Time To Whip The Whitecaps

Mood: Shrugging off Sunday
State of Mind: They're going to win, it's Wednesday after all and you know, Vancouver
Location: Currently, work. Later, BMO
Weather Forecast: No Towrads in sight

OK boys and girls today our boys get to take on that team that they love to beat and that we love to watch them beat.  Yes once again those conspiracy toting visitors from the west coast the Vancouver Whitecaps are in town. There's nothing quite like playing Vancouver to get the team fired up and get the fans pumped up. There's just something really, really fun about beating them; maybe it's that it drives them crazy and of course the endless conspiracy theories after each loss are well, just hilarious.


And let's be honest; our boys need a win based off of a strong performance - OK any win will do but wouldn't a good trouncing be nice? - to lift their and our spirits after the less than stellar outing on Sunday.  And really there's no better team (well, except maybe Montreal) out of our growing list of bitter rivals than Vancouver to make a match have some underlying drama and emotion.


Vancouver of course are coming to town with revenge on their minds after our Reds once again won the Voyageurs Cup and left the poor Whitecaps without any shiny silverware to call their own (yes I'm doing an evil laugh as I type that).  The Van City team had come to town back in May assured that they were going to finally walk away with our (yes damn it, it's ours - try and take it away) trophy but of course the Reds put in one of their best games - what is it about Cup games anyway? - and convincingly won over Van City.


Tonight will likely be a scrappy affair as there is no love lost between these two teams and the last time they met things got well, a little heated shall we say? Of course that scuffle was capped (see what I did there?) by the spectacularly awful dive by Jun Marques Davidson and the tossing of Sebastien Le Toux.  And by the Amazing Invisible Man aka Eric Hassli - oh those were the days...And Hassli will indeed be invisible again tonight as he's been suspended for yellow card accumulation (pardon me while I laugh delightedly) and I'm back. 


This match is no sure thing - even though it's a Wednesday, at home, playing Vancouver - since you know Van City has only (only!) 20 more points than TFC, has only lost once in their last 5 games (and winning two) and well they're just better than TFC.  Don't think it's a walk because Hassli is out; Sebastien Le Toux is not one to ignore and he's joined some fairly talented folk up front (otherwise known as the Van City striker collective) with Camillo, Darren Mattocks and their new Scottish DP Barry Robson who although still adjusting to MLS play should not be discounted either as a threat off of the bench.


Does any of that matter? Not one bit - this is after all the team we love to torture - who wouldn't be ticked off when they continually lose to one of the worst teams in the league? And lost a major trophy to them as well? That boys and girls is the object of this particular match - tick off the Whitecaps.  Seriously. OK yes, the boys should be playing for the badge, the fans, their pride but really at the end of the day if they can do all of that AND irritate the Whitecaps? All the better; after all tradition is important in any sport and this one should certainly be carried on.  If only to keep tweaking their noses for yet another year. Fun!


I have hopes for this game; hopes of the "not crashing and burning" sense. I hope that Mariner meant what he said about making some changes to the lineup tonight; of course I hope that we don't see an entire starting XI of kids out there but that JDG and maybe Soolsma get some legitimate time on the pitch.  I also hope to not see that high line employed again until we have more solid and experienced defenders to execute it.  And I (and you too, admit it) hope that not only Danny scores but that Terry puts one past his old team; just for that final turn of the screw.


We've got a gorgeous night, a (hopefully) fired up team, a Wednesday night tradition - really what more could we ask for? Oh yeah, 3 points - yeah, we'd like that too. See you at BMO; be there or be a parallelogram. 


COME ON YOU REDS!


Laid Back Links: Your pre-game posts from the usual suspects - The Yorkies, Waking The Red (James & Duncan) and Red Nation Online.

Can Cup Glory Finally Lead to League Success?

Mood: Cautiously optimistic
State of Mind: They have to win eventually, right?
Location: Steamy supporter's couch (I miss air conditioning)


OK, here we go again. Our Reds are coming off of a strong performance (OK yes they bloody well won) in a cup competition and now must once again face the MLS monkey on their back. But before that a look back at Wednesday night's win.

