Sixth Verse, Same As The First (And Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth), Little Bit Louder, Little Bit Worse

Mood: Meh with a side of Disappointed

State of Mind: Round and round

Location: On the TFC Rollercoaster like everyone else

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.


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.


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.


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!  

For the second half I once again relocated to the South Stands to hang with my friends from The Yorkies; @ignirtoq and @rohankoomar 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.  


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 backline anchor 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 (sorry Quincy, not much left to say) - 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.


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 @wakingthered) 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 dubstep version!  And the adaption of the YSA chant to YSG (You Suck Garber) as a response to MLS Commissioner Don Garber taking supporter groups to task for vulgarity at matches. Please read The Yorkies post-match for @ignirtoq's fantastic letter to Don in response to this latest bit of anti-fan rhetoric.  


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.


Link It Up: Waking The Red, Duncan at Sportsnet, Michael Gardner and Red Nation Online.

They're Baaack!

Mood: Tired but sort of optimistic
State of Mind: 10 days without TFC is too long
Location: Sleepy supporter's couch


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...


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.


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.


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! 


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. 


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.


If for some reason you didn't watch that game and/or haven't read any recaps here are your usual suspects: The Yorkies, Waking The Red and Red Nation Online.


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 goodbye to some players (so long Miguel), said hello to some new ones - Quincy (or Dr. Quincy as I'm calling him) Amarikwa, Eric "The Red Card" Hassli and Freddy Hall (maybe) - come on down! You're the next contestants on the TFC roster! And played some sort of game 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.*


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.


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.


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.


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.


COME ON YOU REDS!!


Late Links: The Yorkies, Waking The Red (Duncan & James) and Red Nation Online.

Look Out, Rapids Ahead!

Mood: Resigned

State of Mind: Tired; oh so tired

Location: The Magic Shop from Buffy

Weather: Hot, hot, heat - truly end of days

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:


1. Four Leaf Clover: Do you really need an explanation for this one?
2. Cat's Eye (no not Suarez's sicko!): 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.
3. Mini Buddha statues: 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...
4. Scarabs (Ooh, who doesn't want a scarab?): 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.


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.


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 Danny Koevermans-less 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). 


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.


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.  


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?

                                  We'll miss you Danny, but the show indeed must go on.


COME ON YOU REDS!!!


Lot of Links: Tons of other reading to do - The Yorkies, Waking The Red (Duncan, James, James (again) & John), Red Nation Online and Typical TFC. 

Rockin' The Revs

Mood: Ecstatic mixed with disbelief
State of Mind: Did that really happen?
Location: Super hot supporter's couch
Anxiety Level: High - have we lost Danny?

                                                          Let them concede goals!


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!!


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 AJ Soares pretty much guaranteeing a win and the little matter of TFC never having won in Foxborough. 


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. 


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?

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.


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.


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.


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.


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?


Allez Les Rouges! 


Late Links: Read all about it! The Yorkies, Waking The Red and Red Nation Online.

New England, Meet The New TFC

Mood: Umm..
State of Mind: Too hot to think
Location: Non air-conditioned supporter's couch

                                            Ooh, they're singing about our new CB!


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. 


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.


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.


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 (see three weeks ago - 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.


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: "It's like the Hunger Games..." - hopefully without the violence and killing, otherwise practices have changed a lot since I last played.


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. 


COME ON YOU REDS!!


LES LINKS: You know the drill - The Yorkies, Red Nation Online and Waking The Red (James, James & John).


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...

Back To Reality

Mood: Sigh
State of Mind: Sigh combined with not surprised
Location: Subdued supporters sofa


Due to work I didn't get to see the game as it happened on Sunday. However, I've watched the replay (2 hours of my life I'll never get back), read some of my fellow bloggers thoughts and mulled for a couple of days.  These are just some of my thoughts and I'm not going to make any attempt to analyze the entire game but for me there are some things that stand out.

                                                   That pretty much sums it up, right?


