Canada vs Ghana Tuesday Oct 13th, Washington DC

[king1010]

Just realized that our team to play Ghana will have 8 players on the roster who were not born in Canada. 

[Ruffian]

I am sure this is not the squad that Floro wanted to call right before a WCQ either. He probably gets frustrated with all of the politics that have to happen to get the players he wants when he wants.

[El Hombre]

Its true that based on the belize match the team play left a lot to be desired. 

Which is probably why floro is testing some new high quality additions to the squad. Perhaps he recognized what we had against belize was never going to score no matter how cohesive the team was. Perhaps he thinks adding attacking players like hoilett cavillani aird will inprove our scoring chances and have them integrate to his tactics. 

I wouldve likee to see all the mls regulars and hutch in the squad though. Its an intl break. Too bad mls doesnt break for it. 

True.

Maybe he listened to all the bitching and complaining on here after the Belize game and thought an upgrade in a few positions was required.

Post Belize: "This team needs a change.  They can't score!"

Pre-Ghana friendly: "Why so many changes?  Where are all the players from the Belize series?"

Something does not compute.

[jpg75]

True.

Maybe he listened to all the bitching and complaining on here after the Belize game and thought an upgrade in a few positions was required.

Post Belize: "This team needs a change.  They can't score!"

Pre-Ghana friendly: "Why so many changes?  Where are all the players from the Belize series?"

Something does not compute.

There's a huge difference between bringing in some upgrades to assimilate into the core and calling all the fringe players to battle out for the bottom spots on the roster. We are lacking a number of our key veterans who as leaders should be helping welcome the ringers like Hoilett and Cavallini into the team.

[jrue17]

Let's face it, there's never going to be a roster that everyone is going to be happy with. There's always going to be someone left off for reasons unknown, players called in for God knows why. I am just happy that depth options at some key positions seemed to have opened up in numbers. Some people are pissed that some core players were omitted for the friendly and so many new faces were called in. But they were probably the ones that also were calling for new blood after the last last wcq...

[El Hombre]

There's a huge difference between bringing in some upgrades to assimilate into the core and calling all the fringe players to battle out for the bottom spots on the roster. We are lacking a number of our key veterans who as leaders should be helping welcome the ringers like Hoilett and Cavallini into the team.

Right and you're assuming that, not unlike a video game, we are so sure that these guys are definite upgrades so much so that you wouldn't need to look at any other players, like Aird and Froese and Bustos.  Pinning your hopes on upgrading by only bringing in one or two guys is not a great strategy and an opportunity lost if those players don't work out.  I've never been sold on Cavalini and Hoilett has been idle for some time.  If those guys don't show well vs. Ghana I'd be glad to have other potential depth options come in and show what they can do for the second half.

Also, how much of the starting eleven is missing?  The entire back line is there except for Ledgerwood (which no one has ever liked) and Henry (injury).  Out of the midfield, we're missing Atiba, Johnson (injury) and Piette (U23).  And up front, you're missing Larin (who a large number of people around here thinks isn't ready).

So, the only real omission is Hutch.  If you really think that Hutch doesn't have the quality to sync with new players leading up to an important game, then we are of two different minds.  Also, I would be surprised that Hutch was left off without having any input in that decision.

[Olympique_de_Marseille]

There's a huge difference between bringing in some upgrades to assimilate into the core and calling all the fringe players to battle out for the bottom spots on the roster.

Floro probably tried to call as many as possible. After all, 24 players is a stange number to call. There's no such thing as a 24-man roster right?

The only player I find odd that Floro would want to look at again is Nana Attakora-Gyan but since he's of Ghanaian heritage it's kind of a cool match for him to get called to. I hope he sees at least 30 seconds on the pitch. If he still has family in the GTA I can see them coming down to watch him for this one.

 

 

[baulderdash77]

I think it's refreshing to see a couple new additions as well as the return of Cavallini.  It's not really surprising to see our MLS players who are important to their teams not come for a friendly when they're all in a playoff run.  In a way I was hoping Bekker would have stayed in MLS since it looks like he's finally carving something for himself by playing in form, but the team is very thin on central midfielders.  We only really have Straith and Bekker with any CMNT experience.  Maybe we'll play 

This is going to be most of our starting backline and some quality at midfield. Aird can really help us and it's quite possible he becomes a fixture for us at RB.  I'm really glad to have him.  Hoilett of course is the big name and he can instill some amazing pace and disruption on the wing and Cavallini has been very much in form so he's going to be an interesting attacking option.

