LuncheonMeat
New member
hockeyfan1 said:
Don't you actually have to be a good soccer team to play in the world cup?
The Official TFC/Soccer thread
- Thread starter hockeyfan1
- Start date
Don't you actually have to be a good soccer team to play in the world cup?
WhatIfGodWasALeaf
Active member
LuncheonMeat said:
Not if 40+ teams are invited, plus the hosts auto qualify.
Doubling the size of the tournament is a terrible idea, it's a money grab and will make the first week or two of the tournament unwatchable.
Kin
New member
WhatIfGodWasALeaf said:
I think it depends on how they distribute it. Going from 32 to 48 could still see some pretty solid teams make it. I mean just in Europe alone last world cup you didn't have the Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Sweden, the Czechs...so you could add a bunch of European clubs and I don't think they'd make the tournament any worse than, say, Honduras or Iran.
If, however, you see a bunch more Asian/North American teams...yeah, some of those games would be pretty rough.
WhatIfGodWasALeaf
Active member
That's the rub though, it'll be divided fairly evenly amongst the confederations you'd imagine, otherwise the smaller nations have little incentive to approve expansion.
hockeyfan1
New member
Attention soccer fans, MLS is back!
Beginning with the Toronto FC , who play Real Salt Lake in their road opener this afternoon at Rio Tinto Stadium. (4:30PM, TSN1, TSN 4, TSN 5)
After their heartbreaking loss last season in the MLS Cup Final to the Seattle Sounders on penalty kicks here at home before a stunned crowd, the TFC believe they have what it takes to win it all this time.
Call it redemption or "unfinished business", but that's how the team's mindset will approach the new season. With star players Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley, Jozey Altidore to power the team, the TFC retain a strong core while also having added Victor Vasquez from the Spanish league (Spain), whose experience will no doubt aid the team.
It isn't just the TFC but the other two Canadian teams who set higher expectations for themselves this season. The Montreal Impact, who have been trying to figure out their loss to the TFC in last season's memorable. playoff series. Then there's the Vancouver Whitecaps whose fans believe the team has all the tools for improvement this year.
So, with Giovinco in Toronto, Piatti in Montreal, and Montero in Vancouver, which of these superstars will lead their respective clubs to greater glory?
It's anyone's guess and it all starts today. All hail "the beautiful game!".
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls-season-preview-1.4006487!
Beginning with the Toronto FC , who play Real Salt Lake in their road opener this afternoon at Rio Tinto Stadium. (4:30PM, TSN1, TSN 4, TSN 5)
After their heartbreaking loss last season in the MLS Cup Final to the Seattle Sounders on penalty kicks here at home before a stunned crowd, the TFC believe they have what it takes to win it all this time.
Call it redemption or "unfinished business", but that's how the team's mindset will approach the new season. With star players Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley, Jozey Altidore to power the team, the TFC retain a strong core while also having added Victor Vasquez from the Spanish league (Spain), whose experience will no doubt aid the team.
It isn't just the TFC but the other two Canadian teams who set higher expectations for themselves this season. The Montreal Impact, who have been trying to figure out their loss to the TFC in last season's memorable. playoff series. Then there's the Vancouver Whitecaps whose fans believe the team has all the tools for improvement this year.
So, with Giovinco in Toronto, Piatti in Montreal, and Montero in Vancouver, which of these superstars will lead their respective clubs to greater glory?
It's anyone's guess and it all starts today. All hail "the beautiful game!".
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls-season-preview-1.4006487!
hockeyfan1
New member
So, the TFC played their home opener last night versus the Sporting Kansas City, before a packed crowd at BMO Field that braved the rain & low temperatures. While the TFC remained unbeaten so far this season, the game ended in a scoreless draw, much to the disappointment of some, but it also ranked the Toronto FC as one of only four teams in the MLS to continue to remain unbeaten.
Not bad at least. The TFC saw their 'keeper Clint Irwin go down in a bit of pain after attempting to stop a shot on the knee. Though Irwin did not appear badly injured (hyperextended knee), he was replaced by Alex Bono who was solid.
