RESULT: TORONTO FC 0 - BENFICA 0

It was a respectable result for Toronto FC against Benfica of Portugal at BMO last night. Although the score may not show it, the game offered some excellent soccer. Benfica who played with a makeshift lineup had some excellent sequences, yet rarely tested the Toronto net. Toronto's defence led by Jim Brennan and Marco Reda in the first half was able to keep Benfica at at bay. Reda appeared to tweak something and was limping late in the first half. Aside from a partial break away early in the second half, where Greg Sutton had to make a big save on a rather weak effort, Toronto were rarely in true danger - I felt. Sutton was substituted
for backup Srjden Djankovic soon after, who held his own.

Surprisingly, it was Toronto who created several great chances and were unlucky not to finish on several legitimate opportunities late in the game as the play opened up.

Toronto inserted regular starter Andy Welsh and Danny Dichio in the second half. TFC also inserted youngsters Joey Melo, David Guzman, and Christian Nunez at different stages of the the second half to give them playing time against quality opposition. Andrea Lombardo started up top for Toronto with Edson Buddle and was a pesky presence I felt.

I would estimate the crowd at around 15,000-16,000, though it looked larger as the game went on. It was clear many Toronto FC fans had sold their tickets to Benfica supporters (most likely for a big premium) as the Benfica jerseys and fans were everywhere. Toronto FC fans were very vocal nonetheless. Benfica next plays in New Jersey on the weekend against AEK Athens while Toronto will play Columbus on Saturday night. I was told Benfica would recieve close to $1 million dollars for its North American tour.

ESKANDARIAN GONE...CUNNINGHAM IN...

Wow. Another shocker. Jeff Cunningham is officially in the fold. Add yet another MLS big name player to the revolving door down at BMO. I just hope Cunningham was made aware of and consulted regarding the trade before he heard the news (see Mulrooney, Guevara).

When news broke of a trade sending Esky to RSL this morning, I immediately thought Toronto was bringing in Toronto native Andy Williams or Jack Stewart who would both count as Canadians on the roster. After all this is a team in need of depth. I could never have imagined Jeff Cunningham was on his way. He is a huge improvement overall on the strikers Mo has brought in thus far. Some believed (including myself) that Cunningham truly deserved to be in Germany last year for the World Cup. He is still a US national team possibility.

That said I feel terrible for Eskandarian. I loved his work ethic, enthusiasm, and how he has reached out into the community. Alecko Eskandarian had quickly and deservedly turned into a fan favourite here in Toronto. Esky was the face of many of TFC's promotional campaigns and even kept his own blog. It was interesting reading his comments to Steven Goff of the Washington Post, regarding how ticked off he was for being mislead by Toronto after being notified this morning of the trade. He made sure to jump the gun on Toronto FC by getting his side of the story out first. He apparently did not want to be traded and was just settling in to life in our great city. He wanted to make sure people understood he didn't ask for the trade, and didn't want Toronto FC to spin it any other way. Let's hope they don't. Although I do understand that some of Alecko's pay was being held back temporarily for taxation complications that surfaced.

Bringing in Cunningham reunites two former Columbus Crew prospects - Edson Buddle the other. They often competed for work, with Buddle eventually kept on in Columbus - a regrettable mistake by Columbus, though they still have Eddie Gaven to show for him thanks to Mo Jo himself.

I still think TFC are lacking that one player that can light up the imagination of the fans. That creative, inspirational player, one who can turn games with one great ball or run, and who can service strikers on a consistent basis. These players of course are not easy to find. Yet someone is desperately needed in the middle of the park to spray balls up to Dichio and now Cunningham. Thus far the midfield, aside from Ronnie O'Brien, is severely lacking. Sure Edu is doing a fine job as a rookie, but Toronto simply does not possess a player in midfield who can turn a match and strike fear in opponents. Carl Robinson, TFC's highest paid player, shows signs of being a very classy player, yet has honestly not been a game breaker for TFC thus far (7 games in). In MLS, anyone making the kind of money Robinson ($315,000) or even Andy Welsh ($205,000) are taking up on the salary cap, they better be worth it. I mean there getting paid more than some of the true stars in the MLS, and that adjustment period they needed to get accustomed to MLS is just about over imo.

With Esky gone, it is clear no one on the roster is safe. I am so very curious to see who Mo will keep around past the "contract guarantee" deadline that is fast approaching. I have a feeling Mo will look to dump some extra salary from the cap, in order to make a move for an international or two in the summer. Time will tell, but Mo who is running TFC like many of us run our fantasy league teams, is far from done!

MATCH DAY 7: DC UNITED 2 TORONTO FC 1

- DC UNITED MAN OF THE MATCH: BALDOMERO TOLEDO
- Mr. Toldeo was wearing yellow - clearly though he should have worn the DC United colours today as he was their twelfth man and assisted on the penalty goal. Aside from Brazilian Luciano Emilio clearly embellishing and diving on the penalty call, as he had on several occasions all afternoon (there appeared to be contact from Wynne in fairness), I'm more upset with Mr. Toledo allowing play to continue after Andy Welsh was fouled in the DC United end just seconds earlier, leading to the counter attack and the penalty call.
- I thought Toledo was also very generous to Facundo Erpen who could have been awarded a second yellow on several occasions as well as Bobby Boswell. In contrast, he awarded marginal cards to Maurice Edu in the 25th minute, and another to Jim Brennan late in the match that had no merit in my estimation.
-Mr. Toldeo (one of the 4 or 5 full time MLS Officials) was terrible all afternoon. He called a foul on Emilio in the Toronto box late in the game, interrupting a legitimate scoring opportunity for DC - reason unknown, as Emilio did nothing other than win the ball fairly in my eyes.
- DC have stolen 6 points this year on highly dubious late penalties awarded by incompetent officials. With all their trophies, DC are truly becoming the Juventus of MLS.
- That said it was an opportunity lost for Toronto. Did TFC do enough to win today? I'm not so sure. On the other hand I don't think they deserved to lose either.

- TFC did look very tired after playing 3 games in the last 7 days.
- The service to Danny Dichio and to all the front runners was less than adequate. This may also be a product of opposing teams figuring out how to defend against the big man.
- Glad to see Alecko Eskandarian finally score one. He works hard, and deserves it in my book.
- It is clear that a one legged Ronnie O'Brien is still better than most midfielders in the MLS. Will he move to the middle when Carl Robinson departs for International duty with Wales?
- Andy Welsh continues to improve. Although he has become more productive, he is still guilty of being pushed off the ball much too easily. Welsh was clearly labouring towards the late stages yesterday.
- Andrea Lombardo has been a spark plug. He will have a great future for club and country in my eyes.

- Jim Brennan is a rock on the back line, but I would still love to see him in the midfield.
- I was so impressed (again) with the maturity displayed by Andy Boyens on the back line. I can't believe this is the same player who started the first three matches. With Boyens departing for international duty it will be interesting to see how the back line shapes up in the upcoming matches.
- I don;t know what MO has available to him on that bench, though I was surprised to see he didn't add defensive help after DC scored their first goal. It was clear that DC were attacking with more purpose in the second half.
- I have yet to see a star player or great individual performance at BMO field. Aside perhaps from a great display on opening day from Eddie Johnson of the Kansas City Wizards, Toronto fans have yet to see any of the big name MLS Stars do anything of significance at BMO Field. Thus far the likes of Christian Gomez of DC United and Dwayne De Rosario have been average at best here in Toronto.
- Kevin Goldthwaite was unlucky to deflect the first goal in for DC United. I'm not sure how happy DC United can be with their performance today. An own goal and and yet another questionable late penalty call is nothing to get too excited about in my opinion.
- The all important "Contract Guarantee deadline" is fast approaching. It will be interesting to see what moves, if any, Toronto FC will make in the next few weeks.

- With the Carlsberg Beer Tent taking a new look yesterday at the north end of the stadium, fans without tickets gathered on the steps of the adjacent building to watch the match. Kind of neat to see that level of excitement for soccer again.
- It wasn't as noisy at BMO today. Not sure what to attribute this to.
- On to the friendly with Benfica on Wednesday night. Let's hope Toronto takes the match seriously because an ugly loss to a European side will hurt TFC's credibility in this market.

BMO FIELD OBSERVATIONS...

MLSE are apparently reviewing policies about allowing umbrellas into the stadium during matches. I hope the ban on "large" Canadian flags will also be reviewed in time for July!!!! How about some TV monitors around the concourses so fans can follow the game while below the stands - near the washrooms or "rest rooms" would be great considering the line-ups.

Was I hearing things or did the announcer actually call the added time "Esquire Added Time" at the Houston match??? Purolator is already on board for the official MLS Match "Ball courier." What's next the National anthem??

I must say the 7:00 p.m start the other night was really tough to make. I managed to make it down from with about 20 minutes to spare having left at 5:15, but it was obvious that most fans made there way in after the game was under way. I was lucky enough to avoid the rush into the CNE that hit around 6:50 pm. It didn't help that the Toronto baseball team was playing at the same time, rush hour traffic was in full swing, and the single lanes around the CNE leading to the parking lots, become parking lots themselves during match days. I think one or two of the newspapers had the game starting at 7:30 as well which probably confused some. With only two more weekday regular season matches and the exhibition matches with Benfica and Aston Villa scheduled for the weekdays, pushing weekday games to 7:30 or 8:00 p.m starts would be awesome.

The in stadium announcer sounds exactly like Andy Frost from the Air Canada Centre and Q-107, and does an excellent job. Yet the lady used for the Canada - Argentina exhibition last Friday was simply terrible. In their attempt to make the match sound like some type of international olypic style event no doubt, I assume the organizers hired a female voice for the U-20 World Cup. Message to those running the show at the Toronto organizing committee- its not swimming and its not figure skating - get her out!!!

MATCH DAY 7 PREVIEW: DC UNITED @ TORONTO FC

DC United roll into Toronto today. As many Toronto fans are still unfamiliar with MLS and its history, DC United is the club that set the standard during the leagues early years. After a tough start in 1996, they pulled it together to win the inaugural MLS Cup. The team included the likes of Bolivian great Marco Etcheverry, Jaime Moreno, Raul Diaz Arce, John Harkes, Eddie Pope, and Tony Sanneh. They were coached by Bruce Arena who moved on to become US National team boss. Bob Bradley served as the assistant. DC won MLS Cup in 1996, 1997, and 1999 (losing in the final to Chicago in 1998) and again in 2004 under coach Piotr Nowak.

They currently sit two points behind Toronto, with only one win to show for the first 5 games of the season. I thought DC were lucky in the first win against Chivas, as the penalty call was a bit sketchy in my opinion.

With all due respect to one of the best organizations in Major League Soccer, from what I've seen of them thus far, this is not one of the better DC United squads ever assembled. New coach Tom Soehn - Canadian fans will surely remember him from his CSL days when he came north of the border to earn a living, has to get things going soon or his long awaited opportunity may be very short lived. I will suggest their major downfall thus far has been defending. Facundo Erpen from Argentina, Bobby Boswell and Brian Namhof have been less than consistent. Talk has a deal for Polish International Bortosz Bosacki are in the early stages according to the Washington Post, and Former US International Tony Sanneh is said to be discussing a contract with his old club according to the Chicago Tribune.

DC United keeper Troy Perkins is far from a world beater. He is still young and will have to cope with the intimidating Toronto supporters in behind the net. That said, I hope Toronto shoots toward the south goal in the first half like last Saturday - its an important advantage in my estimation.

Offensively, Argentinian midfielder Christian Gomez and striker Luciano Emilio, a newly signed Brazilian, have been less than spectacular. Bolivian Jaime Moreno, who was recently called back to the Bolvian National team served as a spark plug against Chivas. DC have also signed Jamaican Nicolas Adderly who was scheduled to play in the USL this season. Ben Olsen, a member of the US National team in Germany last year is a long time MLS veteran. Injuries have hindered Olsen's career (he was once on loan to Nottingham Forrest and looked to be sure bet to land a contract in Europe).

Toronto needs to exploit the shortcomings of the DC United back line. I would suspect that Bobby Boswell will be assigned the Danny Dichio duty. Although I like Boswell, I don't rate him as highly as others in the league that have marked Dichio thus far (Conrad/Curtin). The DC back line will have a tough time with the big man. The question as to who will pair up with Dichio is an easy one. With all due respect to Edson Buddle, who has been much more effective in the last two matches (though he still doesn't have a goal to show for it) in my opinion, this will be Alecko Eskandarian's day to savour - a chance to get back at his old team.

This is the last match before the International assignments for the likes of Andrew Boyens and Carl Robinson, and the Canadians selected for the Gold Cup will soon be away for prolonged absences. Coupled with injury concerns to Andy Welsh, Ronnie O'Brien, Marco Reda, and Carl Robinson and the 6 game road swing during July quickly approaching (this due to the Under 20 World Cup being held in Canada) and you can see that a result today would be very important.

PREDICTION: DC United 0 - Toronto FC 0

CANADA'S PRELIMINARY GOLD CUP ROSTER RELEASED

With Dale Mitchell officially announced as the new Canadian Men's National Team coach today, a preliminary roster was submitted to CONCACAF for the upcoming Gold Cup. Interim Coach Stephen Hart, who was announced as the team Canada Assistant Men's coach today, will lead Canada at the tournament. This is only a preliminary roster, changes can be expected as the tournament approaches. A couple of notable absences include keeper Greg Sutton from Toronto FC, Tomasz Radzinski formerly of Fulham in the Premiership, and Paul Stalteri of Tottenham Hotspurs. http://www.terra.com/deportes/articulo/html/fox384973.htm

PRELIMINARY ROSTER CANADA
Patrice Bernier MD Tromso FC/SWE
Adam Braz DF Toronto FC
Jim Brennan MD Toronto FC
Julian DeGuzman MD Deportivo La Coruna/ESP
Dwayne DeRosario AT Houston Dynamo/USA
Robert Friend AT FC Heerenveen/NED
Ali Gerba DF FC Gothenborg/SWE
Gabriel Gervais DF Montreal Impact
Sandro Grande MD Viking Stavanger
Andrew Hainault DF Said Most FC/CZE
Kevin Harmse MD Los Angeles Galaxy/USA
Lars Hirschfeld GK Rosenborg/NOR
Iain Hume MD Leicester City/ENG
Atiba Hutchinson MD FC Copenhagen/DEN
Daniel Imhof MD Bochum/GER
Ante Jazic MD Los Angeles Galaxy/USA
Mike Klukowski MD FC Brugge/BEL
Kevin McKenna AT Energie Cottus/GER
Issey Nakajima-Farran MD FC Vejle Bodklub/DEN
Martin Nash MD Vancouver Whitecaps
Olivier Occean AT Lillestrom/NOR
Chris Pozniak DF Toronto FC
Josh Wagenaar GK ADO Den Haag/NED
TD: Stephen Hart

EMERGENCY REPAIRS FOR BMO FIELD

The raucous gatherings at the first four events held at BMO Field - three Toronto FC matches, and the Canada/Argentina International last Friday, have caused structural problems at the new stadium. Engineers and stadium officials will be very busy over the next few days as bolts have been falling from below the stands on the west stand. I can confirm that a bolt bounced near me under the east stand on Saturday, while waiting for my order to be completed near the Subway Sandwich cart next to Gate 2. I wrote it off at the time as left over construction materials settling/falling due to the vibration. I hope these problems are minor in nature and can be sorted out quickly.

MATCH DAY 6 PREVIEW: HOUSTON DYNAMO @ TORONTO FC

The thunderstorms that swept through the GTA last night claimed my match preview for the Houston match. I'll provide a brief summary below.

* All that rain last night will ensure a very slick pitch for the match this evening
* Rain is in the weather forecast for today and Saturday as well
* 1/5 of the Toronto FC's inaugural season will be completed by the end of the Houston match
* Former Toronto FC defender Richard Mulrooney played right back for Houston in their last match
* Kevin Goldthwaite the player Mulrooney was traded for has been a pleasant surprise for Toronto. He will want to show his old team it was a mistake to let him go
* Toronto Native Dwayne De Rosario leads the Houston midfield, with a talented group of players around him that have been together for several years. The midfield includes talented Ricardo Clark, Brian Mullan, and Brad Davis.
* Toronto is not the only team struggling scoring goals. Houston have only scored 4 goals in 5 MLS matches thus far (3 of the 4 goals came in their last match) Toronto has scored 3 goals in 5 games. The only players to have scored for Houston this season are American international striker Brian Ching, and De Rosario.
* Look out for speedy Joseph Ngwenya from Zimbabwe. Ngwenya should make his debut for the Dynamo after being traded from Columbus last week. He can be clever and extremely dangerous.
* Paul Dalglish, the son of Kenny Dalglish, is a striker for the Dynamo. He has been hampered by an ankle injury and may not play on Wednesday.
* Houston keeper Pat Onstad played for several Toronto professional teams including the Toronto Blizzard, Toronto Lynx and Toronto Rockets over the course of his long career.
* The Houston Dynamo have entered into an agreement to study the viability of building a soccer specific stadium with the City of Houston.

DALE MITCHELL TO BE NAMED CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM COACH

After CSA President Colin Linford was not able to get the approval from the CSA Board of Directors for the hiring of Brazilian Rene Simoes as Men's National team coach, Dale Mitchell the current Canadian Under-20 and former Canadian International is now set to become the National team boss (according to reports in the Toronto Star & Globe & Mail). Simoes became the number one choice after a panel, including player representative Dwayne De Rosario of the Houston Dynamo, selected him from a short list of 4 candidates that also included former World Cup winner and Tottenham manager Ossie Ardiles of Argentina according to the reports this morning.

My take: Although I would have preferred a foreign coach, someone with the pedigree and respect at the International level and the CONCACAF Region, I was always a bit weary of Simoes since his name was revealed. Simoes clearly understands our region having coached teams in CONCACAF and he did lead Jamaica to the World Cup in 1998 . Of course the manner in which he led Jamaica was not exactly a product of his tactical brilliance or coaching expertise, in my opinion. You may recall Simoes basically recruited players of Jamaican ancestry playing around the world to make up the bulk of the starting team. Many who had never even been to Jamaica before. Sure he had to bring those players together and turn them into a cohesive unit, but the shear number of players he imported into the team diminished the accomplishment of reaching France in my eyes (England based Frank Sinclair, Darryl Powell, Deon Burton, Robbie Earle, even Toronto native Andy Williams amongst others were some of the players brought in).

Dale Mitchell gets his chance, probably not the manner he would have liked, but its a great opportunity nonetheless. He was probably the best midfielder to ever suit up for our country. Mitchell was a brilliant player one of my favourites growing up. I remember watching him closely during his visits with the National team, Vancouver 86ers, and when he played locally for the Toronto Blizzard in the CSL days. American readers may remember Dale from his days in the MISL, where he was one of the best players for many years.

Will he light up the imagination of the soccer fans across the country? Probably not. Mitchell does however offer a true understanding of the Canadian setup and mentality, and probably has a better grasp of the current crop of players than anyone else. He will also understand the limitations of the sport in our country, something that is not easily understood by foreign coaches (Holger Osieck comes to mind). His biggest challenge in the short term as National team boss, in my opinion, will be to lure Toronto native Jonathan De Guzman to come home and play for Canada. His focus until July of course will be the Under 20's. Stephen Hart will lead Canada to the Gold Cup next month.

My dream coach for Canada has always been Canadian born and raised John Van't Schipp, who is Marco Van Basten's assistant with Holland. The former Holland, Ajax, and Genoa player was born and grew up in British Columbia before his family moved back to Holland and he was discovered by Ajax Youth system. Not sure what type of compensation the likes of Van't Schipp would command, but I would assume it is quite substantial, and well beyond the reach of Canadian soccer. I'll keep my dream alive though, after all I would never have thought I would be watching MLS live in my hometown, 20 minutes from my house no less, in a sold out soccer specific stadium a few years back, yet here we are today!

COLLIN SAMUEL DELAYED AT CANADIAN BORDER...

Mo Johnston confirmed during a radio interview on the FAN 590 this afternoon, that Trinidad International Collin Samuel has experienced immigration problems entering into Canada. His trial has therefore been delayed.

UPDATE: Reports in the morning papers claim that Samuel has been lost to Toronto FC as he was not allowed to enter Canada. Several other MLS teams have also expressed interest in his services, and it sounds like he will now explore those options.

SAMUEL OF TRINIDAD ON TRIAL AT TORONTO FC

Trinidad International Collin Samuel will reportedly be on trial this week with Toronto FC. http://www.gotorontofc.com/

MATCH DAY 5: TORONTO FC 3 CHICAGO FIRE 1

What a great couple of days for soccer fans in our area. The sun was shining on Toronto FC today and they came through with their second solid performance at home, and this time with a much deserved win. Like I said in the preview, we were "due". All is well at the moment in TFC land, and the losing streak is behind us. Patience is required by all involved, it is an expansion year after all, with many hills and valleys yet to come. Everyone should be reminded to stay the course (including myself) because the season is young. As frustrating as it was to watch those first 4 matches, desperate times, sometimes don't require desperate measures to correct themselves.

A word to Mo Johnston. I hope you revisit your recent suggestions that there is an immediate need for a designated player. I thought your initial plan to wait out a DP, was brilliant. Don't let the pressure get to you. The Toronto audience, as soccer savvy as we may be, don't know MLS well enough yet. A DP player is not needed at this juncture in my opinion. Your group is starting to come along nicely. Let time take its course. Mo well understands, being in MLS since the inception, that "high profile" players don't necessarily win championships in MLS. Most MLS fans had never heard of the likes of Christian Gomez, Piotr Nowak, Carlos Ruiz, even Dwayne De Rosario, yet these are the type of players I would honestly much prefer Mo bring in - Champions.

What can be said about Toronto's performance today. They played much better, held positive possession,were entertaining, and looked even hungrier than two weekends ago. What else can we ask for?

After watching young Andrea Lombardo's performance against Argentina on Friday night, and how hard he worked, basically by himself up top, when Toronto bunkered up at the back late in the second half, I have to wonder how the heck he hasn't played yet.

The referee was a total disaster in my opinion. It took him nearly 30 seconds to notice the brawl in the first half. How the hell he issued two red cards without actually viewing the altercation - his head was clearly turned the other way from my vantage point (and as far as a few of us in my area thought- he did not consult the linesman either) is beyond me. It felt as if Toronto were playing short handed all day (though I've yet to watch my tape). He was as guilty as anyone for letting the game slip out of control.

I hope the Chicago Fire fans in attendance were taking some notes. BMO field isn't exactly filled with screaming girls youth soccer teams like other MLS venues. Toronto soccer fans have many years of pent up emotion. American soccer players and fans no longer need to head to Europe to get a true soccer atmosphere. Not sure if it was caught on television, yet a Chicago player continued sprinting up the field with the ball well after the whistle had gone, as the noise level was crazy. He must of thought he was in heaven as the Toronto players had stopped.

To that end, if MLS thinks of placing sanctions on the team for the behaviour of fans (the BMO seat cushions being thrown on the field) they are truly hypocrites. The experience at BMO is being created by fans. There is no canned noise, few announcements, and no music blaring over the public address system, and no silly mascots causing a distraction - its simply the game and the fans as it should be. If they want Toronto to struggle at the gate, and discourage the passion they proclaim in their very own advertising - I'll point to the problems that occurred with fan groups during the formative years in Miami (Ft. Lauderdale) and New York. Look where those organizations are now. Blame the marketing genius behind the promotion, not the fans. Chicago have little to complain about in my opinion. As the delays actually worked to their advantage. They occurred when Toronto was doing well and stalled some of TFC's momentum to some extent.

I can't recall the Toronto FC players who approached the fans that invaded the pitch in front of the southeast corner, but they should be commended for trying to calm the situation and the over reaction from the police officers. The hug between the fan and the Toronto FC player was wonderful. I also credit Mo, for keeping his players on the field after the match in order to salute the crowd. Excellent.

I stuck around to watch the first half of the reserve game (actually sat right in front of Dale Mitchell, Kevin Muldoon, Nick Dasovic and a couple of others from the team Canada U-20 staff. It was very interesting listening to their comments. Adam Braz scored a great goal and Miguel Canizalez was tearing apart the Chicago wingers (Woolard & Franks) in the first half. Toronto's reserves were far superior.