Thud. That's the sound of many fans' and supporters' optimism crashing back to earth after Sunday afternoon's disheartening loss.  For those of you that thought TFC were turning the corner and on to the road to respectability well sadly we haven't even approached the corner. There it is, kind of off in the distance - it is close enough that you can see it and maybe it's time to slow down and prepare to turn, but they're not there just yet.


Much has been made of fatigue due to number of games played, travel, heat and so forth.  And while yes those were contributing factors for this game in particular you have to remember that they had an extra day of rest, they arrived in Philly early giving them extra time to acclimate, they had the players that were available back to full health and they were playing the second worst team in the league (who were also dealing with similar issues).


Yes, games like this are inevitable and it's true that the team still lacks the needed depth (well, talented depth) to withstand the rigors and unbalanced nature of the MLS schedule.  But I have to ask why yet again the exact same players were put out there - what happened to managing minutes? - and why it took so long for certain subs to be put in (why leave Emory in there for so long?).  I have called for consistency in the starting XI all season long, but I also recognize when it's time to change things up to keep your players freshn because this stretch of a game every 3 days or so is not ending anytime soon.  Especially with the really exciting friendly with the Liverpool FC scrubs coming up...but I digress.  


Not helping the seemingly exhausted team (and they pretty much all looked gassed) were some of the tactics being employed (high line that the inexperienced defense just cannot execute), the regression in form of Logan Emory and the cold foot of Danny Koevermans. Like I said, if he doesn't score they're going to lose and well, you watched the game, you know what happened.  And perhaps Paul Mariner has realized some of these things as he's stated that there will be changes in the lineup tomorrow night against Vancouver - what that means exactly is obviously under wraps until oh about 6pm but my first thought is that maybe (finally) Ryan Johnson will get a rest; but probably not.


Do I think all is lost? No; that's not my way. I just don't believe in blindly supporting anything and everything that happens with the team that I love.  They didn't play well, there were some suspect coaching decisions and still no sign of any of the much needed support coming through the transfer window.  Asking questions is part of my being and I think part of being a supporter of any team.  Does that mean I'll stop going to games or stop cheering for the boys in Red? Of course not - I go to every game thinking (hoping, wanting) that they're going to win; I hold my breath, bite my nails and work myself into fits of anxiety during every game.  I'll be there tomorrow night as always ready to celebrate when our boys win; just like I'll be there the following week and two weeks later and so on. Hope to see you there.


Lot of Links: For some actual recaps and some other perspectives on Sunday's game and the current state of TFC I suggest you visit the following fine folk: The Yorkies, Waking The Red, Red Nation Online and Typical TFC.

Time For Some Less Than Brotherly Love In The Battle of the Basement

Mood: Cautiously optimistic
State of Mind: Still too damn hot to think
Location: Still right in front of the fan


It's a rare Sunday afternoon match for TFC and they continue their roadtrip with a swing through Philly to take on the second worst team in MLS (yes, we're still the worst), the Union.  You remember them right? That team that our Reds got their first MLS win of this tumultuous season against? I know that it was way back in May but you can't have forgotten already!  You didn't forget? Excellent; hopefully our boys haven't forgotten either.


Like TFC, the Union have gone through some changes since that game back in May. While Aron Winter didn't get shown the door until further into the international break, Union's coach Piotr Nowack was sent packing fairly soon after losing to the "worst team in the world". Once again Philadelphia seems to be our sister (sorry, brother) squad in terms of performance and drama. However again they are responding and playing just that little bit better than TFC which means even if the Reds win today they will still be the lone occupant of the MLS basement - hmm, maybe we should decorate?


Included in that just a bit more effective play was their win over the Galaxy on Wednesday night; which means that although the Union are also in the midst of an ugly stretch of multiple games they'll be coming into today's match with perhaps a shade more confidence having earned those valuable 3 points. Although beating the Galaxy isn't that great an accomplishment these days...


