Ch-Ch-Changes

Mood: Surprised, yet not.
State of Mind: Waiting for the other shoe to drop
Location: Not on a plane to Dallas, or Ecuador, or Europe

                                           Was there really any other song choice?


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) official announcement  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.


And then came the surprising (only for the timing) news that Nick Soolsma and the team had parted ways 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. 


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. Official word 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.


JDG's presence on the team was a polarizing one for many fans - 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!  


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 one or more players being on their way. 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.


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. 


Lamborghini Links: The Yorkies, Waking The Red 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:

Point(s) And Match

Mood: Whee!
State of Mind: Relief combined with whee!
Location: Mildly jubilant supporter couch

1 and 9 is the new black.

Feel that weight being lifted from your shoulders TFC fans? The one marked "pointless" that's been pressing down and getting heavier each week? It's gone! No really, stand up a little straighter, stretch and there - feels good doesn't it? Was it all that we could have asked for? No. But going into the international break with two wins (and two clean sheets) can't be viewed as anything other than a good thing for the team, the fans and the players.


But oh boy it wasn't pretty was it? Danny Koevermans wanted the team to win ugly and well, he certainly got his wish. That was an ugly win (and an ugly goal) against a terrible team that almost managed to eke out a draw against our Reds. But in the end they got their point across (or put the ball into the net if you like) and finally gave us the victory that we've been patiently (well, most of the time) waiting for the entire season.


It was a hot, humid day at BMO yesterday which had me kicking myself for still not owning a proper pair of sunglasses and for not bringing a hat - that's what I get for abandoning my shady West Stand seats for the lure of the cynics circle in the South End - the sacrifices I make to get new material for the blog.  Even with the sunshine and the actual possibility of a win, the south stands were not nearly as full (read: lots of empty seats) as I expected as the game began - I don't know why this shocks me every game but it does *grumble*. The mood by those around me could be described as subdued hope mixed with "0-10 here we come". Most of my companions were optimistic enough to predict a win with only a couple dissenters in the ranks (foolish dissenters) but really, can you blame them? The same starting XI as Wednesday were on the field with the exception of Luis Silva who took the place of the injured Eric Avila. And in what must have been the most expensive bench in all of MLS (perhaps it's gold plated?) saw Koevermans, Soolsma and Eckersley get the call to chill out on the sidelines.


Let's break the game down shall we? 


First Half:


TFC started out pressing but looking just a touch disorganized and certainly not as crisp as they were on Wednesday night - were they tired, hot, bored or just playing at their usual level? However some sort of focus and attacking play was taking place which led to this: 


1. Zzzzzzzzzzz
2. Johnson just misses
3. Johnson just misses
4. Johnson just misses (sensing the beginning of a theme here)
5. Zzzzzzzzzzzz
6. Lambe just misses
7. Plata just misses


And somehow we go into half time with no score when in reality if this team (read: Johnson) had any sort of finishing ability the score would have easily been 2-0 at the least. Yes, we've made many jokes about the invisible force field around the opposition goal but when you let chances like that go begging? No wonder we're 1 and 9...


Second Half:


TFC must have had milk and cookies at the half instead of water and orange slices as they come out flat. The suddenly scrappy Union take advantage of the momentary lull to prove that they too are capable of missing what seem like guaranteed goals when Union midfielder Michael Farfan with a shot that beat Kocic but fortunately hit the cross bar. The hilarity continued as Henry takes his turn at missing - seriously it was comical how many times they almost scored, honestly - if you can't laugh you'll end up crying and we've had enough of that supporting this team.  


With Philly continuing to press Danny Koevermans and Nick Soolsma were (finally) brought on several minutes apart and in the 88th minute the dynamic Dutch Duo teamed up when Soolsma (still doin' it for Suarez) did some very nice work to keep the ball in and fed to Danny who eventually (amazingly) managed to get it into the net! Pandemonium!! Seriously it felt like we had just won the league title so happy was everyone around me. Hugging, jumping, yelling, grinning, joyous supporters everywhere. Danny K leaping into the south stands in jubilation - what a great moment.  Then came those nervous minutes as we waited with dread for the patented TFC last minute goal concession; only it never came! 3 long blasts of the whistle and Pandemonium again!!  One of the best moments I have had at BMO in a long time; Voyageurs Cup notwithstanding of course. It was just so wonderful to be surrounded by happy (and yes relieved) fans; to see the same looks on the faces of the players as the long, pointless drought had finally come to an end. 


There are still many questions to be asked about our Reds: Why can't anyone finish? When will Danny K. actually reach match fitness? Why is Joao still starting matches - seriously he a sub, a good sub but a sub - he injects such energy into games, save him for the second half! How injured is Torsten Frings?  Can the backline actually become a consistent, cohesive unit?  And of course, will Aron Winter still be coach after the international break is over? But those are all questions to be answered next week (or the week after, or the one after that) - for now my fellow fans let's just bask in back to back wins, remember the joy we felt yesterday and just enjoy the moment.  And now I think this calls for a dance break:

TFC Til I Die


Link It Up Baby: And for the second time this week some positive post-game posts for your reading pleasure - The Yorkies, Waking The Red and Red Nation Online.