I think we'll see:

                 Borjan

Aird   Edgar  Hainault  De Jong

                 Straith

Ricketts  Bekker  Tissot  Hoilett

                 Haber

 

Subs I expect are Cavallini, Bustos and Lefevre.  It's important to get guys like those 3 integrated into some playing time and recommitted to the program.  Aird and Hoilett are instant starters for us.

[baulderdash77]

One thing is for sure.  The additions of Aird and Hoilett are going to spell reduced time for some long standing team members.  Ricketts and Ledgerwood to their credit have always answered the call but we may now have some better options than them with these additions.  Ricketts will still feature but he may not be an automatic starter for us like he has in the past.  We suddenly have legit depth at our wing positions.

[madmonte]

So, the only real omission is Hutch.  If you really think that Hutch doesn't have the quality to sync with new players leading up to an important game, then we are of two different minds.  Also, I would be surprised that Hutch was left off without having any input in that decision.

That's not what jpg said, what he said was that Hutch could help get them assimilated, not vice versa.  I would agree with jpg in that, if it was an option, Hutch's leadership could help get those guys into the fold.

[Vince193]

I think it's refreshing to see a couple new additions as well as the return of Cavallini.  It's not really surprising to see our MLS players who are important to their teams not come for a friendly when they're all in a playoff run.  In a way I was hoping Bekker would have stayed in MLS since it looks like he's finally carving something for himself by playing in form, but the team is very thin on central midfielders.  We only really have Straith and Bekker with any CMNT experience.  Maybe we'll play 

This is going to be most of our starting backline and some quality at midfield. Aird can really help us and it's quite possible he becomes a fixture for us at RB.  I'm really glad to have him.  Hoilett of course is the big name and he can instill some amazing pace and disruption on the wing and Cavallini has been very much in form so he's going to be an interesting attacking option.

I think we'll see:

                 Borjan

Aird   Edgar  Hainault  De Jong

                 Straith

Ricketts  Bekker  Tissot  Hoilett

                 Haber

 

Subs I expect are Cavallini, Bustos and Lefevre.  It's important to get guys like those 3 integrated into some playing time and recommitted to the program.  Aird and Hoilett are instant starters for us.

Tissot has never played CM.

[red card]

This is schizo board of people. The Belize roster wasn't going to give us the HEX. People have been clamouring for years for about Hoillet, Cavanilli & Aird and recently Bustos. But now, the roster is full of too new players??

I have to give credit for Floro for bringing in all of these players that previous coaches have failed or would have failed. He is also building a system of play from the senior team to the Olympic team to youth teams. That will help with the gelling part as most Canadian teams (especially youth sides) play quite disjointed. You have players of different calibre coming together. The higher football IQ and skilled players make the good plays but then have no one to pass it to or run into space but the lower calibre player doesn't have the vision to see the same opportunity.

Floro has also brought in Quebec players into the fold that previous coaches generally ignored.

[jpg75]

Right and you're assuming that, not unlike a video game, we are so sure that these guys are definite upgrades so much so that you wouldn't need to look at any other players, like Aird and Froese and Bustos.  Pinning your hopes on upgrading by only bringing in one or two guys is not a great strategy and an opportunity lost if those players don't work out.  I've never been sold on Cavalini and Hoilett has been idle for some time.  If those guys don't show well vs. Ghana I'd be glad to have other potential depth options come in and show what they can do for the second half.

Also, how much of the starting eleven is missing?  The entire back line is there except for Ledgerwood (which no one has ever liked) and Henry (injury).  Out of the midfield, we're missing Atiba, Johnson (injury) and Piette (U23).  And up front, you're missing Larin (who a large number of people around here thinks isn't ready).

So, the only real omission is Hutch.  If you really think that Hutch doesn't have the quality to sync with new players leading up to an important game, then we are of two different minds.  Also, I would be surprised that Hutch was left off without having any input in that decision.

You're forgetting our Captain, Julian de Guzman. Start adding up the names and all of a sudden that's a big block of guys. Sure there are some injuries, but a little more continuity would be nice.

[Keegan]

What's with our federation constantly letting itself be bullied?  How is Larin not here OR with the U23s?  Where is Hutchinson? We kinda need these guys to have one match with Hoilett etc. before we enter the biggest part of our schedule.

