing left to play for this season except to try to salvage a little pride (and maybe win some CCL matches) and why not with a wee bit of silverware? It's unlikely but hey, worth a shot right? I mean, what else do we have? Oh that's sad; all of our hopes on the Trillium Cup? Oh dear - hey CCL, how you doin'?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unlike TFC the Crew are still well in the race for one of the final playoff positions and having something more tangible than pride (and that shiny cup that we stole last year) to play for makes them a somewhat fearsome opponent. Did I just call Columbus fearsome? Why yes, yes I did. And TFC will need to see better from the entire team in order to pull off a result tonight. And of course history has not been kind to TFC in their trips to Columbus with last year's shocking (it was, trust me) win being the only time they've come away with 3 points. Who's nervous? Umm, I am. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will be curious to see what Mariner decides to do with the starting XI tonight - does he rest players with games in Houston and against the hated Santos Laguna coming up in the next six days? Or just put them out there and ask them to do their jobs? They are professional athletes, this is what they train for and are paid for; and if you ask any one of them if they'd rather play than sit around or practice - they'll all answer play. I doubt we'll see any change to the CB pairing, but I hope that RJ moves back up top and allows Silva to drop back. I also say give Dunfield a rest - he was invisible on Saturday - put Avi in and give Amerikwa a shot (but please keep Wiedeman on the bench) since Lambe is still unavailable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will fall to Hassli, Johnson and Silva to try to penetrate the Crew defense which is one of the best in the league and for a Danny Koevermans-less TFC, this is not an easy task. Hell, it wasn't easy with Danny...sigh. As always set pieces will be a "oh dear god no" area for our Reds with the likes of Crew DP Jairo Arrieta causing all sorts of difficulty for opposition team (so deadly with the ball). This isn't going to be an easy one kids - hell, they never are with TFC - I'll be watching and hoping that they give us something to cheer about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME ON YOU REDS!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Shiny Trillium Links:</b> <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-matchup-auld-enemy.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, Waking The Red (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/21/3258946/toronto-fc-columbus-crew-a-derby-date" target="_blank">Dave</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/22/3259012/columbus-crew-toronto-fc-mls-jairo-arrieta-kirk-urso#storyjump" target="_blank">James</a>) and <a href="http://rednationonline.ca/Countdown2012/CountdownTorontoFCColumbusCrew82112.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-61681939510893747362012-08-22T12:15:00.000-04:002012-08-22T12:55:56.840-04:00Year Six and Still A Few Kinks<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: So very tired - hard to maintain a hopeful energy these days</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Trying to adjust to the new normal - playing badly is the new normal </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Back from vacationland</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i> <b>The theme song for the past six years for TFC Supporters</b></i></span><br />
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Once again into the abyss we go my fellow fans - we really can't have nice things, can we? There is no turning away from the fact that this incarnation of TFC is just not very good; and they're not going to magically get better by the end of October. There may have been a brief moment when things could have come together but coaching changes, player departures, injuries and six years of fan exploitation and team mismanagement by the front office have taken their toll. If you still attend matches (and I know that a few of you are gluttons for punishment like me) you've been witness to more than a couple of lacklustre, poorly executed attempts at playing football by our Reds in the past weeks. It's been frustratingly, mind numbingly depressing to watch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's little to no joy on the field to be seen from the players, the fan apathy grows more evident each match (hello empty seats) as well as supporter group malaise (hello lack of tifos, empty seats and grimness in the stands). I've spent a fair amount of time in the south stands this year and with each passing week I see resignation that wasn't there before, less engagement and where we used to poke self-deprecating fun at our team and ourselves for our lot in supporting such a team (OK, we still do that - have to laugh or you'll cry) instead you hear anger and frustration - and who can blame them or any other fan that comes to BMO week in and week out? It's wearing and it's tiring and just plain difficult to "get up" every week for a team that always seems to be on a road to nowhere (6 years of confusion and counting). I go to BMO every week thinking (hoping, wishing) that they're going to win - I really do, regardless of my oft pessimistic tone - but this season has taxed my optimistic soul like no other. Saturday's match did nothing to dispel that and in fact coupled with Wednesday's not so sublime effort it has made it worse. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The game against SKC pretty much typified what TFC has become: by the end of the game there were a minimum of four players playing out of their normal positions - three of them defenders! - when there didn't need to be. But that's TFC in a nutshell; out of position (out played, out shot, out maneuvered and out done). The game on Saturday was always going to be difficult; coming up against the league leaders was never going to be an easy task, regardless of having 6 players available that weren't in the previous match. It was the players that got chosen and their ultimate placement that caused numerous problems throughout the game</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The starting XI didn't surprise anyone - even those of us who are not (and likely never will be) convinced that Ecks is a CB - yes, he's filled in adequately but with the signing of O'Dea and the availability of three different CBs I had hope that Ecks would finally get to return to his proper place at RB and that Henry or Williams would start next to O'Dea. But no, coach Mariner likes the idea of a short, speedy, somewhat positionally challenged CB as part of his backline instead of utilizing one of the players that actually play that position. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was especially frustrating when Doneil Henry (playing at right back of course) was subbed off due to a knee injury in the 37th minute - who came on in his place? Logan Emory. What was the composition of the backline after Emory came on? From L-R: Emory, O'Dea, Ecks, Morgan - yes, that's three defenders all playing out of their natural positions. Three. And you could see the difference; especially in the play of Ashtone Morgan - he is going to be an excellent left back but he is not meant to play on the right. You could see the hesitation in his game, the mistakes due to unfamiliarity (and directly led to the foul, that led to the free kick, that led to the goal; sigh) and the team sorely missed the overlapping runs up the left side at which he has excelled this season. This was even more noticeable as time and time again Ryan Johnson (also playing out of position) looked for someone, anyone to send him a ball and let him move forward on the attack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a sad state of affairs and one that wasn't necessary. With what is basically a new team (again) why not put the players in their actual positions and see how they fare? This is yet another lost season and even with CCL to potentially lift the spirits of the team and the supporters, the next two months are essentially an audition for the remaining players, style of play (kick the ball, chase the ball) and quite honestly the coach. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although some of those new players should be kept far away from the field unless as a second half sub. I am of course talking about Andrew Wiedeman. I've not been overly impressed Andrew "best touch in the modern era" Wiedeman as of yet. I've referred to him as a puppy; he's eager, he tries hard, has the occasional nice moment and is willing to run, but doesn't quite seem to know what to do with his feet. He was all of that and more on Saturday with errant pass after errant pass and quite frankly just looked aimless. So why (when he was obviously having a terrible game) was he left in for almost the full 90 minutes when there were options (read: Eric Avila) on the bench? With both teams missing chances and an opportunity for points still a remote possibility; why wouldn't you switch things up by taking off an ineffective performer and putting out one that works well with Silva and Johnson?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were some positives to Saturday's match (I'm not completely doom & gloom; yet): Frings rebounded from a disinterested and lacking effort on Wednesday to going back to bossing things and showing some focus and energy. Luis Silva (should have been playing where RJ was imo) continues to show flashes of a very talented future player. And what about new backline bossman O'Dea? I have no real issues with how he played - although I do feel like he wandered a bit much; especially with Ecks as his partner - he made some nice challenges in the air and I can see the potential. However, I'm not ready to crown him king just yet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I don't want to hear is talk of the moral victory - hey we held the best team in the league to one goal - moral victories do not a team make. I'm not saying I expect my team to win every game (I'm not that silly) and a hard fought loss can sometimes feel like a win; this wasn't that. This was well just meh. That is the only way to describe it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The TFC revolving door roller coaster is still firmly in place and we need it to stop. One year of stability; just one year - that is apparently too much to ask for as a supporter of our club. Regardless of your thoughts on Winter, he deserved - hell we deserved - to see him at the helm for a full season to see what could be done. I'll say the same thing for Mariner. Do I like his coaching style? Not really. But for the sake of any kind of stability in this club either turf him at the end of this season and really start anew or leave him at the helm until the end of next season. Give this version (6.2) of TFC a chance. Maybe they'll surprise us; gods know they haven't yet.</span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-62235685693241164372012-08-18T11:54:00.000-04:002012-08-18T11:54:07.190-04:00Olympians, New Back Four and Oh Yeah A Match<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: For some reason fairly optimistic</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Who needs 1st place? We've got the CDN Women's National Team</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Still Vacationland</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Can we change it to Wayward Sons? Entire team full of wayward...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's a beautiful day for football - no I'm not talking about the return of the EPL today (although I know you're all glued to the TV right now) - but the return of some gorgeous weather and six of the seven players that TFC were obviously sorely missing on Wednesday night. There's some sort of hoopla going down near BMO as well - The Ex I believe they call it. No, not the Hex; that's a different thing - and some of our Canadian Women's (Bronze medal winning) National Team will be honoured before the game. So I'll say this for the perpetually late faithful: LEAVE HOME EARLY TODAY!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A quick look back at Wednesday's effort by our Reds - and it doesn't need to be long because there's not much to talk about. This is what stood out for me on Wednesday night:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. The first half was terrible. I know you're shocked by this but it really was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. In the first half the terribleness was highlighted by the frozen midfield. Zero movement, zero energy, zero setting up the attack - I can't call to mind anything positive.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Ty Harden...oh Spork, just no. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Frings - could he have looked more disinterested in what was going on? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Second half was marginally better - they scored some goals!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Hassli got his first goal but then decided to take shots from wherever he happened to be with the ball. I know that fans yell "shoot" but you don't have to listen to them!