Toronto FC

Canada Squad Vs. Iceland

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 02:10:00 +0000

Here's the 17-man squad. Notable absences (injured players omitted) - Kevin McKenna, Tam Nsaliwa, Dwayne De Rosario, David Edgar, Jaime Peters. Surprised to see Tomasz Radzinski in the mix. My squad is pretty close.

Note: match kickoff is 6:05pm Icelandic time, or 2:05pm eastern next Wednesday. Sportsnet is rumoured to NOT be picking up this game, given there is also a Blue Jays game vs. Oakland at that time. GolTV and CBC are two other possibilities.

# // Name
1 Hirschfeld, Lars
2 Ledgerwood, Nik
3 Klukowski, Mike
5 Hainault, Andre
6 De Guzman, Julian
7 Stalteri, Paul
8 Bernier, Patrice
9 Radzinski, Tomasz
10 Friend, Rob
11 Hastings, Richard
12 Nakajima-Farran, Issey
13 Hutchinson, Atiba
14 Imhof, Daniel
15 Occean, Olivier
16 Gerba, Ali
17 Hume, Iain
22 Begovic, Asmir

Still trying to figure out a starting XI. I think given the number of strikers, and out-&-out strikers at, we'll see a 4-4-2. Maybe something like this. With Dale Mitchell now at the helm, it will be hard to predict.

-----------------Friend----------Hume
Nakajima-Farran---Hutchinson---De Guzman---Bernier
-----Klukowski-----Hastings---Hainault-----Stalteri
------------------------Hirschfeld

Notes
Hirschfeld should, and barring injury, will start. I'd expect Begovic to play the 2nd half or even 30 minutes. Important to get that first cap for him.

Klukowski and Hastings are easily interchangeable at the back. With Klukowski at fullback there is a lot more offensive upside (he used to be an attacking mid unless I'm mistaken). Defensive-minded tactics may see Hastings on the flank. Hainault in the center, no doubter. Stalteri, who didn't have the best of matches with Tottenham today, seems like a lock on the right.

Hutchinson and De Guzman to share middle of the park duties as always. I'd figure Bernier will either play on the wing or in a makeshift holding role, where Issey plays up on the wing in a 4-3-3. Imhof could also start in place of Bernier.

Tricky speculation is up front. With three out-&-out strikers in Occean, Friend and Gerba, I'd only assume we'd go with two strikers to get everyone playing time. Iain Hume and Tomasz Radzinski are also strikers, but Hume is more of a supporting striker and Radzinski has slowly developed into an attacking midfield or wing player. I'd bet Friend and Hume to start, although Occean could easily given his highly impressive form as of late in the Norwegian league.

Subs
Radzinski - Anywhere in the midfield or upfront, shouldn't start due to (lack of) fitness, should make a 2nd half appearance
Gerba - Beginning 2nd half.
Occean - Ditto.
Imhof - Sometime 2nd half.
Ledgerwood - Ditto.
Begovic - I'd give him the full 2nd half, or at last 20-30 minutes to ge that first cap.

Cheers,
Jesse

Matchday 20: New York 3, Toronto 0

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 02:04:00 +0000

No comments this week really. Thought Joey Melo looked good into the midfield. Composed, didn't take many risks, no real errors. Kenny Stamatopoulos (finally beginning to remember the correct spelling of his name) looks solid between the posts. If he continues this way the club should purchase him from Tromso without a single doubt. That's something for next season - two more than capable goalkeepers at the MLS by the start of the season.

Guess what, Maurice Edu is back next week. Looks very promising for Marvell Wynne, and both Danny Dichio and Jeff Cunningham may even make it onto the pitch against the Goats.

Cheers,
Jesse

Canada Squad For Iceland To Be Named

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 02:18:00 +0000

Newly appointed men's national team head coach Dale Mitchell, former U-20 men's coach, has called for a media conference call tomorrow @ 1:45pm et. It is expected that he will name the squad to face Iceland in a friendly a week from Wednesday.

Given the match is in Iceland expect a more European based squad. My guess is as good as yours regarding the possible appearance of one Tomasz Radzinski.

My roster guess...

Goalkeepers
Joshua Wagenaar
Asmir Begovic

Defenders
Kevin McKenna
Paul Stalteri
Michael Klukowski
David Edgar
Richard Hastings
Andrew Hainault

Midfielders
Julian De Guzman
Atiba Hutchinson
Patrice Bernier
Dwayne De Rosario
Daniel Imhof
Josh Simpson

Strikers
Rob Friend
Iain Hume
Oliver Occean
Ali Gerba

Yours? I think there will be few, maybe even none, North American based players. Dwayne De Rosario may be the lone exception given how set Houston seem to be. Dale Mitchell will also come out gunning with a very strong squad I bet. His very poor showing at the U-20 world cup will have many critics waiting for him to screw up again. Dale will certainly want to prove them wrong with a convincing win.

