2017 Matchday #2: Union v Toronto FC, March 11, 2017 p/d/p (R)

Embarrassing loss.

 

Slump buster FC.

It's a far cry from the morning of the Vancouver game thread post. Woke up to the heater going out and a house colder than a witches' titty. Fortunately was able to fix it myself. Don't have the optimism I had last week when I voted for a draw. Loss in stoppage time.

 

If Tribbett sees time hide the children.

 

Loss. This team is a mess.

 

I think we can win this game. Our Mids and our D played well at Vancouver. We just need to click offensively and we should be fine.

Edit: After looking at the highlights, I reaffirm that this game is winnable. They had one really good chance, allowed about 2 chances to RSL, and had a penalty stopped. They should have one but the highlights made them look really flat. Since they will be on the road again, hopefully they come out to Chester just as flat.

 

Possible?

 

Although I think that Curtin will start the same lineup with the possible exception of Sapong for Simpson, I wouldn't be surprised to see Alberg in for Jones to go a bit more offensively. Bedoya moves to the 8.

 

3-0 loss. We couldn't beat Vancouver who where on 3 days rest. There's no way we'll be able to compete with a fully tested Toronto.

Vancouver played in Champions League Thursday and it showed. Whitecaps where running circles around the Red Bull. They would have done to same to us if they where fully rested.

 

Eh, you play the hand you're dealt.

If the back 6 can remain compact and composed against Toronto, there's no reason why the Union will not be able to achieve the same result.

Toronto's offense did not look so great against an RSL defense that is probably on par to the Union's defense. Toronto managed only 8 shots, 3 on frame and one of the shots on goal was the saved PK.

 

Where are the goals going to come from? We lack the creativity in midfield and have absolutely nobody to finish off chances.

 

The same place they came from early last season when the team was winning due to strong defense that compromised the offense: mistakes, turnovers, counterattacks, individual moments of brilliance (e.g. Pontius cutting across the top of the 18, Ilsinho from distance, etc.).

 

He might double down on the Vancouver game plan. Toronto punished us last year almost exclusively on the break, so minimizing turnovers and maximizing possession by cycling through the back 6 may be a recipe for success. I hate to advocate for "steal a win" tactics at our home opener, but it is Toronto.

 

I'm voting for a tie. We actually had a couple of decent chances against the 'Caps, and with another week I think we can begin to sort out the offensive end. Ends 1-1 on a goal from Gio with a late equalizer from Bedoya. #Optimist.

 

Common denominator in Red losses was goals allowed due to absolutely preventable, stupid mistakes. If they can avoid that at home they can keep it close. Another boring draw remains possible.

 

So you're saying Tribbett needs to stay as far away from the field as possible?

 

said that upstream.......

 

I'd love a win this weekend, but I don't really care if we lose either. Just looking forward to getting back to the stadium for the start of year 8! I missed this crap.

 

I don't know you, but I have a feeling that you might not feel that way on Saturday at 6:30 PM as you walk to your car.

(FWIW I often tell myself that going into a game yet I somehow don't "follow through with my plan" as I leave the stadium.)

 

Loss. Not confident the U can score. Also, the Geiger show comes to town.

 

2-2 draw

Why? Why not? Whenever I shit on this team they snatch a draw from defeat, and whenever I believe, infrequent as that may be (I will refer you to who predicted playoffs http://forums.bigsoccer.com/threads/playoffs-we-talkin-bout-ah-you-get-it.2034546/ ), they snatch defeat. I'm expecting a completely dominated team that somehow gets a weird bounce. Call it a Drew Moor OG in the 89'

 

Giovinco vs mid-30s Onyewu should be entertaining.

Loss.