Good old FIFA Strikes again.  It took a night for it to all sink in.  I watched various television network coverage and listened to the reaction from people around the world to get an idea of what this really means.  What shocks me more about soccer’s world governing body awarding Russia the 2018 World Cup and Qatar the 2022 World Cup is that Sepp Blatter did not come out on Thursday dressed as the Star Wars character Emperor Palpatine.  This is not the Olympic movement folks it’s the World Cup of soccer.  What gives any soccer growing nation incentive to bid for a World Cup when in all honesty it’s really about very deep pockets.  It was a joke before the FIFA Executive Committee voted on awarding the World Cups and a bigger one after.  It’s become even more humorous over the years watching FIFA try to hang on to every rule set up in its governing body to keep corruption alive and well.  Whatever happened to FIFA and video replay?  Not only did it affect teams trying to qualify for 2010 (Ireland), it hurt teams in the tournament as well, most notably England when officials somehow failed to see the ball cross the goal line by more than a couple of feet, which would have tied their match against Germany.

Hossain: FIFA Decisions Hardly 'Stupid'

Declan Hill, Canadian author of "The Fix", reminded me of Sepp Blatter sitting with the Godfather of the Russian Mafia, Anzor Kikalishvili, in a private box at the final of the 1994 World Cup. To be a fly on the wall for that match!  In fact, this week a high ranking American military official via Wiki-leaks documents called Russia "A virtual Mafia state."   Maybe Sepp is trying to solve all of the world’s political problems through the spreading of "the beautiful game."  Too bad that’s not his job.  At least Russia has a professional league, has qualified for previous World Cups (without the help of FIFA which backfired on Russia in trying to qualify for South Africa), and have done very well on the European stage including reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2008.

Qatar on the other hand is a complete money grab and a slap in the face to every soccer building nation in the world.  Qatar is a country with less than two million people, smaller than the State of Connecticut, has never qualified for the World Cup and has a FIFA ranking of 113.  Canada is currently ranked 85th.  Now they get a free pass because they have lots of oil money.  Not even the United States, who was bidding against Qatar, can argue with that one.  Fool me once…….yes even George W. would not have something on paper to say that he would screw up reading anyway.  

How must Australia feel right about now?  Here is a country that has completely revamped its football program and if there is any FIFA mandate to reward countries for their work in developing the sport this is certainly it.  It was after The Mitchell Report was published the Australian government pulled its funding of football, forced their football governing body to change and they have since qualified for the last two World Cup’s.  Let’s not forget they have a growing domestic league as well.  

Every time we think FIFA might do something that actually makes sense they seem to do the exact opposite.  My only now question is, "How much longer can FIFA snow the snowman?"  I guess only countries where snow is common will get that one and Qatar certainly isn’t one of them.  Fear not…money can solve that problem too as their UAE neighbours have proved by building a massive indoor ski facility.

As the final days before the World Cup fast approach I’ve been watching closely to see how injuries in the final days will affect any of the countries in South Africa.  At first glance many are taking the favourite Spain to win, but that certainly depends on the health of Fernanado Torres and Cesc Fabregas.  Spain has a lot of depth, but they will have to be at their best this year to repeat on their Euro success.

Diego Maradona instructs Carlos Tevez at training on Sunday, June 6. (Getty)

The United States of America turned a lot of heads in beating Spain on their way to the final match of the Confederations Cup, only to watch a 2-nil lead evaporate against Brazil.  This is not the Confed Cup though, but I still think the Americans are going to surprise and it may happen their first match against England.  England’s problems continue on the back line and if Wayne Rooney is not at his best the Three Lions will not be successful if they have to rely on Emile Heskey to score goals.  In goal is another question completely for England.  Even without all of England problems the sheer pressure on this country to do something at the World Cup has to be massive considering they did not qualify for Euro.

The Dutch look as frightening as Argentina up front and they will be exciting to watch once again as they were at Euro 2008.  Robben may have to come off the bench right now, but they have to be happy to have Van Persie back and healthy.  If I had to pick a real upset this year it would have to be either Denmark or South Korea.  Denmark cruised through World Cup Qualifying and although they don’t have a nearly as much depth as others they could sneak out of their group.  South Korea has been paid by their government to be together for a year leading up to the World Cup and just playing games.  They may not have the talent that most countries have, but they no doubt know each other inside and out.  Will they go as far as they did in 2002?  Probably not, but watch out, they will be very organized.  

The headlines that Diego Maradona has been getting the last few weeks is a perfect way to get the attention off their stars and it may just pay off in the end.  This country will score goals no doubt.  Who can argue with Messi, Tevez, Higuain and Milito up front?  They have some attacking midfielders who can find the back of the net too.  It may be one of the most exciting sides Argentina has put on the pitch since their head coach won the World Cup for them in 1986.  They are my pick to win the whole thing and it’s not because I want to see Maradona run down the street naked.

Joey Saputo and Don Garber shook hands over the expansion deal on Thursday, May 6. (MLS)

If you’ve ever been to Montreal you feel a different vibe in the city from the moment you arrive.  Some say snobby, I say culture, passion for food, arts, music and certainly sports.  It does have that European feel right here in North America.  No doubt the organization and fans of the Montreal Impact will continue to cultivate the soccer culture in Montreal and with that said it can only benefit soccer as a whole in Canada.  The after-shocks of this announcement will be felt for years to come not only in Montreal, but for our entire soccer nation. 

I have never doubted the talent or ability of Canadian soccer players.  People who don’t think there are enough, in my mind, have just not been around the game enough.  When I say talent I mean talent that needs to be developed as in any professional sport.  Vancouver Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi attributes Canada qualifying for its only World Cup in 1986 to players having a top league domestically and at the time it was the North American Soccer League.  With Youth Academies in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver it may not happen overnight, but now younger Canadian soccer players know soccer can actual be a profession right here at here at home. With the new CBA in MLS new players will actually start to make a little bit of money too.  Although soccer claims to be the highest participatory sport in the nation I would also suspect it has the largest drop-out rate right around a person playing the sport turns 13 or 14 years old.  That may now all change as players start to understand they have so many more options in the sport.

After a slow start Toronto FC are starting to play together as a team and would love nothing more to start climbing the Eastern Conference Standings in search for their first play-off berth, but if they do not manage to get there one might ask, “who will be the first Canadian MLS team to make the play-offs?”  Certainly the Chicago Fire set the bar that is going to be next to impossible to beat, winning MLS Cup in their first year and more recently we’ve seen how another club who made the jump from the old USL faired in their first season in the Seattle Sounders.  Having that framework for a team around for years I think makes for a much more successful start in MLS where Toronto FC basically had to start from scratch.

The first year of the Canadian Championship was an eye opener for the rest of Canada on the progress of soccer in Montreal.  Winning the Championship, earning a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League Group stage and nearly getting through to the semi-finals was outstanding for the club and maybe even better was the close to sell-out crowd at Olympic Stadium.  The addition of 7,000 seats at Saputo Stadium will make it another tough house to go into and earn three points and what is even better is the rivalry we’ve seen grow between Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto in NHL and CFL now make it to soccer.  Every bit of this announcement is not only good for soccer in Montreal, but for soccer in Canada as a whole and it will not doubt be a financial success which is exactly what the league wants to hear too.  Congrats Montreal and we’ll see you in 2012.

New look BMO Field is where all 16 clubs hope to end up on November 21. (Getty)

The Los Angeles Galaxy, who started last season on a very slow pace, have picked it up this season.  Although they were not losing matches early last season, they were not winning either.  That has changed.  Former Toronto FC striker Edson Buddle is on a torrid pace in the goal scoring department with all 7 of Los Angeles’ goals to date helping them to a perfect 4-0 start so far this season.  It certainly does not look like they’ve missed a beat not having the service of David Beckham has not slowed them down.  The Seattle Sounders are proving their first season was not just luck and they’ve built a competitive team from the get go as they sit in a three-way tie for 2nd place in the West.