Now I am in no way saying that the Union have somehow become an unstoppable opponent; not in the least. In fact this is a match that our boys stand an excellent chance of coming away with all 3 points.  Both teams are tired, both have been playing two games a week, both will be playing in the same unrelenting heat and both are still very much trying to prove something to themselves, to their fans and to the other teams in the league.  Not that I care about what the Union have to prove of course; I only wish to see our Reds continue on some sort of path to respectability and hey a win against, well anybody would sure go a long way to seeing that happen.  Yes I know I'm stating the obvious but TFC need to do the obvious things if this season is going to have any sort of positive look to it.


The same questions remain for today's game: 


1. Will Danny continue on his goal scoring streak? I'm going with yes, otherwise don't expect a win.
2. Will the backline still look shaky and uncertain on set pieces? Again, I'll sadly say yes. Oh when will our CBs be healthy (or when will the transfer window gods smile upon us?)
3. Will the midfield continue it's strong play and keep breaking up the opposition attack? I'll go with a qualified yes - I think JDG (health issues hopefully at bay) needs to start to make that happen.
4. Will Mariner be more willing to bring subs on when players start to fail? I'm going with a maybe on this one - past experience says no, but these games are starting to wear on the players and the two a week pace isn't ending soon.
5. Will TFC put in a complete 90 minute performance? That remains to be seen.


There are a lot of positive signs going into this game; the knocks that Danny and Terry Dunfield picked up on Wednesday seem to have been minor so Mariner will have his preferred starting XI ready. TFC were the better team in the second half on Wednesday night and should be building off of that performance. And they've had an extra day of rest and have been in Philly for an extra day so should be well acclimated and set to go.  


Sadly the delightful vagaries of a retail schedule mean I won't be watching this game - considering the last time I couldn't watch they won 3-0 in Montreal perhaps this is a good sign - so I will be relying on the twitterverse to keep me updated. I've got a good feeling about this one folks; here's hoping I'm right.


COME ON YOU REDS


Link It Up Baby: And here are your usual suspects with the pre-game breakdowns - The Yorkies, Waking The Red, Partially Obstructed View and Red Nation Online.

Decent Effort On The Field, More Confusion Off

Mood: Optimism rising
State of Mind: It's too hot to think
Location: About two feet from the fan - gods I miss A/C


Well alright then. Wednesday night TFC went deep into the heart of Texas, on the most sacred of American holidays and emerged more or less unscathed. In the midst of a punishing schedule and the oppressive, Toronto-esque heat the Reds once again came away with a point to keep their unbeaten streak at 5 games.  Was this the best game that TFC have ever played? Not by a long shot. But they managed to do enough to continue the road trip with some confidence heading into the City of Brotherly Love on Sunday.


Wednesday night's game started like far too many of TFC's game this season, with the team looking flat, disorganized and generally shambolic. And in true TFC "what's defense" fashion a complete lack of man marking on a corner allowed Zach Lloyd to head in the first goal after only five minutes had passed. Also discouraging to watch was both Brek Shea (and his terrible hair) and Fabian Castillo pretty much run wherever they wanted time and time again. 


But they Reds managed to put some semblance of defense together and kept the Hoops off of the scoreboard for the rest of the half. And in the 31st minute after some pinging about the box Danny managed to put a ball from Eric Avila past Kevin Hartman with a lovely little flick and once again the boys had managed to equalize instead of completely collapsing and conceding. Game on!


The second half saw Dallas try to press the advantage; but instead of wilting under the pressure our Reds actually pulled themselves together and showed some nice defensive shape and grit. Jeremy Hall appeared to have realized that Castillo was going to continue to be blow past him unless he stuck to his shadow, Ecks put in his best performance as the stand in CB and Terry Dunfield decided to emulate some of his favourite hockey players by sacrificing his body and eventually his face to keep the Hoops at bay.  Even better was that they kept attacking instead of falling back to just play for the point; instead they continually moved up the field to try and make it three. 


