The State of Toronto FC: TFC Win At DC, Terry Dunfield, And a Potential Friendly?

(Side Note: I know some of these events happened a little while ago, but I would rather cover all the pressing issues in one major blog post than write a separate small post for each event in the Toronto FC season)

Time I do another one of these things, but first, I just want to say some quick thoughts on TFC's win over DC United last Saturday. I am very happy that they finally broke their long win-less streak and came out as 2-1 winners. TFC's overall performance that night was decent, but when you are facing Major League Soccer's worst team this season, a decent performance is all you need. Let's hope that TFC builds on this win when they go to Houston to face the Houston Dynamo this Saturday.

About a week ago, Toronto FC midfielder Terry Dunfield was waived by TFC, and the opinions on his TFC playing career were divided. He wasn't as polarizing as Paul Mariner or Dwayne De Rosario, but his play has certainly led to much discussion among TFC supporters. Many TFC supporters had favorable opinions on him while many others were not so kind on his time at TFC. After much deliberation in my head and with others on whether Dunfield was a good or bad player for TFC, I have come to the conclusion that his negative qualities slightly outweighed his positive qualities. I'll talk about the positives first...

From what I understand, the quality that most TFC supporters will remember about Terry Dunfield is that he gives his all in every match that he plays. What he lacks in talent and skill, he makes up for it by working harder than any other man on the pitch. Relating to this, he is always applying pressure on the opposing player who has the ball or is about to get the ball, and more often than not, it has worked in Toronto FC's favor by the opponent giving away the ball. Finally, he has definitely showed some leadership qualities, whether through giving instructions to his fellow teammates on the pitch, or inspiring the younger Toronto FC 1st team and academy players.

Now, the negatives. His positive qualities almost always lead to his negative qualities. While his pressure on opposing players was good, he was constantly out of position in the midfield, which was directly responsible for some of the goals scored by TFC's various opponents. When Dunfield charges in, the opponent can pass into the space behind him to another player, which means that the defenders will come out of their position to challenge the ball, and it just becomes a domino effect of mistakes that leads to a goal. Dunfield is also not a very good tackler at all, and regularly receives warnings from the referee, or receives a yellow card. Finally, he is a player that generally lacks skill and technical ability in the middle of the pitch, especially when compared to Matias Laba or Jonathan Osorio. With the emergence of these two players to be mainstays in the Toronto FC midfield, as well as Dunfield being on the wrong side of 30 when it comes to his age, it doesn't make much sense to keep him on the roster. It was ultimately a good move to waive Terry Dunfield, even if Toronto FC doesn't find anyone to replace him.

Finally, there are reports coming out that Toronto FC is in negotiations to bring a "big name" opponent to Toronto for a summer friendly. The opponent is widely expected to be the popular Uruguayan club Penarol. Now, if it were up to me, I would never schedule friendlies during the season for TFC, as it produces unnecessary strain on the players by preparing for a match that is basically meaningless when they should be preparing for regular season matches. On the other hand, friendlies with big-name teams can be an extra source of revenue for Toronto FC, and can give them a bit of international exposure. Mid-season friendlies can also give reserve and young players some valuable experience. While I was reading this article, I noticed a certain quote by Paul Beirne - Toronto FC VP of Business Operations, which said:

“I had to look up who Peñarol were,”

I am going to try to give him the benefit of the doubt here. Maybe he genuinely didn't know who Penarol were, and that's fine. I don't believe it was the wisest thing to say that in front of the interviewer and then to let him quote you on saying that on the article. That idiotic comment was very arrogant and disrespectful to Penarol. A part of me hopes that Penarol pulls out of that potential friendly because of that dumb comment, but I doubt that will happen. Sadly, this wasn't the first time that Paul Beirne has made a questionable comment to damage the reputation (or lack there of) of Toronto FC on the business side. I honestly believe he should be fired, or at the very least, given a talking to by Kevin Payne on how to frame your words.