My major disappointment of the weekend, occurred on Friday. A policy in place at BMO does not allow large flags (of a normal size I thought) in most sections of the stadium. I was baffled when security asked my 11 year old niece not to enter BMO on Friday night with her Canadian flag. I laughed at first, as I thought they were joking. Here is an enthusiastic young fan, proudly displaying our country's flag and she is asked to put it away. I'm not the type that gets upset easily (far from it), but this really ticked a nerve. Although I voiced my displeasure, I understand security at the gate were simply doing their job (probably for minimum wage no less - and they eventually allowed us to bring it in anyway after they provided a reasonable solution). This is surely a policy that should be revisited with future National team games and the U-20 tournament in the cards. Perhaps readers can let the folks over at MLSE/BMO know what they can do about this silly policy.

On a personal note, after 3 matches at BMO, my throat - what's left of it, is killing me (it took me 4 days to recover after the home opener). Not sure what I'm going to do on Wednesday night.

MATCH DAY 5 PREVIEW: CHICAGO FIRE @ TORONTO FC

As the saying goes - Toronto FC are "due". If not for a win, Toronto are certainly "due" for a result, or at minimum a goal. At this point TFC are on pace to become the worst expansion team in the history of MLS. That said, I'm not suggesting Saturday is a must win, though fielding a competitive side for the full 90 minutes would be nice change. With DC United finally winning on the weekend, Toronto remains in a battle with Real Salt Lake, as the two teams left in MLS still chasing a win. unlike previous expansion teams, Toronto FC do not have a fellow expansion team to beat up on, and the next closest thing - Real Salt Lake, are not in the cards until a July fixture.

The time for excuses and finger pointing is wearing thin. While Toronto are certainly not a playoff caliber team at this point, it is critical for them to salvage some respectability for the sake of the fans (and potential fans), as well as the confidence of the players. That said, TFC showed much better against Kansas City two weekends ago. At a minimum, they proved they could compete.

The Chicago Fire are a top team in the Eastern Conference, a team with considerable depth and experience, so things won't get easier this week. Toronto is also facing the prospect of a very busy schedule over the next two weeks. Toronto FC host Chicago on Saturday, Houston on Wednesday, DC United next Saturday, Benfica of Portugal the following Wednesday and an away fixture with Columbus on May 26th. Though only a friendly, I would suggest the Benfica fixture will be the most important game from a credibility standpoint, as many of the non-converted (of all ethnicity's) in the GTA will gauge Toronto FC and MLS by this result - so it too is a game I suggest shouldn't be taken lightly from a marketing standpoint.

Perhaps in order to deflect some of the attention away from his team's poor start this week, Toronto Coach/GM Mo Johnston has been involved in a war of words with his Chicago Fire counterparts. The Fire have made comments about having to play on the artificial surface, with Mo defending the BMO surface. My take - with three teams in the Eastern Conference unfortunately having to play on the fake stuff, and with the warmer weather on its way, making the Field Turf even more uncomfortable to play on, Chicago might want to stop whining and start better preparing themselves for games on plastic.

Toronto may benefit from a roster that is finally starting to get healthy. The return of Ronnie O'Brien will be a huge addition for a Toronto side that has lacked quality in the midfield all season. Much of the focus of Toronto's dismal start has focused on the defenders and the forwards, yet the midfield has been almost non-existent. Carl Robinson has to step up his game and earn his salary (amongst the highest in the league). Andy Welsh is yet another one of the high priced, highly touted imports that have come in and honestly done very little. Many questions will remain until game time. Will Mo be more daring in his lineup? Will we see a different formation - 5-4-1? Will Chris Pozniak finally see action in the back? Will Marco Reda be given another chance and be re-inserted ? If so do we see Jim Brennan make a move to the midfield (probably not in the cards given Brennan has played at the back through training camp).

The Fire on the other hand have started well this season with a 3-1-1 record. The Fire's last match, a 3-1 loss away at New England, was not one of their better showings thus far. From what I've managed to watch of them this year, they are a quality side and should be contenders. High priced Mexican import Cutuamonc Blanco won't arrive until June. The Fire have produced many quality players over the years winning the MLS Cup in their expansion year in 1998. The Fire alumni include Jorge Campos, Hristo Stiotchkov, and Pole Piotr Nowak who was one of the greatest players to ever play in MLS. Premiership players Carlos Bocanegra who was transferred to Fulham, and Demarcus Beasley of Manchester City started their careers in Chicago, as did striker Josh Wolff currently with 1860 Munich in Germany. The Fire also happen to be the team Canadian International and Toronto keeper Greg Sutton started his professional career with.

With Toronto announcing friendlies with Benfica and Aston Villa this week, Chicago too announced last week a series of friendlies where they will play both MKS Cacovia Krakow of Poland, and Glasgow Celtic.


A LOOK AT CHICAGO

GOALKEEPER: Matt Pickens is the Chiacgo Fire number one. Pickens augmented his place as a starter last season after MLS veteran keeper Zach Thorton's play deteriorated. Jon Busch, who had a cup of coffee with Toronto FC during pre-season, after being claimed on waivers from the Columbus Crew serves as the Chicago backup.

DEFENDERS: The defence is led by veteran Jim Curtin. Curtain is a rock for Chicago and amongst the best in the league at his position. CJ Brown is a Chicago Fire original that is always consistent. Dasan Robinson is developing into a fine MLS defender, and Costa Rican Gonzalo Segares can be an offensive threat from the back (though it was him who I believe was skinned badly for one of the Revs goals last week in his own box). Young Trinidadian international Osei Telesford, who claimed Toronto FC were interested in drafting him this year (Toronto instead selected Daryl Roberts who never reported and signed instead with Sparta Rotterdam in Holland), has had limited minutes.

MIDFIELD: Chris Armas is the team leader and controls the midfield. A former US National team player, I've always admired Armas for his quality. Armas in his final MLS campaign, is a defensive midfielder that will really make his presence felt alll over the pitch during the course of a game. Armas has had a career slowed by injuries at the most unfortunate times (not that there is a good time to suffer an injury). Injuries that have kept him out of important international opportunities, including a possible starting role with the 2002 World Cup team. He will be remembered by fans of Canadian soccer as the object of an embarrassing protest by CSA chief Kevan Pipe after playing against Canada in a World Cup qualifier. The appeal was later dismissed by FIFA. Armas who represented Puerto Rico in a non-sanctioned FIFA tournament, was thought to be ineligible by Pipe. Honduran international Ivan Guerrero is another very experienced player that will look to exploit Toronto wide on the flank. Diego Guttirrez a Kansas City native, is another threat in the middle. Bob Gansler and Mo Johnston should be familiar with Guttirrez who has been around MLS since its inception, spent several years in KC, and his been a consistent presence. Justin Mapp a National Team midfielder is a very dangerous creator in the middle of the park when healthy. Mapp has been slowed by a nagging injury this year and may not see time on Saturday. If Mapp doesn't get selected, expect talented Brazilian Thiago to start. Frenchman Pascal Bedrossian should also be available.

FORWARDS: Chris Rolfe and Chad Barrett are a dangerous duo up top for the Fire. While they will not figure as prominently on an individual level perhaps when compared to Eddie Johnson from two weeks ago, collectively they will give Toronto's back line plenty to deal with. Calen Carr is an energetic option off the bench that will create problems for tired defenders if inserted late in the match.

KEYS FOR TORONTO: In my opinion this game will be won in the midfield (how about that for a piece of insight). If Toronto can somehow limit the effectiveness of the very talented Chicago midfield they may be able to hold on for a result. Of course this will be easier said then done. Toronto has to be more thorough overall in their distribution of the ball and work towards keeping meaningful possession in the final third. TFC have been very predictable when mounting any sort of attack (which has been rare), and turnover the ball way too often and easily in the middle of the park. It won't take long for MLS coaches to figure out how to limit the the long balls out of the back to Danny Dichio either (which seemed the preferred option by Wynne & Goldthwaite vs. KC), thus attacking from wide positions must improve. Toronto doesn't have many options off the bench, though a young unknown like Andrea Lombardo or Gabe Gala may cause Chicago some fits (not sure if Lombardo will be available given he will play on Friday for Canada at BMO against Argentina). Chicago failed to respond to tactical changes made by Steve Nicol in the second half last Sunday in New England, and paid for it.

PREDICTION: Toronto 0 - Chicago 0

ALECKO ESKANDARIAN OUT FOR SATURDAY

According to Nigel Reid of the FAN 590 and the CBC (Soccer Show Tonight on FAN 590), Alecko Eskandarian is out for this weekend against Chicago. This is a huge loss for TFC who are already short on depth. Esky has apparently gone down with a calf injury. With Abbe Ibrahim still not allowed to work in Canada (though he was apparently at practice today), Toronto FC have requested Canadian Under 20 striker Andrea Lombardo be made available for Saturday. Lombardo is scheduled to play Argentina on Friday at BMO field.

UPDATE: Abbe Ibrahim has been cleared to begin working in Canada.

Furthermore, Ronnie O'Brien had said earlier today on a television interview on the Score Network with James Sharmen, that he is in contention to play against Chicago, but not yet 100%. He did not sound totally convinced he would be fit enough to play on the weekend in my opinion. He made reference to coming back too early, and possibly missing another 3-4 matches which of course would be devastating for all involved during the interview. Due to the nature of his injury we should hope he is totally fit, because another blow could have devastating consequences.

ROSTERS: CANADA U-20 - ARGENTINA U-20 BMO FIELD

Here are the preliminary rosters released for the match on Friday evening at Toronto's BMO Field. This will be the same Argentina side that will face Freddy Adu and the US National U-20's next Tuesday across Lake Ontario in nearby Rochester, New York at Paetec Park.

ARGENTINA ROSTER
Gabriel Mercado
Santiago Malano
Matías Sánchez
Gonzalo García
Agustín Marchesin
Santiago Villafañe
Juan Daniel Forlin
Federico Scoppa
Emiliano Centeno
Facundo Coria
Nicolás Dul
Jorge Sotomayor
Leandro Morales
Lionel Vangioni
Diego Braghieri
Milton Joel Caraglio
Diego Perotti
Alejandro Gómez
Marcelo Cardozo
Jonatan Chaves

CANADA ROSTER
Keegan Ayre
Asmir Begovic - Portsmouth/Maccasfield town
Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault
Michael D’Agostino - University of Kentucky
David Edgar - Newcastle United
Alex Elliott - University of Portland
Gabe Gala - Toronto FC
A.J. Gray - released by Toronto FC
Marcus Haber
Simeon Jackson
Zach Kalthoff
Olivier Lacoste-Lebuis
Andrea Lombardo - Toronto FC
Stephen Lumley - Toronto FC
Gavin McCallum
David Monsalve -
Cristian Nunez - Toronto FC
Kent O’Connor - 1860 Munich
Jaime Peters - Ipswich Town
Tosaint Ricketts - UW Green Bay

ANDREW BOYENS CALLED UP BY NEW ZEALAND

Toronto FC defender Andrew Boyens has been selected to the New Zealand National team that will face Wales and Ukraine in friendlies on May 27th and June 7th. Boyens will most likely miss three Toronto FC games while playing for his country. Toronto FC midfielder Carl Robinson has said he expects to lineup against Boyens in the Wales fixture adding to Toronto's depth problems in early June. Interestingly, Jarrod Smith the first overall Supplemental Draft Pick selected by Toronto FC, was also named to the Kiwi side for the aforementioned friendlies. Smith is listed as currently unattached.

TORONTO FC FRIENDLY GAMES ANNOUNCED...BENFICA & ASTON VILLA

Toronto FC have announced that they will play Benfica on May 23rd and Aston Villa July 25th in friendlies. I speculated late last year that Villa would be the opponent for one of the friendlies as they had announced on their website that they would travel to play the Vancouver Whitecaps in a friendly on the the west coast in July. Season ticket holders who were originally promised 20 games, will now instead receive 18 games as the Villa & Benfica fixtures will be worth two vouchers. Benfica will arrive at the end of their current season, (which could mean a team full of reserves) while Villa will play Toronto as part of their pre-season schedule. The third match as part of the season ticket package will be this coming Friday as Canada's National U-20 team play Argentina at BMO. Season ticket holders are asked to use voucher A for the Benfica fixture and Voucher C for the Villa match. Vouchers B & D according to the email sent out by Toronto FC are apparently now worthless.

TORONTO FC PAYROLL...

Thanks to MLS Underground http://www.mlsunderground.blogspot.com/ for the heads up.

TORONTO FC (Base Salary/Guaranteed Salary)
1. Robinson Carl M $300,000.00 /$315,000.00
2. O'Brien Ronnie M $240,000.00 /$258,750.00
3. Welsh Andrew M $195,000.00 /$204,750.00
4. Eskandarian Alecko F $155,000.00 /$175,500.00
5. Dichio Daniel F $150,000.00 /$158,125.00
6. Brennan Jim D $150,000.00 /$158,000.00
7. Buddle Edson F $140,000.00 /$150,000.00
8. Sutton Greg GK $125,000.00 /$132,562.50
9. Reda Marco D $100,000.00 /$105,000.00
10. Pozniak Chris D $90,000.00 /$95,000.00
11. Nagamura Paulo M $89,250.00 /$89,250.00
12. Braz Adam D $67,200.00 /$74,950.00
13. Edu Maurice M $50,000.00 /$132,500.00
14. Wynne Marvell D $47,500.00 /$150,000.00
15. Canizalez Maycoll M $36,000.00 /$40,000.00
16. Boyens Andrew D $30,000.00 /$47,500.00
17. Ibrahim Abdoulaye F $30,000.00 /$31,250.00
18. Goldthwaite Kevin D $30,870.00 /$30,870.00
19. Djekanovic Srdjan GK $17,700.00/ $17,700.00

YOUTH DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYERS
Gala Gabriel M $12,900.00 /$12,900.00
Guzman David M $12,900.00/ $12,900.00
Hemming Tyler M $17,700.00 /$17,700.00
Lombardo Andrea F $17,700.00/ $17,700.00
Lumley Stephen D $12,900.00 /$12,900.00
Melo Joey M $12,900.00 / $ 12,900.00

The number that stands out for me is the $200k given to Andy Welsh. That is a very good MLS contract, and he has certainly done little to justify that sort of money.

3 BIGGEST SURPRISES AFTER FIRST MONTH OF THE MLS SEASON

(1) Toronto FC are (were) tied with DC United in last place of the Eastern Conference. New York are in first.

(2) The first Canadian to score a goal in MLS was not from the Toronto FC roster. Surprisingly, it wasn't Dwayne De Rosario of the Houston Dynamo either. The first Canadian to score in MLS this season is Kevin Harmse of the Los Angeles Galaxy. Harmse, who was signed by the Galaxy in the off season, scored a wonderful goal in the Chivas - Galaxy SuperClassico at the HDC on Saturday night. Harmse scored on a splendid one-two with Landon Donovan.

(3) Not scoring in their first 4 encounters of the season, has helped keep Toronto FC in the spotlight. Both soccer fans and non-soccer fans throughout the Greater Toronto area are talking about the team because they haven't scored yet. While the majority of fans still have no idea who is actually on the team, most know they haven't scored yet. Not scoring has actually given fans and the media a reference point to discuss the team.

DEAL OR NO DEAL, ITS HALF A DEAL - NAGAMURA DEPARTS TORONTO FC

According to Gerry Dobson at Rogers Sportsnet, Amado Guevara after many warnings, has finally given up on MLS and will return home to Honduras. The trade was apparently all set to go, but Guevara the most important part of the transaction has instead decided to pack his bags and head home rather than join Toronto. According to Dobson, Toronto will still be sending Paulo Nagamura to Chivas USA in exchange for a draft pick. Apparently Nagamura was yet another of the unhappy campers in the Toronto FC side that wanted out and this trade will address his desire. Here is the link to Dobson's Blog -
http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/gerry_dobson/2007/05/03/honduran_balks_at_tfc/

GUEVARA TRADE TO TORONTO FC UPDATE...

According to a post made on the Toronto Red Patch Boys Supporters message boards dedicated to the Guevara trade - poster "mlsintoronto" (aka. Toronto Director Paul Beirne - Toronto's version of Peter Wilt you might say) claimed "its not happening". Its not known if Beirne was ruling out the trade or the associated rumours that Guevara was acquired as bait to secure Dwayne De Rosario from Houston. http://www.torfc.com/

Luis Bueno, the soccer beat writer at the Press Enterprise newspaper in Southern California ran the story this morning claiming someone within Chivas USA has confirmed the trade to him. It should be noted that Bueno and Andrea Canales are the writers for LA Soccer News, where the story first originated
http://www.pe.com/sports/soccer/stories/PE_Sports_Local_D_web_chivas_trade_03.413b482.html

It will be very interesting to see how this plays out over the next few hours (actually this being MLS - it may take a few days) before we know if the trade was actually completed. Although I like Nagamura and he has tremendous up side at his age, Guevara was traded for a DP, so unless Chivas have something lined up and needed the cap space quickly, I'm having a hard time thinking this deal is a sure thing at this point. Sit tight TFC fans!

GUEVARA TRADED TO TORONTO FC???

Wow. Just when I thought things were settling down, rumour of this huge trade makes the rounds. According to Andrea Canales of ESPN Soccernet, Honduran star Amado Guevara was traded by Chivas USA to Toronto FC for Paulo Nagamura, and an undisclosed draft pick. The deal is pending league approval. Guevara who was traded in the off season by Red Bull New York for a designated player lasted all but 4 matches in Los Angeles with Chivas USA.

This is an odd move in that Mo Johnston and New York general manager Alexi Lalas had it out in a very big way with Guevara prior to the 2006 MLS season. Guevara and Lalas exchanged words in the media, to the point where Guevara apparently did not want to return to MLS last season.

On his day Guevara is one of the best midfielders in MLS. I am very excited and can't wait to see him here. I just hope he shows up with the right mentality - and that he really wants to play here. After all we've already seen Richard Mulrooney, Conor Casey, and Jose Cancela make quick exits because they never wanted to be here to begin with. Lets hope Mo has talked to Amado and made sure he is prepared to commit to the team, and more importantly that bad blood between the two no longer exists.

TORONTO FC SIGN BACKUP...

Toronto FC have solved their backup situation (at least for the short term) with the transfer of 24 year old Canadian Srdjan Djekanovic from the Vancouver Whitecaps of the USL. Djekanovic who was born in Serbia, has been involved with various Canadian youth teams and the University of British Columbia, as well as with the Whitecaps FC as a reserve keeper.

MATCH DAY 4: TORONTO FC PLAYER RATINGS

Much better performance overall TFC looked more organized and composed, finally keeping some meaningful possession.

Greg Sutton 7 - even though there was a deflection, he won't be happy conceding a goal on short side, made a couple of big saves and challenges to keep the Wizards off the scoreboard until the aforementioned Johnson goal
Kevin Goldthwaite 5 - likes to get involved in the attack, a weak challenge on Buddle led to the goal though
Marvell Wynne 6 - strong player when attacking, gets caught up field at times, marking could be better, compensates with his speed
Jim Brennan 6 - he looks to have his conditioning back, what I wouldn't give to see him in midfield again
Andrew Boyens 6 - was solid for the most part, it will be hard for Reda to get back if Boyens plays like he did today
Andy Welsh 6 - much better today, needs to be more creative in his delivery of the ball/crosses as Hartman was easily collecting them all day.
Carl Robinson 5 - several terrible passes ended promising TFC build ups, his composure improved as the game went on though
Maurice Edu 6 - wonderful chance early in the first half from the Marvell Wynee pass would have marked his name in Toronto soccer folklore history, was decent in only second game back
Paulo Nagamura 6 - gravitated towards the middle often leaving acres of space open on the right flank, faded in and out of the game, was generally pretty solid
Danny Dichio 7 - a physical force, great target man with excellent touch on the ball, I'm surprised MLS didn't make a move for him earlier as I understand his wife is an American and he would qualify for a Green card/domestic player. Plays most of the game with his back to the opposing goal, faded in the second half
Alecko Eskandarian 8- continues to impress with his hard work, made several excellent runs, has to get more familiar with Dichio

SUBS -
Maycoll Canizalez 5 - did not see much of the ball, very neutral performance
Edson Buddle 4 - in limited minutes he had an excellent opportunity to get a shot off on what looked to be a good scoring chance, instead of moving towards goal and challenging the defender, he played a square ball across the top of the box to absolutely no one, except for a wall of KC defenders - poor decision, may point to a lack of confidence

Toronto Supporters: 11 - we were simply wonderful, and well behaved to boot.

A GREAT DAY FOR TORONTO SOCCER FANS

What a great day for soccer fans in our city. Anyone down at BMO could have easily mistaken Toronto for any city in Europe or South America today. What a fantastic atmosphere, and finally some decent soccer out of Toronto FC to go with it.

Comments made by coach Mo Johnson on local radio, sums up the atmosphere in the stadium. He alluded moreover to how the BMO crowd resembled his experiences in England and Scotland, and brought shivers down his spine, which he hasn't felt since leaving Europe for America. Surely playing home games at Arrowhead Stadium as a player, and coaching at Giants Stadium in New Jersey, in front of a handful of diehards and sections of screaming youth soccer teams, in enormous American Football stadiums, will pail in comparison to what was on display in Toronto today. Another comment made by Maurice Edu on the radio made me chuckle - he said something along the lines of "the fans really know their stuff up here, they are very knowledgeable about soccer, it sounds like they are going to keep us accountable for our play." You can say that again Maurice. The crowd was comprised of a hard core and very knowledgeable fan base at BMO. We cheered when they deserved it, and let the players know when we were disappointed - as it should be. About the only thing the fans struggled with was who exactly was on the field as most fans are still clueless about who exactly is playing on both sides.

Having re-watched the match on the CBC Sports website, I can safely say television did not capture the true atmosphere and noise at BMO in my estimation. There were several occasions where the players, (nor the announcers on CBC) noticed the whistle had gone and continued playing. The one that sticks in my mind was a battle between Jimmy Conrad and Andy Welsh (I believe) towards the southeast corner of the stadium, that continued well after the whistle went. The Supporters Groups in behind the net were fantastic - they are a credit to our city. I'm not too far away so I can enjoy their passion, and my section was able to feed off them.

I would like to thank Toronto FC and MLSE for keeping things simple and authentic in the stadium, and for not trying to create a canned environment. Although some of the more fair weather fans may have been confused or even upset, it was awesome to see so many fans standing for the entire match. Entire sections throughout the stadium appeared to be standing - which was just a joy to see in this day and age of sports entertainment. My seats came in handy at half time, which was about the only time I used them.

I now understand why Frank Yallop traded Kevin Hartman away this winter. No self respecting Canadian would ever tolerate a cheating, whining, diving, complaining, cry baby like Hartman on his team. As a spectator I'd rather my team lose than have a bunch of whining, diving, fakers, represent my city. As good of a team as they appear to be, the antics displayed by Kansas City today were awful. They can take their 3 points home, but should be ashamed of the way they represented themselves, disrespected the officials, and MLS today.

A couple of things I'll whine about - the parking, and the Official Program. First off, exiting the parking lot was a total nightmare. It took me nearly 45 minutes to get onto Lakeshore Boulevard. Having an attendant or police officer direct traffic would be much appreciated for those of us that have to drive. Second, the official program had very little about the players themselves. Fans need to get acquainted with the players they are cheering for. The program was almost useless in that regard. Few write ups on the current players, and no real bios on the Toronto FC players. I mean they have an article about the guy who came from England to train the team (who btw obviously didn't do a good enough job - what can a cricket guy know about football fitness anyway?), and one on Jammal Smith, who survived the open tryouts but is no longer with the team. The team mugshots featured Conor Casey, Richard Asante, AJ Gray, Jose Cancela who are no longer with the team.I'm sure some may have mistaken Danny Dichio for Casey based on the jersey number and the mugshot. Missing were several starters including Andy Welsh, Danny Dichio, Kevin Goldthwaite, Marvell Wynne, as well as substitute Miguel Canizalez. The game day program has to be better. This is basic stuff a new team simply cannot afford to get wrong as they try to build the team's profile in the community, especially to a fan base largely unaware of MLS and the Toronto FC players.

One of Mo's post game comments indicated how upset he was for the Toronto fans to go home with nothing to show for it on the day. How wrong you are Sir Mo. Your team played with passion, intensity and showed tons of spirit and grit. This fan left BMO with evidence and hope of better days to come!!! All we ask as fans, is that your team put out similar efforts throughout the season.

TORONTO FC TV RATINGS ON THE SCORE

The management at the Score may be questioning their decision to broadcast Toronto FC with yet another poor showing on Wednesday night. The ratings show only 21,000 people tuned in. With only 15,000 watching the match with the New England a couple of weeks ago, the numbers on the Score are very low by any standard. The very first Toronto FC game on Rogers Sportsnet drew 110,000 viewers on a very busy night in local sports, with a late 10:30 pm start.