More on the game:
https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2017/03/31/toronto-fc-comes-up-dry-in-home-opener-tie.html
Not bad at least. The TFC saw their 'keeper Clint Irwin go down in a bit of pain after attempting to stop a shot on the knee. Though Irwin did not appear badly injured (hyperextended knee), he was replaced by Alex Bono who was solid.
More on the game:
https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2017/03/31/toronto-fc-comes-up-dry-in-home-opener-tie.html
hockeyfan1
New member
Who would thought that an expansion franchise, in this case the Atlanta United, could play so well? When your team stocked with speedy South Americans and being coached by Gerardo Martino a former FC Barcelona manager, expect the unexpected.
That is exactly what the crowd at BMO Field and the TFC saw Saturday afternoon. The United moved toe-to-toe in tandem with the TFC attack, dubbed one of the best in the league. Impressive.
The TFC got goals from Giovinco & Morrow, both assisted by Spaniard Victor Vasqyez who signed on with the Toronto FC this year.
The TFC remained undefeated as they drew the United to a 2-2 tie. They sport a 1-4-0 record (that's 1 win, 4 draws, 0 losses),
Game story.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/giovinco-scores-first-goal-tfc-held-draw-atlanta/
That is exactly what the crowd at BMO Field and the TFC saw Saturday afternoon. The United moved toe-to-toe in tandem with the TFC attack, dubbed one of the best in the league. Impressive.
The TFC got goals from Giovinco & Morrow, both assisted by Spaniard Victor Vasqyez who signed on with the Toronto FC this year.
The TFC remained undefeated as they drew the United to a 2-2 tie. They sport a 1-4-0 record (that's 1 win, 4 draws, 0 losses),
Game story.
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/giovinco-scores-first-goal-tfc-held-draw-atlanta/
azzurri_94
New member
should also make note that Clint Irwin, (our starting keeper) is out with an injury, but thats not to say Alex Bono didnt do a good job in net
hockeyfan1
New member
Last night's game between the Toronto FC and the Chicago Fire at BMO Field featured Chicago's German soccer star Bastian Schweinsteiger who was making his debut in Toronto.
One might have asked, so big deal. It surely was a big deal to the TFC's Sebastian Giovinco whose two goals put the TFC up on the scoreboard, in an eventual 3-1 win, thanks to Victor Vasquez' deft passing.
The Spanish native has been nothing short of brilliant for the TFC offence, setting up goals every here and there.
More:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/toronto-fc-plays-urgency-win-chicago-fire/
One might have asked, so big deal. It surely was a big deal to the TFC's Sebastian Giovinco whose two goals put the TFC up on the scoreboard, in an eventual 3-1 win, thanks to Victor Vasquez' deft passing.
The Spanish native has been nothing short of brilliant for the TFC offence, setting up goals every here and there.
More:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/toronto-fc-plays-urgency-win-chicago-fire/
hockeyfan1
New member
The Toronto FC made short work of the Houston Dynamo Saturday, as they shutout the Dynamo 2-0 at BMO Field.
Thanks to Jozey Altidore who scored both goalsl, the TFC now have four shutouts in the eight games played this season.
The TFC lineup has revealed plenty of depth with key players subbing for the injured, such as goalkeeper Alex Bono (for Clint Irwin) and defender Nick Hagglund (for Drew Moor). Even though the TFC were outshot particularly in the latter half, they defended well to protect their lead. It also goes to show that they have greater success at winning when moving the ball at a swift pace. A moving game is no doubt the TFC's strong point.
Now the going will get tough schedule-wise as the TFC will be playing five games over the course of the next two weeks. Beat of luck to them.
GO TFC GO!!
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-rays-game-recap-1.4092002
Thanks to Jozey Altidore who scored both goalsl, the TFC now have four shutouts in the eight games played this season.
