Beyond POV-FS – WTR Mailbag, The New & Improved BMO Field, and Toronto FC vs. FC Dallas

This week's round includes the standard mailbag, a variety of thoughts surrounding the renovations at BMO Field, and finally, Toronto FC's home opener against FC Dallas on Saturday:

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag

In this weekly feature, after a brief rant readers turned the conversation over to the TFC home opener, in particular, Bill Manning's comments on Sportsnet's TFC Pitchside and then an interesting exchange over the development of Jordan Hamilton, as well as the general nature of player progress in North America.

MLSsoccer.com – 10 Things... Get to Know the New BMO Field

In this countdown-style post, a recount of the features added during the renovations at BMO Field ahead of the opener on the weekend.

MLSsoccer.com – TFC Players Marvel at Renovated BMO Field

Prior to their first training session at the new ground, Michael Bradley, Jonathan Osorio, and Greg Vanney spoke about what the now massive stadium meant to the side as they looked to transform solid road performances into home dominance.

MLSsoccer.com – Toronto Officials Celebrate 'Spectacular' New BMO

Recounting the Grand Re-Opening event held at BMO Field on Friday with lines from some of those who spoke about what the ground means, not just for the club, but for the city.

MLSsoccer.com – Toronto FC vs. FC Dallas Post-Match Reactions

In a pair of posts following Toronto's 1-0 win over Dallas, TFC opens up about what the raucous atmosphere during the match meant to them, while Dallas coach, Oscar Pareja, finds reasons for optimism in the midst of a third straight defeat.

Beyond POV-FS – How You Doin' NYC FC & Weekly Mailbag at Waking the Red

A couple of posts went up over at Waking the Red this week.

The Weekly Mailbag kicked off a few interesting conversations, including over who should take up that left-sided attacking role while Jozy Altidore is out, especially considering that Dan Lovitz looks to have picked up a knock, the role of Benoit Cheyrou and some formation talk ensued, as did an interesting little thread on concerns over the pitch dimensions at BMO Field.

Check it out.

And ahead of Sunday's match at NYC FC, WTR spoke with Jake Gofman of Hudson River Blue for the How You Doin'? Segment, where the two SB Nation sites exchange a series of questions.

Jake's responses can be found at WTR – and he can be followed on Twitter – while WTR's answers are over at Hudson River Blue.

Check them out.

TFC got a huge three points on opening day, another three today would go a long way towards their road-trip minimum. Should be interesting.

Beyond POV-FS – Jozy Altidore, Clint Irwin, Sebastian Giovinco, & TFC 2016 Team Guide: January & February Posts at MLSsoccer.com

As faithful readers will have noticed, I am now doing some writing for MLSsoccer.com. It's pretty excited, getting to cover this team I've been watching so long from a closer vantage point.

Over the past two months, several pieces have gone up, on topics ranging from the impact of Clint Irwin's signing, Sebastian Giovinco raring to get 2016 started, Greg Vanney & Company on bracing for the eight-match road trip and the renovations at BMO Field, as well as the leaner, happier Jozy Altidore ahead of his second season back in MLS.

In addition, the 2016 TFC Team Guide went up as well.

Check them all out, and look forward to the March coverage, which includes some features on Marky Delgado and Giovinco, as well as a little insight into the kitchen at the KIA Training Ground.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Philadelphia Union – Meeting the Third at Waking the Red

Preview of this evening's match between Toronto FC and the Philadelphia Union at BMO Field went up over at Waking the Red yesterday.

A single installment of the series looks over the Union's recent form, the last meeting, projects a lineup, and highlights some patterns of play that have evolved over recent weeks.

Check it out

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Chicago Fire – Meeting the Second at Waking the Red

A preview of Toronto FC's upcoming opponent, the Chicago Fire, ahead of Saturday's match at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red.

Chicago are a bit of an unknown quantity at this point, what with the coaching change and their season all but officially ended. A wounded beast is never an easy foe.

