The 1-0 loss in the Reds’ second group stage match means at the time of writing this Group A shows a three-way tie on top with three points. Real Salt (1-0-0) Lake can change that with a win or draw at home to Cruz Azul (0-0-1)
CONCA-laughable
The sense of apathy you’re feeling stems from fact that CONCACAF is going to need to take a good look at its current state of affairs; especially its preparation and officiating. Broken record, I know.
Qualified teams go to great lengths and expense to participate in this tournament; so make it worthwhile by eliminating games like the one played on Tuesday night. The arbitrary decision-making witnessed Tuesday as an extension placed the Reds’ in a short-handed position going into the third match.
At least De Rosario is around to set it straight:
The case for Kocic
Why not? Toronto’s mandate in the group stage has to be earning full points at home. In last year’s tournament the Columbus Crew advanced out of a similar group with eight points. Argentine side Comunicaciones did the same with nine points.
Evaluating an unknown player—Milos Kocic—in a non-elimination game is a good thing. Sure, the Reds are going to try to win every game, but it doesn’t mean it will happen. Gaining experience definitely will.
Last season Toronto played back up Brian Edwards enough to know that it was an area the team need needed to address.
Goal line technology
The first goal by Arabe Unido was a prime example of how difficult goal line technology is to implement in the game. If it is to be taken seriously, the technology needs to be available everywhere—Central America included.
Truly global
Watching Toronto FC compete in Panama as part of the CONCACAF Champions League reinforced how wide a net the game of soccer actually casts.
In the span of two days the Reds traveled from a multi-million dollar surface in Toronto to a shanty of a stadium in Panama. However, if Toronto FC (or any MLS club for that matter) ever exists long enough to play in a stadium named after a former player, then the discussion on success can begin.
If only the integrity of owning a long history would spill on to the field through its players and officials.
Rift riff
If a coach placing a player in the proverbial doghouse translates into a player-manager rift every time it happens there would be nothing else to write or talk about.
Mista’s departure at the break against the New York Red Bulls was Preki doing his job. If Mista is indeed a prima donna of sorts, he has met his match in Preki.
Laurent Robert proved two years ago that sometimes European glory and the difficulties of being a professional just don’t translate overseas.