We need our starting striker for this match, period.  Do you think TFC would be able to hold Altidore or Bradley back from a match just before WCQ?  Hell no and they (USMNT) actually have depth!  Why can't we tell Orlando to go F themselves?!  Sorry you guys aren't making the playoffs as an expansion team but we have a kind of important thing called World Cup Qualifiers next month... 

When was the last time we had 80% of our roster even?  This is a joke and our leadership is a joke.  Don't get me wrong, I love the new faces here but there are so many confusing things that go along with them like for instance why are Jordan Hamilton/Manny Aparicio here and not with the U23s?  They can't possibly be in contention for November matches.

Why are the Whitecaps such pricks?  We all know you're not going to give Marco Bustos any minutes so why couldn't he be with the U23s?  I bet if Bryce Alderson was still with Vancouver they would have held him back too.  Who is making these decisions?  It can't possibly be Carl Robinson... are the Whitecaps angry that Teibert doesn't get more time and they're being pricks as a result?  Grow up. 

[El Hombre]

 

That's not what jpg said, what he said was that Hutch could help get them assimilated, not vice versa.  I would agree with jpg in that, if it was an option, Hutch's leadership could help get those guys into the fold.

What's with our federation constantly letting itself be bullied?  How is Larin not here OR with the U23s?  Where is Hutchinson? We kinda need these guys to have one match with Hoilett etc. before we enter the biggest part of our schedule.

So, do people really think that Hutch, our best player, had no input on whether or not to be called into this game?

[aloyol]

Keegan, why do you assume the CSA let themselves getting bullied? It's a FIFA date and it seems to me it's Floro who's giving the camp off to Larin and Atiba. We would have every right to call them if we wanted. 

[Keegan]

Keegan, why do you assume the CSA let themselves getting bullied? It's a FIFA date and it seems to me it's Floro who's giving the camp off to Larin and Atiba. We would have every right to call them if we wanted. 

Well Floro complained to the press that Orlando wouldn't release Larin (http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/10/01/canada-head-coach-benito-floro-unhappy-not-have-several-mls-players-olympic).  But other players who weren't released for OQ were called to this camp so why not our starting striker?  Why would we call Jordan Hamilton ahead of Larin?  If we wanted to send a message we should have called Larin.. why let them have their cake and eat it too? 

And why would we leave our best player off the roster but call in a guy from Sweden/Bulgaria to sit on the bench?  It doesn't add up.

[aloyol]

Not having Larin for OQ is one thing but Orlando can't keep him if we called him for the Ghana game. 

I think someone needs to clarify that with Floro. And the Atiba absence.

[Obinna]

After initially being unimpressed, I am now fairly happy with the roster. Funny what a few days can do to give you some perspective sometimes...

Nobody except Floro and the staff really know what the approach was here, but here is my guess.

Backline

Fairly intact. Edgar, de Jong, Straith and Ouimette are regular call ups, Hainault and James are in and out of the picture, while Attakora and Adekugbe are fringe players. Lefevre is the unknown. Missing regulars are Jakovic (injury), Henry (injury), Morgan (healthy?) and Ledgerwood (healthy). 

Thoughts:

Attakora - Floro wants to give Attakora another chance after being a starter this year for a good NASL squad. He uses him mostly as a RB so he gave Nik a break. This is an indication to me that his spot in the team is safe.

Adekugbe - This call may either a reaction to Robinson withholding him for U-23, or it may be simply an opportunity to bring him in for training with Morgan recently getting over a groin injury. Possible that it is actually both. Could Floro seriously be considering him as a squad player for the Vancouver match? It's where he plays his club football afterall. Could his familiarity with the surroundings give him an advantage?

Lefevre - "Bring him in and see what he can do" in training category. Will need to impress to get to Vancouver.

Conclusion - Aside from those 3, the intent appears to be call in a first choice defence. Gives the players who will be with the squad for WCQ more time together. 

 

Midfield

Very experimental. Bekker is a regular call up, Tissot is in and out of the picture, while Froese and Aparicio are fringe players. Hoilett, Bustos and Aird are the unknowns. Missing regulars are Teibert (healthy), Osorio (healthy), Hutchinson (healthy), de Guzman (healthy?), Piette (U-23) and Johnson (injury).

Thoughts:

Tissot - Because he's been in the picture more than he's been out, I am not going to say he's giving him another chance, like Attakora, but rather giving him another opportunity. The outlook for Tissot is positive and I think he will play a role. Can't see Montreal negotiating to keep him for this window either, he's a depth player for the Impact who can start if the squad needs to be rotated and nothing more.