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">7. That second goal was a thing of beauty - one of the best goals you'll see at BMO ever. See? I can be positive!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8. They let the worst road team (and one of the worst teams in MLS) come back and get a point against them; at home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9. Fans - what is with you? Why can you not make it to BMO for kickoff. Or for the first 10-20 minutes? By the end the stands were fairly full but I'll resist posting another of my "seats dressed up as supporters" pictures that I took just prior to the first whistle. Maddening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know that our Reds were undermanned on Wednesday but the Timbers are not in any way a team to really fear and TFC let them take that game and do with it what they wanted. Have I mentioned how terrible the midfield was? Is Terry Dunfield really that important to this team? And in a game in which he needed to prove himself I'm sad to say that Avi did not have anything resembling a good game (see terrible midfield) and will likely not see the pitch again this season. Hassli put in a good performance in his first starting appearance for the Reds - other than the "shoot the ball from anywhere" aspect, I'll take this version of Eric "The Red Card" Hassli any day. Although why (hello midfield) more balls weren't sent into him was a concern. The cobbled together defense looked like exactly that. Ecks is Ecks and Morgan was pretty solid but well, never again with that combo OK? Otherwise it was typical TFC; poor start, they woke up after the half but couldn't sustain it. Just another dull, depressing day for the fans. Sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Late Links:</b> The usual hilarity from <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-south-stand-report-toronto-v.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, post-game breakdown from <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/16/3246434/toronto-fc-2-2-portland-timbers-we-just-cant-make-it#storyjump" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> and player ratings from <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/Ratings2012/XIoutof10TorontoFCvPortland.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On to today's game. Facing our Reds on this beautiful day are the team that we love to hate, Sporting KC (although I always think of them as the Wizards) with Teal "the traitor" Bunbury and Jacob "Captain America" Petersen - although he's injured and won't be playing; silver lining! - on their roster and their pajama-like kits (seriously, they look like baby blue PJs) what is there to like? Yes I know that they're the number one team in the MLS right now and have a fairly potent attack with Kei Kamara and CJ Sapong joining Bunbury up top. Kamara has been a constant thorn in the side of TFC and will need to be marked closely today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TFC will have a much stronger (in theory anyway) lineup today even with Reggie Lambe out with injury. Today will mark the debut (finally) of new CB Darren O'Dea who according to all reports acquitted himself very well in Ireland's game against Serbia on Wednesday and was very vocal at TFC's practice yesterday. Whether he is the answer to righting some of our Reds' defensive woes is something everyone will be watching for today. The new partnership of Silva and Hassli will continue up top and RJ (back from international duty) will drop back to the midfield which should hopefully serve him well. And it would seem that the energy and willingness to hurl himself into games that Dunfield possesses was a missing ingredient on Wednesday; with a couple of new partners in the midfield (likely Wiedeman joining Dunfield, Frings and Johnson) we'll see if that continues to contribute to some sort of success for TFC.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our Reds are beginning another long stretch of playing every three or four days and are already dealing with injury concerns with both Jeremy Hall and Reggie Lambe out for the next couple of weeks. So not only do they need to come together as a new team (again) but staying healthy will be key; especially with the match against CCL rival Santos Lagunas coming up (MLS success is not even a glimmer) as TFC's only chance at producing a memorable end to the season. Other than the hopefully rejuvenated lineup our Reds will have some inspiration before the game as members of the Bronze medal winning CDN Women's National Team will be honoured before the match - likely in front of hundreds of fans sadly - hopefully they ask the ladies for some pointers on how to defend and hang tough against a very strong opponent. It's a gorgeous day out; perfect for watching our team. I hope that for once (and that the lure of the CWNT is strong) that the faithful are out in force before the game to cheer our boys on. Be there or be a parallelogram!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME ON YOU REDS!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Link-O-Rama:</b> <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-matchup-midwest-value.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, Waking The Red (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/17/3248611/toronto-fc-vs-sporting-kansas-city-preview-richard-eckersley-odea" target="_blank">Duncan</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/17/3249127/sporting-kansas-city-toronto-fc-graham-zusi-matt-besler-teal-bunbury" target="_blank">Duncan</a> and <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/17/3250608/Sporting-kansas-city-know-your-enemy-scouting-report" target="_blank">James</a>) and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/Countdown2012/CountdownTorontoFCvKansasCity81612.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-30564121353696571242012-08-15T14:51:00.000-04:002012-08-15T14:51:07.096-04:00Timbers vs. the Timbits<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Excitedly worried - what? That's a thing.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Ty Harden gets to play? Oh dear; feel my optimism fading fast</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Vacationland</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been 10 long days since we last got to see our Reds play and like any other time in TFC land it's been somewhat eventful. The last match against Chicago was predictably awful as our Reds were outplayed, outgunned and just plain out done for pretty much the entire 90 minutes. Yes RJ did score a goal in that game and a more TFCesque style goal you could not find; well for the other team that is. Marco Pappa made a very uncharacteristic (yet typical TFC) gaffe and RJ scored the epitome of an "against the run of play" type of goal. But hey it was exciting for a bit, wasn't it? However, it wasn't to last; we all know the match ended with TFC beaten down, broken down and just plain down - two men down in fact, Emory for card accumulation and Jeremy Hall to injury - not exactly the way to build upon the positive outing (ok, it was a beatdown) over <a href="http://weststandgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/08/if-tfc-wins-and-theres-no-one-there-to.html" target="_blank">CD Aguila the Wednesday before</a>. Right, I forgot; no one was there to see that game...sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other than the loss to the Fire continuing to illustrate the flaws in our team, the one thing that angered me the most was the second half sub of Jeremy Hall for Reggie Lambe - Hall was of course injured in the second half (and is still unavailable for play). What I expected was to see Eric Avila come on at the half (or whenever Reggie got subbed off) - the opportunity to steal points was still there and Avi is (IMO) a better attacking player than Hall. And of course in the hindsight is 20/20 world had Hall not played, he wouldn't have been injured...etc, etc, etc....but I'm not really steamed about that - just continuing to be frustrated with how Avi is being ignored by the current coaching staff. There have been countless times in recent matches when he (potentially) could have made a difference but still never gets to even step on the pitch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would have liked to have been wrong about that Chicago game but most of us had a bad feeling beforehand and unfortunately it come to be....this is pretty much how I felt after the game:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b><i>There's nothing you can ever say; nothing you can every do...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Late Links:</b> If at this late date you haven't read these recaps here you go - <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/after-90-chicago-way.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies,</a> <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/5/3220945/chicago-fire-2-1-toronto-fc-mls-eric-hassli-darren-odea" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/MatchReports2012/TorontoFCOutclassedOutrunbyChicagoFire.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Let's get ready to rumble! It's time for the Battle of the Basement (again)</i></b>. It's time for TFC to shed their TimBit (everyone run after the ball together, kick the ball way down field, repeat) like image and use the Timbers to climb out of the MLS basement. This will be one of their few almost guaranteed chances to secure points and begin that precarious climb. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight's match should prove to be well, interesting at the very least. Toronto is playing with a very shortened bench due to international call-ups (Terry, Doneil, Ryan, Dicoy and Darren take a bow), injuries and one suspension. The suspension on Logan Emory from the last match is unfortunate as had circumstances not required (and absolutely rightly) that this past Saturday's game against Columbus be rescheduled so that the <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/9/3232408/toronto-fc-columbus-crew-postponed-Kirk-Urso" target="_blank">Crew could attend the funeral of Kirk Urso</a> then Emory would be available. Instead tonight will see the likes of Adrian Cann and Ty (The Spork) Harden in the starting XI as well as Ecks back in his natural position at RB...time for a little Retro TFC action!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, even with the 'so thin it's see through' lineup for TFC, this is still a winnable game for our Reds. The Timbers are by no means a powerhouse and have been free-falling for most of the season. They are arguably the worst road team in the MLS, having not won a single match away from Jeld-Wen Field. Add to that their inability to score goals (only two in their last ten on the road) and even TFC's defense might be able to withstand whatever assault Kris Boyd and Co. can throw at them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The real concern for tonight's match is how will the players that have barely played in the past months fare in an actual match? Other than a few minutes against that English team last month neither Cann or Harden have played and when was the last time that Ecks got to play at Right Back? And assuming (and I am assuming this) that Avi gets the start in the midfield will he be able to shake off the rust and contribute enough to maybe get some regular playing time? What I think is the positive side is that these guys are dying for some minutes and will likely put in a killer effort to show why they should have the chance to set foot on the field again in the near future. And with five games in fourteen days Mariner will need to have options; hopefully the almost forgotten will be able to prove themselves as such.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really the only other question is who will show up tonight? And I don't mean players I mean fans. Not that CCL games are any sort of barometer for attendance but the apathy continues to grow amongst the fans and mid-week games (summer or no) have not been well attended regardless of the fixture. I'll be there as always and I'm dragging my youngest brother along with me for his first ever MLS match. Hopefully he doesn't come away scarred for life...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME ON YOU REDS!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lots of Links: </b><a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-matchup-watch-out-for-those-trees.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, Waking The Red (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/14/3241048/toronto-fc-vs-portland-timbers-preview-kris-boyd-eric-hassli#storyjump" target="_blank">Duncan</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/14/3242909/portland-timbers-toronto-fc-gavin-wilkinson-kris-boyd-jack-jewsbury-torsten-frings" target="_blank">Duncan again</a> & <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/15/3244081/Portland-timbers-toronto-fc-scouting-kris-boyd-john-spencer-gavin-wilkinson" target="_blank">James</a>) and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/Countdown2012/CountdownTorontoFCvPortlandTImbers81412.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online.</a></span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-13071548587064031482012-08-04T15:58:00.001-04:002012-08-04T15:58:46.063-04:00What Do You Mean We Have To Play MLS Games?