If Lars Hirschfeld doesn't accept the call, and Josh Wagenaar is injured, I think Pat Onstad may make an appearance although Robert Giacomi may play too. I feel Begovic is a shoe-in.

The backline seems far from a sure thing. Paul Stalteri seems like the safest bet. Big Kevin McKenna is 50/50 (new team and the whole bit, as he recently transfered from Cottbus to Cologne). Richard Hastings wouldn't turn down the invitation if he received one, but it's hard to say how much his great Gold Cup performance would influence this. Attacking left-back Michael Klukowski, if healthy, seems like lock. Ditto for Andre Hainault. I can't see David Edgar not coming as he is one of the few players who doesn't start for his respective club in Europe. Tam Nsaliwa is another option. After these guys options become thin across the Atlantic, and Jazic, Reda, Braz, etc, are all busy in MLS.

Centre-midfielders Julian De Guzman and Atiba Hutchinson seem likely to man the middle of the park once again. Daniel Imhof may reappear in a holding role, as might Patrice Bernier. The latter of the two is with a new club, so he may not show. Issey Nakajima-Farran seems like a definite possibility, but I have a cut feeling he won't be there. I'd like to see the kid though. Josh Simpson will almost certainly be back in the fold on the left after an injury kept him out of the Gold Cup.

The situation at striker seems to be the easiest to guess. We'll see almost both Iain Hume, Rob Friend (very sure) and probably Ali Gerba given his Gold Cup performance. Hard to see Oliver Occean not getting the call as his form in Norway this season is second to none (some 10 league goals at last count). If only two of those four make the trip, I could see Norwegian-based Stephen Ademolu get a rare look-see. Mitchell is familar with Ademolu from his youth days.

Cheers,
Jesse

Canada-Costa Rica Tickets On-Sale Tomorrow

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 00:51:00 +0000

Tickets for the Canada-Costa Rica match a month from now (Wed, Sept 12th - 730pm @ Beemo) go on sale tomorrow to the general public. I bought my pair through the members pre-sale that ended today. Purchases can be made through Ticketmaster. Tickets go as low as $14 (slightly over $20 with Ticketmaster charges).

Comments regarding tonight's match will come later. As will possible news on the upcoming Canada-Iceland friendly next Wednesday (22nd) in Reykjavik.

Cheers,
Jesse

Canada To Play Brazil?

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:56:00 +0000

Rumours have emerged that Brazil may be interested in playing Canada, in Canada, on September 8th. The South-American powerhouse is in the States to play Mexico four days later. Canada plays rivals Costa Rica the same day.

Cheers,
Jesse

Matchday 19: Toronto 0, Los Angeles 0

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 15:52:00 +0000

Great match, disappointing result. Pretty much sums it up. Thought all the players played well, especially Marco Reda and Adam Braz who re-appeared and manhandled Landon Donovan the entire night. Tyrone Marshall also had an amazing match at the back. Collin Samuel looked better in the midfield, with Edu suspended for the New York match I could see Samuel in an attacking mid position. Andrea Lombardo was very unlucky not to score on a number of occasions. This kid is bound to bag against the New York Red Steers.

Cheers,
Jesse

Brennan May Play

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:46:00 +0000

Despite two broken ribs, there are rumours from local media that defender and captain Jim Brennan may play against the Galaxy on Sunday. That's dedication for ya!

Cheers,
Jesse

New GK(s)?

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 18:41:00 +0000

Well, I was wrong about Mr. Begovic. It seems there are two Canadian goalkeepers being rumoured at this point. Greek-Canadian Kenny Stamatopoulos, a 29-year-old veteran playing in Norway, or 22-year-old up-and-comer Josh Wagenaar, currently playing in the Dutch Eredivisie. The latter of the two was supposed to play in Gold Cup before pulling out early with an injury. Both are active members of the national team and would come to TFC on loan.

I've heard that it isn't going to be Wagenaar, but stranger things have happened.

Cheers,
Jesse

Matchday 18: Toronto 0:3 (0:1) Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 15:49:00 +0000

Toronto Football Club vs. Chicago Fire
I've been disappointed before, and will in the future again no doubt. I think that speaks for all of us, so instead of complaining I'm just going to post my player ratings and hope for the best on Sunday.

