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“Not the prettiest game but we earned that point. Corentin Tolisso France Jersey .” – Mark Bloom (@markbloom21), on Twitter That one sentence sums it up, while at the same time, leaving so much out. Another workman-like effort on a difficult night for Toronto FC earned the team their first draw of the season in a 2-2 tie at Sporting Kansas City. The first half was among the worst 45 minutes of football you will see in Major League Soccer. The lone highlight/lowlight of the first half was Kansas City defender Igor Juliao vomiting on the field. Seriously...that was it...and those watching had the similar nausea suffering through the awful display. The second half was an entirely different game - Talking points...goals...a red card...and controversy. Through it all, 10-man Toronto FC goes home with a point in hand and thats four points in two league matches without Michael Bradley, for those counting at home. This wasnt the Sporting Kansas City team that won the MLS Cup last December. Top players Graham Zusi and Matt Besler are off with Bradley and the US Mens National team. Kansas City coach Peter Vermes was without his five - yes, five - first choice centre-backs unavailable through international duty, injury or suspension. Matters got worse with fill-in centre-back Chance Myers forced from the match in the 36th minute through injury and former Toronto FC midfielder Jacob Peterson moved to the backline. Anyone with experience watching Peterson over the years understands that defending is not exactly his forte. TFC manager Ryan Nelsen dealt with his own selection issues. Nelsen was minus three would-be regular starting midfielders. Debutant Collen Warner was forced to start at outside left, hardly his position of strength. Toronto struggled to maintain possession, yet again – a recurring theme this season. The field was tilted and, post-match, Nelsen complained all big decisions went against TFC. Any Baldomero Toledo-officiated match will leave one feeling that way. In fairness to Toledo, the 63rd-minute sending off of captain Steven Caldwell was most likely the right call – a high, studs-up challenge to the upper leg of Toni Dovante – and the 84th-minute penalty decision against Doniel Henry can easily be debated on both sides of the claim. Toledos decisions seem to be match-defining more times than not. This time around they should be considered harsh but fair. Yet, despite it all, Toronto FC outscored Kansas City 2-1 over the last 30 minutes of football while down a man. Make it two chances, two goals and two weeks in a row with Toronto FC scoring in stoppage time, flipping the script after years of conceding late. It will go down as a crucial point earned when it comes to eventual and expected playoff contention. You must pick up points on nights like these if you expect to be left standing when it comes to the post-season. Its a huge away point from a team with plenty to work on, but resiliency and push-back to be proud of.Here are my five thoughts on the 2-2 draw: 1) Warner Wins - Its incredible how segments of the Toronto FC fan base made up their mind on Warner before he ever touched a ball wearing red. “Not good enough” was a common sentiment. Suggestions as such were absolute garbage. The midfielder was solid in his TFC debut, growing into the match as it wore on. Warner was uncomfortable wide left, frequently moving inside. The team was far too narrow over the first 45 minutes. That isnt all on Warner. What we saw from the start was a player comfortable getting stuck in and one who puts himself in proper defensive positions. The newcomer showed his true worth after a double-change in the 53rd minute moved him inside. His physical presence was an asset and Warner played a massive role on TFCs first goal, not only winning the ball in the middle of the park, but also finishing his run, getting up the wing to provide Jermain Defoe another option on the break. The ball ended up on Luke Moores foot, scoring with a proper left-foot finish. But Warners run forced a defender to him and created a mismatch with Peterson late to recover on Moore. Warner will never be a flashy player, but every team needs honest, specific role players to be relied upon. Nelsen boasted about Warners physical presence post-match. “There was a reason we wanted him,” said Nelsen. Nevermind the detractors, the addition of Warner is welcome and true rewards of the trade will come after Bradley returns, giving him the freedom to get forward and attack. 