CRSW: "Actually raises your defences" TORONTO FC 2 - CHIVAS USA 1
There were multiple before-and-after comparisons on show at BMO Field today. You could compare the two squads- Chivas USA: (the post-Preki) who are now a directionless and faceless squad struggling in the league and struggling to find an identity in the wake of three years of Prekiball... and Toronto FC (mid-Preki) the defensively solid and strong at home squad who never met a 1 goal lead they didn't love. Right now TFC looks like the better of the two (although Canadian Ante Jazic would be a nice improvement on Nick Garcia... just sayin') but when you look at TFC closer there is a further before-and-after that prevents them from being a really good team.
If you compare TFC in today's first half to the one that emerged in the second half you could be forgiven for tinking they were different teams. The opening 45 had great ball movement, strong wing play, tough defence and flair play which resulted in a 2 goal lead. The second half display was all things that are ugly about Prekiball: scrambling defence, long ball clearances, turtle-turtle-turtle.
Lucky for TFC that the post-Preki Chivas are a pretty toothless squad. The MexiMericans got one goal back on a very generous penalty kick but a better squad, and TFC have many on their way, would have capitalized on the old Prekinaccio. Don't get me wrong, 3 points in the playoff hunt is great and deserved but the TFC from the first half can make the playoffs - the one in the after photo (aka the 2nd half) will not.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Stefan Frei (TFC)... again
GOAT OF THE MATCH: Goats
MATCH IN FIVE WORDS: Attractive. Ugly. Jekyll and Hyde.
SENSATIONAL HEADLINE: "GOATBUSTERS BLAST GHASTLY CHIVAS"
TOTALLY FAKE POST-MATCH QUOTE: "Look I'm just Dan Gargan. I'm the best Goddamn Dan Gargan there is. Dan Gargan doesn't throw like Rory Delap - he throws like mutherf***in Dan Gargan. You are making Dan Gargan angry. You won't like it when Dan Gargan gets angry... Gaaaarrrr-gaaaannnn!!!" - Dan Gargan comments on his long goal assisting throw-in
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You are sadly right about facing tougher tests ahead. Away and home to NYRB with a CONCACAF game thrown in between is the next chunk of the schedule. I will be happy with one point, thrilled with two.
ReplyDeleteOnly two home games in Sept.- three away
One home game in Oct.- three away
Can Prekiball make the playoffs? When Maicon Santos limps off the field, you have to ask questions about roster size and durability.
Agree with some of the post, maybe should be happier with the win, but in the long-term picture maybe toughtimes are ahead. I agree with comment above about the road games. Sitting back and hoping for a 1-0 win doesn't work in this league. Preki has made us the Bolton of the MLS - no wonder they came for a friendly!!!
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