Not soccer related, but good news for those that support amateur sport in this country...
Toronto just won the 2015 Pan/Am Games. Finally, the city wins a multi-games bid!
Great news for the city and region!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Your Red and White army
The CSA released its roster ahead of next week's friendlies against Poland and Macedonia:
GK- Lars Hirschfeld - Energie Cottbus
GK- Josh Wagenaar - Falkirk
D/M- Mike Klukowski - Club Brugge KV
D- Kevin McKenna - FC Köln
D/M- Paul Stalteri - Borussia Mönchengladbach
D- Richard Hastings - Hamilton
D- Dejan Jakovic - DC United
M- Julian de Guzman - Toronto FC
M- Atiba Hutchinson - F.C. København
M- Patrice Bernier - FC Nordsjælland
M- Ian Hume - Barnsley
M- Marcel de Jong - Roda JC
M- Jaime Peters - Ipswich Town FC
M/F- Josh Simpson - Manisaspor
F- Simeon Jackson - Gillingham FC
F- Tomasz Radzinski - Lierse
F- Rob Friend - Borussia Mönchengladbach
The big surprise is the inclusion of Radzinski. Most assumed he had retired from international play. However, it's pretty clear that this is, essentially, a testimonial for Radz. It will be the first time he played in his native Poland.
Credit here credit is due, it's a classy move to include him.--especially considering he walked off the pitch in Edmonton wearing a Sack the CSA t-shirt. It's a little surprising that Nana Attakora didn't get a look, but another appearance by Dejan Jakovic is appreciated.
We've known for a while that Richards Hastings was getting the call. It's caused a little bit of concern over at the Vs, but in light of Jacob Lensky's recent head-flakery, we should probably celebrate the dedication of a bit player like Hastings. Besides, he scored the third most important goal n Canadian football history (does anyone have a link to a clip of that goal? If so, could you post it in the comments?).
GK- Lars Hirschfeld - Energie Cottbus
GK- Josh Wagenaar - Falkirk
D/M- Mike Klukowski - Club Brugge KV
D- Kevin McKenna - FC Köln
D/M- Paul Stalteri - Borussia Mönchengladbach
D- Richard Hastings - Hamilton
D- Dejan Jakovic - DC United
M- Julian de Guzman - Toronto FC
M- Atiba Hutchinson - F.C. København
M- Patrice Bernier - FC Nordsjælland
M- Ian Hume - Barnsley
M- Marcel de Jong - Roda JC
M- Jaime Peters - Ipswich Town FC
M/F- Josh Simpson - Manisaspor
F- Simeon Jackson - Gillingham FC
F- Tomasz Radzinski - Lierse
F- Rob Friend - Borussia Mönchengladbach
The big surprise is the inclusion of Radzinski. Most assumed he had retired from international play. However, it's pretty clear that this is, essentially, a testimonial for Radz. It will be the first time he played in his native Poland.
Credit here credit is due, it's a classy move to include him.--especially considering he walked off the pitch in Edmonton wearing a Sack the CSA t-shirt. It's a little surprising that Nana Attakora didn't get a look, but another appearance by Dejan Jakovic is appreciated.
We've known for a while that Richards Hastings was getting the call. It's caused a little bit of concern over at the Vs, but in light of Jacob Lensky's recent head-flakery, we should probably celebrate the dedication of a bit player like Hastings. Besides, he scored the third most important goal n Canadian football history (does anyone have a link to a clip of that goal? If so, could you post it in the comments?).
Move the Crew!
Don't look at me, I didn't say it.
Although Match Fit USA does admit that there is an element of "tongue and cheek" in its argument, the premise - that MLS teams need to perform on and off the field to be considered a true success -- is solid. And, many of Match Fit's readers seem to agree.
Although other markets struggle as well, especially in the playoffs, I'm not sure that’s a valid argument for justifying the half empty stadium last night. Yes, it's a Thursday night, yes it's cold and yes it's college football season (although shouldn't moving the Crew game away from Saturday have helped?), but it's the playoffs and the Crew were the defending champions. Basically, there are no valid arguments to justify it.
The Nordecke, without a doubt, has grown tremendously in recent years. They are the equal of any supporter's section in the league. Hell, they are in the conversation for best supporter's section in the league. But, no one else in Columbus seems to care about the team at all. And, based on what I have seen from Mark McCullers, et al. in the front office, I have no confidence whatsoever that they can fix that problem.