On the flip side some of the struggling sides in Major League Soccer continue to do the same out of the gates this season.  DC United have yet to earn a point and for a team struggling on the pitch it does not make for people to come rushing to the front door to help build the club a soccer specific stadium.  One would think this would be a slam dunk considering DC United’s success in the past, but it’s the future and future dollar signs people are thinking about today.  Without Preki at the helm it appears that Chivas USA is in for a long season.  After going to the post season the last three years, all with early exits, Chivas are only ahead of lowly FC Dallas in the MLS West.  Early congrats have to go to Frank Yallop and the San Jose Earthquakes.  Although it’s a long season the Quakes are well on their way of passing their seven wins last season with two wins in the first four weeks. 

Toronto FC will be in tough to get things back on track this Saturday vs. Seattle.  The last time the Sounders came to Toronto they left with three points, but this time around, like Toronto FC last week, they have a quick turnaround having to play FC Dallas on their way to Toronto on Thursday night. One thing we know for sure is that two weeks in Major League Soccer is how fast things can change.  Anyone remember trying to figure out who would be the Wildcard teams in the play-offs last year??  You almost needed a math degree to figure it out.  However it all turns out we should at the very least all be happy we are talking MLS and they are actually playing after the league and union agreed on a new CBA.

On the Canadian soccer front Toronto FC is looking forward to defending their Canadian Championship.  That kicks off for Toronto on April 28th against the Montreal Impact who will no doubt be looking for revenge after Toronto FC put the boots to them stopping Vancouver from winning the Championship. 

The National Team announced last week it’s schedule of matches for the 2010 year.  Finally more games and better opponents. The season kicks off on May 24th against a country who actually has an outside chance of winning the FIFA World Cup.  Playing Argentina in Buenos Aires is a dream from many Canadian players.  Sometimes our player pool would be very small for matches and Stephen Hart would have a difficult time finding a starting eleven and certainly having any depth on the bench.  Now players are jumping at the opportunity to play in this match and there will be some disappointed if they don’t get the call.  Just that attitude of wanting to play for Canada shows a small change in the culture and importance of representing your country which is always good.  Hopefully good results will follow.

So this week FIFA once again turned a blind eye to using goal-line technology in the sport of soccer and specifically at the world largest stage, the World Cup. It has become such a joke that people that work within the sport have become to know FIFA as the laughing stock of the game and really the biggest reason the sport does not move ahead more in North America. It’s ironic the world governing bodies slogan is “fair play.” FIFA continues to leave the door wide open to corruption and match fixing with their excuse of leaving the game to the human element. Does that mean the other sports like Hockey, Basketball, and Baseball should do the same? I don't think so. The governing bodies in those other sports realize that getting the call right is of the upmost importance. Humans make mistakes and at that level it's just not acceptable. There is just too much at stake and it certainly lacks what the word at the top of my blog describes: credibility!

Tennis is the best example, I think of how this technology has actually enhanced the sport. The Hawk-eye video replay system engages the fans at the events on a player challenge and the results are complete in seconds. It actually enhances officials work and in my mind makes them stronger. I have more respect for an official who says, “I’m not sure, let’s go upstairs and check it out,” instead of making the wrong call. Why can’t that work for soccer? It can, but that takes away an element of control from FIFA. They have the ability to assign referees and get the results they want. How can they say we need to keep the human element when officials as early as a month ago have been kicked out of the game for match-fixing? FIFA is an organization way to arrogant to look themselves in the mirror or to acknowledge that "outsiders" may have a point on improving the quality of the game. I'm not even sure adding another official to the game with change a thing. It's just one more person to be bribed by gamblers and match-fixers. As early as this past weekend there was a disputed goal in the FA Cup and every time it happens we ask the same questions.

I was so close to actually believing something might change in FIFA-land after the Henry incident, but really I am wondering what on earth I was thinking knowing FIFA’s track record. Canada is no stranger to bad calls on the part of CONACAF officials. World Cup qualifying and the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup are the first ones that come to mind and in a country where soccer is still trying so hard to establish itself with the other major sports FIFA and other organizing bodies must take into consideration the enhancements and changes in other sports in order to keep pace as you can’t fall behind in a race you are already trailing!

Football fans in Britain Look on in 3D. (PA)

Now can this technology that’s made “Avatar” a smash and another, “Alice in Wonderland” on the way one has to ask if this will work at home?  Imagine Wayne Rooney or Landon Donovan smashing in an amazing volley at the FIFA World Cup this summer in South Africa. The replay shows the shot from behind the net and you think the ball is going to hit you in the face and break your nose on the couch at home! ESPN thinks this is something people are going to want (medical insurance not included). Is it? Well, let's take a look at James Cameron's latest epic "Avatar". Now Cameron has already been on the cutting edge of technology films like "The Abyss" and "Titanic". In fact some of the things Cameron invented for films have won him contracts with the US Military. "Avatar" was many years in the making at a cost of over $250 million. People thought this film would never recoup the cost of making. That has been smashed now by the question, "How much money is this flick going to make and how many awards will it win?" People that have seen the film have said they never thought they would see the day this type of technology would find its way to a theatre near you. Now television wants to jump on the bandwagon and I don't blame them.

The FIFA World Cup in South Africa this summer kicks off June 11th and ESPN wants to debut this 3D technology to the people of the United States at the first game and have a whole slate of live sporting events they want to cover in 3D. Canadians will no doubt have to wait a little longer to get a glimpse of this new piece of hardware.  Now the reviews of the English Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United that I mention earlier did not get the thrilling reviews one may have expected. Many thought on the wide game follow camera the images were fantastic, but close up shots of players did not really work. Now this technology is certainly in its earliest stages, but how tough is it for you at home to watch a match in Standard Definition after you've had a taste of High Definition? I'm sure we will be saying the same thing about 3D a few years down the road as well.  The cool news is that it’s not NFL, baseball or hockey that networks are using as a test subject.  It’s our game and that’s always a good sign.

Too many positives in MLS to let the CBA get in the way

Talks Extended

There was good news today as Major League Soccer and the Player’s Union said they’ve extended the deadline to try and hammer out a new CBA to February 12th.  There is way too much to lose on both sides if there is a lockout from the league or a strike by the players.  I completely understand that both sides have to be willing to listen to each other and make concessions where they make sense in order to continue to build the league and at the same time keep it financially viable. 

Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Union and their fans cannot wait to kick off their first season in MLS after a very successful Superdraft, a new TV deal with local ABC and a brand spankin’ new stadium built in Chester, PA (Still think it should have been called Chester Field). 

Pacific Northwest

Just when you thought the Seattle Sounders could not do better than their first season in MLS, well, they have.  They increased the available amount of season tickets by 10,000 and they only have 1,000 left which will bring the average attendance at Qwest Field on season tickets alone to 32,000.  That’s incredible!  Factor in Vancouver and Portland in 2011 and soccer in North America will have easily reached the height and success it did when the NASL was at its best.  Vancouver Whitecaps FC President Bob Lenarduzzi called it “Lightning in a Bottle” and six or seven years ago I think even he would have admitted that soccer may never reach that level of popularity in North America at least in his lifetime.  I’m sure he’s just as happy as anyone to say that he was indeed wrong.

New York

The New York Red Bulls have made changes in their coaching staff and are set to open Red Bull Arena to kick-off 2010.  It has once again become a destination for players in MLS.  Despite the fact they reached the 2008 MLS Cup Final New York has been a pretty bad place not only to play soccer, but to watch soccer as well.  Having to share Giants Stadium with the Giants and Jets meant also sharing National Football League lines painted on the pitch for almost every home match.  Not only was it distracting to watch on television, but was to the players too.  Rarely did you see them use the entire width of the field as it was very difficult to see the yellow lines marking the pitch.

