By Rosemary Rago
In case you missed the greatest injustice in world football history -- Pep Guardiola refusing to shake hands with Caleb Porter -- the MLS All-Star game went last night. The team that was treating the game like the Champions League final won 2-1 over the team with eight guys that literally just got off a plane from a post World Cup bender.
CSN's newest contributor, Rosemary Rago, breaks down the only contributor from a Canadian team--TFC's Michael Bradley. If you want a hot take on handshake-gate try Simon Borg.
Quick note on Rosemary. A Canadian of Italian decent (like, legitimate. She was born there), Rosemary has been deeply involved in the game a local level for several years. She's also currently enrolled in the prestigious College of Sports Media. She's coming on board to provide daily news coverage of TFC and Canada.
The other side of this move is it will allow me to focus on investigative reporting and on providing reaction to the bigger news items.
I'm excited to have Rosemary on board and for what her help will allow me to do. Join me in welcoming her.
-Duane
--
Michael Bradley is familiar with the MLS All Star game where he made his mark in 2013. Bradley’s passing was key to the winning side’s final goal of the match. But last year the American International was representing AS Roma who topped the MLS group 3-1.
In the 68th minute Bradley fed a one touch pass from the top of the 18 yard box between two MLS defenders to the boot of Kevin Strootman. The Dutch midfielder sent a crisp pass to Junior Tallo for the tap in. What impressed most pundits about “The General” was his chemistry with Strootman. Bradley also was incredibly efficient completing 58 of 59 pass attempts spanning over the entire pitch. Not a bad way for Bradley to celebrate his 26th birthday.
Focus was on Bradley as he made his debut as a MLS AllStar on Wednesday. Some expected he would anchor the MLS squad’s midfield, balance the defense, and control possession. Members of the ESPN panel went as far to say that he would emerge as the leader of the squad. Though back home Bradley has faced some criticism. He recently silenced the negative reviews with his stellar play on Saturday vs The Montreal Impact. He dominated the middle of the park for TFC and notched the game winning goal.
Although Bradley’s 45 minute performance in Portland wasn’t terrible, it wasn’t memorable either. In fact, it had no bearing on the 2-1 MLS win over Bayern Munich. The New York Red Bulls pair of Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill, however, dictated the pace during the first half. Henry created, and was on the receiving end of, great service while Cahill was incredibly intense in the middle.
Many TFC supporters expressed little to no interest in Bradley’s 45 minute AllStar contribution. Most were only concerned that he return unscathed. Others poked fun stating that they would riot if he didn't score multiple times.
With less than half of the season remaining, what’s most important to TFC faithful is that Bradley is in full form to help lead the club to their first post season berth in franchise history.
Which he did.
So it's a win for Toronto. Now, let's focus on what matters--Toronto's drive to its first ever playoff spot.