REPLAY REHASHED Cederstroms first overturned call came | Forum
miaowang123
Dec 25 '17
The Formations Missing five players who would ordinarily be in the starting lineup, Toronto FCs squad depth was tested against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. Bo Jackson Jersey . No Jermain Defoe and no Michael Bradley meant that two of the leagues premier players were unavailable for Toronto, providing Dwayne De Rosario and Kyle Bekker with opportunities to fill in. Tactically, head coach Ryan Nelsen again chose to employ his favoured 4-4-2 formation. The Colorado Rapids lined up with two changes to their 4-4-2 diamond midfield lineup that was successful against the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend; Kamani Hill was replaced by former TFC midfielder, Nick LaBrocca, and Edson Buddle replaced Deshorn Brown up top. The Game This game was a big test for Toronto FC, given the quality and quantity of players that were unavailable. But despite losing the game 1-0 to an Edson Buddle goal, TFC acquitted themselves quite well. Defensively, the back four looked as solid as it ever has. Bradley Orr slotted into Doneil Henrys position and looked comfortable and composed alongside Steven Caldwell, who was excellent. Mark Bloom had another very solid game at right fullback, reaffirming Ryan Nelsens belief that he can be the solution for that position. With the signings of Defoe and Bradley getting all of the headlines this offseason, the acquisition of Justin Morrow flew under the radar. However, one could argue that his performances have been a big factor in TFCs solid start to the season. No longer do opponents view Torontos left flank as a free runway for opposing wingers and fullbacks to cross the ball at will. Morrow is shutting things down nicely, and while he doesnt have the same desire to get forward as his predecessor, Ashtone Morgan, Morrow does what all good defenders should do first - defend. In midfield, there were concerns that the absence of Bradley - who has been behind everything good that TFC has done to start the season - would have a dramatic impact on Torontos ability to compete against a slick Colorado side. Those concerns were alleviated by the performance of Canadian international, Kyle Bekker. Drafted third overall last season, Bekkers rookie year was not what he would have hoped. He struggled to find playing time, and in Ryan Nelsens opinion, had a tough time making the transition from college soccer star to reliable professional. Bekkers performances over the last two games (he started alongside Bradley in TFCs 2-0 win over Columbus the previous week) will go some way towards convincing Nelsen that Bekkers professional career is ready to take off. The midfielders passing was crisp and precise, and his positional awareness and defensive work - while not his strongest assets - were much improved over last season. One of Bekkers strengths is his set piece delivery, and on two occasions he rattled the woodwork with direct free kicks. Bekkers first effort in the 76th minute struck the base of the right post, and was just inches away from opening the scoring. The game turned little more than a minute later, as Colorado scored the only goal of the game. Toronto was solid defensively throughout the game, but got caught by a well-delivered ball to the back post for Dillon Serna. The youngster mis-hit a strike across goal, and the ensuing scramble saw the ball land at the feet of 2013 MLS Rookie of the Year, Dillon Powers, just inside the penalty area. At this stage, Toronto was well positioned to deal with Powers. There was lateral pressure coming from both Bekker and Issey Nakajima-Farran, with Mark Bloom directly in front. But Powers bumbled the ball past the challenge of Bloom, clearing room for a shot on goal. As a defender, one must prioritize threats on goal. The nearest defender must close down anyone with time and space to shoot inside the penalty area. The other defenders must then adjust to cover the next immediate threats. Steven Caldwell read the situation well, and as his momentum was in the direction of Powers, Caldwell left Edson Buddle to block the shot from Powers. It was a calculated risk from Caldwell, but it was the correct decision. Edson Buddle did what all good strikers do - he created space for himself in the penalty area by simply holding his run outside the six-yard box. The covering defender, Bradley Orr, is in the correct defensive position, as he also had to be able to intercept a ball across the six-yard box to Deshorn Brown, who was lurking at the far post. Buddle knew that if Powers could cut the ball back, he would have a shot on goal. When Powers cut back was successful, Orr immediately attempted to block Buddles shot - as did TFC goalkeeper, Julio Cesar - but Buddles effort slid under the keeper and into the back of the net. Apart from Bloom getting beaten by Powers just inside the penalty area, TFC defended this situation exactly as they should have. Unfortunately on this occasion, Colorados quality inside the penalty area was simply too good. I have been impressed with Colorado over the last two games, including a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps last week. José Mari looks like a fantastic addition to their midfield, and they move the ball around very well. They can over-narrow their midfield diamond at times, and exploiting the resulting space in wide areas will certainly be a key feature to focus on for any future opponents. The Positives Kyle Bekker put in a very solid performance, which will do his confidence a world of good. If he can continue to improve his positional awareness and general defensive responsibility, he will be a very valuable asset in Nelsens rejuvenated squad. The back four looked comfortable for most of the game - no mean feat, as Buddle and Gabriel Torres (as well as substitute, Deshorn Brown) offer