The Reds were definitely much improved in the second half and came within of whisker of going ahead when Soolsma just missed a lovely ball. TFC were actually quite enjoyable to watch in that second half. Led by stand out performances from Danny Koevermans who not only scored the goal, but has shown some really nice movement all over the field of late (yay for match fitness!), Milos in net and Torsten (other than the free kicks, please no more!) was again excellent for the team. What most impressed me was that they got better in the second half; they settled down, held their shape and didn't let up - a nice improvement that I hope continues.


Really my only issue with Wednesday's match other than the first 30 minutes of so was the way Mariner used (or didn't use) his subs. There has been much talk of managing minutes for this team as they are in the middle of a punishing few weeks schedule wise and yet other than the sub for Avila - who did not shine against his former team in one of his worst performances of the season - the other subs were very late in the game even when it was obvious that players were fatigued and had obviously stopped being effective. You could see the immediate difference when both DeGuzman and Soolsma came onto the pitch; I have to wonder what the outcome would have been had they been given more time to influence the game.


However I will happily take a point on the road from a team that in times past would have crumbled and left it's fans once again frustrated. Although soon they've got to find a way to win these games, but for now equalizing and getting points will have to do.


Lots of Links: If for some reason you haven't read these, what are you waiting for? The Yorkies, Waking The Red and Red Nation Online.


Drama Update: 


And once again still marring some good on the field performances by TFC is the ongoing drama surrounding Joao Plata. Even though the TFC front office continued to state that they were still working on a loan deal this piece from mlssoccer.com  and this from Waking The Red obviously show something quite different.  It is frustrating as a fan to see this sort of ongoing confusion still happening from those that run the team.  I don't really have much more to add to what I said earlier this week and the comments by Duncan in the piece at WTR really sum it up. Tomorrow is a brand new day, week etc...fingers crossed for a few days of drama free TFC - let's just watch them play, distraction free - OK?

More TFC Fireworks In Dallas Or Fizzle Out On The Fourth?

Mood: Sort of optimistic
State of Mind: Wondering what sort of drama is next
Location: Not air conditioned splendour 

                                         Brek Shea looks worried; as well he should


Alright boys and girls here we go. Tonight TFC return to the scene of one of their greatest wins ever; that glorious 3-0 (yes, it was glorious damn it) victory on October 18th of last year that sealed the Reds entry to the next round of the CCL. It was a game that no one said they'd win. Not only did they win but they destroyed the Hoops on two goals from (the now departed) Joao Plata and another from Danny Koevermans.  In fact it was so fantastic I say it calls for a wee reminder:

If watching that doesn't make you grin like an idiot in happiness then you're likely reading the wrong blog...move along, nothing to see here...


Of course tonight's match is the polar opposite to the one last fall. Both teams are mired at the bottom of their respective conferences and have not lived up to expectations. TFC has once again taken the term "lowered expectations" to dizzying new lows and the FCD have plummeted from the heady heights of MLS Cup contenders to, well the third worst team in the league. And while our Reds have been slowly showing some positive signs of improvement, FCD have been anything but impressive over the last couple of weeks having lost 3 of their last 5 games, whereas TFC have only lost 1 of their last 5 and are unbeaten in their last 4 games. 


Points for the taking you say? Could be; with multiple draws and even a win on the road of late this could be an opportunity to crush a weakened opponent. However, you cannot discount the emotional charge that the Hoops will get from playing on the 4th of July - they're already having the biggest fireworks show ever (OK, in that part of Texas but still) - expect what little crowd there is to be loud and uber "USA" all night and that goes for the players and half-time "entertainment" as well.  Personally I suggest draping yourself in a Canadian flag to help ward off the "America is the best" vibe escaping your TV set tonight.  Not to mention that Dallas are well rested not having anywhere near the punishing schedule that TFC is facing at the moment and they also have much missed midfielder David Ferreira returning from injury. While not likely to start Ferreira is a both an emotional spark for the team as well as being a game changer when on the field.