The TFC lineup has revealed plenty of depth with key players subbing for the injured, such as goalkeeper Alex Bono (for Clint Irwin) and defender Nick Hagglund (for Drew Moor). Even though the TFC were outshot particularly in the latter half, they defended well to protect their lead. It also goes to show that they have greater success at winning when moving the ball at a swift pace. A moving game is no doubt the TFC's strong point.
Now the going will get tough schedule-wise as the TFC will be playing five games over the course of the next two weeks. Beat of luck to them.
GO TFC GO!!
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/baseball/mlb/blue-jays-rays-game-recap-1.4092002
hockeyfan1
New member
Monday's 2-1 victory over Cyle Larin, Kaka & the Orlando City FC at BMO Field in Toronto, was an important confidence booster, at least in the standings for the TFC. It propelled the TFC to third in the Eastern Conference and also showed the Toronto club's mettle against a high-flying opponent.
Sebastian Giovinco scored both goals assisted by Vasquez. Both goals were the result of Vasquez' quick and fancy footwork in passing to Giovinco and the Italian booting with precision. Talk about smooth transitioning there.
The TFC's 'keeper Alex Bono is proving to be more than a capable replacement for the injured Clint Irwin, as Bono was excellent in stopping several Orlando attempts particularly in the second half.
Exciting game to watch between two attacking teams.
GO TFC!
https://www.vavel.com/en-us/soccer/mls/785197-tfc-vs-orlando.html
Sebastian Giovinco scored both goals assisted by Vasquez. Both goals were the result of Vasquez' quick and fancy footwork in passing to Giovinco and the Italian booting with precision. Talk about smooth transitioning there.
The TFC's 'keeper Alex Bono is proving to be more than a capable replacement for the injured Clint Irwin, as Bono was excellent in stopping several Orlando attempts particularly in the second half.
Exciting game to watch between two attacking teams.
GO TFC!
https://www.vavel.com/en-us/soccer/mls/785197-tfc-vs-orlando.html
hockeyfan1
New member
Score one for Greg Vanney. The TFC coach undertook some lineup juggling by resting some key players, namely Giovinco, Vasquez, Zavaleta, & Betashour, while inserting Cheyrou, Chapman, and Hernandez, and it paid dividends as the TFC defeated the defending MLS champion Seattle Sounders 1-0.
Tinkering with the lineup, (players who were given the rest did not accompany the team here in Seattle), showcased the TFC's deep depth, perhaps not on paper but certainly on the field, as the Toronto FC kept up the pressure on the Sounders in the midfield.
This was a rematch of last season's MLS Championship Final in Toronto where Seattle beat the TFC to win the MLS Cup.
The TFC are in the middle of a tough schedule and so far have played consistently with recent wins over the Orlando City FC , and the Sounders here on the road. It won't get easier as the TFC play the Columbus Crew in Columbus Wednesday coming and then return home to face visiting Minnesota three days later.
Coach Vanney's changes instigated a shift in the team's usual formation and tactics in facing the Sounders a team not easily prone to losing. That the end result turned out positive speaks volumes about the improvements the team has been determined to make this year in all areas.
Clint Irwin was back in the net after coming back from his injury. Even in tending the net the TFC have depth as Alex Bono proved more than a capable backup for the main man Irwin.
GO TFC GO!
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/tfcs-strength-depth-full-display-win-sounders/
Tinkering with the lineup, (players who were given the rest did not accompany the team here in Seattle), showcased the TFC's deep depth, perhaps not on paper but certainly on the field, as the Toronto FC kept up the pressure on the Sounders in the midfield.
This was a rematch of last season's MLS Championship Final in Toronto where Seattle beat the TFC to win the MLS Cup.
The TFC are in the middle of a tough schedule and so far have played consistently with recent wins over the Orlando City FC , and the Sounders here on the road. It won't get easier as the TFC play the Columbus Crew in Columbus Wednesday coming and then return home to face visiting Minnesota three days later.
