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Welcome to Partially Obstructed View. We are each restrained by the limits of our own perspective, but when we meet to share information a clearer picture of the truth can be revealed. Comments & criticisms are welcome.
Showing posts with label Will Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Will Johnson. Show all posts

Wednesday, 6 July 2016

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.

Wednesday, 8 June 2016

Beyond POV-FS – The Voyageurs Cup, Toronto FC vs. Montreal Impact 1st Leg, & the WTR Mailbag

This week's round up previews both legs of the Voyageurs Cup, as well as recapping the first leg and assessing the possibility of summer reinforcements for Toronto FC

MLSsoccer.com – Will Giovinco be ready for the Canadian Championship?

The good news for TFC fans is that the injury that forced Sebastian Giovinco off in New York was a minor one, but his availability for either leg of the Voyageurs Cup is in question. He missed the first leg, but may just feature in the second one.

In addition, a variety of TFC players – Benoit Cheyrou, Ashtone Morgan, and Jonathan Osorio – speak on the value of cups and addressing a lack of Canadian glory over the past few seasons.

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag, Post-Red Bulls, Pre-Voyageurs Cup

After a short consideration of the Voyageurs Cup, the, albeit brief, comment section delved into whether the possibility existed for TFC to consider a summer addition, especially at the higher price ranges, as reinforcement given the spate of injuries at the moment.

MLSsoccer.com – TFC kids delight vs. Montreal: “It's our future”

Post-match reaction from TFC revolved around the impressive outing from a variety of non-starters, coming out to a 4-0 lead, only to allow two late, setting the table for an interesting second leg.

Stellar outings from Morgan, Osorio, Jordan Hamilton, Dan Lovitz, and Mo Babouli, as well as from centre-back pairing, Eriq Zavaleta and Nick Hagglund – not to mention the calming presence of Benoit Cheyrou in the middle, making his first appearance after a long injury lay-off – turned what could have been a disaster into a thrilling night.

MLSsoccer.com – Impact livid over slow start vs. Young TFC team

Montreal's post-match reaction, mainly involving Mauro Biello refusing to concede an inch towards questioning – to be fair, he was probably right – along the lines of his team taking their foot off the gas when the lineups emerged.

Hidden amongst the TFC performance was a memorable night for Michael Salazar, who scored his first goal for the club and a cracking free-kick from Didier Drogba.

MLSsoccer.com – Should Toronto FC turn to vets, or stay with kids?

Heading into the second leg, Greg Vanney is faced with a dilemma: insert the now-available – possibly – players in the form of Giovinco, Will Johnson, Drew Moor, Damien Perquis, and Justin Morrow, or stick with the youth that did so well in the first leg?

In all likelihood, a mix of both will trot out onto the pitch at Stade Saputo this evening.

Bonus Quotes:
Jonathan Osorio on Drogba – “[Drogba] is a big guy, that's for sure. His technical ability, the way he uses his body is like none other. Easy to see why he's been so successful.”

Osorio on Wednesday night's result – “It was nice [to see all the young boys get a run out]. A lot of guys with a point to prove. They want to show that they belong here, that they deserve minutes. So it was nice, to play like that. Guys had a lot of energy, especially being at home, playing in front of family and friends. It was good, a really good game, but that's past now, we have to go into this game with a whole different mentality.”

Jordan Hamilton on waiting for his chance – “It's part of the job, being a young player. I had full trust in the coaches, that they'll know when it's my time. A lot of people on the outside will say 'you deserve to be playing', but the coaches know. That's their job to know when I'm ready. They thought I was ready tonight. Hopefully I proved them right.”

Ashtone Morgan on CanCon in the Voyageurs Cup – “Definitely. Oso and Jordan scoring, Jay getting in, Mo starting. Everybody. There was some good Canadian content today.”

Sunday, 1 May 2016

Beyond POV-FS – WTR Mailbag, One Moment in Montreal, & Will Johnson

Faithful readers may have noticed a certain decline in the linking to articles that appeared elsewhere – let alone, original content.

In order to make amends for the first problem – working on the second will be more tricky – every weekend an article linking to all the week's content will be posted.

In that spirit:

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag

Each week Waking the Red issues a call to its readers for their questions in the hope of sparking some conversation, or pointing out concerns that may have missed the writers' attentions. Topics this week included: looking forward to the match in Portland, assessing Greg Vanney's performance thus far, and Garth Lagerway's decision opting for Seattle instead of Toronto.

Waking the Red – One Moment: Toronto FC @ Montreal Impact

In this new column, which time and circumstance allowing, will be a new regular feature, a single play from the most recent TFC match is analyzed, both for its relevance to the game, as well as what it displays about the current state of the club. In this edition, TFC skillfully manages a potential threatening situation by the use of an enhanced collective defensive ethos.

MLSsoccer.com – Johnson Eagerly Anticipates 'Special' PDX Return

And finally, ahead of his return to face his former club, Will Johnson spoke with the media about the experience of facing his old teammates and revealed a little about the growing relationships with his new ones.

Check them out!

Friday, 5 June 2015

Beyond POV-FS – Canadian Content MLS Round 13 at Canadian Soccer News

The weekly review of the Canadian performances in MLS went up over at Canadian Soccer News earlier this week.

