Beyond POV-FS – June Recap: TFC Injuries, Three Matches, Goalkeeping Situation, Jordan Hamilton, & a handful of WTR Mailbags

So, it appears as though with all the football action going on over the past month – UEFA Euros, Copa America Centenario, & MLS – it has been a while since one of these went up.

Thus, this edition is a long one, covering all the content that went up over that time frame, and it includes a return to Canadian Soccer News with a piece based off an interview with Carl Robinson.

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag: On the Value of Trophies

This version of the mailbag saw a slight tweak, using the preamble as a chance to editorialize about whatever happens to be going on at the moment. The topic, ahead of the second leg of the Voyageurs Cup semi-final in Montreal, was what benefit a side could derive from a trophy.

Conversation in the comment section largely revolved around what is needed from the various young players – Jordan Hamilton, Mo Babouli, Jay Chapman, etc. – in order for them to get more playing time.

MLSsoccer.com – No Bradley, no Altidore, but Giovinco back for TFC

Following a ten-day break between matches, Toronto FC may have been without two of their three designated players with the resumption of league play, but at least Sebastian Giovinco would be back in the fold.

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag: On the Dividing of Schedules & Rhythm

In this edition of the mailbag, the topic of breaking a schedule down into sections and the importance of finding rhythm as a means of navigating a long season were the points of emphasis.

While in the comment section, conversation involved the possibility of conceding points in the name of keeping depth players fresh, so they can perform when called upon, and an unfulfilled question on why Canada struggles to develop players.

That is a very large question – the mailbag has a way of bringing them up – and one that will be gotten to in time.

MLSsoccer.com – Gio vs. Gio: TFC eager for superstar showdown

Ahead of Toronto's clash with Los Angeles, a team against whom they have struggled historically, the prospect of a Giovinco vs. Giovani dos Santos duel was too appealing to ignore – even though in the end the LA star, and Steven Gerrard, did not make the trip.

MLSsoccer.com – Toronto FC vs. LA Galaxy

The post-match reactions from TFC's 1-0 win over LA: Toronto guided to victory by some veteran nous in Benoit Cheyrou and Drew Moor, who scored the game's only goal; while LA lament the late concession.

MLSsoccer.com – Toronto FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps – Voyageurs Cup

The post-match reactions from TFC's 1-0 win over Vancouver in the opening leg of the Voyageurs Cup Final: Toronto wonder if, given the lineup disparity, the narrow margin of victory would hold up with the second leg in Vancouver; while the Whitecaps are frustrated with the deflected goal conceded.

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag: On Being Hard to Beat & Finding Form at the Right Time

In this edition of the mailbag, Toronto's return to a solid defensive unit, and doing so at the perfect time, is the primary focus.

And in the comment section, myriad topics, including the absences of Damien Perquis and Mark Bloom, Herculez Gomez' ghost salary, MLS financial transparency, goalkeeping depth (a prescient issue), and the potential of summer transfer moves are all discussed.

Canadian Soccer News – On the Other Side: Carl Robinson on his time in Toronto and MLS Growth ahead of the Voyageurs Cup Final

In a long-intended return to the pages of Canadian Soccer News, an interview with Carl Robinson, head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps, about his time with Toronto FC, with whom his new side would be clashing in the closer of the cup, and the growth in MLS since his arrival in 2007 were discussed.

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag: On Frustration & Overcoming

In this edition of the mailbag, again, ahead of the Voyageurs Cup finale, the controversial last-minute penalty kick in Orlando is ignored, instead the focus is on how this TFC side, for all their frailties, is never out of a match – the concept of not losing, simply running out of time in a primary theme. An idea that was very much in play with the seconds ticking down later that night at BC Place.

In the comment section, once more the mysterious extended absences were discussed, as were the tendency towards slow starts from TFC and the state of refereeing in MLS.

MLSsoccer.com – As injuries mount, TFC reveal Altidore near return

With all the bad – Clint Irwin, Michael Bradley, and Will Johnson facing long injury lay-offs – there was some positive news emanating from the TFC ranks, as Jozy Altidore was nearing a return to full training of ahead of his return to the side.

MLSsoccer.com – Bono takes reins as TFC cope with Irwin's injury

That injury to Irwin has cast the club into an awkward position, without a true, experienced number two, they have only a pair of youngsters with minimal minutes. Both Alex Bono and Quillan Roberts are highly-touted, but are they ready to start?

MLSsoccer.com – Toronto FC vs. Seattle Sounders

Post-match reactions following the 1-1 draw between the two at BMO Field: a strong performance from a depleted TFC in their fifth match in fifteen days lacks finishing touch; while Jordan Morris' crucial strike helps build confidence for the floundering Sounders.