a stern test. There were concerns going into the season about TFCs depth at centre back, but Bradley Orr proved that, while not his preferred position, he is more than capable of providing a solid alternative if the situation arises. The Negatives Perhaps it can be put down to unfamiliarity, but the partnership of Dwayne De Rosario and Gilberto didnt click. De Rosario is usually very tidy in possession, but far too often conceded the ball or gave it away through miscommunication with teammates. With options up front currently few and far between, this is a partnership that Nelsen will need to work if TFC is to be competitive in the absence of Jermain Defoe. The playing surface was infinitely better than it was back in March, when TFC defeated DC United in their home opener. (Credit to the BMO Field ground staff for working miracles during Torontos harsh weather.) But it still didnt lend itself to a slick, free-flowing passing game - something that both teams will prefer when the surface undoubtedly improves. The Star Man Few would argue that Bekker is deserving of a mention (which he is), but for me, Steven Caldwell put in an outstanding effort at the back. His distribution was precise, his positional awareness was superb, and time and time again he snuffed out dangerous situations before they could develop into goal scoring situations for Colorado. Gordon Beckham Jersey . According to TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie, the deal will pay Schenn $2.25 million in the first year and $2.75 million in the second year. In 82 games with the Flyers in 2013-14, Schenn scored 20 goals and added 21 assists. Alejandro De Aza Jersey . Brad Malone had the other goal for the Monsters (1-1-0), while Elliott chipped in an assist for a three-point night and the games first star. Bryan Lerg also had two assists. Corban Knight and Max Reinhart scored for the Heat (1-1-0), who opened their season Friday with a 5-2 win over the Monsters in Cleveland.PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies got a big lift from their bench. Freddy Galvis and Darin Ruf homered and Carlos Ruiz drove in go-ahead run with an eighth-inning sacrifice fly to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-3 victory over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. Ken Giles (3-1) struck out the side in a scoreless eighth to help the Phillies to their fifth win in six games. Asdrubal Cabrera homered for the Nationals, who lost consecutive games for the first time since Aug. 4-5. Cole Hamels took a lead into the eighth before giving up a leadoff homer to Cabrera. The left-hander was lifted for Giles after that batter, finishing with three runs allowed on eight hits with five strikeouts and a walk. Gio Gonzalez (6-10) gave up three runs on six hits in six innings to extend his winless streak to nine starts. Gonzalez is 0-6 with a 4.35 ERA since winning his last game on July 5. "He made a couple of mistakes that they hit out of the park, but he was competitive and threw his pitches for strikes," Washington manager Matt Williams said. Galvis and Ruf were among the right-handed reserves manager Ryne Sandberg inserted into the lineup against the left-handed Gonzalez. "Good energy," Sandberg said. "Guys were hopping around pretty good and doing some good things with the bat, especially Freddy." Jonathan Papelbon pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 33rd save in 35 chances. The Phillies scored the go-ahead run in the eighth off Tyler Clippard (7-3). Ben Revere led off and reached on an error by shortstop Kevin Frandsen. Revere originally was ruled out by first-base umpire Gary Cederstrom, but the call was overturned after a 2:59 delay. It was the second call of the game by Cederstrom that was overturned. Revere stole second, went to third on Jimmy Rollins fly out and scored when Ruiz flew out to deep centre. Gonzalez blanked the Phillies through four innings off two-hit ball before giving up two runs in the fourth. Carlton Fisk Jersey. Grady Sizemore led off with a triple and Galvis hit a high fastball over the fence in left to put Philadelphia up 2-0. It was the first homer since last September for Galvis, who was recalled from Triple-A Saturday and had been 2-for-45 this season prior to the homer. "We all know he can play, know he can hit," Ruf said. "Its nice to have him come through and show what he can do." Rufs two-out solo shot in the sixth gave Philadelphia a three-run advantage. The Phillies clinched the series victory, giving them three straight series wins for the first time since last July. TRAINERS ROOM Nationals: 1B Adam LaRoche was held out of the starting lineup due to back tightness. He pinch-hit in the ninth inning and flew out. Phillies: OF John Mayberry Jr. (right wrist) played in his sixth rehab game at Triple-A Lehigh Valley Tuesday night. Mayberry is 4-for-18 with a homer in five games with the IronPigs. UP NEXT Nationals: RHP Doug Fister (12-3, 2.38) makes his first-ever start at Citizens Bank Park as the teams conclude the three-game series at7:05 Wednesday night. Fister has given up just 13 homers this season but allowed two in his last start, Fridays 10-3 loss to San Francisco. Phillies: RHP Kyle Kendrick (6-11, 4.93) has a 9.69 ERA in the first inning this season. He is 0-2 with a 6.39 ERA in two starts against Washington this season and 5-10 with a 5.00 ERA in 24 career starts versus the Nationals. RUF RAKING Ruf has posted an .893 OPS in 394 plate appearances since his debut in Sept. 14, 2012, which is the highest of any Phillies player with as many plate appearances over that stretch. REPLAY REHASHED Cederstroms first overturned call came in the first inning when replays showed Anthony Rendon was out at first on a groundout after the umpire had called him safe. The two reviews combined for a 4:42 delay. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Share:
