SHAPES OF MLS THE FORMATIONS: Seattle made one change to their first game of the season and it was a predictable one with Clint Dempsey replacing Kenny Cooper in a 4231. Kareem Martin Jersey . Toronto FC were, as expected, in a 442 and all 11 of their starters were different from the opening game of last season. THE GAME: It turned out to be a dream start for the new-look Toronto FC. Two first half goals from Jermain Defoe gave them a deserved lead at half-time and it was that lead that enabled them to sit deeper and weather the Seattle storm in the second half to win the match 2-1. Defoe will rightfully get the headlines and we will touch on his goals and how they came about shortly, but the single biggest reason for Torontos dominance came in midfield where Michael Bradley gave a clinic on how a central midfielder can take over a game. It is important that we remember the first half for more than just the goals. It truly was a perfect away performance in the first 45 minutes, led by Bradley and his partner, Jonathan Osorio. Heading into the game, head coach Ryan Nelsen admitted he was unsure how the team would play together and whether or not the combinations on the field would gel immediately. Bradley and Osorio in central midfield certainly did that. Bradley told me before the game how impressed he was with Osorios intelligence and willingness to learn and work with him as they begin this journey together and, on paper, with Clint Dempsey dropping in, it looked like the pair could easily get outmatched and leave space in behind them, but it didnt work out that way. In the second half, Seattle found an extra gear (or three) and, particularly, after they scored, were a real handful with Osvaldo Alonso dropping deeper and dictating the play. Nelsen recognized this and asked substitute Andrew Wiederman to sit on Alonso when Seattle had possession. Tactically it was a good day for Nelsen, who also switched Rey and Jackson after just 11 minutes and left them on those flanks for the rest of their time on the field. Seconds earlier, Jackson was poor when Dylan Remick got forward and Nelsen was visibly disappointed with his defensive workrate on the play. Remick, unlike Yedlin, showed little more appetite to get forward, allowing Rey to run at him more. Jackson improved as the game wore on and did very well against Yedlin. For Seattle, it was a disappointing day. They lost Brad Evans early through injury and none of their front six impressed until Alonso took over the game in the last 30 minutes. THE TURNING POINT: Toronto FC fans have their 24th minute with Danny Dichio, after he scored the clubs first ever goal, but Defoe went one better than that, scoring both his goals before 24 minutes had been completed. THE POSITIVES: There were many on this day for Toronto FC but getting multiple players involved in the buildup to the goals was excellent. The two were both outstanding finishes in a pivotal 1-on-1 situation with the goalkeeper but it was the buildup to both that once again leaves even more encouragement for Toronto FC. Exactly a minute before Defoe stroked the ball into the net for the first time, Bradley was deep in between the two centre-backs starting another attack. He played a 1-2 twice with Osorio, then gets Steven Caldwell, Mark Bloom and Rey into the attack before the visitors win a crucial free kick. After that is sent in, TFC take the lead…. Nelsen has gone out of his way to stick to a 442 shape and said he wanted Dwayne De Rosario to play up top with Defoe, rather than deeper, but the game is about in-game opportunities and the first thing you see on the Defoe opening goal is De Rosario coming deeper and occupying Chad Marshall, creating the space in behind. The next thing needed is a bit of magic and Osorio creates it with a dribble into space and a ball perfectly set up for Defoe to run into… The second goal was also a lot more than just a finish. Bradley began an intelligent press, followed by De Rosario and Jackson to stop Seattle from comfortably playing through the midfield. Then Marco Pappa received the ball and Bradley pressed him again, this time into a mistake… Pappas poor backpass put Defoe into space and he did the rest but it is important to note another reason Defoe is on a different level than other strikers to have played for this team. At this moment, before the ball even comes to him, he takes a quick look to see the scenario drawn up around him before he goes into the box to make it 2-0. THE NEGATIVES: There were very few. For a starting XI who had never played together before this was a very impressive performance. One thing to monitor is the De Rosario position. Bradley and Osorio were excellent but are far from the finished article as a partnership and will need help with someone dropping in defensively, particularly when the game gets stretched. THE STAR MAN: Defoe was the difference maker and that is exactly what he is. Good teams need goal scorers to ensure the dominance reflected in the performance is the same in the scoreline, but aside from the goals the star man in Seattle was Bradley. One of the biggest tactical discussions at all levels is around how many players a coach should play in central midfield. At the very highest level it is hard to see teams win championships regularly with just two in that area of the field, although teams like Manchester City and PSG are certainly threating that trend. In MLS it is definitely possible to play 442 if you have players like Bradley who can do it all. He is not a defensive midfielder. He is a complete central midfielder at this level, who can ignite counter attacks, read the game to be in the right areas to be an outlet or get the ball to find outlets, and press opponents into mistakes. On Saturday he won seven tackles and made an impressive eight recoveries that helped Toronto in the crucial transition game. (see below for Bradley player map) Toronto FC have waited seven years for a proven goal scorer and on the same day one shows up alongside a midfield maestro who looks like he can dictate MLS games for the next five