Should the moving vans be sent out today? No. As stated, there are other teams that are in worse shape than the Crew (Columbus' average of 14,447 ranks it right in the middle, although there is a clear divide between the haves and have nots in attendance. The league average was 16,037). However, C-Bus is a symptom of a larger problem. How can this league grow when it continues to fail to make inroads into markets like Columbus? They were the defending champions. They play in a mid-size market without a lot of competition (none, really, in the summer). Yet, they still struggle to draw beyond the hardcore.
Defensive reactions (like the ones you might see in the comments section below) miss the point. Ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away. The Crew's on field power may have peaked -- its core isn't getting any younger. What happens if the team starts losing again? That isn't going to bring the casuals out and it might start to erode the Nordecke's strength (in ANY supporter's section in MLS there are some that are there for the party. The party isn't as fun when you are trailing the Wizards 3-1 on a cold April night).
As much as I have issues with pretty much the entire Crew fan base, I don't want them to move. No one does. But, I do have concerns.
And if you care about the Crew, or this league, you should too.
Although Match Fit USA does admit that there is an element of "tongue and cheek" in its argument, the premise - that MLS teams need to perform on and off the field to be considered a true success -- is solid. And, many of Match Fit's readers seem to agree.
Although other markets struggle as well, especially in the playoffs, I'm not sure that’s a valid argument for justifying the half empty stadium last night. Yes, it's a Thursday night, yes it's cold and yes it's college football season (although shouldn't moving the Crew game away from Saturday have helped?), but it's the playoffs and the Crew were the defending champions. Basically, there are no valid arguments to justify it.
The Nordecke, without a doubt, has grown tremendously in recent years. They are the equal of any supporter's section in the league. Hell, they are in the conversation for best supporter's section in the league. But, no one else in Columbus seems to care about the team at all. And, based on what I have seen from Mark McCullers, et al. in the front office, I have no confidence whatsoever that they can fix that problem.
Should the moving vans be sent out today? No. As stated, there are other teams that are in worse shape than the Crew (Columbus' average of 14,447 ranks it right in the middle, although there is a clear divide between the haves and have nots in attendance. The league average was 16,037). However, C-Bus is a symptom of a larger problem. How can this league grow when it continues to fail to make inroads into markets like Columbus? They were the defending champions. They play in a mid-size market without a lot of competition (none, really, in the summer). Yet, they still struggle to draw beyond the hardcore.
Defensive reactions (like the ones you might see in the comments section below) miss the point. Ignoring a problem doesn't make it go away. The Crew's on field power may have peaked -- its core isn't getting any younger. What happens if the team starts losing again? That isn't going to bring the casuals out and it might start to erode the Nordecke's strength (in ANY supporter's section in MLS there are some that are there for the party. The party isn't as fun when you are trailing the Wizards 3-1 on a cold April night).
As much as I have issues with pretty much the entire Crew fan base, I don't want them to move. No one does. But, I do have concerns.
And if you care about the Crew, or this league, you should too.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
MASSIVE! upset
Somewhere tomorrow someone on BigSoccer will proclaim that last night's MASSIVE! elimination of the Supporter's Shield winning Columbus Crew by the MASSIVE! fourth seed Salt Lake is an example of why playoffs are bad. They will suggest that such systems don't produce "real" champions and they will go on to say that MASSIVE! Columbus should be considered the MLS champs because of their MASSIVE! regular season record.
And they will be wrong.
Every team in MLS is playing by the same MASSIVE! rules. Every player understands that the league champions are the team that wins the MASSIVE! MLS Cup. The MASSIVE! Supporter's Shield does not register with 95 per cet of MASSIVE! MLS fans as anything more than, say, the MASSIVE! Presidents' Trophy in the MASSIVE! NHL.
So, as MASSIVE! as the Crew are, they ain't the champs no more.
I did actually predict a Salt Lake win in this series. I based that on Columbus' play down the stretch, SLC's home record and the Utahans efforts this year against the east. I'm not betting against SLC in the east final either.
[irrational fan]
As for Columbus...I'm not going to lie. I enjoyed looking at all those sad faces in the Nordecke at the end of the game. I'm happy to know that certain BigSoccer bloggers are a little bit sad tonight. The knowledge that C-Bus won't have the cup next year warms my heart.
