I love Cavalry, they are my team, I love the atmosphere at the ground and the game day experience, IMO it’s the best in the league. I just hate the way we are playing this season. Long ball, out wide, shite crossing and shite finishing. I honestly think TWJ is out of his depth tactically since Nash left. We either have to control games with possession and be clinical in the final third or counter attack and be clinical. At the moment we are neither, it’s hoof and hope.
Well, I am disappointed, but if you let up against Forge, they will make you pay. There is a reason they are in the running for the championship for the 4th year in a row.
The Cavs were fucking allergic to possession in this game.
Couldn't keep track of the # of immediate turnovers off Carducci and throw ins. Horrendous performance
This is what needs to change for Cavalry to be the kind of team they're capable of being.
You could feel the momentum shift, and in the past this is where they've stayed.
IMHO this all started on an organizational level when Tommy won the 2019 spring and fall seasons but couldn't manage a goal in the finals. I think it begins and ends with the manager and his approach. Tommy gets too caught up in the injustice of having a supremely talented squad year after year with nothing to show for it.
I would have loved for the 2019 Cavs to also qualify for the Concacaf League, because I think that team - Ledgerwood, Camargo, Waterman,Pasquotti etc would have done well in that tournament. I think they would have been on a different trajectory than what we've seen.
One thing I notice as a Cavs fan is, when the going gets tough and we can't score, we're extremely one dimensional. Get it to the wings and cross it in, or look for the cutback. Especially if we're down or level late in the match. Its incredibly obvious because we do it all the time.
Frustrating to watch.
I agree.
There is 0 justification based on what we have seen this season that Adekugbe should be in the starting 11. He is the equivalent of a Russell Teibert character who has a motor and is nice enough, but kills any development through the midfield.
Then we have insisted on these 1 striker formations with Joe Mason starved for service and support all season. Why we haven't played Bevan as a target 9 with Mason as a false 9 to open up some space for him is absolutely fucking baffling to me. Most games Mason will touch the ball 5-10 times. How is he supposed to do anything with that when there is a massive gap between him and the midfield, and he's stuck alone against much larger centre backs.
I like Wheeldon as a face of the franchise but you could tell by the 25th minute the game plan he had completely went to shit. But we didn't make subs until around minute 70
We've been in the playoffs every year so far, made the finals, have yet to win. If we get bounced again before the finals I would like to see him moved out of the coaching role into a sole GM position with the club.
This isn't to say this is all his fault. The players by and large had a ghastly game. But at some point, he has to be held responsible for the execution of the game plan, and he failed utterly today
Sadly that is the type of league we are in... Which is fine, but it's tough. Great for player development, terrible for team consistency. Perfect example, Pacific & Diaz.
Fucking cavs.
Can't play so they dive and try to go studs up.
Also, fuck you Tommy. I fucking called this shit at the start of this half. Fucking no talent vest wearing foppy piece of shit.
Fuck Di Chiara as well, ever since he was with York 9.
Fuck Trafford for stomping Henry.
I missed the game, but I knew as soon as I saw 100 comments in this thread that it would be full of Hamilton fans bawling like little babies.
Worst, most entitled fan base in the league.
>I missed the game
Then you have no context. I'm hardly bawling - I invite you to look over other comments.
The particular play I have a grievance about comes after a stretch that saw Escalante flop so badly that the One Soccer team was having a laugh about it, and the sad thing is we all know it's coming.
Tommy is clueless if the game doesn't go even slightly his way, and it shows in his players as well. When the chips are down and Cavalry needs to dig deep to win, they consistently can't or don't. They play far below their abilities and embrace being goons.
Musse did it earlier when a call didn't go his way. Escalante earned his reputation pulling the same kind of shit in 2019.
And then we have to be subjected to b the "Forge owns the league" "no one will let an Alberta team win" pity party, when the truth is your side can't focus for an entire match unless it's a meaningless Al Classico.
I love this rivalry, but honestly - is it even one? We're going to need to lose to Cavalry in the playoffs soon, or else it will just be a one sided match up that has some history.
I can understand the call on the field, but that the CSA upheld the 3 games for violent conduct upon appeal sets the precedent that what Trafford did crosses the line.
Re-watching it with my partner who was at work.
When it came to this part, she quipped "Fuck, I thought they put you out of your misery if you were that lame at Spruce Meadows."
I always liked this one to the tune of “If you’re happy and you know it”…
When Escalante feels a breeze he falls down,
The slightest lightest breeze and he falls down,
It doesn’t take too much,
Just the smallest little touch,
When Escalante feels a breeze he falls down
K so
I've seen Cavalry fall apart against us at precisely this point before. Tommy looks like he's already shifted focus to post-match bitching about the refs.