Toronto

Let’s not forget grass at BMO Field!  No it’s not that kinda grass and yes we can thank Mo Edu’s transfer fee and the different levels of government who approved the deal.  Next time I see Mo I will buy him that Double Double Burger he’s been missing from In-N-Out Burgers while at Rangers.  New coaching staff at the club and a new outlook.  I expect big things from Toronto FC this season.  Failure will not be accepted and this time the dressing room really will be “all for one.”

That’s really just the tip of the iceberg as soccer fans look forward to the new season.  Let’s hope Major League Soccer and the Player’s Union see it the same way!

Wynne followed Johnston to Toronto from the Red Bulls. (Getty)

2006 MLS Superdraft New York Metrostars Selections:
1st Round 1st overall Marvell Wynne (UCLA) Current Club: Toronto FC (MLS)
2nd Round 17th overall Jozy Altidore (Generation Adidas) Current Club: Hull City (English Premier League)
4th Round 41st overall Blake Camp (Duke University) Current Club: Atlanta Silverbacks (United Soccer League)

Marvell Wynne now features as Toronto FC’s right back and earns calls to the US National Team on a regular basis.  Jozy Altidore now finds himself in the EPL and Hull City after a short stint with Villarreal and an opportunity to go to Everton (a deal in which Villarreal turned down).  At the time of the draft it was thought Altidore, a Generation Adidas player, may not report to Major League Soccer if drafted, but that was not the case.  He made 37 appearances for New York scoring 15 goals along the way and is now an integral part of the US National Team program earning 21 caps and scoring 8 goals along the way.

After starting the 2006 season with New York with a 2-3-7 start to that 2006 season Johnston was let go by New York, but promptly picked up by the newest member of Major League Soccer, Toronto FC as GM and Head Coach.  Two of Mo’s selections at the 2007 MLS Superdraft are very familiar to many around the soccer globe and the other two may ring a bell to Canadian soccer fans.

2007 MLS Superdraft Toronto FC Selections:
1st Round 1st overall Maurice Edu (Maryland) Current Club: Glasgow Rangers (Scottish Premier League)
1st Round 10th overall Andrew Boyens (New Mexico) Current Club: New York Red Bulls (MLS)
3rd Round 27th overall Richard Asante (Syracuse) Current Club: Italia Shooters (Canadian Soccer League)
4th Round 40th overall Jeffrey Gonsalves (Rhode Island) Current Club: Not attached

Maurice Edu claimed MLS Rookie of the Year honours in 2007 and it was not long before he was off to greener pastures.  Rangers paid in the neighbourhood of 5 million dollars for the University of Maryland product and with Toronto FC getting a large percentage of the transfer fee it helped with many off the pitch improvements to the club any maybe even a grass pitch.  Thanks Mo!  Andy Boyens struggled with Toronto FC, which may have been expected with a first year franchise.  A New Zealand International Boyens has a starting role with his country, including the 2009 Confederations Cup.  It’s a tournament he’d probably prefer to forget after a nightmare match against Spain.  He more than likely prefers to look forward considering New Zealand has qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.  Richard Asante and Jeffrey Golsalves are two Canadian soccer players that I covered while they were south of the border on scholarships.  Asante a small speedy player probably saw his best days on Canadian youth teams and at Syracuse.  Gonsalves is a player that should still be playing at a high level.  It proves how important being invited to the Combine can be.  At University of Rhode Island he was rated among the top ten strikers in NCAA Division 1, but not invited to prove his talents at the combine.  Johnston was happy to draft him at the time, but Gonsalves could not find a role with Toronto FC when the team kicked off their opening season.  He’s Canadian teammate at Rhode Island, Simon Gatti, is a member of the Montreal Impact.

On to 2008 and although Mo’s first pick of the Superdraft in 2008 did not live up to the hype, he did fall into the clubs plans in the long term.  Here is how Toronto selected at the 2008 MLS Superdraft in Baltimore.

2008 MLS Superdraft Toronto FC Selections:
1st Round 9th overall Julius James (Connecticut) Current Club: DC United (MLS)
1st Round 10th overall Pat Phelan (Wake Forest) Current Club: New England Revolution (MLS)
2nd Round 28th overall Brian Edwards (Wake Forest) Current Club: Toronto FC (MLS)
3rd Round 30th overall Mike Zaher (UCLA San Fernando Valley Quakes) Current Club: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Julius James in the end only appeared in 13 matches for Toronto FC and scored one goal.  On a good note he was part of the deal that brought Dwayne De Rosario back to play for his hometown team.  James did not fit into the mold with the Dynamo either, went on loan and eventually landed with DC United.  At 28th overall Brian Edwards has been a key player for Toronto FC.  If it were not for the 2009 Draft he could very well be Toronto FC starting keeper.

In 2009 Toronto FC and Mo Johnston were all smiles with 3, count them, 3 first round picks.  All three of the first round picks fit into Toronto FC’s 2009 first team.

The selection of Frei proved another major success for Johnston. (Getty)

2009 MLS Superdraft Toronto FC Selections:
1st Round 2nd overall Sam Cronin (Wake Forest) Current Club: Toronto FC (MLS)
1st Round 4th overall O’Brian White (Connecticut) Current Club: Toronto FC (MLS)
1st Round 13th overall Stefan Frei (University of California) Current Club: Toronto FC (MLS)
3rd Round 34th overall Mike Grella (Duke) Current Club: Leeds United (English League One)
3rd Round 39th overall Kyle Hall (Syracuse) Current Club: Unattached (Played for Canada’s U23 team in 2008 CONCACAF Championship)

In what was considered an already deep midfield the 2nd overall pick in Sam Cronin proved he could play with the big boys and after earning his first start of the year he went on to make 27 first team appearances and scored his first MLS goal June 13, 2009 against the New York Red Bulls.  MAC Herman Award winner O’Brian White spent much of the 2009 season recovery from injury, but by the end of the campaign started to show what he brings to the table.  Size, grit, determination and great 1-v-1 skills should have him battling for a starting spot up front in 2010.  In training camp Stefan Frei and at the MLS Combine, where he was named MVP, he impressed Toronto FC’s coaching staff enough they named him the clubs starting keeper in front of fan favourite and Canadian International Greg Sutton.  Frei proved to the fans and his coaches it was the right move.  He earned player of the week honours on numerous occasions and a MLS Rookie of the Year nomination.  Mike Grella drafted 34th overall declined to sign with Toronto FC, instead went to the UK hoping to pick up with a team there.  That is how he landed with Leeds United.  It’s been quite a ride for Grella since then scoring important goals in helping the club reach the FA Cup 3rd round match with Manchester United.  Although he did not get onto the pitch the one of the biggest FA Cup upsets in history he was a sub at that match at Old Trafford.  That would have been one hell of a night in Manchester!

MLS Cup will take place Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on GOL TV Canada

Entering MLS Cup weekend, GOL TV Canada asked the Toronto FC captain along with its on-air and online personalities for their predictions as Los Angeles and Salt Lake contest in the final.  Their predictions are listed below.  Please share yours in the comments section. 

The match will be shown live on GOL TV Canada on Sunday, November 22 at 8:30 p.m., following a preview show featuring Lee Godfrey, Luke Wileman, Jason DeVos and Jim Brennan at 8:00 p.m.

Jim Brennan, Toronto FC Captain
MLS Cup Champion: Los Angeles Galaxy
Score: 2-1
MVP: Landon Donovan
LA has too much power going forward for Real Salt Lake to deal with.

Jason DeVos, Soccer analyst, GOL TV Canada commentator
MLS Cup Champion: Los Angeles Galaxy
Score: 2-0
MVP: Landon Donovan
The experience of Donovan and Beckham will be too much for Salt Lake.  Big game players rise to the occasion.