In TFC's favour is confidence and being unbeaten in 4 games. No they're not setting the league on fire but they're scoring and hey that was a pretty good team they held to a draw on Saturday...and there's the whole Wednesday night record thing and there may be hope yet. Other than the fact that they're getting little rest in between games, are heading into the Texas heat (although not much different from Toronto heat these days) and they still have off the field drama possibly distracting them as the Plata situation continues to spiral comically out of control.  You have a potential for a less than sharp group of Reds out there this evening.   However I'm very much in favour of spoiling a good jingoistic celebration and putting the boots to a demoralized opponent (especially one that lets Brek Shea do that to his hair) so I'm feeling pretty good about tonight's match and our boys chances.. And if all else fails, remember this:

     They named their park after a giant Pizza blob! Or at least that's what I like to think.


COME ON YOU REDS!!!


My Links Are Bigger Than Yours: The Yorkies, Waking The Red, Partially Obstructed View and Red Nation Online

Running With The Red Bulls, More Off Field Drama and MLS Honours: Or, A Typical Few Days For TFC

Mood: Mildly optimistic
State of Mind: Not in complete despair over my team
Location: Sadly not at the beach enjoying my part of the long weekend


Saturday night the weather gods smiled upon the fans and the Reds with yet another warm (OK it was hot but still), sunny, non-rainy evening down at BMO. And for the first time in weeks TFC fans turned out in force; BMO wasn't sold out but looking around the stands it was great to see them full of people instead of seeing empty seats masquerading as people. I have no doubt that some of those filled seats were due to Thierry Henry's appearance. While not Becks-like in his popularity, he ranks up there with him and there are enough fans of that team from the EPL to bring out some extra casuals for one game. I'd like to say that those casuals were so blown away by TFC's performance that they'll be back but knowing the fickleness of some footy fans it's unlikely. 


Most of the folk that I talked to pre-match seemed optimistic that the Reds would put in a complete and competitive performance; even against a tough opponent like the Red Bulls. Mariner started the same XI as the previous matches with the exception of Lambe in the place of JDG (have to give the old guy some rest) and all of the TFC3 made the bench, so all it would seem that all is forgiven. Or more likely it's that injuries have left him with no choice. Either way I am always happy to see Soolsma not in the doghouse (sorry Suarez, cathouse has some negative connotations).


The game itself wasn't anything to really write home about with a few notable exceptions:


1. TFC conceded the opening goal within 4 minutes on a missed marking (oh defense, when will you learn) on Jan Gunnar Solli.
2. TFC equalized two minutes later when Danny headed in a corner kick from Das Kapitan - wait, TFC equalized? Have to enjoy the TFC alternate universe.
3. The Reds pretty much completely neutralized Thierry Henry and Kenny Cooper - during the second half we commented that we'd almost forgotten that Cooper was playing.
4. Logan Emory continued to put forth if not a stunning at least a competent effort in the centre topped off by that fantastic (and possibly game saving) tackle on Joel Lindpere - perfectly timed and executed as Lindpere seemed to be all alone in front of Kocic. 
5. While unable to go ahead the Reds did not just fall back and allow the opposition to take over; they pressed but also remained strong defensively to come up with a point against one of the best teams in the league.


For the first time in the past couple of weeks TFC playing to a draw was actually a positive result. It wasn't a particularly exciting match but TFC played a competent game, they played for the full 90 and put in a pretty solid and complete effort. The fact that they scored the come from behind goal and then did not fold is the best takeaway and has our Reds getting points in each of their last four games.  They may not be setting the league on fire and I'm not ready to say everything is fixed let's crown PM king; but 9 goals and 6 points in 4 games? It's enough to bring my optimism closer to the surface.


Late Links: In case you didn't already read these here are you usual suspects - The Yorkies, Waking The Red and Red Nation Online.