Coach Vanney's changes instigated a shift in the team's usual formation and tactics in facing the Sounders a team not easily prone to losing. That the end result turned out positive speaks volumes about the improvements the team has been determined to make this year in all areas.
Clint Irwin was back in the net after coming back from his injury. Even in tending the net the TFC have depth as Alex Bono proved more than a capable backup for the main man Irwin.
GO TFC GO!
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/tfcs-strength-depth-full-display-win-sounders/
hockeyfan1
New member
On Wednesday, the TFC defeated the Columbus Crew 2-0 in Columbus, Ohio on Toussant Ricketts' two goals. It was the TFC franchise record of it's fifth consecutive win and their second on the road. Ironically, the TFC's only loss this season came at the hands of this same Crew club.
Game story:
https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2017/05/10/tosaint-ricketts-lifts-toronto-fc-over-columbus-crew.html
The TFC (6-1-4) will play Minnesota United this afternoon here at BMO Field in Toronto.
Game story:
https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2017/05/10/tosaint-ricketts-lifts-toronto-fc-over-columbus-crew.html
The TFC (6-1-4) will play Minnesota United this afternoon here at BMO Field in Toronto.
hockeyfan1
New member
Make that six in a row, such as in the Toronto FC winning their sixth consecutive game with a 3-1 win over expansion club Minnesota United at BMO Field here in Toronto, before 27,000+ spectators Saturday.
Not since 2015 has a MLS club recorded six straight victories. The original record belongs to New England.
The win came not without a price, as Sebastian Giovinco, who was credited with a goal, took precautionary measures to not continue playing due to a feeling of tightness in his quad. Nick Hagglund also left the game with what appeared to be a knee injury.
Joey Altidore took Giovinco's place and set up Tousaint Ricketts with the winning goal. Though Altidore came on, the TFC's other starters notably Morrow, Moor, and Vasquez were kept on the bench. Coach Vanney had to be clever in utilizing his lineup, and that was and is the TFC's strength. It's a testimonial to the team's overall depth, which makes them such a tough opponent to play against.
The team has played five games in fifteen days. Another testimonial to the TFC's resiliency in posting a winning record this season (7-1-4).
Vanney took pride in the resilience of his league-leading team on the day and during a recent gruelling part of the schedule. Toronto?s last five wins ? Houston, Orlando, Seattle, Columbus and Minnesota ? have come since April 28.
?Guys are exhausted,? said Vanney. ?They?ve put a lot into this stretch and exceeded any of our expectations over this (run) in terms of taking points in every game.?
After the game, Bradley called on the league to improve its scheduling.
GO TFC GO!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/ricketts-the-hero-as-tfc-tops-minnesota-extends-record-winning-streak/article34982025/
Not since 2015 has a MLS club recorded six straight victories. The original record belongs to New England.
The win came not without a price, as Sebastian Giovinco, who was credited with a goal, took precautionary measures to not continue playing due to a feeling of tightness in his quad. Nick Hagglund also left the game with what appeared to be a knee injury.
Joey Altidore took Giovinco's place and set up Tousaint Ricketts with the winning goal. Though Altidore came on, the TFC's other starters notably Morrow, Moor, and Vasquez were kept on the bench. Coach Vanney had to be clever in utilizing his lineup, and that was and is the TFC's strength. It's a testimonial to the team's overall depth, which makes them such a tough opponent to play against.
The team has played five games in fifteen days. Another testimonial to the TFC's resiliency in posting a winning record this season (7-1-4).
Vanney took pride in the resilience of his league-leading team on the day and during a recent gruelling part of the schedule. Toronto?s last five wins ? Houston, Orlando, Seattle, Columbus and Minnesota ? have come since April 28.
?Guys are exhausted,? said Vanney. ?They?ve put a lot into this stretch and exceeded any of our expectations over this (run) in terms of taking points in every game.?
After the game, Bradley called on the league to improve its scheduling.
GO TFC GO!
