Was just asking because aside from Ridewell I have never seen any of the defenders on either teams play ever. I was just assuming that, as you said, a team that has had 8 years should be able to build a better defensive unit than a team in its inaugural season. I don't know about how it works in the MLS but most great teams from other leagues build from the back forward to be successful.
Defense is pretty weak in MLS in general. When belser and collen were playing well, they were probably the best duo in the league and it won them the cup. I think our plan is to spend on attackers, go with older guys in defense to start, and hopefully plug in new pieces in the back as we go.
Yeah defenders as DPs is rare. However I think its a big mistake. TFC has shown, time and time again that they just cannot fathom this. They continue to make flashy offensive and midfield decisions and make the defense an after thought. I loved how last year they got Julio Cesar and then just went back to Bendik like it was a normal transition. Defense wins championships.
Especially because attacking players are the most marketable and the easiest to show highlights and such.
The other side of that coin is that they could implode spectacularly. How many sweet through balls that giovinco sends through to be wasted by jozy before he starts to get frustrated. If the defense blows, there will be few chances for the DPs to contribute. Don't give them the crown yet.
No offense guys but this is exactly what we said last year when Bradley, Defoe and Gilberto showed up. And last year they had Mr. 1-8 for 5 months.
I agree. There have been far better teams with far better players that have failed by trying to cram in the best attacking players they could without worrying about team balance or cohesion and ignoring the fact a strong backbone and defense are essential to most good sides.
Trust me, I in no way believe that they will win the cup. They have a lot more problems to figure out everywhere else on the field for that to happen. I'm only willing to bet that they make it to the playoffs, especially since they are in the east where the depth isnt as deep. And am I correct that they are expanding the amount of teams that make it to the playoffs this year?
NYCFCFan10 is right. When Defoe cared, they won. This is a better team now.
Seems DC has only strengthen their core this offseason. They should again be a top team. Why would you think Montreal has really improved? Without Di Viao they still lack a threat up top, other than McNinery who seems easily distracted. And again they are relying on proven backup goalie Evans with a suspect defense in front of him.