Round Thirteen proved to be a lucky one, as Will Johnson made his return to the Timbers, taking the top spot – Kofi Opare and Jonathan Osorio rounded out the top three.

Two further Canadians made their season debuts as well, Anthony Jackson-Hamel in Montreal and Jay Chapman in Toronto.

Check it out

Saturday, 23 May 2015

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy & How You Doin' – Portland Timbers at Waking the Red

The usual preview materials went up yesterday at Waking the Red.

In Know Your Enemy, the Portland Timbers are examined in detail. Part One assesses their lineup and form heading into Saturday's match, while Part Two hits the game film searching for strengths and weaknesses.

In How You Doin', WTR reaches out to sister SB Nation Portland Timbers site, Stumptown Footy, writer Will Conwell to dig into a few of their issues – WTR's responses can be found here.

Thursday, 2 October 2014

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review & Canadian Content – Round 29 at Canadian Soccer News

The usual weekly posts are up over at Canadian Soccer News for Round 29 of the MLS season.

The Week in Review covers all the action for the latest series of matches, while the extended Canadian Content post reviews the play of the Canadians who saw the pitch.

Check them out

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review and Canadian Content – Round 28 at Canadian Soccer News

The usual weekly posts are up over at Canadian Soccer News for Round 28 of the MLS season.

The Week in Review goes over the results from the round, while the extended Canadian Content looks at the performances of the Canadians in MLS.

Check the out

Wednesday, 3 September 2014

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review and Canadian Content - Round 25 at Canadian Soccer News

The usual weekly posts are up over at Canadian Soccer News.

The MLS Week in Review recaps all the action from Round 25, while the extended Canadian Content post recounts how the Canadians in the league did this weekend.

Check them out

Wednesday, 27 August 2014

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review and Canadian Content – Round 24 at Canadian Soccer News

The usual weekly posts went up over at Canadian Soccer News on Monday and Tuesday.

The Week in Review recaps all the action from the previous weekend in MLS, while the extended Canadian Content looks over the contributions of the Canadians who saw the pitch this round.

Check them out

Wednesday, 20 August 2014

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review and Canadian Content Round 23 at Canadian Soccer News

The usual weekly posts went up a little later at Canadian Soccer News this week, covering the 23rd Round of MLS play.

The MLS Week in Review does what it says on the tin, while the extended Canadian Content post recaps how the week treated the Canadians in the league who saw the pitch.

Check them out

Thursday, 14 August 2014

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review and Canadian Content Round 22 at Canadian Soccer News

The usual weekly posts are up over at Canadian Soccer News.

MLS Week in Review recounts all the action from the previous week in MLS, while the extended Canadian Content post reviews the performances of the Canadians who saw the pitch this week.

Check them out

Thursday, 31 July 2014

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review and Canadian Content at Canadian Soccer News

The usual weekly posts went up a little late at Canadian Soccer News earlier this week.

The MLS Week in Review covers all the action on the pitch from the latest round of play, while the extended Canadian Content takes a look at the play of the Canadians strewn about the league.

Check them out

Friday, 25 July 2014

Beyond POV-FS – Round 19 of the MLS Week in Review and Canadian Content at Canadian Soccer News

The usual weekly posts are up over at Canadian Soccer News: the Week in Review covers all the action from the previous week, while the Canadian Content focuses on the performances of the Canadians in the league.

Check them out – MLS Week in Review and Canadian Content

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Canadian Content MLS Round 34 – How did our Canadians do in MLS this week?

An extension to Canadian Soccer News’ MLS Week in Review, this article provides a closer look at the performances of the Canadian players who saw the pitch this week.

With the MLS regular season schedule winding down, the top three spots this round go to a pair of players who each scored their first MLS goal in the midst of a double-game week – Kofi Opare and Karl W. Ouimette - and to a young man who has found playing time severely limited through his rookie campaign, but impressed on Saturday - Kyle Bekker.

Find out what they did to deserve recognition and who else earned their keep this week.

Wednesday, 9 October 2013

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review and Canadian Content -- Round 32 at Canadian Soccer News

    Weekly posts are up over at Canadian Soccer News.

    The review recaps a scintillating weekend of MLS action – all the late drama and controversy one can handle, while the extended look at Canadian players does what it says on the tin.

    Check them out – MLS Week in Review & Canadian Content

Thursday, 3 October 2013

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review & Canadian Content at Canadian Soccer News

    The usual weekly posts are up over at Canadian Soccer News.

    The first is a review of all this weekend’s MLS matches, and the second a detailed summary of the Canadian contributions to the action.

    Check them out – MLS Week in Review & Canadian Content

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review and Canadian Content at Canadian Soccer News

    Weekly posts are up over at Canadian Soccer News.

    The MLS Week in Review recaps all the action from the latest round of play and focuses on some of the surrounding furour, as well as the play on the pitch – everything one needs to keep up to date.

    The Canadian Content post digs deeper into the individual performances of the Canadian players who took to the field this round – it was a quiet weekend on the whole, but still worth a look.

    Check them out – MLS Week in Review & Canadian Content