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/ricketts-the-hero-as-tfc-tops-minnesota-extends-record-winning-streak/article34982025/
hockeyfan1
New member
The Toronro FC- New York Red Bull game yesterday ended in a draw, thus effectively ending the TFC's winning streak at six games. The tie can also be interpreted to mean that the TFC continue with 1 in the loss column as in 7-1-5.
Thanks to Benoit Cheyrou's goal and some solid bench depth, including player changes on the spot by TFC coach Greg Vanney, the result was once again testimonial to the talents the club carries, this time in the face of injuries to Giovinco & Hagglund. Such as been the case since the season began with injuries to key players then (Drew Moor, Clint Irwin, etc).
As TFC fans have come to know, nothing has gotten in the Red's way this year, injuries or otherwise.
Story:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/tfc-toronto-fc-new-york-red-bulls-mls-major-league-soccer-bradley-wright-phillips/
Thanks to Benoit Cheyrou's goal and some solid bench depth, including player changes on the spot by TFC coach Greg Vanney, the result was once again testimonial to the talents the club carries, this time in the face of injuries to Giovinco & Hagglund. Such as been the case since the season began with injuries to key players then (Drew Moor, Clint Irwin, etc).
As TFC fans have come to know, nothing has gotten in the Red's way this year, injuries or otherwise.
Story:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/tfc-toronto-fc-new-york-red-bulls-mls-major-league-soccer-bradley-wright-phillips/
hockeyfan1
New member
Well folks, it's been awhile that we haven't posted about the Toronto FC. But fear not, for the TFC is in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 10-2-5 record and nine shutouts on the season.
The ninth shutout came courtesy of a 2-0 victory at BMO Field Friday over the New England Revolution. Drew Moor and Sebastian Giovinco led in scoring.
Of course, one can say that the TFC boast one of the best if not the best depth off the bench, thus making the team one of the league's best. This was on display once again, as they have done throughout this season, none the prouder than coach Greg Vanney could exalt, making the TFC one of the toughest opponents to play against in MLS.
It was only 48 hours prior to Friday's draw against the Montreal Impact in the first leg of the Canadian Championship. Second leg is next Tuesday. The game with the Revolution was also the third game of a six game stretch -- a grueling schedule no doubt, but one the TFC seems to relish. And a perfect example of the TFC's grit and guts both on the field and off the bench.
Story:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/toronto-fcs-depth-backs-coach-vanney-win-revolution/
The ninth shutout came courtesy of a 2-0 victory at BMO Field Friday over the New England Revolution. Drew Moor and Sebastian Giovinco led in scoring.
Of course, one can say that the TFC boast one of the best if not the best depth off the bench, thus making the team one of the league's best. This was on display once again, as they have done throughout this season, none the prouder than coach Greg Vanney could exalt, making the TFC one of the toughest opponents to play against in MLS.
It was only 48 hours prior to Friday's draw against the Montreal Impact in the first leg of the Canadian Championship. Second leg is next Tuesday. The game with the Revolution was also the third game of a six game stretch -- a grueling schedule no doubt, but one the TFC seems to relish. And a perfect example of the TFC's grit and guts both on the field and off the bench.
Story:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/toronto-fcs-depth-backs-coach-vanney-win-revolution/
hockeyfan1
New member
What a game and what a celebration!
On Tuesday, the TFC won the Canadian Championship 2-1 (3-2 aggregate) over their fierce rivals the Montreal Impact, during second leg action in Toronto at BMO Field.
Within the dying seconds of a 1-1 draw, the TFC's marvelous Giovinco put his team ahead with his second goal of the game, and thus send the crowd into a tizzy. Oh how sweet that felt for Giovinco, simce returning to the squad after having endured a quadriceps injury that had kept him out of the lineup for three weeks.
Of course, with rivala as fierce as these two teams have been over the years, something had to give. Both teams played each other hard on the field with the Impact dishing out the punishment more than the TFC. So much so, that near the end of the game, Giovinco was taken down as the referee let play continue, and shortly thereafter, Montreal's Patrice Bernier was shown the red card for a tackle. A melee ensued afterwards.
