Gameday Thread: Columbus Crew SC vs Toronto ButterBoyz FC (Match 15 | June 2, 2018 7:30 PM ET)

Hey, if there is one person who knows about not keeping pace with quality soccer it’s Michael Bradley damn it.

 

I know last night I mentioned Saied, but as soon as I drew this up...



... I realized a far, far better comparison for Argudo last night: Ned Grabavoy, particularly from his RSL diamond days. Definitely not a 10, definitely not a winger, or a Meram/Piatti inside forward-type either. Kind of a possession-focused shuttler.

I'd have to go back and watch tape to confirm whether or not this is how Gregg's been using him all year, but it would make sense to me if it were because it's such an unusual role. I have to be perfectly honest and admit I've been a little confused by Argudo's inclusion all season because I just couldn't work out what the hell he was out there for.

 

Another thing, anyone else notice that Bono didn't move on Pipa's equalizer? Pipa has gotten away with enough Panenka's now that keepers are evidently just deciding to let him go ahead and score.

 

I noticed that. My thought was that he was trying to wait and read the taker and Pipa just blasted it into the corner so he had no chance.

 

I didn't think Sosa was that good last night--*except*--he brought a lot of energy into the game. He lost a ball or made a bad pass and went hard and fast to get it back. He cared--and it woke everyone else up.

 

They had pizza before we left. They got snow cones before heading to our seats. I figure that's plenty.

The playground was utilized at halftime, while I had my dinner of the Schmidt's platter.

The Cup should be fun.

 

Noticed that too. I also wonder if Pipa was reading the situation or planned on avoiding the panenka since he knew Bono might anticipate it. 4D soccer from Pipa.

 

And on the header goal, he also gave up the corner kick so x2 on that one.

 

Smart of Bono. Its a guessing game and Pipa goes up the middle a lot. Next GK should do the same, but I hope Pipa goes to the corner again for at least the next couple so that the "book" on him is randomized again. By the way, it was a great PK. he hit that so hard and just inside the post - the rebound came out of the goal 6 yards, but the spin on the ball was still so much that it then went back in the net. It's like the ball hit by Pipa just wants to go in the goal over and over again. Bradley was trying the same thing I guess.

 

Won the corner that lead to Zardes' goal, made that pass that lead to Afful hitting the bar. I think he won the foul that lead to one of the other chances. He was engaged and "trying stuff."

That little bit of creativity is missing from too many of our guys. Trapp, Artur, Clark, Hansen, Martinez? All good players and all bring something to the table. They aren't likely to bring a bit of magic like you get from Pipa. Sosa is not on Pipa's level, but he's willing to try stuff. He's got a +3 goal differential in 30 minutes of MLS play. A fine debut if you ask me.

 

All good points. He only gave away three balls, and two of those were in the first 90 seconds or so that he was on the field.

Also, he along with Afful on the overlap and Pipa trying to thread the through balls in behind devastated TFC's left side.

Even though it seemed a good idea at the time, Vanney bringing Hagglund on and Telfer off messed with TFC's shape and assignments.

 

Kudo's to Gregg simultaneously expressing regret for CM's slap, but also calling out the disciplinary committee for giving CM 2 game suspension, but Zlatan only one. His criticism was completely warranted and I give him highest marks for the careful and perfect wording of his remarks.

 

Sosa was bringing Bradley out of his defensive position, from CB to the right side of the field. He had an immediate impact on Toronto's defensive positioning.

 

I'm glad he said something too. I'll put a "but" in there though. I think there is a bit of a difference between putting a palm on a guy's face like you're palming a basketball then giving a little shove and swinging a punch/slap at the guy's face. A slight difference too in that Zlatan was sent off and had a game tacked on, while Martinez was not punished in game at all.

 

I think the difference was that Zlatan also got red carded in that game. Since you can't give a half game suspension, Martinez got two.

 

1003718550832508928 is not a valid tweet id

 

If I didn't know any better, I'd say this is the most serious the team has taken this pointless "rivalry" in years.

 

I think that after the 3 subs the formation was
Clark - Crognale - Williams (with Clark and Williams pushing high up)
Afful - Artur - Valenzula
Sosa - Pipa - Argudo (I feels like Pipa was higher)
Zardes

It looks like they were trying to play between and around the TFC parked bus of defense (5) and midfielders (4).

I am going to watch again because there were many times Afful was in the middle of the field and I don't know why.. . but I loved it.

 

Ben Ferree‏ @ben_ferree 7h7 hours ago
CPD have confirmed the reports of an incident between #crewsc fans and #TFC supporters on Saturday. Police were dispatched twice, once at 6:30 and once at 7:48. The latter incident was when the injuries occurred.

Ben Ferree‏ @ben_ferree
Due to the severity of the burns one victim suffered, the event rises all the way to felony assault. However, the victim refused to be interviewed by police, stating he just wanted to watch the game. Police have been unable to reach him since. Can’t move forward without his help.

Ben Ferree‏ @ben_ferree 7h7 hours ago
Police further confirm the injuries were the result of flares, and that they reccommended the victim go to the hospital. He refused, not wanting to miss the game. No arrests were made due to the inability to identify any suspects. #CrewSC #TFCLive

Ben Ferree‏ @ben_ferree 7h7 hours ago
CPD stayed that by the time officers arrived at the scene of the fight, the assailants had left the scene. They believed they entered MAPFRE stadium. The investigation remains open as they hope to get cooperation from the victim or further forms of evidence. #CrewSC #tfc

 

If CPD are looking for some felons, better also lock up Bradley because his performance was criminally bad.

 

My first shot at a keyboard since the game.

This is truth -

Over 12,000 people walked through security to see a team, who's owners and league Commissioner aggressively attack our community. Community. You know, "Columbus, Ohio." Columbus CrewSC.

They insult the fan base again and again and again. They lie. They misrepresent and conceal the truth.

They spit on the fans of this great and important team.

And I'm surprised I don't hear more publicly regarding their business ethics and treatment of their sponsors. My God. Look what they've done. Anybody have a rough estimate as to the number of seats attributable to sponsors?

And yet -

Over 12,000 very rowdy people went out hard for this team - A big dam number under these extraordinary circumstances.

Thousands more legitimately protested with their absence. And they are among those who are hurt the worst. They missed last night. They are missing this season.

Saturday's comeback was an epic night in my Crew memories. This team has shown an amazing level of energy and passion. Same for our small but vocal crowds. A very passionate, rowdy family. Truly special. Nordecke has been awesome too! I was surprised how long the crowd stuck around after 3-0 deep into the second. I suppose I was surprised I did. But I couldn't leave.

This team is so much fun to watch. Not only is it brilliant soccer, this team is playing with psychotic grit, passion and selflessness. It's especially fun to watch when they're strong and fast to boot.

BTW - Clark was a great addition. I'd like to see him get more minutes. From the games I've seen this year (no reason to base a decision on) I would like to see him get more playing time with this system. He is much more of a threat attacking. Artur has seemed a bit out of sorts. Confidence perhaps slipped, where we were hoping it would grow.

Pumped for Saturday.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em. It could be your last for a very long time.

 

Is grand theft soccer team a crime?