East Side Stand Up

Toronto FC are downed 1-0 to FC Dallas and their season continues to stall as momentum is eluding them time and time again. Even with the CCL in the rear view mirror, the team is lacking fitness, a healthy roster and a level of cohesiveness to compete against the best teams in the league. Giovinco had another night where he just was inches away from goals but could not convert, and overall the team lacked the final touch to at the very least get a goal.

Toronto locks down the scoreline as local boys Jay Chapman and Ryan Telfer lift the Reds to a critical 2-1 win over Orlando City. It was an emerging display from Telfer who has been getting minutes, but this was his breakthrough performance where he took advantage of a weak side of the pitch and created chance after chance until he scored the winning goal. Chapman as well has been looking good and notched the opener that was set up by Tosaint Ricketts. With the win, TFC earned an essential three points that keeps them out of the basement of the Eastern Conference.

SEEING RED! More dropped points by TFC and a Giovinco red card - can it get any worse?! A 3-2 loss to the New England Revolution did nothing to reinstill any confidence, and what positive seen in the second half were undone by Seba's straight red. We discuss the card, the million dollar man Ager Aketxe, any positives on the night and the question beginning to be floated around TFC-land: are Toronto already outside of the playoff hunt?

Toronto has the CCL in the rear view mirror and we can now look at a 3-0 result with nothing else on the horizon but MLS play. A win over Philadelphia was much needed after dropping points last weekend against Chicago, and with key players missing, the rest of the side stepped up. Giovinco, Osorio, Vasquez and then Chapman took care of business for TFC to comfortably dispatch an underwhelming Union team. It was important to get three points as tougher opposition is ahead, specifically this Wednesday against Seattle.

That is what we are left with after a gutting 2-1 loss to CD Guadalajara in the Champions League - the opponent who was supposed to be the easiest of the three faced thus far. It was an off night all around as the Reds didn't have that edge we saw against Tigres and América, and two lapses were all it took to score goals for Chivas. Now it's all on the away leg to see if MLS can finally lift the trophy.

Yes, it's TFC's CCL side, and until the championship round is over, we will be seeing another side, who were game but unable to get the better of the Colorado Rapids in a 2-0 away loss. It was a CanCon roster, allowing the youth to be on display and give us a glimpse of future potential. There was plenty of positives, however, the overall performance looked out of sync and not to the standard we are used to with our top XI. It's a forgettable result and one that has to be weighed and considered with a CONCACAF title on the line over the next week.

Toronto FC are in the driver's seat, however, a 3-1 win over Club América is not enough an advantage heading down to Mexico for the second leg in the CONCACAF Champions League. It will be a tough return leg, but right now we are going over one of the best nights at BMO as the Reds dispatched another Liga MX giant in slaying Club América through goals from Giovinco, Jozy and Ashtone Morgan. It was another uplifting performance from a team who are really starting to look like the best team in the region.

That is all we've been waiting for this season, yes, a win is great, but a win that secures us, the supporters, a much deserved cheese or pepperoni slice, is a long time coming. Our hunger now satiated we can look back on a TFC performance that met the standard set in 2017 where they dominated opposition at home, and in this instance took out Real Salt Lake 3-1. Now Toronto have only a minute to breathe before the next round of the Champions League as they face Mexican giants Club America.

Oh yes, the Reds have yet to kick start their 2018 MLS campaign despite excitement in the CONCACAF Champions League. A 1-0 loss to rivals Montreal Impact was a disappointment, but the first two matches in MLS do have asterisks that should be considered. The Champions League looms with Club America on the horizon, as well as Real Salt Lake leading into that match. We break down the loss, the landscape of the first month of the season and look ahead to where the Reds sit now at 0-2 in league play.

YES, the TFC we've had to wait... well, three games to see, this season finally showed up and put in they type of performance you'd expect from a top side in CONCACAF. At home, against arguably the best team in the region, UANL Tigres, the Reds came back from a poor first half as well as going a goal down to complete the comeback and win 2-1. Now, the real challenge is ahead as they must travel to Monterrey, Mexico, for the return fixture and see if the club can continue to make history.

Good grief the Reds did not look the part as they were shut out by the Columbus Crew in the season opener at BMO Field, Toronto has their chances, but could not convert, while the Crew brought pressure and finishing, which made the difference in the 2-0 scoreline. Something just looked off, first starting with an awful pitch, but the players didn't step on the field with something to prove like we saw in 2017. To be fair, it is only match one, and it is a blunt reminder of what is in store for the reigning champions this year and they will need to be even more determined if they are to repeat in 2018.

