Frust » a season for a tight end with

gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca (@WheelerTSN) As far as first impressions go, new-look Toronto FC delivered with rave reviews against the rave green of the Sounders in Seattle Saturday. A 2-1 victory in a tough venue against a difficult opponent eases potential early season tension. There was nervous energy among many Toronto FC staffers and front office making the trip west how their considerable investment would come together from the get-go. Its just one victory and theres a marathon ahead, but this one impressive, combative victory has kept the narrative positive. A disappointing performance/loss would have brought out same old TFC critics. Its one thing to make headlines; its another to keep them. The buzz is real. Theres a whole lot to like re-visiting Torontos season opening win. Here are five thoughts on the victory. 1) Defoe MLS Player of the Week – A dream debut brace by Jermain Defoe earned MLS Player of the Week honours, global headlines and most importantly three points. This is what Major League Soccer wants from their star, big money designated players: results and instant eye balls. TSN did big numbers on television and radio boding well for this weekends home opener against DC United (TSN 1050 Radio/TSN). Defoe did what top goal scorers do – three meaningful touches and two goals in the first 24 minutes set the tone. He didnt have to be a big part of the proceedings to leave his mark. The Sounders dominated possession to the tune of 68%. Defoe was a factor every time he was on and around the ball. Unlike ever before, TFC can be a danger on the counter with a proven difference maker in front of goal. Superior possession will come for Toronto. There were six new players in the starting XI and the difficulty playing on turf against a quality side cannot be understated. A consistent effort keeping the ball on the deck will be essential for Defoe to become an absolute force. His movement off the ball is slick and his ability to play off the back shoulder of a defender was key on the first goal. Based on initial returns, its not too much to expect upwards of 20 goals on the season from Defoe. Forget the long, high ball – give Defoe the service and reap the rewards. 2) Bradley Man of the Match – Defoe may have won Player of the Week, and its understandable, but we on the radio side crowned centre-midfielder Michael Bradley Man of the Match. Thats not to downplay Defoes contributions. Goal scorers get the glory. Bradley set the tone. Bradleys performance was all action, all over the field and of the highest quality. Bradley fell deep in defence in the early stages, recognizing the need to help his back-line as the three Sounders attacking midfielders were finding themselves in dangerous positions finding space between TFCs back and midfield four. After the first ten minutes and with the shape solidified, Bradley started flying about the pitch, putting all kinds of high pressure on the ball. He was winning tackles, forcing mistakes and maintaining a high tempo. Bradley, alongside Jonathan Osorio won the battle in the middle of the park and allowed the two TFC strikers to remain high and a constant nuisance on the counter. The American International is strong and quick, and not to be overlooked, his distribution was outstanding at CenturyLink Field. His deadball striking, whether on corners or free kicks, was spot on. Nothing was wasted. Many MLS analysts were quick to say Toronto over-spent bringing Bradley back to North America and chastised the club for paying so much for a central midfielder. For TFC, its about winning football matches. With Bradley dictating the tone, they are in good stead. A standout performance, through and through from Torontos number four. 3) Nelsen Adjustments – The superior work-rate of his players was the bright spot in an otherwise frustrating first year for head coach Ryan Nelsen. Theres no question Nelsen is a natural leader and his players will play for him. The tactical side is where many raise questions about his approach. Game one of season two was a very astutely coached match by the manager, pulling the proper strings throughout. Nelsens team will sink or swim in a 4-4-2 formation. Other than a hectic spell towards the end of the first half, Nelsen kept both strikers in high, trusting his team shape. It worked. Nelsen switched Alvaro Rey from left to right wing with Jackson moving to the other side 10 minutes into the match to find proper balance and match-ups. It was an important change both defensively and attack-wise. The shifty Spaniard Rey exposed the inexperience of young left-back Dylan Remick finding space down the flank. Jackson proved a better match as well against the talented DeAndre Yedlin, who didnt get down the wing nearly as much as Remick. The move stabilized the midfield, particularly in attack. A wide-open Jackson down the left served as a decoy on the 1-0 goal, and Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei denied Rey after running wild down the right flank. Nelsen got his substitutions bang on as well. Fresh legs of Andrew Wiedeman came on in the 63 for Dwayne De Rosario, not sacrificing or changing the shape in the team. The Sounders continued to press down their left flank, so a fatigued Rey (who was on a caution) made way for right-back Bradley Orr in the 65 minute, shifting Jackson back to the left, and Mark Bloom into the midfield. Bloom and Orr struggled with the constant Sounders attack, but it was the right call to make. And Ashtone Morgan as a late change killed the clock and was a no-brainer. Nelsens formation relies on a strong spine, and the players down the middle of the park shined for their manager. It is just one game, but a criticism-free match for the Nelsen is well deserved. These are important games in the early stages, as much for the players as the manager to reinforce confidence and develop proper role definition in the team. 4) Canadian Quality – 20-year old Canadian centre-back Doniel Henry played his 50th game in MLS and was absolutely solid. Henry continues to grow into his footballing body and has every quality necessary to excel at this level and beyond. Henry showed superior patience to last season and was consistently in good positions of support, winning critical balls in dangerous areas. His partnership with captain Steven Caldwell is all-important to sustained success. Previously mentioned centre-midfielder Osorio was likewise influential alongside Bradley. There is a smoothness and confidence to the 21-year old. Multiple times he was seen barking instructions to more experienced players, understanding the responsibility in the position he plays. The service on Defoes opener was superb, looking off Yedlin before sliding a perfectly weighted ball through to Defoe. Jackson was the easy pass, Defoe was the right one. Osorio playing at this level softens the blow of losing Matias Laba through trade to Vancouver. 