That's all I got for now...

What I REALLY Thought About My Graduation Ceremony

So, yesterday, I finally graduated from Brock University and attained my undergraduate degree. Look, I am very happy that I finally attained a Bachelor's Degree, and the 4 years of hard work finally paid off, but I really have to say something about the actual graduation ceremony that took place yesterday morning. It had to be one of the most boring ceremonies I ever took part in. Time for me to break it down.

The stuff before the graduation ceremony was pretty standard. I walk into the university, I go collect my gown, I stand in a line, and we all walk into the gym where the ceremony is taking place. The seats are all really close together so it was a little bit of a tight squeeze to sit in between two lovely ladies (not that I'm complaining). Once we were all sat down, then came the procession of the faculty and the chancellors of the university where they were wearing these odd-looking robes and hats, like something that was from the medieval times. I know it is tradition, but it just looked a bit ridiculous and it reminded me of how court cases  were carried out in England in the 1400s. I was humming the theme of "The People's Court" at the time.

Once all that ended, the ceremony started with the addresses of the chancellor, vice-chancellor, and various members of the faculty. You know how it is, they start telling their life stories, and offer some pseudo-inspirational bullshit such as "you are the continued life-blood of Brock University" and "you are a shining beacon to the world" (Note: I can't remember what was actually said, as I was probably half-asleep). The addresses, though were meant well, were very mind-numbing and would have put the most energetic child to sleep.

Then finally came the presenting of the degrees to the various graduates, in which they were presented two at a time. Any awards that the new graduates had were also announced. I did feel a bit sorry for the graduates who were partnered up with other graduates who basically had fan sections cheer their hearts out when their name was called, and the other graduate who barely got any applause when their name was called. I thought that the presenting of the degrees was finally a good way to move around after sitting through the insanely boring graduation addresses. When my name was finally announced, all I kept thinking to myself was "don't trip, don't trip", and thankfully, I didn't! Everything went very well.

After that, the chancellor said some parting words, the faculty and graduates proceeded out of the gym, and the ceremony was over. If I were to sum up this graduation ceremony in short, this is what I will say. The graduation ceremony was a wonderful occasion, but going to it felt like a chore. If my parents didn't have a say, I never would have went. I essentially went only because of them.

Side note: I would like to thank everyone who congratulated me on this accomplishment, whether in-person, on my mobile, or through the various social networks. It was a bit rough at times, but it was all worth it for a piece of paper that said I completed something.

The State of Toronto FC: Hey Look! They Conceded Late Again!

Now that I am home from university, I am finally able to make the pilgrimage to BMO Field to watch Toronto FC. I went to the May 18 match against the Columbus Crew, and just yesterday, I went to the match against the Philadelphia Union. Here are my thoughts on that match itself:

Positives

Tactically, Toronto FC actually played quite well. Instead of just booting the ball up the pitch like they always do, they kept the ball on the ground and made simple passes to create openings in the Union defense.  Why don't they play like this all the time? It was encouraging to see and I hope Ryan Nelsen continues to use that style in future matches. TFC also held it down well when they were down to 10 men. They cleaned up well in their own 18-yard box and withstood the Union pressure for most of the match.

Jonathan Osorio continues to be a bright spot in the TFC squad with his energy and creativity in the midfield (not to mention his awesome header). When I saw the starting 11 before the match, I questioned whether be would be able to bring some intensity throughout the entire match, but his performance put my doubts to rest. He deserves a starting spot in Toronto FC in the matches to come. I was also happy to see Danny Koevermans subbed into the match after his year out with a torn ACL. It got a standing ovation from the crowd at BMO Field, and even though he didn't score, I hope he reclaims the goal-scoring form he once had.

Negatives

They conceded late, again.

