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What the heck?
Early in the second half at Giants Stadium yesterday, Toronto FC is trailing New York 1-0. In comes rangy goal specialist Danny Dichio, even though he's battling a concussion. Barely four minutes go by, Dichio goes up for a high ball – and gets elbowed clean in the coconut by NY defender Gabriel Cichero.
A blatant head shot, and TFC coach John Carver is left with no choice but to remove Dichio from the match. Cichero gets benched also, on a red card from the ref. So what does Toronto's attack generate in 41 minutes of power play?
Nothing.
I'm not suggesting Dichio should have got preferential treatment from the New York defence because he'd been recently concussed. This is pro sports, and everyone knew the job was dangerous when they took it. But it was certainly a classless foul, and if Cichero knew Dichio's condition, contemptible as well.
I'm more concerned with what didn't happen next.
- Newcomer Johann Smith – just signed from Bolton Wanderers – showed great speed and lots of moves … and didn't score.
- Hopeful prospect Jarrod Smith put his share of stress on the NY defence corps … and didn't score.
- Striker Chad Barrett – over from Chicago in the Brian McBride deal – howled for penalty kicks and shot wide a couple of times … and didn't score.
- Agitating midfielder Rohan Ricketts? Had some chances, muffed some shots … and didn't score.
And!
How many times this year have TFC's opponents had a 30-yard-plus breakaway on a Toronto FC goaltender? I'm setting the over-under number at a dozen, and betting over. Both New York goals (yep, they got a second right at the death, hugely against the run of play) were field-length breakouts.
Without any of the scorers scoring, and with this gaping vulnerability at the back, Toronto FC is sending a clear, loud message to the rest of MLS:
If you get a one-goal lead and elbow Dichio in the head, you win.
And that can't possibly be good for anyone. Over to you, coach Carver.
Onward!
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Rick Restrepo from Toronto, Canada writes: my thoughts exactly
- Posted 18/08/08 at 2:41 PM EST | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment
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Branden Fonovic from St Catharines, writes: I'll cut Johann Smith some slack as he just joined the team and doesn't know the system, assuming TFC has a system (which wasn't much in evidence yesterday). But the rest of the offensive core should be shaking their heads. At least Attakora is showing some skill, only good chance in the game for TFC in my opinion.
Our central D is too slow. But at least Velez tried to get back, watching the replay it looks like James is out for a leisurely mid-morning stroll.
Maybe with Amado back next game he can create some chances with our new strikers, but I'm not holding my breath for a playoff spot this year.- Posted 18/08/08 at 3:02 PM EST | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment
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Andrew Dowey from Toronto, Canada writes: In defense of the new boy (Johann) - I think he was the only bright spot, but our centre backs belong in USL.
We should have made a move for Adrian Serioux.- Posted 18/08/08 at 8:40 PM EST | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment
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