Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Toronto FC: A Play-By-Play (and Other Miscellany)
T-180: I want to start this play-by-play with some poetry, courtesy of Mr. Jim Gold.
"Oh, it's so nice to be with you
I love all the things ya say and do
And it's so nice to hear you say
You're gonna please me in every way
Honey, I got the notion
You're causin' commotion in my soul..."
Poetry session over.
T-175: The Toronto Football Club was established in 2006 by the men and women of the Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Group, which also owns the Raptors, the Maple Leafs and the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies.
Referred by the world as Toronto FC, they earned their name through two avenues: an online vote, and the gamble that the team will earn an organic nickname from its supporters (more on that in a moment). Those nicknames are "The Reds" and "TFC."
T-170: Now, where my extended family comes from, "TFC" stands for "The Filipino Channel," an extension of Filipino network ABS-CBN (which stand for Alto Broadcasting System-[Manila] Chronicle Broadcasting Network), but that's a different story.
Anyhoo, back to the history of this TFC. They will be joined by the Vancouver Whitecaps next year and the Montreal Impact in 2012. So this will be the last season that there is only one Canadian club in MLS.
T-160: The CEO of MLS&E, Richard Peddle, thought that 13,000-15,000 will attend Toronto's home games. He was wrong. During its past three seasons, Toronto has sold out its season tickets. With 14,000 on the waiting list to go with their first-ever Voyageurs Cup in 2009, the stakes have never been higher.
T-155: One major hero of Toronto FC is a man by the name of Danny Dichio. Known for his bald head, fierce eyebrows and no-nonsense personality, Dichio earned cult status with the first-ever goal in Toronto FC history on May 12, 2007 against the Chicago Fire. At that moment, supporters threw their seat cushions as if they were roses in celebration.
Toronto went on to win 3-1. Currently, Dichio is an assistant coach to manager Jason Bent of the TFC Academy, which competes in the Canadian Soccer League. The Academy began their season last weekend with a 1-0 win over Portugal FC.
Interestingly, TFC has a junior academy team, TFC Academy II. They snapped up the CSL Reserve Division crown last season.
T-150: That's in for now. Lineups:
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T-140: Let me talk a little bit about the supporters. First, there's the Red Parth Boys and U-Sector. Now the mandate of the Red Patch Boys (RPBs) is to support and promote Toronto FC throughout Canada and to help contribute to the atmosphere at all TFC home games, in addition to away games including Columbus, Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas. Expect to see them in force, unlike the Sons of Ben the last game. They got this name from the "Red Patch Devils", a nickname for the 1st Canadian Infantry Division mobilized at the outbreak of World War II.
The U-Sector is located next to the RPBs at Bank of Montreal (BMO) Field, the home pitch of the Reds. The U-Sector was originally a supporters' group for the Toronto Lynx (more on them in a bit), and they sat in Section U of the University of Toronto's Varsity Stadium (hence U-Sector). Nowadays they support TFC and even show up at matches involving Canada's national team.
Next to those two groups is Ultras 114. They are known for their tifo displays, flags, chanting and banners. It's what you expect from a well-supported club like this.
Opposite those groups (who sit in the south end of BMO Field) is the Tribal Rhythm Nation, who comprise of supporters representing the African, Caribbean and Latin communities in the Greater Toronto Area. Through songs, chants and drumming, the TRN has successfully its its flavor to the TFC atmosphere.
Also at the north end of BMO Field are the North End Elite. Based in Sections 127, 126 226 and the entire north end, the NEE keeps the spirit burning for the full 90 minutes.
Other TFC supporters' groups include The Firm and the South Side Jumpers.
T-130: Before TFC was born, there was the Toronto Lynx. This team was founded a few years after Major League Soccer got off and running. However, it was doomer for failure. After a promising first few years, the Lynx fared so poorly that they could not even manage at least 2,000 fans a game.
No one wanted to attend Lynx matches. It simply was not worth the investment. ANd once Toronto FC arrived, the Lynx slunk into hiding, resigning from the USL A-League (now First Division) and into the Premier Development League, where they continue to compete today.
T-120: Two hours to kickoff. Los Angeles's next three matches involve a couple of road matches-a May 20 contest at Frisco to face FC Dallas, a May 29 tilt at Crew Stadium to take on Columbus and a June 5 match at home against the Houston Dynamo (and let's hope the power works this time).