The Montreal impact were downright fuming regarding the officiating in the above incidents:
To which TFC coach Greg Vanney reaponded:
As they say...Tant pis (so much the worst).
By winning the Canadian Championship, the Toronto FC booked themselves a trip to the CONCACAF Champions League.
Way to go, TFC!!
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/tfc-impact-canadian-championship-1.4180617
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/montreal-impact-lament-unacceptable-refereeing-loss-tfc/
On Tuesday, the TFC won the Canadian Championship 2-1 (3-2 aggregate) over their fierce rivals the Montreal Impact, during second leg action in Toronto at BMO Field.
Within the dying seconds of a 1-1 draw, the TFC's marvelous Giovinco put his team ahead with his second goal of the game, and thus send the crowd into a tizzy. Oh how sweet that felt for Giovinco, simce returning to the squad after having endured a quadriceps injury that had kept him out of the lineup for three weeks.
Of course, with rivala as fierce as these two teams have been over the years, something had to give. Both teams played each other hard on the field with the Impact dishing out the punishment more than the TFC. So much so, that near the end of the game, Giovinco was taken down as the referee let play continue, and shortly thereafter, Montreal's Patrice Bernier was shown the red card for a tackle. A melee ensued afterwards.
The Montreal impact were downright fuming regarding the officiating in the above incidents:
To which TFC coach Greg Vanney reaponded:
As they say...Tant pis (so much the worst).
By winning the Canadian Championship, the Toronto FC booked themselves a trip to the CONCACAF Champions League.
Way to go, TFC!!
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/tfc-impact-canadian-championship-1.4180617
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/montreal-impact-lament-unacceptable-refereeing-loss-tfc/
hockeyfan1
New member
TFC sign Swiss League international Liechtenstein star Nicolas Hasler.
An eager and excited Hasler had this to say on being part of the Reds squad:
https://theathletic.com/75792/2017/07/14/haslers-signing-could-be-harbinger-of-tfcs-increased-global-reach/?source=email
More:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/nicolas-hasler-tfc-toronto-fc-mls-major-league-soccer/
An eager and excited Hasler had this to say on being part of the Reds squad:
https://theathletic.com/75792/2017/07/14/haslers-signing-could-be-harbinger-of-tfcs-increased-global-reach/?source=email
More:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/nicolas-hasler-tfc-toronto-fc-mls-major-league-soccer/
hockeyfan1
New member
The Toronto FC and the NYC FC played to a 2-2 draw Wednesday night. The TFC are five points up over the NYC FC atop the Eastern Conference. Road wins have not been easy to attain this year, but the TFC with several regulars out of the lineup due to injuries and/or international commitments, still manage to play to a draw using their bench depth/substitions. Guys like Ashtone Morgan, Ben Spence, including Canadians Raheem Edwards, Jordan Hamilton to name a few. Add to the injury mix the loss of Sebastian Giovinco, who left the game midway due to a back contusion, (who was substituted by Canadian Jay Chapman), and one can see the determination of this team through battling on the field.
Speaking by the way of Giovinco, Altidore, and Bradley, they were all voted in for the MLS All-Star Game, which will take place August 2 in Chicago. The MLS All-Stars will play against La Liga's Real Madrid.
The TFC remain undefeated at home (7-0-2)this year while sporting a less-than-impressive road record (4-3-3), for an overall record of 11-3-5, making them one of the best (and toughest) teams to play against.
GO TFC!
Game story:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/toronto-fc-takes-money-runs-nycfc/
Speaking by the way of Giovinco, Altidore, and Bradley, they were all voted in for the MLS All-Star Game, which will take place August 2 in Chicago. The MLS All-Stars will play against La Liga's Real Madrid.
The TFC remain undefeated at home (7-0-2)this year while sporting a less-than-impressive road record (4-3-3), for an overall record of 11-3-5, making them one of the best (and toughest) teams to play against.
GO TFC!
Game story:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/toronto-fc-takes-money-runs-nycfc/