Bring on the bye week. Marcus Allen Jersey . It was a difficult Saturday night in Dallas for Toronto FC in a 2-1 loss against the Western Conference best. It was always going to be a tricky test with seven regulars out through injury against one of the top sides in Major League Soccer. Selection is an issue when three goalkeepers dress to fill out an 18-man roster. The return of team leader Michael Bradley to the starting XI and a 21st minute go-ahead goal by Issey Nakajima-Farran gave hope a negative script could be flipped in favour of the visitors. Encouraging plays came few and far between after with TFC failing to cope with sustained FC Dallas pressure and countless set pieces, while reliance on the counterattack didnt come off as planned. The scoreline flattered Toronto FC on the day, even though the points were still up for grabs until late. A goal-line scare for FC Dallas, a non-penalty call and the frustration of breaking down a stubborn TFC back-line all suggested Toronto FC would escape north Texas with a point. Hard work alone wasnt sufficient with Blas Perez 88th-minute-winner the difference. There werent many positives coming out of this one. The performance would have been a good one if this were a Toronto FC of previous seasons. The bar has been raised. Progress towards a consistent brand of attacking football, while giving some kind of regular respite to an under pressure back-line is sorely needed. The bye-week ahead gives ample time to work on system and, most importantly, for the team to get healthy. Manager Ryan Nelsen said pre-game he was happy with nine points through the opening matches, especially considering his new look side still growing familiar with one another amidst unforeseen selection issues due to injury. Toronto remains third in the Eastern Conference, only two points back of joint-leaders Sporting Kansas City and the Columbus Crew, despite an incredibly difficult schedule playing six teams, all in the top four in both conferences. Playing without star striker Jermain Defoe for the last three games makes their current standing that much more impressive.Without further ado, my 5 Thoughts on Torontos FCs 2-1 loss at FC Dallas: 1. Gilberto goes down... - The TSN Turning Point was the call that didnt happen. In the 75th minute with the game tied 1-1, a Jonathan Osorio long ball played Gilberto behind the back line. The Brazilian was on the ball with a clear line on goal before pushed from behind by Kellyn Acosta. The FC Dallas defenders arm was fully extended, clear evidence of the foul, yet neither match official Jorge Gonzalez or his linesman were close or comfortable enough to make the call. Both referees were out of position, trying to catch up to the play. The replay showed Gonzalez had proper sightlines of the incident, but the referee didnt have the bravery to make a vital call. There is no excuse for Gonzalez here - a penalty had to be given. Inconsistent MLS officiating remains a frustration to many and Nelsen had every right to speak his mind post-match – the non-call was an embarrassment. How many more managers will need be fined and, likewise, how many more disenchanted supporters will it take before sustained improvement in MLS officiating is achieved? Theres no question FC Dallas was the better side on the night, but theres also no question that the missed call cost Toronto FC a point, too. 2. … And down goes Gilbertos head – Its been a slow start to Gilbertos MLS career. No goals through five games for the young designated player and very little consistency in his play. The Brazilian was a largely a mystery before signing for TFC and remains so now. What we do know is Gilberto is hard worker with a solid MLS body. His tireless effort putting pressure on the ball and aerial ability are desirable assets. What we dont know, though, is whether he can be a reliable finisher and what his abilities are on the ball. A lack of proper service and attacking build-up has turned Gilberto into an attacking player forced to chase the game and play the role of disruptor. This is hardly the ideal way to acclimate a new player, learning a new league, let alone the language. For the first time this season, Gilberto showed visible frustration by the play around him. He wasnt on the same page with his teammates all night long. He certainly wasnt a match with Osorio up front. The Canadian international is uncomfortable with playing back-to-goal and needs to play a deeper role. As for Gilberto, at one point he got into an exchange with his countryman Jackson after a missed opportunity. His head dropped and the player sauntered back into position for the next five minutes instead of his usual motivated efforts. Its all-important for Nelsen to keep Gilbertos head in the right place, keep him inspired and find ways to bring him into the game. Playing off Defoe, who looks set to return after the bye-week, will help. Designated Player spots are all important in MLS. Big money and a special designation dont allow for much wiggle room in the form of a DP. They simply must produce. Its too early to tell what may come of Gilberto in MLS. All thats certain is he needs to be better. 3. Possession problems – Toronto FC was dominated in possession for the sixth game out of six. FC Dallas, a very good team, worked Toronto to the tune of 61 per cent on the ball and TFC cannot afford to continue to chase the game as they have. It starts at the back. Far too often, the backline is “playing it safe”, clearing the ball rather than trying to keep possession. TFC playing so compact defensively is a double-edged sword - Limiting the passing channels and loading the box have made Toronto terribly difficult to break down, but the problem becomes that the team is falling so deep, there is a lack of balance on the field to get out on attack. The counterattack is only working when their opponents over-commit. TFC needs better rotation and movement from the breakout from their central midfielders and outside wing-backs. FC Dallas worked it to perfection with the wing-back players active getting forward and rotation and support from two tiers in the centre of midfield. FC Dallas had a club record 16 corner kicks Saturday. Sustained pressure put TFC in vulnerable positions with both goals coming from set pieces. The fluidity of the home side was impressive - the transformation swift and pointed by new head coach Oscar Pareja. The short-term counter attack approach has been used by Nelsen out of necessity and can work to a certain degree with the dangerous Defoe on the prowl up front, when fit. Long-term, this tactic will not work. TFC will have to evolve from strictly a counterattack team to one that can build out of the back. 4. Hamstrung by hamstrings – The injury list continues to run long and deep at TFC. Three players missed through