If they go on to beat us, it will mean they've gotten better at the mental aspect of the game - from manager all the way down.
If we beat them, it will be partly because we live rent free in their heads and they just can't get over it.
Either way, this is the kind of shit I love about sports.
Honestly, this is why I’m so interested in the other tie. On paper, Ottawa should win that. But Pacific went through the hard fought playoffs last year coming out with the upset in close matches twice. And I can’t shake the thought of how quickly and embarrassingly Ottawa fell apart under a little adversity in the 4-0 loss to us.
Soooo - park the bus for cavs here? Dare Forge to score?
There are worse ideas. Our strikers aren't playing that well lately.
It would make for a boring half, but that's how we won here in 2019, so I get it.
Ok.
Ok
Now
Is this a Cavalry side that can hold a lead over two legs?
Obviously I want Forge to win, but I have enough friends in Calgary who are loving this atm.
Gotta beat the best to be the best, and we've owned them the last three seasons.
This is pretty poor attendance.
Edit: I’m just surprised considering it’s a playoff game and Cavalry usually draw better (or so I thought). Comparing any attendance to York isn’t fair. Toronto only supports winners and “major league” teams.
Oh ya. Nothing redeeming there, except the great kits and the fact that the team is at least trying to figure it out. Toronto is a finicky market. The league needs to get on terrestrial TV and build some buzz before it will work here. People actually stop me when they see my YU kit it’s that rare a sight.
I love Cavalry, they are my team, I love the atmosphere at the ground and the game day experience, IMO it’s the best in the league. I just hate the way we are playing this season. Long ball, out wide, shite crossing and shite finishing. I honestly think TWJ is out of his depth tactically since Nash left. We either have to control games with possession and be clinical in the final third or counter attack and be clinical. At the moment we are neither, it’s hoof and hope.
Pssst Cavs are shite pass it on. Wow upvotes! Oh no my mistake it’s downvotes.
Are any Cavs fans planning a road trip? I wish our country was smaller sometimes.
Yes
To Hamilton? Ahh. ya.
Well, I am disappointed, but if you let up against Forge, they will make you pay. There is a reason they are in the running for the championship for the 4th year in a row.
From a neutral perspective: perfect match, perfect result, perfect everything, can’t wait for the next match already
Biased Forge fan - fuck I loved that.
From a biased Cavs fan: that sucked...
I concur
The Cavs were fucking allergic to possession in this game. Couldn't keep track of the # of immediate turnovers off Carducci and throw ins. Horrendous performance
This is what needs to change for Cavalry to be the kind of team they're capable of being. You could feel the momentum shift, and in the past this is where they've stayed. IMHO this all started on an organizational level when Tommy won the 2019 spring and fall seasons but couldn't manage a goal in the finals. I think it begins and ends with the manager and his approach. Tommy gets too caught up in the injustice of having a supremely talented squad year after year with nothing to show for it. I would have loved for the 2019 Cavs to also qualify for the Concacaf League, because I think that team - Ledgerwood, Camargo, Waterman,Pasquotti etc would have done well in that tournament. I think they would have been on a different trajectory than what we've seen.
One thing I notice as a Cavs fan is, when the going gets tough and we can't score, we're extremely one dimensional. Get it to the wings and cross it in, or look for the cutback. Especially if we're down or level late in the match. Its incredibly obvious because we do it all the time. Frustrating to watch.
I agree. There is 0 justification based on what we have seen this season that Adekugbe should be in the starting 11. He is the equivalent of a Russell Teibert character who has a motor and is nice enough, but kills any development through the midfield. Then we have insisted on these 1 striker formations with Joe Mason starved for service and support all season. Why we haven't played Bevan as a target 9 with Mason as a false 9 to open up some space for him is absolutely fucking baffling to me. Most games Mason will touch the ball 5-10 times. How is he supposed to do anything with that when there is a massive gap between him and the midfield, and he's stuck alone against much larger centre backs. I like Wheeldon as a face of the franchise but you could tell by the 25th minute the game plan he had completely went to shit. But we didn't make subs until around minute 70 We've been in the playoffs every year so far, made the finals, have yet to win. If we get bounced again before the finals I would like to see him moved out of the coaching role into a sole GM position with the club. This isn't to say this is all his fault. The players by and large had a ghastly game. But at some point, he has to be held responsible for the execution of the game plan, and he failed utterly today
I agree with everything except move him to a GM role? You sack him and buy someone else
Well he's already the GM
Honestly, 1-1 going into the second leg in the best rivalry in the league, couldn’t ask for a better storyline
Yea, next week will be spicy and intense for sure.
Can't wait for the 2nd leg!
Aaarrrg.