TALKS BETWEEN RENE SIMOES & CANADIAN SOCCER ASSOCIATION COLLAPSE

The talks to hire Brazilian Rene Simoes as Canadian National team coach have collapsed. Apparently, internal politics within the Canadian Soccer Association led to difficulties approving a contract for Simoes. With only a few short months until the Gold Cup, the Canadian Men's National team remains without a full time coach.

TORONTO FC RELEASE ASANTE, CHENCINSKI, GRAY

Toronto FC announced today the release of former Syracuse University, and Canadian Under- 20 midfielder Richard Asante. Asante was drafted as the first pick of the third round of the MLS Superdraft back in January. Also confirmed was the release of developmental players Tomer Chencinski a local keeper out of Fairleigh Dickinson University, and local high school product AJ Gray who is part of the Canadian Youth National team program. I hope for the sake of Canadian soccer they all land on their feet, and can continue with their soccer careers elsewhere.

MATCH DAY 3: TORONTO FC PLAYER RATINGS

Sutton: 5 - Not sure what to think about Sutton tonight, his confidence must be at a low even though most of the goals aren't his fault, a big save or two would surely help they cause right now but they have been far and few between
Reda: 3 - tough game for Reda, being pulled by Johnston can't be a good thing, struggled organizing backline, wasn't tough enough on the attacking players on
Wynee: 4 - looked rusty tonight, was easily beat a couple of times on his side, marking on Johnson on first goal was terrible
Brennan: 5 - the entire back line looked to be in total chaos several times, Brennan has been good on an individual basis,
Goldthwaite: 4 - distribution was poor, needs time to adjust to new surroundings, giveaway early on set tone for the match
Robinson: 4 - our big money player at the moment isn't doing quite enough to justify his status, missed a sitter in front of goal in the second half, defending has much to be desired, distribution was poor tonight
Nagamura: 5 - helped build a few good sequences from the middle, distribution was poor several times
Welsh: 4 - had a couple of decent runs and a even a shot on goal, but is still a defensive liability, he is much too casual in his distribution of the ball, again several turnovers,predictable player, he should be on another level vs. the domestic players yet hasn't shown very much at all 3 games in - simply not good enough at this stage; a major disappointment considering the hype
Edu: 5 - Not bad for a player who hasn't played in several months, faded in and out of the match, the rust certainly showed, looked promising on the ball, it will take him time to adjust to the pace of the game in MLS
Eskandarian: 7 - Hard working, never stops, again came back to the midfield to retrieve the ball, TFC's best player
Buddle: 3 - non-existent for most of the match

SUBS:
Boyens 5 - pretty neutral performance, gave the ball away once though
Canizalez 6 - served as a spark plug on the flank, added some much needed energy to the team winning a few corner kicks, crosses into the middle were encouraging yet there were few Toronto players in the middle and they were easily cleared.

MATCH DAY 3 RESULT: TORONTO FC 0 - KANSAS CITY WIZARDS 3

Toronto FC lose yet another, this time 3-0 to the Kansas City Wizards at a very wet and rainy Arrowhead Stadium.

A first for MLS tonight, there may have been more fans at BMO Field in Toronto watching the TFC - Wizards game on the video board than actually at the match at Arrowhead Stadium. It was a beautiful yet very chilly night down by Lake Ontario. With parking free, and $12 food vouchers provided at the gates, a smallish but very enthusiastic crowd made their way to the CNE grounds tonight (a few nut jobs were lined up by 6:00 pm). Nice to see the supporters groups were in full voice in the first half. Though the proximity to the video board or perhaps more importantly the Carlsberg beer tent at the other end of the stadium, and the hapless play of TFC, was enough to take the wind right out of even the most enthusiastic fans tonight. Due to some technical difficulties, I was worried we would miss some of the match, though everything was worked out for the kickoff.

I'll provide a full report after watching the game again, and thawing out - which ever comes first.

SAM REYNOLDS TORONTO FC BACKUP KEEPER TONIGHT IN KC..

Sam Reynolds, the son of Chicago Fire Assistant coach Craig Reynolds, served as the backup to Greg Sutton for tonight's match in KC. This was a short term call up until a suitable replacement can be found. Tomer Chencinski of Thornhill was released last week leaving Toronto without a backup. More on Reynolds: http://sports.fullerton.edu/msoccer/2004/personnel/reynolds.html

TORONTO FC KEEPER SITUATION LEADS TO DJEKANOVIC

According to Colin Smith at the National Post, Toronto FC have called upon 25 year old Canadian Srdjan Djekanovic to audition for the backup keeper spot this week. http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=77633cb8-24a1-456c-940b-b8d79a122dce&k=24678 I am impressed with the job The National Post is doing covering MLS and Toronto FC thus far. Many thanks to those responsible. More on Djekanovic: http://whitecapsfc.com/teams/youth/?id=519 . Johnston had an opportunity to watch Djekanovic at the Canadian National team camp in Florida this winter. http://www.universitysport.ca/e/m_soccer/story_detail.cfm?id=8241

MATCH DAY 3 PREVIEW: TORONTO FC @ KANSAS CITY WIZARDS

Toronto FC heads into a very important away fixture on Wednesday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. At a minimum, TFC need to gain some momentum heading into their home debut on Saturday against the same Wizards team. Keeping meaningful possession over the course of the match, having some control over the run of play, and of course scoring a goal or two will help lift the spirits of all involved.

After the last game, I felt Mo unfairly criticized his defenders in the media. It was well known Mo was a supporter of the 3-5-2 formation from his days in New York. The formation proved to be ill suited for a back line that is unfamiliar with each other, and included inexperienced players such as Boyens and Brennan. It was a total collapse, not just a problem with the defenders. From the forwards straight through the backline, Toronto was not prepared for the Revs. They were outplayed, outsmarted, outclassed.

Mo has decided to do a total reversal with regard to the system of play. A system he has preferred, and used basically all pre-season. Mo has said Toronto FC will move to a new system of play tonight. Was it a entirely a coaching decision? Or were the players also involved in asking for a change? Mo said last week the system will resemble a 4-4-2 on Wednesday, and a possible 4-5-1 when Danny Dichio becomes available. Long time MLS supporters will remember Bob Gansler riding the 4-5-1 formation to an MLS Cup Championship in 2000 with Mikos Molnar serving up top as the lone striker.

THE GAME: Wednesday is the home opener for the Wizards. The game also marks the return of both Mo Johsnton and Bob Gansler to Kansas City. The Toronto coaches spent many years together in Kansas City, winning the 2000 MLS Cup Championship with the Wizards in the process. Gansler served as the head Coach of Kansas City after taking over from Englishman Ron Newman in 1999, while Johnston an original 1996 Allocation, was a mainstay in the Wizards midfield during the MLS's formative years. The match will be a reunion of sorts. Current KC Assistant Coach Chris Henderson, and Technical Director Peter Vermes were also part of the aforementioned 2000 MLS Cup Champions while Wizard players Nick Garcia and Kerry Zavagnin remain from the Championship season.

The Wizards were recently sold by the late Lamar Hunt, to a group of ambitious local investors, who are working towards building a Soccer Specific Stadium complex for the team. After many years of poor attendance at the cavernous Arrowhead Stadium, and constant rumours that the team would be relocated to another market, things are starting to look up for the Wizards on the business side. That said, a referendum on publicly funded soccer park/stadium was voted down overwhelmingly by residents last winter. With Arrowhead Stadium scheduled for a major renovation it was unknown where the Wizards would play the 2007 season. An agreement to remain at Arrowhead was finally reached early this year. The Wizards are the professional team where former Canadian International legend and Toronto Blizzard player Alex Bunbury ended his playing days.

On the field, Kansas City is a team that has not made the playoffs each of the last two seasons. I would suggest the Wizards became a stale and predictable side under Bob Gansler. His long tenure as head coach ended when he was dismissed midway through the 2006 season. His replacement, former assistant coach Brian Bliss was not offered a contract in the off season. The Wizards hired former MLS player and US National team assistant coach Curt Onalfo to lead the team into a new era. On the player front, the Wizards lost US National Team forward Josh Wolff to 1860 Munich in Germany, as well as Dutch midfielder Dave Van den Bergh to New York.

LAST MATCH: Kansas City head into the home and away series with TFC after losing two straight. The first loss was a 2-1 US Open Cup defeat to Real Salt Lake, which eliminated the Wizards from further contention in Cup play. The second loss, was to the Chicago Fire in MLS action on the weekend. The Wizards scored an impressive 4-2 win over DC Untied in their season opener April 14th.

The Team

COACHES: Curt Onalfo is in his first year as an MLS Head Coach. Onalfo a former US Olympian, served as an assistant to Bruce Arena at the World Cup in Germany. He played several seasons in MLS before joining the coaching ranks. Onalfo has hired recently retired MLS player Chris Henderson, and former MLSer Kris Kelderman as assistant coaches. Technical Director Peter Vermes, a former Wizard player himself under Gansler, has vowed that the Wizards will replace Gansler's defensive minded, negative tactics, and introduce a new more entertaining style of soccer this season.

KEEPER: An off-season trade has brought one of the best goalkeepers in MLS history, Kevin Hartman to the Wizards. One of the longest serving Los Anglees Galaxy players, Hartman's record speaks for itself. Hartman's long run in LA ended when LA Galaxy coach Frank Yallop decided to make a move for Joe Cannon, in the off season.

DEFENDERS: The Wizards have a solid core of quality defenders. Nick Garcia, Jimmy Conrad, Jose Burciaga are amongst the best in the league. I've always rated Nick Garcia highly. A mainstay on the defense since the 2000 season when the Wizards were crowned MLS Champions, he is a fierce and smart competitor that brings his all each night. He unfortunately never made the jump to become a regular for the US National team as I always thought he would. Still there aren't many defenders better then him in the league in my estimation. Jimmy Conrad on the other hand has become a regular on the US National team, including a place in Germany last summer. Conrad has developed nicely into a consistent and reliable defender. Jose Burciaga has developed into a quality MLS player and should also get his chance at the US national team in the near future. Rookie first round draft pick, Michael Harrington (who can also play in the midfield), could be a candidate for Rookie of the Year honours if his solid play keeps up. Harrington has already turned heads with his play in pre-season and the first two matches of the season.

MIDFIELDERS: Kansas City acquired 25 year old Carlos Marinelli from Argentina during the off season. Marinelli who grew up in the Boca Juniors system, made a $4 million move to Middlesboro in the late 1990's. After playing more than 50 games in the EPL, and spending time in Seria A with Torino, his signing could be one of the best of the off-season in my opinion. Kerry Zavagnin is one of the longest serving Wizards; he remains from the Mo Johsnton days. Zavagnin was a US national team mainstay leading to Germany, and is a solid two way MLS midfielder. Sasha Victorine is yet another threat in the midfield, fully capable of leading the team. He was a key player in the Wizards season opening win in DC. Davy Arnaud is another player to keep an eye on, especially if he matches up against Andy Welsh, and Welsh puts in another terrible performance defensively.

STRIKERS: The highly rated US International Eddie Johnson came out flying in the season opener against DC United scoring one, and being involved on all 4 goals scored. Johnson's career has sputtered somewhat. He became a hot commodity in the run to Germany, and was rewarded as one of the most expensive players in MLS. Injuries, and concerns over attitude and behaviour however, have clouded his future prospects. After being traded by FC Dallas, he had an altogether sub-par 2006. The other threat up top is Trinidadian International Scott Sealy who looked good against DC in the season opener (some concerns over a foot injury may keep him out of action though). If Marinelli pans out in midfield, Sealy and Johnson will surely reap the rewards of playing in front of him.

OUTLOOK: On paper Kansas City is not one of the MLS glamour teams. Tomorrow will tell us more about the quality of Kansas City Wizards 2007 prospects, then it will Toronto's. If they struggle against TFC the impressive season opening win against DC United will be looked at as nothing more than a one off victory. Toronto has to leave a better impression on Wednesday night. While I don't expect them to win, they have to show improvement.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Wednesday will show us if Marinelli and Johnson are for real (granted Marinelli has to be in the lineup). The setting for them to impress won't get any better than against an expansion side still looking to find themselves. The contributions of Jose Burciaga Jr., from the back is also something to keep an eye on. I will be watching Rookie Michael Harrington who can play either at the back or in midfield, he may very well be the best player out of the 2007 Superdraft.

KEYS FOR TORONTO: If Marinelli is as good as many are suggesting, he could be the best off -season signing in MLS given his age. Depending on how much he plays Wednesday night, limiting his influence over the midfield will be critical for Toronto. Eddie Johnson will finish opportunities if given the service by Marinelli, or anyone else for that matter, so closing him down has to be a top priority. Getting through the Wizards back line won't be easy, the Toronto forwards will need to capitalize on any chances they get.

PREDICTION: Kansas City 2-Toronto 0

The BMO doors open at 7:00 tomorrow for the Season Ticket holder Open House at BMO Field. Be sure to bring a blanket if you intend to stay for the entire KC game as I would expect temperatures to be much cooler by the lake, especially after dark. Should be great!

SATURDAY ROUNDUP

A comment made on Alecko Eskandarian's Blog caught my eye: "Within the last few days, 7 guys were either traded or released, and new players were brought in to replace them. It's always tough to see a teammate go, especially after you spend time getting to know the person." http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/t280/fans/blogs/eskandarian/
Mulrooney, Cancela, Casey makes 3 out of 7 - who were the other 4???

Good news for Canadian soccer fans coming out of Los Angeles is that Kevin Harmse has found a home with the Galaxy. http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20070420&content_id=89745&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp

The deal to build a new stadium for the San Jose Eathquakes on the campus of San Jose State University, replacing Spartan Stadium, looks to be dead. Not sure if Lew Wolff the owner of the Oakland A's will continue with his quest to land a team for the Bay Area, or if this latest round of bad news is the end of the line. While much of the focus appears to have been with communities in the South Bay, I've often wondered if options/interested communities exist further north in cities like San Francisco, or across the Bay Bridge, in East Bay communities like Oakland.

CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM COACH TO BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY

The Canadian Soccer Association will announce their new Men's Head Coach on Monday, if the CSA Board of Directors approves the recommendation made by the selection panel ( a panel that included player rep Dwayne De Rosario of the Houston Dynamo) this weekend. Brazilian Rene Simoes has long been rumored to be the leading candidate. Current interim coach Stephen Hart, and Under 20 Coach Dale Mitchell, were also in consideration. A fourth candidate from overseas was also in consideration.

TORONTO FC TRADE CONOR CASEY TO COLORADO RAPIDS

According to the Globe & Mail, Toronto FC traded American striker Conor Casey to the Colorado Rapids for undisclosed allocations, a third round draft pick, and the rights to British Colombia native Riley O'Neill. O'Neill was drafted in the Supplemental Draft in January, yet decided to try his luck with St. Pauli of the German league.

I'm not too sure what is happening in TFC land, but I sure do hope Sir Mo has a game plan in place. I don't recall a flurry of trades and signings made by one team, in such a short period of time, in all my years following MLS (that, or I'm losing my mind which is also very likely). So much for having patience and building a cohesive unit. Toronto FC has become a revolving door.

Could this move be a salary dump in anticipation of more moves to come? Toronto has cleared a minimum of $200,000 from their salary cap with this move, and at least $300,000 over two days with Mulrooney's departure yesterday (considering the contracts of Marvell Wynne & Kevin Goldthwaite in this scenario have been added) .

After the long wait for Casey, Toronto has basically given him away for a player they passed on during the Supplemental Draft and allocations. This just doesn't make sense without more movement ahead. With the top picks in the first and second rounds of the Supplemental Draft, Toronto FC decided to select two players (Jarod Smith of New Zealand, & Daryl Roberts of Trinidad) who by-passed MLS for European ambitions, and American Hunter West in the third round who was cut in pre-season. The "undisclosed" allocations are the key to the deal for Toronto, but could we also see O'Neill returning sooner than later?

Like most following Toronto FC, I am totally confused with what has happened in TFC land this week. Mo continues to show shuffle the roster, and is apparently not done yet as he continues to search for a backup keeper. I'm not sure if we should be excited or worried.

JOHNSTON CONFIRMS INTEREST IN POLISH DEFENDER JACEK BAK

Toronto FC coach Sir Mo Johnston attempted to land Polish international defender Jacek Bak while coaching the New York Metrostars last year. While unsuccessful in his attempts to bring him stateside, he has apparently continued to pursue the 34 year old Bak in hopes of bringing him to Toronto. The Polish international scored last month in a European Cup Qualifier against Azerbaijan, currently plays for Al Rayyan in Qatar. He has played for Lech Pozan, Lyon, and Lens amongst others during his career. At 34 I hardly consider Bak "Designated Player" material, though he would surely excite the huge Polish community in our city if he indeed signs on.

Johnston officially revealed his interest in Bak to Dean McNulty of the Toronto Sun, though it doesn't sound likely that a move will be made anytime soon from this article.http://torontosun.canoe.ca/Sports/OtherSports/2007/04/19/4067279-sun.html

In other News:
The Montreal Impact broke ground on their new 13,000 seat Soccer Specific Stadium at Olympic Park in Montreal yesterday. The Stadium can be expanded up to 17,000 seats, will be financed by the Saputo Family.

The Vancouver Whitecaps of the USL announced an exhibition game with the LA Galaxy for October 3rd at BC Place Stadium earlier this week

Toronto FC's next opponent (x2), the Kansas City Wizards lost 2-1 last night to Real Salt Lake in snowy Salt Lake City. The game was a US Open Cup fixture. New signing Carlos Marinelli from Argentina, apparently looked very good in his debut with his new team in the loss.

TORONTO FC TRADES RICHARD MULROONEY TO HOUSTON DYNAMO FOR FIRST ROUND PICK & AMERICAN DEFENDER

Ives Galacep the beat writer for the New York Red Bulls and ESPN Soccernet has reported that Toronto FC have traded disgruntled American midfielder Richard Mulrooney to MLS Champions Houston Dynamo for Kevin Goldthwaite (not exactly a household name, but cheap) and Houston's first round draft pick in the 2008 MLS Superdraft.

MO INTERVIEW ON THE FAN 590

When I heard this interview on the Fan 590 this morning http://www.fan590.com/features/hotaudio.jsp (scroll down to Mo's Interview), I was pretty excited that Toronto was set to land another big name. Well it turns out the second defender Mo was referring to is Kevin Goldthwaite, and the first round draft pick was coming from the Houston Dynamo. In exchange, Toronto sends disgruntled midfielder Richard Mulrooney back to Texas and his former club (albeit when they were in San Jose), a player that wanted nothing to do with Toronto from the start. Interesting for Toronto fans that Mo mentions a 4-4-2 formation.

MO JOHNSTON, HARRY ROSEN & TV RATINGS

When I wrote that Mo Johnston is one of the best dressed coaches in MLS a couple of weeks back, I didn't expect anyone else to notice. Well, the Harry Rosen chain of upscale mens suits and clothing stores sure did. I was shocked to see a half page add on page 3 of today's Toronto Star featuring Mo Johnston himself plugging the company. The proceeds for Mo's appearance will go to a charity. Mo sure does know his suit material though, he is wearing Zegna (no not Walter Zenga the former Italian International and MLS player & coach) which is just about the best material out there. By the way Mo, stick to the grey and black, that brown one looks terrible on you. Check out http://www.harryrosen.ca/ for an extensive interview with our trade happy leader - its good reading.

TV RATINGS: I was told the Canadian TV Ratings for the Toronto FC game on the Score over the weekend was a lowly 15,000. Now either the person I spoke to was pulling my leg, he missed a zero, or there were only a handful of fans watching this game across the country. Numbers like that won't bode well for TFC's image in the corporate community.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT BMO

Here is a great behind the scenes look at BMO Field on what was a miserable spring day in Toronto. http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_9877.aspx

MARVELL WYNNE TRADED TO TORONTO FC

While serving his very brief tenure as Head Coach of the New York Metrostars (now known as Red Bulls), our very own Sir Mo, made a last minute deal to trade up in the 2006 MLS Superdraft in order to acquire highly coveted defender Marvell Wynne. Well according to New Jersey Star Ledger reporter Ives Galacerp, Mo has once again acquired the coveted young American. Toronto FC is apparently sending the # 2 Draft Pick in the 2008 MLS Superdraft and possibly allocation money to New York, in exchange for Wynne. The trade has yet to be made official by either side. Wynne is the son of former Major League baseball player Marvell Wynne Sr. Wynne II played two years of college soccer at UCLA, and has been a member of the USA Youth National Youth team program. Wynne was a member of the US U-20 team at the last FIFA World Championships in 2005. He will count as a Youth International for Toronto FC, though I believe he has graduated from the Generation Adidas Program where his salary did not count against the team salary cap in year one.

TORONTO FC PLAYER RATINGS...

A 4 nil defeat = no one gets over 5 in my book!

Greg Sutton - 5
I feel sorry for what he is going to have to endure this year. Sutton didn't have the presence he did last week. When he saw Welsh lose his man on the fourth goal, he needed to come off his line and mow Ralston down hard - he didn't
Marco Reda - 5
a bright spot if such a thing exists when you lose 4-0, the 3 man system ain't working, not his fault
Jim Brennan - 4
I thought he did a decent job distributing the ball, and saved a sure goal when he was forced to deflect a shot, that came about because Andy Welsh let his man get a cross in from the touch line.
Andy Boyens - 2
Confused, bewildered, out of his element tonight. Poor man marking, and distribution of the ball out of the back (giveaways) The foul that led to the penalty would have made the Kiwi All Blacks Rugby team proud.
Andy Welsh - 2
Two goals directly from his side via Steve Ralston runs, he gave up the ball way too easily, and again showed terrible distribution. He is very predictable and appears to lack imagination, pace, and creativity.
Carl Robinson - 5
Is a good player in need of others at his level of understanding. Still needs to be sharper and harder defensively though.
Miguel Canizalez - 3
Reality check for Miguel tonight. He wasn't matched up well against the speed and size of Smith, and was made to pay for it. Less active on the offensive side too.
Richard Mulrooney - 4
Although he too had problems with Smith, when backing up Canizalez, I thought he showed good distribution of the ball
Paulo Nagamura - 3
Has to be better, as distribution was very poor. Not as active as last week.
Edson Buddle - 2
Great first touch no doubt, yet he had a another clear chance in front of goal and failed to convert. The first two Revs goals originate from turnovers he caused up the field.
Alecko Eskandarian - 5
Again no goals scored, but he continues to plug away and work hard, something all Toronto fans will appreciate. He had a couple of decent strikes at goal and checked way back to get the ball a few times.

SUBS:
Conor Casey - 5
I thought he showed well, good movement, held up the ball, yet nothing came of it.
Abbe Ibrahim - NR
Did not see enough of him. Though he almost scored on the last second Mulrooney cross.

DANIELE DICHIO SIGNED BY TORONTO FC

Toronto FC have made a last minute transfer signing, securing Englishman Daniele Dichio of Preston North End. Dichio is a 32 year striker that will count as a senior international.

MATCH DAY 2: NEW ENGLAND 4 - TORONTO FC 0

It looks to be a long season folks. Although I didn't want to believe it with the roster of players Mo had assembled prior to the season , Toronto FC looks every bit an expansion team at the moment. We have to be realistic and patient. This is a collection of players definitely not on the same page with each other just yet. It can only get better.

New England is as good as it gets in MLS. They are a talented and very deep side. They did all the little things right on Saturday. They didn't provide Toronto with an inch of room in their final third, put intense pressure on the TFC players with the ball, forcing turnovers, and created and finished chances offensively. They exploited from the flanks and capitalized. Speedy Khano Smith had his way with an overwhelmed Miguel Canizalez all night, and created the first goal. Steve Ralston toyed with Andy Welsh on the other flank leading to the second and fourth goals. New England attacked in numbers easily exploiting the huge gaps between the back three.

Although you can't blame the Toronto back line entirely, as they had to respond to the constant giveaways from their midfield and forwards, the three man back line was spread thin all night. It was obvious New England had Toronto figured out from the get go. They were simply overwhelmed and not capable of handling the intense pressure. I felt Andy Boyens especially had a terrible night. He let his man get behind him twice leading to goals. First, he lost sight of Twellman (of all people), on the second goal, and then needed a Rugby style tackle to make up for poor marking, that resulted in the penalty. Boyens also gave away the ball 3 or 4 times on routine clearances in his own half, leading to really good scoring opportunities.