Drama Continues:


Underlying all of the positives from TFC's recent form is the usual behind the scenes, off the pitch soap opera as the status of Joao Plata reeled like a drunken sailor from "he's with the team" to "he's maybe being loaned out" to "he's already heading back to LDU Quito" all in a manner of hours.  There were numerous tweets and links that seemed to indicate that Plata was at the very least going back to Quito for the next six months and Plata himself retweeted the story and from various accounts seemed to be saying his good-byes to his teammates. However during the post-game interviews (about the 8 minute mark), Paul Mariner very angrily denied that Plata was leaving and called him out; "(Is he going) on holiday, a vacation...maybe he wants to be the manager so he can tell me what's going on"..."I love it when 19 year-old kids come in and tell the press what's going on.". 


And team officials stated that they fully expected Plata to be at training today which made the following tweet earlier this morning from @BeachTory "Plata not at training this AM" all the more intriguing. The situation with Plata has been confusing at best and is yet another illustration of the many issues with the MLSE/TFC Front Office.  I won't even get into the Nesta situation, as that is even more mired in maybes and a tug-of-war between TFC and IMFC.  It's disconcerting that this team continues to allow behind the scenes drama overshadow the team's performance on the field. Wouldn't it be great to go an entire month (hell, I'll settle for a week) drama free? To just let us concentrate on the team and their form? Yeah, I'd like that too. Please check out Duncan's piece at Waking The Red and Kurt Larson's blog from yesterday for more on both of these situations.


Positive Note:


It was announced yesterday that Danny Koevermans had won MLS Player of The Week honours on the strength of very strong play of late capped by his scoring proficiency making it's resurgence. Danny just eked out fellow Red and team captain Torsten Frings for the honour.  It's been a while since our team had some MLS recognition; feels good to see reports of a positive nature as opposed to the laughingstock of the league sort. Enjoy the moment Reds fans; hopefully we'll have more in the coming weeks and months.

Time To Down the Drinks From Harrison - Or Beat the New York Red Bulls, Whichever

Mood: Feeling good
State of Mind: Optimistic, tinged by a touch of anxiety
Location: Non air-conditioned splendour; later - BMO

This time let's kill New York

Tonight night our boys face off against that team from New York (well, Harrison, NJ actually) - you know, the Bulls of Red - or the Metros if you're feeling old school - or as we often like to call them, the Energy Drinks.  It's the only weekend night game TFC will play this season (because we like to suffer in the heat) so hopefully that means lots of folks in the stands but considering this is the long weekend and it's you know, TFC...well, you see where I'm headed with that.


As fun as the win on Wednesday was (ooh, alliteration!), it's time to turn our focus to the NYED and acknowledge that this will not be an easy test. These are no bottom feeders coming to visit BMO; the Red Bulls sit second in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the MLS.   In the past NY coming to town meant worrying about Thierry Henry; but this season while still dangerous he is joined by the lethal Kenny Cooper who already has 11 goals on the season and has long been a thorn in TFC's side.  Combine that with a very strong and physical midfield anchored by Dax McCarty and Joel Lindpere (watch out for his delivery into the box!) on the wing and you've got a recipe for potential disaster.


Really the big question is whether or not the boys can build on Wednesday's very positive performance in Montreal and ride that wave of confidence into tonight's game.  Now that Danny has found his form can he and Ashtone Morgan continue to terrorize opposition keepers and defenders?  You know that NY has been watching video on the duo for the past two days looking for ways to stop the hottest foot in MLS. Will the midfield (Frings was HUGE on Wednesday) - which has looked very good - be able to absorb the pressure and break up the very attack minded Red Bulls? Will JDG and Frings be able to go for a full 90 - because if TFC aren't up by a significant number of goals when (if) those two get subbed off? - cover your eyes because it won't be pretty. And will Soolsma see the field again? He looked quite good as a second half sub on Wednesday (assist to RJ!) in his first minutes since the "Escobar Incident". I hope that all is forgiven in TFCland for Nicky as I think they will need him in the coming months to continue to succeed.