That's right the big ONE OH - ESSU back for 2018 and looking ahead to another big year for the Reds. The Champions League has kicked off and Toronto are already up 2-0, so that is weighed in as Aaron Neilsen and I give our thoughts on the team, considering players gone and new ones signed. We weigh in on who to watch for in MLS and then what the expectations should be for the season.

Another year and Prospect XI's Aaron Neilsen and I attended the Sigma Showcase to check out some of the top youth talent in the GTA. Surrounding that event is the MLS SuperDraft and upcoming 2019 season of the Canadian Premier League. We discuss everything youth development in the region, as well as with Toronto FC and their draft picks, and finish off with an interview with Bobby Smyrniotis, the Technical Director at Sigma, about the showcase, the academy and future of Canadian Soccer.

2017 = Best Season Ever and in truth we are still buzzing weeks later on what a campaign it was for Toronto FC. Sitting with some familiar voices from ESSU we look back on the season that was, starting with December 9, then running through the year, playoffs and finishing up with our Player of the Year. Finally, it's now 2018 and what can TFC do for an encore? Champions League? MLS Cup X2? Lots to discuss on the 2017 TFC Year in Review.

TFC MLS CUP CHAMPIONS! BEST TEAM EVER! BEST SEASON EVER! REVENGE FOR 2016!! JOZY T.O. TILL HE DIES!! WHAT. A. NIGHT!!! Ok caps lock break for now. Phew!! Toronto FC take care of business and put behind them the 2016 Final to decimate and dominate the Seattle Sounders in the replay. What a match - every player did their part and even depth players elevated their game for a near flawless display that saw Toronto have all the chances and Seattle simply exist for ninety minutes. Savour this win as it will never get better than this!

Yes, we are right back on the pod - Aaron Neilsen and Ian Clarke to get ready for this year's MLS Cup Final. We start off by taking a quick look back on the Eastern Conference Final against Columbus, specifically highlighting Michael Bradley, Sebastian Giovinco, Victor Vasquez and Jozy Altidore and pitting them against what the Seattle Sounders have to offer. How will they match up head to head, what will Seattle bring to the table and who are the favourites to lift the Cup?

Yes, Toronto FC, once again Eastern Conference champions, once again will be facing off against the Seattle Sounders at BMO Field. First the Reds needed to get past the Columbus Crew, and they did so in a tense affair that first saw heroics from Michael Bradley to save a goal, then by Jozy Altidore to score the winner. It was a night of huge relief as the best season in MLS will now be capped off with an MLS Cup Final appearance. Now TFC must avenge last year's loss and stake their proper claim as the best team in MLS history.

A 0-0 draw in Columbus leaves everything up for grabs next week when the return leg comes back to Toronto. It was a tight affair in Ohio, with Toronto playing a tactical and disciplined match that almost came undone in the final minutes. Alex Bono once again saved the day to keep the Reds in a good position and with Giovinco and Jozy Altidore set to return they should be looking at the next match with confidence.

Maybe because we lost! TFC are dropped 1-0, but dodged a bullet in the playoffs by advancing on away goals 2-2 over the New York Red Bulls. It wasn't your normal encounter, as it was a "classic" MLS refereeing display that had bad calls, no calls and missed calls to put almost every advantage towards New York. However, the Reds get through to face Columbus without superstars in tow - both Jozy Altidore and Giovinco will be suspended and it will take a huge team effort to keep the side in a strong position coming back to BMO.

Toronto FC take care of business away to the New York Red Bulls in a huge 2-1 win to put them in the driver's seat ahead of the home leg. It was another professional win, that still left room for improvement, as the usual suspects of Jozy Altidore, Giovinco and Victor Vasquez created the chances, while Chris Mavinga and Alex Bono were essential in keeping them out. It is a buoyant result against a top team who could have been the bogeyman, but there is now confidence not just ahead of Sunday, but that the team is playing at the level to keep pushing towards the MLS Cup Final.

One to remember as TFC finish the season as the highest all time point getters in MLS history. A 2-2 draw was enough to surpass the LA Galaxy and put the Reds in the books as one of the best ever. However, we all agree there is still work to do as Toronto will be looking at the post season as a chance at redeeming themselves from the Cup Final last year. It begins next weekend and sights will be set on a slew of rivals and whether Atlanta will remain in the picture. All opponents offer a good match up and we break it all down on ESSU.