Lee Godfrey, GOL TV Canada commentator
MLS Cup Champion: Los Angeles Galaxy
Score: 2-1
MVP: David Beckham
IF this is his last match in Major League Soccer, Becks will go out with a bang.
Read Lee's latest blog on Salt Lake's Will Johnson

Brennan, DeVos, Godfrey, Wileman and Virk pick Los Angeles.

Luke Wileman, Toronto FC TV and GOL TV Canada commentator
MLS Cup Champion: Los Angeles Galaxy
Score: 2-1
MVP: Landon Donovan
The Galaxy team is more experienced in these situations. They have a match winner in Donovan, a three-time MLS Cup winner.

Adnan Virk, GOL TV Canada commentator
MLS Cup Champion: Los Angeles Galaxy
Score: 3-1
MVP: Landon Donovan
It’s the Galaxy’s time to shine with their stars out in full force.

Andi Petrillo, GOL TV Canada commentator
MLS Cup Champion: Real Salt Lake
Score: 2-1
MVP: Up for grabs; whoever steps up for RSL
RSL is riding such an emotional high right now; there are no superstars, just pure team play.  Keep the Cinderella story alive!

Petrillo, Hossain and Sinden go for Salt Lake.

Asif Hossain, TorontoFC.ca and GOLTV.ca
MLS Cup Champion: Real Salt Lake
Score: 3-2
MVP: Robbie Findley
Kyle Beckerman's passing and Robbie Findley's speed punishes the slow LA backline the way Davis and Ching should have last week.
Read Asif's latest thoughts on the Thierry Henry Saga

Jonathan Sinden, @torontofc on Twitter
MLS Cup Champion: Real Salt Lake
Score: 3-1
MVP: kyle Beckerman
Reason: How easy is it to pick LA.? Too easy. Trying to keep it Real by picking Real. Rimando will show top form and shut the door on the dynamic duo of Lando and Becks.  Look for Beckerman to be solid going both ways in the middle and assisting on Movsisyan’s game winner.

Make Your Predictions below.

A couple of interesting results in the Conference Semi-finals first legs has me re-thinking what may happen this week on the road to MLS Cup in Seattle.  It’s kind of ironic as well the two West series are all tied up while in the East the two underdogs hold the slight advantage heading into the second leg. 

Real Salt Lake @ Columbus Crew (RSL lead 1-0)

I would be blown away if RSL, despite leading the series, comes out of Crew Stadium heading to the Eastern Conference Final.  The Crew are just too good at home.  Chad Marshall was just named Defender of the Year once again and if he is back to full match fitness watch him coming forward and getting involved on set pieces.  He can be lethal in the air and was in the playoffs last season on the way to the Crew’s first MLS Cup.  Schelotto has to return to the pitch in this match.  He is just too good to leave out at home.  I’ve made the trek to Columbus a few times and you can bet this is going to be one hostile environment for Real Salt Lake and their road record this season is nothing to be proud of.  Two wins and they’ve conceded 24 times with only nine goals to the good.  RSL hope to catch the Crew on the counter early, but I think this side is too mature and too smart to think this game will be won or lost in the first twenty minutes of play.

Crew come back to win series 2-1

Seattle @ Houston (Series tied 0-0)

What an atmosphere the first leg was at Qwest Field.  Over 36,000 fans and Houston keeper Pat Onstad certainly heard all of them I think loud and clear.  How there was not a goal scored in the first leg is beyond me.  There certainly were enough chances.  All Houston can be thinking of right now is this last year happening all over again?  Houston led New York 1-0 heading back to Robertson Stadium last year only to be embarrassed by Red Bulls in the 2^nd leg and the Dynamo found themselves watching the final from the pub drowning their sorrows.  This one is so close to call.  For the Canucks on Houston I hope they go through, but there is something exciting about watching this Seattle team in their first year of existence.  With MLS Cup in their backyard this year I have to give the Sounders the vote on going through and Fredy Montero will be the one to do it.

Seattle wins series 2-1 in ET

New England @ Chicago (New England leads series 2-1)

Shalrie Joseph is a big game player and so is Brian McBride.  These two sides have so much history between them the 2^nd leg is going to be one hell of a battle.  Injuries and mistakes due to those injuires may be the difference in this match at Toyota Park and unfortunately I think it will be the home team making those mistakes.  New England just snuck into the playoffs just before the door was slammed into their face and now they’re taking advantage of it.  If the Revolution can contain McBride I think they will be in tough to find the back of the net while New England will continue to ride the wave, a wave they have caught almost to perfection so many times in the play-off past.  Here is some food for thought from MLS:  New England is 3-0-0 mark after winning the first game of a series, while Chicago can take solace in the fact that it has defeated the Revolution in all six previous visits by a 15-2 margin.

New England wins series 3-2

Chivas USA @ Los Angeles (Series tied 2-2)

A see-saw battle at the Home Depot Center for Chivas’ home leg proved to me the Galaxy are a better team.  They had the run of play and took advantage of Chivas USA at the back and hammered them for making mistakes.  The Galaxy were unlucky to concede the early goal but managed to battle back.  Landon Donovan was not entirely happy with the performance but said he’s looking forward to playing in front of Galaxy fans on Sunday.  Bruce Arena was not happy with their own defensive lapses, something they have worked so hard on all season to improve and said his side will not make the same errors in the 2^nd leg.  If this comes down to set pieces I think we all know who that will benefit.  No one can bend it like Becks and if given that opportunity I could probably finish if it was put on a platter. 

Los Angeles wins series 4-3

Originally Posted on Thursday, October 29th.

Alright it’s time to break it all down as the 8 teams and matchups are set for the 2009 MLS Cup.  There are some interesting story lines this year and there will be some surprises, but the big question is who will be the two teams to be left and playing at Qwest Field in Seattle on November 22^nd?

Houston Dynamo v. Seattle Sounders

Not since the Chicago Fire has an expansion club in MLS qualified for the play-offs.  Ironically the Fire went on to win MLS Cup as well.  Is that a good sign for the Sounders?  The Dynamo once again finished up at the top of the West (tied on points with Los Angeles) and on paper should be a tough team to beat, but Seattle is one team Dominic Kinnear’s side have not posted a result against this season.  Stuart Holden has filled the gap left by Dwayne De Rosario and Pat Onstad has once again been one of the league’s best keepers.  If there is an upset to be had this year it could be the series.  Fredy Montero gets my vote for Newcomer of the Year and Sigi Schmid, the old coach of the defending champs, will have this side well prepared.  Could this be shining moment for their Designated Player Freddie Ljungberg?  Goals could be hard to come by for the Dynamo as Kasey Keller posted 10 clean sheets on a very good overall defensive side. 

Seattle wins series 5-4 overall score.

Los Angeles Galaxy v. Chivas USA

This is the first time these two sides, who share the same home, have met in the post season.  Yes the Super Classico should be an exciting on as David Beckham finally makes the playoffs as a member of the Galaxy.  He is once again set for his loan to AC Milan in January as Becks tries to stay fit enough to be selected to England for the World Cup in South Africa.  This Galaxy side has been the most improved in Major League Soccer by far.  Bruce Arena has taken a team that conceded the most goals in 2008 (62) to the third best defensive team in the league allowing only 31 goals.  Donovan Ricketts has been stellar in goal most of the season and if Landon Donovan is playing his best on the other side of David Beckham’s service they should go through to the West Finals.  Preki has built this team from the back as they also only conceded 31 goals this season, but goal scoring for Chivas has not come this season and it will be a challenge against the Galaxy.  

Los Angeles wins series 5-2 overall score.

Chicago Fire v. New England Revolution

These two teams have a lot of play-off tension built up between the two of them.  This is the 8^th time these two sides have met in the post season, but certainly this year I give the nod to Chicago.  They’ve been hovering at the top of the East table all season long (I know that has not really been a tough task as no one else besides Columbus really wanted to be top of the East) and I think the post season will quickly eliminate the weak teams this year.  Brian McBride has come back from injury and the old man looks like he still has a few good years left in Major League Soccer.  The former Fulham striker notched 7 goals during the regular season and Cuauhtemoc Blanco is a big game player.  I think he could leave MLS on a high note and I also see the Chicago Fire ease past Steve Nicol’s side.  Chicago wins series 4-1 overall score.