I'm looking forward to seeing how our boys respond to playing one of the best teams in the league when they're full of confidence. Having scored 8 goals in the past 3 games, keeping a clean sheet and getting a win on the road - all of this has them feeling pretty good - and maybe, just maybe helping them realize that hey, they actually know how to play this game! I'll be watching for Morgan to continue his exceptional play of late, hope to see Danny continue his scoring streak and for the midfield of Avi, JDG, Frings & Dunfield to keep up their very nice form of late - but it will be a battle as NY plays a more physical game - both JDG & Dunfield will have to cautious of getting cards as (especially for JDG) their reputations precede them.  


This should be (really, it should) a good game to watch.  Our boys seem to be a happier lot and have started to come together (finally) as a team.  Expect goals - I don't see a repeat of Wednesday's clean sheet - and lots of battles in the midfield. And I know it's the long weekend, and there's a ton of stuff going on but come on, it's time for a little revenge against these Red Bulls wouldn't you say? And it's almost Canada Day so why not celebrate our nation's birthday by coming down to BMO and cheering on our Reds? Hope to see you there!


COME ON YOU REDS!!


Long Weekend Links: Wake up! Time for some previews! The Yorkies, Waking The Red and Red Nation Online.


One last thing; a farewell to Joao "Jimmy" Plata who will be returning to his parent club LDU Quito in Ecuador. While a favourite for his personality, salsa goal celebrations and CCL form (thank you for the Dallas win little big man!), Platita was struggling here in the MLS and in my opinion was a good sub, but not a starter. Nonetheless there are some sad fans out there - take heart, in the long run this will likely be better for his career. It is uncertain (and unlikely) if he will return to TFC next season, but for now I leave you with this:

Merci Pour Tout Montreal

Mood: Woot!
State of Mind: Optimism on the rise!
Location: Couch - where else?


Was it the very best game that our boys ever played? No. Are there still questions about the defense? Yes. Does it matter right this second? OK yes; a little - but for now I think we can all take some time to bask in the wonders of that game:

                                                           I could watch this all day


Feels good doesn't it? So much goodness all wrapped up in 90 minutes:


1. Win
2. Away win
3. Away win against Montreal
4. Away win against Montreal at Stade Saputo
5. Clean sheet
6. Clean sheet against Montreal
7. 3 Goals!
8. Frings scored off of a killer free kick
9. RJ scored off of a nice set up by Soolsma (still doin' it for Suarez)
10. Morgan (nastiest of leftbacks) set up Danny; again.
11. Did I mention it was a win?
12. And that it was against Montreal?


Now Wednesday's match does not erase all of this season's woes for our boys in Red. But for those of us that have been despairing at ever seeing not just a win (OK, win #2) but a more complete effort and something approaching consistency, well Wednesday's win was a very nice step in the right direction. I feel my optimism cautiously returning; but I hope our boys don't scare it away - it's easily startled at the moment and without proper care it's likely to scurry away again only to be replaced by some serious cynicism.  But until tomorrow at 7pm this will continue to make me smile.  Oh and maybe some dancing:

Je T'aime Les Rouges!


Les Links: Here's some recaps from folk that actually got to watch the game - The Yorkies, Waking The Red, Red Nation Online and Bluenose Red.

Reds' Revolution ReRun

Mood: Irritated, Disappointed, Baffled
State of Mind: Wondering why I didn't choose another sport to love; like biathalon
Location: TFC proof bunker far from BMO


Deja Vu: 
Dictionary definition - noun, The illusion of having previously experienced something actually being encountered for the first time.
Matrix definition - A deja vu is usually a glitch in the Matrix. It happens when they change something.
TFC definition - Refuse to learn from past mistakes and exhibit the same behaviours on a repeated basis.


Well that was freaking fantastic wasn't it? Another nightmarish defensive breakdown, another 2 points thrown away, another great effort by Milos Kocic, Ashtone Morgan and Danny Koevermans wasted and another failure to close out the match - perhaps they should watch the A.B.C. clip from Glengarry Glen Ross during the half of every game?