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Pessimistically Positive (what? that's a thing)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State Of Mind: Waiting for the crash back to earth</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Hot, hot, hot supporter's couch</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time for a reality check folks. Tonight our Reds are not playing a tired minnow from El Salvador and are instead back to MLS play and face the Chicago Fire - or Dan Gargan's team if you like. This is not going to be an easy game; regardless of the amount of confidence garnered from Wednesday night's decisive (<a href="http://weststandgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/08/if-tfc-wins-and-theres-no-one-there-to.html" target="_blank">and oh so fun</a> - you should have been there) CCL win. The Fire are currently clinging to the last playoff spot and not only has TFC not beat them in over a year, they've never won at Toyota Park - not exactly the circumstances to make you think 'oh they've got this' is it? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are a lot of questions about players for both teams this evening. Of course chief on TFC fans' minds is Eric Hassli who has yet to play a minute in red. He did make the bench on Wednesday night (although that was likely more for presence than anything else) and from all reports is likely to be named to the bench again tonight. But Hassli's availability raises an interesting question - should (or when) he be fit enough to join the starting XI where does that leave the growing partnership of RJ and Silva? The difference between the two games in which they played up top together (Rapids & Aguila) vs. the Dynamo match in which they did not is telling (even over such a small sample). Silva's ability with the ball cannot be understated and his touch and field sense have been stellar in the past few games. He's not only scored a couple of very nice goals but his service on Wednesday was responsible for Reggie Lambe's first goal and as I said; his influence was felt throughout the game. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So whither Hassli upon his return to full fitness? I have to assume that he takes Silva's spot up top and that with Luis playing attacking mid that Eric Avila will never again set foot on the pitch. I'm not discounting strong play from Lambe (on fire of late), Frings is always solid and Dunfield hasn't done anything wrong (and Mariner loves him). But having watched Wiedeman and Amarikwa in the past couple of games not do anything to distinguish themselves, isn't it time for Avi to get a chance? He makes a huge difference in the team's attack when he's on the field and with this game (OK, every game for TFC) being a crucial step in their attempted resurgence wouldn't you expect that more proven players should be out on the field?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Chicago's side of potential roster changes are newcomers midfielder Alvaro Fernandez and DP striker Sherjill MacDonald. It's unlikely that both (or either) will see time this evening but it does give the Fire more depth - wouldn't it be nice to have bench depth, sigh - not only for tonight's match but down the stretch to the end of the season. For the players that will take to the field the Reds as always need to be cautious of the super speedy and dangerous Dominic Oduro and midfielder Patrick Nyarko. And as newly signed CB "boss" <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/you-wait-odea-for-defender-then-darren.html" target="_blank">Darren O'Dea</a> (what a difference O'Dea makes?) will not be joining TFC in Chicago (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/3/3217611/toronto-fc-signs-darren-odea" target="_blank">or anytime soon it would seem</a>) we'll continue to see the same backline of Henry, Ecks, Emory and Morgan for the foreseeable future. The Fire will, (like every other team in MLS) look to exploit the Reds defense with set pieces and balls into the box as our Reds have still yet to figure out how to properly defend or man mark in these situations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It would be fantastic if TFC go into Toyota Park tonight and steal some points; it's just very, very unlikely. As much as I've been living off of the high that Wednesday's night win brought this is not CCL and well, there's a good chance that this is going to be an ugly game. I hope that they can stay tight at the back, that Silva and Lambe continue their outstanding play of late and that our Reds can leave Chicago with a positive performance heading into next Saturday's game against Columbus. </span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/txQQzZ49zZA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b> A little retro nod to our opponents</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME ON YOU REDS!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Long Weekend Links: </b><a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-matchup-no-time-for-day-off.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/4/3216728/toronto-fc-chicago-fire-do-we-have-to-go-back-to-mls" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/Countdown2012/CountdownTFCChicagoFire8212.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a></span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-89342590497909341362012-08-02T13:05:00.003-04:002012-08-02T22:12:34.437-04:00If TFC Wins And There's No One There To See It, Did It Really Happen?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Stunned happiness</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: That happened right? You're not messing with me?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: My happy place - which last night was BMO</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A decisive win, FIVE goals, a beautiful night and Ryan Johnson got a rest! I swear I'm not making this stuff up - I understand why you wouldn't believe me as no one actually went to the game last night - but the 5,324 of us that were there will swear on a stack of TFC scarves that this did indeed occur.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got to BMO insanely early - I was perhaps a little bit excited for the game - and was a bit worried as I saw an awful lot of orange CD Aguila kits as well as El Salvadoran kits and flags. And while I did see lots of TFC gear by the time I got to my seat in the South Stands (yes, I abandoned my West Stand seats again) I wasn't worried about which kits I saw; I was worried about the sea of empty seats.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZlU0jvC7kloSXIBFpXIK3BXNmrQTNBC5LI8ui_nAND6d0CE_E6GSjtxm0auu9oKA4KzHH6J3yh8INyjNKPvaEo3TS3wnfOg_rOz19OLxOlWatOgEYz1kdRIFrODYc8ITw2Hibpwnhpc/s1600/Empty+seats+at+BMO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZlU0jvC7kloSXIBFpXIK3BXNmrQTNBC5LI8ui_nAND6d0CE_E6GSjtxm0auu9oKA4KzHH6J3yh8INyjNKPvaEo3TS3wnfOg_rOz19OLxOlWatOgEYz1kdRIFrODYc8ITw2Hibpwnhpc/s320/Empty+seats+at+BMO.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The East Stands about 5 minutes before kickoff - everyone dressed up as a seat tonight!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish I could say that everyone was fashionably late but it seems as though the TFC faithful chose last night of all nights to stay away. I don't get it; if there was ever a match to come to this season, this was it. The weather was pretty much perfect, it was an 8pm start (everyone has been clamoring for a later start time for the midweek games), if you bought the package for your tix it was actually quite inexpensive and this was a chance to see our Reds compete in the tournament outside of the Voyageurs Cup that could actually mean something. Not to mention it was against the weakest side in our group so the chance of a victory was pretty damn solid. So it is disheartening to see that so many TFC fans stayed away last evening - the announced attendance of 5,324 comprised of at least 1,000 CDA/El Salvador fans which means that at best around 4,000 TFC fans came out to cheer on our Reds. I know that this has been a difficult season and that supporter apathy has been growing and I knew it would be a smaller crowd last night but I had mentally ball-parked 10,000 people - disappointed and mildly flummoxed is what I am.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But for those of us that did make it down to BMO we were treated to something that's never been seen before - FIVE goals and RJ getting a rest! It was a rout plain and simple and not even learning that the Aguila team had to spend the night in the Miami airport and only got to town this afternoon could take away from the very good game our Reds played.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The game started off with TFC looking energetic and much more awake than they did on Saturday - I took this as a good sign. And they came out firing; what we thought was the first goal was waved off as offside but that didn't matter as only minutes later Luis Silva unleashed a textbook header from a Frings corner kick into the left corner of the net - this was a seriously gorgeous goal - early happiness! But they didn't let up - in what was his finest performance as a red Luis Silva (MOTM by a landslide) had a lovely little give and take with Reggie Lambe who easily slotted a perfect pass from Silva past the Salvadoran keeper - 2-0! Jubilation!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But our Reds sometimes just can't let go of old habits; in one of the evening's few miscues Milos misplayed - and by misplayed I mean completely failed - on a CDA free kick when he didn't control the initial kick allowing Yaikel Perez to easily put the rebound into the net. Much looking around and groaning amongst everyone; was this where the rails were going to fall off? Was TFC going to revert to their old tricks and fall to pieces? Not on this night - mere minutes later Terry Dunfield (really, not making this up) used his knee to deflect a ball from Ashtone Morgan past the keeper. Game on! Celebrations everywhere as you could just feel that this was going to go well - Have I mentioned how much I love CCL games? - and after a minute of added time, it was time for a break.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Half time was spent discussing, OK more like thoroughly enjoying what had happened on the pitch. We tried for some serious analysis which resulted in more talk of how we were dumbfounded by the lack of butts in the seats; getting a first hand account of the Milos miss from <a href="https://twitter.com/WakingtheRed" target="_blank">@wakingthered</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RedWineRoz" target="_blank">@redwineroz</a> who decided to come join us (abandoning the six people in their section) in the south stands for some silly fun and my thoughts on Wiedeman - has some speed, obviously wants to do well but he's trying to do too much. It was kind of like watching a puppy; he's not quite sure what to do with his feet at all times - this is where my ire at Avi's non-inclusion in the lineup begins to rise again...I don't understand why Mariner will not play him; surely he could have been one of the second half subs? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second half! We were all giddily predicting some crazy final scores at this point (I was hoping for 7-1) and almost immediately our Reds added to our glee. As they continued to run around the hapless Salvadoran team Ashtone Morgan sent a long ball into the box that Lambe deftly sent just inside the left post - 4-1! When was the last time you saw four goals at BMO; from the home team that is? And then it happened - no, the heavens didn't open up; no one fell to injury - no, Ryan Johnson scored! Seriously. And he did by keeping control of the ball and dancing around the fallen keeper and coolly slotting it into the right hand corner - have to admit that we all thought it was going to go wide but no, he kept his head and score! 5-1!! FIVE goals; five. .a feat that has never been accomplished by our Reds at BMO. Just fantastic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest of the half had us all hoping for a Reggie Lambe hat trick (and coming up with many, many sheep puns - see The Yorkies post-game in the links), getting into the Ole spirit of things as TFC strung together several (more than three is several) passes in a row and just being silly and giddy. Did I mention that RJ actually got subbed off? RJ got a rest - must be one of the signs of the apocalypse. I've said it many times; CCL play is just different - the vibe and the crowd (tiny but enthusiastic) make for an unforgettable experience. The team played some very nice football and did not fall into old habits. And then there's Luis Silva; what a game he had. Just fantastic throughout the entire night - great movement, perfect passes, his influence was everywhere - Man Of The Match with no exception. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This game should be a huge confidence builder for our Reds going into Chicago this weekend. They need to take their uncanny ability to do well in CCL play and translate it to MLS. It will be a sterner challenge but if Silva and Co. can come close to replicating the intelligent play that they showed last night then the Fire should be worried. One final note from last night:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Managed to get pretty much the entire song - we're enthusiastic if nothing else</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You'll see in the video that a few more fans did trickle in but it does illustrate what 5000 people at BMO look like...sigh. Oh and here's a few pictures too!