Columbus Crew v. Real Salt Lake

Columbus has one the Supporter’s Shield for the second straight season and despite their Head Coach from last year jumping ship to Seattle the Crew may have a tough time at Rio Tinto, but with the return of Chad Marshall at the back and the 12 goals of Schelotto during the regular season Columbus will be disappointed if they don’t return to Seattle on November 22^nd.  In tem meetings overall the Crew have beat Real Salt Lake 6 times and have one tie.  RSL was one of those teams shocked last season by New York in the playoffs, but the inconsistent play of this team on the road will not allow them to go through.  Cheers to the fans in Salt Lake for helping their team only lose one game at home this season, but it will not be enough.  If they have any chance Robbie Findley will have to remain at his best and they will need a couple of Goals of the Year from Canadian Will Johnson too. 

I see Columbus advancing in this series 5-3 overall score.

Well, after getting over the complete and absolute shock of the final game of the season it’s time to ponder on what was Toronto FC in 2009. 

Like most of the players and staff on the team its tough just to get past the sheer disappointment of not qualifying for the playoffs.  Now that I’ve had a couple of days to sweep up the broken pint glasses, apologize to the neighbours for the foul language and replace the remote control to the TV, I can go back to the beginning of the season and go from there. 

I was just outside of Sarasota, Florida in February when everything was just getting underway at training camp.  Spirits and emotions were high.  The new draft picks were in place and trying to impress then Coach John Carver. 

Paul Winsper and Nick Dasovic’s brush with death by a vehicle driven by a child was almost unbelievable, but it did happen. 

Two Gambian players (Amadou Sanyang and Emmanuel Gomez) had just arrived with all of their world belongings with them, by that I mean pretty much nothing. 

Rohan Ricketts was ready to become a superstar….okay most of that was really in his own mind. 

Danny Dichio made it clear to me in Florida this would probably be his last season in football, but certainly wanted to go out with a bang.  Good on the Toronto FC fans for giving him that send-off at the last regular season home game. 

Flipping through this season’s media guide there are more than a couple of other names that are no longer with the club.  Kevin Harmse headed back to the west coast, Marco Velez unfortunately made too many mistakes and Greg Sutton lost the number one job to Stefan Frei and was released.

If there is some blame to be laid on Toronto FC’s season John Carver may have been the catalyst.  When a coach leaves like he did it’s very difficult for someone to pick up the pieces and run with it for the rest of the season.  I was a little surprised when JC said he was packing it in.  He is a coach that wears his emotions on his sleeve and had this idea that Major League Soccer was out to get him. 

Chris Cummins was given the opportunity to run the show and it’s not easy trying to go from the front of a canoe to the back of it to make sure you’re going the right direction without flipping over in the process.  I like Chris Cummins and I wish him all the success back home in the UK.  He probably deserved better.

In the off season Toronto FC added a gem in Dwayne De Rosario.  One of the most talented players in Major League Soccer, DeRo is a guy who shows up in the big games.  When you need to lean on someone De Rosario rarely lets you down…game winning MLS Cup goals, All-Star game winning goals, and who could forget the Canadian Championship in Montreal this year. 

Another Canadian international was added to the roster in Adrian Serioux.  A big guy who is not afraid to throw around the body helped Toronto at times this season and also hurt them. 

Nick Garcia was another addition to TFC’s roster.  A long career in Kansas, Garcia was traded by San Jose to Toronto and the first few games he looked good.   He could not crack the starting eleven for Toronto the last two games of the season and it’s undetermined if he will be back. 

Mo Johnston talked today about the disappointing season of Pablo Vitti.  For one reason or another he just can’t seem to find a comfort zone on this team or in this league.  I doubt his loan will be extended with the club. 

Ali Gerba’s Amazing Race of soccer appears to have hit a road block and by that I mean he is staying in Toronto.  I have to say that Ali has been impressive with the Canadian National team, but that has not transferred into success in the red and white of Toronto FC. 

Certainly there are a number of other players who have made their way into the starting eleven throughout the season.  I am looking forward to O’Brian White going through camp and being fit and ready to go with this club from day one. 

Nana Attakora was a bright spot on the back line and deserves a starting role with next season does come around. 

Amado Guevara needs to go under the knife to repair his knee so not only will he need to recover from that he may also miss quite a bit of next season with friendlies leading up to the World Cup.  How much of an impact he can have on next season is still a big question mark. 

The club's first Designated Player, Julian de Guzman, will no doubt be looking forward to the beginning of next season.  I think some of the fans in the city expected way too much from this player under the circumstances. 

It’s not much of a surprise what this team needs and does not need before the start of next season, but getting a big centre-back, a striker who can hit the back of the net fifteen times and a quality coach will all be easier said than done.

If you did get through this entire piece (my English teacher probably wouldn’t), it may seem a little disjointed and coming at you from many directions and leaving you feeling a little empty in the end. 

It was not done on purpose. Honest!

 It was John Carver’s last match, or at least the last match he stood at pitch level, as Head Coach of Toronto FC and his side had fought back to tie FC Dallas only to watch it go up in smoke as the home side was awarded a penalty kick in the 84^th minute.  Did Chris Cummins have any idea how things would change after that April night in Frisco, Texas? 

Carver’s resignation surprised many, but with the supporting cast at the club the thought process was not to ruffle any more feathers, give one of the assistants an opportunity and see how the team responds. 

Who was going to be the one to fill Carver’s boots? 

In the end it was decided that Chris Cummins would be the man put in charge and from my point of view, not a bad call.  Toronto FC is a young team filled with talent, much of that talent still needs to grow, but Cummins certainly knows how to help develop and find good young players. 

His claim to fame was discovering England International Ashley Young at the age of ten with Watford.  Young was eventually sold to Aston Villa for 9.6 million pounds.  Cummins worked his way up the youth development later at Watford and before ending his time in England, he hooked up with Carver at Luton Town.

Many people will judge Cummins strictly on Toronto FC’s record of seven wins, eight defeats and seven losses.  I think it would be unfair only to look at the stats. 

Toronto has all three of their first round picks of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft in the starting eleven.  Even though they have impressed this season the best is yet to come and it’s under the guidance of Toronto FC’s coaching staff that these players (Frei, White and Cronin) will develop into the backbone of the club.  Last season Toront was left pretty much untouched by the injury bug.  It was the international dates that hurt the side most.  This season injuries to players in key positions and lingering injuries have hampered Toronto’s success. 

The coaching staff and Cummins have never used this as an excuse, but the lack of a consistent starting eleven has probably contributed to some of Toronto’s results.  Adrian Serioux has battled the injury bug most of the season, Carl Robinson’s season ending injury is a hit to the midfield, and Marvel Wynne still may be out Saturday after missing the last two matches.   

For a young team I think Cummins’ demeanor is a perfect fit.  His attitude with his staff, players and especially the media has always kept the club in good spirits, whatever the situation.  In this all important final stretch I don’t think a “my way or the highway” coach would work.  The pressure on some of the players must be immense and having a coach that’s always breathing down player’s necks does not always get results.  That stress and fear of making mistakes will not help. 

Last week at a training session things were not going well from Cummins point of view and he told the players that he knows they are going to make mistakes during the game, that’s a given.  It’s how the players react to those mistakes that make them better players.  I like that Cummins admits that his side will be somewhat a reflection of how the other teams play in Major League Soccer and that things do change from game to game.  So many coaches will say the same old “we don’t worry about them, we only worry about us.”  Really?  Now, I realize that most coaches like throwing out the clichés for the media so I do appreciate Cummins’ honest approach.

