re: MLS Cup TFC SSs

Soccer players have the best WAGS.

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Almiron pain train coming straight up the arse of all other teams.

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Yeah. Go team and stuff.

I just finished watching the match. The game lacked a pleasing free flowing movement but I nonetheless enjoyed it for its tension and competitiveness. Both teams played very tight and physical. I thought both defenses were very good. Morris and Lodeiro struggled to impact the action and that is a testament to outstanding defensive play by Zavaleta, Moor, Hagglund, Beitashour, Morrow, Bradley, and Cooper. They were very disciplined in that 3-5-2 and dominant in midfield.

Likewise, I felt the Sounders backline was very good. Marshall and Torres did some good desperate defense. Giovinco's shot just to the right of the goal and into the side netting was all due to Marshall getting back and stretching out his 6 foot plus frame to force Giovinco to shoot just a little wider than he would have preferred. Marshall did the same again to Altidore late in the match. He and Alonso also converged on Ricketts to do just enough to force a mishit.

Toronto had their chances early. If Altidore could have put just a bit more on his header or had a bit more finishing on that nice setup by Giovinco in the box this could have been a different outcome. Bradley played very well. It is a shame that probably the only thing that will catch people's eye and remain in memory is his terrible penalty shot and not his 120 minutes of good midfield play. Giovinco and Morris were spent toward the end. Altidore was very good in hold up play as usual. His physical quality created problems for Seattle.

Frei was the MVP and his save was one of the best I have ever seen. Both of these teams have been quite good offensively and are usually pleasing to watch. The fact that they both struggled is indicative, I believe, of their defensive quality, tightness, the referee allowing physical play, and maybe the extremely cold weather. Toronto has been one of the best defensive teams in MLS this season. I feel for Toronto as that was a very bitter way to lose a championship but sometimes things like that happen. I think I saw Drew Carey on the Seattle bench area during the penalty shots. The atmosphere for the match was fantastic.