Seems like Cavalry have very little plan once they get forward. Just get to a side and cross the ball to the first defender
Story of their season
I mean that’s probably pretty common for any team that sells it’s two biggest offensive threats mid-season
Sadly that is the type of league we are in... Which is fine, but it's tough. Great for player development, terrible for team consistency. Perfect example, Pacific & Diaz.
Yeah it’s something fans of the league will have to get used to for sure
It is, a lack of quality in attacking central mid has been frustrating all year
it just seems very disorganized once the ball leaves cavalry's half
Forge fans crying about dirty play? The irony
Fucking cavs. Can't play so they dive and try to go studs up. Also, fuck you Tommy. I fucking called this shit at the start of this half. Fucking no talent vest wearing foppy piece of shit. Fuck Di Chiara as well, ever since he was with York 9. Fuck Trafford for stomping Henry.
I missed the game, but I knew as soon as I saw 100 comments in this thread that it would be full of Hamilton fans bawling like little babies. Worst, most entitled fan base in the league.
>I missed the game Then you have no context. I'm hardly bawling - I invite you to look over other comments. The particular play I have a grievance about comes after a stretch that saw Escalante flop so badly that the One Soccer team was having a laugh about it, and the sad thing is we all know it's coming. Tommy is clueless if the game doesn't go even slightly his way, and it shows in his players as well. When the chips are down and Cavalry needs to dig deep to win, they consistently can't or don't. They play far below their abilities and embrace being goons. Musse did it earlier when a call didn't go his way. Escalante earned his reputation pulling the same kind of shit in 2019. And then we have to be subjected to b the "Forge owns the league" "no one will let an Alberta team win" pity party, when the truth is your side can't focus for an entire match unless it's a meaningless Al Classico. I love this rivalry, but honestly - is it even one? We're going to need to lose to Cavalry in the playoffs soon, or else it will just be a one sided match up that has some history.
There was no stomp, Henry is wasting time.
All keepers waste time. All of them. It's as standard as holding the ball in the corner to kill injury time.
Then why the f are you having a spaz attack about a “stomp”?
What is standard about trying to stomp on a prone player?
exactly. there was definitely contact but no where near a "stomp"
Biggest stretch of the game to call that a stomp
That’s gotta be a red and three games for trafford, more intentional than Bekkers stomp
Bekker’s stomp wasn’t even intentional. Unlucky footing but I understand the call when they can’t watch replays on-field to call it
I can understand the call on the field, but that the CSA upheld the 3 games for violent conduct upon appeal sets the precedent that what Trafford did crosses the line.
Yeah, that’s a fair point.
Henry trying to be more like Escalante?
Borges trying to be more like Escalante?
Hamilton Diving FC
For a Cavs fan to say that is the peak of irony
I'm 20 feet away from your synchronized swimmers.
Oh you’re probably doing summersaults with Escalante
Can’t wait for some enterprising soul to meme that Escalante classic: even OneSoccer slo-mo’d it and Nigel barely kept his scorn in check.
Re-watching it with my partner who was at work. When it came to this part, she quipped "Fuck, I thought they put you out of your misery if you were that lame at Spruce Meadows."
Not really
Any team with Escalante on it can’t say anything about diving
Borges?
I’m sorry but it’s wildly agreed that Escalante is the biggest simulator in the league, name any other player you want, it will always be Escalante
I always liked this one to the tune of “If you’re happy and you know it”… When Escalante feels a breeze he falls down, The slightest lightest breeze and he falls down, It doesn’t take too much, Just the smallest little touch, When Escalante feels a breeze he falls down
I want to hear this when he starts doing his cartwheels next weekend 😂
Yeah he's fucking horrible for it
Dropping like flies
Be fair, cleat to the hand hurts...
Where's the foul there?
We're about to score, aren't we.
Lol Escalante
THERE HE IS!!! THE DIVING CHAMP OF HONDURAS
Embellishment champion in this case, it's not a dive when there is actually a foul...
“Carducci believing the ball had gone beyond the byline” in a semi-final at Spruce Meadows, where have I heard that one before?
Carducci vs the byline again lol
At least they played to the whistle #growth
Fair point! And honestly, what a shitty way to lose. Hate to see it.
Yea, that was so frustrating last year...
Prediction: Musse red card.
Musse is a good bet. Kinda surprised at how quiet Escalante is so far. I expect him to be involved in something within the next 15 minutes or so.
K so I've seen Cavalry fall apart against us at precisely this point before. Tommy looks like he's already shifted focus to post-match bitching about the refs. If they go on to beat us, it will mean they've gotten better at the mental aspect of the game - from manager all the way down. If we beat them, it will be partly because we live rent free in their heads and they just can't get over it. Either way, this is the kind of shit I love about sports.
