Hogan starts for TFC in a side that includes Robert Earnshaw. Good luck Ryan & Hogan - always support the ex-R's
27 min in - TFC are holding their own, Earnshaw is a real poacher, Hogan just took a weak shot on goal, but then just slid in on a mistimed late tackle, a bit similar to when he got red carded in the Championship when we played Reading and won 2-1. Trivia - Ryan Nelsen at 35 is the youngest MLS manager.
Half-time, 0-0, for a side weakened by injuries, that I believe they mentioned last season conceded the most ever goals in MLS (65), Ryan Nelsen seems to have added some steel to their defence, plus they also look a threat going forward, especially with Earnshaw. BTW Kenny Miller is playing for Vancouver.
58 mins, 1-0 Vancouver, come on TFC! Nigel Reo-Coker came on 2nd half for Vancouver and is helping control the midfield. Earnshaw perhaps starting to tire.
1-0 final score - only one place to go but up Ryan. Don't think TFC will be conceding 65 goals this season though under his stewardship. Nigel Reo-Coker made a huge difference for Vancouver, who have an excellent Japanese player in their squad (Kobyashi?).
Just saw this, you actual MLS fans at all or more for the sake of Nelsen? Am watching Houston x DC at the moment.
I actually lived in Vancouver in mid 1970's and in 1977 was lucky enough to have the opportunity to see Pelé, Eusebio and Franz Beckenbauer (in their twilight years, but still fantastic players though) when their teams visited to play against Vancouver Whitecaps at the old Empire Stadium.
I was quite impressed when I learned earlier that Ephraim was on loan here - but must admit that I had hoped for a better result than 1-0 down. They opened with about 9 staight losses last year so opportunity for improvement is still possible. And with ex-hoops (one is on loan), maybe a better year. And like Kilburn - support the ex-R's Still TFC was on the road with home opener against Montreal next week. Just regret that cicumstances beyond my control will likely keep me away from a home match at BMO field until early July
Dichio's now the Academy Head Coach at TFC... no longer a player. I'm looking forward to going to the Toronto vs Philadelphia match when I'm over there visiting my sister at the end of May/beginning of June (after QPR's season finishes, got to get my priorities right!) - Hopefully get to meet Ryan Nelsen
The TFC side actually seemed quite cohesive in their play, especially since it was just recently thrown together + injuries, and might of even got away with a 0-0, or even a 1-0 result themselves. Hogan looked a bit tentative on the ball at times, plus in his interactions with new team-mates, which is understandable since he only just joined the squad, as did Earnshaw I believe. Earnshaw is a real goal poacher, who although now getting on in age has managed to score goals eveywhere he played. Daigo Kobayashi playing for Vancouver was extremely lively and dangerous, an excellent player who would be an asset to any squad. Kenny Miller for Vancouver didn't really seem to be much of a goal threat. When he came on Nigel Reo-Coker totally bossed the midfield for Vancouver in the 2nd half and allowed them to really step up their game. CBC match report (don't know why they don't list the teams like BBC) http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2013/03/02/sp-mls-vancouver-whitecaps-toronto-fc.html I would like to see a TFC game at BMO Field in Toronto, but distances in Canada are huge for driving - Montreal Impact would be a little closer visit for me from Atlantic Canada - Vancouver is about 3,500 miles away! Perhaps with my R's connections, Ryan Nelsen would pony up some good match tickets? Despite his lack of previous management experience, no coaching certificates etc, when interviewed he really is a very likeable, straightforward, knowledgeable guy - I hope he does well at TFC, only one way to go but up!
Didn't realise this game was on TV, so just watching the last 30 mins of Ryan Nelsen's TFC home opener and they are currently 2-0 up against Sporting Kansas City (Robert Earnshaw, 2 goals - he has the knack for it), despite TFC not having most of the possession. Hogan Ephraim also playing. Hopefully TFC will hang on for their first win of the season.
77 mins - 2-1 score now, squeaky bum time for Ryan Nelsen, but after his stint with us, he must be used to that. For the SKC goal, the commentators were still discussing a TFC booking for Danny Califf, who was not back in defence where he should have been, still yapping at the ref over his yellow card for 3rd man in, and suddenly the ball was in the TFC net - camera actually missed the build-up play to the goal.
2-1 final score, first win for TFC in 15 games (sound familiar?) - Ryan looks very happy at the final whistle. Ephraim was subbed late, but seemed to have had a good game. Earnshaw was a real poacher for his 1st TFC goal, 2nd one was a deft penalty shot (bit like Helguson) - he does multiple somersaults after his goals, so commentator indicated that TFC fans should get used to that.
I discovered the broadcast this afternoon in the 60somethingth minute. It was a little tense after KC got their goal but this time TFC managed to hang on. I do not recall QPR and TFC both winning on the same day before today. I'll be toasting both clubs a little later. But on that subject (alcohol), could it be that the "incident" in Dubai was the spark we've been waiting for all season for the team to gel?
I wonder if he could get player of thes eason for us, and manager of the year in the MLS for them in the same year? I might have to go to the Dynamo game on June 22nd to see them up close and personal (and try to get my hoops signed!!)