Player Ratings
Brennan 5
Monsalve 4
Lombardo 4
Pozniak 3
Marshall 3
Dunivant 3
Melo 3
Edu 3
Robinson 3
Samuel 3
Boyens 2
Dichio 2
Welsh 2

Cheers,
Jesse

TFC To Add Another Keeper

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 05:42:00 +0000

The Reds will add another goalkeeper, a likely starter to replace Greg Sutton. Our man plays in Europe. My bet - Asmir Begovic on loan from Portsmouth.

More to come about this tomorrow, as well as the "match" from today. Also injury updates, I heard a rumour that Cunningham's injury is more severe than originally thought and O'Brien will now require surgery.

Cheers,
Jesse

CMNT Needs Doctor

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:37:00 +0000

Interesting article from the Star today, featuring Mo Johnston and goalkeeper Greg Sutton, which discusses the growing need for the CSA to hire a doctor for men's team. I had always assumed there was a doctor in place, so it comes as a major shock to me. The details are all inside the article, so I need not explain them.

I can't agree more. This is the 21st century, last time I checked, and there is no excuse for a professional organization not to have a team doctor. This very unfortunate and likely caused a premature end to Greg Sutton's career, probably not in the immediate future, but down the road.

For some time I've thought Colin Linford isn't the man we want leading us to 2010 and beyond. His quotes certainly help back up my feelings. What 'other issues' can be more important? The U-20 world cup is long finished and there isn't much on go right now. Excuses, excuses Colin. It's time to step up into the spotlight, no more hiding and pointing the figure at someone else. As long as this chump is in charge, Canadian football will continue to go nowhere. Sorry, but it's the truth.

I'm expecting to see a handwritten ad, complete with spelling mistakes and backwards letters, from Linford in my local paper's classifieds next time I open it. "Looking for volenter docter for canada soccer team - good for parolees. will hire immedeately". Seriously, it wouldn't surprise me a bit. Amateur from the top is no way to run an organization.

Rant over.

And at the bottom of the article.
"Johnston said Monsalve will probably start again today against the Chicago Fire."

Seems a bit fishy, I just can't see a reason to start Monsalve today. He cannot have had that much time to train and become familiar with the squad, and let in four goals against Villa on Wednesday. Mind you, they weren't necessarily his fault, but his positioning looked suspect. I'll take Mo's word, but he couldn't be pulling a fast one on the Fire here.

Cheers,
Jesse

Rolfe Ruled Out

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 02:55:00 +0000

Fire striker Chris Rolfe, who scored their lone goal against the Reds back on May 12th, has been ruled out for tomorrow's match. He has been cleared medically, but the the club plans on resting him one more match before he returns from injury. TFC dodges a bullet here.

Cheers,
Jesse

Matchday 18: Toronto vs. Chicago

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 23:57:00 +0000

Toronto Football Club vs. Chicago Fire

Sunday, July 29th, 2007
Kickoff: 3pm eastern, 2pm central
MLS Match #110

TV: CBC
Internet: CBC.ca
Radio: none

Head-to-Head
Toronto
Record: 5-4-8, 19pts; 18gf, 26ga; -8 gd;
Recent Form: LDWDDL, 6pts;
Position: 2nd from bottom in east; 9th overall;

Chicago
Record: 4-4-8, 16pts; 13gf, 26ga; -13gd;
Recent Form: LLTLTL, 2pts;
Position: Last in east; 11th overall;

Hospital Ward
Toronto
Out - GK Greg Sutton (concussion), FW Jeff Cunningham (abdominal), DF Marvell Wynne (hamstring), MF Ronnie O'Brien (knee); Probable - MF Tyler Hemming (knee), FW Danny Dichio (back);

Chicago
Out - DF Jim Curtin (R shoulder labral tear), DF Mike Banner (R groin strain), DF Jordan Russolillo (back pain); Doubtful - MF Bakary Soumare (R ankle sprain), DF Osei Telesford (L groin strain), MF Justin Mapp (L groin strain); Probable - FW Chris Rolfe (L ankle sprain);

Weather
Sunday afternoon
Temperature: 27°C
P.O.P: 20%
Feels Like: 33°C
Wind: 10km/h east
Humidity: 56%

Midday will cloudy, with sunny periods. It might be a little hot for the players, but it might be the best weather we've seen yet. Rain is not expected until post-game.
* In my hastiness I typed 'loud', instead of my intended 'cloudy'. But yes, midday sure will be loud.

Reserves
There will be no Reserves match. The next Reserves match will be Monday, August 6th between the Galaxy Reserves and our very own Toronto. That battle will take place the morning after the "Beckham Match", 10am eastern @ Beemo. It is unknown if visitors (ie: season ticket holders) will be allowed entry into the match.