Youth Sides Update: A split. U-16's defeated Chivas USA, but the U-18's put an unimpressive performance, losing 3-2.
T-110: Toronto FC's next three matches involve a May 22 home date with the New England Revolution, a May 29 meeting at Buck Shaw Stadium to take on the San Jose Earthquakes and a home meeting on June 6 against the Kansas City Wizards.
Of course, there will be Voyageurs Cup games on May 12 against the Montreal Impact and May 19 against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Quite a busy May for the Reds.
T-100: Earlier today, the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA youth academies got together at Field #7.
T-90: Toronto FC are also on the verge of winning the Voyageurs Cup after their 1-0 victory over the Montreal Impact. De Rosario's 73rd minute goal was instrumental in inching TFC closer to a return appearance in the CONCACAF Champions' League.
T-85: Congratulations to Chelsea for securing the Treble of the Community Shield, Premier League championship and FA Cup. Well done.
T-60: Some final scores from last week: Columbus Crew 3, New England Revolution 2; FC Dallas 1, DC United 0; San Jose Earthquakes 4, New York Red Bulls 0 and Chivas USA 0, Houston Dynamo 2.
T-52: Some final scores from this week: Real Salt Lake 3, Houston Dynamo 1; Philadelphia Union 1, FC Dallas 1, New England Revolution 0, San Jose 0; New York Red Bulls 0, Seattle Sounders FC 1; Columbus Crew 1, Chivas USA 0; DC United 0, Colorado Rapids 1.
T-45: Live score from Kansas City...the Wizards trail the Chicago Fire 1-0.
T-44: Injury update: defenders Emmanuel Gomez (right knee osteochondral injury) and Ty Harden (right leg laceration) are out with injuries from their match against the Montreal Impact. Toronto FC takes the field.
T-42: Forward O'Brian White (left ankle sprain) is doubtful while defender Dan Gargan (right ankle sprain) is questionable for tonight's match.
T-40: For the Los Angeles Galaxy who now take the pitch, the usual suspects are questionable in defenders A.J. De La Garza (back spasms), Sean Franklin (left ankle sprain) and Leonardo (right quad strain); and midfielders Dema Kovalenko (right hamstring strain) and Eddie Lewis (left foot contusion).
Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts suffered a hyperextended elbow in practice and will be out for this week. Tough luck for the Big Cat from Montego Bay. Into the fire is Grants Pass, Oregon's very own Josh Saunders. Can he prevent Toronto FC's Dwayne De Rosario from becoming Chicken Theif Number Three? Stay tuned...
T-36: It's now 2-1 Chicago.
T-15: Both teams conclude warm-ups.
T-13: Parade of Champions and a special salutes to the troops.
T-10: Jair Marrufo is our match official tonight. Linesmen are Darren Clark and Ian Anderson. Kevin Stott is our fourth official.
T-3: Brilliant tifo by the Angel City Brigade. Been a while since I saw Cosmo.
T-0: The US Marine Corps Band perform the Star-Spangled Banner and O Canada. Free USA flags were handed off to fans in attendance.
FIRST HALF START: 7:37 P.M.
1' - And we are underway.
2' - Here comes De Rosario. First dangerous threat for Buddle.
3' - Here comes the Galaxy. First big shot from Donovan too high. Warning salvo.
4' - Toronto takes their sweet time.
5' - And no one was guarding De Rosario in the middle. Wide shot goes wide right.
6' - Juninho asks the Galaxy to rotate. TFC is there to intercept.
7' - Buddle was in some traffic. Rough challenge on Donovan. Set piece time.
8' - And that was a high corner from Juninho. Should have let #10 take that one. Sigh...
9' - Great save from Joey Saunders. First big one of the night, and it's early. Corner for Toronto.
10' - Goal kick for Saunders.
11' - Throw-in for the Galaxy. Here come the Reds to up the tempo. Juninho initiates an opportunity for the G's.
12' - This is Todd Dunivant. The throw-in was intended for Donovan but Nana Attakora is there to sweep that up.
13' - So we are in the 13th minute, and it's scoreless. Oh, that was a clean tackle, says Marrufo.
14' - Entry pass by Buddle clocked. Here's Bryan Jordan. Donovan marked by Attakora.