Yep, they are a better team than TFC. No one in Toronto is denying that (they should be, what, with the 11 year head start and all). But, all that matters not tonight.
All your trophies are belong to someone else.
Petty? Yep, but Toronto invented petty. Every song you sing in the Nordecke too. We invented it all. That's what we really think.
See you in March. It will be MASSIVE!
[/irrational fan]
Congratulations on the fine season Columbus. Enjoy the end of the OSU football season. It is, after all, all you have left now.
And they will be wrong.
Every team in MLS is playing by the same MASSIVE! rules. Every player understands that the league champions are the team that wins the MASSIVE! MLS Cup. The MASSIVE! Supporter's Shield does not register with 95 per cet of MASSIVE! MLS fans as anything more than, say, the MASSIVE! Presidents' Trophy in the MASSIVE! NHL.
So, as MASSIVE! as the Crew are, they ain't the champs no more.
I did actually predict a Salt Lake win in this series. I based that on Columbus' play down the stretch, SLC's home record and the Utahans efforts this year against the east. I'm not betting against SLC in the east final either.
[irrational fan]
As for Columbus...I'm not going to lie. I enjoyed looking at all those sad faces in the Nordecke at the end of the game. I'm happy to know that certain BigSoccer bloggers are a little bit sad tonight. The knowledge that C-Bus won't have the cup next year warms my heart.
Yep, they are a better team than TFC. No one in Toronto is denying that (they should be, what, with the 11 year head start and all). But, all that matters not tonight.
All your trophies are belong to someone else.
Petty? Yep, but Toronto invented petty. Every song you sing in the Nordecke too. We invented it all. That's what we really think.
See you in March. It will be MASSIVE!
[/irrational fan]
Congratulations on the fine season Columbus. Enjoy the end of the OSU football season. It is, after all, all you have left now.
Amado to play in Honduras?
According to the Honduran site Diez, Amado Guevera is looking to keep fit with Honduran side Motagua (link in Spanish) in the off-season.
Amado was clear that a loan agreement would need to made between TFC and Motagua before he could join the club. There is also the small matter of his knee surgery, which is scheduled for after Nov 14.
Although media reports have classified the surgery as "major" it's becoming clear that it probably isn't-- not is he's talking about playing in the winter in Honduras. The article was clear that he'd be back in MLS next year as well, so the loan could really only be for about six weeks or so. MLS camps open around Feb 1.
There is nothing inherently wrong with Amado getting himself back into game shape by playing in Honduras, so long as the knee holds up.
As for Toronto, it seems more and more clear that he'll be back with the Reds in 2010. I know I'm not in the majority with this opinion, but...good.
Guevara has had moments where he as disappeared for TFC, but he's still, by far, one of the most talented players to play at BMO. Combine that talent with a burning desire to be at his best for the World Cup and TFC can gain a lot from him when he's in the line-up. A motivated Amado is a beautiful thing.
If the loan goes through it will be the fourth time Guevara has played for Motagua. He has 37 goals for the club.
HT - Some Guys
Amado was clear that a loan agreement would need to made between TFC and Motagua before he could join the club. There is also the small matter of his knee surgery, which is scheduled for after Nov 14.
Although media reports have classified the surgery as "major" it's becoming clear that it probably isn't-- not is he's talking about playing in the winter in Honduras. The article was clear that he'd be back in MLS next year as well, so the loan could really only be for about six weeks or so. MLS camps open around Feb 1.
There is nothing inherently wrong with Amado getting himself back into game shape by playing in Honduras, so long as the knee holds up.
As for Toronto, it seems more and more clear that he'll be back with the Reds in 2010. I know I'm not in the majority with this opinion, but...good.
Guevara has had moments where he as disappeared for TFC, but he's still, by far, one of the most talented players to play at BMO. Combine that talent with a burning desire to be at his best for the World Cup and TFC can gain a lot from him when he's in the line-up. A motivated Amado is a beautiful thing.
If the loan goes through it will be the fourth time Guevara has played for Motagua. He has 37 goals for the club.
HT - Some Guys
Can it be a rivalry after just four games?
It sure seems like it can in Seattle and Houston's case. Check out the letter Stuart Holden sent to Houston fans:
He's "sick" of hearing that Seattle is the best soccer city in the USA. Sure, he talks about how much you "have to respect" them, but it comes off as sincere as when a teenage girl says "no offense" just before telling her BFF that her ass is too big.
