Columbus Crew as the Cleveland Stokers
Ok so this report is gonna be different as I am just going to watch it and fill in the blanks at the half and end. This isn’t the game that I want to miss something because I was typing up a stupid thought about Cooper flailing about and giving up a ball of the future. #couldHappen
First half :
The 5-3-2 (which is kinda a 3-5-2 really… Look at it! It is) was very bus-parking-esque when they lined up, but it’s proven to be just as versatile as you’d expect. Plenty of forward movement and some ambitious attempts at goal, which is nice and forgivable if they played passively.
Toronto looked very patient and controlled. Columbus didn’t get too much going, but I did get a bit nervous when Higuain had that go. Little bit of butt twitch. Don’t judge, you did too.
I like what I’m seeing, and I’m super comfortable with a scoreless draw.
Second half :
SUB – Delgado in for Zavaleta
51’ – holy shit!… Moor with the bailout.
SUB – Cooper in for Hassler
SUB – Edwards in for Morrow
85’ – holy shit! Two chances and both we’re stopped, but only one by Bono. Edwards with a save.
Full Time : Columbus 0, Toronto 0
Well this has been far more unnerving than the first half foretold. Columbus did a very good job putting gradual pressure on the Toronto defense, but Toronto held their ground. Mostly.
A few “just wide” shots and “offside” flags and “crosses just missing their mark”. Plenty of bailouts from the hand of fate.
Sincerely, I don’t know what else to put. I could’ve written more about the first half of the Houston v Seattle match than this entire game. It was a stalemate, that was designed to be played to a stalemate, and a stalemate happened.
Also, full marks to the away support, you came in loud and clear. Hope you didn’t get Precourted at the gates like the home supporters did.
Man of the Match : Michael Bradley
Goat of the Game : nobody was howler bad, some lapses in concentration but good enough.
Ref Rating : 5 out of 5, no problems
I Am Not the Gaffer, But… : He did exactly as I expected, and got the result.
In Case You PVR’d It : it’s nervy. Watch the last 10 minutes.
Quote of the Match (sort of) :
This is a very good looking game.
~ the wife on the Seattle and Houston kit matchups
Player Ratings : Bono 8, Mavinga 6, Moor 6.5, Beitashour 6.5, Morrow 6 (Cooper N/A), Hassler 6, Delgado 6 (Zavaleta 6), Bradley 8, Osorio 6.5, Vasquez 6.5, Ricketts 6
November 22, 2017
I just realized yesterday that Nick Lowe must have been a Wayout at some time in his past.
Nick Lowe
The Wayouts
I was pretty relaxed as I sat down to watch this game…wow, what on earth was all the rinky-dink ball-play in and just outside your box when you are trying to snuff the game out. Unfortunately this game deteriorated into the 2nd leg against the Red Bulls, minus the moose calling and hand slapping.
The second leg will require a hot start from the Reds and TFC needs a minimum of 2 goals to get through this. While this series is still up for grabs, I thought C-bus were absolutely desperate to score in the second half, I wonder how tight they will be in Toronto.