In the south end, with supporters, with the players, it was a night to celebrate but it was dampened by a less than stellar performance as the Reds beat the Montreal Impact 1-0. It was a bizarre afternoon with torrential rain and gusting winds that impacted the pitch, but also the return of key players both from injury and World Cup collapses effected the overall play. In the end, it's three points and TFC need to step it up as they head into Atlanta for the last game of the season and look to repeat their playoff run from 2016.

This is the East Side Stand Up podcast for the September 30th game in 2017 which featured Toronto FC against the New York Red Bulls.

The Reds looked absolutely brutal in a calamitous display against Montreal, who punished them over and over for a 5-3 result. It was a disaster from the get go as Alex Bono hoofed the ball off Piatti's back into goal and it never looked good from there. Yes, Tosaint Ricketts scored a brace, but getting back into the game from allowing five goals is next to impossible. Was it a match to get out of our system? Here's hoping as TFC need to get healthy and primed as they head down the stretch for the 2017 playoffs.

Toronto FC once again put forth a dominant home display, this time taking out the San Jose Earthquakes 4-0 courtesy of a Jozy Altidore brace. However, it was what is becoming a classic home performance where there were no weak links and everyone chipping in from Victor Vasquez to Steven Beitashour, with Jonathan Osorio adding in insurance at the end. It was a near-perfect performance with a passing and possession highlighting the afternoon. Looking ahead, TFC are into the homestretch for the playoffs and have some key fixture to watch as they are in a position for a season of greatness.

Back with Aaron Neilsen, a bit behind on the recording, we look back at the 3-1 win over the Montreal Impact but instead of running through the match minute-by-minute, we have a more overarching discussion on the state of the club. We look at, compare and contrast them, to other "super" clubs in MLS history and run through some key performers in the month of August. Then we look ahead to the playoffs approaching and Supporter Shield race.

Yes, going solo once again, and once again it is celebrating a TFC win. The Reds keep on rollin' as they dispatch the Chicago Fire on the road and continue to establish themselves as the top contender in MLS and ignite the conversation of them being the best team in league history. It was another solid display as Marky Delgado, Alex Bono and Michael Bradley all stood apart in putting forth strong performances to ensure the win. Looking ahead, the Union come to BMO but likely TFC will be eyeing next weekend's clash against the Montreal Impact.

Toronto FC delivers them all, as they dispatch the Portland Timbers 4-1 at BMO on a sunny Saturday afternoon. It was another impressive display at home, lead once again by the creativity of Giovinco, with the finishing of Justin Morrow and support of Victor Vasquez. With some missing pieces, the Reds still managed to look dominant for long stretches and the second half completely took the heart of the Timbers to walk away with all three points. It was a critical result ahead of next weekend's clash against Eastern Conference contenders Chicago Fire that will open up the title race and playoff positions.

Toronto FC mangle NYCFC 4-0 and make several statements of who is the boss in the Eastern Conference. The visitors tried to go toe-to-toe, but on this day TFC were more determined and lead by their DP dynamo, Giovinco. David Villa the best DP of all time? The line has been drawn and once again the Italian came out on top in this fixture, as Giovinco scored a brace and set up his teammates. It was one of the best afternoons in recent memory and the Reds remain as serious contenders for the Supporters Shield, and look to build more momentum as the turn the corner towards the 2017 post-season.

Ok, well WE would have gotten the slice of pizza as the Reds drew 1-1 with the woeful Colorado Rapids. It was a cagey affair with the opposition happy to foul and happy to cramp up at every opportunity in order to drag the result into a draw. At the end of the day the ploy worked as Toronto could not get any real momentum after Benoit Cheyrou left injured in the first half. It was a game of real highlights and lowlights, as Giovinco, Clint Irwin and Jay Chapman all looked good, but the Rapids did their best to make it an ugly match with plenty of stoppages. The referee did not help the cause as he was unable to control the antics and the match ended earlier than it should have, but quite simply it was a game to move on from and forget.

Yes, it's another 2-0 home victory for the Reds, who keep on bettering opposition at BMO Field, despite playing at near exhaustion. On two days rest, Toronto mustered up a solid home display where there were no glaring weak links in the squad and the quality was enough to grab all three points. Determination and commitment abounds, it really came down to an Alex Bono super save and Giovinco's last second insurance goal to seal what was an entertaining Friday night of football.