Finally, I also think you have to look at what Toronto’s goals were at the beginning of the 2009 campaign.  The club wanted to win the Canadian Championship after the disappointment of the year before (how Jeff Cunningham has 17 goals this year and missed that tap in against Montreal is beyond me), and they also wanted to qualify for the play-offs for the first time in club history. 

After that spectacular match in Montreal and a Canadian Championship to their name Toronto FC accomplished one of their goals and they are still right in the thick of it as far as their second is concerned.  Cummins will be the first to admit that he is learning everyday as a head coach.  Learning about the league rules, players, etc. in Major League Soccer does not happen overnight so I for one would like to see what Cummins could do as Head Coach if he had the opportunity to guide this team from day one. 

Canada needs to be compensated for defection!

It did not take long this past weekend for word to travel through the Toronto FC media box about the situation concerning Asmir Begovic.  The young keeper, who is currently on loan at Ipswich Town, has been capped at the senior level by Bosnia-Herzegovina. 

On Saturday in a World Cup Qualifying match Bosnia-Herzegovina brought Asmir on as a sub in time added on in a game they led 2-0.  They obviously wanted to get this guy capped and the timing of the substitution must have felt like a swift kick to the groin to Canadian soccer fans as this was not based on an injury it was purely to get him under wraps. 

After growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, going through the youth ranks in this country and representing Canada at the 2007 FIFA Under 20 World Cup Asmir Begovic has pulled an Owen Hargreaves. 

In fact, this may even be worse. 

Asmir developed as an athlete in Canada.  He was a “carded” athlete by Sport Canada.  Basically, the government or taxpayers funded Asmir every month while he played through the Canadian Soccer Association’s youth teams. 

He, like Owen Hargreaves, said he would play for Canada when the decision had to be made in the media.  Asmir was also asked to play for Canada at this year’s Gold Cup, but he declined citing club commitments with Portsmouth and that his girlfriend was about to give birth to their child. 

Were his reasons legitimate or was Asmir just buying time?  Whatever the reason, the Canadian Soccer Association should be compensated for the loss.  Canada cannot be making investments in players and their futures only for them to jump ship for what I can only imagine are personal reasons. 

Does he have a better opportunity to qualify for a World Cup?  Maybe.  Does he have a better opportunity to make more money through endorsements because he is representing a country where soccer is the number one sport?  Yes.  Whatever his reasons I am getting pretty tired of watching this country’s best up-and-coming players turn their back on the country that has provided them with so much. 

It’s no secret the Canadian Soccer Association runs a pretty tight ship and money is not falling from trees.  If there are any other players on the radar who just might think about going the same route as Owen Hargreaves, Jonathan De Guzman, and now Asmir Begovic, they should have their Sport Canada carded status reviewed or at least have to sign some sort of contract stating their intention to play for Canada or be ineligible to receive government funds. 

Canada has some fantastic young soccer players and countries around the world are taking notice.  They may in fact be beating us to our own kids.  Scouts from other clubs and countries from around the globe are here all the time at different youth tournaments trying to find a diamond in the rough.  There is nothing wrong with that, but it is time the Canadian Soccer Association takes a stand to protect our talent or at the very least, say if you’re going to take another young Canadian soccer player, “Show me the money!”

On another note:  Good news for GOLTV Canada’s Spanish viewers.  SAP is returning.  We have been doing our best to get it up and running.  We ask our viewers to please be patient, but subscriptions to the service and installation are all taking place and it will be back in the very near future.  We thank everyone for their comments to continue to improve our service to soccer fans across the country.
 

With three games to go in Toronto FC’s season and as the club tries to qualify for the play-offs for the first time in their history, I thought it would be a good idea to go a little Sesame Street style. So today’s blog is brought to you by the number 3. 

-Number of seasons Toronto FC has been in Major League Soccer.

-Number of coaches in Toronto FC’s history: Johnston, Carver, and Cummins.

-April 13, 2008, April 19, 2008, April 26, 2008 is the last time Toronto FC won 3 straight league games versus Los Angeles, Real Salt Lake and Kansas City respectively.

-Dwayne De Rosario is the only member of Toronto FC to score 3 goals in one match on June 18, 2009 vs. Montreal in a 6-1 win in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.

-All 3 of Toronto FC’s first round 2009 MLS Superdraft picks have started for the club this season: Sam Cronin (2^nd) O’Brian White (4^th) and Stephan Frei (13^th).

-Toronto FC's home, BMO Field, was built on funding from all 3 levels of government.

-3 Latin American players have played for Toronto FC this season: Marco Velez, Amado Guevara and Pablo Vitti.

-3 of the top 5 goal scorers in the league have played or play on Toronto FC: Jeff Cunningham, Conor Casey and Dwayne De Rosario.

-Toronto FC has signed 3 free agents late in the season: Ali Gerba, Lesly Fellinga and Julian de Guzman.

All of these come before a side Toronto FC have played against three times in club history.  Before their match against the Earthquakes this Saturday Toronto FC have a record of 1-1-1 against San Jose.  Some food for thought before the big game…speaking of food I can’t forget on the way home to pick up 3 things: a loaf of bread, a container of milk and a stick of butter!

There is always going to be that debate of which version of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” is better.  Is it the original version recorded by The Supremes in 1966 or the completely reworked version recorded twenty years later by Kim Wilde in 1986.  I’ll take the eighties version for sure, but if you were going to battle it out Idol style who would win?  Well, like Toronto FC I guess it would really matter where this battle would take place.  Of Course Diana Ross and The Supremes would want Simon Cowell to set up shop in the Motor City, Detroit, Michigan for a live broadcast of “American Idol” while Kim Wilde would much prefer the contest to take place in her home town of London, England under the show’s original name of “Pop Idol.”  Here’s one where home field advantage would certainly matter.  Even the history and success of The Supremes world-wide would probably not stand a chance if Wilde had it her way and the two songs were being judged in England.

Despite having Julian de Guzman in the starting eleven for the first time, Toronto FC’s trip to the Home Depot Center in Carson, California was not a smash hit.  Certainly it was fantastic to see Toronto FC’s first DP on the pitch to see what he could do in Major League Soccer.  Not even at full match fitness it was evident he is miles ahead of most in pure talent.  Unfortunately it takes all eleven players working together as one unit to come up with a result and that did not happen in the team’s 2-nil loss on Saturday night.  In the battle of the Designated Players David Beckham came out on top.  He gave the Galaxy the lead early, hit the post and set up former Toronto FC striker Edson Buddle for his 5th goal of the season late in the contest.  Having to perform on the road has been a massive challenge for Toronto FC this season.  They have not scored a goal in their last for away matches, but if there’s a silver lining to the loss as their play-off hopes are still alive it’s that all the results around the league went their way.  The bad news is their next match is once again on the road against the second best team in the east; The Chicago Fire.  A win at Toyota Park could flip this whole thing around though and put Toronto FC right back into the thick of it.

Certainly Toronto FC, like The Supremes, would love nothing more than to have their next battle take place on home soil, but that’s not the case. They will just have to go spoil the party, take their show on the road and blow the competition away…but until that big match on Saturday night…Toronto FC….”You Keep Me Hangin’ On!”

