So Long And Thanks For All The Wins

Mood: Angry yet proud
State of Mind: Frustrated, yet whimsical
Location: Heart of Gold


Looks like the Infinite Improbability Drive failed TFC last night.

Infinite Improbability Drive

Generates a field in which anything, no matter how improbable, can exist

Douglas Adams - Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy

TFC's seemingly improbable run through the CCL tournament came to an end when they hit the proverbial "Restaurant At The End of the Universe", Santos Laguna in Torreon. You know that about 14 minutes into the second half, several players were looking around for a towel to wave in hopes of being picked up by a passing spaceship that would take them anywhere but there. Vogon poetry has to be better than the defensive horrors that we witnessed in the second half...I wonder if Aceval is a Vogon name?


Didn't that second half feel an awful lot like Arthur Dent futilely laying in the muck in front of the bulldozer - helpless to prevent what was going to happen - yet still willing to follow Ford Prefect to the pub for an end of the world pint. It's enough to sympathize with Marvin the paranoid android; "I think you ought to know, I'm feeling very depressed". 


But take heart - our Slartibartfast has appeared, the Mark II edition of of the season has been created from the original blueprints and our team is free to begin again starting this Saturday - somewhere I hear whitecaps, I mean white mice chuckling...


As it says in large, friendly letters on the cover of the Guide (or SSH canister); DON'T PANIC


Learned Links: For slightly less whimsical and more well, down to earth recaps & commentary on last night's match visit the following planets; I mean blogs: The Yorkies, Waking The Red (John, Duncan), Red Nation Online and Mistake By The Lake.

One More Time - Let's Make History

Mood: Nervous, Excited, twitchy, scared
State of Mind: Confused
Location: Work now; later home (sick - *sigh*)


Once again boys and girls we are faced with one of those momentous nights in TFC history; perhaps the most momentous night as our boys in Red take on Santos Laguna in the second leg of the CCL semi-finals.  This is a huge match for our boys against a dangerous opponent and in a seemingly dangerous locale. This one is for (most of) the proverbial marbles and the team itself is fired up and itching for a win.


Then why am I confused you ask?  It hasn't been an easy start to the season for TFC and we the fans and there are those that would rather see the team die with dignity (so to speak) tonight and leave the team free to focus on improving their league form. While others are adamant that this opportunity to be the first MLS team to make the CCL finals is the more important achievement and to hell with the league. Who's right? In a perfect world both would be achievable with little detriment to the team and their form. It's no secret that playing this many matches in this short a period is wearing; but TFC boasts much better depth this year and have several players returning from International play and injury. Not to mention the fact that the team has been playing quite well in CCL matches - overcoming the naysayers in each round with solid home and (to some) astonishing away performances.  I for one just want my team to do well; period. I think that a win (or a non-scoreless draw) tonight will do wonders for the team - if they can do what no other team has done how can that not build confidence and propel them to better results in MLS play? 


Tonight I'll be decked out in my best TFC gear - what I now refer to as my Wednesday (or Rednesday) outfit; prepared to shout, sing, and agonize throughout the entire game. I know that Santos is a difficult team to beat on their home field but TFC is a difficult team to beat in the away legs of CCL matches! Just ask Dallas and LA - they never knew what hit them! Tonight is a night for our boys to make history; to do what no other MLS team has done and head to the CCL Finals!  I'm excited and I know you are too; regardless of what you think the outcome will be. You're just as hopeful of a win and just as hyper and nervous for our boys as I am. We may not be there in person to cheer them on, but we can still be here in red, in full voice, sending our support to the team.

So observe whatever game day ritual gets you pumped; clothes, food, route to work - whatever it takes to get you out of your head pumped for tonight. Our boys are ready to make history - are you?

COME ON YOU REDS!!


Links-A-Go-Go: For (much) more technical previews of tonight's match; you know what to do. The Yorkies, Waking The Red (James, Duncan & Dave), Red Nation Online

Time To Make A Little (More) History

Mood: Hopeful, excited, nervous
State of Mind: Envious of my fellow supporters
Location: Currently; TFC Supporter Couch. Later; Sadly, tragically - work


Here we go everyone - tonight's the night that our boys in red have the chance to make history - they've already made history you say? It's true; our beloved TFC are the first Canadian team to progress this far in CCL competition - but the history I'm referring to is beating Santos Laguna (a team that has never won here in Canada) and heading down to the unfriendly locale of Torreon next week with a win.  


If you're shaking your head at me thinking "foolish girl" then you a) never read this blog, b) are far too pessimistic for your own good and c) might be a Santos supporter - b) I can handle (I collect pessimists) but a) & c)? Shoo - off you go; I have better things to do than spar with unbelievers.


We've had a couple of disappointing weeks after the dizzying high of beating Becks and the boys but need I remind you that no one thought they'd win? The same way no one thought they'd beat Dallas last year to advance?  Tonight TFC face possibly their most difficult challenge in all competitions when they take on the Santos Laguna Warriors (or Los Guerreros), the table topping team of the Mexican Primera Division. 


While this is by no means an easy game for our boys it is still a winnable game. Historically TFC have shown well in the home leg in matches like these and I see no reason for tonight to be any different. I'm not going to get into a lot of analysis or doom and gloom talk - there's been enough of that over the past few days. Unfortunately I can't be with you, my fellow supporters tonight - what? I'm not going? Avid supporter that I am? - sadly a work commitment prevents me from attending and cheering my team on.  But I will be cheering my team on while at work (keep those twitter updates coming!) and I know that the rest of you will be there (regardless of weather), decked out in your best TFC gear, in full voice, supporting that team that we love. 


Let's make this happen boys; let's make history again.


COME ON YOU REDS!!


Learned Links: The Yorkies; Waking The Red (James, Duncan and Dave) and Red Nation Online