Negatives:

1. JDG - It was dumb. Plain and simple. I can appreciate his passion and yes Davidson went down like he had been shot from that little tap on the cheek but it shouldn't have happened and was a deserved red.
2. Petrescu - He's not a good ref, we know this. And Wednesday night he again showed his inability to keep control of a match.
3. Avila's injury - Avi has been playing well of late and Wednesday night was one of his best performances on the season in the midfield. TFC will miss him today.
4. Joao - Strong showing from him - possibly the most intelligent I've seen him play this season - still no left foot though.

Positives:

1. They won. 'Nuff said.
2. Ryan Johnson - Deserved winner of Tournament MVP. Lays it out there each and every match.
3. Style of play - We got to see some great ball movement, lots of attacking and pushing the ball up the field (Milos didn't have a lot to do) and some very nice defending from the back line - Hassli who?
4. Entire backline - Not perfect, but much better communication, marking and closing down of the Vancouver attack.
5. Reggie Lambe - He's getting better in every match and you know, scored the winning goal.
6. Ecks - Best performance of the season for him. Obviously not wanting to be stuck to the bench any longer he was massive for TFC when he came on in the second half.


So that's more or less where we've been - to refresh yourself just visit the usual suspects over at Waking The Red, Red Nation Online and The Yorkies.


Game Day:

Today our boys in Red have to refocus and try to once again translate a very strong performance in the Voyageurs Cup to league play. And what better opponent than the beleaguered and battered ship that is the Philadelphia Union? Make no mistake this is likely the most winnable game that TFC have had in MLS play this season. The Union (much like TFC) are a team in disarray - they traded forward Sebastien Le Toux to Vancouver in the off season and just recently sent centreback staltwart Danny (anywhere but Toronto!) Califf to Chivas and have little in the way of solid performers to replace either of them. They've lost 3 of their last 4 matches and are definitely not playing with momentum. And wouldn't it be fantastic to go into the international break on a high - Voyageurs Cup champs and some MLS points? Yes please!

Having said that they do have actual points and such thus far this season having won 2 (yes 2 wins is something to be envious of right now) games and tied 2 - sad that being able to say the same thing about our Reds would make me happy - sigh.  And as TFC have shown countless times this season the match following a strong cup competition performance is usually a nightmare.  The Reds will need to be alert right from the opening whistle and not let the Union take control of the match.

While Eric Avila is unavailable to play, the rest of the recently walking wounded should be available for Winter today and he could field a very strong starting XI in this last match before the international break. I expect to see Nick (doin' it for Suarez) Soolsma get the start and perhaps Johnson get a breather to start the match (give this man a rest!), especially as he will be off playing for Jamaica - let's not push him harder than needed.  One of the questions is will Ecks be back at rightback and will Danny K. get the start or be saved for the second half should TFC fall upon old habits. Either way I hope to see more of what we saw Wednesday night; play like that and the points are there for the taking.

This is a winnable game folks, it's a beautiful day and our boys are Voyageurs Cup Champs for the 4th straight year - let's pack the stands, be loud, sing, chant, cheer and be there for our boys. Let's send them off in style today. Be there or be a parallelogram.

                                   Saturday Morning Dance Break - Better Days indeed.

Link It Up: You know the drill, click and learn - Waking the Red, James via WTR, The Yorkies and Red Nation Online.

One More Time

Mood: Agitated
State of Mind: Worried about the impending TFC apocalypse 
Location: TFC proof fallout shelter


I think it's time for another team meeting. Whoever hid the talking stick, Aron's guitar and the words to Kumbaya had better come clean as multiple reports and tweets today speak loudly of a disintegrating locker room over at BMO Field. With reactions to Danny K's stark statement after the DC loss on Saturday from Adrian Cann and Milos Kocic sounding anything but agreeable, the dread that has been building these past weeks is reaching fever pitch. If there was ever a team in dire need of a group hug this is it.

Not exactly the focused, together, confident well oiled football machine that TFC needs heading into tomorrow night's final leg of the Voyageurs Cup against the Whitecaps. Instead it feels like I should be taking bets on whether or not the on the pitch battle will be between various Reds instead of between Morgan and Hassli.  I've been fearful, worried, angry and stressed out over our beloved Reds these past few weeks but this public sniping at one another has taken it to another level. Amidst all of this Coach Winter seems to think that all is well (somewhere Jim Brennan is steepling his hands a la Mr. Burns). Does he think that putting a brave face on the situation will somehow mold the team into a cohesive unit? 


