An 80-minute struggle was overcome by one moment of brilliance. Nike Air Max 90 Dam Billigt . Glorious moments as experienced Saturday have come few and far between for Toronto FC over their not-so illustrious history. More times than not, Toronto FC has been on the receiving end of those game-changing moments, ending in disappointment and distraught. The script has been flipped in 2014. The most recent special moment came courtesy of Toronto FCs big-money striker. $6 million dollars, plus, is significant by Major League Soccer standards. You get what you pay for. And for Toronto FCs investment, theyve got themselves a true difference-maker and match-winner in Jermain Defoe. It was a picture perfect afternoon at BMO Field. The play on the field by Defoes Toronto FC and the visiting Columbus Crew was hardly a masterpiece. Choppy, disconnected, overall poor play was commonplace. The product was substandard and frustrating to watch. That was until the 81st minute. Queue Defoe. A typical searching, lazy ball was played forward by Toronto FCs backline as the Reds searched for an equalizer, down 2-1 to the Crew. Columbus was merely hanging on, bringing nothing to the proceedings. Toronto was similar, obliging their visitor. It was a Columbus mistake that opened the door. Michael Parkhurst the culprit, fresh off being left out of the US Mens National team 23 for Brazil, failing to control. The ball bounced high, then a poor header by the Crew defender before the ball fell on to the head of TFC substitute Gilberto. The Brazilian found Defoe between two Columbus defenders, only for Toronto FCs top scorer to hint right, before going left, hitting with his left-foot on the volley from outside the 18-yard box – a stunning finish out of nowhere. It was Defoes second goal on the day and sixth of the early season. It must be said Defoe hasnt been used to his fullest as of yet, lacking proper service over the course of 90 minutes. Hes spent far too much time chasing matches. Its his predatory instincts and quality in finish that make him who he is, and largely why Toronto FC can afford to hang around in matches and not get punished. Six goals in seven games played is an incredible return on investment. Another goal would come for TFC, a winner off the head of Doneil Henry in time added on to take the full three points. But it was Defoes special strike that was the TSN Turning Point. The goal lifted the team at a time it didnt seem a goal would come. Heads lifted, energy flowed and belief returned. "Sometimes it was painful to watch but they kept going," remarked Toronto FC Head Coach Ryan Nelsen post-match. Earning points while not at their best is becoming trademark of this Toronto FC team. For the second consecutive week, TFC trailed twice before coming back to earn points. Toronto FC finds themselves in a very good spot, on 16 points through 10 games played. Despite sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference, they have the third best points per game (1.6) and have at least three games in hand on any team ahead of them, including five games in hand on the fourth place Houston Dynamo. Here are my five thoughts after Toronto FCs 3-2 win. Doneil Does It – The roller coaster continues for the young Canadian central defender. Doneil Henrys game winner made him feel like the hometown hero for the day. The 21-year olds physical presence is plain to see, with a build and athleticism beyond his years. Henry was first to a set piece Wednesday scoring the opener against the Montreal Impact, and came up even bigger against the Crew. Earlier in the game, Agustin Viana beat Henry to a ball in the air on Columbus second goal. It wasnt entirely Henrys doing, with Toronto FC playing zonal defensively. Henry made amends on his match winner - the run and jump impeccable, coming to meet the ball with ideal timing and form. He was never going to be beat. The out-pouring of emotion was plain to see, shirt off and yelling to the crowd and his teammates. Despite his early season struggles, Henry doesnt lack confidence. His celebration was a signal of passion. Its channeling the passion and exuberance thats part of the growth process, becoming a complete player. Work is still to be done in improving positional discipline and proper timing in challenges. Its a process of patience and maturation. Saturdays goal is part of the journey. But you have to feel good for a player who works incredibly hard and ultimately has a very bright future. Nelsens A+ Adjustments – The Head Coach joked after the game things "couldnt get any worse." Changes were desperately needed. With Collen Warner missing (family wedding), Bradley Orr was again assigned the defensive midfield role. Nelsen prefers a true physical, defensive presence to sit on top of his back four. That was near essential playing the young duo of Henry and Nick Hagglund to lead the backline. The game changed with Orr being forced from the match after 18 minutes with a hamstring issue. Interesting enough, Dan Lovitz was preferred ahead of Alvaro Rey at outside left, raising further questions on Reys form and true future with the club. It was a real struggle on the day for Lovitz – indecisiveness and poor distribution throughout. Lovitz did make amends with a lovely set piece assisting on Henrys winner. The early change allowed Jonathan Osorio to move inside, a position he looks more influential than outside left. Nelsens second half adjustments were much more pronounced. The introduction of Gilberto was an impactful one. Gilberto was relegated to the bench to start; a good decision by Nelsen to take some pressure off the young Brazilian. Gilberto was put up front in the 66th minute, with Luke Moore moving wide left. Gilberto was an instant pest, using his speed and athleticism to cause problems in the Columbus backline. The response by Gilberto was ultimately a positive one. Some players let a demotion unsettle. No heads down and outward negativity by Gilberto. He put in an