I was a little surprised by Herediano collapsing this way, but it's true that this season they are struggling.
SKC looks like a rock. In the next round they have Independiente, the team that eliminated Toronto, maybe it's not going to be an easy walk, but I would be surprised if they will have problems. Tougher jobs for NYRB (vs Santos Laguna) and especially Atlanta (vs Monterrey).
The tougher job is Houston. Tigres is going to maul them. Atlanta and NY have far better chances than Houston.
All of the advancing MLS teams looked pretty good for so early. I really don't think we could have pulled that off. Last year, we caught fire and beat the teams we should have ( and a few that were better), but even before the end you could see that we were running on gas-fumes and not really well-grounded team. Sporting KC, Atlanta and NYRB were just really good last fall. Its easier to regroup early, if you were already really good. We weren't. BUT - Maybe this year. We definitely need Plan B and Plan C on offense and midfield, and a good rotation of CBs on defense.
Interesting story on some NYCFC "fans" https://www.huffpost.com/entry/new-...ght-extremists_n_5c76d679e4b062b30eba721a?otq Remember kids: It's perfectly okay to punch a nazi
Unfortunately, there are quite a few Clayton Bigsbys out there. There is simply no rhyme or reason to it.
I'm sure if they cross any lines at an MLS event NYCFC will do something, but it would be overstepping IMO to try and regulate what happens when they're not at an MLS match/event. Where do you start/stop the line once you leave an MLS venue? It's a slippery slope.
there are definitely white nationalists who are from spanish speaking countries especially if they have lighter skin and the hair/features to "pass" as anglo
Btw is it too late for DCU to add Gashi to our squad? https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019...rapids-waive-designated-player-shkelzen-gashi
Nicky Deleon looking pretty good for TFC today. He is playing more centrally, almost like a second striker. He had a nice header on goal that brought out a brilliant save from the Philly keeper. He also played a great early through ball to send a TFC attacker in 1v1 with the keeper. Finally, he had a second assist on the only goal of the game so far (M. Bradley). He always gave 100% for us. All the best for him (as long it is not against DCU, obviously).
I saw that (my initial post was at halftime). Good for him. Even though NDL appeared to be playing as a second striker at times, he still put in a shift on the defensive end as well. I am sure that TFC will try to find a more potent attacker for that position (especially at home), but NDL played well and fit the tactics employed for this road game as TFC seemed to sit back a bit.
Maybe all he needed was a new challenge, new adventure, new environment. Sometimes a cycle closes and it's hard to figure it out. It's like that for players and coaches.
When you remember how exciting he was as a new, young face not too many years back it's not too hard to imagine him regaining that brio. Sadly, it won't be for us, and it raises the question why he wasn't able to rejuvenate while here, under Benny.
One game does not make a season. Let's see where Nicky is at the conclusion of the season. I hope the kid does well, I always had a fondness for him -- if at times his decision making left me speechless. Remember, he's bone on bone in one knee and that never ends well nor does it lend itself to playing a great many minutes.
I recall some of those moments, too. When he played on the wing for us, his decision-making, execution, and finishing in the final 1/3 were all weak. This is why he was converted to a R back. Work rate, heart, and loyalty were never in question. In addition, he did score a few memorable goals for our club. His decision making and poise under pressure did seem to improve while at right back. Again, I congratulate him and hope he has continued success.