Up until this afternoon I was still quite confident of a TFC victory tomorrow night; if only because they excel at these cup matches and having nothing else to play for should almost guarantee a win. Add to the fact that Vancouver is the team that TFC loves to torture...win, right?  And hey Torsten should be back in the lineup; that has to be a good thing - right? Right?  Conspiracy theories, recent form and soap opera-esque meltdowns aside this is still a game that our Reds can and should (quiet, having an optimistic sentence) win. If the same team from last Wednesday (minus the goal in added time goal of course) shows up, then TFC should have no trouble once again finishing off the Whitecaps.  They've got an away goal, will be playing in front of well attendance is hard to peg these days but it will be arguably more than they played in front of last week and like I said what else do they have? 


Hell, what else do we as supporters have? I know that winning the Cup is only going to be a very temporary bandage over our obviously wounded team. And that MLSE will use it to show how everything is OK - nothing to see here, move along - and tout the historic win.  I'll say this (and 2 weeks ago I NEVER would have said this) - I would gladly give up the Voyageurs Cup (although HATE the thought of the Whitecaps having it) to see a cohesive, competitive winning team in MLS. When I say winning I don't mean playoffs - just win some of those games where they "were the better team" - show us the heart, emotion and fire that you show in post game interview after post game interview and put it out on the pitch. Give us something to cheer for, to show up for; remind us why we love you - Our Team.  


Having said that; do I want them to win tomorrow night? Hell yes! I will be at BMO ready to cheer on our boys - I really hope that you'll join me - at least one more time.


TFC Til I Die 

                          
Lowdown Links: Here's the usual suspects with the breakdowns on tomorrow's match - The Yorkies, Waking The Red (James & Duncan), Red Nation Online, Ian at RNO and Dave from WTR - are TFC really the worst team in the world?

Go West; Let's Make Life Less Peaceful There

Mood: Trying for zen
State of Mind: Trying to avoid drama and find my happy place
Location: Secret supporter's couch

Seriously. This belongs to us. Hands off Vancouver.

So yesterday was eventful wasn't it? If you have no idea what I'm talking about then read here and then hurry back. Done? OK excellent. Time to put the drama aside and focus on the task at hand; denying Vancouver the Voyageurs Cup. Because isn't that really what it's all about? Don't you secretly thrill at the thought of the Whitecaps again leaving empty-handed next Wednesday?


Make no mistake - this is going to be a hard fought, heated series. We are the team that the Whitecaps love to hate. After all, a combination of a weak Montreal Impact side and the weather gods (or Towrads if you like) have teamed up to previously deny that team from the coast what they view as their rightful place as the lone Canadian representative to the CCL. Gets tiresome doesn't it? That's why it is imperative for our boys to win this one the old-fashioned way; no monsoons, no unlikely 6-1 wins, just win - plain and simple.


And this is no easy task. As you know our team has been performing less than spectacularly thus far this year and Vancouver has well, been better. They currently sit fourth in the west and TFC...moving on, nothing to see here...seriously, nothing to see here (remember 0-8?). And let's not forget that the Whitecaps suffered a somewhat humiliating loss on Saturday to the NE Revolution and will be looking to rebound from said trouncing. While there are several key Vancouver players who will be playing on less than complete rest, Martin Rennie craftily left captain Jay DeMerit at home and also sat his CB partner Martin Bonjour, ensuring a well rested back line.  Add to that the fact that TFC captain Torsten Frings did not travel with the team and that they will be without fiery RB Richard Eckersley due to last week's controversial red card, thereby limiting the bench that Winter can draw upon. Oh and don't forget the delightful surface that is to be played on - isn't turf great? Getting stressed yet? 