As for the fitness concerns, this is the one area the Toronto FC coaches most take responsibility for. Conditioning and fitness moreover is the one area that an expansion team should have got right from the start. The fitness concerns work the same on both sides of the field. Toronto spent as much time in pre-season as everyone else. Besides, Toronto does have an advantage in that several players have recently returned from Europe. Like Toronto, most other teams, including New England, are also recovering from key injuries, so that too isn't much of an excuse in this regard.

Andy Welsh's man marking has much to be desired. Steve Ralston easily ran by him leading to the first goal, while a soft attempt at chasing and defending off of a throw in, led to the third goal. A blatant Welsh giveaway not 5 minutes into the match set the tone for the rest of the game. The giveaway resulted in a New England goal that was called back for offside. He gave away the ball in a similar fashion on several occasions, much too easily.

Lethargic play by Edson Buddle can be linked to at least two goals. Buddle did not react to a descent looking pass from Miguel Canizalez in the New England end, that led to a turnover - nor did he attempt to track back on the same play. New England easily capitalized on the subsequent rush that followed. On the second goal, he played a terrible ball in the attacking half, that was easily intercepted. A long Steve Ralston rush was then completed with a perfect cross to Twellman who easily converted.

For all his promise and potential Paulo Nagamura , simply gives the ball away too easily. There were easily two or three really good build ups that ended with a poor aimless pass by the Brazilian.

I was surprised Mo did not respond to the obvious problems earlier on. I'm not saying a radical change, but a couple of subtle adjustments in order to change the flow of the match may have helped. It was obvious to most that Toronto needed someone with more pace to mark Smith. And Boyens looked terribly nervous and overwhelmed from the start.

On the bright side:

Carl Robinson is a classy and smart player. He looks to be a step or two ahead of everyone else when it comes to making decision with the ball. He must be frustrated by the quality around him. He looks to be able to pick out a player at will, unfortunately, with so little running off the ball, options just aren't available to him. Still, Robinson was a bit soft defending on occasion, and was guilty of giving the ball away a couple of times. I look forward to watching him live.

Considering his team let in 4 goals, I felt Marco Reda still looked good. Nice to see him play the full 90 minutes. Alecko Eskandarian worked very hard tracking back for the ball, and created a couple of chances. Conor Casey does a good job holding the ball up, and adds another dimension up top. He looks to be a classy player. Although Richard Mulrooney struggled with Khano Smith as well, he showed some positive play on the attack, as he was involved in a couple of good sequences with Robinson, Nagamura, and Canizalez.

On to Arrowhead Stadium and the new look Kansas City Wizards.

MATCH DAY 2 PREVIEW: TORONTO FC VS. NEW ENGLAND

Toronto FC heads into Gillette Stadium to face one of the best teams in the league over the last few seasons. Coached by former Liverpool great Steve Nicol, the Revs have reached the MLS Cup Final on 3 different occasions since he took over as coach during the 2002 season from Fernando Clavijo. The Revolution are far from one of the MLS glamour teams. Notwithstanding, they continue to produce the results year after year. Aside from a higher profile players or two like Taylor Twellman, the Revs consist of a workmanlike collection of players. The Revs coaching staff which also includes former English international Paul Mariner, have done an excellent job at identifying young talent over the years. They are known to recruit lesser known college players, found off the beaten path, and provide them opportunities to develop and succeed.

OFF SEASON: The Revolution lost key player Clint Dempsey in a $4 million transfer to Fulham of the Premier League. One of America's rising stars, Dempsey scored a wonderful goal against Ghana in the World Cup in Germany. He was named Honda's US Male Player of the Year in 2006. When a transfer to the Premier League did not materialize last summer, things turned sour between Dempsey and the Revolution. Dempsey spent most of the MLS Cup Final in Dallas riding the bench. For Toronto's sake, I was hoping for more turnover in New England. Rumours had Sharlie Joseph of Grenada very close to moving to Glasgow Celtic, Trinidadian Avery John to Queens Park Rangers, and even star striker Taylor Twellman to Odd Grenland of Norway.

Reports suggest MLS All Star Sharlie Joseph is extremely unhappy with his current situation in New England. While he received a substantial raise not too long ago, he remains severely underpaid for a player of his quality. Although his contract is again being re-worked, it's apparently not happening fast enough. Trade scenarios have been floating around as a result. It was also rumoured that Joseph declined to take on the recently vacated captain armband due to his current situation. Joseph's quality, caught the eye of Glasgow Celtic last summer during an exhibition at Foxboro. Celtic made a reported $1 million bid for his services at that time, which was turned down. Another reported bid, rumored to have been double the original amount, was made during the January transfer window, which was again declined by MLS. The financial gains of moving to Celtic, and taking a portion of a decent transfer fee aside, how many chances will a player from a small island nation get to play for one of the most prestigious clubs in the world and Champions League?

LAST MATCH: New England is coming off a 1 -0 loss to the Chicago Fire at frigid Toyota Park in Chicago. In a highly entertaining match, both teams played wonderful flowing soccer all night. While New England started slowly, they became more daring and dangerous as the game wore on. Like Toronto, the Revs were unlucky not to finish some fantastic opportunities. Due to several key injuries, the Revs started three rookies against the Fire - Adam Cristman, Gary Flood, and Wells Thompson.

INJURIES: New England could again be missing several key players. Sharlie Joseph, Khano Smith, Michale Parkhurst, Daniel Hernandez, and captain Joey Franchino did not play in the season opener. While Joseph and Bermuda International Smith resumed training this week, there has been no word on Hernandez, Parkhurst or Franchino. I don't expect them in the starting lineup on Saturday. Captian Franchino has been granted a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons. While he made an appearance in the second half last week, Pat Noonan, is still recovering from a sports hernia procedure and is not yet at 100%.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Taylor Twellman was quiet last week. Look for him to be hungry on Saturday. I felt Andy Dorman was in fantastic form last week against the Fire, their best player in my eyes. Both Steve Ralston and Pat Noonan are quality MLS players at their respective positions.

THE SQUAD

KEEPERS: Toronto faced a brick wall in Brad Guzan last week in California. Things won't get much better this week. New England is home to Matt Reis, one of the top keepers in the league. Reis served many years as a backup in Los Angeles and New England, has developed into one of the best starting keepers in MLS.

DEFENDERS: The Revs played with a makeshift defence last week as Michael Parkhurst was unavailable. James Riley played centrally, with Trinidadian International Avery John and Jay Heaps on the flanks. I felt Riley did a wonderful job organizing the middle against the Fire. Heaps was a two sport athlete at Duke University in the 1990's. A fantastic all round athlete, he was a walk on with the famous Duke Basketball team. Heaps who hails from the Boston area, saw a couple of former Duke Basketball Alumni, Brian Davis, and Christian Laettner, become part owners of DC United in the off season. Although not the tallest player, Heaps is very good in the air, and can be dangerous on set pieces and corners and will jump in on the attack.

MIDFIELD: Without Sharlie Joseph in the lineup the midfield should be led by Englishman Andy Dorman and MLS original Steve Ralston. Ralston has established himself as one of the most consistent, yet underrated players in league history. Depending on his health, Sharlie Joseph might see time on Saturday. Joseph is a quality player, and simply one of the best players in the league at his position. They will be joined by Jeff Larentowicz who is quickly establishing himself as a solid MLS midfielder. First round draft pick Wells Thompson was solid in his MLS debut, and may be yet another future MLS prospect discovered by Nicol and Mariner. An option off the bench is young Arsene Oka from the Ivory Coast, who brings tons of pace.

STRIKERS: Taylor Twellman is one of the top strikers in the league. Since returning from Germany, Twellman has been amongst the most consistent scoring threats in all of MLS. He narrowly missed out for a spot on the 2006 World Cup team. Nicol started rookie Cristman up top against the Fire. If Pat Noonan is healthy enough to start, he will be yet another potent threat. Rookie Adam Cristman a University of Virginia product, earned the start in the season opener, alongside Twellman.

KEYS TO SUCCESS: If Toronto can neutralize the New England midfield, namely Andy Dorman, and contain explosive Taylor Twellman, they will have a good night. Depending on the injury situation, New England may again resort to starting several rookies which will bode well for Toronto. Chicago did an excellent job at exploiting the inexperience of Flood and Thompson, leading to an early goal that held up for the 3 points. Again if Toronto can contain Dorman, who looked really impressive last week, it will be a competitive game.

PREDICTION: 2-1 in favour of New England. A prediction I would be more than happy to lose.

Enjoy the match folks. The pregame show featuring Brian Budd, James Sharman, and Paul James at 7:00 pm on the Score.

CRAIG FORREST TRAINS WITH TORONTO FC

Very interesting news out of Toronto FC camp today, in that former Premiership keeper and Canadian International Craig Forrest trained with the club . Forrest who was forced to retire from West Ham United several years ago due to testicular cancer, had a long career in England with many years spent at Ipswich, and a brief stint at Chelsea before West Ham. Forrest will also be remembered in Canada for his many years of service to our national team, and leading Canada to the 2000 Gold Cup Championship. Forrest is now a popular television analyst for Rogers Sportsnet. I guess there is no better way to assess the players he will be covering then by stopping a few shots from them. Sounds like a bit of a publicity stunt for the network, though it's great to see the big guy healthy enough to even contemplate stepping up to train against professionals again. Here is the link to the Sportsnet article. http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/article.jsp?content=20070410_135710_5052

In other news, Toronto FC's first game apparently scored ratings on par with the national ratings for the Toronto Raptors.

UPDATE: Both Mo Johnston and Craig Forrest have implied during a television interview on Sportsworld, that they are testing the waters to see if Forrest can regain fitness to serve as the back up to Sutton. Forrest apparently was very impressive in training, until a calf strain ended his day early.

RUMOUR: ISSACO SET FOR CHANGE???

A rumour is floating around the local soccer scene that TFC keeper coach Carmen Issaco will apparently become the new head coach of York University Men's Soccer program. I'm not sure how this will play out with his Toronto FC duties just yet, though the York U season begins in late summer with a fall schedule of matches. Paul James will apparently remain as the Women's team coach and take on new opportunities within the university. We will have to see how this one plays out, and if indeed it holds true.

MATCH DAY 1 RESULT : CHIVAS USA 2 - TORONTO FC 0

First off, I'm not terribly disappointed with the result. I understand TFC is a work in progress. I am disappointed however by the lack of intensity and motivation demonstrated by the Toronto players last night. I just wasn't inspired by their play. Yes TFC showed sporadic signs of brilliance in the first half, came close to scoring, and were terribly unlucky. That said they were non existent in the second half. Toronto looked timid, nervous, confused, frustrated, disorganized, and tired - they looked every bit an expansion team. The big name guys didn't show up tonight. Carl Robinson was a major disappointment based on all the hype, and Andy Welsh was not the spark plug we were promised (although he was probably not 100% match fit - I hope). It wasn't all bad though. What did I tell you folks about Maycoll Canizalez when it was discovered he was with the team a couple months back. While he didn't light the game on fire by any means, he was a spark plug all night on the flanks. He is a jewel of a player that will shine in the MLS - take my word for it. Sadly though, he was also probably the least paid player on the field. Greg Sutton also looked solid - he will do well in MLS. All and all, not the perfect start we had all hoped for, but it wasn't all bad either.

Chivas on the other hand looked calm, composed, patient and organized for the most part. Toronto managed to break down their back line a few times, but nothing out of the ordinary in the course of a match.Chivas keeper Brad Guzan was called upon to make several quality saves in the first half. I was shocked to see Jonathan Bornstein start, but aside from that, Chivas was what I expected of them. They controlled the tempo, and dominated the possession, especially in the second half. They were clearly the better and more deserving team on the night. It will be a different story come August when the two teams meet again. Unlike some of the other MLS matches on Saturday, the conditions and weather looked perfect for the game. Though the opening day "real" attendances league wide, was pretty sad. We are going to have to show our American counterparts how its really done on April 28th. Right folks???

NOTES: I know many of you love the TFC strip, and will jump all over me for this, but the players looked awful last night with the red shorts, grey jersey, and grey socks. I'm not a fan of the colour grey, and I follow a strict, unwritten rule, to never wear anything grey in public during the summer (perspiration shows up way too much for my liking). The jerseys didn't stand out on TV either. I would personally much prefer a white away strip anyway. The people watching with me last night poked fun of the uniforms all night, suggesting they looked amateur, and I had to agree. So here is a cry for some help from you folks that read this blog from Adidas Offices on both sides of the Atlantic (I know there are at least a couple of you) - instruct Toronto not to wear the red with grey, or get working on a crisp white third jersey right away. Mo Johnston on the other hand continues to impress me with his suit and tie collection. Along with Fernando Clavijo, Sir Mo is one of the best dressed coaches in all of MLS.

As for the Canadian TV coverage - Craig Forrest was great, but Gerry Dobson is a talking cure for insomnia. He is not a play, play man, not for soccer anyway. He has come a long way over the years, but his voice is hard to tolerate, and his research has much to be desired. I'm probably one of the only people that noticed, yet he repeatedly called out the wrong Chivas players last night, and really, he avoided calling their names as much as he could. He must of said "pardon me" 5 or 6 times - why send him to LA, save the money and have him call the games from a studio if that was the best he could do. I feel really bad for the folks unfamiliar with MLS, trying to get a handle of the players on the other teams. Toronto FC do yourself a favour, find someone else to join Craig, or give the fans the option to watch the Fox Soccer Channel feed and the excellent pregame. My only pet peeve about Craig was that he undervalued Maycoll Canizalez's experience (though he praised his contribution and quality all night). After all, Canizalez was involved with a couple of big German Bundesliga clubs, and has played in the German leagues for the last few years, which is certainly a higher standard than most of the players on the field have ever achieved.

Toronto FC Player Ratings:
GK - Greg Sutton - looked a bit confused on first goal, a couple really good stops, good distribution, looked calm 6
DF - Andrew Boyens - showed signs of inexperience, and nerves, but held his own 5
DF - Marco Reda - solid, calm, not ready for 90 minutes though, injury was too bad 6
DF - Jim Brennan - a quiet night is always good when your a defender, certainly not the Jim Brennan of old 5
MF - Paul Nagamura - gritty performance, forced a couple of turnovers, was fairly active all night 6
MF - Carl Robinson - was easily beat a couple of times; distribution was less than expected, did not live up to the hype 4
MF - Andy Welsh - awkward looking player, obviously not yet 100%, not the spark plug advertised 4
MF - Maycoll Canizalez - best TFC field player tonight imo, was cool, calm, & classy 7
MF - Richard Mulrooney - did his job for the most part, held his own, good player 6
FW - Alecko Eskandarian - had a couple of good chances, did not convert, hard to blame strikers with so little service coming from the midfield 5
FW - Edson Buddle - came close a couple of times, no goals, floated in and out of the game - usual Buddle, tough to blame forwards with so little service from midfield 5

SUBS;
DF - Adam Braz - short stint, poor distribution 4
FW - Conor Casey - looked confused and frustrated, not in tune with teammates just yet 4

MATCH DAY 1: CHIVAS USA -TORONTO FC PREVIEW

Toronto FC are set to launch on Saturday night. All of the player moves, press conferences, promises, rumours, speculation are no longer important. Toronto FC, the soccer team, gets put to the test for real at the Home Depot Centre in Los Angeles.

On paper, Sir Mo has delivered the goods. He has brought Toronto some of the biggest names and talents in MLS - as big as you can expect for an expansion side I would suggest. He has made a meal out of the MLS rule book, with some clever transactions, making some existing GM's look like fools in the process (i.e. Real Salt Lake during the expansion draft). Although, Toronto wasn't able to bring home any of the top, starting Canadian national team members, a smattering of good local players are on the roster including Jim Brennan. The young Canadian talent, nearly all local GTA products, is perhaps what excites me the most on a personal level. Toronto also includes an interesting crop of foreign talent that fills in the roster nicely. From a solid core of Americans, to some interesting talent from the United Kingdom, South America, Africa - and even a Kiwi.

The onus for success on the field has been placed squarely on Sir Mo. MLSE Executives Tom Anselmi, Richard Peddie, Bob Hunter, and even TFC's own Paul Beirne, have distanced themselves from the on-field product. All the MLSE guys tend to divert questions about soccer operations to good old Mo (rightfully so, its his job). I will suggest it goes beyond that though. MLSE understand the Toronto sports fan better than anyone else. They understand we can be an extremely demanding bunch of whiners. Mo will be the scapegoat if the on-field product doesn't live up to the expectations of the fan base. At a minimum, TFC has to be competitive, and entertaining in order to satisfy the knowledgeable, and diverse soccer community here.

As a long time observer of MLS, I am excited about Mo's chances of meeting the aforementioned objectives this year. Am I expecting a repeat of the 1998 Chicago Fire? Of course not. Yet a playoff birth should be attainable. In my opinion, success will be determined by how well Toronto FC deals with the following three considerations:

(1) Injuries - Already an issue, Toronto features several delicate players, who have suffered major injuries over the last few years. From Greg Sutton through striker Conor Casey, injuries have been an issue with many of the players on the roster at every position. Hopefully the injuries in pre-season and the recent announcement about Ronnie O'Brien are not an indication of what we should expect for the next 7 months.

(2) Cohesiveness - How long will it take for this team to come together and gel as a unit is a big x factor. Wheeler- dealer Mo, continues to shuffle players, and has said he isn't finished. Mo must bring together many personalities, some that may not fit well. This will naturally take some time. At the end of the day, lets hope he doesn't have the same player management problems he had in New York during his short tenure.

(3) Depth - This goes hand in hand with the injury situation of course. Toronto is a team that will lose players to the Gold Cup, the World Under 20 tournament, European Cup Qualifying, perhaps even Copa America. Will there be enough depth to carry the team through those lean times?

The Chivas Match:

GAME 1: CHIVAS
The most interesting thing about the on field match up, is how familiar the respective coaching staffs are with each other. Preki the Chivas USA coach, one of the greatest talents to ever play in MLS, was coached by TFC assistant Bob Gansler for many years in Kansas City, where Mo Johnston was also a mainstay in the midfield. The links go even further back than the Wizards and MLS. Johnston and Preki were teammates during the 1993-94 season with Everton in the Premiership. Their respective coaching careers have also taken similar paths. Johnston, served as an understudy to Bob Bradley in New York for several years before taking over for Bradley near the end of the 2005 season. Preki also served as an understudy to Bob Bradley, albeit only for the 2006 season with Chivas.

Several Chivas players will also be very familiar to the Toronto FC coaching staff. Jason Hernandez, Ante Razov, David Arvizu, and Amado Guevara played for Johnston in New York, while Romanian defender Alex Zotinica played for Gansler in KC.

Chivas USA is coming off their best season to date in 2006. They will be a team noticeably absent of the quantity of Mexican names it has featured during its first three years of existence.

The most notable players to depart, are high profile Mexican veteran attackers Juan Francisco Palencia, and young gun Juan Pablo Garcia. Defender Tim Regan was a key loss in the back, when he was picked up by Toronto in the expansion draft (since traded to New York). Chivas will also be missing 2006 rookie sensation Jonathan Bornstein, who earned himself a spot on the US National team, and a cap this winter. Bornstein suffered a very serious injury while in the National team camp. High profile American International John O'Brien, a starter for Ajax in Holland for many years, was also a Chivas USA player last year, yet a serious injury and World Cup duty limited him to 15 minutes of action. He was released in the off-season. Losing Head Coach Bob Bradley to the US National team was also a huge loss this off-season.

KEEPERS: American keeper Brad Guzan was thrown into the fire during his rookie year, with the expansion Chivas USA, and has developed into an emerging MLS talent. The idea originally was for Guzan to serve as an understudy to Chivas legend Martin Zuniga- yet an injury ended his career in California early and Guzan has held the reigns ever since.

DEFENDERS: This area is anchored by Mexican legend Claudio Suarez - a player that should be very familiar with most long time Toronto area and Canadian soccer fans. Suarez who will be amongst the oldest players in the league, was respected enough last year to be selected to the Mexican World Cup team in Germany. Another veteran former US International Carlos Llamosa, an American originally from Colombia (he was working at the World Trade Centre when it was attacked in 1993) also brings valuable experience to Chivas - though injuries have slowed his career. Jason Hernandez and recently acquired Romanian Alex Zotinica are solid MLS players as well.

MIDFIELD: On his day, Honduran Amado Guevara is arguably the most talented player in the entire league at his position, bar none. He is joined by Jesse Marsch one of the longest serving MLS veterans, he served as a very important cog in Chivas success last season. Marsch was a mainstay on the Chicago Fire since their inception and has won MLS Championships in both Chicago and DC . Mexican mainstay Francisco Mendoza has emerged as the best of the original lot of the Mexican imports. I really like Mendoza, I think he is a quality player.

FORWARDS: Up top, former US International Ante Razov redeemed himself with a strong 2006. Cuban Maykel Galindo, who might be familiar to local fans of the USL and Lynx, was signed in the off season from Seattle. Galindo brings with him a very good reputation. Draft pick and Youth International, John Cunliffe from England, has been receiving good reviews.

My Prediction: Toronto 2 - Chivas 2

ENJOY THE SEASON FOLKS - WE THE LONG TIME SUFFERING TORONTO SOCCER COMMUNITY SURELY DESERVE IT!!! ENJOY THE RIDE!!!

GABE GALA SIGNS WITH TORONTO FC

Canadian Under 20 player Gabe Gala of Brampton, has apparently signed on with Toronto FC, as a developmental player.

CANCELA TRADED TO COLORADO

Toronto FC have traded disgruntled midfielder Jose Cancela to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a Youth International spot on the roster. Moving Cancela frees up salary cap space, and a Senior International Spot on the roster. It looks to allow for another move. As I speculated here last week, Cancela was most probably a player Toronto offered in the discussions with Colorado as part of a deal for Clint Mathis. Toronto FC were confirmed by Fernando Clavijo to be the other team in the hunt for Mathis last week. Cancela should count as a domestic player for Colorado due to his Green Card status.

A couple of questions about the timing of this move come to mind: (1) Was Cancela the unnamed player Ronnie O'Brien kicked on Tuesday?
(2) Was the Cancela trade completed prior to the news about the extent of the Ronnie O'Brien injury?

ITALIAN STARS SHOW INTEREST IN MLS

According to Houston Chronicle Soccer beat writer Glenn Davis, reputable sources have revealed to him, that World Cup Champions Alessandro del Piero, Marco Matterazzi, and Fabio Cannavaro have put out feelers to judge the interest MLS may have in their services. While this may amount to nothing more than curiosity from their agents, it is very interesting nonetheless. One might suggest that Cannavaro and Matterazzi are probably a few years away from a move to MLS, though Del Piero may be a more realistic target. If New York uses their second designated player this year, one would think the likely destination for Del Peiro would be Toronto where former Juventus star, and Vice President Roberto Bettega has been immersed since his days with the Toronto Blizzard of the NASL. I would suggest there are probably as many Italy and Juventus jerseys walking around the GTA, with Del Piero on the back side, as any other professional athlete (save for Sundin, Clark, Tucker, and Gilmour).

MLS has been void of Italians since the leagues formative years featuring Roberto Donadoni, Walter Zenga, and Giuseppei Galderesi (an ex teammate of Alexi Lalas at Padova in Seria A). Current Italian national team coach Roberto Donadoni was one of the first stars signed by Major League Soccer in 1996 and spent two years in the league. His days spent in New York under Metrostars coaches Carlos Quiroz of Portugal, and Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreirra, were great learning experiences for Donadoni, who had aspirations to become a coach. I recall pictures of Donadoni working very closely with Parreirra during the MLS combines in 1997, trying to gauge the talent on display. Donadoni played for Italy at Euro 1996, and went back to play for Milan, and had a short stint in Saudi Arabia, before entering the coaching ranks after leaving MLS. If I recall correctly, Milan paid a transfer fee to MLS in order to bring Donadoni back to Seria A.

TORONTO FC TELEVISION RATINGS

According to Chris Zelkovich of the Star, Toronto FC will have a hard time getting ratings on Saturday night because Toronto FC have been very slow out of the gate announcing their TV package. While he is certainly correct in his observation that TFC have probably hurt their exposure by not getting the word out earlier, I have to disagree with Zelkovich that this will be the reason Toronto FC will suffer in terms of ratings for their first match.