Froese - See Adekugbe comments above.

Aparicio - A very confusing call up. My theory is that out of the 3 reserves called into the U-23 team, he was the only one who has CMNT potential right now. Past calls into the senior team over the last year or so back this up. He's being brought into train (again) with the big boys and possibly is being rewarded with showing well in U-23 training. 

Hoilett, Aird, Bustos - "Bring them in and see what they can do" in training category. I would only put money on Hoilett already being a sure call up to the Vancouver match. Aird needs to impress to get to Vancouver. Bustos call mirrors Froese and Adekugbe.

Conclusion - Approach is to rest all of our regulars to create room for depth building, with Bekker being the exception. No surprise because he is the regular most likely to see the bench with a full strength squad. Osorio is still in the dog house.  The rest are all being giving a break and an opportunity to focus on their club play. Floro knows what they can do. Also think this is a sign Issey fallen behind Tissot in the pecking order.

 

Forwards

Very experimental. Haber and Ricketts are regulars. Jackson has been in and out of the picture. Hamilton is a fringe player. Cavallini is the unknown. Missing regulars are Akindele and Larin.

Thoughts:

Jackson - Given his age and his uncertainty at the club level, I think he's really in the same boat as Attakora. Not a last chance but I think he'll be done for WCQ this round if he doesn't impress here. Obviously he could get hot with his club later this season and another chance will be granted, but unless that happens I think he'll ultimately be restricted to b-squad type friendlies for the next 12-months if something doesn't happen for him here. 

Hamilton - Very hard to explain this one. Really is. I don't see the purpose. Why is he not with the U-23's? I actually can't come up with a logical reason as to why Floro would want to bring him in.  Please give me a theory because I am lost for words with this call up.

Cavallini - "Bring him in and see what he can do" in training category. Will need to impress to get to Vancouver.

Conclusion - I don't think the intent was for this to be experimental. I think Orlando and Dallas both wanted to keep their players. If Floro wanted to experiment here I think he would have let Haber and Ricketts stay at their clubs. Jackson is the beneficiary - I don't think he'd get a look otherwise. I think he's really on the outside looking in. My theory is that Floro wanted Larin, Akindele, Ricketts, Haber and Cavallini to be his 5. Did I mention I have no idea why Hamilton is there?

[madmonte]

All I'll say is this.  Don't worry about a result against Ghana.  Floro should feel free to give as many caps as possible so we can see as many options as possible.  Maybe even a full switch at half-time.

Ghana has a good team, usually.  I can HONESTLY say I don't care if we win or lose, I just wanna see all the different players start to get some time, new or old.

[Wingback6]

Aird, Cavallini, and Hoilett are in camp. 6 months ago, if someone had told me this was going to happen, I would have been skeptical, to say the least.

Now, I am overjoyed. I echo the sentiment that the result doesn't matter. I just want to see these guys play!!!

Really, short of my favorite porn star walking into my apartment right now and giving me a hummer, I couldn't be happier.

[BCM]

It's about building relationships and giving players done rest. Larin had played more matches this year than in the past two years. Giving him some rest now my help him, and us, in November. 

With Atiba, I have to believe he was  consulted and he and the team  didn't see the long trip would be of benefit, to him, his club and us! 

 

[aloyol]

Aird, Cavallini, and Hoilett are in camp. 6 months ago, if someone had told me this was going to happen, I would have been skeptical, to say the least.

Now, I am overjoyed. I echo the sentiment that the result doesn't matter. I just want to see these guys play!!!

Really, short of my favorite porn star walking into my apartment right now and giving me a hummer, I couldn't be happier.

Funny from someone who didn't want to see someone called because he wouldn't be familiar with the team.

[A_Gagne]

Aird and Hoilett are instant starters for us.

Aird rides the pine in the Scottish Championship. I fail to see how that makes him an instant starter for us?

Hoilett has about 100 Premier League games under his belt, which combined with our lack of natural wingers certainly makes him a potential starter, but the guy has played 2 league cup matches this year, and doesn't even make the QPR bench 1/2 the time. IMO on current form he's not above having to earn the spot from guys like Tissot and Akendele.

[Yohan]

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/03/tfc-on-verge-of-clinching-playoff-spot-after-win

Take what you will out of this article