It may have been 0-0, but it was the best game of week one of the MLS playoffs. I expect the second leg could be even better.
He's "sick" of hearing that Seattle is the best soccer city in the USA. Sure, he talks about how much you "have to respect" them, but it comes off as sincere as when a teenage girl says "no offense" just before telling her BFF that her ass is too big.
It may have been 0-0, but it was the best game of week one of the MLS playoffs. I expect the second leg could be even better.
It's Called Football Daily: now legal in Ontario
We turned 19 yesterday and, like every good Ontario teen, we celebrated it in style -- by drinking a bottle of Jagermeister we found on the street.
Oh, and we talked about the Champions League, Grande Zach Thornton and the Canadian national team player pool.
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Oh, and we talked about the Champions League, Grande Zach Thornton and the Canadian national team player pool.
The more iTunes subs we have, the more impressive I am to
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Jacob the Mysterious
Yeah, I love Canada, but in truth soccer is soccer to me. It's all pretty much the same, so if the Czech team came and asked me - maybe, sure. But they didn't, so I'm going to the call up just focussing on it and playing my game. Some people don't like it and that's ok.
That's Jacob Lensky talking to Red Nation Online about his future international plans. It's part of a full interview that you can read here.
Most Canadians will likely react ambivalently to what Lensky says. On one hand it's nice to see that he "loves Canada" and that he's willing to play for it, but on the other it seems like he might be willing to jump ship if the call came from elsewhere.
Soccer is soccer, after all. And there is little doubt that Czech Republic soccer is a little more advanced than Canadian soccer.
Still, one of the biggest problems Canadian fans have had with most of the ship jumpers is the lack of honesty they have displayed during the decision. In some cases -- Owen Hargreaves and Asmir Begovic -- they outright lied. In others -- Jonathon de Guzman -- they essentially lied by omission (famously de Guzman the younger appeared on Canadian TV just days before saying that he was choosing Holland and said that he was "only focusing on his club career" and that he "hadn’t given much thought" to his international career).
So, if Lensky does end up one day playing for the Czechs, then we can't say he didn't say it was possible. I'll give him credit for that even while I have trouble wrapping my head around the disconnect of loving Canada but being willing to throw that loyalty aside because "soccer is soccer."
NOTE: and literally seconds after I post this the CBC's John Molinaro reported on his Twitter feed that Lensky is turning down the Canadian call-up to play in the Czech youth system. Now, he has the story up at CBC.ca.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Pesch speaks
In their words the conversation touched on:
- his club’s upcoming FA Cup tie against non-league club Oxford City,
- how he ended up moving to England to begin his Football League career with Birmingham City,
- what English football was like in 1992,
- whether he would be interested in managing Canada if offered the job in the future,
- when will Canada next qualify for the World Cup
- and much more.
It seems like a much listen for Canucks...
EDIT: And it was. Pesch talked quite a bit about Canada in the interview -- bizarelly he made reference to a coach that had asked him about "forchecking" during a seminar he was running. Although I think he's generally about five years out of touch on the situation here, he does touch on many of the issues that we're all aware of that plague the sport in Canada.
One correction for those that listen. Canada has scored at Azteca dammit. In 1980. Nov 16, 1980 in a 1-1 draw. That would be 29 years ago. Excuse me, I need to go pour myself a drink now.
The Edmonton Aviators 2.0. Really?
This one caught us all a little off guard. The USL-1 announced today that they held meetings with its remaining clubs along with four potential expansion markets.
Ottawa, Baltimore, Detroit and Edmonton.
Yes, the Aviators 2.0 could be a reality if we are to believe the USL press release (For the record there is no indication that the ownership of the original Aviators would be involved or even that team in Edmonton would be called the Aviators. It's just more fun -- and part of my artistic licence -- to do so here now).
This is literally out of left field -- like, way out of left field, 10 rows into the bleachers out of left field. Outside of one or two true believers no one was calling for the Alberta capital to come back into the fold, nor was anyone thinking it was possible. Ottawa we thought was pretty much a sure thing. Hamilton had been mentioned. Even Winnipeg had some traction, and Victoria has been in the mix too. But, Edmonton? Edmonton, Alberta?
That dream died in 2004 in a half empty Commonwealth Stadium.
Now, it's likely that the USL-1 is bluffing right now in the hopes that the TOA will fold. But, still, it's good news to hear that that there are apparently investors in Edmonton looking to bring USL-1 soccer back. I fear for its long-term viability, but really, really hope those fears are unjustified.