Toronto FC will have poor ratings because this is first and foremost, Toronto Maple Leaf territory. The Leafs happen to be playing in their most important game in the last few years on Saturday night, the final day of their regular season, against rivals the Montreal Canadians. This alone will overshadow anything, and everything else, that gets in the way. Coupled with a late local start at 10:30, the TFC ratings are set to be bad. So Zelkovich can start writing his headline now, as we can all anticipate a negative review on Monday.

Come to think of it, the 10:30 start, now looks like a bit of a God send, considering the Leaf game should be over by then. Of course, those of you heading out to bars to watch Toronto FC should be prepared to miss the pregame show on FOX Sports World. Not sure how many bars are going to turn away from their hockey coverage for an MLS pre game show, even those with official TFC viewing parties.

Lets face it, as long as the Toronto Maple Leafs are alive in the playoff hunt, there is little any other sports team can do in this market to get any serious attention from media and the mainstream fan- not the Raptors, not the Jays, and certainly not our beloved Toronto FC.

It is a tough time of year to break in a new franchise in an already crowded sports marketplace. The Leafs are inching towards a playoff birth, and could make a run if they get in. The Raptors will be in the playoffs for the first time in years, and are apparently looking good. Then we've have the Blue Jays. With support on the decline over the last decade or so, at least at the gate, in the vacuum that is Skydome (Rogers Centre), the Jays can still draw a pretty decent television audience, fueled surely by the growing Senior Citizen Community, now too old to attend in person (to baseball fans I'm just teasing). I was actually given a free pair of pretty decent season opener tickets for Monday - that will never be used. After leaving in the second inning of a Yankees game a few years back (again freebies), I have vowed never to return. I personally can't tolerate baseball (I apologize to all my American readers, but baseball is dying a slow death in these parts) Besides, Monday night is my annual playoff hockey pool, which is much more important. This is also Masters weekend and the end of March Madness I believe. Here is the link to the Zelkovich article which is a lead in to his next article that will surely show Toronto FC as a ratings disaster. http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/200294

In other television news - the Montreal Impact have announced a television package with Radio Canada (CBC) as part of their commitment to growing the sport in Canada after securing the domestic World Cup rights deal. I look forward to catching a few games if the local Radio Canada station in Toronto picks up the coverage.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP

Defending MLS Cup Champions Houston are the most exciting team in MLS in my opinion. I've always enjoyed watching Houston/San Jose play. Heading into the match last night, with a 2-0 lead from the home leg of the semi-final series with Pachuca, I was expecting a favourable result. It had the potential to be a famous result for both the Dynamo and MLS. Of course it wasn't meant to be. I suggest the final 5-2 scoreline was a generous result for the MLS Champions. It should have been much worse.

That said, I am not questioning the talent level, or work ethic of the Dynamo or the MLS. The players appeared to work and fight as hard as they could in my opinion. Pachuca in mid-season form, are obviously a very talented talented side. Instead, I question Houston's prepparation for this very important match. The loss last night goes well beyond Houston being in pre-season form. Houston were simply not prepared to play at high altitudes in Mexico.

Moreover, I ask why the heck were Houston in South Carolina participating in the Carolina Challenge Cup last week, when instead they should have flown south and practiced at high altitudes to better prepare the players for this match. One look at the players gasping for breath was enough to understand that Houston were at a serious disadvantage. Toronto's own Dwayne de Rosario was ineffective, and looked like a shadow of his usual self.

Didn't anyone at the Dynamo or MLS have the foresight to consider the implications of proper preparation when the pre-season schedule was being drawn up? Were they not counting on making it this far? Was defending a meaningless pre-season trophy really worth it? Could they not have backed out on the Carolina organizers, or found them a replacement team?

In a week where MLS signs Mexcian star Cuauhtemoc Blanco for millions of dollars, hoping to tweak interest, and gain some much needed respect amongst the highly coveted Mexican soccer community in the United States, MLS instead takes 4 steps back with the humbling loss of its Champions. Although Houston showed sporadic flashes of how brilliant they can be last night, they spent much of the game bunkered up in the back, reduced to a lowly kick and chase team, that will gain the respect of no one (work ethic aside).

Learn from this MLS, as this was an enormous opportunity lost!

TORONTO FC STILL IN THE HUNT FOR JOHN KENNEDY OF GLASGOW CELTIC

According to the Globe & Mail, Toronto FC are still pursuing Glasgow Celtic defender John Kennedy. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070405.TORFC05/TPStory/Sports

O'BRIEN INJURY - JOHNSTON CLAIMS IT HAD LITTLE TO DO WITH TURF SURFACE

According to the Globe & Mail, the latest Ronnie O'Brien injury occurred during Toronto's Tuesday practice at BMO Field. Sir Mo has come out with the company line stating that the brand new field turf surface had absolutely nothing to do with the injury. O'Brien apparently made a silly tackle on an unnamed player. I for one am not convinced it was as simple as Mo has suggested. As Marco Reda suggests in the same article, playing on a proper grass surface will always be preferred to playing on plastic.

The questions, not answered in the article are - Who was O'Brien targeting with his tackle? and why?

BLANCO TO SIGN FOR CHICAGO FIRE AS DESIGNATED PLAYER

Toronto FC Eastern Conference rivals, the Chicago Fire , are set to become the third MLS team to sign a Designated Player, as the long rumored signing of Mexican Superstar Cuauhtemoc Blanco will be announced Monday. The Fire have been dumping salary all off-season, known to be courting a Designated Player. The Fire had some disappointing turnouts at their beautiful new Soccer Specific Stadium in the Chicago suburbs, and the once well supported and proud club under fan friendly General manager Peter Wilt, are looking for a boost at the gate. The move for Blanco, concludes speculation that has lasted the entire off season, linking numerous high profile names with the Fire, including the likes of Zinadine Zidane, Pavel Nedved, and Patrick Berger.

Mexican Superstars have historically not lived up to their potential in the MLS. While Jorge Campos helped lend credibility to the Los Angeles Galaxy amongst the enormous Mexican population in that market during the league's first two seasons, he was not with the Galaxy on a full time basis, and his commitment was sometimes questioned. Campos then moved on to expansion team Chicago Fire in 1998, where again his name was used to create a stir in the Mexican population in that market. After losing his place in the team while away in a successful World Cup run in France, his days in the MLS were numbered. The Galaxy brought in Carlos Hermosillo, and Luis Hernandez in subsequent years, yet they never lived up to their salary on the field, with sometimes questionable work ethic and commitment, and their drawing power at the gate was surely less than MLS expected given their star power. I think its safe to say that Chivas USA has yet to receive a huge contribution from its higher profile Mexican players such as Ramon Ramirez who has been basically been injured his entire time in California, and Francisco Palencia never did get rolling. Yet veteran Claudio Suarez did earn a place in Germany last year. Chivas USA hasn't hardly been a great success at the box office either.

It will be interesting to see what sort of attitude Blanco brings with him to the Fire, and how much he really has left in his tank. That said I don't see this ending well in Chciago. My prediction - after Toronto FC soundly defeat the Fire on May 12th at BMO, Dave Sarachan will be the first coach to get fired this season, with GM John Guppy to follow in the off season. Blanco will not return for 2008.

TORONTO FC LEADS CHARLESTON BATTERY 2-0 AT HALF

Toronto FC leads 2-0 at halftime vs. USL team Charleston Battery. Toronto FC have an opportunity to win the tournament with a favourable result in the second match tonight. Goals scored by Alecko Eskandarian and Abbe Ibrahim.

Toronto FC looks to have a 4-3-3 formation tonight
Sutton, Braz, Boyens, Brennan, Pozniak, O'Brien, Mulrooney, Asante, Ibrahim, Buddle, Eskandarian

TORONTO FC WERE IN THE HUNT FOR MATHIS

According to Colorado Rapids Head Coach Fernando Clavijo, Toronto FC were seriously interested in acquiring Clint Mathis. One might find it strange that Sir Mo was interested in trading for Mathis when he was available for free during the expansion draft back in November. What happened to change Johnston's mind? Basically Mathis earns a huge MLS salary, upwards of $400,000, and Colorado has most likely kept upwards of half of his salary on their books, in order to make him attractive to other MLS teams and unload his services. Mathis has not lived up to his potential or salary since returning from the Bundelsiga. If I recall correctly there were rumours he would return to New York last off season, where Mo served a short tenure as head coach, but nothing came of it and he was traded to Colorado from Real Salt Lake for MLS superstar Jeff Cunningham. It would have been interesting to see who, or what Toronto was offering in exchange, as Clavijo may have had his eye on fellow countryman Jose Cancela, or even Paulo Nagamura who was another piece of the Los Angeles Galaxy MLS Cup Champions in 2005, that he has been re-assembling in Colorado.

CANADIAN KEVIN HARMSE LOOKS TO STAY WITH GALAXY

It looks like Canadian Kevin Harmse has survived the MLS preseason with the Los Angeles Galaxy, and will be suiting up alongside David Beckham this season at the Home Depot Centre. It took 3 Canadians to start for Houston to bring home an MLS Championship last season, without including Canadian coach Frank Yallop, the Galaxy needs one more to put them over the top, as Ante Jazic signed last summer.
http://www.lasoccernews.com/article.php?article_id=1312

TORONTO FC SIGN 6 LOCAL PLAYERS TO DEVELOPMENTAL CONTRACTS

According to TSN, Toronto FC have officially signed Andrea Lombardo, and Stephen Lumley to developmental contracts, bringing the total up to 6. All six players are local Toronto /Southwestern Ontario products.

Players signed to developmental contracts thus far by Toronto FC:
GK: Tomer Chencinski; DF: Stephen Lumley; MF: AJ Gray; MF/FW: David Guzman; FW:Andrea Lombardo; MF: Tyler Hemming

ROGERS SPORTSNET TO SEND PLAY BY PLAY TEAM TO COVER TORONTO FC ON THE ROAD

According to the Globe and Mail, Rogers Sportsnet has confirmed that Gerry Dobson, and Craig Forrest will be live at the Home Depot Centre in Carson, California to call the Toronto FC season opener with Chivas USA next Saturday. Rogers Sportsnet will apparently carry 8 games this season, 2 at home, and 6 on the road. Dobson & Forrest will serve as the voices for the team on the network. Toronto will have a minimum of 23 regular season games on local tv.

MLS NEWS & NOTES FRIDAY!!!

Toronto FC announced that the Canada - Argentina Under 20 exhibition match on May 11th, will be one of the 5 additional matches offered as part of the season ticket package to Toronto FC supporters.

English League veteran, and Trinidad International Shaka Hislop, is a apparently still being considered for the Howard University Head Coaching job. Hislop who signed with Major League Soccer team FC Dallas last summer, after a very successful World Cup in Germany, is the current number 2 behind Argentinian keeper Dario Sala in Dallas. Hislop played in the NCAA prior to heading to England.

Clint Mathis was traded to New York Red Bulls yesterday. His career took off with the Metrostars, after impressing with the LA Galaxy in his early MLS playing days .With much fan fare, hype, and publicity surrounding Mathis leading into the 2002 World Cup tournament, he experienced a somewhat disappointing tournament on a personal basis, only scoring one goal. Mathis quickly departed the MLS for the German league, where he had a turbulent time after a great debut. Mathis is now again back in New York trying to resurrect his career, perhaps for the final time. He arrives after a couple of sub par years with MLS teams Real Salt Lake, and Colorado .

Former MLS prospect Joselito Vaca of Bolivia, scored in his country's 1-0 victory over World Cup 2010 hosts South Africa on Wednesday.

Canadian Alen Marcina scored for the Puerto Rico Islanders (USL) in their 1-0 win over FC Dallas of MLS last week. Marcina who recently concluded his season in the Australian A-League attended Barry University, and played with New Zealand outfit New Zealand Knights.

The Montreal Impact of the USL tied the Honduran National team 1-1 in Florida over the weekend. Former MLSers Matt Jordan and Seth Tremblay are with the Impact in pre-season..

TORONTO FC DEFEAT NEW YORK RED BULLS 2-1 AT CAROLINA CHALLENGE CUP

Toronto holds on for a 2-1 victory over New York. Greg Sutton was call upon to stop a Dave Van Den Bergh penalty midway through the second half to keep Toronto ahead. While New York held much of the possession, especially in the second half, Toronto by no means looked out of place in Charleston tonight. Toronto FC were missing Carl Robinson, Andy Welsh, and Paulo Nagamura tonight, while New York pretty much had its full complement with the exception of 17 year old phenom striker Jozy Altidore.

TORONTO FC LEAD NEW YORK RED BULLS 2-1 AT HALF

Toronto leads on goals by Edson Buddle in the 36th minute, and Alecko Eskandarian in the 9th minute. . The New York goal was scored by John Wolyniec on a set up from Dutch league veteran Dave Van Den Bergh.

WEBCAST AVAILABLE AT: www.charlestonbattery.com/

Starting lineups:
Red Bulls: Ronald Waterreus, Todd Dunivant, Carlos Mendes, Jeff Parke, Marvell Wynne, Dave van den Bergh, Dema Kovalenko, Seth Stammler, Claudio Reyna, Dane Richards, John Wolyniec.

Toronto: Greg Sutton, Andrew Boyens, Adam Braz, Jim Brennan- captain, Ronnie O' Brien, Richard Asante, Jose Cancela, Richard Mulrooney, Loes Andrade, Alecko Eskandarian, Edson Buddle.

CANADA'S NATIONAL TEAM DEFEAT BERMUDA 3-0 IN FRIENDLY

Canada's Men's National Team defeated Bermuda this afternoon 3-0. Canada's goals were scored by Toronto area players - Tomasz Radzinski (Fulham), Paul Stalteri (Tottenham Hotspurs), and Atiba Hutchinson (FC Copenhagen).

The US National team led by a Landon Donovan hat trick, defeated Ecuador 3-1 in Tampa, Florida in front of 31,000 + spectators.

CAROLINA CHALLENGE CUP: HOUSTON DYNAMO 2 - TORONTO FC 0

In their very first competitive match with an MLS team, Toronto FC lost 2-0 to defending MLS Cup Champions Houston Dynamo tonight in Charleston, South Carolina. Former Toronto Blizzard keeper, and Canadian International Pat Onstad, recorded the shutout for Houston, before 3183 spectators.

The Dynamo, currently preparing for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Semi-Final series with Pachuca of Mexico, were missing several key players due to international commitments or injury, including Toronto's very own Dwayne De Rosario, as well as - Brian Ching, Ricardo Clark, Wade Barrett, and Brian Mullan. Toronto FC were similarly missing several key players, with Marco Reda, Maurice Edu, and Conor Casey out with injuries, while Carl Robinson, Adam Braz, Andrea Lombardo and AJ Gray on international duty. Brazilian midfielder Paulo Nagamura was also mysteriously missing from the TFC lineup - perhaps another injury concern.

Good to see that Ronnie O'Brien was fit for the match, returning from a nagging injury, and that newly acquired Englishman Andy Welsh (although his signing has not officially been announced), and American Richard Mulrooney, were in the lineup for Toronto. Also nice to see that a few GTA players - Joey Melo, Maycoll Canizalez, and Richard Asante received playing time. The Official game summary from http://www.torontofc.ca/ -

Scoring Summary:Houston: Cochrane (Davis) - 16'
Houston; Wondolowski (Goldthwaite) - 72'
Lineups:
Toronto FC: Greg Sutton, Jim Brennan, Andrew Boyens, Chris Pozniak, Richard Asante, Ronnie O'Brien, Andy Welsh (Maycoll Canizalez 63), Richard Mulrooney, Jose Cancela (Abbe Ibrahim 70), Alecko Eskandarian (Joey Melo 81), Edson Buddle
Houston Dynamo: Pat Onstad, Craig Waibel, Eddie Robinson, Ryan Cochrane, Kevin Goldthwaite, Chris Wondolowski, Kelly Gray, Brad Davis, Paul Dalglish (Corey Ashe 77), Alejandro Moreno, Stuart Holden

In the second leg of the doubleheader, the New York Red Bulls squeaked by the hometown Charleston Battery of the USL, 1-0 with an injury time goal. Toronto FC will play New York on Wednesday evening in the second fixture of the tournament.

MLS NOTES: Jamaican central defender Shaver Thomas, has been traded by the KC Wizards to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Thomas, played for current Toronto FC Assistant Coach Bob Gansler for several seasons in Kansas City.

CANADA U-20's DOWN SCOTLAND 3-1 IN FRIENDLY

The Canadian Under 20 National team defeated their counterparts from Scotland 3-1 in rainy Vancouver, through two goals by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay forward Tosaint Ricketts, and another by Gabe Gala. Gala has trained with Toronto FC during the pre-season. Toronto FC signings A.J. Gray and Andrea Lombardo played for Canada as well.

MO SHOOTS DOWN ESKY RUMOURS - AGAIN...

Mo Johnston responds to rumours that have again surfaced out of New York that Alecko Eskandarian is headed home - by declaring through a media release: "Esky is going nowhere. He is very happy in Toronto and wants a new contract."
Johnston's old media buddies in New York/New Jersey don't appear interested in listening to our great leader. The release mentions the departure of Jon Busch, yet no official word on the Andy Welsh signing, even though Sunderland's Official Website confirmed the move earlier in the day. http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070323&content_id=86375&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280

BMO OFFICIAL TORONTO JERSEY SPONSOR!!!

Toronto FC have confirmed that the BMO will be their jersey sponsor. Not sure what I think about the overall look just yet, but my search for the an original "Toronto FC" jersey (those released last year) has just become a priority!!!

Here is a look via a very dedicated supporter: http://www.flickr.com/photos/96013058@N00/431447370/in/photostream/

MLS JERSEY SPONSORS:
Toronto FC - Bank of Montreal Financial Group (BMO)
Real Salt Lake - Xango
Los Angeles Galaxy - Herbalife
New York Red Bulls - Red Bull

TORONTO TO UNVEIL NEW JERSEY TODAY...

Its very interesting that Toronto FC are set to unveil their new jerseys today, as I was under the impression they had already done so last year. Of course with the announcement taking place at the Bank of Montreal (BMO), one might suggest the BMO sponsorship might be extended to the front of the jerseys as well. I was hoping Toronto would play at least one year with Toronto FC across the chest, in order to grow an identity within the marketplace for those unfamiliar with the jersey sponsorships so common in soccer. Maurice Edu will be in attendance for the unveiling.

TORONTO PLAYER MOVES...MORE TO COME ACCORDING TO SIR MO

Jon Busch was waived by Toronto FC the other day, ending an extremely short trial after being selected off waivers. In all my years watching MLS, I've never rated Jon Busch highly to be honest, so I'm somewhat relieved by the news. His playing time in Columbus had much to do with his perseverance and injuries to others, than his quality in my estimation. While he was a survivor of the always active Columbus Crew goalkeeper situation over the last few years, and is probably a hard working guy, he was not worthy of a Senior International spot.

The trade for Richard Mulrooney surely sealed Busch's fate in Toronto. When healthy, Mulrooney is one of the best midfielders in the MLS. Mulrooney is a versatile player as well. His time under Bruce Arena with the US National team program was spent largely as a defender moreover. Mulrooney was very close to landing a spot on the 2002 US World Cup team as a defender. In any event, giving up a draft pick and allocation for a proven MLS player is really a small price to pay for a player of Mulrooney's quality.

With limited information available, and the true realities of MLS transactions only truly understood by a select few insiders (we hope) it is very easy to second guess Toronto FC's player selections. Yet with the injury problems surrounding Maurice Edu at the moment, and the need for a solid backup evident, one might suggest that Toronto would have been better served selecting Chris Seitz with the first overall draft pick back in January given the need for a backup was evident at that point as well (I think I made this very suggestion in my pre-draft predictions). The former University of Maryland goalkeeper, who by all accounts is the next great American keeper, would have counted as a Youth International in Toronto, and like Edu was a Generation Adidas player (his salary would not count against the salary cap). That said he will miss a good chunk of the season due to his US U-20 commitments.

Another well travelled MLS keeper, Matt Jordan, has landed a job with the Montreal Impact of the USL. Jordan who spent 8 years with various MLS clubs, also had a brief stint in Denmark with Odense a few years back. He joins fellow American Andrew Weber as the Impact goalkeeper options for 2007.

ANDY WELSH COMPLETES MOVE TO TORONTO FC...

According to Sunderland Football Club in England, Andy Welsh to Toronto FC is a done deal. http://www.safc.com/news/?page_id=12023

ALECKO ASKS FOR TRADE

According to Michael Lewis at http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/ and the New York Daily News, a source has revealed that Alecko Eskandarian has asked Toronto FC to trade him.
http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/article.php?article_id=8988

TORONTO FC ADDS CORPORATE SPONSORS...

In addition to Carlsberg, The Toronto Sun newspaper, and Bank of Montreal (BMO), Toronto FC have added Unico Foods, Rogers Communications, canoe.ca, Pizza Pizza, Purolator, and Canon to its growing and impressive list of local corporate sponsors. Of course Adidas will be the official uniform supplier as per the extensive league partnership with the sporting goods manufacturer.

CANADA UNDER 20's TO PLAY ARGENTINA AT BMO

Wow - 2 matches in 2 days announced by the CSA for Toronto. This time the Canadian Under 20's will face off against their counterparts from Argentina here in Toronto on May 11th. The games are part of a preparation series sponsored by Hyundai and Yahoo. As part of the series the U-20's will play Scotland in Vancouver and Victoria, the match in Toronto, and another 3 in Sherbrooke, Edmonton and Ottawa prior to the FIFA Under 20 tournament in July.
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2007/03/22/canada-argentina.html

TORONTO FC SIGN LOCAL PRODUCT DAVID GUZMAN

Toronto FC have signed local product David Guzman to a developmental contract. Guzman was a part of the mens soccer program at University of Louisville in the NCAA ranks, and with the Chicago Fire Youth PDL team during the summer. Guzman's father Orlando Guzman was part of the 1970 Peruvian National side. http://uoflsports.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/guzman_david00.html

CANADA TO PLAY COSTA RICA IN TORONTO...

Looks like Canada will play its first game here in 7 years when they face Costa Rica at BMO on Wednesday September 12th. It will be a very busy week for local soccer fans as Toronto FC are playing on Saturday the 8th & 15th. http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2007/03/21/fifa-soccer-canada-costarica.html

THE WEEK AHEAD & CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM COACH SPECULATION

The good majority of you won't read this until Monday morning, as the traffic here dips substantially on the weekends, with only a few hundred unique visitors each day. Anyway, I won't be updating the blog this week as I'm in sunny California. Aside from enjoying myself and sightseeing - I should have an opportunity to observe a few of the MLS teams training and in game action. Plotting my schedule as I type.

The week ahead:

* According to comments made by Mo Johnston's on Friday live on the Score Network, Toronto FC are set to announce a new left sided player shortly. Andy Welsh, formerly of Sunderland and Leicester in England, is the top candidate. Welsh, who was reportedly training with Toronto FC a couple of weeks ago, impressed Mo enough to earn a contract apparently.

* According to Gol TV Canada's "Extra Time" show, the Canadian Soccer Association is set to announce Brazilian Rene Simoes, as the new Men's National team coach. Interestingly, while host Lee Godfrey declared Simoes as the new head coach, Co-host Paul James did not sound convinced Simoes had the job just yet. James was clearly rooting for former teammate Dale Mitchell, and questioned the resume of Simoes and his ability to hold on to a job for long periods of time. Mitchell, in my mind is the best midfielder ever produced in Canada, bar none, and including Owen Hargreaves. Simoes, led Jamaica to the 1998 World Cup in France, yet has been nomadic ever since the glory days of the Reggae Boys. He has had stints in Trinidad, Honduras, Iran, and the Brazilian Women's National Team.

* Thanks to the readers that pointed out that Jon Paul Piques, has declined an opportunity to train with the Montreal Impact.

MO JOHNSTON: "TORONTO FC ABOUT TO SIGN LEFT SIDED PLAYER"

Mo Johnston has just revealed that Toronto FC is on the verge of signing a young, left sided player, who played in the Premiership last year (he appeared in 20-24 games apparently last year - that is what I think he said anyway), during a live television interview with James Sharmen on the Score Television Network . If you missed it, Sportsworld will air again later on tonight. If your planning on watching, the interview takes place directly after the opening, so try to not miss it. Translations/interpretations of Mo speak are always welcome! Mo does an excellent job at keeping fans entertained with these hints though doesn't he? Let the speculation begin.

More to come I'm sure!!!

TORONTO FC DRAFT PICK ON TRIAL WITH MONTREAL IMPACT..