Yes, it's become an ordinary score for TFC at home, however, it wasn't the usual result as it took the second half for the Reds to score their goals and DC United proved to be more stubborn than several other better sides in MLS. After a poor game in New England, Sebastian Giovinco bounced back with two assists that set up two solid goals from Jozy Altidore and Jordan Hamilton. It was a much needed three points as TFC are looking ahead at a crazy schedule that won't let up until the end of the summer.

A 3-0 loss to New England snaps TFC’s league unbeaten run and also puts Greg Vanney’s lucky shirt in the incinerator. I always thought that shirt was overhyped and it did not live up to it’s billing - oh and neither did Giovinco, who has been struggling to find his lethal form from the last two seasons. It was a forgettable result and one that likely was not watched by many people as the dog days of summer are upon us and matches with plenty of squad rotation. With a break ahead, it will do the team well as their next opponent is the struggling DC United.

Yes, a Trillium Cup to remember, and everyone's favourite trophy is lifted by the Reds via a 5-0 demolition of a hapless Columbus Crew. It was impressive in many aspects, as there was no Giovinco or Jozy, the team went down to ten men, and the final goals game in the dying minutes through classy finishes from players who appear to be on the fringe of the starting eleven. It was a pleasant return to form after a poor mid-week, and also erased any doubts the team would slip after their draw in New York City.

Oh well, what's important is the TFC locomotive keeps steamrolling ahead, and their sixth victim in a row is the expansion Minnesota United, who were dropped 3-2 at BMO Field. What's also impressive is the four wins in a two week span, and two of those wins were likely not expected at all. Greg Vanney rotates the line up on Saturday and they still grind out the victory. It's all coming up TFC these days and there is little to be critical of - but we still find a way to nitpick as even with an impressive start to 2017, comprehensive performances have been few and there is still room for this team to improve.

Was it redemption, revenge or any kind of satisfaction? No, not really. However, there was some confirmation that what happened in December 2016 was how TFC supporters saw it, that being the Reds were the better team, and with key players missing in 2017 went to Seattle and took all three points. It was a big performance from Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, while the depth players such as Jay Chapman, Raheem Edwards and Jason Hernandez were key to the result - putting faith in the complete roster that with players missing, TFC can still compete with the best.

That's right, an old foe from 2007, much like last week's Chicago Fire, went down to the Reds at BMO via a thorough 2-0 victory. Last week it was Giovinco, this week it was Jozy Altidore who scored the brace and left supporters feeling confident the team is beginning to hit their stride as top contenders. It wasn't just the goals, as Victor Vasquez and Raheem Edwards continue to emerge as key players, with Vasquez pulling the strings and Edwards really making the most of his opportunity. Up next is Orlando City then Seattle where TFC will be put to the test if they can maintain their current form.

TFC earn their first comprehensive victory of 2017, courtesy of a Giovinco brace, a 3-1 victory over the Chicago Fire. The Italian DP had fire in his belly as he was in vintage form taking shots whenever openings occurred, and topped it off with two slick finishes. But it wasn't a one man show, as the defence held up without Drew Moor and the midfield looked solid. It was a match of few complaints, and a performance needed ahead of two more tricky opponents in the Houston Dynamo and Orlando City.

Yes, the Reds, unbeaten in five (1W-4D-0L) ends with a 2-1 loss to the Columbus Crew to not only keep them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but behind their rivals in the prestigious Trillium Cup. TFC got off to a solid start, opening the scoring and looking the better side, but lapses in focus, both in finishing and defending, were enough to undo any chances at points. Toronto will need to step it up a notch quickly as three home games in a row should be an opportunity for nine points, but if this form continues, will be opportunities lost.

Toronto FC once again come up short of all three points at BMO Field as a back and forth match ended in a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United. Even going up a man in the final stretch of the match wasn't enough of an advantage as the Reds played better at even strength and could not muster the game winning goal. Atlanta burned Chris Mavinga twice, but on the home side, both Victor Vasquez and Armando Cooper put in solid performances, while Giovinco opened his scoring account for 2017. It's still early in the season and TFC aren't falling behind, but sooner than later Toronto will want to see a win in our home field.

Yes another scoreless ninety minutes for Toronto FC, in similar weather, with the majority of chances. It was a tough match to bear back in December and four months later, well not much changed. TFC's inaugural home opening opponent, Kansas City, returned but only managed one point this time in a 0-0 draw that saw Giovinco and Jonathan Osorio miss key chances to snag all three points. Instead the offence is sputtering early on in 2017 and the Reds will need to get into fifth gear coming into this weekend's match against Atlanta.

That's all TFC needed to get past their west coast Canadian rivals Vancouver Whitecaps in a 2-0 win. Three points on the road were key heading into the home opener and the start of the season is now looking pretty good. Brek Shea's red card opened up the game for the Reds as substitutions of Victor Vasquez and Raheem Edwards were the right move to change the face of the game and lead to the win. Vasquez and Altidore both contributed on each goal and with a week's rest, TFC should be feeling confident going back to BMO Field.

The Reds manage to net two goals in Philadelphia, but could not keep a lead as the Union levelled the game that finished 2-2. It was a gritty affair in the opening forty-five, but oddly enough once Giovinco left with injury, TFC came alive in the second half and probably should have done better than a single point. It is back to back games where they might have done more, but it's early on in the campaign with bigger games ahead, most notably next weekend against Vancouver where three points would do well to lift the side ahead of the home opener at the end of March.

Yes a 0-0 draw saw a near-identical MLS-Cup Finals Reds side get their chances against Real Salt but could not come away with the big W. Thankfully, this match was the start of the season and in the big picture, likely will be forgotten. However, there were several chances for the three points and much to discuss as the eleventh campaign for TFC begins. Unfortunately, there is only so much on the pitch to go over as there is plenty in the news off the pitch and we run through the week that was in Toronto.

Ian Clarke and Aaron Neilsen discuss the 2016 Sigma Showcase prior to an interview with Sigma FC's Technical Director Bobby Smyrniotis. First is a discussion surrounding the Sigma showcase and thoughts on the event, then moving into player development and how the NCAA leads to the MLS Combine and SuperDraft. Then is the interview with Bobby Smyrniotis, who discusses what the showcase means for soccer in Southern Ontario, then looking at this year's class, the players heading into the 2017 SuperDraft and finally going over what the Canadian Premier League could mean for them and Canadian Soccer.

It's all ESSU as Paul Marhue and Ian Clarke look back on the year that was for TFC. A quick, as painless as possible review of the MLS Cup then circles back to the start of the campaign, through the dog days of summer and into the playoffs that noted huge wins of Philadelphia, New York City FC and the unforgettable conference semi-finals against Montreal. Then it's all about the "best of" or awards as we look at the best matches, signings, young players and name or player of the year before a quick discussion on what to expect for 2017.

Have we accepted this yet? Toronto FC lose the MLS Cup in penalties after the Sounders scraped through 120 minutes without a shot on goal. It's a tough pill to swallow for TFC supporters as the chances were few, and the one golden chance was turned away with cat-like karma reflexes by Stefan Frei. It's not the most positive ESSU, but we do our best to get through a difficult episode where we felt somewhat robbed with how it all went down.

Let's be honest, who would have thought we'd still be talking TFC in early December? Not me. But here we are and we are all in, still speechless after the Reds hoist the Eastern Conference title, but careful not to celebrate too much as there is still business to take care of. That is in an old expansion foe in the Seattle Sounders, who have gotten the better of TFC many times since 2009 and this could be the year where Toronto finally edges ahead of their west coast expansion rivals. It will be a tough one-off affair, but one with home-field advantages and a team peaking at the right time. We cannot wait to knock out one more post-game ESSU in a few days time.

The Reds make history and appear to be a team of destiny as they came back not once, but twice, to get past the Montreal Impact 7-5 on aggregate after extra time. It was one of those rare instances where there were no weak links as key and role players all contributed on an amazing result. From Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore to Justin Morrow and Nick Hagglund, it was a match and performance that will not be forgotten. Up next is the MLS Cup as the Reds host the Sounders and look to finish the job on what has been an incredible ride thus far.

TFC get out of Montreal with some respectability and critical away goals in a 3-2 loss to the Impact. The Reds managed to fight back from a 3-0 deficit and showed grit and determination rarely seen over the last decade. It has been the hallmark of the side for the last two months, one that has stayed in game and fought until the end. Goals from Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley give TFC supporters hope that the home leg of this round can end with a win and sending the club into the MLS Cup Final.

It might have "technically" been New Jersey, but a bit of redemption in New York as TFC, in their biggest match in club history, win 5-0 in NYC. The league non-MVP Giovinco stood tall and put in an ... well I guess just average performance with a hat-trick, while birthday boy Jozy Altidore and Jonathan Osorio get the insurance goals. It was perhaps the best win in club history and this team is giving you the feeling the ascent won't hit the tipping point any time soon. Here's looking to Montreal and taking on the Impact for the right to go to the MLS Cup Final.