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFSp5w9zkuPLA0EAei4-lpS9-AkANIA7CQz3fzbLes6tWeu9ELb9L_IdGjjMsnHWrETpMDJIf7Q36X7-5ks7qpIIvslW8YFbwx9rMR7wJWQ-jQ4DoK9i_lDWAUvnV50VtJ7atcVgMTnE/s1600/IMG_20120801_215707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFSp5w9zkuPLA0EAei4-lpS9-AkANIA7CQz3fzbLes6tWeu9ELb9L_IdGjjMsnHWrETpMDJIf7Q36X7-5ks7qpIIvslW8YFbwx9rMR7wJWQ-jQ4DoK9i_lDWAUvnV50VtJ7atcVgMTnE/s320/IMG_20120801_215707.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Link It Up Baby: </b><a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/08/toronto-v-cd-aguila-or-this-is-why-you.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/1/3214251/toronto-fc-5-1-cd-aguila-mama-said-knock-you-out-no-really" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/MatchReports2012/TorontoFCs5GoalRoutSendCDAguilaPacking.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a></span></div>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-73317688729372731332012-08-01T14:46:00.003-04:002012-08-01T14:46:56.095-04:00Wednesdays Are Where We're Vikings<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Optimistically Excited</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: MLS who?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Secret Supporter Couch</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Weather: Strangely no rain - Towrads on vacation?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's that time again; when we forget about MLS (oh wait, we kind of already did that) and instead look to CCL (Concacaf Champions League) for hope and glory. Unlike almost six seasons in MLS our Reds have seen some success in CCL; capped off by their (unlikely according to some) run through the tournament last year, where they were oh so close to advancing all the way <a href="http://weststandgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/04/so-long-and-thanks-for-all-wins.html" target="_blank">until they ran into</a> Santos Laguna down in Torreon. Sadly it was not to be as they ended up losing 7-4 on the aggregate, but it's time to start anew and that begins tonight against <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C.D._%C3%81guila" target="_blank">CD Aguila</a> from El Salvador. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching our Reds in CCL play is often the most fun you can have as a TFC supporter - maybe it's the vibe in the crowd (I use that word loosely) or having new teams to cheer against or just the fact that it's not MLS play. Whatever it is there's just a different feel to it and should not be missed. It's also a different style of play and under former coach Aron Winter the team did quite well in adjusting and saw some success (final four!) in CCL. Whether new coach Paul Mariner is able to make the same adjustments will be unknown until oh about 8pm tonight. As TFC are in a group with non-MLS teams there's a more possession style of game on display and that is not currently TFC's forte. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coming to town is the El Salvadoran side CD Aguila, currently fourth in the Primera Division and as their fans are quick to point out they were CCL champions as recently as 1976! The <a href="http://www.partiallyobstructedview.com/2012/07/concacaf-champions-league-snippets-of.html?spref=tw" target="_blank">Super Orange</a> (seriously, that's their nickname) are considered the weakest team in TFC's group for this stage. Maximum points against Aguila are paramount as the format of the CCL has changed for this year and only the top team in the group advances to the next round. Considering our Reds are up against our old "friends" Santos Laguna the need to win both matches against Aguila as well as take points from Santos cannot be stressed enough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the questions being asked is whether or not Eric (the Red Card) Hassli will be playing this evening. Apparently it's a game time decision but as it's still not clear if he's 100% recovered from his ankle injury I don't expect to see him before this Saturday's game against the Chicago Fire. The Reds should be able to handle Aguila without his presence and why take the chance that he may be out for even longer? There are 3 more games in this round of CCL, plus MLS play to worry about so I hope to not see his name anywhere near the lineup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead I expect that Luis Silva will start up top with Ryan Johnson and that the rest of the lineup will more closely resemble that of the one that took to the field in TFC's last win two weeks ago against the Rapids. Although <a href="https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN" target="_blank">Kurt Larson</a> from The Sun is indicating that Andrew Wiedeman and not Eric Avila will start in the midfield - I hope that he's wrong as I feel that Avi's movement and speed with the ball would be welcomed in this match. However he doesn't appear to be featuring much in Mariner's plans and perhaps the size of Wiedeman will be a plus against Aguila.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look at tonight's match as a way for TFC to get some of their mojo (no, not *that* MoJo!) back after they frittered it away on Saturday. I don't expect huge crowds which is unfortunate as it's a beautiful night, it's a later start time (that everyone has been begging for) and this is the closest that our Reds will come to anything resembling playoffs this season. And as I said above - it's really, really fun! And don't we all need some fun; especially as TFC supporters. Besides if you don't go the only way to watch is on the Concacaf website as it will not be broadcast on TV. I'll be there as always; giddy, hyper, anxious and ready to cheer them on to victory. Be there or be a parallelogram!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>VAMOS ROJOS!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Los Links: </b>And here are your usual suspects - <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/the-matchup-shh-its-champions-league.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/8/1/3205485/toronto-fc-vs-cd-aguila-concacaf-champions-league#storyjump" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/Countdown2012/CountdownTorontoFCvAguila8112.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-71263915051437085312012-07-30T20:59:00.000-04:002012-07-30T20:59:11.679-04:00Sixth Verse, Same As The First (And Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth), Little Bit Louder, Little Bit Worse<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Meh with a side of Disappointed</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Round and round</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: On the TFC Rollercoaster like everyone else</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another beautiful day at BMO; another disappointing, uninspired performance from our Reds. Stop me if you've heard this before. Actually as you have heard it before (oh so many times this season) stopping me would leave me with nothing left to write, but as that's not my way I'll continue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It would seem that over the course of their 10 days off that instead of continuing to come together and build upon some flashes of solid play over their previous three games, they all took a collective step back to become the TFC that we all sadly love (or hate) but mostly are resigned over. This was one of the least inspired efforts put forth by our Reds this season; made to look all the more so as they were playing a good team as opposed to one of the basement dwellers or teams in free fall. It's, well not really all that astonishing how poor they look stacked up against a team with quality - wouldn't it be nice if they played up to an opponent? Remember when they used to do that? Sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took to my seats in the West Stands for the first half in hopes of seeing some decent play and some incremental signs of progress. My first thought - other than my exasperation at the again row upon row of empty seats at kickoff - was surprise at the starting XI. Instead of keeping what seemed to have been the beginning of a potentially successful partnership between RJ and Silva; new signing (Dr.) Quincy Amarikwa was slotted up top and Silva was shifted to the midfield. The only reason I can think of for this is that he was being rewarded for scoring a goal in that game against that English team; otherwise I don't get it. Amarikwa doesn't yet have a proven track record and while I'd gladly see him on the bench to be brought in as a sub to inject some energy when needed; I don't get why in such an important game he'd get the start. Colour me completely baffled. Mariner said after the game that RJ and Quincy had played together before hence the pairing; but I didn't see any signs of familiarity in their performance on the field. Not to mention that Dr. Q's inclusion in the lineup meant that Avila was relegated to the bench. This was a game that begged for creativity and ball movement through the midfield in order to help the forwards; especially as they were playing a very good Houston team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first half was pretty much a snoozefest as neither team did much to acquit themselves. Yes, the Dynamo had a few shots and Ecks did some nice work to snuff out a couple of attacks. And TFC did get up the field but the best chance - a header from Doneil off a ball from Frings - went straight to the keeper. The lack of energy and focus was apparent in our Reds and they showed a frustrating lack of creativity. The highlight of the first half actually came before the game even started when during the player introductions the crowd (OK, all 337 of us) saw Nick Soolsma's face and name flashed onto the screen when Amarikwa was being introduced - I suspect Suarez had snuck into the control room. The other "highlight" of sorts was the poorly timed and attempted bicycle kick from Dr. Quincy - it was not even close to being on net - but hey, kudos for the attempt? And in true TFC fashion they closed out the half by poorly defending a set piece (shocking, I know) and leaving Calen Carr completely unmarked to head the ball past Kocic. Fun! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the second half I once again relocated to the South Stands to hang with my friends from <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>; <a href="https://twitter.com/ignirtoq" target="_blank">@ignirtoq</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RohanKoomar" target="_blank">@rohankoomar</a> and the rest of our sarcastically merry crew. The half progressed much in the same way as the first. Not much happening on the attack from our Reds and the Dynamo controlling most of the run of play. Andrew Wiedeman came on for Amarikwa in hopes of creating some scoring chances but he never really clicked. I kept waiting for Eric Avila to come on but instead late in the half two basically defensive subs were made when Aaron Maund and Jeremy Hall were brought on for Doneil Henry and Logan Emory. At that point I remarked that we were basically playing for the loss. There was still time to get back a goal and get a draw at the time of the first sub - why not bring on Avi? - instead another defensive miscue led to the killer goal by who else but Brian Ching. Awesome. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What was apparent throughout the entire match - other than the lack of energy by the Reds - is that regardless of the strong work from Ecks (MOTM easily) he is not a backline general. This team needs a veteran CB to organize the defense if they are to pull themselves out of this basement abyss they seem destined to occupy. A cobbled together defense with two players playing out of their natural position is just not going to withstand the pressure for much longer. While I appreciate that the FO wants to 'find the right fit' and that the Mellberg situation is wreathed in smoke and half truths it doesn't change the fact that this team has been lacking a proper <a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/07/28/toronto_fc_lose_to_houston_dynamo/" target="_blank">backline anchor</a> pretty much since it's inception. Instead we get converted leftbacks and barely able substitutes (although Ty hasn't played in ages so hey, a positive!) and we sign a striker or two to try and replace Danny. Even ones that still aren't able to play and won't play until this coming weekend at the earliest. Of course I'm talking about Hassli (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/21/3174520/amarikwa-to-toronto-is-official" target="_blank">sorry Quincy, not much left to say</a>) - time will tell if this is a good move for TFC - but at the moment all I see is his propensity for red cards and the fact that he's well, injured. If he can get healthy fairly quickly, keep a level head and score more than the occasional goal then I'll consider this a positive and let the chips fall where they may next year. But I'd still rather have a proper CB (sorry Eric!). And with the only rumoured help coming being Irish international Darren O'Dea (nicknamed O'Dear) not filling anyone with confidence we can only wait and hope.