According to a news release issued by the Montreal Impact, Toronto FC Draft pick, and University of Rhode Island product Jeff Gonsalves, is listed as being on trial with the the USL team. The Markham native was not asked to attend the Sunrise Florida training camp in February by Toronto, yet was said to have been offered a developmental contract according to a newspaper report. According to another newspaper report last week, Gonsalves was again participating with Toronto FC at U of T. Also attending the Montreal training camp according to the release, are goalkeeper Jon Paul Piques, who was released from Toronto FC training at the end of last week, and Matt Palleschi who attended the Toronto FC camp in Woodbridge in early February.

DONALD TRUMP GOES MLS...

Sunday's episode of "The Apprentice" on NBC, will feature the Home Depot Center and the Los Angeles Galaxy. In the Greater Toronto Area, "The Apprentice", can be watched on WUTV Buffalo, & Global TV.

MLS NEWS & NOTES FRIDAY!!!

Toronto News Coverage: The Globe and Mail have again sent a reporter to cover Toronto FC in Florida. It would appear as the assembling of the roster is nearly complete, Sir Mo is now focused on creating a cohesive unit on the field. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070309.TORONTOFC09/TPStory/Sports
The Globe also has a report from Thursday's match;
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070308.wspttfc8/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer
The National Post provided yet another Pre-Season match report for their readers. http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/sports/story.html?id=1737ad5b-e2d3-4902-a8aa-85ea7f90cc46

An excellent game report from ussoccerplayers.com
http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/latest_soccer_news/533498.html

Chelsea vs. Galaxy:The Los Angeles Galaxy will announce a friendly tournament at the Home Depot Centre later today. The tournament will involve Chelsea, Korean team Suwon Bluwing (who happen to share Samsung as a shirt sponsor with Chelsea), and Tigres of Mexico.

Yallop to Decide Soon: Canadian Kevin Harmse's fate with the LA Galaxy will be decided soon, according to Frank Yallop. http://www.lasoccernews.com/article.php?article_id=1225

MLS Expansion: The latest MLS expansion buzz is coming from Arizona, where a group has formed to investigate the possibilities of an MLS team.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0308mlssoccer0308.html
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/0210mlssoccer0210.html
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/azetc/articles/0218mlssoccer0218.html

DC Samba: DC United is going Brazilian with news that "Fred", a midfielder who played with Australian side Melbourne last season, is all but confirmed. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/08/AR2007030802204.html

Robbie Rogers to Columbus: The Washington Post reports the Robbie Rogers lottery was won by the Columbus Crew yesterday.

DP Player to be Signed Soon: New York soccer writer Michael Lewis, is reporting that a source has told him an MLS team is set to sign a designated player. While we don't know the team involved, we do know the teams that have said they won't be involved in a DP signing anytime soon - namely: Toronto, New York, and DC United, while LA and Chivas no longer have a DP to use. Chicago has cleared tons of salary from their roster this off-season, and has yet to make a splash - my bet is on the Fire. Patrick Berger or Mexican Cuauhtemoc Blanco perhaps????

TORONTO FC DEFEAT UCONN HUSKIES 4-0; IMPROVE TO 7 WINS 1 LOSS IN PRE-SEASON

Toronto FC defeated the University of Connecticut Huskies Men's Soccer team 4-0 today. Goals came from Andrea Lombardo, Abbe Ibrahim, Alecko Eskandarian, and training camp invitee -Spaniard Ivan Cadavieco. Carl Robinson and waiver pickup Jon Busch saw their first action for Toronto in the convincing win. Toronto was missing Ronnie O'Brien, Marco Reda, and first round draft pick Maurice Edu, all out with injuries. The official release: http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp ymd=20070308&content_id=85200&vkey=pr_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280

More on Spanish trialist Ivan Cadavieco :
http://www.terra.es/deportes/futbol/liga/equipos/ficha_jugador.cfm?id_jugador=1006&id_equipo=528

NOTES: Canadian Kevin Harmse who has been training with the LA Galaxy since their training camp began a few weeks ago, has apparently featured in 3 of 5 pre-season matches thus far. LA made a series of cuts earlier in the week, yet Harmse remains in camp. If signed, Harmse will join another Canadian, Ante Jazic, on the Galaxy roster.

ROBBIE ROGERS LOTTERY TODAY...

The scheduled weighted lottery for the services of American teenager Robbie Rogers goes today. As reported here early last week, Rogers return may have Toronto FC implications.
Conflicting reports from two respected American Soccer writers address Toronto FC's possibility of landing Rogers. While Steven Goff over at the Washington Post claims Toronto is at the bottom of the pecking order, Ridge Mahoney of Soccer America Magazine puts Toronto at the very top of the list.

CANADIAN KEVIN HARMSE & TORONTO FC EXPANSION DRAFT PICK RITCHIE KOTSCHAU ON TRIAL WITH GALAXY

Canadian Kevin Harmse is on trial with the Los Angeles Galaxy, playing today in an exhibition pre-season match. Toronto FC Expansion Draft pick Ritchie Kotschau, is also training with the Galaxy. Kotschau was released by Toronto FC last month. A couple of other notable names in the Galaxy camp include former Manchester United Youth team and Chicago Fire player, John Thortington, who hails from California, as well as Darren Currie, an Englishman who last played with Ipswich Town in England.
http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070307&content_id=85104&vkey=news_lag&fext=.jsp&team=t106

WEDNESDAY MORNING ROUNDUP....

The only major daily paper reporting Toronto FC's pre-season result yesterday, is the National Post. They went as far as providing the goal scorer, which I couldn't find anywhere on Tuesday. Excellent work by the National Post, as the team itself has yet to release anything on their website. http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/sports/story.html?id=1d06796d-dc6d-45f1-9f78-90e0fd041578

As a follow up to game story posted yesterday, a few more details are now available. Greg Sutton and Tomer Chencinski shared the shutout for Toronto. Toronto is now 6-1-0 in Official Preseason matches. While TFC apparently started its top lineup yesterday, including Conor Casey & Edson Buddle up top, it was local teenager Andrea Lombardo who scored for Toronto in the 84th minute, in their 1-0 victory over Creighton University of the NCAA.

The aforementioned Tomer Chencinski from Thornhill, Ontario, has apparently signed a contract with Toronto FC and will serve as the third string & reserve team keeper. Chencinski is fresh out of the NCAA College Ranks, having split his time with Fairleigh Dickinson University and Robert Morris College. http://www.fduknights.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=814563&DB_OEM_ID=11000

Canada's Men's National team, was drawn into a group with Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, and Haiti, for the Gold Cup tournament to be held later this year. Canada will be based in Miami, Florida, where Haiti will surely be the fan favourites in the group. http://www.concacaf.org/view_article.asp?id=3738

TORONTO FC DEFEAT CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY 1-0

Toronto FC were victorious today 1-0, in their first pre-season game in Bradenton. The Toronto goal came in the 84th minute. Creighton, which is always amongst the top NCAA Mens Soccer programs, kept Toronto at bay for most of the match. More to come later on tonight.

Here we go - the first release about the game comes out of Omaha, Nebraska
http://www.gocreighton.com/sports/common/news_releases_detail.asp?articleID=5696

TUESDAY MORNING NEWS...

Not much in terms of real news this morning. Toronto FC is back in Florida and scheduled to play Creighton University at 10 a.m. in Bradenton. The Gold Cup Draw is scheduled for later today which will be interesting for all fans of Canadian soccer.

The Toronto Star has a list of signed players and those trying out for the team today. The first I've seen in any of the local papers. Before we all get too excited, just remember the information coming out from the various media sources has been known to be incorrect or conflicting with reports found elsewhere. The most prominent name missing from the Star's list is Uruguayan midfielder Jose Cancela. Others include Jon Paul Piques, Joey Melo, Maycoll Canizalez (or sometimes known as Mike Campos Canizalez Smith), Tyler Hemming, and Hunter West. Jeff Gonsalves and Jammal Smith had apparently been recalled for the next part of training camp yet there names do not appear anywhere on the list either. Tyler Hemming of London was reportedly attending the next phase of training camp, and was apparently without a contract according to a couple of Toronto Sun articles from a couple of days ago, yet his name does not appear. I'll suggest the Star has not included players offered/with developmental contracts. An interesting name included on the list is that of 17 year old Gabe Gala, who is being heavily recruited by NCAA schools. Until today his name was not officially printed anywhere. I can offer that Gala was very impressive during the training scrimmages at the Soccer Centre in early February.

Here is the list printed by the Toronto Star this morning:
The players signed so far are:
Defenders – Andrew Boyens, Adam Braz, Chris Pozniak and Marco Reda.
Midfielders – Richard Asante, Jim Brennan, Maurice Edu, Paulo Nagamura, Ronnie O'Brien, Carl Robinson.
Forwards – Edson Buddle, Conor Casey, Alecko Eskandarian.
Goalkeepers – Greg Sutton, Jon Busch.
Several players remain in training camp without contracts:
Defenders – Gabe Gala and Stephen Lumley.
Midfielder – AJ Gray.
Forwards – Abbe Ibrahim and Andrea Lombardo.
Goalkeeper – Tomer Chencinski.
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/188555

TORONTO FC PICKS UP GOALKEEPER JON BUSCH THROUGH WAIVER DRAFT

Toronto FC, selected MLS veteran Jon Busch in the waiver draft today from the Columbus Crew this afternoon. I had wondered if Toronto was interested in Busch last week, in another post about the player being waived by Columbus. Sir Mo answered by selecting Busch today. It will be very interesting to see how Toronto juggles their foreign player allotment, as Busch will count as an international player. Toronto FC currently have 7 American domestic eligible players on the roster - including the 2 Green Card holding internationals (O'Brien & Cancela). Supplemental draft pick, Hunter West, may also still be in contention for a developmental contract. The number of Americans on the roster proves how difficult a chore it has been trying to lure Canadian players back home to play in MLS. While the interest is very much there, the money being offered to Canadians abroad may not be close to what the players are earning in Europe. Busch, who made upwards of $90,000 last season, will surely be due for a pay cut. One of the Americans will now occupy the 4th and final senior international spot. http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070305&content_id=84950&vkey=pr_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280

TORONTO FC FOREIGN PLAYER BREAKDOWN:
USA INTERNATIONALS: Conor Casey, Alecko Eskandarian, Edson Buddle
SENIOR INTERNATIONALS: Jose Cancela, Carl Robinson, Ronnie O'Brien, Jon Busch
YOUTH INTERNATIONALS: (MAX 5) Maurice Edu, Paulo Nagamura, Abbe Ibrahim, Andrew Boyens

BECKHAM INJURED!!! BECKHAM INJURED!!!

The worst possible scenario for the marketing executives at Major League Soccer is taking shape. That little injury David Beckham sustained playing for Real Madrid, could be much worse than originally suspected - a potential nightmare for the folks over at MLS HQ & AEG. MLS banking so much on one player is a very dangerous game. I suspect there will be an overflow of unhappy fans on the "Beckham Bandwagon," when and if this injury is declared serious. http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-beckham5mar05,0,5853344.story?coll=la-home-headlines

TORONTO AREA NATIVE PAUL STALTERI SCORES FOR TOTTENHAM HOTSPURS...

Nice to see Brampton native Paul Stalteri score a big goal for Tottenham this weekend. Stalteri moved to Tottenham from Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga where he enjoyed a very successful run, including winning the League & Cup championships. After being transferred, Stalteri enjoyed good debut season in 2005-2006 with Spurs in England. It has been followed unfortunately, by a very frustrating season, where the Canadian International, has been either injured or out of favour by his manager.

CHINESE SUPER LEAGUE PLAYER TO MLS LA GALAXY & XU QING UPDATE

According to the following report, Chinese defender Yao Lijun will be on trial with the LA Galaxy of Major League Soccer. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/sports/2007-03/01/content_816537.htm

With all the requests I received for more information on Xu Qing - the player from China who was on trial with Toronto FC at the beginning of February, I thought it would be fitting that I'd post some info I found on his situation today.

After his one week trial in Toronto, Xu Qing returned home, and celebrated the Chinese New Year. While Toronto FC moved to their Ft. Lauderdale Spring training camp, Qing found himself back home, quietly preparing for the new Chinese league season. Qing was registered by his club side Wuhan, for the new Chinese Super League season in late February. The 2007 season began on Saturday. From what I can make of the translated text, Qing's ambition is to play abroad. The young Chinese player may still be looking to head elsewhere in the near future, either on loan or on a permanent basis, perhaps back to try out for another MLS team.

By all media accounts in the Chinese press, the Toronto coaching staff were very positive on Qing. One report quoted the coaching staff as saying TFC would have signed him right away had he counted as a domestic player. From what I saw of him myself, I would suggest at worst Qing could have been a long term project. So, what ever happened to Qing, if the coaching staff apparently liked him so much?

Here are a few possible explanations derived from a series of translated articles on the topic. Any of the following scenarios could be possible in my estimation:
- Toronto FC did not believe Qing justified a Youth international spot at this time
- Toronto realized it had an abundance of forwards with Conor Casey, Abbe Ibrahim, and Andrea Lombardo, on the way. Qing therefore, would have been surplus to requirements.
- A transfer fee may have been in play. A fee for an unproven player his age was not likely to happen.
- Qing's salary & compensation package, exceeded the realities of MLS.

Anyway here are some relevant, translated articles I used to base my assumptions on why Qing wasn't signed. Again these articles have been translated by google - not the best way to figure out what was being written - but worth a read if your interested.

Taken from an article from February 28th: Notes : this is the first established in Wuhan Optical Valley of the aid team, the four expatriates were from Brazil, Jiaosen Vicente 2005 season with the potential to become the main force in Wuhan. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a new partnership this season compared with Bruno. 21. Xu Qing, although the club on the 21st registered in Wuhan, but he is still playing the American League, can be leased back to the end of team effectiveness.

Jingchu network news
(Sports Weekly) (Xinhua) : Feng morning on the 13th. North American Professional League in the latest edition of the Toronto International team, young Han Qing Xu returned to the home. The latest edition, in the next two weeks, Xu Qing won the favor of an international coach, who publicly expressed keenness to join Xu Qing. However, foreign aid ended, Xu Qing Liuyang, there is still a big obstacle.

Qing's guide to a good start in the first three goals independence boosts competition, the team coach with admiration. Since the debut performance, Xu Qing more in the next match to be going to the battlefield, he said, A fleet competition every day, every other day, fighting with other teams warm up match. Xu Qing partic ipated in the eight games, scoring are commonplace. ”Team coach of the Toronto International Xu Qing high evaluation : "He was a very distinctive feature, a strong shot but also technology and speed is a very promising forwards. "

North American professional team is this year's Toronto International Alliance of the New Army, in a long club season with a good performance. Therefore, clubs in a world-wide search for a guide players have only four forwards aid Competing online. In addition, Xu Qing, a German, two French players and players.

Although favored by the other coach, it's still great difficulty in Liuyang Xu Qing. According to the North American professional league, a team can only have three foreign players. Xu Qing in the latest edition, the ownership of three foreign aid has ended, and signed a contract. If other options Xu Qing, it is necessary to terminate and other foreign aid and pay damages. New Army for a North American, not easy to make such a decision. Xu Qing also very sensible : "I have watched my strength demonstrated to the other, whether or not to join without me. "

Hejia from North America, Xu Qing run very hard in the winter. He called yesterday's press liaison, he is busy Daoshicha. He told reporters : "Recently too tired, just want to make a few adjustments in the state, quiet New Year. then full preparation for the new season. "As the European transferring windows closed, Xu Qing, would not go abroad in the latest edition of the Spring Festival.

February 14, 2007 01 Changjiang Daily
(Reporter KE) yesterday, Xu Qing return to the Toronto team experimental Wuhan. Wuhan team after two days of rest, he will return to training.
January 30, Xu pointing out the way to Toronto, Canada to begin a two-week experimental. In Toronto, the arrival of Xu Qing attracted much attention. “Good”。While competition in the first stage boosts teaching hat tricks, making Toronto chief Jessen ASR "Good." 森Then, he competitions attack in a connection, it is even more firm in Toronto chief Xu Qing direct sign of determination Jessen-the only question is whether we can persuade club.
Xu Qing, said in an interview with our reporter, "I can only try to express themselves. However, I can not about the results. "As we understand it, the problem is there are five clubs in Toronto native Vocational Alliance declared only three foreign aid (OAS membership is not the players within the aid places) As their contracts have not expired, Xu Qing to sign the non-payment of a very large sum. Xu Qing join Toronto and now he has little strength. This is the major clubs are willing to spend money to buy Xu Qing.

FIFA WORLD YOUTH U-20 CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW COMPLETED

Quick breakdown with some Toronto implications: Canada made off well in my estimation with Austria, Chile & Congo. Our American friends are in what looks to be the toughest group, together with Brazil, Poland & Korea. Not a great draw for Toronto in terms of ethnic interest & tourism (aside from Portugal). The Mexican population is rather small here, yet there may be more than a few Mexicans living across the border in New York State, Michigan etc., willing to take the short drive north to support their team. The first game will be interesting and will have Canada face a quality opponent. It also worked out well that the Mexico -Portugal game fell where it did. The game originally scheduled for Toronto, and relocated (lost) to Montreal pits Portugal & Gambia. Fitting that Austria gets a game in Toronto as well, with the Stronach empire based here. Billionaire Frank Stronach has been very active in Austrian soccer over the years.

Toronto First Round Games:
July 1st: Canada vs. Chile
July 2nd: Portugal vs. New Zealand & Gambia vs. Mexico
July 5th: New Zealand vs. Gambia & Mexico vs. Portugal
July 8th: Chile vs. Austria

As for the round of 16, Toronto is in line to get 2 games, the first featuring the winner from Group D (Brazil perhaps) July 11th, & the second the winner from Group E (Argentina perhaps) July 12th.

TORONTO FC NEW TV COMMERCIAL...

Very nice Paul! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdnWg33BF5M

SATURDAY MORNING TORONTO FC NEWS ROUNDUP

Two slightly different versions of the same article by Dean McNulty of the Toronto Sun have surfaced this morning. The first was in the Toronto Sun, while the other ran in the London Free Press, hometown of TFC Supplemental pick Tyler Hemming. Hemming has survived yet another obstacle, and will remain with the team as they move to Bradenton, Florida. The Hartwick College star, has yet to sign a contract with Toronto FC at this point. Mo Johnston has changed his tune, and has said he will now be willing to use the number one allocation on Conor Casey.
http://torontosun.canoe.ca/Sports/OtherSports/2007/03/03/3690478-sun.html
http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/Sports/Soccer/2007/03/03/3690172-sun.html

York University product, and open tryout survivor Jamaal Smith, has apparently been recalled to the team, and is also expected to be in Florida next week.

Bill Lankof of the Sun, takes a shot at Toronto FC this morning. Basically claims Toronto FC have been invisible. He has a point in a way. I mean aside from die hard fans, there are many who have no clue about the players on the team. Most of the discussion in the media has been about ticket sales and the like, with little focus on who and what to expect this coming year. I know of a few season ticket holders, that honestly couldn't tell you one name on the Toronto FC roster. One of them was actually convinced TFC had drafted Freddy Adu - instead of Maurice Edu. I couldn't change his mind, and he still believes I'm wrong. A few others believed MLS was an upstart league until I set them straight. All have unrealistic expectations of what MLS is all about, mainly due to the Beckham signing. They wonder why Alessandro del Piero, Luis Figo, or Michael Owen (or in some cases all three) haven't been signed yet. This level of expectation has been known to hurt MLS clubs in the past, the best example being New York, where the fan base has dwindled since 1996. One advantage Toronto does have however, is the tidy 20,000 seat Soccer Specific Stadium (although if it were truly "soccer specific" the field would be natural grass) from the get go. Here's the link: http://torontosun.canoe.ca/Sports/Columnists/Lankhof_Bill/2007/03/03/3690087.html

An article in the Toronto Star today, mentions players in contention for the U-20 National team participating with Toronto FC in training this winter - Stephen Lumley, Andrea Lombardo, AJ Gray and Gabe Gala. http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/187794

MLS NEWS & NOTES

MLS will conduct a waiver draft on Monday. Players waived by their respective teams in order to meet the March 1st deadline will be available.

Goalkeeper Jon Busch has been waived by the Columbus Crew. Apparently 4 teams have shown interest in selecting him on Monday. Could Toronto be one of them?

Former Indoor player Zoran Savic has been hired as an assistant coach to Preki for CD Chivas USA.

The Colorado Rapids have signed Costa Rican midfielder Yherland McDonald. McDonald will count as a Youth International.

Darren Currie, a 32 year old English midfielder from Ipswich Town, is being auditioned by the L.A Galaxy. LA's Canadian head coach Frank Yallop, had a long career with Ipswich before moving to the Tampa Bay Mutiny of MLS in 1996.

The Washington Post is reporting that DC United will have Danish defender Jamil Fearrington from FC Copenhagen in training camp next week. Fearrington is an American citizen and will not count as an international if signed. DC United will also have Welton Silva, yet another Brazilian forward in camp. This is not the original MLS "Welton" (I believe his last name was De Melo) who did well for New England and L.A during the leagues formative years. English midfielder Kasali Yinka Casal and Guy Roland Kpene of the Ivory Coast are also being looked at by DCU.

It will be very interesting to find out which MLS team was seriously courting Robbie Fowler, as Soccer America Magazine has suggested the team most interested wasn't the New England Revolution, as many believed. The only other teams I would suggest have made any noise about signing a DP this year, were Chicago and Dallas. New York was apparently after Agustin Delgado so it most likely wasn't them.

FC Dallas signed 21 year old Colombian midfielder Juan Carlos Toja. Toja was previously on loan to River Plate in Argentina, from Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia.

The Chicago Tribune, is reporting that goalkeeper Zach Thorton has been traded to the Colorado Rapids.

Mexican legend Hugo Sanchez (he played for the Dallas Burn of MLS in 1996), won his first game as head coach of Mexico. A crowd of 63,328 witnessed Mexico defeat Venezuela 3-1 in San Diego. Its safe to assume that SUM, a branch of MLS that controls the Mexican National team property in the United States, made some money on that game.

An American company, Chestnut Hill Ventures of Boston, has bought into League One side Millwall in England. I wonder if former Millwall and MLS player, Toronto born John Kerr Jr., was involved in any way. Kerr is currently coaching the Harvard Men's soccer program.

The New England Revolution have released international training camp invitees Jorge Ramirez of Peru, as well as Takuya Yamada & Takashi Hirano both of Japan.

Canada has submitted a bid to host the 2011 Women's World Cup. Canadian fans will remember that Canada was in line to host the 2007 event, yet the SARS epidemic in Asia caused the 2003 tournament to be held in the United States instead, with China granted the 2007 tourny. If the games are indeed awarded to Canada, it will surely help Vancouver in their attempts at securing funding for a proposed downtown stadium.

TORONTO DOES NOT WANT TO USE THE #1 OVERALL ALLOCATION ON CONOR CASEY

The Toronto Sun is reporting that the hold up with the Conor Casey signing revolves around Toronto not wanting to use the #1 overall Allocation on the American forward. According to the article, an agreement is now closer to being reached, and an announcement should be made as soon as today. Casey has unofficially participated with Toronto FC for the past three weeks in training camp. http://torontosun.canoe.ca/Sports/OtherSports/2007/03/02/3685708-sun.html

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

If you missed the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League qualifiers last night on Fox Sports World Canada, both MLS teams advanced with wins over Central American opponents.

The first game was the second leg of the quarterfinal series featuring DC United and CD Olimpia of Honduras. The game was a sloppy affair, played on a very wet surface at RFK Stadium in Washington DC. The once always pristine grass turf at RFK looked terrible. DC United won the first match 4-1 in Honduras, leaving Olimpia with an enormous task of winning by a large score away from home. With the 3-2 win, United advances with an aggregate of 7-3. While DC United is still technically in pre-season, their defensive group looked shaky last night in my opinion. Argentinian Christian Gomez proved his worth last night with terrific play in midfield. Luciano Emilio, United's new Brazilian signing looked very good as well. DC United had starting keeper Troy Perkins go down with an injury, and was replaced by backup Jay Nolly.

In the later game from College Station Texas, the MLS Champion Houston Dynamo defeated Puntaneras of Costa Rica 2-0. Houston advanced on aggregate after losing 1-0 away in Costa Rica last week. With a wonderful field, and what looked to be perfect weather conditions, this game was generally of a higher standard than the DC game from earlier in the evening. The rust, and lack of conditioning with some of the Houston players was very much evident however - which is natural given it is still pre-season. I thought the forward partnership of Venezuelan Alejandro Moreno and Paul Daglish of Scotland looked good. Toronto native Dwayne de Rosario went down late with some sort of leg injury, and didn't finish. Canadian keeper Pat Onstad was out hurt with an injury. The match was played at a small university soccer stadium outside of Houston. On a side note, it was interesting to see local soccer teams practicing on adjoining fields outside the stadium, while such an important fixture was being played just meters away. Goes to show that soccer participation does not necessarily translate to soccer spectator interest.