Should be interesting – check it out

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy and How You Doin'? Philadelphia Union at Waking the Red

The usual preview materials went up over at Waking the Red earlier this week in preparation for Toronto FC's match on Saturday against the Philadelphia Union; their second encounter of the 2015 season.

A single installment of Know Your Enemy reviews Philadelphia's form since the last meeting at the start of May, projects a starting eleven, and highlights a few threats and avenues of attack to keep an eye out for during the match.

In How You Doin'?, WTR exchanges questions with Eugene Rupinski of SB Nation Union site The Brotherly Game ahead of Saturday.

WTR's responses can be found here.

Check them out

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Montreal Impact – Meeting the Second at Waking the Red

Preview of this afternoon’s game between Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red.

Final home game of the season, should be interesting… maybe… Check it out.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Houston Dynamo – Meeting the Third at Waking the Red

Preview of this evening’s match between Toronto FC and the Houston Dynamo at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red

Check it out

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Portland Timbers at Waking the Red

Preview of Toronto FC’s crucial match on Saturday against the Portland Timbers at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red.

Check it out - Parts One and Two

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Chivas USA at Waking the Red

Preview of Sunday’s match between Toronto FC and Chivas USA at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red.

Check it out – Parts One and Two

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Philadelphia Union – Meeting the Second at Waking the Red

Preview of Saturday’s rematch between Toronto FC and the Philadelphia Union at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red

Check it out

Bonus – How You Doin’ Philadelphia Union, Part Two and Brotherly Game’s Three Questions with Waking the Red

Beyond POV-FS – Notes from the Stands – Toronto FC v Chicago Fire at Waking the Red

A few observations from Saturday’s match are up over at Waking the Red – check it out and share your thoughts match

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy:Sporting KC – Meeting the Second at Waking the Red

Preview of Saturday’s match between Toronto FC and Sporting KC at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red – check it out

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Montreal Impact – Meeting the Third at Waking the Red

    Preview of Saturday’s end of season match between Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red.

    Can the Reds damage Montreal’s playoff bid? Will it be as crazy a match as the 3-3 back in July?

    Check it out and prepare for the match

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: New England Revolution – Meeting the Third at Waking the Red

    Preview of tonight’s match between Toronto FC and the New England Revolution at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red.

    Check it out – Let’s Go to the Ex!

First Person View – Midseason Friendlies should be Celebratory -- Part Three - A Call to Arms

    As a non-member of the supporter’s culture, though perhaps more invested in the fortunes of the team than many, it is not my place to call into question the why’s of how one chooses to support the club.

POV-FS Out Loud – Talking the State of All Things Toronto FC on NextSportStar.com’s Red Card with Anthony Totera

    Anthony was kind enough to have me on Monday night to discuss the on-goings at TFC, touching on subjects from Ashtone Morgan, Matias Laba, the pitch at BMO Field, the rumoured arrival of Diego Forlan and much more.

    It was a jam-packed show, featuring a trio of players - Eric Avila, Robert Earnshaw, and Dax McCarty – Paul Attfield of The Globe & Mail, and myself, clearly bringing it all together at the end of the show as the key interview.

    Be sure to check it out, follow Anthony and the network, NextSportStar, on twitter, and keep an eye out for the show every weeknight at 7 pm EST.

Toronto FC's Late Goals - Torturous Viewing and Time for a Change

    Toronto FC has conceded nineteen goals this season, nine of which have come in the final fifteen minutes of matches.

    Here are all nine of those late goals: not recommended viewing for those with weak constitutions.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Philadelphia Union – Meeting the Second at Waking the Red

    Preview of this weekend’s match between Toronto FC and Philadelphia Union at BMO Field on Saturday is up over at Waking the Red.

    Check it out.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Columbus Crew at Waking the Red

    The first two installments of the Know Your Enemy preview series, focusing on Toronto FC’s upcoming opponent, Columbus Crew, who come to BMO Field on Saturday afternoon, are up over at Waking the Red.

    Part One looks at their lineup and form.

    Part Two goes over game film for strengths and weaknesses, pertaining to goals for and against, as well as a few points of interest.