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really the only highlight of the second half (and the highlight of the game) was the again epic rendition of the soon to be classic "Bohemian Rhapsody" (it is ridiculous how much fun we have singing it! Seriously, join in!) that is now being requested at each match. It spread throughout most of 113 and 112 and not only could it be heard over at the other end of BMO, (as per <a href="https://twitter.com/WakingtheRed" target="_blank">@wakingthered</a>) but could also be heard on the Gol TV broadcast. I look forward to hearing the entire South Stands and beyond belting it out - start learning those lyrics folks! Coming soon the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ9B3TxaOss" target="_blank">dubstep version</a>! And the adaption of the YSA chant to YSG (You Suck Garber) as a response to MLS Commissioner Don Garber <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2012/7/25/3187339/2012-mls-all-star-game-chelsea-fc-don-garber-facebook-chat" target="_blank">taking supporter groups to task for vulgarity at matches</a>. Please read <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/the-south-stand-report-toronto-v_29.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies post-match </a>for <a href="https://twitter.com/ignirtoq" target="_blank">@ignirtoq</a>'s fantastic letter to Don in response to this latest bit of anti-fan rhetoric. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not an easy day at BMO Field for anyone - chin up folks it's not going to get any easier - although those of you that left when Ching scored that goal; what the hell? As much as it was a shite performance this is still your team is it not? There was four minutes of added time in which anything could have (although likely wasn't) happened. Be ticked off, voice your opinion but stay until the bloody end would you? Even at my angriest I've not left early - besides, staying gives me more time to vent with the other members of the blogger cartel - seriously, it's post-game therapy! Regardless of my issues with the team (and as you know, I have a few) they're still my team and I'll stay until the bitter end. Anyway, on to the next one right? CCL match and on a Wednesday? Guaranteed win? Here's hoping.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Link It Up:</b> <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/29/3200680/toronto-fc-0-2-houston-dynamo-soolsma-returns-bohemian-rhapsody-meh" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a>, <a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/07/29/toronto_fc_mls_richard_eckersley/" target="_blank">Duncan at Sportsnet</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/29/3200992/musings-from-a-toronto-fc-weekend" target="_blank">Michael Gardner</a> and <a href="http://rednationonline.ca/MatchReports2012/TFCoutclassedbyHoustonaswinningstreakends.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span></div>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-11273039637141488592012-07-28T13:28:00.000-04:002012-07-28T13:30:40.018-04:00They're Baaack!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Tired but sort of optimistic</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: 10 days without TFC is too long</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Sleepy supporter's couch</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Am I dreaming? Did our Reds actually win 3 games in a row for the first time in FOUR years? You're sure I'm not dreaming? Yes! It's a bona fide streak! Say it with me; "winning streak"...sounds odd doesn't it? But it sure is fun to say. Seriously, cast your mind back all those days ago...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The weather gods smiled upon the crowd (well, it seemed a bit more crowded than the week before) at BMO as the wind (winds of change? Ok, that's a bit much) blew in and brought us a gift - a fairly decisive win by our Reds. Actually, the only suffering the fans had to do was endure 50-odd minutes of RJ9's stunning inability to finish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other than the stunning weather the game started off in typical TFC fashion; no they didn't immediately go down a goal and in fact came out strong. But after Luis Silva was fouled in the box who should step up to take the PK? None other than Ryan Johnson...everyone around me was in agreement - there was no way he was going to make this and he didn't let us down managing to not even put it on net...sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But that second half? That was a hell of a lot of fun wasn't it? RJ scored! Seriously, I'm not kidding - he put one past the keeper and woot! It's a tie (oh yeah, the other team scored in the first). And then right in the middle of what is becoming a regular thing (hell it was requested) which is our epic performance of "Bohemian Rhapsody" - OK epic is overstating as we're still forgetting some of the words but it's still awesome - Andrew Wiederman (He da man!) deflected a Silva shot into the net. Jubilation! And that's how it would end. Our Reds with a 2-1 win and a three game win streak to call their own! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second half of that game really was a good performance by our Reds. The continuing strong play of Ashtone Morgan with his ability to send in crosses and the movement and lovely runs of Luis Silva were on display. As was the excellent play of Ecks who put in one of his best performances as a converted CB (hand on Ecks, help is not coming anytime soon). It was a very complete team performance and for me was the first actual sign that things may be turning around for this team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not to knock the team's performance leading up to that game (or the goals scored) but consistency is key and our boys are seemingly finding a way to consistently score goals and win or fight back in games. Having two different goal scorers two games in a row (neither named Danny) is a huge positive and a hope that this team will not completely fall apart without the our main target man for the rest of the season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If for some reason you didn't watch that game and/or haven't read any recaps here are your usual suspects:<a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/the-south-stand-report-toronto-v.html" target="_blank"> The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/18/3168684/toronto-fc-2-1-colorado-rapids-were-a-rocketship-on-our-way-to-mars" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> and<a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/XIoutof10TorontoFCvColorado71912.aspx" target="_blank"> Red Nation Online</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time to turn our gaze to this afternoon's match. This match will be a telling one in terms of seeing how far our Reds have actually come. They've had 10 days off, said <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/26/3191697/miguel-aceval-leaves-toronto-fc-by-mutual-consent" target="_blank">goodbye to some players</a> (so long <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/he-came-he-drank-he-left-miguel-acevals.html" target="_blank">Miguel</a>), said hello to some new ones - <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/amarikwa-fck-yeah.html" target="_blank">Quincy (or Dr. Quincy as I'm calling him) Amarikwa</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/20/3173269/eric-hassli-toronto-fc-vancouver-whitecaps" target="_blank">Eric "The Red Card" Hassli</a> and <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/26/3192012/toronto-fc-reportedly-sign-freddy-hall" target="_blank">Freddy Hall</a> (maybe) - come on down! You're the next contestants on the TFC roster! And played <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/the-starting-11-things-overheard-at.html" target="_blank">some sort of game</a> against some players from England or something in between. *sorry for all those links but I've had a rough stretch and well, these fine folks have written some excellent stuff.*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coming to town this sunny (and still not rainy) afternoon are the now and forever infamous Houston Dynamo. Infamous for the "Escobar 3" incident and that awful come from behind draw that they laid on our boys the last time. Both teams are on a three game win streak and Houston does not have the most amazing record against TFC at BMO. However (always with the however) this game is much different than the Colorado game. While the Rapids are a team in a steep decline the Dynamo are anything but. They've got Will Bruin (remember him?), Brad Davis and newish DP, midfielder Boniek Garcia; all incredibly dangerous and the first two have long been thorns in TFC's side. And while TFC have managed to eke themselves out of the MLS basement (thanks to the spectacularly free-falling Timbers - so many jokes, so little time) the Dynamo sit third in the Eastern Conference and sixth in the MLS. Not too shabby and just a bit worrisome for our team as they look to win Four In A Row and put the stamp of respectability on this season.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With two fairly untested new forwards in Wiederman and Amarikwa and Hassli unlikely to see action today, as well as the still injured Jeremy Hall unable to play, we'll likely see the same lineup we did all those days ago against Colorado. I see no reason why Mariner would make any changes unless Adrian Cann did enough in that match against that English team and in training to come back and resume his place as CB. I find it unlikely though and expect to see Ecks and Logan doing their best imitation of a CB pairing yet again. What you ask? We didn't sign a CB during the transfer window? Sadly no; all kinds of shenanigans appear to have occurred and I will touch base on that tomorrow. But for now this is what we've got. We've waited 6 years, what's a little longer, right? Sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While this game doesn't fill me with dread neither do I have an overwhelming "they're going to do it" feeling. Do I think they'll compete and not put on a nightmare performance? Absolutely. I expect that this will be a hard fought game and that our boys will show some resilience and consistency of play. But this is a very good team that our Reds are facing and they do not always rise to the occasion when faced with better opponents. This is one of those games that you look at as a watershed moment. Not that a three game win streak for the first time in four years isn't saying something but if this team wants to actually progress, now would be the time to show it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I of course hope that they prove me wrong and soundly trounce the Dynamo because well, that would be fantastic. I'm also hoping that (Beer Festival notwithstanding) to see a packed house today. Although the number of tweeps offering up their tickets in the past couple of days seems to say otherwise. As for me, I'll be there as always; anxious, excited and hopeful. Let's do this boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME ON YOU REDS!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Late Links:</b> <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/the-matchup-faster-higher-wronger.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, Waking The Red (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/27/3192342/toronto-fc-vs-houston-dynamo-mls-preview#storyjump" target="_blank">Duncan</a> & <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/27/3196912/houston-dynamo-toronto-fc-mls-preview-know-your-enemy" target="_blank">James</a>) and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/LinkClick.aspx?link=1565&tabid=62&mid=404" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-32530031781548396802012-07-20T22:48:00.000-04:002012-07-20T22:48:14.233-04:00Still Not Friendly<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Meh</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Still don't like this friendly</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: No where near the Skydome tomorrow</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I said I wasn't going to discuss the "game" tomorrow yet here I am. But I promise to keep it brief, really. Back in April I wrote <a href="http://weststandgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/04/no-new-friendlies.html" target="_blank">this</a> and I haven't changed my mind or softened my stance on this type of friendly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know a number of LFC fans that have been crazily excited about this game and I get that, I do. Although a number of them are less happy this evening having learned that none (or very few) of LFC's stars have traveled with team and will not be playing. However (as always) my main concern in all of this at this very moment is the health of our still fragile team. With the team finally starting to perform decently the last thing they need is to lose more players to injury. The schedule going forward is as unforgiving as the past month and TFC will need their players to be healthy if they hope to endure the rigors of both the MLS and CCL schedule. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And above all else our boys need a rest - especially Kocic, Frings, Dunfield and RJ - there is no need to send them out there against what is essentially the Liverpool reserve team. That's really it for me; not going to rehash anything else and am looking forward to next Saturday for our Reds' next actual game. But what's a post without some links? Check out <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/not-necessarily-matchup.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/20/3170870/toronto-fc-vs-liverpool-july-21st" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> and<a href="https://twitter.com/GardnerFanfuel" target="_blank"> Mike Gardner's</a> <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/20/3172221/toronto-fc-vs-liverpool-a-meaningless-friendly-not-necessarily" target="_blank">post over at WTR</a> for some final thoughts. See you next week!</span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-16085019351537569392012-07-17T22:30:00.000-04:002012-07-18T09:38:45.991-04:00Look Out, Rapids Ahead!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Resigned</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Tired; oh so tired</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: The Magic Shop from Buffy</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Weather: Hot, hot, heat - truly end of days</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Coming soon to BMO Field's Events Calendar: "Talisman Night"! That's right, bring your favourite good luck charm to BMO to help ward off the evil spirits, ghosts of strikers past and those unappeased spirits from Poltergeist, The Shining and The Amnityville Horror (well they're all obviously living under the pitch at BMO) in the biggest talisman throwdown Toronto has ever seen! If you do not have a favourite lucky charm one will be provided for you! Choose from one of the following exciting Lucky Talismans:</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. Four Leaf Clover</b>: Do you really need an explanation for this one?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Cat's Eye (no not Suarez's sicko!</b>): It protects one from unforeseen losses in business or profession, and ensures financial stability by guarding the owner's wealth...Hmm, maybe this one will stay in Tom's office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Mini Buddha statues</b>: A Buddha charm or statue is thought of as being lucky, especially if you rub the Buddha's belly...or Terry Dunfield's, or Colin Samuel's, or Ali Gerba's...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Scarabs (Ooh, who doesn't want a scarab?)</b>: As a symbol of the rising sun and protector from evil, the Scarab is also a symbol of rebirth, regeneration and transformation...we should probably give one to anyone that suits up for TFC.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If this doesn't work we'll have to turn to some sort of animal sacrifice (fly Bitchy, fly!) in order to appease the rather pissed off footy gods. Hands up if you wouldn't love to have just one nondescript, mediocre, no major injury, non-rebuilding, defensive crisis free year with TFC. Just one. Is that really too much to ask? Seriously, I don't care if they make the playoffs; I'll settle for boring yet stable - I won't even bitch about it - just some nice, bland football for a few months...hey, I can dream.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coming to town to take on our beleaguered Reds tomorrow night are the floundering Colorado Rapids - they of the one win, four losses in their last five and three straight losses heading into tomorrow's match - but any team regardless of form has to be salivating just a little at the thought of facing a <a href="http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/07/koevermans-out-season" target="_blank">Danny Koevermans-less</a> TFC; even with those back to back wins. Any coach just has to look at the weak bench (made weaker by departing and injured players and lack of foresight in team building and player signing) and the even weaker attack (notice I'm not even mentioning the defense?) and think hey, we can take 'em. Because do not doubt the impact Danny has up front even when he's not scoring goals. An in form Koef changes the focus of the defense and allows others to find time and space to score (not you RJ, but thanks for trying...sigh). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's obviously too soon for help to be arriving - in fact don't expect any before the Houston match on the 28th - so the main question is who will feature up top with RJ? Based on recent game performances I'd expect to see Luis Silva partner with Johnson with the option of Andrew (Andy the eye candy) Weiderman on the bench. Frings will have to be at the top of his game and will likely be joined by Dunfield, Reggie Lambe and (assuming Silva starts up top) Avi getting his first start in a couple of games. I think that with the mobility of Silva and Avi our Reds stand a chance to break down the not rock solid Rapids defense while Frings & Dunfield should be able to counter Conor Casey and Omar Cummings going forward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buoyed by the "Do It For Danny" spirit, facing a team that is falling to pieces in true TFC fashion and fueled by back to back wins and the home crowd (well it's sort of crowded, after the first half anyway), this is actually the best possible scenario that TFC could face considering the circumstances. Did I mention that the Rapids have never won at BMO? Seriously, this game is tailor made for some kind of positive result. A win or a draw and then 10 days (we're still not talking about that game on Saturday) off to rest, practice and (hopefully) get to know some new teammates. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all this team needs to find a way to come together and become the sum of more than just their parts. Too much reliance on one (or two - remember what happened when Frings was out) players has had disastrous results. This is the moment when playing for pride and the badge and the fans has to truly be on display - they need to put on one of their best efforts if they hope to go into this break (remember they're going back to a match every 3-4 days after the break) with something to build upon. This is a very winnable match for our boys and I hope that they will not react in somewhat patented TFC fashion (self destruct on the easy ones) and put in a great performance. I'll be there as usual; anxious, hopeful and ready to scream my head off when they win. See you there?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>We'll miss you Danny, but the show indeed must go on.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME ON YOU REDS!!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lot of Links</b>: Tons of other reading to do - <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/matchup-rapidly-seeking-strikers.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, Waking The Red (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/17/3163570/toronto-fc-vs-colorado-rapids-danny-koevermans-mls" target="_blank">Duncan</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/17/3165949/toronto-fc-colorado-rapids-know-your-enemy" target="_blank">James</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/18/3166843/colorado-rapids-toronto-fc-preview-know-your-enemy" target="_blank">James</a> (again) & <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/17/3163740/toronto-fc-colorado-rapids-preview-marvell-wynne-martin-rivero" target="_blank">John</a>), <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/CountdownTorontoFCvColoradoRapids71712.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a> and <a href="http://typicaltfc.ca/for-the-good-of-the-defense-tfc-need-to-bring-in-a-striker/" target="_blank">Typical TFC</a>. </span></div>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-48641484270501780522012-07-16T13:34:00.000-04:002012-07-16T15:31:31.562-04:00Rockin' The Revs<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Ecstatic mixed with disbelief</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Did that really happen?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Super hot supporter's couch</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Anxiety Level: High - have we lost Danny?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>Let them concede goals!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a game. It's hard to believe that so much happened in just 90 minutes - OK, 102 minutes thanks to the insane amount of added time. Goal, shambolic defending, Danny hurt, Milos standing on his head, shambolic defending, 12 minutes (yes 12) of added time, RJ can't finish and THEY FREAKING WON!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This game had a lot of underlying stories heading into kickoff - Mariner's return to his old stomping grounds, JDG being traded, the Rev's <a href="http://www.torontosun.com/2012/07/13/revs-ready-for-reds" target="_blank">AJ Soares pretty much guaranteeing a win</a> and the little matter of TFC never having won in Foxborough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The game started out well for the Reds when Luis Silva put one past Revs keeper Bobby Shuttleworth after some very nice work from Reggie Lambe. Our Reds up 1-0 less than 10 minutes into a game? Fantastic. But no one I was watching with was satisfied; TFC does not generally inspire confidence these days, even when they score first. But they surprised us. Lots of nice play through the middle, some actual decent passing and they kept pressing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But then in true TFC fashion they started going to pieces putting on a fantastic combination of shambolic (what, I like the word, sue me) defending and a maddening inability to finish (can we please enroll RJ in a finishing school of the non-charming variety?) at the opposite end. And yet, yet they were still up 1-0. Thanks to some sublime goalkeeping from Kocic our Reds continued to hold the lead - what alternate universe was this?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then came the most devastating moment of the game; no not a Revs goal, but Danny Koevermans down on the pitch clutching his knee after a collision with A.J. Soares in the box with less than 10 minutes left in the half. He was stretchered off and from all indications it doesn't look good at all for the finally fit and in form striker. This is one of the scariest and most upsetting things I've seen as a TFC fan; because as Danny goes so go the fortunes of TFC. Prove me wrong RJ....TFC have no secondary scoring threat and unless Ryan can figure out between now and the end of the month how to actually put the the ball into the net, things are going to revert back to very ugly for our boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Newest Red Andrew (Andy the eye candy) Weideman came on in his place and while yes he's a forward; he's one with very little experience and likely did not expect to play for his new team quite so soon. He did not acquit himself very well when he first came on the field - although this is not surprising, first game, he's hardly played this season - and by the end of the game had shown a few nice touches but he's still very much an unknown quantity and hardly expected to step into Danny's boots.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The second half was quite frankly terrifying to watch - and why was Aaron Maund given a run out, why not put Avi out there? The Rev pretty much owned possession and spent the majority of the half continually pressing and attacking the Reds goal. If not for some outstanding work by Ecks and Kocic (MOTM in a stellar performance) at critical moments as well as some decent play by Logan Emory and the rest of the back line this game would have (and honestly should have) been lost. But at the end after seven minutes (SAF must have been in town) of added time in which I don't think I dared to breathe as I waited for the inevitable (and patented) TFC last minute goal concession, the ref blew the whistle and unbelievably, wonderfully the Reds had won.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was by no means a game to hold up and say ooh, look at how well they played, look at the progress! No, this was one of those "how in the hell did they manage to hang on and come away with three points?" kind of games. Not only did they win for the first time ever in Foxborough but they won one of those games that have always bitten them in the past - I did not expect them to come away with more than one point on this day and on any other day this team would not have come away with the win. But every team gets at least one of these wins on the season and finally it was TFC's turn. Certainly they and we the fans will not quibble at 3 points (on the road!), a clean sheet and back to back wins (it's not a streak) - I'll take all the positives I can get.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What happens next is still very much in the dark; there are signings coming but are there attacking players being looked at; as all of the focus has been on securing an experienced CB to anchor and organize the defense. No one could have anticipated that Danny would go down, but RJ's lack of finish has been apparent for most of the season. Patience is being asked for and I'm fine with waiting as this team does not need yet another knee jerk signing to temporarily bandage its wounds. The woeful lack of depth on this team is not a new issue but seems highlighted in neon this season; reinforcements are needed and soon. Hopefully our patience is rewarded with smart signings and a chance to rebuild (for this is a rebuild, not a 'tweak') for next season. So, see you on Wednesday?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Allez Les Rouges! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Late Links</b>: Read all about it! <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/after-90-some-new-england-evolution.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/14/3160024/toronto-fc-1-0-new-england-revolution-rare-road-result#storyjump" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/TFCdefeatRevolutionbutloseKoevermans.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-45763871141346087072012-07-14T11:50:00.001-04:002012-07-14T17:41:43.522-04:00New England, Meet The New TFC<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Umm..</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Too hot to think</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Non air-conditioned supporter's couch</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Ooh, they're singing about our new CB!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A lot of things can change in three weeks - the question is have things changed enough for TFC to steal points down in Foxborough? The boys in Red are headed way south of Southie in hopes of building off of their last minute comeback performance on Wednesday night. And while the team and the fans may be tempted to rest on the laurels of that exciting finish, it would be a mistake to gloss over the errors from Wednesday in a haze of Terry Dunfield celebrations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Reds will be relying on a very young backline as Doneil Henry is likely to start in the place of the injured Jeremy Hall and with JDG no longer with the team there's a chance that Matt Stinson may see some time in the midfield. As defense is always (new CB, Bueller? Bueller?) the weak part of TFC's game, when it's an (even more) inexperienced group well, we all get a little nervous. Adding to the nerves (well my nerves anyway) is the still arduous schedule that the Reds have been slogging through; playing a game every 3-4 days - whereas the Rev have been playing one game a week and will be well rested for tonight's match. Once again Mariner's use of his subs (please use your subs wisely Paul, pretty please!) will play a major role in how this game turns out as with limited resources, a tired squad and another league game this coming Wednesday (we are not talking about that game next Saturday), managing the minutes and staying competitive will be no mean feat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's more nerve wracking is that the Rev have been on a very nice run of form, having not lost in their last five games and winning two of those including winning 2-0 over the NY Energy Drinks. This is not the team that let TFC put two goals past them three weeks ago - and they are looking to continue the streak that has them with three clean sheets in a row. Whatever defensive woes the Rev were experiencing seems to be in full on lock down. Shalrie Joseph is back from injury to bolster the midfield and joining him is the Revs brand new DP, Honduran forward Jerry Bengston who scored a goal in his first appearance with the team last weekend. Add to that the still dangerous (I've said it before and will keep saying it) Barry Feilhaber...well, it's sure to be an interesting (and potentially soul crushing) game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All is not lost; it's not as though TFC have been completely miserable - draws are better than losses (so says obvious girl). And the fight (don't make me use the "H" word) they showed on Wednesday in not giving up like they have so many times in the past (<a href="http://weststandgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/06/reds-revolution-rerun.html" target="_blank">see three weeks ago</a> - or most of the season) is a baby positive step; and if you remove that horrible, crashing back to earth loss to the Union on Sunday, they're scoring a fair number of goals. Actually one of the most notable things from Wednesday's match is that all three goals were scored by different members of TFC and none of them were named Danny Koevermans - instead it was Silva, Frings and Dunfield who were the difference makers in this one. Danny has now gone two games - I know, an entire TWO games - without a goal and his trigger foot must be itching, I'd say he's due.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can never discount the confidence that a wild, last minute win can give to a team - especially one that saw an unlikely goal scorer in literally the dying seconds of the game. And with the changes to the team (both through trades and playing time) coming fast and furious, these days the players who do make the starting XI are playing for their positions as much as for points and pride. Or (speaking of the unlikely goal scorer) as Terry Dunfield put it yesterday: <a href="http://www.torontofc.ca/video/2012/07/13/terry-dunfield-july-13-2012" target="_blank">"It's like the Hunger Games..."</a> - hopefully without the violence and killing, otherwise practices have changed a lot since I last played.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel that this game is either going to be a grinding, competitive, end-to-end, anyone can win kind of game or a nightmare of epic proportions - most likely for TFC. Hoping like mad for the former while the little cynical demon on my shoulder is whispering it's the latter. Of course I plan to muffle that demon with my TFC scarf if he gets too loud; I haven't gone completely over to the Dark Side just yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME ON YOU REDS!!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>LES LINKS:</b> You know the drill -<a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/matchup-new-englishmans-revolution.html" target="_blank"> The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://rednationonline.ca/CountdownTorontoFCNewEngland71212.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a> and Waking The Red (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/14/3158471/know-your-enemy-new-england-revolution-meeting-the-second" target="_blank">James</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/14/3158493/know-your-enemy-new-england-revolution-meeting-the-second-part-two" target="_blank">James</a> & <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/13/3156457/how-you-doin-new-england-revolution-round-2" target="_blank">John</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, one last thing - does anyone else think it's kind of hilarious that they're playing the Revolution on Bastille Day? Just me? OK, as you were...</span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-10126643513593876152012-07-13T17:55:00.002-04:002012-07-13T17:55:22.434-04:00Ch-Ch-Changes<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Surprised, yet not.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Waiting for the other shoe to drop</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Not on a plane to Dallas, or Ecuador, or Europe</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Was there really any other song choice?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The more things change...well it's been a busy week for whoever writes the TFC press releases as it's been a veritable flurry of activity the past few days. The (finally) <a href="http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/07/plata-loan-deal-finalized" target="_blank">official announcement</a> of Joao Plata's loan to LDU Quito came down and made the situation clear as slightly murky water instead of mud...apparently he'll be back in January but I'll believe that when I see his pint size frame back at BMO.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then came the surprising (only for the timing) news that Nick Soolsma and the team had <a href="http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/07/reds-soolsma-part-ways" target="_blank">parted ways</a> by "mutual consent". This was not an unexpected move as it had become apparent that Paul Mariner didn't rate him and that he wasn't going to be part of the team's long term plans. Personally I thought Soolsma was one of TFC's better players this season - he seemed to have picked up some added pace in the off season that made those runs down the wing and that patented turn move of his even more deadly. And I truly believe he made the team better - However, the change in coach put the writing on the wall for Suarez's owner (Houston escapades notwithstanding) so while disappointing; it's not at all surprising. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the biggest news of the day - OK, last night - was the trade of TFC's first DP Julian DeGuzman to FC Dallas. The rumblings started on twitter late in the evening (this is why you need twitter kids) and by 2am there was confirmation from JDG's agent that he was indeed on his way to give Brek Shea hair tips. <a href="http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/07/tfc-trade-jdg-fc-dallas" target="_blank">Official word</a> didn't come down until today but it was obvious that Julian was moved in order to free up some additional cap space, open the possibility for a new DP and again, he wasn't a player that Mariner was going to utilize going forward.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JDG's presence on the team was a <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?3471" target="_blank">polarizing one for many fans</a> - most either loved or hated him. Those firmly on the dislike side railed against his monster contract and seeming ineffectiveness on the pitch. His supporters loved his feisty play and point to the intangibles of his play. I fall somewhere in the middle. I was often frustrated by his inability to perform in MLS games at the same (and highly competent) level as he did during CCL games. The difference in the style of play just never seemed to be something he could consistently overcome. And yes, he was much improved this season and had a really nice run of form in the past couple of months; but this was never going to be a lasting arrangement. When he was on his game (and when he plays for the CMNT) I'm a fan; when he's doing his "walking yellow card" act and kicking balls into the stratosphere, not so much. I expect that in true former Red fashion he'll do spectacularly well in Dallas and I do wish him well - especially if it keeps him sharp for CMNT games! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all this clearing of the locker room - and there is more coming - what has TFC received in return? Not much as of yet, although there are all sorts of rumblings about defensive help in the form of <a href="http://www.torontofc.ca/video/2012/07/13/paul-mariner-conference-call-july-13-2012" target="_blank">one or more players being on their way</a>. But first up is Generation Adidas player, 22 year old Andrew Wiedeman (Pronounced Wee-de-man? Puns be praised!) who while listed as a forward seems to play anywhere but at centreback. He has barely played at all for FCD so looks like a work in progress and definitely not a starter. Whether he is meant to be some sort of back-up for Danny and RJ remains to be seen but he is already with the team in New England so there is that outside chance that we'll see his debut tomorrow night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it stands at the moment TFC is not improved by all of these changes; at least not yet. Not to belittle the (unknown and hopefully eventual) contributions of Wiedeman, there's still no answer for the team's most pressing need and that is a quality CB. I do hope that the promised help is coming to bolster the backline and give it the leader and anchor they've never had; anything else is really a waste of resources. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Lamborghini Links:</b> <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/de-guzman-de-gone-to-fc-de-allas.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/13/3156299/julian-de-guzman-heading-to-fc-dallas" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> and<a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/JuliandeGuzmangoneKevinMcKennainforToront.aspx" target="_blank"> Red Nation Online.</a></span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-55633097574393561992012-07-13T02:50:00.001-04:002012-07-13T09:41:39.063-04:00TFC = Trolling For 'Caps<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Tired but happy</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: Wow, we needed that!