2) Super Subs – Nelsen continues to get beat up by many for his “tactical” approach. Some may not like his 4-4-2 and team ball possession and consistency in attack must get better for the team to improve while getting the most out of the talented Defoe. Its far too early to make baseless claims that Nelsen doesnt know what hes doing. The head coach has only had a full squad at his disposal once all season, so its some patchwork stuff going on. What I do like is that Nelsens in-game management is growing by the game. Its been much better in recent weeks and particularly on Friday. Kyle Bekker and Alvaro Rey really struggled on the night and the midfield was a mess. Nelsen took off both players in the 53rd minute, bringing on Daniel Lovitz and Moore in their place. Lovitz went wide left and Moore straight-up front. Gilberto moved to a more outside role, almost turning the formation into a 4-3-3. It was a good move that entirely changed Toronto FCs shape. Even after going down a man, the shape was far better and more effective than anything over the first 45 minutes. Its moves like this that clearly suggest Nelsen gets it. Hes still young in his managerial career and is figuring out which buttons to press. I see progress here. Now, he needs a better-rounded team to get the most out of. Added quality at the outside midfield positions would certainly help. 3) Breaking Brad – In back-to-back games Bradley Orr has done a job for Toronto FC, from man-of-the-match consideration last Saturday to scoring the equalizer in stoppage time on Friday. Nick Hagglund did well to play the ball back inside the box after a scramble off a free kick and Orr exposed an inexperienced centre-back duo, finding a soft spot in limited space in front of the goalkeeper and keeping his cool to head home his first goal for Toronto FC for a great finish by a guy emerging as an important squad player. Look for Orr to partner Hagglund at centre-back for next weekends league match against Columbus. He deserves to stay in the team and Hagglund deserves to be beside him – a good combination of veteran presence and youthful exuberance. Caldwells upcoming one-game suspension opens the door for Orr to slide back to centre-half. Orr isnt ideal at centre-midfield and is better suited on the backline. 4) Challenging Challenges – Lets start with Caldwell - he knows better than to fly in for such a clumsy, unnecessary tackle around midfield that saw him sent off. The captain made the argument that, perhaps, it should be just a yellow. Any time you challenge studs-up high on an opponent with clear intent, youre asking for trouble and Caldwell knows better...and he is. Caldwell will now most likely play Wednesday night in the Canadian Championship against Montreal. Fortunate for Caldwell, his team picked him up and earned the point. On the other hand, Doneil Henrys untimely challenge leading to the Kansas City penalty and second goal is all-too- familiar. Its the fourth penalty on the year given up by the 21-year old. The penalty call itself was debatable as Henry came flying across the box to help cover in defence. Juliao played the ball past Henry and crashed into the defender. It was no surprise that Juliao dropped to the ground and the penalty was given. Juliao would have never got to the ball and I wouldnt have given a penalty. The collision was true, but the intention was not. I would have preferred discretion used by Toledo on a call inside the penalty area. An instant Twitter poll with over 50 respondents (@WheelerTSN) showed 52 per cent believing that the penalty was rightfully given. Henry was far too rash in his challenge, sprinting out to the player without any wherewithal to put his body in a position to react. Lumbering into a player just inside the 18 almost never ends well, no matter the intent. It was inelegant from Henry. More discipline and sound defensive one-on-one positional play is essential for the player to grow. I assume he will start alongside Caldwell Wednesday in another chance to prove he has the discipline to play at this level. 5) Cool Foot Luke – It was written in this space last week Nelsen must consider starting Moore over Gilberto for the time-being and Moores second goal in as many games reinforces the argument. The Englishman finished the type of chance Gilberto has let gone to waste in recent weeks. The suggestion Gilberto should head to the bench short-term isnt intended to bash the Brazilian. His work-rate and effort remains desirable, but strikers need do more than simply work hard. There needs to be proper link-up play and the ability to finish. Both need improvement. It looks as though Defoe and Moore have complimentary movement off the ball. Its tough to entirely tell with TFC playing so defensive with not nearly enough attacking play. Starting Moore over Gilberto isnt about killing his confidence - its about doing whats best for the team. Make him earn his way into the squad. It is not preferable, but designated players can be sent to the bench. Claudio Bieler has been banished to the bench at Sporting Kansas City and they keep rolling on. Nelsen has to do whats best for the team and thats not simply handing a spot to Gilberto in the starting XI because hes a designated player. Toronto FC welcomes the Montreal Impact to BMO Field Wednesday April 28th at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt for the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship. Samuel Umtiti France Jersey . Louis Blues and back into top spot of the TSN.ca NHL Power Rankings. The Sharks had been ranked No. Djibril Sidibe France Jersey . - This win was more the New Jersey Devils style.Sky Sports Barrie McDermott, Terry OConnor and Phil Clarke react to the news that Leeds have placed Zak Hardaker on the transfer list. The England international was a key player for Brian McDermotts side in their treble-winning 2015 season, but the Rhinos have agreed to sell him after he expressed his desire to play in the NRL.Leeds have secured just three victories this season and are currently rooted to the bottom of the Super League table after 17 rounds, their most recent defeat coming at the hands of the Catalans Dragons on Friday evening. Hardaker on transfer list Leeds Rhinos put Zak Hardaker on transfer list Former Leeds stalwart and Sky Sports pundit McDermott admitted that he was not shocked to learn of the announcement.In some ways, its not surprising, said McDermott. The former Man of Steel was part of a treble-winning 2015, but equally part of the rock-bottom Rhinos of 2016.Rugby league players have short careers, which is probably why Zak Hardaker wants a new challenge. Zak Hardaker tasted Challenge Cup victory with the Rhinos in both 2014 and 2015 My instinct is he wants to play in the NRL, like many others. Like several Rhinos players, he has been way off his usual standards this year, and doesnt look like hes enjoying this particular challenge, so if thats how he feels, he must leave.Despite their current standing in the table and their hopes of a top-eight finish and the opportunity to regain the famous treble they secured last season all but over, McDermott is positive the club he represented between 1995 and 2005 can bounce back.Leeds will find a replacement Im certain, he added. Truthfully, 2016 will probably live as long as 2015 in the memory bank of Rhinos fans, and the rebuilding process will be a fascinating one.Change is inevitable. Some players will move on and others will move in. The 24-year-old was named 2015 man of steel following his performances for the Rhinos, which also saw him play five times for England To lose a player with such quality is a shame but thats the business aspect of rugby league.OConnor says the loss of such a big talent will be felt by the Rhinos, but believes they will come back stronger, and that the pressure on Hardaker may have contributed to his loss of form.Its tough for young players who win Man of Steel because there is always more pressure on them the following season, said the Wigan legend. Its new territory, whereas a senior player may have a bit more experience under the belt to deal with it.Perhaps Hardaker wants a new challenge, or maybe he wants to get away from that expectation.Either way, he will be a loss to Leeds, and I have no doubt that he will dazzle wwhichever crowd he ends up playing in front of, because he is a brilliant talent. France Jerseys. With that said, no player is irreplaceable so I can see Leeds bouncing back comfortably from this. Highlights from Headingley Carnegie as Leeds Rhinos faced Catalans Dragons in the First Utility Super League. Each time a big talent leaves, there is this feeling that he cant be replaced, but the truth is there are plenty of fresh, exciting players coming through each season, and they will take the chance to play for a club like Leeds in a heartbeat.No player is bigger than the club, and although I think it will take the Rhinos a bit longer to rebuild than initially thought, they will be back as a force within the next three to four years.Fellow Sky Sports pundit Clarke admitted his shock at Leeds decision to part ways with one of their most promising young players.In his Sky Sports column on Saturday, Clarke said: I never thought that I would see the day when Leeds allow one of their best players to leave mid-season.OK, I know he has not been as impressive this season as he was in the last, but as I mentioned earlier this week, Leeds need to buy some players, not sell them, if they want to get out of their current predicament. Two sides to every story Two sides to every story says Phil Clarke, as Leeds place Hardaker on transfer list The 24-year-old was voted Man of Steel last season, the first time that Leeds have had a player to win that title since Iestyn Harris back in 1998. Why would the Rhinos let him leave? And particularly in circumstances like this?My experience of following the game tells me that when a team loses on a regular basis, someone gets blamed. It might not always be that persons fault, but the club feel the need to change something, and it looks like in this case, it will be Hardaker at Leeds. Also See: Hardaker on transfer list Two sides to every story Leeds top eight hopes all but over Catalans overcome lowly leeds ' ' '
- Created: Jul 23 '19
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