Previous Encounters
The two eastern conference clubs have met twice during the regular season thus far. This will be the third and final match of the 2007 regular season between the clubs, and likely the last in any competition given the state of affairs for both clubs presently.

The first match, as we all know, was May 12th at Beemo Field. In case you forgot; that afternoon saw the Reds win by a scoreline of 3-1. Danny Dichio, former left-back Kevin Goldthwaite, and midfielder Maurice Edu scored for TFC while Chris Rolfe scored the lone goal for the Fire. Rolfe has been injured for some time now, and will play on Sunday. Greg Sutton, an unfamiliar name in game summaries these days, secured the victory that day in May.

The away leg resulted in a one-all draw. That match was July 7th, only some three weeks past. Chad Barrett scored from the spot against Serge Djekanovic after a controversial call against the sometimes clumsy Tyrone Marshall. Rookie Maurice Edu replied mere minute afterwards, chesting down a long ball from now-injured Marvell Wynne and taping it past an outstretched Matt Pickens to tie the match. Striker/winger Collin Samuel missed a sitter before the just before the final whistle blew, cranking a daisy splitting shot to the left of the goal. Easily a match TFC should have won. There could (few I'd imagine) be reasoned arguments from Chicago in their favour as well.

Season Series: 1-1-0, TFC; 4gf, 1ga;
We've secured the slight edge here.

The Zebras
The Low-down
Our head referee has slightly familiar mug in these circles. Our man has starred in the centre before, albeit only once, but has indeed caused scrutiny here. Tim Weyland was here June 6th, for our match against Juan Pablo Angel's New York Red Bulls. The match ended, grudgingly I might add, 2-1 in the favour of the Cows. New York's first goal, as many of you probably remember, came from a wonderful Angel free kick that curved over the wall and inside the near post pasted a stunned Serge Djekanovic. The call that resulted in the free kick - well, not so wonderful. The match was sub-par from a refereeing perspective as a whole.

Other Officials
Assistants: SAR (bench) Rob Fereday; JAR (opposite) George Vergara;
4th Official: Mark Geiger

Interesting Facts
Maurice Edu has scored in both matches against the Fire. The first strike, and the Reds' third, came in the 75th minute on May 12th. His second goal against Chicago came in the 78th minute of the July 7th tilt. A pattern? We'll find out. I'm sure, no doubt, that ProMo is dying to bag one after sitting out a match. An insurance goal, 15 minutes from time, would be a welcomed addition. Edu was also booked in both matches against the team from the Windy City. Mo must have relatives there - trying to get on SportsCentre would be my humble guess.

There were four new faces (Samuel-Buddle, Dunivant-Goldthwaite, Marhsall-Boyens, Serge-Sutton) in the line-up of second match in comparison to the first. With the hospital wing now piling up with TFC players, it wouldn't be a surprise to see a similar number for the third installment of the series.

Not much in terms of 'interesting', but I'm hoping for this to become interesting as I poke my nose through old box scores and unearth gems here and there.

Notable Players
MF - Justin Mapp (doubtful); MF/ST - Cuauhtémoc Blanco; ST - Chris Rolfe, Paulo Wanchope (neither will play Sunday)

Chicago XI
Not sure really, one too many injuries and my knowledge of this team just is not precise enough. May add this closer to match time.

Toronto XI
My guess.

Dichio - Samuel
Brennan - Robinson - Edu - Welsh
Dunivant - Boyens - Marhsall - Pozniak
Monsalve

Keys To Winning
1. Shut Down Blanco
Fire fans seem to think that now, with acquisition of attacking midfielder Blanco, that their crap doesn't stink. I can already smell the arrogance of these guys and many of them are some 400+ miles away. Blanco, the fat, old Mexican that he is, is still very talented but lacks work ethic, pace and has an attitude that Carl Lindros would be proud of. I can assure you that he is not the savior this team thinks he is, but he is a major threat. He will be the engine of the Fire attack and their hopes will live and die with him. Pressuring Blanco quickly and using the physical side of the game will frustrate him to no end and will effectively stop all threat the Fire hope to have. With star midfielder Justin Mapp sidelined, and newly acquired Costa-Rican striker Paulo Wanchope ineligible for Sunday, he will be the only real source of fire from the Fire (pun intended).

2. Setting A Tone Early
As I tend to stress, TFC must pressure early and often. Use the energy from the crowd and anthems and unleash it immidiately. Keep possession, control the flow of match, and force your opponent into making simple, yet critical mistakes. Hopefully it will lead to scoring opportunities, or even simple - scoring. This has usually been good at home, let's have the trend continue, shall we?

3. The Crowd
July 29th will show what the U-Sector, Red Patch Boys, North End Elite and all the other supporters are made of. This match will test the voices of the Beemo faithful. Despite being a very-much improved team, TFC will struggle in this match and through August. The injuries have caused a huge dent in the armour of the mighty Reds, and it the fans have the responsibility to repair it. The first test will be tomorrow. Bring your voices ladies and gentlemen.

Prediction
2-1, TFC
Goalscorers: Welsh, Brennan

Cheers,
Jesse

Reserves Match Rescheduled

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 18:07:00 +0000

The Houston-Toronto Reserves match that was postponed earlier in the month has been rescheduled for Wednesday, August 18th in Houston @ 11:45am central.

The Colorado Reserves has been rescheduled in Denver for Monday, October 8th at 10am. This match was originally scheduled to be in Toronto. Darn.

Cheers,
Jesse

Starting XI Vs. Chicago?

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:53:00 +0000

Still trying to figure this out myself, so I'll ask your opinions to help enlighten my confused self.

With all the injuries, it seems there is no sure starting XI. This is a rough guess that I came up with.

Dichio - Samuel
Welsh - Robinson - Edu - Pozniak
Dunivant - Brennan - Marshall - Boyens
Serge

Boyens as a full-back would be my greatest concern (see: April), although he still seems to be a better option than Adam Braz who's disinterest and extreme lack of pace make for a frightful game at the back. There's also the 4-5-1, where we could use this, but I can't see Mo employing it Sunday.

Dichio
Welsh - Edu - Samuel
Robinson - Brennan
Dunivant - Marshall - Boyens - Pozniak

There are two holding midfielders (Robinson & Brennan). The wingers (Samuel & Welsh) can also play more offensively minded to switch between a 4-3-3 and 4-5-1 when needed. It's certainly an idea to consider. Brennan has shown the versatility and ability to the read the game to play out of position once again.

Cheers,
Jesse

Injuries Continue To Pile Up

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 04:41:00 +0000

After the loss to Birmingham Premiership side Aston Villa (which I wasn't able to take in - hence no comments on my part), a pair of players joined the growing injury list, which includes goalkeeper Greg Sutton and strikers Jeff Cunningham & Danny Dichio (50/50).

Speedy right-back Marvell Wynne sustained an injury to his hamstring late in the friendly. The former first-overall pick is expected to be out 3-4 weeks.

All-star winger Ronnie O'Brien suffered a knee injury which has hampered his play in recent outings. The injury, a reoccurring one since pre-season, was not severe enough to warrant O'Brien to leave the field of play. He battled it out and finished the match, a true Irishman if I ever saw one. O'Brien is expected to be out 2-3 weeks.

On the bright side, central midfielder Maurice "ProMo" Edu is back from a one-match suspension and will share middle-of-the-park duties with Carl Robinson in upcoming matches. Unfortunately, Edu is also one booking away from a second one-match suspension.

Will we see a 4-5-1 on Sunday and in the Galaxy match? Or will Mojo stick to the 4-4-2, whether it be of a defensive, neutral or attacking nature? Feel free to speculate in the comments section.

Cheers,
Jesse

Cheers,
Jesse

A Review

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 02:20:00 +0000

I've been out-of-town for the better part of a week (personal reasons), hence little updates once again. In my absence:

- Chile ousted by Argentina in the semi-finals at the U20 world cup. The havoc post-match was absolutely sickening to read about. Chile should be punished by FIFA - this stuff is totally unacceptable. Is it something in the water from South America? Why are these guys such poor losers, we saw it with Uruguay too. I'm not going to hate on all South Americans though, Brazil didn't seem to riot on their bus after Spain beat them, at least not that I know of.

- Argentina win the U20's. Defending champions make it two-in-a-row. Imagine if they had Messi? Wow. As with the Chile-Arg match, I didn't get to take in this one either.

- TFC lose to Columbus. I ordered MLS Live just to watch this game (and maybe the playoffs) and boy was it sickening. The WiFi connection didn't hold up well on my laptop so I kept on losing the stream, but when it did click, the match was painful to watch. Good on the travelling support to make it semi-worthwhile.

- And something that slipped under the radar. The Canadian women at the Pan-Am games blow through the group stage - almost. The final group encounter pits our ladies against the host side, Brazil. They spank us 7-0. We then proceed to lose the the United States, 2-1, in the semi-final. The Americans sent their U-20 team. Unacceptable. This is why our girls need to play better competition. The gap between the top tier and 2nd tier in women's football is astonishing. Almost worst than rugby union.

