Yes Mista... we all threw up in our mouthsREAL SALT LAKE 4 - TORONTO FC 1
CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
For 15 minutes tonight, Toronto FC supporters, and most likely Nick Dasovic, thought that the removal of Preki and Mo Johnston was the instant cure for what ailed. Dasovic's boys came out passing and running in an ambitious 4-3-3 formation and were pushing around a Real Salt Lake Club that never loses at home. The positive play, so foreign in TFC-land this season, was instantly rewarded when an inspired O'Brian White laid a sweet little pass to Maicon Santos who slotted it home - TFC up 1-0! Then the "5 Year Plan" returned... in a big way.
The rest of the match went from bad to worse... to well, kinda gross. Going down by a goal made RSL instantly change shape and tactics and the vast gulf in quality between the two teams became very apparent. RSL consistently broke down TFC's shaky defence and were quickly up 2-1. Just like that.
The second half was a bizarre mixture of poor discipline, usual CONCACRAP-brand refereeing and a vision of a Reds' squad that needs the replacement of more than just yesterday's departed pair of midget geniuses. From the addition of an Academy signing in a cup match, to the 5 minute "special appearance" by the quickly red-carded Mista, to the continuing tale of Nick Garcia: Village Idiot - Nick Dasovic got a clear look at the uphill battle it will take to squeeze wins out of this poorly built team.
In the end, the 4-1 result was tough to swallow and Cruz Azul's big win against Arabe Unido tonight, will likely end TFC's CCL run. The Reds' fans who hoped for an immediate bump in the Post-Mo era will need to realize that TFC is going to be a glorified expansion team for a while. Whoever takes over in the TFC front office will need more than a few months to reverse the effects of the "5 Year Plan".
MAN OF THE MATCH: Andy Williams (RSL)
GOAT OF THE MATCH: Mo Johnston (ex-TFC)... because I'm a petty bastard
MATCH IN FIVE WORDS: Surprising. Then unsurprising. Reality check.
SENSATIONAL HEADLINE: "PREKI GETS LAST LAUGH BUT DOESN'T KNOW HOW"
TOTALLY FAKE POST-MATCH QUOTE: "Umm, yeah. What I said yesterday about wanting to be the head coach next year... you know - whatever. No big deal. If someone else wants it... I'm cool." - Nick Dasovic thinks about his TFC future after the 4-1 loss
Two Kyle Beckermans? That's not fair.
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While there is much work to be done and further player changes required, that was still the most positive they have played for a while. At least they tried to attack rather than settling for a boring 1-0 defeat again. One of the Real Salt Lake goals was offside, another - a penalty - was a foul outside the box, and we also had what looked like a harsh straight red card to Mista. Salt Lake deserved their win but 4-1 doesn't fully reflect the game, I don't think. Things can only get better!!!
ReplyDeletebringing on attcaking subs when you're losing? that surely can't be right.
ReplyDelete5 attacking players on the pitch at the same time? wierd.
jacob peterson actually looking like a winger, taking people on, putting crosses in? craziness.
White mssing chances? Garcia making mistakes? ah that's better, that's something i recognise.