Saputo apologized to Lenarduzzi

[brownbear]

I just finished talking to a source of mine (a pretty good one--ask Bill (vansoccerman), he verify the quality of my source) who said that Saputo called Lenarduzzi late last night (1:30 am, EST--Lenarduzzi is in Vancouver), to apologize for last night.

What he was apologizing for (I don't mean that sarcastically either--if you were Saputo what would you apologize for? Coaching? Tactics? Player selection? Admittedly throwing the game?) and whether he actually reached Lenarduzzi, I'm not sure. I'll update when/if I find out more.

[Footy]

F*** that If I were the Duze I would spit in his face ... he knew that Dos Santos was going to field a weak squad that was going into the game with a who cares approach thus robbing the paying public with their a-hole performance.

[GhostDog]

Yeah an apology at this point does ring kind of hollow. A day late and a buck short.

[Vancouversoccerman]

Although I don't know anything about the phone call, I can verify that Brownbear's source is solid.

[Peter Schaad]

Bob took a VERY high road in the media today. He commented on how the focus should be on Toronto's achievement instead of Montreal's lack of it. Teitur was a tad more critical...and he had a good point. Last year, when the Whitecaps were mathematically out of it, they turned in a professional performance and pulled out a 2-2 draw, thus opening the door for Montreal. I don't think the fixture list was any less congested, and every team has injuries.

What I really wonder, is whether Matt Jordan was ticked about not playing. He's a superb goalkeeper, and a terrific man manager. It's not like a goalkeeper runs 6 miles in a game...and I think he would have loved to stuff an MLS opponent, and still be ready for Saturday.

[dsqpr]

I don't blame Saputo. It is a flaw in the competition rules. If two teams are tied for first place then the first tie-breaker should be "head to head" results rather than goal difference over the whole competition. With only three teams and the consequence that all matches have to be played consecutively, the normal tie breaker of "goal difference" does not work well, as we have seen.

[BHTC Mike]

quote:Originally posted by Peter Schaad

Last year, when the Whitecaps were mathematically out of it, they turned in a professional performance and pulled out a 2-2 draw, thus opening the door for Montreal.

THEY WEREN'T OUT OF IT UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THAT GAME.

This is a V-Cup myth that needs to be clarified before it becomes accepted fact.

And I've never been a fan of the Duze but he's right... scoring six goals is an achievement full-stop. NOTHING about TFC's win needs to be qualified. THEY could have just as easily said, "well, that's unrealistic" and rolled over themselves! They didn't, went for it, and played a more frantic, passionate, risk-taking game then they ever have before. IN MONTREAL. AFTER going a goal down. TFC rarely dominates games and NEVER scored freely even when they did.

If you don't think that the team that Montreal just wanted to put out a "professional performance" and leave with their respect intact you're underestimating the competitive nature of any athlete playing at this level. What so few want to accept is that for once TFC RAISED THEIR GAME to the level required and played like their salaries and reputations indicate they should.

Will if last? Probably not but I couldn't imagine a better time for it to happen even once.

[devioustrevor]

quote:Originally posted by BHTC Mike


quote:Originally posted by Peter Schaad

Last year, when the Whitecaps were mathematically out of it, they turned in a professional performance and pulled out a 2-2 draw, thus opening the door for Montreal.

THEY WEREN'T OUT OF IT UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THAT GAME.

This is a V-Cup myth that needs to be clarified before it becomes accepted fact.

And I've never been a fan of the Duze but he's right... scoring six goals is an achievement full-stop. NOTHING about TFC's win needs to be qualified. THEY could have just as easily said, "well, that's unrealistic" and rolled over themselves! They didn't, went for it, and played a more frantic, passionate, risk-taking game then they ever have before. IN MONTREAL. AFTER going a goal down. TFC rarely dominates games and NEVER scored freely even when they did.

If you don't think that the team that Montreal just wanted to put out a "professional performance" and leave with their respect intact you're underestimating the competitive nature of any athlete playing at this level. What so few want to accept is that for once TFC RAISED THEIR GAME to the level required and played like their salaries and reputations indicate they should.

Will if last? Probably not but I couldn't imagine a better time for it to happen even once.