However none of that matters because this is the Voyageurs Cup, hell it's a Cup competition and no one plays better in Cup competitions than our Reds. Our boys are well rested having had the weekend off. They're riding a wave (OK, a small ripple from the wake of a boat) of confidence from their 2-0, 10 men win over the Impact last week and Danny Koevermans is likely to play if not start - having the hulking target man back in the starting XI has to be a good thing - right? So what game will our boys play? Will they again play to not lose and keep the bus firmly parked in front of Kocic or will they take a chance and try to get a crucial away goal? I'm guessing a lot from column A and a little from column B. Both teams have MLS games this weekend so I definitely expect a more conservative game than we'll likely see next Wednesday here at BMO; then all bets will be off. But that's another story...


Tomorrow night I'll be in my gear, hyper, fidgety and pacing about the living room all evening until kickoff and then likely more of the same during the match. Wherever or however you choose to watch let's put the drama aside and focus on our boys because they're the ones that matter. 


COME ON YOU REDS!


                      Your mid-week dance break. Yes I'm on a Pet Shop Boys kick, just enjoy.

Links A Go-Go: The Yorkies, Waking The Red (James, Duncan) and  Ian at Red Nation Online.

Was It All A Dream? TFC Wins!

Mood: Wheee!!
State of Mind: Happy Confusion
Location: Happy supporters couch


So did that really happen? Did our boys not only win, win convincingly and win with only 10 men on the pitch? Hell yes they did! What a night for our boys in red and for us the fans. 

We really like this - it's shiny - we want to keep it

Even before the match started there was a different vibe down at BMO; even though the stadium was (not surprisingly) sparsely filled there seemed to be a lot of positive buzz. I once again decided to take in the game from the South Stands (no I'm not changing the blog name) with the Cynics' Circle and what a difference from Saturday. People were actually smiling and laughing and excited about this game. The supporter groups were loud, raucous, the section was full of flags  - although as usual was still not full at kick-off (grumble) - and everyone seemed oddly positive. I say oddly because well, you know not much to be positive about this year and all that.  Also bringing the positive vibe was the surprising addition of Frings to the starting XI and Nick Soolsma on the bench! Surely everything was about to go our way, right?

The team started off attacking and much to everyone's surprise Reggie Lambe had the ball pretty much land on his foot after Plata's shot was deflected and suddenly TFC were up 1-0 with only 2 minutes having been played! What alternate universe were we in? So this is what attacking the opposite net looks like!

However the road is never easy for TFC and in the 15th minute Ecks was sent off on a bit of a baffling (couldn't clearly see what happened) *red card that at first seemed to be a foul against Montreal and then suddenly that flash of red...sigh...at that point we all figured the footy gods were against us and started checking the heavens for lightning and hail as that seemed the only way we'd escape with a win on the night. *It would seem it was for a stomp on Sinisa Ubiparipovic although upon watching the replay still seems harsh to me* But our Reds proved us (happily) wrong - they continued to play a a very nice game of attacking football, constantly pressing the attack, winning corners and moving the ball very well.

And hey, what do you know - it happened again! After a corner kick by Frings bounced around a bit it landed on Ryan Johnson's foot who (finally for him!) slotted it in. TFC were actually up 2-0! So confusing this positive play - much speculation by the Cynics' Circle as to who these guys actually were. My vote was clones, robots were the choice of the other two and post-match someone threw out aliens. I think alien robots calls for this:

The second half saw the team play a tighter defensive game but they by no means just sat back and continued to press the attack when the opportunity presented itself. The most surprising thing about this match (yes, other than the win) was that they did it primarily with only 10 men on the pitch.  Like the game in Montreal they seem to come to life and stretch the play when undermanned. Perhaps this should be their game plan going forward? They could draw lots for who gets to take the red card each game...


All in all our boys played like we've been wishing and hoping for the past two months - we saw a good defensive effort, Frings was everywhere (because he should be, not because he had to be), Reggie Lambe was fantastic (really loving this kid), Kocic made some very nice saves to keep the clean sheet and no major mishaps (red card notwithstanding) occurred. Joy and happiness! Obviously more team meetings are needed - pass the talking stick around, sing songs - seriously, if that's going to be the outcome then please have a team meeting before every match!  This win will (for now at least) stave off the calls for Aron Winter's head on a platter; this win buys him some goodwill until after the Voyageurs Cup is over IMO. If an MLS win figures into that time frame he's not going anywhere this season.


