East Side Stand Up

Good grief the Reds did not look the part as they were shut out by the Columbus Crew in the season opener at BMO Field, Toronto has their chances, but could not convert, while the Crew brought pressure and finishing, which made the difference in the 2-0 scoreline. Something just looked off, first starting with an awful pitch, but the players didn't step on the field with something to prove like we saw in 2017. To be fair, it is only match one, and it is a blunt reminder of what is in store for the reigning champions this year and they will need to be even more determined if they are to repeat in 2018.

That's right the big ONE OH - ESSU back for 2018 and looking ahead to another big year for the Reds. The Champions League has kicked off and Toronto are already up 2-0, so that is weighed in as Aaron Neilsen and I give our thoughts on the team, considering players gone and new ones signed. We weigh in on who to watch for in MLS and then what the expectations should be for the season.

Another year and Prospect XI's Aaron Neilsen and I attended the Sigma Showcase to check out some of the top youth talent in the GTA. Surrounding that event is the MLS SuperDraft and upcoming 2019 season of the Canadian Premier League. We discuss everything youth development in the region, as well as with Toronto FC and their draft picks, and finish off with an interview with Bobby Smyrniotis, the Technical Director at Sigma, about the showcase, the academy and future of Canadian Soccer.

2017 = Best Season Ever and in truth we are still buzzing weeks later on what a campaign it was for Toronto FC. Sitting with some familiar voices from ESSU we look back on the season that was, starting with December 9, then running through the year, playoffs and finishing up with our Player of the Year. Finally, it's now 2018 and what can TFC do for an encore? Champions League? MLS Cup X2? Lots to discuss on the 2017 TFC Year in Review.

TFC MLS CUP CHAMPIONS! BEST TEAM EVER! BEST SEASON EVER! REVENGE FOR 2016!! JOZY T.O. TILL HE DIES!! WHAT. A. NIGHT!!! Ok caps lock break for now. Phew!! Toronto FC take care of business and put behind them the 2016 Final to decimate and dominate the Seattle Sounders in the replay. What a match - every player did their part and even depth players elevated their game for a near flawless display that saw Toronto have all the chances and Seattle simply exist for ninety minutes. Savour this win as it will never get better than this!

Yes, we are right back on the pod - Aaron Neilsen and Ian Clarke to get ready for this year's MLS Cup Final. We start off by taking a quick look back on the Eastern Conference Final against Columbus, specifically highlighting Michael Bradley, Sebastian Giovinco, Victor Vasquez and Jozy Altidore and pitting them against what the Seattle Sounders have to offer. How will they match up head to head, what will Seattle bring to the table and who are the favourites to lift the Cup?

Yes, Toronto FC, once again Eastern Conference champions, once again will be facing off against the Seattle Sounders at BMO Field. First the Reds needed to get past the Columbus Crew, and they did so in a tense affair that first saw heroics from Michael Bradley to save a goal, then by Jozy Altidore to score the winner. It was a night of huge relief as the best season in MLS will now be capped off with an MLS Cup Final appearance. Now TFC must avenge last year's loss and stake their proper claim as the best team in MLS history.

A 0-0 draw in Columbus leaves everything up for grabs next week when the return leg comes back to Toronto. It was a tight affair in Ohio, with Toronto playing a tactical and disciplined match that almost came undone in the final minutes. Alex Bono once again saved the day to keep the Reds in a good position and with Giovinco and Jozy Altidore set to return they should be looking at the next match with confidence.

Maybe because we lost! TFC are dropped 1-0, but dodged a bullet in the playoffs by advancing on away goals 2-2 over the New York Red Bulls. It wasn't your normal encounter, as it was a "classic" MLS refereeing display that had bad calls, no calls and missed calls to put almost every advantage towards New York. However, the Reds get through to face Columbus without superstars in tow - both Jozy Altidore and Giovinco will be suspended and it will take a huge team effort to keep the side in a strong position coming back to BMO.

Toronto FC take care of business away to the New York Red Bulls in a huge 2-1 win to put them in the driver's seat ahead of the home leg. It was another professional win, that still left room for improvement, as the usual suspects of Jozy Altidore, Giovinco and Victor Vasquez created the chances, while Chris Mavinga and Alex Bono were essential in keeping them out. It is a buoyant result against a top team who could have been the bogeyman, but there is now confidence not just ahead of Sunday, but that the team is playing at the level to keep pushing towards the MLS Cup Final.