- Canadian women's striker Christine Sinclair bags seven goals in the Pan-Am games. This kid is amazing. And she's only an '83.

- Beckham makes his debut against Chelsea in a friendly. The match was played before a home crowd in Los Angeles. The Englishman's left ankle forced him to come off the bench for this one. The Galaxy will now let him rest the ankle to prevent further injury. His next likely appearence for the green-and-yellow...err blue-and-white - August 5th.

Rumours
Costa-Rican striker Paulo Wanchope is close to signing with the Chicago Fire. "99.9%" done supposedly. Despite wide criticism, I still think this guy can be force (and he's going to be playing with Blanco). He may have lost a step, but it was only 13 months when he had a brace against the Germans. For those in the unfamiliar party, Wanchope is more or less a poor man's Thierry Henry. He even looks like his stunt double. He most recently playing in the J-League with Tokyo. In a realistic and semi-perfect world, he'd be my ideal choice for strike partner to play off of Dichio.

Aston Villa
Unfortunately, I will not likely be in attendance tomorrow night. It will the first TFC match I will miss. For those who are, recent Villa acquistions and ex-hammers Marlon Harewood and Nigel Reo-Coker will make their debut for the claret-and-blue (yes, West Ham share this). It will be the first match at Beemo in more than a month. And Sunday we see the Chicago Fire and the league debut of some Mexican guy named Blanco.

Cheers,
Jesse

2007 Expansion Draft

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:51:00 +0000

Alright, will assume the rules are similar to 2006. You may protect 11 players only, developmental or senior roster. Gen-Ad players are exempt, but Mo Edu will have graduated from the program by then so he does not fit that bill. Only one SI may be left exposed, but the others must be protected (Dichio/Robinson/Marshall/Samuel).

Also, given now there are 13 teams to choose from for San Jose, MLS may allow 12 players to be protected given the wider talent pool to choose from. That's speculation on my part, and it may not make sense to you, but pick a 12th player for fun anyways.

Protect
Edu (YI)
Wynne (YI)
Dichio (SI)
Brennan
Dunivant (AI)
O'Brien (AI)
Samuel (SI)
Cunningham (AI)
Sutton
Djekanovic
Marshall (SI)

possible 12th - Lombardo

Exposed
Robinson (SI) - reason: salary, SI, old
Braz - reason: depth player, SI for American teams
Boyens - reason: SI, work permit situation
Pozniak - reason: depth player, salary, SI for American teams
Canizalez - reason: depth player, SI for American teams
Reda - reason: depth player, salary, SI for American teams, injury prone, old
Guzman - reason: reserve, YI for American teams
Nunez - reason: reserve, YI for American teams
Melo - reason: reserve, YI for American teams
Hemming - reason: reserve, YI for American teams
Attakora-Gyan - reason: reserve, YI for American teams
Lumley - reason: reserve, YI for American teams
Lombardo - reason: YI for American teams, contract expires(?) (ie: resign him after draft)
Welsh - reason: salary, SI
Gala - reason: reserve, YI for American teams

Boyens and Welsh would also be left open as we do not have enough SI spots for everyone next season. Someone (or multiple players) will have to see the door.

Yours?

Cheers,
Jesse

San Jose Returns

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:31:00 +0000

More "old" news.

San Jose is back. MLS has granted Oakland Athletics owner Lew Wolff an expansion team in San Jose. The old Earthquakes moved to Houston in 2006. The "Earthquakes" will be the 14th team in MLS, thus balancing the schedule for 2008. The team will also play out of the west.

For Toronto fans, this means two of the teams' first round draft picks will move down a slot. We currently have Houston's, D.C.'s and Chivas' picks, with the 2nd-best of those three going to Salt Lake (part of the Jeff Cunningham deal). Seems like those picks are sinking everyday, good news is this draft will be a lot better than 2007, complete with more Generation-Adidas players (like Mo Edu).

Cheers,
Jesse

2008 ASG To Toronto

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:25:00 +0000

Some old news from today.

It was officially announced today by MLS chief, Don Vito (Don Garber, I just like calling him that), that the 2008 All Star game will take place at BMO Field. The match will be played sometime in July 2008 vs. "a world-class international opponent". I never knew that this was "unofficial" - when "Toronto FC" was officially unveiled as the team name, it was said the 2008 ASG would be here and I, like many others, never thought different. Well, it makes no difference in the end I guess.