]]>Lee GodfreyThu, 01 Oct 2009 14:51:39 GMThttp://www.goltv.ca/blog/lee_godfrey_soccer_blog/87/<p>As the Major League Soccer regular season draws closer to the end, the importance of Toronto FC&rsquo;s matches also grows greater as each minute is played.&nbsp; This Saturday's match is by far the most anticipated league game of the season with Designated Player Julian de Guzman set to make his debut with the club.&nbsp; <br /><br />A battle of the Designated Players with David Beckham on one side of the pitch at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California and de Guzman on the other.&nbsp;<br /><br />It&rsquo;s not the first time these two players have met at the club level; in fact de Guzman&rsquo;s only goal in La Liga came against Real Madrid while Becks was still with the club.&nbsp; People have been asking the same questions all week of the former Player of the Year at Deportivo:&nbsp; How will Chris Cummins play the Canadian International?&nbsp; Will he play him in his more traditional role as a holding midfielder as he played at Deportivo? Or will he be able to push forward and try to create more scoring opportunities?&nbsp; A role in which Stephen Hart has him play with Canada scoring four goals in 40 appearances and named the 2007 Gold Cup MVP.&nbsp; <br /><br />Whatever role he ends up playing and for how many minutes remains to be seen, but I am much more interested in the flare and creativity that may be produced in the midfield between De Rosario, de Guzman and Guevara.&nbsp; Chris Cummins stressed today how much he wants this team to pass and keep the ball moving.&nbsp; Well, if these guys are on their game we could see some of the best one-touch passing this club has ever witnessed.&nbsp; Especially when you consider they will be playing on a near perfect grass pitch at the Home Depot Center.&nbsp; <br /><br />As I watched Julian play this summer at the Gold Cup for Canada he was by far one, two and three steps ahead of the competition.&nbsp; He knew where every player was around him and you could tell he had a pass or run mapped out in his mind well before it actually took place.&nbsp; Those are the football instincts that we sometimes miss in Major League Soccer.&nbsp; It can be a very direct and offensive minded game at times to make up for the lack of talent in the league, but you cannot deny the talent in Toronto FC&rsquo;s midfield.&nbsp; <br /><br />It&rsquo;s where much of that build up play starts and it could all be coming together at the right time.&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t be surprised if Toronto FC make a New York Red Bulls like run to the play-offs and from there the sky is the limit.&nbsp; Not too many people would have bet on New York making the play-offs last season, let alone reaching MLS Cup Final in 2008.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s a week in which the stars have flocked to Toronto for the film festival and all the football fans will be watching their big screens at home Saturday night as the red carpet has been rolled out for arguably the best soccer product to come out of Canada, hopefully to a star-studded performance and even better reviews. </p>As the Major League Soccer regular season draws closer to the end, the importance of Toronto FC’s matches also grows greater as each minute is played.  This Saturday's match is by far the most anticipated league game of the season with Designated Player Julian de Guzman set to make his debut with the club. 

A battle of the Designated Players with David Beckham on one side of the pitch at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California and de Guzman on the other. 

It’s not the first time these two players have met at the club level; in fact de Guzman’s only goal in La Liga came against Real Madrid while Becks was still with the club.  People have been asking the same questions all week of the former Player of the Year at Deportivo:  How will Chris Cummins play the Canadian International?  Will he play him in his more traditional role as a holding midfielder as he played at Deportivo? Or will he be able to push forward and try to create more scoring opportunities?  A role in which Stephen Hart has him play with Canada scoring four goals in 40 appearances and named the 2007 Gold Cup MVP. 

Whatever role he ends up playing and for how many minutes remains to be seen, but I am much more interested in the flare and creativity that may be produced in the midfield between De Rosario, de Guzman and Guevara.  Chris Cummins stressed today how much he wants this team to pass and keep the ball moving.  Well, if these guys are on their game we could see some of the best one-touch passing this club has ever witnessed.  Especially when you consider they will be playing on a near perfect grass pitch at the Home Depot Center. 

As I watched Julian play this summer at the Gold Cup for Canada he was by far one, two and three steps ahead of the competition.  He knew where every player was around him and you could tell he had a pass or run mapped out in his mind well before it actually took place.  Those are the football instincts that we sometimes miss in Major League Soccer.  It can be a very direct and offensive minded game at times to make up for the lack of talent in the league, but you cannot deny the talent in Toronto FC’s midfield. 

It’s where much of that build up play starts and it could all be coming together at the right time.  Don’t be surprised if Toronto FC make a New York Red Bulls like run to the play-offs and from there the sky is the limit.  Not too many people would have bet on New York making the play-offs last season, let alone reaching MLS Cup Final in 2008.  It’s a week in which the stars have flocked to Toronto for the film festival and all the football fans will be watching their big screens at home Saturday night as the red carpet has been rolled out for arguably the best soccer product to come out of Canada, hopefully to a star-studded performance and even better reviews.

I was as shocked as anyone to turn on Toronto FC’s match in Colorado Saturday night against the Rapids only to see the league’s top goal scorer, Conor Casey in the starting eleven.  Casey, who had eleven goals heading into the contest was, as far as everyone knew, on international duty with the United States for their World Cup Qualifying match.   Apparently he was not going to be used by Coach Bradley, but the US National Team did not announce that he would be made available to Colorado for the match and neither did the Rapids. 

Even at training on Friday (a training session Casey did not attend) when asked by the media about not having players like Mastroeni, who had been suspended by the league for two matches, and Casey available for their encounter at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park their answers did not reflect what they were all well aware of. 

Conor Casey was in fact available and they were really just trying to pull a fast one.  Now certainly one can argue that it does not matter who is out there for the other team and that Toronto FC should only worry about taking care of their own business.  Sure, I think that’s true to a certain extent. But a whole game plan would be in place thinking Casey would not be a part of that team.  Not having to deal with the pairing of Omar Cummings and Conor Casey does make a difference.  If Cummings is the lone guy up front or paired with someone with less experience, Toronto may have focused on other areas where they could be successful.  The moment they saw Casey’s name on the game sheet all of that changed. 

Casey had the chance to open the scoring on a penalty kick where he hit the bar and did eventually finish a beautiful cross sent in by Cummings.  Were rules broken?  No.  Was what the Rapids did right?  I don’t think so and even Chris Cummins had to agree with me to a certain extent along the lines of sportsmanship.  It will certainly make for a good rematch this weekend at BMO Field.

As I watch Apoel take a 2-1 aggregate lead over Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League the camera cuts to one of Canada’s strongest international players.  Atiba Hutchinson has just been booked.  Alright I didn’t say he was put on the screen for the right reasons, regardless, it’s outstanding to see the product of Brampton, Ontario plying his trade with Copenhagen and also taking part in the world’s greatest club competition.  He’s been with the club since 2006 and now made well over 100 appearances scoring 19 goals.  It’s unfortunate we do not get to see more of this talented midfielder.  It was a treat to watch him this past summer at the Gold Cup alongside Julian DeGuzman.  Any country in CONCACAF would be pressed to match the talent in the midfield of these two players.  Atiba played a crucial role in Canada’s run to the semi-final of the 2007 Gold Cup and even appeared to score the equalizer against the United States, but a horrible call went the Americans way and the rest is history.  Still, in 2009 I saw a different Hutchinson.  He’s improved on the ball a great deal.  His confidence in moving forward and not being afraid of taking on defenders himself instead of passing off has shown how he’s matured.  It’s probably something the fans would agree with at Copenhagen and tell you it’s no surprise either. 

Not many Canadians have had the fortune of playing in the Champions League.  I remember when first saw “Bend it Like Beckham” (yes I am admitting that) and in one of the opening scenes Becks scores in the Champions League against Anderlecht and sure enough there’s Canadian International Tomasz Radzinski.  I made sure I gave him the gears about it when we ran into each other after Canada played a World Cup Qualifying match in Kingston, ON.  He was just mad he didn’t receive a penny for the cameo.  Shortly thereafter not only did another Canadian born player have the opportunity to play in the Champions League, he actually won and did again his first year at Manchester United.  Yes it’s everybody’s favourite Canadian Owen Hargreaves.  Owen was with Bayern Munich for his first Champions League title and although many would argue he’s turned his back on his country, you cannot argue the success he’s enjoyed as a player.  Two Champions League titles, two FIFA World Cup appearances and one European Championship appearance is not too shabby.  Paul Stalteri has quietly become one of Canada’s most successful players at the club level and has also appeared in the UEFA Champions League.  Werder Bremen won the double in 2004, Cup and League titles, and the first Canadian to play in the Bundesliga would get a taste of the Champions League.  Even Canadian Keeper Lars Hirschfeld has some pretty good Champions League memories!  He was in goal when Rosenborg beat Valencia twice in the UEFA Champions League 2007-08 group stage, recording two clean sheets in home-and-away 2-0 wins, and made a number of saves in his side's 1-1 draw away to Chelsea, the last match in charge of Chelsea for manager José Mourinho.