Interesting that DC United will go on to play Chivas of Guadalajara, and Houston will play Pachuca in the semi final round, as all four teams will participate in the Superliga later in the year.

MONTREAL IMPACT TO PLAY TORONTO FC

An interesting article quotes Montreal Impact billionaire director Joey Saputo's take on Toronto FC. Saputo has balked at the price for an MLS expansion team in the past, passing up opportunities to get involved in MLS when prices hovered between $5 million - $10 million. He was involved with the APSL bid to gain Division 1 Status from the USSF in the early 1990's.

Saputo confirmed what was reported here last year, that the Montreal Impact will play Toronto FC in a friendly. The game was negotiated as part of the transfer of Greg Sutton to Toronto FC. Unfortunately, the game itself may not take place this year according to the article. Toronto native and Canadian Youth International Andres Arango passed up an opportunity to sign for Toronto FC in order to play for Montreal. The Impact have been known to offer salaries comparable or better than some MLS teams would offer for domestic talent. Gabriel Gervais, Nevio Pizziolitto, and Sandro Grande are Impact players that MLS teams have looked at in the past. http://www.cbc.ca/cp/sports/070301/s030137A.html

ENGLISHMAN ANDY WELSH ON TRIAL WITH TORONTO FC

The Toronto Sun is reporting this morning that English striker Andy Welsh, formerly of Sunderland and Leicester, is on trial with Toronto FC. According to Mo Johnston, Welsh has been "very impressive." Having been born in 1983, Welsh would therefore be eligible for Youth International status if signed by Toronto. I might suggest with the current selection of forwards currently in camp, does Toronto really need another forward?

According to the article, Mo continues to search for players, with the usual line about a few more on the way with "International /MLS experience". The keeper position remains a going concern for Toronto, as do injuries with the likes of Paulo Nagamura, Ronnie O'Brien, Edson Buddle, Alecko Eskandarian - a big chunk of the salary cap, sitting on the bench this week. The Maurice Edu injury will keep him out of the lineup for at least another month. http://torontosun.canoe.ca/Sports/OtherSports/2007/03/01/3680718-sun.html

Some Background on Andy Welsh: http://www.football.co.uk/sunderland/players/andy_welsh_68479.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andy_Welsh
http://www.soccerbase.com/players_details.sd?playerid=26820

TORONTO AREA PRODUCTS OFFICIALLY ON TRIAL WITH TORONTO FC

The Toronto Star counters with a story on the late arrival of two area teenagers to practice. The article confirms that Canadian Youth Internationals AJ Gray and Stephen Lumley are "trying out" for Toronto FC. It appears that both young players may have decided to turn professional, as try outs for a professional team could disqualify these players from US Scholarship opportunities. Gabe Gala, another young player that scrimmaged with Toronto FC at the Soccer Centre in Vaughan earlier in the month, was not mentioned in the article.
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/186998

If Cathal Kelly of the Toronto Star, honestly believes BMO Field will be capable of hosting World Cup matches, he is sadly mistaken. BMO Field will be perfect venue for MLS and Canadian Soccer, but it is by no means a "world class" venue capable of hosting World Cup games, even with the capacity expanded. Lets be honest here, BMO Field is a no frills equivalent of a smallish US College football stadium (there may even be high school facilities on par in the US). Any US World Cup bid will not include smaller soccer specific stadiums in my estimation. Modern NFL Stadiums will be the focus of the bid. One of the primary reasons USA 1994 was so successful was that all stadiums were already in place, as they would be again in 2018, cutting down on the capital expenditures related to hosting. A joint North American bid is a fascinating idea though.
http://www.thestar.com/columnists/article/186987

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL ROBBIE ROGERS AVAILABLE - IS TORONTO FC INTERESTED???

According to Soccer America, US International Robbie Rogers will return from Dutch side Heerenveen and placed in a weighted lottery where interested teams will have the opportunity to acquire his MLS rights. According to Soccer America magazine, Toronto FC being an expansion team, will have the greatest probability in securing his services if they decide to enter the lottery. Rogers, who left the University of Maryland in the NCAA ranks early to sign in Europe, would most probably count as a Youth International in Toronto. If TFC enters and wins the lottery for Rogers, he would join University of Maryland alumni Maurice Edu, the first overall draft pick in the MLS draft this year, and Toronto goalkeeper coach Carmine Isacco. While Toronto FC look stacked at the forward position, with three American Internationals highlighting an impressive list that includes: Alecko Eskandarian, Edson Buddle, and Conor Casey, as well as two young players Mo Johnston is extremely high on - Abbe Ibrahim from Togo, and Canadian Andrea Lombardo who has recently returned from the Italian leagues. I would suggest that it would be odd for Toronto to make another play for a forward, unless of course Sir Mo is looking to wheel and deal. www.socceramerica.com/article.asp?Art_ID=562138673

MARCH 1 ROSTER DEADLINE, CONOR CASEY UPDATE, & TFC TIME CHANGES.

Dean McNulty of the Toronto Sun provides an update on the Conor Casey situation this morning. The Sun also reports that Toronto FC draft pick and former University of Rhode Island product Jeff Gonsalves, is back training with the team at the University of Toronto. Abbe Ibrahim is not with the team as he is having immigration problems.
http://torontosun.canoe.ca/Sports/2007/02/28/3676317-sun.html

By tomorrow (March 1st), all MLS teams must have ensured that current player rosters conform to league rules and the salary cap restrictions. That is, a maximum of 28 players on the roster, with contracts not to exceed the salary cap, estimated to be around $2.1 million. The aforementioned deadline does not effect Toronto as much as it would a more established MLS team. Toronto FC is still slowly building their roster, and have plenty of salary cap room to spare by all accounts. MLS teams can continue to sign and bring in players on trial for the remainder of the pre-season. Tomorrow's deadline serves primarily as a first check towards salary cap compliance. The Official Toronto FC website has added both Richard Asante and Andrew Boyens to its official roster page. The MLS transfer window closes on April 15th according to the New Jersey Star Ledger. http://web.mlsnet.com/players/roster.jsp?club=t280

I've noticed Toronto FC have changed the start times for 3 home games when comparing to the original schedule emailed to season tickets holders last month. The first is the home opener on Saturday April 28th, it will begin at 12:30 p.m from the original 3:30 pm start. The second match is Sunday July 29th, as the start time has been changed from 4:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and finally on Saturday October 20th will have a new start time of 12:30, instead of 3:30. Make corrections to your calenders or print off a new copy of the schedule just in case.

FC Dallas is in Brazil for training this week where they will be taking a look at a couple of players on trial; young Colombian Juan Carlos Toja, and Argentinian defender Pablo Richetti.

The National Post reports on the ticket mess surrounding the July 8th World Youth Championship game originally scheduled for Toronto. FIFA moved the match to Montreal from BMO Field in Toronto on the weekend. Makes you wonder how much tax payer money was provided by the City of Toronto to build BMO Field again partly because of the exposure the city would receive on a worldwide basis from hosting the event. You probably have a couple of unhappy politicians who voted on the stadium - especially if the game moved involves a high profile team like Portugal. http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/sports/story.html?id=c33479fa-1409-40fa-92e0-c23a1ca25847

Trinidadian Goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, who had a very good professional career in England, after a stint in the NCAA ranks, is set to receive his American Green Card. With the Green Card in hand, Hislop will no longer count as a Senior International in MLS. Hislop, will compete with incumbent number 1 keeper - Argentinian Dario Sala, for the starter position in Dallas this year.

TORONTO WORLD YOUTH SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP MESS+ MLS NOTES!

* The Toronto organizers for the FIFA World Youth Championship tournament, made a real mess scheduling matches at BMO Field during the Indy Car Race on Sunday July 8th. After talk of resolution, and reassurances that fans should not be worried, Toronto ends up losing one of the matches on July 8th to Montreal.

So who gets to pay for the organizing committee's screw up? Well its the fans of course. The same fans the organizers have taken money from. Soccer fans were sold packages including a doubleheader for Sunday July 8th, and instead one of the matches gets moved. The explanation goes something like this - your still getting a game/event on that day so we've done nothing wrong. A bogus answer in my estimation. Had they not advertised the game as a doubleheader, this would be a non-issue, yet the schedule was released and many people relied on that information when purchasing tickets. Some have even made travel plans for that match, expecting to see their team play. What do fans get other than a poor excuse for the inept planning on the part of the organizing committee - a realization that some have little integrity in the way they go about doing business.

* By the way, I can't believe all the hype around town for the FIFA World Youth Championship draw on Saturday? Seriously, does anyone know or care that this event is taking place in Toronto? It will be televised live on the CBC apparently, if your interested.

* Lucky # 7 - 2007 is the 80th Anniversary of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and 30th Anniversary of the Toronto Blue Jays (or whatever their called now). Good year for Toronto FC to play their inaugural season.

MLS Player Moves & Rumours:
* Nick Rimando was traded back to Real Salt Lake by New York. This has pretty much ended the Jon Conway to Toronto trade rumours. For the time being anyway!
* Alex Zotinca, a Romanian Defender, who played for Bob Gansler in Kansas City for several MLS seasons, has signed with Chivas USA. Zotinca carries a coveted Green Card which allows him to count as a domestic player in MLS.
* Luciano De Bruno, an Argentinian midfielder currently playing in Israel, is rumored to be heading to Kansas City.
* Jamar Beasley, the older brother of Manchester City and USA International Demarcus Beasley, did not impress on trial for Chivas USA, and has returned to Indoor Soccer. This is not a name that will mean much to those of you new to MLS, however before Landon Donovan and Freddy Adu there was Jamar Beasley. Beasley was the first young hope for MLS after signing with the league while still in high school. He was said to be a can't miss prospect at the time being sent to the New England Revolution. Unfortunately, Jamar's young career took a turn for the worse when he moved in with a famous Boston Celtic player, and spent more time focused on late night partying than improving his soccer skills. After leaving the Revolution and trying to catch on with a couple of other MLS sides, Jamar found a niche in the indoor circuit where he has emerged as one of the top players. Of course the comparison to Demarcus, his less heralded brother at the time, will always be made. Demarcus went on to a great career in MLS, Holland, 2 World Cup Final Tournaments, and is now in the Premiership with Manchester City. For Jamar, the opportunity provided to him by Chivas coach Preki, was probably his last chance to catch on in MLS.
* Highly touted Maykel Galindo from Cuba, who defected a couple of years ago during a Cuban National team game in the United States, has signed with Chivas USA. Galindo had been playing for Seattle in the USL.

O'BRIEN INJURY + CASEY NEWS...

Larry Millson of the Globe and Mail once again provides an excellent look at some of the behind the scences happenings in Florida, including a possible injury to Ronnie O'Brien.
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070223.wspt-soc-torfc-23/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer

More from Millson who was doing a great job covering the team in Florida.
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070222.wsptfc22/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070223.wspttfc23/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070221.wsptfc21/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home

TORONTO FC DEFEAT LYNN UNIVERSITY 3-2 IN FLORIDA

Toronto FC ends the first portion of training camp with a 5-1-0 record, defeating the Lynn University Men's Soccer team 3-2 today in Sunrise, Florida. Lynn University are a local college team in the Miami area, that participate in the NCAA Division 2 ranks. American forward Edson Buddle lights it up today with three goals. Robert Morris University product Tomer Chencinski and former Sporting Braga apprentice Jon Paul Piques, both from the Toronto area, split the game in goal for TFC. Good news to end the week. Here is the official release (complete with yet another weather update -someone should tell them to get their coats out as Toronto is bracing for yet another winter storm to welcome them home on Monday):
http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070223&content_id=84333&vkey=pr_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280

SPECULATION: TORONTO FC DEFENDERS WANTED???

With so much being made about the need for a backup keeper lately, not much is being written about the lack of depth in terms of defenders on the current Toronto FC roster. Toronto FC have done a great job at assembling a full complement of forwards and midfielders given the many parameters and restrictions placed on the team. The defensive ranks however, look very thin on paper. Beyond Marco Reda, Andrew Boyens, Chris Pozniak, and Adam Braz, Toronto FC has limited options at the back. While Jim Brennan and Carl Robinson, can be called on to play on the back line, their preferred roles will surely be in the midfield. Garfield Reid, a Jamaican International on trial last week in Florida, was released by TFC on Tuesday.

A defender who I have been informed is apparently available, and also very interested in returning home, is Toronto native Victor Oppong. After a promising start to his career, including stints with various Canadian Youth National and Olympic Teams, his career has stagnated somewhat recently. Oppong has been plying his trade in the lower tiers of the German league, and has fallen off the radar for most. A move home to be closer to family and friends may be in the cards. Oppong is currently exploring his future options, and whether it will be possible to extend his stay in Europe. According to some very close to the player, North American options are very possible given the right set of circumstances.

That said, it is not known whether Toronto FC have shown any interest in Oppong's services, or if they even rate the player at all. It is also not known how well the player has progressed over the last few years, nor his salary / compensation demands, which may be difficult to meet given the limited resources of MLS. After all, even lower division teams in some European leagues offer different incentives and bonuses for players well beyond the basic salary. Conversely, a player who is lower down on the depth charts of an MLS team (as Oppong would be), can't expect to make a great living, until they prove their worth in the MLS.

THURSDAY MORNING ROUNDUP

MLS Cup Champions Houston Dynamo lost to Puntarenas of Costa Rica 1-0 in the away fixture of the CONCACAF Champions League yesterday. DC United defeated Olimpia of Honduras handily 4-1.

An update as to why Conor Casey has not been officially announced by Toronto FC can be found this morning in the Toronto Sun. http://torontosun.canoe.ca/Sports/OtherSports/2007/02/22/3654235-sun.html

UPDATE: Larry Millson from the Globe & Mail, is in Florida and provides an update on the Conor Casey situation. http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070222.wspttorontofc22/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home

Real Salt Lake Goalkeeper Scott Garlick is apparently set to announce his retirement from pro soccer. Garlick is best remembered for backstopping DC United several years ago. Garlick's departure will leave Real Salt Lake with a need for an experienced keeper with only First Round draft pick Chris Seitz as a viable option. Although Seitz is said to be the next top US keeper, he is bound to play for the USA in the World Youth Championships here in Canada in the summer, and will miss a good chunk of the season. RSL recently traded away another former DC United keeper, Nick Rimando to New York after acquiring him earlier in the off-season. The names floating around as possible replacements are Jon Conway of Red Bull, and former Chicago Fire and Benfica man Zach Thorton.

New England have two interesting Pre-Season guests at their training camp in Bermuda - Japanese players Takuda Yamada and Takashi Hirano. For Toronto FC's sake, I was hoping that New England would have experienced more turnover this off season. Moreover, in addition to losing Clint Dempsey to Fulham in the English Premier League, offers were apparently on the table for star midfielder Sharlie Joseph from Glasgow Celtic, Taylor Twellman from Odd Grenland of Norway, and Trinidadian Avery John from QPR. Although things are said to have been taken care of in New England, with new contracts issued to these players, one has to wonder how Joseph really feels about losing out on an opportunity to play for one of the world's premier teams. Joseph not only loses out on the earning potential from both the transfer fee and a European contract, but perhaps his last chance to experience top level European Soccer, the culture surrounding Glasgow Celtic, and Champions League. Perhaps resentment will again surface in the New England locker room this season, as it did when management prevented Clint Dempsey from moving to England last summer.

Red Bull New York are finally set to announce their second Designated Player according to Ives Galacerp. Augstin Delgado from Ecuador has been the most frequent name mentioned. Delgado has been rumored since early January. Aside from helping fill the need for a striker, the Delgado move will help target the huge Ecuadorian population in the New York area, and possibly help restore interest in the team from the Hispanic community in that market. During MLS's earlier years, the New York/New Jersey Metrostars made it a practice of including at least one Colombian on the roster in hope of capitalizing on another huge ethnic group in the area. http://njmg.typepad.com/sbi/2007/02/red_bulls_to_us.html

According to the San Diego Tribune, Citibank Corporation is set to offer the LA Galaxy $49 million dollars to become their jersey sponsor for the next five years.

TORONTO SUN "OFFICIAL" SPONSOR OF TORONTO FC

The Toronto Sun newspaper has become an "Official" Toronto FC sponsor joining Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Carlsberg Beer. I totally missed this bit of news when it was originally announced. http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/t280/about/sponsors/

TORONTO FC WIN ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

Toronto FC were 5-0 winners vs. a local side called "Soccer Max" on Tuesday afternoon. Not sure about the quality of the competition today, but it looks as if it was a convincing win. Abbe Ibrahim has arrived to training camp and scored today. The other goal scorers were Paulo Nagamura, Jose Cancela, Hunter West, and Edson Buddle. There was some discussion that Toronto were slated to play Lynn University, the Division 2 NCAA Champions today, however that game must have fallen through at the last minute. The team will returning to Toronto next week, and practice indoors at the U of T according to the team.
http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070220&content_id=84073&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280

TORONTO FC SUFFER LOSS TO CANADIAN U-20'S

As predicted yesterday, Dean McNulty of the Toronto Sun stopped by TFC training camp on his way back from the Daytona 500, and provides us with the first media report from training camp. Here it is: http://torontosun.canoe.ca/Sports/2007/02/20/3647514-sun.html
Highlights:
- Toronto lost 2-1 to the Canadian Under 20 National Team yesterday
- # 1 Draft Pick Maurice Edu has a fractured pelvis and will be out 4-5 weeks
- Jamaican International Garfield Reid, Colombian Hector Hurtado, and South African Junaid Hartley have been cut from the team.
- Sir Mo's comment about the 4-5 invitees not impressing - we know the first three, but who are the other 2 ???
- Sounds as if Syracuse University product Richard Asante, and Hartwick University supplemental draft pick Tyler Hemming are in line to earn a spot on the roster.

ROSENLUND OFFERED CONTRACT IN SWEDEN

Tyler Rosenlund has been offered a contract in Sweden. http://fotbolldirekt.com/IndexNews.cfm?ID=21816

TFC SCORE REVISED TO 3-0

When I left for work this morning, Toronto FC had apparently tied the Canadian U-20 Nats 1-1 in a scrimmage over the weekend - this according the official website. By the time I arrived home, the same report had TFC winning that scrimmage 3-0. Its not an official game, so it doesn't really matter either way, but you have to wonder how the heck that happens??? I guess we can somewhat make sense of adding a goal to the score, but how exactly do you take one away from your opponent? I also noticed they referred to Miguel-Maycoll- Mike Campos-Canizalez as a Canadian in the second article. I swear it said he was Salvadoran in the initial release. I had wondered all day if I had the right guy pegged this weekend.

BTW, I did make a mistake in my trivia post yesterday. I had Scott Norwood hailing from Oakville, when in reality it was Steve Christie who hails from Oakville. Thanks to the reader who caught that and brought it to my attention.

MONDAY MORNING NOTES

- According to http://www.torontofc.ca/ , the team tied the Canadian U-20 Men's National Team 1-1 on Saturday in Florida during a scrimmage. Miguel Canizalez scored for TFC.

- Dean McNulty the Soccer/Racing beat reporter at the Toronto Sun is down in Florida covering the Daytona 500. Lets hope he gets out to catch some Toronto FC pre-season and report back.

- According to Toronto Sun Senior Columnist George Gross, former NHL VP, and current MISL President Steve Ryan, would like to see indoor soccer teams in Canadian markets in the future. The cities mentioned in the article were: Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax.

SUNDAY MORNING ROUNDUP + TRIVIA ANSWERS

Well there is absolutely no news to roundup, not even an update on how many cookies Adam Braz has been eating, or the subtle Florida weather updates thrown in to each of the TFC official releases. I'm convinced those weather updates are meant to rub it in to all of us stuck in the GTA.

The reports concerning Zinadine Zidane, are being downplayed and outright shot down by the Chicago Fire GM Steve Guppy and head coach Dave Sarachan. The earlier approach made by the Fire for Zidane, apparently came via Chicago Fire French import midfielder Pascal Bedrossian, who is reportedly a very close friend of Zidane's brother in France. One thing is certain - if your splitting a ticket package with someone, hold on dearly to the 2 Chicago Fire games. While David Beckham may be a media celebrity, Zidane is a football legend. Chicago has cleared quite a bit of cap room off their roster and have not followed up with any big signings. So lets keep a close eye on this rumour.

With all the hoopla over the tickets from the negative article about TFC/MLSE sales policies the other day in the Toronto Star, you can't help but wonder what happens next year when the Beckham factor, as well as the curiosity over the team and stadium wear off. As much as I love MLS, and believe in it, the reality is many fans (which is probably 99% of the season ticket base) have never been exposed to MLS soccer. Many will surely be disappointed by the caliber of play if they compare it to the top leagues they watch from Europe of South America. They'll also complain about the field turf, the lack of media coverage, the stadium location, anything and everything to put TFC down. To boot if TFC stink on the field, which is what most expansion teams tend to do, then were in big trouble. I'm convinced that in Toronto the biggest battle to get pro soccer established is not with those that hate soccer, rather it is with those that love it.

If the renewal rate for seasons tickets is anything less than 100% next year, the anti-soccer media is going to publicly crucify Toronto FC & MLSE. Every "good news" ticket article this spring moreover, will be followed by negative stories next year. The anti-soccer media is waiting to come out screaming "failure" and "I told you so", and "white elephant", with regard to BMO. Heck, most people were pumped when TFC were on course to beat original estimates, and thought 7000 would be a fantastic number to reach. The bar has now been raised, and it's a lofty one (approx. 13000).

I guess this is a wonderful problem to have if your MLSE. An easy solution of course will be signing a well known, Designated Player from Italy, Portugal, Greece, or England (as you all know I can continue this list forever, so don't get upset if I missed your nationality - heck don't they get something like 3000 people out to watch a local Somalian tournament at Centennial Stadium each summer?).

Anyway, Sir Mo is proving to be quite the wheeler dealer. I mean you can't lose a trade if the players you send away can't play for the other team. Toronto FC Expansion draft picks Tim Regan & Adrian Serioux, both since traded away, are out with serious long term injuries. A word of caution to the people at MLSE - keep Sir Mo out of your playoff hockey pools.

Ok, now on to the trivia answers for the questions posted the other day: (if I'm wrong or I missed someone send me an email)

(1) The two MLS head coaches who were involved with the Toronto Blizzard are Bob Houghton who coached Colorado in 1996, and Argentine legend Carlos "Cacho" Cordoba who was the original coach of the Miami Fusion in 1998. Cordoba was also an assistant to Dave Dir in Dallas for a couple of years .

(2) The 4 former Toronto Blizzard players who suited up for MLS teams are: Alex Bunbury (KC), Pat Harrington (KC), Pat Onstad (SJ/HOU), and American Ted Eck (Dallas)

(3) Indoor Soccer legend Hector Marinaro, is the leading point man in the history of pro indoor soccer. Marinaro, has been a big part of the Cleveland soccer community for many years now. His father Hector Marinaro Sr., a player of great pedigree himself in Latin America, had been involved with many pro soccer teams over the years in various capacities in the Toronto area. The famous North York Rockets bus from the CSL days, some of you may remember, was run by Marinaro.

(4) The NHL hockey question was very easy - Peter Zezel who played with the Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers amongst others was drafted by the Toronto Blizzard and played for the North York Rockets in the Canadian Soccer League. Tie Domi formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers played one summer in the Puma International Pro League at Lamport Stadium for a Macedonian Selection.

According to his youth team coach (who also coached Paul Peschisilido) current NHL'er Mike Ricci of the Phenoix Coyotes was also a high caliber youth soccer player. Former Leafs Gary Leeman & Nick Kypreos are a couple of others who were said to be quality youth soccer players, as was former Buffalo Bills NFL kicker Scott Norwood who hails from Oakville, Ontario.

(5) The correct answer is former Arsenal man Anders Limpar who played a couple of seasons for the Colorado Rapids. Someone smartly offered Frenchman Gilles Grimandi who I'd forgot totally about, though technically he never played in a regular season game for the Rapids.

A bit of TFC Soccer Trivia happened this week as well - the first goal scorer in an official game was Colombian Hector Hurtado, who may not be with the team at all come April.

