Toronto FC Pre-Game (let’s drink, shall we?)

Why on earth is Cronin still the starting keeper?

I didn't see this game. But if the starting lineup was really a 4-2-3-1 it's no wonder we lost. I still do not understand why coaches ever go with lineups that have a lone striker. Sure it can work if you have Ruud Van Nistleroy or Wayne Rooney up front. But not Edson Buddle. Not even Landon Donovan. We clearly are less of a team without our two superstars, but even with them I think we need two attacking threats at all times. Lord knows our defense isn't going to save us.

Okay, I knew... I knew playing Toronto at their home (BMO) field was not going to be easy. The first half effort from the LA Galaxy team was commendable, not stellar - but they fought well. The young players on our team are going to need a LOT more matches on-field in order for them to play more confidently and much less nervously. Next, the wet turf and the "off-then-on" rain was in no way helping the LA Galaxy. For some players it completely THWARTED their accuracy, correctness, and style. I'm NOT at all confident about: Troy Roberts, Mike Randolph, and Edson Buddle. Sorry, LA Galaxy fans - these individuals committed too many mistakes in this game plus recent others. Too many give aways. Sean Franklin was so impressive - so solid, so composed. In the absence of Beckham and Donovan, our team absolutely need much more experienced, skillful, accurate MIDFIELD WINGERS (BOTH LEFT & RIGHT). Brandon is trying - but right now, he does NOT have the composure and skill to handle the winger position. We have to make some changes in our team this coming June. We have to! Without bringing in some experience on the WINGS and a more expert, smart, tall, strong central defender - we are going to continue to SUFFER! Our LA Galaxy team needs this! It needs these players-changes soon!
The players that hung in there, fought, tried to create, and tried to keep our LA Galaxy strong offensively and defensively:
Alan Gordon, Alvaro Pires, Chris Klein, Greg Vanney, Sean Franklin, Joey Franchino (I still strongly believe that our team needs and must hold onto Joey; he needs to be much more match fit & increase his running speed, of course - but he's especially valuable at buying some serious time (seconds) for the rest of the Galaxy team to catch up).
The players that made too many mistakes and kept giving away the balls or lost concentration and attention: Mike Randolph, Troy Roberts, and Edson Buddle.
Steve Cronin needs another FULL 1 Year of constant matches in MLS before his stats, his instincts, and reaction-times improves and becomes a good, solid keeper.
Carlos Ruiz still needs to play more MLS matches with the guys; in this game you could see he was waiting... waiting to see who would give that perfect cross and pass and set him up - the way that Landon and David can. LA Galaxy organization (if you are you reading this?): we need more experience, talent, skill, and expertise in BOTH LEFT & RIGHT WINGS, plus a TALL, STRONG, QUICK, SKILLFUL CENTRAL DEFENDER.
The 2008 season is by no means done, not yet at the halfway mark. However, the LA Galaxy organization MUST, MUST bring in the players that this team requires. There will be current members that must be let go... it's not nice to read nor to see... but, if our LA Galaxy wants to seriously make it to the MLS Cup 2008, these necessary changes must be made soon (LIKE NOW!!!)

We didn't put anything together up top. I think we honestly had only 1 decent shot on top.

Wow, zero offense.

good tackle from McDonald

franklin's playing well

defense is holding right now

they're moving the ball a little now

here's the lineup:

--------------------Buddle--------------------

---Randolph------McDonald--------Gordon---

-----------Franchino------Pires---------------

Vanney-----Franklin-----Roberts-----Klein --

-------------------Cronin--------------------

Subs: Wicks, Donovan, Jordan, Ruiz, Tudela,Valentin and Vagenas.

do you guys think Harmse will be out for blood or to try and prove something? please, no injuries today!

Just read:

David Beckham has been named to captain England in the friendly against Trinidad & Tobago. Great to see! But we want you back :p

Thanks guys. I'll drink to that later tonight. Better call my husband (I am at work) and tell him to get the beers in the fridge. :)

She is doing a great job, isn't she? And saving my sanity at the same time. :-)

This game against Toronto will be very interesting to watch. 1) TURF, 2) Possibly, rain & cold, 3) BMO Field & the Insatiable Red Army... so far - these three alone has gotten me tremendously worried. But, as Nicholas pointed out Toronto is missing 5 of their regular starters while we're missing 3 (if indeed Donovan is not playing. I don't think Donovan should play; I believe Bob Bradley will really need him to be available to start against Spain & Argentina). It's going to come down to how often and how well our midfielders will perform today at BMO. And,let's also keep an eye out for "Mr. Iwanna Foul" (Harmse). Glen, I too will be content with a tie and walking away with a point. But, I really want our LA Galaxy to win at Toronto and at San Jose. I think - beating these two teams will be important as solidifying our position in the mindsets of our critics. Did anyone get to see the Italy vs. Belgium friendly? My good lord, what an amazing, talented bench Coach Donadoni have... it made my eyes swell up. Damn!
Okay, that's why they get to make it to the quarter-finals and semi-finals. By the way, Jen - you're doing a great job backing up Laurie - Thanks!

SORRY I got confused by all these international dates. Velez is here, the Puerto Rico game is next week.

Expect Tebily (number 28) to start instead of Phelan in TFC's back four. He played the second half in DC when Marshall got injured and the full game in Montreal (Concacaf qualifyer). Dichio is also nursing a groin injury, which leads many TFC fans to except a 4-5-1, with Cunningham up front on his own. Also, Velez is on National Team duty with Puerto Rico vs. Amado Guevara's Honduras. Add Robert's suspension, and we have a much thinner line up than you guys missing Beckham and possibly Donovan. I would be very happy with 3 points, but I suppose I'd accept 1. Anyways, I'm off to the game, we're gettng together with some LA Riot Squad people in a pub before hand.

P.S. No Canadian TV station is showing Canada - Brazil. I will angrily Sopcast, while they show 14 year old hockey instead.

oh yea Edu is with the national team so he wont be at the game either .. you guys are lucky it only three players missing we got 5 missing from our starting lineup .. i am really starting to hate the bloody MLS .. I am sure there is a rule in Europe that states that they game has to be rescheduled if 3 or more players from a team is called for international break

Glen, yeah, no Kaka, no Ronaldinho, no Ronaldo. But I think Adriano and Pato will be here, which could be interesting. I'm really excited!!

well this game should be wide open with key players from both teams absent. hopefully Buddle/Ruiz will take advantage of the chances they get with some good quality crosses from Klien. all I'm asking for is a point, is that too much too ask :p

I'm looking forward to seeing how the Canadian National team plays against Brazil. I believe some of the top players won't be there, Kaka etc. but if they can keep the pressure up and do a little mugging in the midfield should be intersting.

OMG Laurie! Tell Jazic The Offside says a collective "hi"

Oooh, I forgot Jazic was called up. I'll be seeing him, along with the Brazilian boys tomorrow night.

Which is also, alas, why I can't play the drinking game. Somebody has to drive to the game. Although I'd be careful if I were you. The Beckham's absence and Donovan's groin items alone could give you alcohol poisoning.