5) Depth Discussion – Gilberto (hip flexor) and Jeremy Hall (hamstring) didnt make the trip to Seattle, but its concerning how little proven depth TFC has at present time. Bloom looked out of sorts in the midfield. Canadian midfielder Issey Nakajima-Farran is set to join the team and may add some quality down the wing, that remains to be seen. If he cant, TFC is paper-thin at the outside midfield positions. Where to play De Rosario is another question. When Gilberto returns, does De Rosario serve as a third striker? Or does he move back into the midfield? For all the effort Wiedeman brings, its unclear whether he can be a consistent scoring threat. General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko insists the team has flexibility against the cap. If so, the team will be on the lookout for help in midfield and attack. Toronto FCs Home Opener from BMO Field airs this Saturday on TSN and TSN 1050 Radio. Television - 4pm pre-match/430pm kick-off. Radio - 330pm pre-match. Scott Stevens Jersey . -- The Windsor Spitfires were left with just one goaltender Tuesday after having their starter walk out on them midway through Game 3 of their Ontario Hockey League playoff matchup with the London Knights. Martin Brodeur Jersey . General Manager Sam Presti said the three-time All-Star had knee swelling that would not subside, and the procedure was intended to solve the problem. He said doctors determined that a loose stitch was to blame for the swelling, that Westbrooks lateral meniscus has healed properly and the procedure was successful. http://www.authenticdevilspro.com/Pavel-...s-jersey/.Simon will work with head coach Gord Dineen and associate coach Derek King behind the bench of the Toronto Maple Leafs American Hockey League affiliate for the 2014-15 season. Cory Schneider Jersey . A knee to the thigh might have stung him the most, but his sixth straight double-double made up for the brief burst of pain. Nico Hischier Jersey . Amaro broke the NCAA all-time record for receiving yards in a season for a tight end with 1,352 during his junior campaign, eclipsing the mark of 1,329 set by Rices James Casey in 2008.CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois was inspired offensively by coach Barry Hinsons return to the bench following a death in the family, and the Salukis shot 54 per cent. It wasnt nearly good enough against No. 8 Wichita State. Fred VanVleet had 17 points, seven assists, two steals and no turnovers and the Shockers remained unbeaten behind 62 per cent shooting, opening Missouri Valley Conference play with an 82-67 victory Thursday night. "Were glad to get out of here with a win," coach Gregg Marshall said. "I knew that with everything thats been going on with Coach Hinson, the way the team had rallied around him and then with the tragedy with his family, we were honestly afraid that this team would pull out something special." Hinson returned after missing one game due to the death of his son-in-law, 31-year-old Niles Thomason, on Christmas while visiting family. In an emotional postgame news conference, the usually fiery coach blamed himself for the loss, saying he just wasnt up to it. He also pointed out that Wichita State was very, very good and coming off a Final Four appearance, and said the key to game was the "the little stinker VanVleet." Last month after a loss at Murray State, Hinson called players "mamas boys," then later apologized for singling out a player for criticism. "Tonight, I dont mind telling you Im going to point the finger at me," Hinson said, his voice halting at times. "When youre 52 years old, you ought to be mature enough to at least figure out how to fake it, and get your guys energized. "And I couldnt do that, so I take full responsibility." Hinson said the death hit him hard on New Years Eve. "The biggest thing that bothers me is Im a basketball coach and Im a father and we fix tthings," Hinson said.dddddddddddd "And I cant, I cant, fix this." Cleanthony Early scored 23 points for the Shockers (14-0, 1-0), the preseason conference favourites. The 14-0 start is five wins better than the schools previous best and the 14-game winning streak matches the school mark set in 1953-54 under coach Ralph Miller. "Like Coach says, its easy to get a good look every time when youre setting yourself up," Early said. "Its easy to fall in love with just trying to score every time when you get a big lead like that but we stayed patient and stayed focused." Sean OBrien and Desmar Jackson had 19 points apiece for Southern Illinois (4-10, 0-1), which upset Wichita State at home last February the week after the Shockers had been knocked out of the Top 25. "This group plays a little smarter than that group at times," Marshall said. "It starts with Fred." Nick Wiggins added 13 points on 5-for-5 shooting for Wichita State. Southern Illinois was out of it early despite its strong shooting. OBrien topped his previous career best of 11 points. Wichita State shot 59 per cent to go with a 16-8 rebounding advantage and near error-free play while building a 49-32 halftime lead, committing its lone turnover with about 3 minutes to go. The Shockers got contributions across the board with an 18-0 run over a span of 3:19 that made it 33-16 with just over 8 minutes to go. Darius Carter opened the run with consecutive baskets and the Shockers got three-point plays from Early and VanVleet plus 3-pointers by Wiggins and VanVleet. Late in the half, Cotton and Early got behind the Southern Illinois defence on consecutive possessions in transition. The Shockers are 30-8 on the road the last three seasons, best in the nation. Wholesale MLB Orioles Jerseys Red Sox Jerseys From China Discount Yankees Jerseys Online Rays Jerseys For Sale Blue Jays Jerseys From China Wholesale MLB White Sox Jerseys Indians Jerseys For Sale Tigers Jerseys From China Wholesale MLB Astros Jerseys Cheap Baseball Angels Jerseys Athletics Jerseys From China Mariners Jerseys For Sale Cheap Baseball Rangers Jerseys Braves Jerseys For Sale Discount Marlins Jerseys Online Discount Mets Jerseys Online Phillies Jerseys From China Wholesale MLB Nationals Jerseys Cubs Jerseys From China Discount Reds Jerseys Online Brewers Jerseys From China Wholesale MLB Pirates Jerseys Wholesale MLB Cardinals Jerseys Diamondbacks Jerseys For Sale Rockies Jerseys For Sale Discount Dodgers Jerseys Online Discount Padres Jerseys Online Giants Jerseys For Sale ' ' '