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Sunny supporter's couch</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Voice: About 40%</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whee!! Tempted to make that my entire post; just lines of "whee!!!" but then you'd all think I'd lost my mind (Hush peanut gallery). OK, one more time - WHEE!!!! And may I add to the Van City team - HAHAHAHAHA! - Petty you say? In this case I am more than willing to accept that. If only to refute all of the conspiracy theories from the 'Caps - no excuses this time guys - our Reds beat you fair and square.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been hours and I'm still smiling and giggling and just so happy from last night. If you weren't there then I'm oh so sorry that you missed it; I do hope that you at least watched so that you could share in the utter madness that was the last 30-40 minutes of that game! And if not then at the very least I hope you've watched the <a href="http://www.torontofc.ca/video/2012/11/07/toronto-fc-v-vancouver-july-11-2012" target="_blank">Game in 6</a> (I could watch that all day) over and over again like the rest of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In an attempt to live up to the name of this blog I actually went to my seats in the West Stands for the first time in weeks; mostly to visit with some of my seatmates but much to my surprise none of them were at the game! Maybe they're avoiding me? Regardless, I decided to watch the first half from my usual perch and well all I can say is please for the love of Pele, someone teach RJ9 how to finish! That breakaway on Joe Cannon (and his tiny shorts) should have been a goal! Never mind that whole hitting the post business (again). I appreciate his work rate and the fact that he never (ever) gets a rest but c'mon man, your job is scoring goals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyway, the first half was pretty much a snooze; perhaps due to the empty seats (players can't get amped in front of 209 people),</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lPVw7w4W60/T_91RgKRvTI/AAAAAAAAAYc/UG0zhtwz-0Q/s1600/BMO+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lPVw7w4W60/T_91RgKRvTI/AAAAAAAAAYc/UG0zhtwz-0Q/s320/BMO+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stands right before kickoff</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or maybe they were trying to lull the Whitecaps to sleep? Or perhaps it was in protest over <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/12/3154081/nick-soolsma-released-by-toronto-fc#storyjump" target="_blank">losing Soolsma</a> (I don't want to talk about it)? I'm not sure but either way - even though they made some noise right near the end of the half - the half ended with my thinking that perhaps not much good was going to come of this. This was the TFC that makes me sigh...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also decided to relocate back to the South Stands with the Cynics Circle et al. for some second half silliness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Reds looked a lot more lively after halftime - perhaps they got in a 12 minute nap? But of course it had to be the Whitecaps that struck first when rookie Darren Mattocks was able to ping a rebound from a Kocic save into the net - cue the "here we go again" groans from everyone. Great initial save by Milos but no one to clear and Mattocks had an easy one. Even still, I refused to believe that Van City would get the best of our Reds; it's not allowed, right? Right. And then something fantastic happened - no our Reds didn't immediately get an equalizer - no, the always hilarious <a href="https://twitter.com/ignirtoq" target="_blank">@ignirtoq</a> of <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a> and his buddy <a href="https://twitter.com/philbot101" target="_blank">Phil </a>started singing "Bohemian Rhapsody"; shortly thereafter myself, <a href="https://twitter.com/theyorkies1812" target="_blank">@theyorkies1812</a> and our merry band of cynics joined in and well watch for yourself:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <b>We never claimed to be professional singers</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This may seem like an odd song choice but if you listen to the lyrics they're oddly fitting for a TFC fan and well it just fit the mood. As the half progressed the Reds continued to press and were having greater success getting forward and then our Nasty Leftback Ashtone Morgon put another of his (soon to be) patented crosses into the box and found Luis Silva who easily put it past Cannon! Game on! Then our boys just kept on coming - Das Kapitan Frings almost put TFC ahead if not for a wonder save by by Joe Cannon. But the Whitecaps couldn't keep our Reds at bay much longer when just minutes later Frings stepped up and delivered a gorgeous blast of a free kick into the left hand corner of the net! Jubilation!! Much yelling, jumping, shouting and hugging ensued - but could it last?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 'Caps continued to fight back and with minutes left in the game YP Lee came within a whisker of tying the game when he was also stopped by the post...this is where I started holding my breath and looking to see how much added time; 4 minutes? And then the worst happened; Darren freaking Mattocks leapt what seemed four feet in the air to beat Kocic to the ball and headed it into the net - if that wasn't bad enough Mattocks then became the biggest douche at BMO by coming over to the South Stands and taunting the supporters. And not just for a few seconds but for well over a minute - what ticks me off more than the jerky taunting was the lack of any sort of sanction from the ref - that behaviour in any other league would earn a card and should have in this case. We'll wait and see if the league does anything about it but I certainly don't expect anything to happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So there we were, with added time ticking away, the score tied and it looked like our boys were going to toss away three points yet again. But wait in the dying seconds a corner! We didn't hold out a lot of hope knowing TFC's less than stellar record on set pieces when the most glorious thing happened; Terry Dunfield (yes that Terry Dunfield, former Whitecap Terry Dunfield,) headed the ball into the net!! Total freaking pandemonium!!!! Screaming, shouting, jumping - I don't remember when I've last hugged that many people - and then the whistle!! I can't remember the last time I was that happy to hear three blasts of a whistle! What a great night, what a fantastic finish, what a WIN!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Was it the best game they've ever played? No. Are there still plenty of issues with the team. Yes. Does that matter one bloody whit? Hell no. That was one of the finest nights I've ever spent at BMO watching the team I love. I'll leave you with a few words from the hero of the night:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>TFC TIL I DIE</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Laughing Links: </b>Here are your usual suspects with the recaps - <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/south-stand-report-toronto-v-vancouver.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies</a>, <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/12/3154246/toronto-fc-3-2-vancouver-whitecaps-nice-day-for-a-white-wedding" target="_blank">Waking The Red</a> and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/DunfieldtheheroforTFCinstorybookwin.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4700936537273310583.post-21888295437902874862012-07-11T15:39:00.000-04:002012-07-11T15:39:55.711-04:00Time To Whip The Whitecaps<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mood: Shrugging off Sunday</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>State of Mind: They're going to win, it's Wednesday after all and you know, Vancouver</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Location: Currently, work. Later, BMO</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Weather Forecast: No Towrads in sight</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK boys and girls today our boys get to take on that team that they love to beat and that we love to watch them beat. Yes once again those conspiracy toting visitors from the west coast the Vancouver Whitecaps are in town. There's nothing quite like playing Vancouver to get the team fired up and get the fans pumped up. There's just something really, really fun about beating them; maybe it's that it drives them crazy and of course the endless conspiracy theories after each loss are well, just hilarious.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And let's be honest; our boys need a win based off of a strong performance - OK any win will do but wouldn't a good trouncing be nice? - to lift their and our spirits after the less than stellar outing on Sunday. And really there's no better team (well, except maybe Montreal) out of our growing list of bitter rivals than Vancouver to make a match have some underlying drama and emotion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vancouver of course are coming to town with revenge on their minds after our Reds once again won the Voyageurs Cup and left the poor Whitecaps without any shiny silverware to call their own (yes I'm doing an evil laugh as I type that). The Van City team had come to town back in May assured that they were going to finally walk away with our (yes damn it, it's ours - try and take it away) trophy but of course the Reds put in one of their best games - what is it about Cup games anyway? - and <a href="http://weststandgirl.blogspot.ca/2012/05/they-won.html" target="_blank">convincingly won</a> over Van City.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight will likely be a scrappy affair as there is no love lost between these two teams and the last time they met things got well, a little heated shall we say? Of course that scuffle was capped (see what I did there?) by the <a href="http://deadspin.com/5913128/soccer-player-has-cheek-touched-fakes-own-death-provokes-red-card" target="_blank">spectacularly awful dive</a> by Jun Marques Davidson and the tossing of Sebastien Le Toux. And by the Amazing Invisible Man aka Eric Hassli - oh those were the days...And Hassli will indeed be invisible again tonight as he's been suspended for yellow card accumulation (pardon me while I laugh delightedly) and I'm back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This match is no sure thing - even though it's a Wednesday, at home, playing Vancouver - since you know Van City has only (only!) 20 more points than TFC, has only lost once in their last 5 games (and winning two) and well they're just better than TFC. Don't think it's a walk because Hassli is out; Sebastien Le Toux is not one to ignore and he's joined some fairly talented folk up front (otherwise known as the Van City striker collective) with Camillo, Darren Mattocks and their new Scottish DP Barry Robson who although still adjusting to MLS play should not be discounted either as a threat off of the bench.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does any of that matter? Not one bit - this is after all the team we love to torture - who wouldn't be ticked off when they continually lose to one of the worst teams in the league? And lost a major trophy to them as well? That boys and girls is the object of this particular match - tick off the Whitecaps. Seriously. OK yes, the boys should be playing for the badge, the fans, their pride but really at the end of the day if they can do all of that AND irritate the Whitecaps? All the better; after all tradition is important in any sport and this one should certainly be carried on. If only to keep tweaking their noses for yet another year. Fun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have hopes for this game; hopes of the "not crashing and burning" sense. I hope that Mariner meant what he said about making some changes to the lineup tonight; of course I hope that we don't see an entire starting XI of kids out there but that JDG and maybe Soolsma get some legitimate time on the pitch. I also hope to not see that high line employed again until we have more solid and experienced defenders to execute it. And I (and you too, admit it) hope that not only Danny scores but that Terry puts one past his old team; just for that final turn of the screw.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've got a gorgeous night, a (hopefully) fired up team, a Wednesday night tradition - really what more could we ask for? Oh yeah, 3 points - yeah, we'd like that too. See you at BMO; be there or be a parallelogram. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>COME ON YOU REDS!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Laid Back Links:</b> Your pre-game posts from the usual suspects - <a href="http://yorkies1812.blogspot.ca/2012/07/matchup-50-shades-of-joe-cannon.html" target="_blank">The Yorkies,</a> Waking The Red (<a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/11/3150758/know-your-enemy-vancouver-whitecaps-meeting-the-third" target="_blank">James</a> & <a href="http://www.wakingthered.com/2012/7/11/3148014/toronto-fc-vs-vancouver-whitecaps-preview-mls" target="_blank">Duncan</a>) and <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/CountdownTorontoFCvVancouver71012.aspx" target="_blank">Red Nation Online</a>.</span><br />
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<br />KZhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07320394624259328786noreply@blogger.com0