absolute shift, playing a part in both second half goals. Nelsens other change, Dwayne De Rosario, came at the right time, as TFC desperately needed to push forward. DeRo was deployed in the middle of the park, a place he looked comfortable and composed. De Rosario is still class on the ball and gives TFC another asset in that position. Perhaps this is where he is best utilized, to change the look and pace of the game. The in-game changes by the manager continue to improve. Nelsen has a good read on his team, strengths and limitations. It must be remembered its been a process thus far, with an improved squad in an awkward World Cup year. The way his team fights and plays for him allow room for tactical adjustments. Its coming along. Putrid Passing – There is no other way of putting it: team passing is downright awful. There continue to be far too many long, searching balls for a team with players more comfortable with the ball at their feet. Seventy-three per cent pass completion on the day, with 84 fewer completed passes than a sub-par Columbus team, minus Federico Higuain, while playing at home is unacceptable. Most of the long ball play is coming from the back, but its not entirely on the defenders. The movement off the ball simply isnt there. The only player really showing for the ball in accessible areas is the defensive midfielder. It was Kyle Bekker for most of Saturday. Hed come deep for the ball, get it, look up, and have no other option than going back or playing square to a central defender. This isnt good enough. The long ball stuff has to go. And better spacing/movement off the ball is essential. Mess in the Midfield – It was never going to be easy with Michael Bradley away on World Cup duty. Seven points in three league games is huge for TFC without their midfield general. For Nelsen and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko, the midfield continues to be the biggest conundrum and area in need of improvement. Without Bradley, the team has been exposed despite the positive results. Nelsen and his team tactics relies upon a traditional holding midfielder to support the back-line and allow a more attack minded central player link up with the front-line. Orr did well in this role before injury, but doesnt provide a complete range in his game to be an every-day holding midfielder. Orrs injury makes the acquisition of Warner that much more important. Those scoffing at the Warner trade look foolish now. Bekker is proving ill suited to a holding role. Osorio will never be that player. There is no question Warner is the first choice at the position, and its not even close. Its about balance in the middle of the park. There are too many players playing out of position and very little natural depth. Look for this to be the area Bezbatchenko looks to alter as the season goes on. Home Field Advantage – The banner draping the Southeast entrance of BMO Field says Welcome to the Fortress. The home supporters played their role Saturday with BMO living up to that billing. Late in the match, when all seemed lost and the game was dire and slow, the crowd rose in voice, providing the energy the play lacked. The team was in desperate need of a lift and the supporters provided it. The interjection of life may be a little thing, but it absolutely matters. The team responded. Having Osorio and Bekker jump into the south-end post-match shows an understanding by the local products what the fan-base and their support means. It was a nice touch to cap off a dramatic comeback. Feel good vibes are returning. The second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship goes Wednesday night in Montreal against the Impact before Toronto FC returns home Saturday for a date with the San Jose Earthquakes (4-4-4) on TSN and TSN 1050 Radio. Nike Air Max 90 Dam . The Scotsman was dismissed only five days after being told by the club he would remain in charge for the "foreseeable future. Nike Air Max 90 Herr . Forte was injured on a run deep in Chicago territory midway through the first quarter, when Kansas Citys Derrick Johnson hit him in the knee.LONDON, ONT – Paul Ranger hadnt played in an NHL setting of any kind in nearly four years until the Leafs opened their exhibition schedule in London on Sunday night. "It was my first game back really at this level and it went pretty well," said Ranger, who scored the fourth and final goal as his team topped the Flyers 4-3 at Budweiser Gardens. It was a night of firsts in many respects for the Leafs, first in the sense of impressions and opportunity at a training camp that promises its fair share of battles. There was Morgan Rielly in his first audition for a job on the crowded Toronto defence. There was Mason Raymond vying for an NHL gig with waves of speed, bursting past a Philly defender for a shorthanded goal. And there was of course, Ranger playing in his first NHL game (albeit exhibition) since October 2009, the 29-year-old inked to a one-year deal with the club this past summer. "As the game went on I felt more and more comfortable," said Ranger, who admitted the presence of a few nerves before the game. "Mentally you settle down and get more in tune with everything." With a sturdy defensive game, surprising mobility and a high-caliber first pass, Ranger looked the part of an NHL defender, one the Leafs are hopeful will contribute in a significant way this season. The opener marked a good first step. Ten years his junior sits Rielly, the fifth overall selection in 2012 getting his first opportunity to build a case for entry on the NHL roster this fall, a decision that will likely linger until final cuts are made. "I think after I had a chance to get used to the pace and what not I was pretty happy with how it went," said Rielly, paired with Korbinian Holzer initially before shifting alongside Ranger in the third. "Rielly who?" Leafs coach Randy Carlyle quipped, already tired of the daily questions regarding the organizations top prospect. "Obviously he skates, (but) can he continue to do what hes done in Junior at the NHL and I dont know how plainer I can say that." Rielly was joined in his first bit of NHL action by fellow first round pick Frederik Gauthier (2013) as well as the 188th overall selection in 2008 and a dark horse to contribute to the Leafs at some point this season, 23-year-old Andrew MacWilliam. Pegged to start the year with the Marlies, MacWilliam performed with the edge hed become known for at the University of North Dakota, where he served as captain last season. "Its the next level," said MacWilliam of his first professional game, "guys are bigger, guys are faster, but after the first period I felt I got my legs underneath me a little bit and thought I got my skating going and thought I was okay." "Its good to see the young kids get their first taste and thats the most important thing is they understand that this wasnt an NHL game, but it was an exhibition game and theres another level that the league plays to," Carlyle observed. Five Points 1. Reimers first look Also getting a first look on Sunday was James Reimer, who received opening duties against the Flyers, the 26-year-old stopping 14 of 17 shots in 28 minutes of action. "Its getting used to the game situation," said Reimer of expectations for the early portion of the exhibition schedule. "Its getting used to plays in traffic, trying to see the puck, fighting bodies, stuff like that that you cant really replicate anywhere else." Reimer yielded three pucks, the first a point shot that was deflected through traffic, the second a rebound plucked home off another point shot, the third a final point drive that caromed off the end boards and was quickly tapped in. "You dont want to let three goals in a game," said Reimer. "But I felt that I wasnt beat clean and they were all some tough bounces. I was happy with the way I played and felt that I built a lot and accomplished a lot of things I wanted to." Earlier in the day, the Leafs incumbent starter – now challenged for the job – noted the need to readjuust to the speed of game action following an offseason of training. Nike Air Max 90 Herr Billigt. . "Summer hockey is so slow and guys dont shoot the puck, they hold onto it, pass, pass, pass," explained Reimer. "So even (Saturday) in the scrimmage there was a couple plays where its just quicker than what youre used to. In exhibition its just getting that timing back and being in the right place at the right time." 2. Case for Raymond The first impression for Mason Raymond was generally positive, the Calgary speedster surging for a shorthanded breakaway goal. "Obviously with the type of speed that he has its going to be hard for somebody to catch him and they didnt catch him and he found a way," said Carlyle. Formerly a 25-goal man with the Canucks, Raymond was inked to a professional tryout on the eve of training camp. The 27-year-old could prove an intriguing add if he and the club find a fit. The Leafs lost speed, skill and depth with the offseason departures of Mikhail Grabovski, Clarke MacArthur and Matt Frattin and would be dinged further with any significant injury to their top-six complement (Joffrey Lupul notably has yet to take the ice in training camp, suffering from back spasms). Raymond could help to address that potential weakness. A water-bug who seems to dart from space to space on the ice, Raymond would offer added ability, experience and hints of offence on the wing. 3. Sophomore shot The first extended stint of NHL action had its share of turmoil for Korbinian Holzer, the now 25-year-old defender playing 22 games in 2013, mostly under siege alongside Dion Phaneuf on the Leafs top pair. "It was a good way to learn what it takes to be an everyday player in the NHL," said Holzer of the experience. "I had the opportunity to play (against) the best players in the league for a lot of games and played a lot of minutes. It was a good experience and a good learning curve. I think overall I learned what it takes to be an everyday player." Thrust into duty that was probably beyond his means as a rookie – playing nightly opposite top lines – Holzer learned his fair share and believes the experience will ultimately prove beneficial. "Youve got to be aware every second youre out there," said Holzer of the most prominent lesson from the shortened season. "You cant take one second off. As soon as you step on the ice youve got to be ready and expect the unexpected." Holzer will face an uphill battle to make the roster, competing with the likes of Ranger, Rielly, John-Michael Liles, Mark Fraser, and Petter Granberg. "He should take the experience and look at the positives that he was able to come in and play for our hockey club and he got his feet wet in the NHL," said Carlyle of Holzer. "Now its take the next step." 4. More MacWilliam Carlyle had the inside track on MacWilliam heading into camp because of an old connection from his playing days. Brad Berry, now an assistant coach who runs the defence at North Dakota, played with Carlyle in Winnipeg. "He acquitted very well in his first pro game," said Carlyle. MacWilliam was whistled for a pair of penalties in Sundays action, but proved mobile and a nasty physical presence. 5. Veterans in exhibition While he offers some leniency, Carlyle does have certain expectations of the veterans in his dressing room during the exhibition season. "Its important that they get themselves ready," said Carlyle. "(But) I think the veteran guys get a little bit more room and a little bit of slack from the coaching staff in that perspective." Quote of the Night "As we all know the salary cap world changes things, its a different way of evaluating sometimes when youre forced to make decisions based upon contract amount. Its a new animal in the league and thats the reality of it." -Randy Carlyle on the training camp evaluation process. Up Next The Leafs host the Flyers at the Air Canada Centre on Monday night. cheap jerseys from chinacheap jerseys ' ' '