Cheers,
Jesse

Brazil Stun Argentina

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:38:00 +0000

Brazil stunned Copa America favourites Argentina, going onto a 3-0 romp of their bitter rivals. The underdog side broke through in the fourth minute with a strike from Júlio Baptista and never looked back. An own-goal from Ayala increased the lead to 2-0, and Daniel Alves further increased the lead in the 69' minute to 3-0. It was Brazil's 8th title.

It will be interesting to see where Argenine striker Carlos Tevez ends up, as he has stated that he will make a decision post-Copa America in regards to where he will sign. Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal and Inter are all rumours at this point.

Cheers,
Jesse

U-20's Semi-Finals Set

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:31:00 +0000

The U-20 World Cup semi-finals have been set. Argentina prevailed over Mexico 1-0, in possibly the strongest of the quarter-final matchups, earlier tonight. They will go onto face South American foe Chile, who scored four goals in added time to thump a goalless Nigeria. That is the second semi, which will be played at the NSS/Beemo. Austria and the Czech Republic will play in the other semi, at Commonwealth a day earlier, forming an all European semi. This will create the ever traditional European-South American final, to be played next Sunday.

Predictions
Semi #1 - Czech Republic 1, Austria 0
Semi #2 - Argentina 2, Chile 1 (a.e.t.)

Cheers,
Jesse

Matchday 16: Thoughs

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 03:30:00 +0000

Note: I wrote part of this on the last night (15th) and today (16th), hence the switches between "tonight's match" or "yesterday's game".

The Formation
Pre-Dismissal
Dichio - Samuel
Brennan - Edu - Robinson - O'Brien
Dunivant - Marshall - Boyens - Wynne
Djekanovic

Post-Dismissal
Samuel
Brennan - Robinson - Pozniak- O'Brien
Dunivant - Marshall - Boyens - Wynne
Djekanovic

Dichio came off for Pozniak immediately following the ejection of Edu. Pozniak covered on the backline and the midfield, and Brennan generally was more towards the centre and in a defensive position than staying on the wing looking to make runs.

The Result
Fantastic result from the viewpoint of any TFC fan. Ugly, boring, defensive football can, and was as tonight's display shows, be a downright dreadful thing to watch. There shouldn't be even a whisper of complaint. We got a share of points against the best team in the league, in an oven, and away from Beemo.

Andrea Lombardo
Wouldn't gone out of my way to mention this, but it seems many in TFC parts were heavily criticizing Lombardo and his 30-minute performance last night. It has occurred to me, for some time in fact, that this is very much a common-theme. TFC fans find a scapegoat, even in a win or good result (in last night's case), and no matter how poor the rest of the squad is, he/she is cynical enough to pick out certain individuals. Andy Welsh has faced it, probably because of his unorthodox style and poor finishing. Edson Buddle has faced it for his constant laziness. And Lombardo, despite being a breathe of fresh air last night, faced this same criticism because "he showed no offence". What to expect from a 20-year-old rookie in a lone-striker formation, a man down, against arguably the best defence in the league? His work ethic was leaps and bounds beyond Samuel's, and showed a lot more mobility than a usual workhorse that is Danny Dichio. Listen, Lombardo did great given the situation. 'Nuff said.

Carl Robinson
In my mind Carl Robinson has never done a lot for the squad, especially taking into consideration his $315,000 price tag - the highest on the team and a top 10 salary in the league. Until last night, Andy Welsh has been a better value ($195k) than Robinson. That said, Robbo played a hell of match. He really showed his defensive prowess and his ability to foul at the right times in order to disrupt Houston's build-up. If we could only get him more involved in the attack. He makes smart decisions with the ball - not necessarily hard ones, but often a simple one (ie: a backpass instead of an overhit long ball, a common theme in T.O.). If we see more of the Carl Robinson last night I'd definitely like to keep him around for 2008.

Edu Dismissal
Very reckless in this challenge. Late, and simply wasn't interested in the ball - although there was little malice on Edu's part. Mullan was unfortunate to take the blow to the head that he did. Red or yellow? Debatable. Given Mullan's state on the field it obviously made the challenge look worse than it was. I'd give a yellow, although a red is understandable. What really angers me is something else.

The referee drew a yellow from his pocket, but never showed it to Edu. Instead, he began trying to diffuse the situation that had ensued before him - separating the onslaught of both Dynamo and Reds players surrounding him. Involved were many, Edu, Ronnie O'Brien, Carl Robinson, Adam Braz yelping at the fourth referee and even Dynamo defender Craig Waibel - an ugly thug I should mention. Waibel got right up into Mr. Okulaja's (the central referee) face, vividly yelling and make a point.

