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The Good
At least we didn’t lose... Oso’s response to Vancouver’s penalty... the Whitecaps’ celebratory dance after Kei Kamara’s goal... Clint Irwin’s save on Alphonso Davies in the second half... Nick Hagglund had a strong game... at least we didn’t lose... Michael Bradley’s ball to Altidore in the first half (Jozy’s only contribution during the first 45)... give Tosaint Ricketts credit for pressuring Doneil Henry... Oso doing double-duty: scoring the lone TFC goal and helping Ashtone Morgan deal with Davies down the left side... at least we didn’t lose... Bradley’s ball to Altidore right at the death (Jozy’s only contribution during the second 45)... the “D. Henry” sign made to look like an “Oh Henry” candy bar wrapper (should have said “D’oh! Henry”)... the hearty post-game handshake between the coaches. Always like to see that... the prospect of an awesome, winner-take-all game next Wednesday. Perhaps those grossly overpriced tickets will be worth it after all... at least we didn’t lose.
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The Bad
No killer instinct. Remind me, which team was down a man?... no real moves at the transfer window. Maybe a free agent signing before mid-September? Tony Tchani is available. Or, is that bad 2011 ju-ju?... watching young Alphie single-handedly rip through TFC’s defence. This madness must be stopped in Leg 2... isn’t the title “Canada Soccer Canadian Championship” a bit redundant?... Marky Delgado’s acting job in the first half. Never like to see that... one of the themes of this TFC season: possession without purpose is absolutely meaningless... Jason Hernandez and Eriq Zavaleta made to look like pylons by Erik Hurtado (Vancouver’s second goal)... shouldn’t the Canadian Championship have its own, official game ball?... having to watch that ball bounce off Doneil’s head. Why couldn’t it have been Brek Shea?... why was Greg Vanney sweating so much? Isn’t that indoor stadium climate controlled?
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The Ugly
We didn’t win... Dave Gantar’s refereeing. Same guy that officiated the Canadian Championship final last year at BMO. Remember the pancreas-shattering body blow to Beitashour and the red card to Patrice Bernier?... that dry, crusty, stained, faded carpet that both teams had to play on... we are still a very fragile team. That’s why I have been so vocal about TFC’s need for improved roster depth. Admit it, you also inhaled deeply when Auro and Chris Mavinga were subbed off... we didn’t win... Tosaint’s two hand balls to book-end the match... Jozy looked like he was strolling through Stanley Park... Kamara’s bad hair is spreading. Now Yordy Reyna and Alphonso Davies have it. Then there is Brek Shea... we didn’t win.