15' - Superb sweeping by Toronto early.
16' - Great defending by the Galaxy on that TFC chance.
17' - This team seems to know the G's numbers, and they are languishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Now what was that about? DeRo being a bit cheeky.
18' - Back to the game. A chance for Jovan Kirovski is snatched by the Swiss goalkeeper Stefan Frei.
19' - Dunivant with the throw.
20' - Good work by the defenders of TFC is stopping Edson Buddle.
21' - Here comes Chad Barrett. TFC resets. No dice for Sam Cronin.
22' - I am impressed by Toronto's reaction to the Galaxy's offensive system. Offsides on Cronin.
23' - It's been a war on the pitch, and it's still a scoreless tribute to some well-played defending.
24' - Is De Rosario injured? The taunts begin from the ACB and LA Riot Squad. Shaken up. Trite correction.
25' - Preki was fearing for the worse. Goal kick for Frei.
26' - Bruce Arena looks with a cool expression as that free ball ggoes into the seats. This is Maksim Usanov with the throw-in.
27' - Goal kick for Saunders.
28' - That was 307 consecutive minutes for Ricketts until the injury. Corner for DOnovan. Too short. The chants of "USA! USA! USA!" resonate throughout the building.
30' - Some of the Red Patch Boys, as expected, are in attendance. Bienvenue. Welcome back to Carson.
31' - Wouldn't Toronto love to get their first win away from BMO Field? It has been a fortress for them.
32' - Free kick for Frei. He goes off his line to make the clearance, too. And another player is shaken. That's Martin Saric, the Argentinean, who is shaken up.
33' - Shot by Juninho is saved. Corner. Goal kick for Los Angeles.
34' - So we are 34 minutes into the game, and it's still scoreless. Impressive. And here is a corner for Nick LaBrocca 34:34 into the contest. What's going on with that number?
35' - Goal kick for Saunders after LaBrocca can't get to that one.
36' - Too much space for Frei to scoop that. It's as easy as you like. Like ice cream from Tim Horton's...do they serve that up there?
37' - Ricketts is snacking on some sunflower seeds. Chris Sharpe is a goalkeeper from Australia, taken from the MLS Player Pool. So, yeah, the Galaxy has depth. Sure hasn't been helping them get the first goal tonight, though.
38' - LARS waves their scarves, ACB sways. Same effectiveness; you know the drill. Fuwa Fuwa Time, Fuwa Fuwa Time...
39' - Throw-in for Toronto FC. And here is another.
40' - Bad header by Edson Buddle. And Donovan fouls inside for a goal kick.
41' - That was a good challenge, but a foul by Bryan Jordan nonetheless. Here comes a free kick for Toronto FC. Cleared, and TFC is back on the attack.
42' - No foul after that questionable challenge. Shot is high anyway. Goal kick, Saunders.
43' - Well played tackle by Amadou Sanyang. Buddle is getting a tough test today.
44' - Very wide shot for Donovan. Goal kick for Stefan Frei. So all signs point to a scoreless first half.
45' - So far, Nana Attakora has done a good job neutralizing the Galaxy attack this half. Bruce Arena will need to make some adjustments as we head into halftime. One minute of stoppage time.
45' + 1' - It's halftime. Final score from Kansas City: Wizards 2, Chicago Fire 2.
Halftime Stats
Shots:
Toronto FC 6
Los Angeles Galaxy 4
Shots on Goal:
Toronto FC 1
Los Angeles Galaxy 0
Saves:
Toronto FC
Los Angeles Galaxy 1
Fouls:
Toronto FC 3
Los Angeles Galaxy 4
Corner Kicks:
Toronto FC: 2
Los Angeles Galaxy: 2
Offsides:
Toronto FC 4
Los Angeles Galaxy 0
SECOND HALF START: 8:39 P.M.
46' - Second half now underway. Chance for De Rosario is deflected.
47' - Here come the G's. Corner time.
48' - Donovan to take this. Misplayed by Edson Buddle, and that's a goal kick for Stefan Frei.
49'- Free kick for Omar Gonzalez. And oh dear. That is trouble.
Yellow card 4 Omar Gonzalez
Los Angeles Galaxy
Free kick for Toronto FC. Too high.
50' - And a big bullet is dodged right there.
53' - This Los Angeles Galaxy side must be feeling a bit uneasy. Not only because of the inability to get the first goal, but also for TFC not getting carded for that challenge.
54' - Missed wide right. Goal kick for Frei.
55' - And Chad Barrett's favoring that ankle. He fights through but may have to be subbed later on.
56' - Here's Buddle. And he collides with big Adrian Cann. Free kick.
57' - Who will take this shot? Donovan? Kirovski? The Boogeyman?
None of them. It's Juninho.
58' - And another header goes wide. They're playing on kryptonite now, these G's, and I have to be scratching my head.
59' - Another cross goes into the waiting hands of Frei.
60' - This is Michael Stephens. He gets the Galaxy to rest the ball rotation. Here they come. A chippy challenge on De Rosario. Donovan is okay. And here's his next set piece chance.
61' - Excellent anticipation by Frei.
62' - And yet another foul. Here's a card. Where has that been, pray tell, Jair?
Yellow Card 33 Maxim Ustinov
Toronto FC
This has been some extremely painful finishing by the Galaxy today. ACB and LARS stir up the support.
63' - Substitution Toronto FC
IN 23 Jacob Peterson
OUT 21 Nick LaBrocca
64' - Here is the stadium wave.
65' - Is the Home Depot Center turf favoring the visiting side? Is it because they are from Canada? That was as bad to watch as you will see right there.
66' - Woodwork! Crossbar! A dinger of a blown chance by Buddle. Horrid direction. And another blown chance by Buddle. ugh. This has been an unfortunate day for Edson.
67' - Actually, in his defense, it has been an unfortunate day for the Galaxy. 20,007 on hand tonight. Pretty good turnout.
68' - This team has been unable to finish. The passing inside the attacking third has been terrible.
69' - Substitution Los Angeles Galaxy
IN 7 Chris Klein
OUT 27 Bryan Jordan
Welcome back, Chris.
Substitution Toronto FC
IN 27 Gabe Gala
OUT 14 Dwayne De Rosario
70' - Well, at least the Galaxy stopped DeRo from producing tonight, if anything.
71' - TFC now on the attack. Foul on the Galaxy, Toronto move quickly on the restart.
72' - What a miss by Chad Barrett. Tripped up. Foul on TFC. Here's another set piece.
73' - And that goes array.
Substitution Los Angeles Galaxy
IN 18 Mike Magee
OUT 19 Juninho
74' - Throw-in for the Galaxy. Here comes LA, but Toronto is there.
76' - Great marking by Omar GOnzalez on CHad Barrett.
77' - Substitution Los Angeles Galaxy
IN 84 Clint Mathis
OUT 9 Jovan Kirovski
78' - The inept finishing against Kansas City is rearing its head again.
79' - Substitution Toronto FC
IN 15 Joseph Nane
OUT 19 Chad Barrett
80' - Unbelievable! Another terrible effort by Mike Magee toward the end-line off the Mathis delivery. I have been stressing the important of the finishing, and now I see why a number of fans who follow the Galaxy are on Magee's case.
81' - Too far for Landon.
83' - This has been frustration by the Four-Oh-Five. And another TFC player is down. It's Sanyang. And Preki is livid as he gives Martin Saric some instructions. The taunting continues. Set piece time. And in predictable fashion, that will be a goal kick.
85' - Foul for the Galaxy. Set piece late for TFC. Stopped. GOal kick for Saunders. He hasn't had to do much work this half; the backline has been doing its share.
87' - Here come the Reds again. Marked.
88' - So far, all signs point to a scoreless draw. No chicken theives, but no goals...which means the Houston Dynamo and Real Salt Lake creep in a little bit on Los Angeles. Lovely.
90' - Who was supposed to be inside the box on that one? Certainly someone had to be.
90' + 1' - The finishing was not there. It's a corner, though.
90' + 2' - Corner is blocked. Indecisions can be very costly. Well, in this case it will consign you to a scoreless draw.
90' + 3' - Again, the passing continues to be shoddy.
Yellow card #2 ==> Red Card 33 Maksim Usanov
Toronto FC
90' + 4' - And that is a wrap after the finishing after that chance went down in pieces. The Galaxy is now 7-0-2 and now send Buddle and Donovan on their way.
FINAL
LOS ANGELES GALAXY 0
TORONTO FC 0
A recap will be forthcoming on Bleacher Report.
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