Quick hits, July 23, 2008
I am surprised by the inability of Toronto FC to do anything against the Montreal Impact last night. This match marks nine straight games without a victory. A 1-1 draw gave the second-worst team in the USL (at least in the standings) the Voyageurs Cup-and the right to represent Canada in the CONCACAF Champions League.
John Carver, the coach of the team, was more than graceless in defeat, blaming everyone and anyone he sees-from the media, to the sporting events, to even Jeff Cunningham, who, for all the goals he has scored, is now past his prime, and is in the twilight of his career.
My take on it is: bloody move on. Here is this manager from England who has not been in Toronto long enough to appreciate these events that the city hosts, events that have helped, in more ways than one, Toronto to make a name for itself-and he disses thenm. Mercy,
It's these daft comments that are not going to make him any friends up there. Add an uncanny gracelessness in defeat, and John Carver's time as manager is starting to run out.
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What the heck is up with the Sparks? I can't believe what I just saw. The Damnation of Artest Revisited? Why is it that the Palace at Auburn Hills might be a place to host a crapload of boxing matches?
Sure, we did beat Detroit, but we are in trouble against Connecticut. Madness. We might as well have women's ultimate fighting start up this year.
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Here are the Bedlam's Top 5 Reasons why You Can't Blame Jason Armstead for giving Saskatchewan the victory over Montreal last Saturday.
5. Rayshaun Kizer. A boneheaded roughing the kicker penalty for flattening punter Jamie Boreham gave Saskatchewan the ball back on one of their posessions. The Roughriders would score on that drive in the 2nd half.
4. Darien Durant. Here is a quarterback that might stir some controversy in Regina. Durant is more than capable of filling in for Marcus Crandell. But will Ken Miller have a headache in choosing who to start when the Argonauts come to town?
3. Anton McKenzie. Defensively, he is clutch. He made some key interceptions to prevent the Alouettes offense from becoming a threat in the last 3 minutes of the game.
2. The touchdown to Matt Dominguez confirmed through instant replay. Yes, because it was a simultaneous catch, by rule, it's a touchdown. Jim Trestman must have felt snakebitten, because that play set the stage for the rally by the Riders at the Mosaic Stadium.
1. A questionable, if not, "brain asploded" decision by Montreal's special teams coach to bring out the "hands" team, or the onside kick unit. Personally, I could not believe that Montreal brough out that team with just less than three minutes remaining. And to make matters worse...Jason Armstead was on that unit.
Canadian football. Tough day on the field for the Als.