hamstring strains Saturday, with Osorio returning from a similar injury. Thigh and calf strains have also been an issue. The reason for so many similar injuries is not known, but is disturbing. Training and playing on a number of different surfaces to start the season is an obvious contributing factor. The wear and tear created by turf cannot be understated, no matter how good an artificial surface you play on. Training methods and physiotherapy techniques will also be closely watched with so many similar injury issues. TFC has wisely proceeded with caution with these hamstring issues, electing to rest players rather than play them and risking further longer-term injury. The MLS season is a marathon. The club taking a long view is a good thing. A limited roster meant for more of a 4-4-1-1 formation Saturday, which simply didnt work. Osorio was often drawn out of position and the attacking formation suffered. There is nothing wrong with a 4-4-2, so long as Nelsen has the players to play the system while staying disciplined in balance on the field. 5. ‘A for Effort – Nothing negative can be said of Toronto FCs workrate through the first month-and-a-half of the season. Nelsen has his team playing in the mold that he did as a player - fully committed and absolutely resilient in compete mode. Its a testament to the effort Toronto FC were mere minutes away from gaining a point in a game they were outplayed. The high pressure on the ball has been an asset and will continue to be. Toronto FC is no longer an easy team to play against. The role of the manager is more than just sending out a formation and changing tactics. A proper manager needs to be a leader and motivator. Theres no question this group plays for Nelsen. As the team gets healthy, Nelsens challenge will be how to get the most out of his roster from a team perspective. Thus far, the initial response among new players impresses and bodes well for further growth over the long run. Next up for Toronto FC is a date with the New England Revolution (2-2-3) May 3rd at BMO Field Chris Jones Jersey . -- The Chiefs have signed seven players to reserve/future contracts, including running back Joe McKnight, a former fourth-round pick of the New York Jets. Alex Smith Jersey . Cleveland released the troubled wide receiver on Wednesday, an expected ending after Bess was arrested in January for assaulting a law enforcement officer at an airport and other bizarre behaviour. http://www.prochiefsauthentic.com/Youth-Larry-Johnson-Elite-Jersey/ . For Sweed, a second round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008, this will be his second go around in the CFL after previously having spent time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. SEATTLE -- Lloyd McClendon is always looking for a little pop to come from his designated hitter when he sets up the Seattle Mariners lineup. Yes, even when Endy Chavez is the DH. "How about Endy?" McClendon said. "That was a pretty good swing." Chavez homered for the first time in more than a year and Seattles bullpen was again stellar behind starter Chris Young in the Mariners 3-2 win over the Cleveland Indians on Friday night. Chavez singled and scored in the first inning, then ended the night for Cleveland starter Trevor Bauer with a solo home run into the right-field seats with one out in the seventh. It was Chavezs first homer since May 30, 2013, at San Diego, a span of 265 plate appearances. "It feels great, especially in a tight game," Chavez said. "Im glad to hit a home run in that situation and put us in a better situation to win the game." Kyle Seager had two hits, including an RBI single, to continue his hot hitting at home. Brad Miller also added an RBI single as Seattle won for the sixth time in seven games. Seager is hitting .613 in his past eight home games, but McClendon continues to be unsatisfied and expecting more from his third baseman. "Hes getting better," McClendon said with a smirk. Fernando Rodney worked the ninth for his 22nd save although it was bumpy. Nick Swisher singled and scored on Michael Bourns two-out single, but Rodney got Asdrubal Cabrera to pop up for the final out. Rodney was the last of five Seattle relievers that allowed three hits and struck out four after Young was lifted. Young (7-4) was done after five innings despite giving up just four hits and one run. The Indians made him work deep into counts and his pitch count was at 91 after five innings. "They made me work and I wasnt as sharp as I wanted to be and I was probably a little lucky tonight. They hit some balls hard right at guys," Young said. "The bullpen came in and did a phenomenal job. Those guys pickked me up. Albert Wilson Jersey. " Joe Beimel tossed a perfect sixth and Danny Farquhar was solid in the seventh, although the Indians missed a chance to keep the inning alive because of a poor baserunning decision. With two outs, first baseman Logan Morrison booted Bourns grounder with Swisher on first. Swisher never stopped at second, but Morrison recovered and threw him out at third. Cleveland threatened again in the eighth on a two-out walk by Carlos Santana and a double from Jason Kipnis. Charlie Furbush got Lonnie Chisenhall to ground out, ending the inning. "The bullpen has been outstanding. Theyve been unbelievable. You just have complete confidence in all of them," Young said. "Tonight is a perfect example why. They came in, got 12 big outs and we won." Chavez led off the first with an infield single and stole second base with two outs. Seager then dumped a single into centre and Chavez was able to score standing up. The Mariners scored in almost the same way in the fourth. Michael Saunders singled with two outs and advanced to second on a wild pitch before Miller looped a base hit to centre for a 2-1 lead. Chavez provided some cushion with the 29th homer of his career. It was the third straight start in which Bauer (2-4) pitched into the seventh, but he has not finished that inning this season. He threw 111 pitches, below his season high of 119, and gave up nine hits while striking out five. "Early he fought his command a little bit, he didnt work ahead very often," Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. "But as he got into the game, I thought he got much better." NOTES: Seattles bullpen has allowed two earned runs in the past 24 innings. ... Cleveland plans to start LHP T.J. House in Sundays series finale. House still must be recalled from the minors. ... The Indians hope RHP Justin Masterson, scratched from Sundays start with a sore knee, will be able to go Tuesday in Los Angeles against the Dodgers. Discount NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Cheap Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2018 Jerseys From China Cheap Jerseys Online Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping ' ' '