But it was a great night wasn't it? It didn't rain, no lightning or locusts (even the Towrads deserve a day off) and the 10,000 or so fans that came out were rewarded with not only a win by our Reds but an entertaining, well-played, hard fought win - I'm still smiling and expect I will do so until oh next Wednesday when they head to Vancouver for the away leg of the final. But for now I fully intend to enjoy this feeling of happiness and enjoyment.  It's never easy to be a TFC supporter but this is our reward - enjoy everyone!


TFC Til I Die


Laughing Links: Lots of happy post-game posts to read - enjoy! The Yorkies, Waking The Red, Red Nation Online and Mistake By The Lake.

Victoire Coupe des Voyageurs?

Mood: Considering extending my temporary work visa to the dark side
State of Mind: Optimistic - really, honest...
Location: Dark side of the couch - hey, it's a thing

Now is the Winter of our discontent

Made less than glorious spring by this son of Ajax

And all the goals that lowered upon our house

In the deep basement of the MLS buried

That pretty much sums up the 2012 season thus far - not one to inspire a lot of enthusiasm or confidence right? Ever changing line-ups, injuries, fan apathy - I could go on but then you'd be too down to keep reading. Wait, did I mention the 0-8 record? OK, OK, I'll relent - for the moment.

Tomorrow night is the home leg for our boys in red in this round of the Voyageurs Cup against their rivals the Montreal Impact. Last week's match was successful (if you call successful not losing, which I do) if less than stylish. A similar performance tomorrow evening will not do if TFC hope to advance and win their fourth straight Voyageur's Cup. Do you really want to see our Reds go to penalties against well, anyone? Let alone an Impact that is still high from their win over SKC on the road Saturday night? Yeah, me either.

With no away goal to give them an edge the Reds will not be able to just sit back; they will need to play attacking, high pressure football. If they just sit back as they did last week and in recent matches, then quite frankly they will lose. Unfortunately the team will still be without much needed target man Danny Koevermans, as well as Das Kapitan Frings, as both are still recovering from injuries.  However there is a possibility that Nick Soolsma could see time tomorrow and that could be the spark that the team needs.  Also likely to make an appearance is defender Jeremy Hall who saw his first minutes after returning from injury in Saturday's loss. While he played in the midfield on Saturday, he is a rightback and could push Ecks for a spot in the starting XI going forward.

The bright side (and there is one) is that this is a team with pretty much nothing left to lose. They know that they are in danger of seeing this season end with nothing to show for it. After training today Eric Avila spoke about a number of team meetings that have been held this week to clear the air and get the team refocused. While some may view that sort of thing as worrisome, I take heart that they may have indeed put aside the last two months and are ready to play the way we've been waiting for.  I fully expect a win tomorrow night and for our beloved Reds to move on to the final of the Voyageurs Cup.  

I know it's a mid-week game and that it's an 8pm start and hey it's probably going to rain; but this is the chance to see our boys win the chance to keep competing for the only piece of silverware they have any hope at this season. Don't you want to say you were there when they did? So see you tomorrow night, in your gear and ready to cheer our boys on to victory! Be there or be a parallelogram!

Les Links: Don't you have these memorized yet? Click and learn folks - The Yorkies, Waking The Red (Dave, Duncan) and Red Nation Online.

They Didn't Lose!

Mood: Cautiously optimistic
State of Mind: Umm, yay for not losing?


WooHoo!!  They didn't lose! Start the parade plans now! What, too soon? OK, if not the parade then obviously we need to plan the V-Cup presentation ceremony...No? Still too soon?  Did I mention that they didn't lose? And what about that amazing clean sheet? *crickets* 


Due to work commitments I was unable to actually watch last night's match with the exception of a few snippets on an online stream.  Apparently I caught the highlights (such as they were) on my brief forays into the office to see if anything exciting had occurred. 


Highlight #1: Reggie Lambe clearing Shavar Thomas's header off the line (of course from a set piece) after Kocic couldn't clear himself enough space.
Highlight #2: The substitution gaffe that saw the sub board call for just about every player on TFC to be subbed out for Luis Silva, including Silva himself. It was hilarious - really, I cannot make this stuff up.
Highlight #3: Sanna Nyassi's goal being called offside.