MLSsoccer.com – TFC's next big thing? Hamilton finds scoring touch

A feature on Jordan Hamilton, who has scored four goals in eight appearances over the past month or so on the back of some very solid performances after two seasons in the wilderness.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: LA Galaxy at Waking the Red

The usual preview material went up over at Waking the Red over the past few days – no How You Doin'? this week, however.

Know Your Enemy looks up and down the LA Galaxy. In Part One their lineup and form are examined, while in Part Two strengths and weaknesses are exposed with the use of game film.

Check them out

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review: 2014 MLS Cup Final at Canadian Soccer News

A full review of the MLS Cup Final between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the New England Revolution is up over at Canadian Soccer News.

Like most finals, it was a close-fought affair, rather than the run-and-gun encounter fans always hope for – at least the winner proved to be a moment of pure class – check it out.

Also, never got around to posting the link for the review of the second legs of the conference finals, which can be viewed here, if one is so inclined.

This endeavour, recapping every match played throughout the MLS season is a massive undertaking – the end of the season comes with a certain amount of relief. That said, thanks so much for following along, it has been a fun season and with two new clubs joining the league in 2015 it looks to be getting even better.

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review – Playoffs: Conference Finals First Legs at Canadian Soccer News

The review of the first legs of the MLS Conference Finals is up over at Canadian Soccer News, covering all the action from the two weekend matches – check it out.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Los Angeles Galaxy at Waking the Red

Preview of Toronto FC’s upcoming match against the Galaxy in LA is up over at Waking the Red.

Part One looks over their lineup and form, while Part Two reviews the game film for strengths and weaknesses.

Check them out

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review: Playoff Edition – Conference Semifinals, First and Seconds Legs at Canadian Soccer News

    Full recaps of the four conference semifinals are up over at Canadian Soccer News.

    Thus far the playoff have been a rollercoaster with the first two rounds packed into a compressed time span while the upcoming international dates are set to distance the two legs of the conference finals by a full two weeks.

    Hardly an ideal situation; the lack of breathing space has been a combination of exhilarating and overwhelming.

    Like a fine wine, sometimes it is better to let a series simmer and there is some fear that the large gaps between rounds will cause the attention to dwindle.

    Anyways, the reviews – First Legs & Second Legs

Are Late Allowances Solely a TFC problem?

    Having looked at the nine goals Toronto FC has allowed in the final quarter of an hour, if only superficially, yesterday – further investigation is definitely warranted, perhaps there will be time next week – today the question is whether this is a TFC problem alone or an affliction of MLS?

Good Listens – MLS Podcast Round-Up

    Highlighting a trio of North American podcasts from the past week or so:

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Los Angeles Galaxy at Waking the Red

    Preview of this afternoon’s match between Toronto FC and the LA Galaxy at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red.

    Check it out.

    NB: I wasn’t bold enough to predict minutes for Landon Donovan in the official preview, but do not be overly surprised if he makes a cameo appearance in the matchday eighteen.

MLS Red Card Watch – Salazar and Chivas

    Last week POV-FS, alerted by a lack of red cards through two weeks, theorized that MLS had instructed its officials to be more lenient on the field and allow the Disciplinary Committee to handle any serious infractions in an effort to spare any mistakes from ruining matches.

    Finally, in the last match of Round Three on Sunday, the first red card of the 2013 season was shown by referee Ricardo Salazar to Chivas USA in their derby against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

    And, of course, it was controversial.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemies: 2012 MLS Cup Final Preview at Waking the Red

    Preview of this afternoon’s MLS Cup Final at the Home Depot Center between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo is up over at Waking the Red.

    Check it out.

    Also, highlights of last season’s final and a behind-the-scenes feature.

POV-FS Mail it in Friday Video – 2011 MLS Cup Final

    With the LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo set to meet in a rematch of last season’s final on Saturday afternoon, it is the perfect time to revisit that match with these extended highlights.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemies: Eastern & Western Conference Finals Previews at Waking the Red

    Preview’s of today’s conference finals are up over at Waking the Red.

    Check them out – East and West.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Los Angeles Galaxy at Waking the Red

    Preview of tonight’s match between Toronto FC and the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Home Depot Center is up over at Waking the Red.

    Check it out.

The Curse of the SkyDome Strikes Again

    Back on March 7th Toronto FC began their 2012 season with a dramatic 2-2 match in front of nearly fifty-thousand fans at the SkyDome in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Foresight - MLS Round 21 Weekend Preview

    Four questions to be answered in this the twenty-first round proper of MLS weekend action.

Foresight – MLS Round 18 Weekend Preview

    Four questions to be answered in this the eighteenth weekend round proper of MLS action.

Foresight – MLS Round 16 Weekend Preview

Four questions to be answered in this the sixteenth weekend of MLS action.

Foresight – MLS Round 12 Weekend Preview

Four questions to be answered in this the twelfth weekend of MLS action.

Foresight – MLS Round 11 Weekend Preview

    Four questions to be answered in this the eleventh round of MLS action.