They were doing so well to keep the match 1-0 while down to 10 men, but once again, TFC let in a disheartening goal near the end of the match to lose two points. They couldn't hold on for another four minutes. TFC conceding late goals is nothing new, so there isn't much I can really add when everyone else has already stated their opinion on it. Maybe instead of trying to get new defenders on loan, Kevin Payne and Ryan Nelsen should look at the mental fortitude of the team. Just a suggestion.

There was also moments of madness and stupidity from Doneil Henry, with his altercation with the Union keeper to get his first yellow, and his dangerous tackle to get his second yellow near halftime. He has been scrutinized a bit this season, and for good reason. Even though he had some minor spells of good form, he does make some dumb decisions which have negative implications for the team. I know he is young, but he needs to focus better, and make better decisions in the heart of the defense.

Even though I was happy to see Danny Koevermans play again, I do question the substitution made by Ryan Nelsen. If you are trying to keep the win, you need to get another defender out there, not a striker, especially with TFC constantly conceding late goals. I strongly suspect that sub was merely to please the crowd, and not to win the match.

Other Thoughts

On both of my recent trips to BMO, when I looked over to the south end before the match, I saw that Toronto FC were using flares on poles to try to increase the atmosphere in the stadium. It looks incredibly tacky, and I think the TFC FO needs to stop this. If TFC really wants to enhance the atmosphere using flares, then leave the flares to the supporters, though this has some dangerous consequences (I may make a "flares" blog post in the future).

I am happy that I was able to make it out to BMO Field on two separate occasions, because it temporarily improved my general mood. When I left university, it felt like a part of me was lost, in the sense that I won't be able to enjoy going to class (I do enjoy it, lol) or see some of my friends. Going to BMO Field also made me forget about certain situations where I will not have the chance to gain anything from it. That void was filled temporarily by going to BMO, even though the results weren't what I had hoped for. I didn't feel very happy when I left university, and BMO Field was that escape that I truly needed. When Osorio scored that goal yesterday, it was the happiest I ever felt in weeks. Even though Toronto FC isn't a very good team, and I don't say very nice things about MLSE, watching TFC live is when I feel the happiest, and I am dead serious when I say that.

The State of Toronto FC - Same Old, Same Old

Been a while since I did something like this, but there are some pressing issues concerning Toronto FC that I really need to address.

Now that I am back from school for good, I am able to go to matches at BMO Field again, and I finally make my return this Saturday, May 18th against the Columbus Crew. There are a couple of reasons why I am going back to BMO Field this Saturday. As much as I like to talk about how MLSE is ruining the club, I do miss going to TFC matches at BMO Field. My love for TFC is much stronger than my hate for MLSE. The other reason why I am going to the match on Saturday is that I want to see how the atmosphere is nowadays, compared to previous years. I've been hearing from fellow supporters about how bad the atmosphere is at BMO Field these days, and it is something that I want to see with my own eyes. I want to see what 7 years of bad results, dumb management, and MLSE ineptitude and greed has done to this club.

I also want to use this blog post to address a couple of quotes made by a couple of TFC staff. After the Voyageurs Cup 2nd leg loss to the Montreal Impact, TFC VP of Business Operations Paul Beirne sent this tweet:

"Congratulations @JoeySaputo and @impactmontreal on advancing to the Final. Now do the right thing and keep that trophy in the east."

Are you kidding me, Paul? I am disappointed at your lack of consideration for the Toronto FC supporters in publicly congratulating the Montreal Impact on their blowout 6-0 victory over Toronto FC. I'm sure you and the Impact staff are friends behind the scenes, but if you are going to congratulate OUR HATED RIVALS, then so do in private. That tweet you made created negative publicity for the club. Ironically, you share the responsibility of trying to market the club in a positive light and promote good PR. Us TFC supporters were absolutely gutted for that embarrassing loss, and you had to go and say that? I'm surprised you weren't fired. You will never understand what it is like to be a supporter of Toronto FC.