I agree. I don't know how the game looked on TV, but I was in Section 223 and it looked like TFC could've scored 10 last night. Vitti had a couple of decent looks, Dichio probably should've had a Hattrick if his finishing was a little better. DeRo flashed on at least one great chance, Barret (as usual) wasted a few opportunities.

[jimmynow]

Guevara's two goals were world class... pinpoint shots Jordan wouldn't have stopped.

[canucklefan]

If Voyageur Cup had 4 teams in the tournament, it would have easier to have a better ending as the 4 teams would be playing the last 2 games at the same time. Unfortunately, there were 3 teams and one of them had to wait for the last game.

[TFCRegina]

Look, I feel bad for Whitecaps FC fans, but quite frankly, there's a lot of undeserved bitterness directed as Toronto FC.

Montreal played ****, they shouldn't have played ****, Saputo apologized for his team's embarrassing performance, and that's the way things go. It's time to move on, there's always next year, and my bet is that it will be even better viewing next year.

This competition has been great for Canadian football, and I thoroughly enjoyed my trip down to Montreal. It was a little fun telling people I was from Saskatchewan and I cheered for Toronto FC...

The game will be a memorable one for me for a lot of reasons. First: It was my first Toronto FC game, and my 2nd Live soccer game (the first being the Santos Laguna game in February). Second, I witnessed the first cup win of any kind for Toronto FC, thirdly Fuad Ibrahim gave me his jersey after the game.

This is something that builds a fan base for the Beautiful Game. I'm happy these great rivalries mean something to the people who watch it. Next year, the competition is going to be of an even higher level.

What this competition has said to me is that the USL sides aren't much different than the MLS sides. I personally think the players on MLS sides are better but the tactics used by USL teams are far superior than those used by MLS teams. MLS can learn some things from USL...

[kyam]

quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina

Look, I feel bad for Whitecaps FC fans, but quite frankly, there's a lot of undeserved bitterness directed as Toronto FC.

Montreal played ****, they shouldn't have played ****, Saputo apologized for his team's embarrassing performance, and that's the way things go. It's time to move on, there's always next year, and my bet is that it will be even better viewing next year.

This competition has been great for Canadian football, and I thoroughly enjoyed my trip down to Montreal. It was a little fun telling people I was from Saskatchewan and I cheered for Toronto FC...

The game will be a memorable one for me for a lot of reasons. First: It was my first Toronto FC game, and my 2nd Live soccer game (the first being the Santos Laguna game in February). Second, I witnessed the first cup win of any kind for Toronto FC, thirdly Fuad Ibrahim gave me his jersey after the game.

This is something that builds a fan base for the Beautiful Game. I'm happy these great rivalries mean something to the people who watch it. Next year, the competition is going to be of an even higher level.

What this competition has said to me is that the USL sides aren't much different than the MLS sides. I personally think the players on MLS sides are better but the tactics used by USL teams are far superior than those used by MLS teams. MLS can learn some things from USL...


MLS has had some big name coaches, but none of the big name coaches have lived up to their hype...

None of the USL coaches are big names, but the Whitecaps and the Impact have had their share of coaches that performed above expectation.

(of course, I keep in mind that the Whitecaps and the Impact are arguably the two best clubs in USL from the top down)

[TFCRegina]

Big name coaches? Like Bruce Arena?

These guys employ boring tactics K, and last time I checked there were only a handful of coaches in MLS that have decent coaching certificates (as in non-USSF coaching certificates). Most of them play the boring bucket. Cummings hasn't fallen into that trap yet, but MLS coaches in general are not utilizing the talent available to them by employing "safe" tactical set ups that try to iron out the creativity of the players on the field.

[kyam]

quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina

Big name coaches? Like Bruce Arena?

These guys employ boring tactics K, and last time I checked there were only a handful of coaches in MLS that have decent coaching certificates (as in non-USSF coaching certificates). Most of them play the boring bucket. Cummings hasn't fallen into that trap yet, but MLS coaches in general are not utilizing the talent available to them by employing "safe" tactical set ups that try to iron out the creativity of the players on the field.


As I said, bit name coaches not living up to their hype. Just because their big name, doesn't make them any good.

Cummins hasn't fallen into that trap? By choosing Velez over Gomez in the LA Galaxy game that costed us both goals?

[TFCRegina]

That wasn't a tactical blunder, it was a player selection blunder. When I talk tactically poor decisions, I mean selecting a defensive 4-4-2 when we have a great attacking midfield that can create chances. We are playing a 4-3-3 which is designed to promote offensive play. And it's creative compared to what everybody else plays in this league.

Bruce Arena is what I like to call the typically boring, big name coach in MLS. He's always played defensively, and more so this year, as he lacks Beckham right now in LA. His tactics are ultra-defensive and boring. There's two reasons why LA's attendance has fallen this year. One is Beckham, two is that draws are boring as hell.

At least Cummings plays creatively, something significantly better than most MLS coaches.

[Portuguese Sensation]

quote:Originally posted by BHTC Mike


quote:Originally posted by Peter Schaad

Last year, when the Whitecaps were mathematically out of it, they turned in a professional performance and pulled out a 2-2 draw, thus opening the door for Montreal.

THEY WEREN'T OUT OF IT UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THAT GAME.

This is a V-Cup myth that needs to be clarified before it becomes accepted fact.

And I've never been a fan of the Duze but he's right... scoring six goals is an achievement full-stop. NOTHING about TFC's win needs to be qualified. THEY could have just as easily said, "well, that's unrealistic" and rolled over themselves! They didn't, went for it, and played a more frantic, passionate, risk-taking game then they ever have before. IN MONTREAL. AFTER going a goal down. TFC rarely dominates games and NEVER scored freely even when they did.

If you don't think that the team that Montreal just wanted to put out a "professional performance" and leave with their respect intact you're underestimating the competitive nature of any athlete playing at this level. What so few want to accept is that for once TFC RAISED THEIR GAME to the level required and played like their salaries and reputations indicate they should.

Will if last? Probably not but I couldn't imagine a better time for it to happen even once.



I agree 100%

[kyam]

quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina

That wasn't a tactical blunder, it was a player selection blunder. When I talk tactically poor decisions, I mean selecting a defensive 4-4-2 when we have a great attacking midfield that can create chances. We are playing a 4-3-3 which is designed to promote offensive play. And it's creative compared to what everybody else plays in this league.

Bruce Arena is what I like to call the typically boring, big name coach in MLS. He's always played defensively, and more so this year, as he lacks Beckham right now in LA. His tactics are ultra-defensive and boring. There's two reasons why LA's attendance has fallen this year. One is Beckham, two is that draws are boring as hell.

At least Cummings plays creatively, something significantly better than most MLS coaches.


In talking to US fans, Bruce Arena is seen as the Mitchell of US Soccer... He is largely blamed for "losing" Rossi (fairly or unfairly), so hes definitely considered over hyped...

He tends to play favorites with who he plays as well, his "big name" status was earned through failure in the US MNT.

[TFCRegina]

And he's played the bucket with both MLS and USMNT players.

And Arena is largely considered better than Bradley, the current clown of the US. Read the MLS Talk blog, where a lot of american fans go. They'd rather have Arena now than Bradley.

[kyam]

quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina

And he's played the bucket with both MLS and USMNT players.

And Arena is largely considered better than Bradley, the current clown of the US. Read the MLS Talk blog, where a lot of american fans go. They'd rather have Arena now than Bradley.


This wasn't the case before the Confederation Cup... Arena is not very well liked. American fans are angry and rightly so, but to be fair, they lost to Italy and Brasil...

It could have been Mexico their instead, and the scorelines would have been the same. Not sure why Bradley is being scapegoated, their team performed poorly against superior opponents.

[TFCRegina]

No, it was the case Ken. People were extremely angry with Bradley's road performance against El Salvador and Honduras in the WCQ. Fact is Bradley is worse than Arena and they both suck, but people are pining for Arena again because he sucked less.

[kyam]

quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina

No, it was the case Ken. People were extremely angry with Bradley's road performance against El Salvador and Honduras in the WCQ. Fact is Bradley is worse than Arena and they both suck, but people are pining for Arena again because he sucked less.


HA! Hell will freeze over before the Voyageurs start demanding for Mitchell back!

[snake]

montreal is a disgrace morally in my opinion

the whitecaps gave their best player eddie sebrango back to montreal for nothing just a s a goodwill gesture and support for the impacts run in the round robin stages of the champions league.

how does montreal repay the caps and their generousity,by throwing the game.

disgusting.

[RJB]

quote:Originally posted by kyam

In talking to US fans, Bruce Arena is seen as the Mitchell of US Soccer... He is largely blamed for "losing" Rossi (fairly or unfairly), so hes definitely considered over hyped...

He tends to play favorites with who he plays as well, his "big name" status was earned through failure in the US MNT.


Ummm, I seem to recall a huge victory over Portugal, and a trip to the 2002 World Cup Quarter-Finals. The loss to Germany in the Quarters could have gone either way too, so I think that Arean has earned his reputation.

[Grizzly]

quote:Originally posted by snake
the whitecaps gave their best player eddie sebrango back to montreal for nothing just a s a goodwill gesture and support for the impacts run in the round robin stages of the champions league.

how does montreal repay the caps and their generousity,by throwing the game.


I am very upset with our coach's decision to play a substandard lineup and feel it disgraced our team. However, the above is completely untrue. Sebrango was out of contract, free to go where he wanted and he wanted to return to Montreal. It had nothing to do with Vancouver being generous it was simply an out of contract player exercising his right to sign where he wanted to.

[Tintin]

quote:Originally posted by devioustrevor


quote:Originally posted by BHTC Mike


quote:Originally posted by Peter Schaad

Last year, when the Whitecaps were mathematically out of it, they turned in a professional performance and pulled out a 2-2 draw, thus opening the door for Montreal.

THEY WEREN'T OUT OF IT UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THAT GAME.

This is a V-Cup myth that needs to be clarified before it becomes accepted fact.

And I've never been a fan of the Duze but he's right... scoring six goals is an achievement full-stop. NOTHING about TFC's win needs to be qualified. THEY could have just as easily said, "well, that's unrealistic" and rolled over themselves! They didn't, went for it, and played a more frantic, passionate, risk-taking game then they ever have before. IN MONTREAL. AFTER going a goal down. TFC rarely dominates games and NEVER scored freely even when they did.

If you don't think that the team that Montreal just wanted to put out a "professional performance" and leave with their respect intact you're underestimating the competitive nature of any athlete playing at this level. What so few want to accept is that for once TFC RAISED THEIR GAME to the level required and played like their salaries and reputations indicate they should.

Will if last? Probably not but I couldn't imagine a better time for it to happen even once.



I agree. I don't know how the game looked on TV, but I was in Section 223 and it looked like TFC could've scored 10 last night. Vitti had a couple of decent looks, Dichio probably should've had a Hattrick if his finishing was a little better. DeRo flashed on at least one great chance, Barret (as usual) wasted a few opportunities.


What does Vitti have to do with possibly scoring ten goals...or even one?

[Tintin]

quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina

Look, I feel bad for Whitecaps FC fans, but quite frankly, there's a lot of undeserved bitterness directed as Toronto FC.

Montreal played ****, they shouldn't have played ****, Saputo apologized for his team's embarrassing performance, and that's the way things go. It's time to move on, there's always next year, and my bet is that it will be even better viewing next year.

This competition has been great for Canadian football, and I thoroughly enjoyed my trip down to Montreal. It was a little fun telling people I was from Saskatchewan and I cheered for Toronto FC...

The game will be a memorable one for me for a lot of reasons. First: It was my first Toronto FC game, and my 2nd Live soccer game (the first being the Santos Laguna game in February). Second, I witnessed the first cup win of any kind for Toronto FC, thirdly Fuad Ibrahim gave me his jersey after the game.

This is something that builds a fan base for the Beautiful Game. I'm happy these great rivalries mean something to the people who watch it. Next year, the competition is going to be of an even higher level.

What this competition has said to me is that the USL sides aren't much different than the MLS sides. I personally think the players on MLS sides are better but the tactics used by USL teams are far superior than those used by MLS teams. MLS can learn some things from USL...


Most Whitecaps fans, including me, aren't bitter towards Toronto for that match. We're justifiably angry with Dos Santos and the twerps that flitted around on the pitch in Impact uniforms.

Despite how I feel about that match, I agree that this whole thing is great for the game in this country. When Vancouver and possibly Montréal go to MLS, I hope we get a few more Canadian teams in USL. If we could get five or six teams in the Voyageurs' Cup, the whole country could get involved. Add to that the emotion of the competition this year, and we would have something somewhat resembling what the rest of the world has.

[Tintin]

quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina

That wasn't a tactical blunder, it was a player selection blunder. When I talk tactically poor decisions, I mean selecting a defensive 4-4-2 when we have a great attacking midfield that can create chances. We are playing a 4-3-3 which is designed to promote offensive play. And it's creative compared to what everybody else plays in this league.

Bruce Arena is what I like to call the typically boring, big name coach in MLS. He's always played defensively, and more so this year, as he lacks Beckham right now in LA. His tactics are ultra-defensive and boring. There's two reasons why LA's attendance has fallen this year. One is Beckham, two is that draws are boring as hell.

At least Cummings plays creatively, something significantly better than most MLS coaches.


I agree with everything else you said, but to describe draws as boring as hell reeks of the modern NHL with overtime and shootouts. I presume you mean that tactics which result in draws are boring as opposed to the final result being a draw because two teams played as well as each other.

[Tintin]

quote:Originally posted by kyam


quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina

That wasn't a tactical blunder, it was a player selection blunder. When I talk tactically poor decisions, I mean selecting a defensive 4-4-2 when we have a great attacking midfield that can create chances. We are playing a 4-3-3 which is designed to promote offensive play. And it's creative compared to what everybody else plays in this league.

Bruce Arena is what I like to call the typically boring, big name coach in MLS. He's always played defensively, and more so this year, as he lacks Beckham right now in LA. His tactics are ultra-defensive and boring. There's two reasons why LA's attendance has fallen this year. One is Beckham, two is that draws are boring as hell.

At least Cummings plays creatively, something significantly better than most MLS coaches.


In talking to US fans, Bruce Arena is seen as the Mitchell of US Soccer... He is largely blamed for "losing" Rossi (fairly or unfairly), so hes definitely considered over hyped...

He tends to play favorites with who he plays as well, his "big name" status was earned through failure in the US MNT.


Sorry, it's me again, but I just saw this thread and I'm replying to a lot of things at once.

Exactly. He's known because he managed (poorly) the US national team, as opposed to so many of the managers in MLS who are some unknown guys from the University of Hicktown, Oklahoma or somewhere.

[TFCRegina]

quote:Originally posted by Tintin


quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina

That wasn't a tactical blunder, it was a player selection blunder. When I talk tactically poor decisions, I mean selecting a defensive 4-4-2 when we have a great attacking midfield that can create chances. We are playing a 4-3-3 which is designed to promote offensive play. And it's creative compared to what everybody else plays in this league.

Bruce Arena is what I like to call the typically boring, big name coach in MLS. He's always played defensively, and more so this year, as he lacks Beckham right now in LA. His tactics are ultra-defensive and boring. There's two reasons why LA's attendance has fallen this year. One is Beckham, two is that draws are boring as hell.

At least Cummings plays creatively, something significantly better than most MLS coaches.


I agree with everything else you said, but to describe draws as boring as hell reeks of the modern NHL with overtime and shootouts. I presume you mean that tactics which result in draws are boring as opposed to the final result being a draw because two teams played as well as each other.


What I mean by draws are boring as hell is that LA has barely won or lost any games all year. They go out playing something like the bucket or an equally boring tactical formation and play not to win and not to lose. It's incredibly hard for american fans to watch...

[Tintin]

quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina


quote:Originally posted by Tintin


quote:Originally posted by TFCRegina

That wasn't a tactical blunder, it was a player selection blunder. When I talk tactically poor decisions, I mean selecting a defensive 4-4-2 when we have a great attacking midfield that can create chances. We are playing a 4-3-3 which is designed to promote offensive play. And it's creative compared to what everybody else plays in this league.

Bruce Arena is what I like to call the typically boring, big name coach in MLS. He's always played defensively, and more so this year, as he lacks Beckham right now in LA. His tactics are ultra-defensive and boring. There's two reasons why LA's attendance has fallen this year. One is Beckham, two is that draws are boring as hell.

At least Cummings plays creatively, something significantly better than most MLS coaches.


I agree with everything else you said, but to describe draws as boring as hell reeks of the modern NHL with overtime and shootouts. I presume you mean that tactics which result in draws are boring as opposed to the final result being a draw because two teams played as well as each other.


What I mean by draws are boring as hell is that LA has barely won or lost any games all year. They go out playing something like the bucket or an equally boring tactical formation and play not to win and not to lose. It's incredibly hard for american fans to watch...


I agree. It's just like the trap in hockey, putting off even people who like hockey. I would also argue that watching anything from Los Angeles is boring.

[Richard]

quote:Originally posted by Peter Schaad

Bob took a VERY high road in the media today. He commented on how the focus should be on Toronto's achievement instead of Montreal's lack of it. Teitur was a tad more critical...and he had a good point. Last year, when the Whitecaps were mathematically out of it, they turned in a professional performance and pulled out a 2-2 draw, thus opening the door for Montreal. I don't think the fixture list was any less congested, and every team has injuries.

What I really wonder, is whether Matt Jordan was ticked about not playing. He's a superb goalkeeper, and a terrific man manager. It's not like a goalkeeper runs 6 miles in a game...and I think he would have loved to stuff an MLS opponent, and still be ready for Saturday.
Bob was a real gentleman about it.

[Calgary Boomer]

quote:Originally posted by BHTC Mike


quote:Originally posted by Peter Schaad

Last year, when the Whitecaps were mathematically out of it, they turned in a professional performance and pulled out a 2-2 draw, thus opening the door for Montreal.

THEY WEREN'T OUT OF IT UNTIL THE CONCLUSION OF THAT GAME.

This is a V-Cup myth that needs to be clarified before it becomes accepted fact.

And I've never been a fan of the Duze but he's right... scoring six goals is an achievement full-stop. NOTHING about TFC's win needs to be qualified. THEY could have just as easily said, "well, that's unrealistic" and rolled over themselves! They didn't, went for it, and played a more frantic, passionate, risk-taking game then they ever have before. IN MONTREAL. AFTER going a goal down. TFC rarely dominates games and NEVER scored freely even when they did.

If you don't think that the team that Montreal just wanted to put out a "professional performance" and leave with their respect intact you're underestimating the competitive nature of any athlete playing at this level. What so few want to accept is that for once TFC RAISED THEIR GAME to the level required and played like their salaries and reputations indicate they should.

Will if last? Probably not but I couldn't imagine a better time for it to happen even once.



COME ON! They were down 2-1 at halftime in their last game and -3 in the competition. Don't give us that "until the game was over BS"

[loyola]

They still had an outside chance to win, so they had no reason to play their reserves like MTL did.

Teitur tried to portrayed his team like being a good example of the ethical way to approach such a situation. The fact that was presented by some posters here is that Vancouver were still in it when the game started last year, so you can't compare both situation.

[Johnnyranger]

You can absolutely compare both situations.

Montreal laid down and died after 20 minutes of that game, and TFC uncharacteristically took their chances well and did enough to progress.

Last season the WFC org unequivocally knew they were out of it. We had NO chance, and took to the field to play spoiler. We had injuries, Montreal wanted nothing to do with that. It is akin to "tanking" for a higher draft pick in the NFL, NBA, or NHL. It was shocking and Lenarduzzi, Teitur, and everyone else associated, including the paying customers of L'Impact deserved a hell of a lot more than an apology.

Going back to last year: Jeffrey with the foreshadowing of disaster: http://www.canadian-soccer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14964

Then read this thread, where the Caps drew TFC 2-2, with TFC then heading to Montreal to play the final fixture, which ultimately determined the tourney winner…http://www.canadian-soccer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16348&whichpage=2

There was no tone there that had me thinking, oh We have a chance at winning the thing, from a WFC supporter’s perspective.

[BHTC Mike]

quote:Originally posted by Calgary Boomer
COME ON! They were down 2-1 at halftime in their last game and -3 in the competition. Don't give us that "until the game was over BS"

Yes, because no team could ever score four second half goals in a V-Cup game could they?

Oh, wait...

p.s. Seriously, what where they gonna do at that point? Sub all 11 players? They entered that game with an outside chance of still winning the tournament and until the final whistle that was the case. To state otherwise, which was popping up all over, is FACTUALLY incorrect.

[BHTC Mike]

quote:Originally posted by Johnnyranger
Going back to last year: Jeffrey with the foreshadowing of disaster: http://www.canadian-soccer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14964

What does that prove. There were probably 400 threads on TFC forums declaring that we had no chance of scoring 4 in Montreal and "foreshadowing disaster".

And I'd bet virtually everyone from Montreal and Vancouver agreed.


quote:There was no tone there that had me thinking, oh We have a chance at winning the thing, from a WFC supporter’s perspective.

Again, what does it prove that you didn't believe that your team could win by three or four goals? They could have and were still alive in the tournament when that game started. People who say otherwise are either ignorant or changing the facts the fit their argument.

[loyola]

I can sympathize with Whitecaps fans who are pointing out to the fact that the format of the competition did put them in an unfair situation. It's true and that should be look at by the CSA for the future tournaments.

But I'm starting to lose my sympathy with those who are trying to say that Vancouver last year were in a similar situation when they clearly weren,t. A 4-0 win over TFC combine with a 3-0 win by TFC over MTL was enough to see Vancouver winning the Champions^hip. Of course, the chance to see the 4-0 win happening were slim but you guys were at home and it was worth trying. You had no reason not trying. Who thought Chaminade would beat Virginia? Who thought Canada U-23's would get enough goals over Guatemala (5-0) to see us through the next round on goals differential? Not many people is the answer to both questions but both teams played like it was possible and achieved their goals.

Vancouver had an outside chance, it's a fact. Montreal didn't have a chance (even a 15-0 win wasn't enough), that's another fact.

[loyola]

BTW, what was the V's reaction when in the group stage of the 2008 CONCACAF U-23 championship, an already qualified Guatemala team rested 7 of their starters against Canada, who took advantage of the situation to score 5 goals and qualified over Mexico based on goals differential?

Were we outraged by the decision by Guatemala to rest their starters and "throw the game" in order to help us bypass Mexico?


I'm just wondering....

[Tintin]

quote:Originally posted by loyola

BTW, what was the V's reaction when in the group stage of the 2008 CONCACAF U-23 championship, an already qualified Guatemala team rested 7 of their starters against Canada, who took advantage of the situation to score 5 goals and qualified over Mexico based on goals differential?

Were we outraged by the decision by Guatemala to rest their starters and "throw the game" in order to help us bypass Mexico?


I'm just wondering....




No, but we Vancouver fans aren't expecting Toronto supporters to be upset by this, they won the cup. However, if Mexican fans had been upset, I wouldn't have blamed them. As I've pointed out before in one of these threads, Whitecaps were not allowed the luxury of firing ten goals past a team of reserves that looked half asleep. In keeping with good sportsmanship, each team should be allowed the same opportunities. It's true that Dos Santos can play whom he wants, but he should also expect some criticism for it. Even his boss was apologetic and apparently pretty angry about what happened.

[Mr.Impact]

Saputo shouldn't have apologized to anyone. His coach did what he had to do, to ensure his team goes out and gets maximum points in USL League play. Thats the reality of professional Football.

[kyam]

quote:Originally posted by Mr.Impact

Saputo shouldn't have apologized to anyone. His coach did what he had to do, to ensure his team goes out and gets maximum points in USL League play. Thats the reality of professional Football.


Not taking sides, but if Montreal won this game, lost to Vancouver the follow Saturday, then misses the playoffs by 3 points down the road, how bad will that look on Dos Santos?

[Mr.Impact]

quote:Originally posted by kyam


quote:Originally posted by Mr.Impact

Saputo shouldn't have apologized to anyone. His coach did what he had to do, to ensure his team goes out and gets maximum points in USL League play. Thats the reality of professional Football.


Not taking sides, but if Montreal won this game, lost to Vancouver the follow Saturday, then misses the playoffs by 3 points down the road, how bad will that look on Dos Santos?




If Montreal misses the playoffs, Dos santos is gone regardless. He did what he had to do, in the best interest of the club. He's paid to make tough decisions, even if some fans don't always agree with them.