At that time, Okulaja proceeded to pocket the yellow card. Maybe he sensed a Portuguese player near, and thought the chances of it being snatched from him were great - or he was going to talk with his assistants and the fourth official before coming to a decision. He didn't pocket the yellow card for either of those aforementioned reasons. It seems Waibel and Okulaja discussed the situation and came to the agreement that Edu deserved a red. As we should now know, the referee is allowed to review a decision with an opposing player. That's just how it works in MLS. And that's exactly what happened - Okulaja drew his notebook from his breast pocket, and reached to his back pocket. I said to my friend (not a football fan) watching "Unbelievable, now he's pulling out a red". He looked at me and said "No, it's going to be a yellow - he meant to give it earlier". Okulaja pulled out the red from his back pocket, and visually upset Maurice Edu walked the length of the pitch to the dressing room. My friend was shocked that the opposing player could influence the referee so easily, and was convinced he must have talked with the other officials or have watched a replay. I wasn't, I've learned to deal with MLS referees after a disgusting 16 games so far. And the odd Canada match or two.

Other than that, Okulaja had a fairly decent outing. I thought there few instances in the first half when defenders came over the top on Dichio and should have resulted in fouls, but they went uncalled. The 2nd-half was very much error free on his part.

Houston fans seem upset, and claim that we "had the ref on our side". These guys are: 1) in first place overall 2) 5pts clear of their division rival, who happen to be 2nd place overall 3) broke the MLS record for longest shutout streak. They seem like it is completely justified to go on a tyrade

Brian Ching vs. Andrew Boyens
I'd love to see these two in a cage-match, fight to the death. Boyens is nearly half-a-foot taller than Ching. What does he think he is going to accomplish? Would be very pleased to see the 6'5" Kiwi give Ching an All Black style rugby tackle, really put him in his place. Looked like Ching needed a few of his teammates between him and Andy before he opened his yap. Classless.

Houston Fans
I thought Chicago fans were whiny. These guys are even worse. That's two teams supporters' in my bad books now. No need for anything else here.

Reminder: The Reserves match is scheduled tomorrow morning at 10am. The league lists all matches as "eastern time", although previous Reserves matches have indicated that this is actually local time, thus meaning a 10am central kickoff, or 11am eastern. The match should likely be finished around 1pm ET, with the official match report popping up on the interweb an hour or two later.

Edit: Reserves match was post-poned until further notice.

Cheers,
Jesse

Matchday 16: Toronto 0, Houston 0

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 03:11:00 +0000

Match Report
First goalless draw in club history. Serge Djekanovic with the clean sheet for TFC (and his best match without the slightest of doubts) and ageing Canuck Pat Onstad for Houston. Maurice Edu with a controversial dismissal in 42'. Holding-midfielder Carl Robinson entered the referee's notebook in the 53rd minute after a clumsy challenge on Dwayne De Rosario. Dynamo centre-back Eddie Robinson also saw yellow with an elbow on TFC substitute striker Andrea Lombardo, that occuring in the the 66th minute. The club heads into the all-star break with a record (w-d-l) of 5-4-7, good enough for 19pts and sixth place in the east. The next match is the final of a six match road trip. The scenario is a perfect one, 3pts behind fifth-place Columbus Crew. A win will see TFC tie for eighth overall, just on the brink a playoff spot. It will also see the Reds go .500 on the road trip, taking 9pts (two wins, three draws a single loss) from a possible 18.

Player Ratings
Serge Djekanovic - 6
Andrew Boyens - 5
Ronnie O'Brien - 5
Carl Robinson - 5
Tyrone Marshall - 4
Marvell Wynne - 4
Chris Pozniak - 4
Todd Dunivant - 4
Jim Brennan - 4
Andrea Lombardo - 3
Collin Samuel - 2
Danny Dichio - 2
Maurice Edu - 1

Cheers,
Jesse

Canadian Women

noreply@blogger.com (Jesse) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 22:59:00 +0000

The women win big time, but again, it flies under the radar. Very disappointing that our media pays no attention to them.

Anyways, the Canadian women's team won 7-0 over Uruguay in the Pan-Am Games, currently be held in Brazil. Christine Sinclair scored a hat trick - astonishly, her sixth with the national squad. I can't find the total off-hand, but she has around 60 goals now with the Nats. How great would it be if MLSE created a women's side and nabbed her from the Whitecaps. Having a world-class ladies team one day would be very cool.

Randee Hermus had a brace. Diana Matheson and Melissa Tancredi had one goal each to round out the scoring.

Cheers,
Jesse