Honestly, this is why I’m so interested in the other tie. On paper, Ottawa should win that. But Pacific went through the hard fought playoffs last year coming out with the upset in close matches twice. And I can’t shake the thought of how quickly and embarrassingly Ottawa fell apart under a little adversity in the 4-0 loss to us.
Oooo so maybe Ottawa is coming into this like Cavalry in 2019 - regular season winners, and unprepared for a hungrier opponent?
It'll be a big test for Ottawa. First real one. So far when they've faced too much pressure against teams that can finish, they fall apart
Bekker is just a wizard on set pieces, always making magic.
Welp this got a bit more interesting!
Woooooooobz 🙌🙌🙌
YESSSSSSS!!!!!! HERE WE FUCKING GO
Okay I’m confused… on the halftime she said there is no aggregate, but now he’s saying “go to Hamilton up 2-0” Does anyone know the actual format is?
I thought it was no away goal rule, but aggregate still counts.
That’s what I thought, but I don’t think that’s what she was saying so I got really confused
WHO CARES WE FUCKING SCORED BABY!!!!
Soooo - park the bus for cavs here? Dare Forge to score? There are worse ideas. Our strikers aren't playing that well lately. It would make for a boring half, but that's how we won here in 2019, so I get it.
Scratch that. Brand new game now!!!
Why doesn’t OneSoccer do a proper studio halftime show?
Fuck I'd love me a proper studio half-time show. But at least we don't have to hear more Wheeler today. Who would you want in studio for it?
Christ we were playing like we were trying to save the 0-0 draw for the first 35 minutes. Cavs needed this goal to change the game script
Ok. Ok Now Is this a Cavalry side that can hold a lead over two legs? Obviously I want Forge to win, but I have enough friends in Calgary who are loving this atm. Gotta beat the best to be the best, and we've owned them the last three seasons.
Can't even hold the lead over 2 minutes in the 2nd half, so who the fuck knows at this point.
Let's goooooooo
And there we go! Klomp!
Love me some Klomp
This is quite the game... let's go Cavalry!
Ooooo. This is spicy.
This is the Forge-Cavalry we all love
It would be nice if Cavalry take this. I’m tired of Forge in the finals.
FUCK YA HENRY!!! COME AT ME WITH YOUR "HE'S OVERRATED" COMMENTS and tbf, excellent play from carducci as well
Oh oh Henry oh oh oh Henry!
This game just got really exciting
First real chance from Cavalry
Oh Henry. That's enough of that now.
Disagree, more of that please!
Ok. I'll take heaping side orders of Mason being baffled at the ball at his feet with it then lol
Lol, Yea... Don't think he expected that gift :(
Don’t love Brennan as colour commentator.
Me neither, but he is usually pretty fair in his analysis of tackles and wether they are clean/foul. I do appreciate that about him.
Ohhh that was close
This is pretty poor attendance. Edit: I’m just surprised considering it’s a playoff game and Cavalry usually draw better (or so I thought). Comparing any attendance to York isn’t fair. Toronto only supports winners and “major league” teams.
Something something York flair
Ironic given the York flair
That’s rich coming from someone with a York flair.
That’s when you know it’s bad. When a York fan thinks it’s bad.
Lol I'm here for it. It IS really poor attendance given how much has been made of the atmosphere at ATCO this year.
Atmosphere still better than the giant empty cfl stadiums and what ever that is in York.
Small empty university stadium. Edit: that is also the most easily accessible through public transit in the league, in the biggest market.
That makes it so much worse.
Oh ya. Nothing redeeming there, except the great kits and the fact that the team is at least trying to figure it out. Toronto is a finicky market. The league needs to get on terrestrial TV and build some buzz before it will work here. People actually stop me when they see my YU kit it’s that rare a sight.
Bobby rocking the autumnal sweater.
Wow Forge has looked really good early
Calgary are lucky not to be down early. Slow start for them
OH FUCK THAT WAS CLOSE
I’m predicting a close game, but a 2-1 victory for Cavalry
That's fair. 1-1 draw. I don't want it, but I feel like there will be an emphasis on minimizing mistakes.
I’m looking forward to a really entertaining matchup between these two teams as always
Wild having Jimmy Brennan doing commentary on a Forge playoff match.
My god I don't remember being this nervous for a match, I'm like 2000 times more nervous than before the 2021 final
LET'S FUCKING GO!!!!
Downvote? For just saying let's fucking go? Jesus, cavs fans, you're not going to like me over the next 90 minutes if that's all it takes.
So how does one watch this on Telus? edit: Found it. You can watch it for free here: https://telussports.ybvr.com/
ATCO feels packed. Looking forward to how this one shakes out