Okay, next order of business, it seemed like TFC has signed Tal Ben Haim on loan from QPR (it has actually been announced by TFC), but as of today, it looks like it hasn't happened yet. The obvious question here is that why would TFC announce something has happened when it hasn't yet? The quote that had me hollering with laughter is when TFC President and General Manager Kevin Payne said this about the defender:

"Tal Ben Haim has been one of the top defenders in the EPL for nearly a decade"

What? No, he hasn't. Tal Ben Haim has been one of the worst EPL defenders for nearly a decade. Dumb, relegation-threatened EPL teams trust in him to try to help save the team, but ultimately, they go down (Portsmouth, West Ham, QPR). I genuinely do not know why Kevin Payne would say something like that.

With Ben Haim (and Steven Caldwell), it seems like Kevin Payne is trying to steady the back line and add some much needed experience, especially in the last minutes of matches. He is relying on over-the-hill, thirty-something players to try to make the difference for TFC, after he said he wouldn't. This will be interesting summer for TFC. Who knows what will happen...

Actually, I'm pretty sure TFC will continue to lose...

My Thoughts: Sir Alex Ferguson's Retirement

If you haven't heard by now, Sir Alex Ferguson is retiring as manager of Manchester United at the end of this season. We all knew that this day would come, but it came as a bit of a shock to me that today would be the day that he would announce his retirement. Honestly, what can I say about him that hasn't already been said by countless other Manchester United supporters. The only thing I can truly offer differently is to share my personal connection to watching Sir Alex.

Alex Ferguson has been the manager of Manchester United since before I was born. When I began to follow Manchester United a very long time ago, he was that iconic figure for me in that club. To me, Sir Alex Ferguson IS Manchester United, and to have him leave after all these years, it feels like, as a Man United supporter, a part of me is lost. You can't just simply say goodbye to a long and illustrious 26 and a half year career where he turned a struggling club into one of the world powers of football and the biggest brand in all of sport. He knocked Liverpool off their fucking perch. He made Bayern Munich weep in 1999. He turned the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Roy Keane, and Ruud van Nistelrooy into world stars. He made use of the academy and out came more world class players like Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and the Neville brothers. He gave his absolute everything to the club, and saying a simple thank you and goodbye just doesn't seem enough for me.

Now the obvious question with his retirement as manager of Manchester United is, well, who will be replacing him. Well, there are two obvious candidates that were identified: Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, and Everton manager David Moyes. One of them seems like the great short-term hire, and the other seems like the great long-term hire.

Jose Mourinho is the best manager in world football right now. His teams consistently go deep in the Champions League and he can motivate a team like no other. But Mourinho can't seem to stay at a team for more than 3 years, and he has a tendency to make things all about him, rather than the club itself. This would be bad for a team like Manchester United, as the club itself is bigger than any player or manager. If Manchester United wants to be assured of consistently performing well in Europe, and focus more on short-term goals, then hire Mourinho. I don't agree with this, though.

David Moyes has built a very good Everton team on a strict budget, constantly punching above its weight. He doesn't have much experience in continental football, but he is a commanding individual, similar to that of Sir Alex. If he is hired, my fear is that Man United will not perform as well as when Sir Alex is in charge, especially in Europe. But what eclipses that fear is the potential long-term stability that may occur if Moyes is hired. Moyes has been Everton manager for 11 years, so it is possible that he can be the Man United manager for many years to come. Moyes made big moves despite being on a tight budget at Everton, imagine what he can do with a lot more money at his disposal. If I had to choose which manager should succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, it would be David Moyes.

No matter which manager will be the next manager of Manchester United, it is pretty safe to say that it will be impossible to fill the shoes of Sir Alex Ferguson. He is the greatest manager in football, there's no question about it, and probably one of the greatest managers/coaches in all of sports. He is irreplaceable. He is more than a legend, more than an icon, and more than anyone can ever hope for.

I hope that bronze statue of Sir Alex outside Old Trafford is always shining, even in the darkest days.

It isn't much, but thanks for everything...