This team's inability to close out games and opponents is reaching epic proportions of frightfulness with every passing game. Oh wait, they don't have a passing game anymore...anyway, back to ranting.  Are TFC afraid to win? Perhaps they feel that they don't deserve to win?  Or perhaps they're just incapable of learning and are finally showing their lack of talent, fire and commitment. I'm going out on a limb and say the latter


In an almost carbon copy of the match against Houston our boys came out pressing and looking to take the early advantage. And thanks to some stellar work by Ashtone Morgan (arguably his best game; damn he's going to be good) that's exactly what happened when Danny slotted home a beauty of a cross from Morgan who'd made a great run down the left side to start everything off.  So 4th minute, up 1-0? Fantastic; lots of shouting and celebrating amongst me and my family; and yet as before I was still uneasy.


Our boys by no means had everything locked down and Milos (with a stellar game) had to make  several key saves to keep the Rev off of the score sheet.  Then minutes before the half Morgan again made a fantastic run down the left and sent in yet another beauty of a cross that eluded Danny but found RJ for his first (finally!) goal of the MLS season. 2-0!!  Woot - except I was still worried...sadly with good reason.


Second half brought the coming disaster that we'd all been fearing and as the half went on we could see coming. As the half progressed the Revolution continued to press and swarm the TFC end - and other than some early runs by Morgan (again, great game from him) there was zero forward momentum, no attack build-up, just growing chaos.  Milos was the deciding factor in the second as he again and again kept his team in the game; coming up with several big saves as the defense seemed incapable of protecting their keeper. And of course the inevitable finally occurred when Blake Brettschneider was right there waiting to put in the rebound from a Benny Feilhaber shot. It was all down hill from there as the defense completely fell apart and were seemingly helpless to stop any part of the Rev attack. The final nail came in the dying minutes of the game when Chris Tierney slotted home the equalizer and once again the Reds let 2 points slip from their grasp - fun!


As a fanbase we've put up with a lot from our team and will continue to do so; why? Because TFC are our team and hey, you've got to support your team regardless of outcome, right? Right - but we don't have to be happy about it. We don't have to be happy about watching outstanding performances from Ashtone Morgan, Milos Kocic and (finally) Danny Koevermans go to waste. We don't have to be happy about a team that cannot seem to learn from its mistakes. Those of us that are truly passionate about this team die a little each time we watch our team fall to pieces, every time they again fail to defend against a set piece, every time they punt the ball down the field and give chase aimlessly (welcome to MarinerBall) and every time they fail to close out a game in which they should rightfully come away with three points. It breaks my heart, it truly does. 


Speaking of being incapable of learning; what was Mariner thinking when he again subbed off almost his entire midfield leaving a young and inexperienced backline alone to fend for themselves against what anyone could see was the coming onslaught.  Did he not watch his team's "performance" in the last 20-30 minutes of the Houston match? I get that Frings may still be suffering from the knock he got towards the end of the Houston match and with so many matches coming up you don't want to make a minor injury worse; fine. But the removal of Avi (why oh why do they take him off every game?) and JDG mystifies me - as do their replacements. Not one defensive or experienced midfielder came on. Yes it was heartwarming to see Silva come on in the 59th minute and he did some nice things. And yes, Emory is a CB (see! a defender!) except he hasn't played in weeks and made a young and inexperienced backline even more so...and then bringing on Lambe instead of Stinson? I can't for the life of me figure this out - this team is not even remotely capable of defending a lead - especially with a midfield and back four that undermanned.


I'd like to say that the positives outweigh the negatives in this one - ooh, they're scoring! - but they don't. I never expected this team to set the league on fire this season; but I did expect something resembling progress, not a backward slide into house league levels of play.  I don't even expect them to win (that stopped several matches ago) but I do expect them to compete; and hell when they hold a two goal lead I do expect them to come together and close out the match - because that's what a team does. I haven't abandoned my team, never will and I'll be back on Saturday ready and willing to cheer them on. Just give me something to cheer about; give us all something to cheer about - for longer than 45 minutes this time, OK?


And now for something completely different (or exactly the same):

Lowdown Links: Here's the view from my blogging brethren - Duncan at Waking The Red and Red Nation Online.