It’s not much, a handful of Canadians, but something to be proud of at the very least.  Watching Canadians who really have beaten the odds for a chance to play with the world’s best.  For Atiba Hutchinson it looks like his Champions League dreams will end before the group stage as Apoel go away the winners, 3-1 on the night, 3-2 on aggregate.  A dramatic match, but still a bummer!

It has been a nightmare for the visiting teams to come into “our house” the last two season so that’s why I’m not sure what to make of their home opener against the expansion Seattle Sounders.  Part owner Drew Carey joked that Seattle is not the expansion side in the West and that Los Angeles was.  Certainly a little poke in the ribs, but not far from the truth, but I honestly did not think Seattle would be this good after two starts.  Kasey Keller has not conceded a goal and Sigi Schmid seems to have a nice mix of MLS vets, former European based players and a bunch of players with USL experience all working together. 

Will this first road test for Seattle show their true colours?  We all know how difficult it was for Toronto to get off and running in their first season so this could be Toronto’s most intriguing home opener in history and possibly the most important.  After the Seattle match Toronto have a home and away against a very beatable FC Dallas and a home match against Kansas City.  After controlling most of the match at Community America Ballpark I would bet we should see much more of the same at BMO Field.  It’s been all good news for Toronto FC so far with four more points at this point of the season then they had last year.  It’s going to be one hell of an atmosphere on Saturday!

As Mo Johnston becomes more experienced as a MLS General Manager has patience become an asset?  I would like to think so.  With holding on to the draft picks Johnston has managed to create competition for the starting eleven.  When everyone was healthy or not on international duty the starting eleven for TFC was really no surprise last year.  Second overall pick Wake Forest midfielder Sam Cronin will push for a starting position or at the very least give John Carver some options of where to play Dwayne De Rosario.  Cronin was a 2008 Mac Herman Award Finalist and scored 10 goals in 2008.  O’Brian White may have gone number one if it were not for knee surgery.  The fourth overall pick, 2007 Mac Herman Award winner and University of Connecticut product will thrive playing in his hometown.  He will provide a spark off the bench and earn some valuable experience in a starting role when players are injured or playing for their country. 

Defense was a major issue with Toronto FC last season especially late in the game.  Three promising story lines have emerged since the draft when it comes to defending.  Todd Dunivant is ready to return to the lineup and I hear his vocals on Guitar Hero are spot on.  He could play a role on the back line or in midfield and Carver will now have the option to possibly move Jim Brennan into midfield where he played most of his career before moving to TFC. In goal backup keeper Brian Edwards could be moved after drafting Swiss born Stefen Frei.  Many were surprised Frei, who was named combine MVP, was still around as the 13th overall pick.  He may even challenge Greg Sutton for the starting role.  Some fans and members of the media were disappointed that Johnston did not make any draft day moves, but I for one am not one of them.  Instead, I think he deserves credit for continuing to build this young team.  It’s a strong blend of proven talent mixed in with promising young pics.  Trading away draft picks for instant success does not always work…Mo just has to walk down the hall at MLSE to find that one out.

 

Starting in the next couple of weeks you will see a new segment on “Extra Time” called “Train Like a Pro with Paul Winsper.”  Yes we’ve hired Toronto FC’s Strength and Conditioning Coach to show everyone at home some of the workouts Toronto FC do day in and day out to get in and stay in shape.  The cool thing about all of these workouts is you don’t need a gym or expensive equipment…it’s all about the reps, intensity and working the six core groups of your body.  Winsper has trained some of the top soccer players in the world…Alan Shearer, Michael Owen and David Beckham.  He was a member of the staff when Bobby Robson was in charge at Newcastle United.  Now, wait for it….he has the pleasure of training Lee Godfrey!  When I sat in a producers meeting about this and said I had no problem being the guinea pig.  Now I don’t want to say big mistake, because once I start seeing the benefits of the workouts I’m sure I’ll be happy I did this, but not right now.  Am I EVER in PAIN!  Friday was the first workout and Sunday after coming home from Canada’s World Cup Qualifying match in Montreal I could not move my arms. 

Once I get into the routine and about a week or so into it Paul has told me most of the pain will go away once your body adjusts to the workouts.  In the end though for all of the Carlsberg section people at TFC games it takes just 20 minutes a day and 80 minutes out of the week to go on a program used by the players at Toronto FC.  My girlfriend probably won’t mistake me for David Beckham walking through the door in 8 weeks (he has more tattoos), but she and I will both see a huge difference in my weight, tone and energy level and that’s what it is all about……and no the cameras have not caught me throwing up…not yet anyway.
 

What a match! Okay, technically not the most brilliant 90 minutes I've ever seen, but it was certainly exciting to watch. Man of the Match in this game certainly had to be Hamilton, Ontario native Greg Sutton. Starting his second straight match for Toronto, Sutton stopped Landon Donovan, not once, but twice after the American International was set up perfectly by David Beckham. On Donovan's third opportunity of the first half he pulled Sutton out of the goal, but failed to get the angle right on the empty net. Right behind Sutton had to be the play of newly acquired Midfielder Laurent Robert who was in on all three Toronto FC goals. The former French International showed in this match he is still well above the talent curve in Major League Soccer and opposing sides are going to have trouble defending him in the midfield which should also open up the pitch for the guys up front. The departure of Collin Samuel and the addition of Amado Guevara gives John Carver something he really has not had up front so far this season; depth. In the Los Angeles heat Carver substituted Dichio, who scored the first goal of the match, for Cunningham late in the second to give that added boost of speed and it worked to perfection. Three points on the road is positive. Fans would have been happy with three draws on the road on the way home and it's nice to have TFC coming home with a win under their belts. We already know the fans at BMO are going to be absolutely brilliant, but this will make it even better!

We are getting there folks. I say "getting there" because I do not subscribe to Bold so I was forced to watch the delay of Montreal and Toronto in the first match of the Canadian CONCACAF Champions League match. "Getting there" because soccer is slowly starting to get the respect among television stations that traditionally did not give the beautiful game any coverage. "Getting there" because it was the first important soccer match between two Canadian clubs in over 25 years. Give all the credit to the Montreal Impact who did not make it a cake walk for Toronto FC. They threw everything but the kitchen sink at TFC in the early minutes of Tuesday's contest and were unlucky not be rewarded. Over 90 minutes though Toronto proved to be the stronger side aided by the fact Montreal went down to 10 men. I would love to know the opinion of the Toronto players regarding the pitch at Saputo Stadium. It must have been a nice break to play their last two matches on a grass surface. I would ask Mo Johnston about his thoughts, but the first rule about fight club... Certainly many people are curiously watching to see if the favoured side from Toronto would falter. Even though they came away with three points, in a matter of speaking, they did falter. Danny Dichio left the game with a groin injury and you have to wonder if these extra fixtures are going to take their toll on TFC like they did last season. It was the friendly against Aston Villa that signaled the end of the season for Toronto last year. TFC accumulated more injuries than points from that point on. After such a great start to their second season you would hate to watch it go all down hill from here. Maybe I'm being a little harsh. John Carver has turned this team around, and Paul Winsper has this team in an amazing conditioning and nutrition program that did not exist last year. That in itself should keep the injuries from adding up, and keep Toronto one step ahead of the competition. Toronto hopes to get back in the win column this weekend against a David Beckham-less Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday.