Dein erstes Forum » LW Taylor Hall RW Patrick Kane C Tyler

Toronto FC started the season with back-to-back wins for the first time in franchise history with a 1-0 victory over DC United in front of a sellout crowd at BMO Field. Jermain Defoe put forth another Man of the Match performance scoring the match winner in the 60th minute. Defoe jumped on a poor defensive clearance after a Gilberto shot on the break and slotted into a wide open net for his third goal in two matches. It was a feel good day for the long-suffering Toronto FC supporters. The poor weather held off, and the sun even came out shortly before Defoes goal. The noise, the atmosphere, the smiles were back at BMO Field and theres good reason to believe more good times are on the horizon on the lakefront in downtown Toronto. Off-season hype has turned into regular season production. The match lacked the speed and tempo of the opening game win in Seattle but had similar combative elements and superior team shape, boding well for further progression as this group of new players continue to gel. Here are five thoughts on Toronto FCs home opening victory. Determined Defending – The group was simply dominant, worthy of the clean sheet. Proven MLS goal scorers Eddie Johnson and Fabian Espindola were forced to fall deep to get involved in the play. Pushing attacking players far away from Julio Cesars goal has been trademark through two matches. Absolutely no space was given. The partnership of Steven Caldwell and Doneil Henry has provided stability the team has lacked in recent seasons. They have proven an ideal duo to lead from the back – experience paired with sheer athleticism. Theres a lot to like. The off-season addition of Justin Morrow flew under the radar, yet the left-back has been among the teams best, a rock down the wing. And Mark Bloom has maintained positional integrity, solid on the night. Although DC United held 63 per cent of possession, TFC limited their opposition to only one legit goal scoring opportunity and two shots on goal. Last week in Seattle, the Sounders only had two truly good scoring opportunities. Keeping the possession to the outside is critical, with Caldwell and Henry being monsters in the air in defending crosses. It must be said goalkeeper Cesar hasnt been caught out of position, creating calmness at the back. Overall, the early season returns as a team defensively have been superior to expectations. Imperfect Pitch – The long and brutal Toronto winter made for soft, muddy and bumpy conditions, making it difficult to play the ball on the deck. Toronto FC took very few chances in their defensive end, choosing to clear more often than maintaining possession. This will have to change as the season goes on. Possession is critical to dictating the tempo and flow, while bringing Torontos skill players into the game. There was little flow Saturday. Im not sure if TFC will ever be a dominant possession team. Good news however, they are always dangerous on the counter. They have pace down the wings and creative movement up front through pacey strikers. No matter the conditions, this team will create chances. Give kudos to the team for adapting from one extreme on turf a week ago to succeeding on a soft, slow, choppy surface in Toronto. Defoe/Gilberto Potential – The duo is a work in progress but there is much to get excited about. Defoes resume and early production speaks for itself. Head Coach Ryan Nelsen commented post-match, "If I was Roy Hodgson, Id pick him in a heartbeat" when asked about his potential World Cup inclusion. If he continues on this kind of form, Hodgson will have a tough time keeping him out of his England side in a tournament all about timely goal scoring. Gilberto was always the mystery heading into the season. The 24-year-old designated player is a relative unknown commodity, but did score 14 goals in Brazil last season. His pre-season prediction of scoring 25 goals may be too ambitious, but he showed boatloads of promise in his Toronto FC debut. His movement off the ball is intelligent. And although 510, the striker plays much bigger, regularly getting his body in between the ball and his defender. His set up on Defoes chance off the post in the 42 minute was a well-timed run finished with proper service low to the front post. Gilberto doesnt speak English: another hurdle to developing chemistry with Defoe but both players have natural instincts. This relationship will be fun to watch as it develops. Referee Inconsistency – The replacement officials a week earlier did a better job than Silviu Petrescu and his crew Saturday. Regular MLS officials went back to work this week with the same inconsistencies in their play call that has frustrated MLS onlookers for years. Petrescu was a step slow throughout the match (literally when bowled over by Michael Bradley), but its a lack of consistency that will drive players crazy. In the second half, Alvaro Rey was taken down after beating two defenders down the left wing – no card was shown, yet moments later down the right hand side, Davy Arnaud was cautioned for taking down Jonathan Osorio on a similar play. Players, coaches and fans alike need to be clear on how a match is going to be called. The overall performance Saturday was subpar. Bravo, Bradley – Toronto FCs number four covers an incredible amount of ground. The pressure he puts on the ball sets the tone, giving little time or space for his centre-midfield opponents. There wasnt much room in the centre of the field Saturday, but Bradley expertly used what little he had, creating both short and long using his wingers to near perfection. Its the edge, blue-collar mentality that will easily win over supporters. The clash of heads with Arnaud that sent the DC United midfielder out of the game was a late challenge. Bradley was lucky not to be cautioned. But it was a challenge hed never back out of. Its not in his DNA to back out of 50-50 balls. The commitment is true leadership by example. With a gash split open on the back of the head, Bradley received some quick treatment, had a bandage cover the wound, and was back on the field, bossing the play and being combative as ever. The American international will continue to be the straw that stirs the drink. Its hard to imagine Toronto FC now without his presence. Lets wait until June to deal with that problem. gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca@WheelerTSN Air Max 95 China Wholesale .C. -- Eric Staal kept his focus after his apparent breakaway goal was waived off early in the third period. Discount Air Max 95 . He was attracted by the punishing defence, the strong running game and a coaching staff he trusted. The 49ers announced Thursday that Manningham had signed a two-year deal to join the team he helped knock out in the NFC championship game two months ago in their latest offensive upgrade at wide receiver. http://www.discountairmax95.com/ .C. -- Duke sophomore Rodney Hood is entering the NBA draft. Air Max 95 Cheap Sale . 1 goaltender tonight when they conclude a four-game road trip versus the Winnipeg Jets. Cheap Air Max 95 China . - Kobe Bryant and LeBron James traded hugs, big shots and verbal jabs all night with warmth and humour.My picks for the 2014-2015 NHL season, which were included as part of the voting for TSNa€?s Consensus Picks in the NHL Preview Show, some overs and unders as well as my Fantasy Hockey picks: EAST ATLANTIC 1. Boston 2. Tampa Bay 3. Montreal 4. Detroit - WC 5. Ottawa 6. Toronto 7. Florida 8. Buffalo METROPOLITAN 1. Pittsburgh 2. N.Y. Rangers 3. N.Y. Islanders 4. New Jersey - WC 5. Columbus 6. Washington 7. Philadelphia 8. Carolina WEST CENTRAL 1. Chicago 2. St. Louis 3. Dallas 4. Minnesota - WC 5. Colorado - WC 6. Winnipeg 7. Nashville PACIFIC 1. Los Angeles 2. San Jose 3. Anaheim 4. Vancouver 5. Calgary 6. Arizona 7. Edmonton Conference Finalists: Chicago-Los Angeles and Boston-Pittsburgh Cup Finalists: Chicago-Boston Cup Winner: Chicago Blackhawks AWARDS Hart: Sidney Crosby Rocket Richard: Steven Stamkos Art Ross: Sidney Crosby Norris: Drew Doughty Vezina: Henrik Lundqvist Calder: Jonathan Drouin Adams: Jon Cooper THE OVERS AND THE UNDERS Some pre-season point totals that could provide value (at least to my eyes): Boston Bruins under 108.5 a€“ Ia€?m still high on the Bruins, but last season was the only one in the past five that they finished at better than 109-point pace. St. Louis Blues over 105.5 a€“ The last two full seasons, the Blues had 109 and 111 points. High totals leave little margin for error, or injuries, but Blues can push 110 again. Dallas Stars over 95.5 a€“ This one relies on projection, because the Stars havena€?t had at least 96 points in a year since 2007-2008, but adding Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky should give them at least a five-point improvement over last year. Philadelphia Flyers under 90.5 a€“ The Flyers tend to fluctuate up and down and have fallen under a 90-point pace three times in the past eight seasons. They probably need strong goaltending to get over 90, so this depends on confidence in Steve Mason who has, admittedly, played well since arriving in Philadelphia. Winnipeg Jets over 82.5 a€“ This may only apply if the Jets get adequate goaltending, but theya€?ve only finished at an 82-point-or--below pace once in the past five seasons and they have enough good young players that they should improve.dddddddddddd Ottawa Senators over 81.5 a€“ Trying to compete on a budget is never easy, and the Senators wona€?t score so easily now that Spezza is gone, but theya€?ve come under an 81-point pace once in the past 16 seasons. Carolina Hurricanes under 80.5 a€“ I can only presume that this line (or something nearby) was set before the Hurricanes lost Jordan Staal and, for the time being, Jeff Skinner to injuries. Theya€?ve been at a pace of 80-points-or-fewer twice in the past five seasons and they look like legitimate Connor McDavid candidates. Calgary Flames over 73.5 a€“ With questionable goaltending, the Flames managed 77 points last year, and the lockout season was the only year since 2000-2001 that Calgary finished under a 74-point pace. FANTASY PICKS I have drafted (or auctioned) three teams in deep leagues, with varying rules and requirements. Here is the breakdown of all my players, giving you some indication where Ia€?ve tried to find value on draft day. LW Gabriel Landeskog (3) RW Marian Hossa (3) C Jori Lehtera (2) LW Jamie Benn LW Taylor Hall RW Patrick Kane C Tyler Seguin LW Henrik Zetterberg RW Joe Pavelski LW Thomas Vanek C Ryan Johansen C Jeff Carter RW Jakub Voracek RW Kyle Okposo C Bryan Little RW Jaromir Jagr C Nazem Kadri LW Brad Marchand C Brandon Dubinsky LW Andrew Ladd LW Jonathan Drouin C Mikko Koivu RW Radim Vrbata LW Patrik Elias C Mikael Granlund RW Justin Williams LW Alex Galchenyuk LW Johnny Gaudreau C Mika Zibanejad RW Valeri Nichushkin RW Nail Yakupov C Brock Nelson RW Charlie Coyle LW Boone Jenner D Victor Hedman (2) D Alex Edler (2) D Niklas Kronwall (2) D Morgan Rielly (2) D Keith Yandle D Brent Burns D Tyson Barrie D Jay Bouwmeester D Andrej Sekera D Kevin Bieksa D Seth Jones G Jonathan Quick G Kari Lehtonen G Brian Elliott G Jaroslav Halak G Craig Anderson G Frederik Andersen G Ben Scrivens G Martin Jones G Robin Lehner G James Reimer ' ' '