TORONTO FC GOALKEEPER SITUATION..CONWAY ETC...

Interesting interview by one of the foremost soccer writers in the USA, New York based Michael Lewis, with Red Bulls keeper coach Des McAleenan. The interview has some informative information regarding the Toronto keeper situation and Jon Conway.
http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/article.php?article_id=8695

Relevant Toronto FC Summary from Des McAleenan Interview:
"Since the Red Bulls signed Rimando 10 days ago, there has been a ton of speculation that Conway would be traded for a forward. One possibility had Conway going to Toronto FC for forward Alecko Eskandarian. Former Red Bulls coach Mo Johnston coaches the expansion team."I will go on the record that Mo would take Jon in the morning," McAleenan said. "Mo likes him a lot. . . . I think the league has not been very kind to Mo, in terms of the kind of constraints they have put on him. Mo would have to (use) a foreign spot for a goalkeeper."
Waterreus reportedly will make $135,000 this season. Conway, a career backup, made a guaranteed salary of $48,250 last season. Rimando earned a guaranteed salary of $102,800 in 2006, but took a cut to join the Red Bulls.
Teams cannot afford to give two of their starting goalkeepers a decent living. In this league, how it works -- I'm not going to give you the figures -- starting goalkeeper between 100 and 200 at the very top. and that's it, max. And then what they like to do is to fill in the blanks with a guy, if they can, if he's fantastic, that guy is under 50. When you start to move up, then it gets tricky.
If Mo's guy goes down in Canada, he's in big trouble. He tells me he has no goalkeepers. He has only one -- (Greg) Sutton. If Sutton gets hurt, then Mo is in a whole world of pain."Toronto isn't the only team in trouble."

TORONTO 2-0-0 IN PRE-SEASON

Toronto FC won their second pre-season match 3-0 against a selection of Honduran Players - presumably locals from the Miami area. Miguel Canizalez played for Toronto FC - which is fantastic news. More to come later.
http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jspymd=20070216&content_id=83898&vkey=pr_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280
SOME OBSERVATIONS:
- Supplemental draft pick Hunter West scores 2
- very interesting that there is no mention of Jose Cancela - he didn't appear in the game summary, nor did they mention him out with an injury
- as reported Carl Robinson hasn't arrived yet
- still no sign or announcement on Conor Casey.
- Jamaican International Garfield Reid is now officially in camp
- Colombian International Hector Hurtado played yet again
- Junaid Hartley ??? was listed - not sure who this is
- Local Toronto product Andrea Lombardo back from playing in Italy including stints with Atalanta of Bergamo reportedly did very well
- Ronnie O'Brien, Maurice Edu + Alecko Eskandarian out injured today
- Local Toronto native Miguel (sometimes known as Mike Campos) Canizalez who was originally born in El Salvador and has played in the German leagues for many years, appeared in the second half. His career is one filled with unfortunate injuries, yet he is certainly a player with all the tools when healthy. A great addition in my estimation. I was always surprised MLS teams in places like DC or LA never gave Canizalez a look considering he had loads of potential, was young enough to count as a YI (don't believe that is the case any longer - as if I recall he was born in 1982) and has a Salvadoran background, which is an important asset in those markets. Perhaps his German teams commanded too much for his rights.

ESKANDARIAN RUMOURS WON' T GO AWAY ...THIS TIME ITS KOVALENKO TO TORONTO FC

The always reliable http://www.mlsunderground.blogspot.com/ is suggesting Dema Kovalenko may be headed to Toronto given the salary cap issues with Red Bull New York. Kovalenko has been one of my favourite MLS players over the last few years. The Ukrainian born player moved to Rochester New York in high school (Rochester is a short drive from Toronto) and had a stellar career at Indiana under Jerry Yeagley. I would love to see him in Toronto yet there is quite the backlog in the midfield at the moment so I'm not so sure how likely this move will be. Very interesting nonetheless. If your not familiar with MLS, Dema is a player most teams and fans hate playing against, yet a player most would admit they wouldn't mind having on their side.

TORONTO FC TICKET SALES ARTICLE

The Toronto Star article this morning regarding ticket sales has really ticked a nerve. TFC is a business with 20 dates to sell, the least of their worries will be August 5th. If fans aren't willing to purchase a package for whatever reason, the consequence is they may not have a chance to watch David Beckham - and that's too bad. They don't write articles for Leaf, Blue Jay, or Raptors fans when they get shut out of the big fixtures. If the fan mentioned in the article is really interested in the team, he has a chance to attend any one of the 7 games before August 5th & perhaps a couple of friendlies.

What Toronto FC should do, when they start selling single game tickets, is reward every single supporter who purchased the original $53.00 deposit through ticketmaster, with a window to purchase single game tickets before the general public. Those fans (I am one myself) made a commitment to TFC & MLS many months before the Beckham bandwagon, and even before Sir Mo, and Jim Brennan were signed. These are many of the U-Sector, Red Patch Boys, Liverpool Supporters and other die hard fans who believed in pro soccer when pro soccer has let many of them down repeatedly over the years. If Toronto FC is really concerned with building loyalty they should reward those fans first. Whatever tickets remain should go out to the public. I'm not saying that anyone who purchased tickets after the season ticket packages became available are any less worthy than those of us that bought before, however, a financial commitment was made by a few thousand supporters and in exchange TFC made many promises about advantages of paying that deposit. In my opinion Toronto FC would be smart to return the loyalty back to those fans.

My fear is that many of those post Beckham season ticket packages sold, will result in empty seats for the other 19 games at BMO. They bought the packages for the Beckham game, will try a couple of others maybe, and never return. Personally, I look at the Beckham game like any other. If for whatever reason he doesn't play or show up, I could care less. Moreover, I would welcome the news if it means Toronto FC can more easily secure points from that game.
On the other hand, I would love the opportunity to secure a few more tickets for April 28th, so that I can take my extended family and some friends on top of the tickets I purchased. Its the least I can do considering all the Saturday's where plans have revolved around the start and end times of some meaningless mid summer Kansas City Wizards - Miami Fusion game on the dish.

Wouldn't that space in the paper today have been better served with updating fans on training camp, with quotes from Sir Mo instead of Tom Anselmi??? Just my opinion.

USELESS - TORONTO BLIZZARD & MLS TRIVIA

With very little coming out of Toronto FC training camp in Florida, I'd like to share some Toronto related MLS trivia for those of you interested in spending some time polishing up on some MLS history.

(1) Name the the two former MLS Head Coaches who had been involved in some capacity with the Toronto Blizzard??? (Hint - the first was a coach, the other an on field player with the Blizzard).

(2) Name the four former Toronto Blizzard players who have suited up for MLS teams since the MLS inception back in1996??? (Hint - think CSL version)

(3) Chivas USA coach Preki is regarded as one of the greatest indoor soccer players of all time. Yet a Toronto native & former Toronto Blizzard player is actually the all time point leader in indoor professional soccer. Who was he??? This player was invited to the inaugural MLS Combine in 1996, but was not drafted due to his relatively high wage demand. (Hint: It is not Toronto native & San Diego Sockers legend Branko Segota) .

(4) Name the two former Toronto Maple Leafs who played professional soccer during their NHL careers? One was involved with the NASL Blizzard & CSL North York Rockets, the other played in the upstart PUMA League at Lamport Stadium. (This is an easy one imo)

While not Toronto related, I thought this question is fitting considering the announcement made last week:

(5) With Colorado now linked to Arsenal, who was the former Arsenal midfielder to play for the Rapids? Hint - it wasn't any of these former Rapids players Roy Wegerle, Ian Butterworth, or Chris Woods.

I'll post the answers this weekend.

TYLER ROSENLUND BACK TO SWEDEN...

Former University of Santa Barbara midfielder and British Colombia native Tyler Rosenlund is having a real tough go of it in Scandinavia. He has been released by AIK Stockholm, and now IFK Mariehamn of the Finnish league. Rosenlund is currently looking to catch on with a second division team back in Sweden.

This from my contact in Sweden: Tyler did not get a contract with IFK Mariehamn either (something I find strange in a way), they said he wasn't the type of player they were looking for. He is now supposedly to continue his route of trials with the Swedish club Åtvidaberg. It's a very "old and honorable" club that plays in our secondary division these days, normally ending up in the middle or lower half of that league. It's also a team that servers as a farming club for Djurgården, AIKs bitter rivals the the second biggest team in Stockholm...

TORONTO FC WINS IN FLORIDA & "ESKANDARIAN GOING NOWHERE"

Toronto FC won their first pre-season game on Tuesday, defeating Florida International University 1-0 according to a release on the teams official website. The goal scorer was Hector Hurtado a Colombian International invitee. Toronto FC coach Mo Johnston also put an end to speculation swirling around Alecko Eskandarian this past week in the official press release. "Eskandarian is going nowhere" said Johnson, responding to newspaper reports coming from New Jersey on Tuesday. Scrimmages vs. Lynn University (potentially) and the Canadian Under-20 National team are set for Friday. http://web.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070213&content_id=83646&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280
With minimal mainstream press coverage to be expected in Florida over the next couple of months, it looks like http://www.torontofc.ca/ the teams Official Website, will keep the growing fan base informed by picking up some of the slack.

SPECULATION: ESKANDARIAN TO RED BULLS PICKING UP STEAM

First Ives, now Frank Giase at the Newark Star Ledger is calling for Alecko Eskandarian to return home to Jersey. There is no doubt Toronto will require a solid experienced backup keeper, especially if Greg Sutton is away playing for Canada or goes down with an injury, as he did last year for the Montreal Impact. It is also true that Jon Conway is one of the remaining Johnston favourites on the New York Roster.Elie Ikangu, Joe Vide, and Marvell Wynne are others who were assembled by the current Toronto coach and wouldn't count as SI's on the roster (Taylor Graham was listed here originally, yet upon further investigation he would count take up an USA SI spot which is unlikely). The move to acquire Nick Rimando last week leaves New York with two relatively high priced keepers, after the purchase of Dutchman Ronald Watterreus last month. Is Conway worth Eskandarian or the partial allocation used to purchase Esky? Not in my estimation. And does Sir Mo like him enough to trade away Eskandarian, and allow a backup keeper to use up one of the coveted USA International spots on the roster - who knows?

If there is truth to to this, perhaps Sir Mo is looking at a package that may include a youth international player like Ikangu or Vide to be thrown in. The way I see it, Conway will be released shortly - why not simply wait it out if your TFC? At that point, Sir Mo can work from a stronger position with regard to trading one of the three US Internationals, if making room for Conway becomes necessary.

TORONTO FC TELEVISION RIGHTS..

According to William Houston at the Globe and Mail, The Score and the CBC will carry Toronto FC games this year. The CBC package is a product apparently of a commitment to local soccer as a stipulation to the FIFA World Cup t.v rights they have won. Does that mean Toronto FC will be shown nationally across the network and can we expect the USL Vancouver Whitecaps & Montreal Impact on CBC as well? I also wonder what will happen to the Toronto FC games being carried live by Fox Soccer Channel in the United States, as you would think Fox Sports World Canada would show those fixtures here?

POTENTIAL FRIENDLY WITH GREEK SIDE PAOK SALONICA IN THE WORKS???

Steve Goff of the Washington Post is reporting that former Greece and US National team coach Alkis Panagoulias is trying to arrange a friendly here in Toronto for Greek side PAOK Salonica in May. I would assume the opposition will be Toronto FC, but that wasn't confirmed. PAOK are to arrive after the Greek league season ends in May. Toronto FC have a weekend open on May 5+6, yet that may be too early depending on the Greek League schedule. Otherwise, it will have to be a mid-week fixture. There may be some Canadian content on PAOK with Edmonton native Daniel Fernandes listed on the Wiki roster. Fernandes, who was said to be courted by Jose Mourinho at one point, is yet another Canadian who will play internationally for a country other than his homeland - this time Portugal.
Official Site for PAOK: http://www.paokg4.org/
& the wikibikishiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAOK_FC

SUNDAY MORNING ROUNDUP

Carl Robinson discusses life after MLS, and the approaching wave of footballers from the UK bound for MLS. http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/columnists/

George Gross examines the cultural makeup of Toronto FC today. Funny how Tom Anselmi left off Chris Pozniak and Adam Braz from his list of Canadians. I believe both players are of Polish decent. While Gross makes reference to the demise of past teams and leagues in the Toronto area, TFC will be the very first attempt at professional soccer where the market is void of other competition. Ethnic based leagues & teams would draw thousands to various venues in the 50's,60's, 70's, and to a lesser extent in the 1980's. So while the Blizzard of the NASL drew 13,000, you may have had at least another 13,000 scattered elsewhere watching Greek, Portuguese, Italian or Croatian teams to name a few, in the NSL. Toronto has been a severely divided soccer marketplace for what seems an eternity. The lack of division within the soccer community today, is one of the main reasons why this team has the greatest opportunity to be a success over any other soccer venture before it.
http://torontosun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2007/02/11/3587201-sun.html

SATURDAY MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP...

Today's Toronto Star article claims several players were cut after the morning practice yesterday. York Universiy product Jamal Smith was one. The article claims that Paulo Nagamura will join the team next week along with Carl Robinson. I can confirm however that Paulo Nagamura was definitely in camp this week (perhaps he wasn't there on Friday morning). It could be the reporter is not familiar with all the players yet. However, calls of "Nagy" & "Paulo" were unmistakable during scrimmages as he was one of the key distributors of the ball in the middle of the field this week. http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/180327

Toronto Sun reporter Dean McNulty is providing the best print coverage of any of the TFC beat reporters in my estimation. He is not afraid to confront Sir Mo with tough questions and critique some of the transactions. Jamal Smith & Jeff Gonsalves have been cut (they were offered Developmental Contract deals apparently - I don't quite understand how that works though). Joey Mello, Richard Asante, and Tyler Hemming have all made it through to Florida according to the article. I think he is very much correct in that many fans are perhaps purchasing the tickets blindly, thinking MLS is something it isn't and bringing with them some unreasonable expectations. http://torontosun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2007/02/10/3578157-sun.html

The fellas over at the USECTOR, yet another of the very large Toronto FC supporter groups, have posted this article link on Big Soccer Boards regarding local product Andrea Lombardo. The former Atalanta product is coming home from the Italian leagues to attend camp in Florida next week. Another striker to join the ranks - what could that mean?
http://www.embargo.ca/ultras/news/realnews/20070209-1.html

Anyone else notice that The Score Network has reduced their Toronto FC coverage since showing the MLS Superdraft Live (including Sportsworld)? Is it a result of a backlash from European Soccer fans throughout Canada complaining about TFC coverage, or perhaps something dealing with the TV rights negotiations? Have to wonder.

BUS TRIP TO COLUMBUS GAME PLANNED BY TORONTO FC SUPPORTERS GROUP MAY 26TH.

The Red Patch Boys, one of Toronto FC's Largest Supporter Groups is planning a bus trip to watch Toronto play in Columbus on May 26th. The price is very reasonable @ approx. $130. Travelling fans - this officially makes Toronto FC a true football team. Check out the Red Patch Boys Supporters Group http://www.redpatchboys.com/ or their message boards where the contact information can be found if interested. http://www.torfc.com/

Here is a link to video from the largest ever travelling MLS Supporters Road Trip last Spring Red Bulls @ DCU (well come to think of it the Houston contingent down in Dallas last November was probably bigger) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryo8WeXSB94
Fan violence in MLS - who would have imagined?????

TYLER ROSENLUND'S SCANDINAVIAN JOURNEY CONTINUES TO FINLAND

Canadian midfielder Tyler Rosenlund has not been offered a contract by AIK Stolkholm and is now on trial in Finland with IFK Mariehamm in Aaland. Tyler desperately wants to play for Canada this summer in the World Youth Championships, and realizes that without playing first team football on a consistent basis his chances of making the final roster will be difficult.

This is an email summary from an AIK Stolkholm fan (Jocke Petterrsson) regarding Tyler:
" it was called last night that Tyler will not be offered a contract. Coach Nebojsa Novakovic says that Tyler does indeed have the qualities and attitude that they want in a midfielder, but that it would not be fair to Tyler or AIK to sign a foreign player just to widen the squad. They don't feel that it would be fair to him to make him move here and all and then be given very little playing time. Also like I said before, he points out that the AIK midfield is exceptionally strong as it is and that he might not match most of those players right now. Tyler will go to Aaland and trial for IFK Mariehamn now. They play in the Finnish league and are considered a fair team, usually positioning in the top 5 or so. It should be said though that the Finnish league is of a much much lower standard than those in Sweden, Norway and Denmark whom are all fairly equal."

TRAINING CAMP REPORT FRIDAY..NOT EXACTLY

Toronto FC have concluded the Toronto portion of training camp this morning. I had the good fortune to arrive for the afternoon session - which was cancelled. I would suspect Sir Mo allowed the players the afternoon off to prepare for the the next two months away. Contrary to claims made by some that the Soccer Centre was somehow closed this week (which is simply impossible given the facility houses different offices and other businesses) it was very much open, and in fact I was not the only fan in attendance, there were more than a few curious onlookers who were stopping by throughout the week to watch.

It will be interesting to see who makes it down to Florida, and if indeed Xu Qing our Chinese Mystery Man, gets the opportunity to head stateside, if he is even allowed to enter the United States that is (depends on his visa status of course).

NOTES: Conor Casey's agent was on local radio last night and confirmed that Casey is on the way to Toronto. He also mentioned that Casey has been trying to get back to the USA for a couple of years now. Bob Gansler formerly of the KC Wizards was very close to bringing him into the Kansas City a year or so ago.

NEIL LENNON LINKED TO TORONTO FC??? BEIRNE SAYS REPORT FALSE

Toronto FC Director of Business Operations Paul Beirne has stated he was totally misquoted by a Scottish paper this morning on a Big Soccer message board regarding Toronto FC's interest in Neil Lennon. He didn't waste anytime getting his side out early this morning http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=478310
(Beirne uses the name mlsintoronto on Big Soccer - Toronto's version of Peter Wilt)

Here is the link to the article in question: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/tm_headline=mojo-wants-lenny-v-becks&method=full&objectid=18596493&siteid=66633-name_page.html

If I recall correctly, this may be the same paper that linked several high profile Scottish players to Sir Mo Johnston back in December.

TORONTO FC: MYSTERY MAN FROM CHINA SOLVED.

Our mystery Chinese player has been solved - 19 year old Xu Qing. Qing was reportedly on trial with Vitesse Arnhem in Holland in December. I would have never thought he was 19, simply because he looks much older in person. A fan who made it out to the Soccer Centre today, was smart enough to take some pictures during the morning session, and posted them over on Big Soccer. http://www.flickr.com/photos/69488674@N00/?saved=1

ANOTHER SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT PICK SNUBS TORONTO FC

Looks like Kiwi Jarrod Smith is a no go according to this paper in New Zealand. (thanks to one of my loyal Kiwi readers for this) http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/thepress/3955258a6429.html

TRAINING CAMP REPORT - WEDNESDAY

I caught the 8v8 today scrimmage today using only half of the regulation field. Injuries - Ronnie O'Brien who twisted his foot on Tuesday (yet kept playing) was on the sidelines, Marco Reda, Maurice Edu, and Greg Sutton. Joey Mello was applauded a few times by Sir Mo as he led many of the attacks, together with Richard Asante, and Paulo Nagamura who served as floaters from team to team. Nagamura is a great distributor of the ball. Toronto native and former Colorado Rapids defender Ricky Titus was in attendance but not on the field. Bob Gansler looks to be in charge of the technical coaching side of things directly on the field with Sir Mo keeping a watchful eye over proceedings. Again the young keepers looked out of their realm today.

The "Chinese" import (it has not been confirmed he is from China) played up top and more centrally, and put at least one goal in. He was less noticeable than yesterday when playing out wide. Funny thing about him is that he never wears shin guards. He didn't play with as much flair today save a couple of chances. He probably needs more conditioning though, as he too looked tired. His partner looked to be Jeff Gonsalves who had a couple of chances. Jim Brennan was again hardly noticeable. The central defender had a British sounding accent, (I thought it was Carl Robinson at first) but I'm pretty sure now it was Andrew Boyens. Boyens took out one of the younger players very hard on one play, and perhaps injured him as he limped around. Chris Pozniak made a couple of mistakes as the young players again showed little mercy. Matt Palleschi scored a great goal from a terrific build up - Sir Mo applauded loudly. Jamall Smith again looked steady. Adam Braz was never really tested. He did score a weak goal from the sideline that alluded one of the young keepers. Sir Mo was extremely frustrated by that goal yelling out - "that shouldn't happen at this level."

CONOR CASEY TO TORONTO FC

Yanks Abroad is reporting Conor Casey has had trouble finding a team in Europe and is coming to MLS - specifically to Toronto FC. Very interesting to see how this move works with the current roster. Strikers Edson Buddle, and Alecko Eskandarian are making a good "MLS" money at the moment. Will Toronto stay with all three American strikers or will one be moved? Casey may spend time with the US National team this summer at either the Copa America or Gold Cup, so cover may be needed. I still find it very strange that Eskandarian wouldn't show up to get to know the guys this week. Talk about Casey being traded to Colorado has already surfaced. Colorado coach Fernando Clavijo was apparently in hot pursuit of Casey's signature. Toronto however passed on several of Colorado's higher profile players in the expansion draft back in November. Sir Mo will need more than Draft Picks or Allocation proceeds in return from future trades.

TOP OF THE MORNING - TORONTO FC

Dean Mcnulty at the Toronto Sun provides a good breakdown of conditioning problems with Toronto FC players today. I think my reports yesterday, and the score line yesterday in the afternoon scrimmage are reflective of what Sir Mo saw in the morning as well. Most journalists shy away from the soccer side of things and give us fluff pieces so its good to read Mcnulty give us some on field soccer related news for once. Good to hear that Mo saw Richard Asante do well out there as I reported yesterday. NEWS: Jose Cancela was hurt, Maurice Edu in for an MRI, and a new "big player" signing - forward is on the way apparently with European experience. Where would the arrival of this player leave high priced Alecko Eskandarian & Edson Buddle is the big question though?

The most accurate and recent report dealing with current Toronto FC season tix has the club hovering around 11,500 according to Richard Peddie. Expect a jump today due to the schedule announcement.

I have received way too many emails to respond back to regarding the "Chinese Player". By the way the links my friend in Chicago sent of the Chinese Womens National team were very funny. Anyway, he showed very well from my vantage point as a fan, but coaches might not see it that way. You should also remember that you don't see many tackles because of the astro turf at the Soccer Centre. One solid tackle would have made this player think twice about some of the stuff he was pulling yesterday. I can not confirm his nationality as Chinese as I was simply told this was what they were saying in the change rooms. How easy can it be for a Chinese National to get permission to travel abroad for a trial? Unless of course he was from Hong Kong or already living abroad or locally. Who knows.

Also keep in mind that Bob Gansler is an extremely cautious coach, who is defensive oriented. His teams are organized, disciplined but he has rarely been one for creativity and flair. Of course he inherited the incredible Preki, and had some major problems with him over the years - leading to a trade at one point. Former player Peter Vermes who is a director of soccer with the Kansas City Wizards, stated last week that the new coaching staff in KC are looking to move away from some of that negative soccer that has been associated with the KC Wizards of the past few years in order to make it more entertaining for fans. That should give us an idea about Gansler's tactics.

Funny to hear the Toronto players complain about the weather. Canadian Tyler Rosenlund on trial with AIK Stolkholm played in -12 degrees Celsius conditions yesterday in a friendly pre-season game. Doubt that Tyler is accustomed to playing soccer in those conditions given he grew up in British Columbia where the climate is much milder and warmer in general than in the rest of Canada, and that he has been playing college ball in California. He showed well according to my many contacts in Sweden going the full 90. He plays a big game on Saturday that will decide his fate at the club. http://magnusneck.se/gallery2/v/AIK/Syrianska-AIK-2007-02-06/0206-08.jpg.html

Am I the only one who notices how out of shape most MLS coaches are? Save for a few MLS coahes, you don't really see this in Europe. I mean how can Bruce Arena or Sigi Schmid amongst a few others, be taken seriously given the state of their own conditions. Yeah they may be successful coaches but what kind of example are they really setting.

I am still hearing that Honduran Samuel Caballero is looking at coming back to MLS. He holds a precious Green Card if memory serves.

Trinidadian International Striker Cornell Glen was released by the Galaxy last week - wonder if old coach Sir Mo has any interest? What would this blog be without a weekly Trinidadian rumour to chew on?