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 & How You Doin'? Seattle Sounders at Waking the Red

The usual preview materials are up over at Waking the Red ahead of Toronto FC's match in Seattle against the Sounders tonight.

In Know Your Enemy, the details of the opposition are exposed. Part One looks over their lineup and form, while Part Two hits the game film for strengths and weaknesses.

In How You Doin'?, questions are exchanged with Dave Clark of sister SB Nation site, Sounder at Heart. Dave's answers can be found here, while WTR's responses are here.

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 – 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

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review: Playoff Edition – Play-In Round at Canadian Soccer News

    Reviews of the two midweek one-match knockout rounds to decide which of the fourth or fifth place teams would move on to the MLS Conference Semifinals is up over at Canadian Soccer News.

    Check it out

POV-FS Out Loud – Anthony Totera’s Red Card on NextSportStar.com

    Anthony was kind enough to have me on his Friday night edition of Red Card to discuss the stretch run towards the MLS playoffs.

    Unfortunately, technical problems derailed the conversation just as things were getting started – thanks, phone – but still, check it out.

    And, as usual, Red Card had some fine guests on this week – as always. The Jimmy Nielsen interview from Thursday is highly recommended.

Beyond POV-FS – What Just Happened? Toronto v Seattle: The Sounders First Goal – A Slip, a Run, and So Much More at Waking the Red

    A bit of tactical analysis over at Waking the Red, looking at the numerous small errors that led to Seattle first goal on the weekend.

    Check it out.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Seattle Sounders at Waking the Red

    The two part preview of Toronto FC’s upcoming match on Saturday against the Seattle Dempseys Sounders at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red.

    Check them out – Part One: Lineups and Form; Part Two: Game Film & POIs

From a Different Point of View - Babayele Sodade Passes on National Team Camp from SoundersFC.com

    A piece up over at the Sounders team website indicates that Babayele Sodade, the towering forward who injured his knee – torn ACL - with the Olympic squad back in March of 2012, turned down an invitation to the national team’s January camp.

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.

Foresight – MLS Round 22 Weekend Preview

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

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 16 Weekend Preview

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

Foresight – MLS Round 11 Weekend Preview

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

Foresight – MLS Round 10 Weekend Preview

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

MLS Weekly Review – Weekend Round 6 – Of One Goal Gets the Win, Goal-scorers Doing Their Thing – While Marquez Does His, Lightning Strikes, & More Late Collapses.

    Nine matches this weekend saw all teams bar one – Vancouver – take to the pitch in the latest offering of MLS action. Twenty goals, no red cards – though there should have been at least one – and only two draws – one of which came in Sunday evening’s rain soaked, lightning shortened encounter – these are some of the numbers behind another engaging round of MLS.

Upon First Glance – Seattle Sounders v Toronto FC

    The opening league match of the season, two teams coming off emotional midweek adventures in CONCACAF. After listening on a choppy stream on the bus I finally got around to watching the match last night.

    Here are a few thoughts:

Foresight – MLS Round 2 Weekend Preview

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

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Seattle Sounders at Waking the Red

    New preview of what Toronto FC can expect from Seattle tomorrow night over at Waking the Red.

    A little bit lengthy, but their two matches against Santos Laguna were of particular interest given that TFC will be facing the Mexican side in the next round of the CONCACAF Champions League.

    Take a gander, enjoy the match. I’m off to Montreal early tomorrow morning for their home opener, should be an interesting day.

Beyond POV-FS – "MLS: Twelve Points, Twelve Matches, One Left" at The Shin Guardian

    New column up, hosted by my friends at The Shin Guardian, looking over the story lines that have arisen from the first twelve playoff matches, while looking forward to the MLS Cup Final this Sunday.

    MLS: Twelve Points, Twelve Matches, One Left.