years. B.J. Hill Jersey . Hes had three top-10 results this season and feels ready to put it all together and finally hoist a trophy at the top level. Lorenzo Carter Giants Jersey . Fabio Fognini pulled off a surprise 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory over two-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray to level the best-of-five quarterfinal at 2-2 before Andreas Seppi defeated James Ward 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in the decisive match. http://www.nygiantsfanaticshop.com/Black-Patrick-Omameh-Giants-Jersey.html?cat=943 . Jovanovski, the 2012 champ seeded fifth, will meet surprise Japanese qualifier Misa Eguchi on Friday. Eguchi, ranked 183rd, qualified for her first WTA main draw this week, then beat No.BEREA, Ohio - On any given day, Josh Gordons size, speed and agility separates him from others on the field. Hes that rare talent, the player everyone notices. Hes standing out for another reason. Gordon is awaiting another possible NFL suspension for reportedly failing a drug test, a violation that could cost the Pro Bowl wide receiver a full season. But while his future remains cloudy, Clevelands young star is doing all he can to improve his dazzling skills. After gliding over the middle on Tuesday, Gordon leaped to snag a pass before tucking the ball away and sprinting from a defender. If hes burdened, Gordons hiding it well. "Hes showing up every day as the No. 1 receiver, hes not showing up as a guy whos uncertain about his future," said wide receiver Nate Burleson. "Thats all he can do right now, is go to work as if hes our No. 1 because he is." Arguably Clevelands best player, Gordon could be facing a lengthy suspension for marijuana use. The 23-year-old was suspended two games last season for violating the leagues substance-abuse policy and still led the league in yards receiving. The league has not commented on Gordons status. He complicated his situation last week when he was ticketed for speeding and a passenger in his car was cited for marijuana possession. Gordon is scheduled to appear in Berea Municipal Court on Wednesday. Browns first-year coach Mike Pettine believes the uncertainty is weighing on Gordon. It has to be. "I cant imagine that it wouldnt," Pettine said. "It would be human nature." Gordon politely declined an interview request. He entered the league with a history of substance-abuse issues. Gordon is known to have failed at least three drug tests in college, but the Browns were willing to overlook his past when they selected him in the second round of the supplemental draft in 2012. His risky behaviour has jeopardized his career, but the Browns insist they will stick by him. Pettine acknowledged some frustration in not knowing Gordons status. "Until we hear from the league, were going to be business as usual," he said. "At this point, there is nothing to act on. Everyone can sense the frustration, and its a difficult thing. But until it happens, we have a plan in place for all eventualities but were still in a holding pattern." While the Browns wait, Pettinne said Gordon has not let the uncertainty affect his performance. Jonathan Stewart Jersey. "He comes out and works hard, puts in a days work, solid in the classroom," Pettine said. "When hes in the building, hes been solid. Its not the first guy in the league to be like that where when hes in the building hes great and has some issues, for whatever reason due to circumstances, when hes out of the building. Im not a stranger to situations like that." The Browns signed Burleson, a 12-year veteran, as a free agent to provide leadership to Clevelands group of young receivers. Burleson hasnt spoken with Gordon specifically about his situation, but has been providing any support he can. "I just do the same thing I was doing before the news came out," Burleson said. "Help motivate him, him and the other guys. Im here as a guy who, one, can show young guys how to be a professional athlete on and off the field and two, try to motivate them in different ways. "Hes so gifted and so talented that its hard to coach greatness. Its hard to motivate greatness." Burleson played with Randy Moss in Minnesota and Calvin Johnson in Detroit. He knows what a superstar wide receiver looks like and believes Gordon has what it takes to be one of the best. Like everyone associated with the Browns, Burleson is eager for a positive outcome for Gordon. "That type of talent you want on the field, whether its at practice or game day," Burleson. "You only get so many guys every few years that redefine the position and hes one of those guys. Hes not your traditional receiver. Theres Calvin and theres Randy, these guys were hit with that special stick and God blessed them with attributes you can only create in video games. "For him to miss any time, its a loss for everybody in general, fans especially. The hope is that hes on the field." Pettine believes the Browns have a good support system in place to help Gordon, and the league has been proactive in helping troubled players. However, theres a shared responsibility. "There has to be a willingness on the other side," he said. "Sometimes they get the message and its too late. In all my time in the league, theres always going to be a handful of guys that just dont get it." ___ AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFLAuthentic Bills JerseysDolphins Stitched JerseysCheap Patriots JerseysWholesale Jets JerseysWholesale Texans JerseysCheap Colts JerseysJaguars Jerseys StoreAuthentic Titans JerseysAuthentic Broncos JerseysAuthentic Chiefs JerseysCheap Raiders JerseysChargers Jerseys StoreCheap Ravens JerseysWholesale Bengals JerseysCheap Browns JerseysSteelers Jerseys StoreWholesale Cowboys JerseysWholesale Giants JerseysAuthentic Eagles JerseysCheap Redskins JerseysAuthentic Falcons JerseysPanthers Jerseys StoreWholesale Saints JerseysAuthentic Buccaneers JerseysWholesale Cardinals JerseysCheap 49ers JerseysSeahawks Jerseys StoreWholesale Rams JerseysWholesale Bears JerseysAuthentic Lions JerseysCheap Packers JerseysVikings Jerseys Store ' ' '