After watching the Game In 6 (which could be used for insomniacs, as apparently could the game itself) all I can say is that if playing to a draw was the goal then mission accomplished. From all accounts it was an ugly performance and the 0-0 scoreline does not speak to some new defensive prowess by our Reds.  And obviously doesn't speak to any scoring prowess whatsoever. 


However, on a more positive note they did not lose - regardless of how they ground out that draw , or how dreadful it was to watch - it was not a loss and as such should be celebrated, at least a little.  This puts our boys in a decent place heading into the home leg next Wednesday at BMO Field.  A home town crowd (which will easily outshine the number of fans at the Big O even with the current apathetic mood) and our boys feeling more confident should bring the desired result. 


I know that they first have to get past MeRo & Mike Sanders this weekend but imagine if they again come away with a positive (i.e. not losing) result - suddenly they're on a roll!  Because that is often all it takes; just that one win (or not losing) to spark a team and get them back on the right track.  This has been a roller coaster of a season for us the fans and as John over at Waking The Red put it, "I Hate Myself For Loving You"; well he said "This" but still... As you know I don't usually feel that way, but oh there have been days....I do love my team, I really do, but this season has brought that love/hate feel at times. Or love/utter despondency...whatever version works best for you.


I leave you with my faith pretty much still intact and I'm reposting the song because a) it's awesome and b) it describes our relationship as fans with the team this year perfectly .  I'll post the usual links at the bottom so you can read some recaps from folks that actually watched the game.  See you Saturday!  Be there or be a parallelogram! 


Allez Les Rouges!

Rockin' Links: The Yorkies, Red Nation Online and in case you didn't click the link above John at Waking The Red

AmWay or the Highway?

Mood: Hopeful
State of Mind: New month - time for a clean slate
Location: Sadly not in Montreal


Tonight is the first step for our boys on the road to the only silverware they're in contention for this season. Yes it's time for the Canadian Championships or the Voyageur's Cup (cannot call it the AmWay cup - just plain wrong) to begin. The boys in red are in Montreal to take on the Impact in the first of two legs - the home leg is next Wednesday here at BMO Field.  Tonight is only the second of a total of five meetings between the two clubs this year and historically TFC have always been the winning team between these two rivals.

We like trophies

Less than four weeks after losing to that team from Quebec our boys in Red are (still) looking for their first (non-CCL) win of the season. A win tonight does not give them an MLS win, but I think we can all agree that any win could be just the tonic this team needs to stave off the ills of the 2012 campaign thus far.  When (yes I said when) they win it will serve to assuage the growing ill will by some of the fans towards Winter and the team and help to turn the tide of apathy that is threatening to take over.  

Reasons they'll win: 1. TFC own this competition the past few years having won 3 straight Voyageurs Cups. 2. Our Reds always seem to up their game in Cup competitions 3. Eric Avila and Aron Winter say they're the better team - I choose to believe them.
Reasons they might lose: 1. They haven't won a game yet this year. 2. Montreal has already beat them. 3. Montreal has been on a decent run of form lately having only lost once in their past four games.

Also on the down side of things is the continuing absence of both Nick Soolsma and Danny Koevermans from the starting XI as they still work to recover from injury. And the likelihood that we won't see the same XI as this past Saturday makes me nervous - as I've said, consistency is key for any team and especially one trying to play a 4-3-3.  Will we see a quick goal against and watch the Impact sit back and absorb our often anemic attack? Or will our boys start the game alert and actually press upfield?  Because when they go forward and take it to the other team that is when they've been most successful (relatively speaking OK?).  And with recent goal scorers Avila and Lambe both itching to continue to prove they deserve to be on the pitch each week, anything can happen.


However I can feel the tide turning for our team. In interviews they appear to a man, to be fired up and determined to get points, not just for themselves but for us the fans (because it is all about us, right?).  This is a new month, a new competition and time for a new beginning.  Let's put the past 6 weeks behind us and watch our team get back to winning games and playing the  game the way we know that they can; with fire, attack and movement. Let's see what we saw in Dallas and have seen flashes of this season - this is the time folks, the time they turn it around.


ALLEZ LES ROUGES!!


Les Links: You know what to do - The Yorkies, Waking the Red (James, Duncan and Dave), Red Nation Online