As for the other candidate cities, Ottawa we've talked to death about over the last year. I think it's a matter of time before it happens. Baltimore has a USL-2 team and a history in the sport and Detroit has long been pointed out as a market that almost is MLS ready. So, they all make some sense.
But, Edmonton?
God, I hope so.
It's Called Football Daily: Why United is Evil edition
We talk Champions League, I show my true (blue) colours and finish up with a little MLS coaching chatter. Oh, and Squizz gets all emotional on us with a sensitive Squizz’ Seven.
The more iTunes subs we have, the more impressive I am to strangers on the bus. Seriously. Help. It's all I got.
No iTunes, no cry - download the show for your Zune, MP3 player or tape deck
The more iTunes subs we have, the more impressive I am to strangers on the bus. Seriously. Help. It's all I got.
No iTunes, no cry - download the show for your Zune, MP3 player or tape deck
Grande Zach Thornton has final word
The joke's on us. After a year of constant digs, reminers of his larger than life size and chuckling about his mass (remember when they droppd him in Toronto...hehehe), the Chivas keeper -- the round mound of the 18-yard box-- has the final word.Big Zach Thornton is the league’s most valuable goaltender.
I'm sure Thornton would tell us to "eat him" if not for the obvious jokes it would set-up.
It's his second time winning the award and first since 1998. No keeper has won the award more than once and only Pat Onstad and Joe Cannon have joined Big Zach in the brace.
Most had thought that Old Kasey Keller would have captured the award, but the voters must have gotten sick of listening to the Seattle fans on BigSoccer. Or, they are desperate to give him the Newcomer of the Year award -- you know, for the irony of it going to a 39-year-old.
So Big Zach it is.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Goal of the Year time
Yes, it's a cheesy marketing exercise, but the MLS Goal of the Year (sorry, the AT&T MLS Goal of the Year) vote is kinda fun.
There are a lot of Seattle goals in there. They're so cute when they are young, aren't they!
(And yes I remember how many TFC goals were in the 2007 vote)
There are a lot of Seattle goals in there. They're so cute when they are young, aren't they!
(And yes I remember how many TFC goals were in the 2007 vote)
Soehn cans self. TFC coach search gets more complicated
News today that Tom Soehn will not be back with DC United is, obviously, of interest to TFC fans -- both because of the possibility that Mo may recycle him here and also because there is now another team in the mix in the search for a new coach.
The latter could be problematic for Toronto. DCU, despite Mo Johnston's claims otherwise, is a higher profile gig for a top level American coach. They are the original flagship club and you don't have to worry about getting your family work visas if you go there.
Goff has a reaction piece up along with some speculation as to whom United may go after. Go read it.
The latter could be problematic for Toronto. DCU, despite Mo Johnston's claims otherwise, is a higher profile gig for a top level American coach. They are the original flagship club and you don't have to worry about getting your family work visas if you go there.
Goff has a reaction piece up along with some speculation as to whom United may go after. Go read it.
It's Called Football daily: EPL and MLS awards talk.
We try and take a light-hearted look at the EPL, I bash Liverpool and I tell you exactly where I think David Beckham ranks in world football.
The more iTunes subs we have, the more impressive I am to strangers on the bus. Seriously. Help. It's all I got.
No iTunes, no cry - download the show for your Zune, MP3 player or tape deck
The more iTunes subs we have, the more impressive I am to strangers on the bus. Seriously. Help. It's all I got.
No iTunes, no cry - download the show for your Zune, MP3 player or tape deck
The Larry Murphy Rule in action
I tell you what man, it was a very difficult moment for me. You want your coaches to have full confidence in you. So when a situation like that happens it’s very difficult for the player to (stay focused?) on football...it was a tough time...and you know strikers, it’s all about confidence. When that’s taken from you, and all the other stuff off the field, it makes football very difficult. As a result I don’t think many players, being in the same situation, could perform at their best so...but I handled the situation professionally and I moved on and I have nothing but positive things to say about the organization.
- Jeff Cunningham on his final days in Toronto
When John Carver put Jeff Cunningham into the reserve dressing room and started to publically question how he ever scored 99 (at the time) career MLS goals there were many in the Toronto fan base that applauded the move.
Cunningham wasn't scoring and, damn it, he deserved to be put in his place was the thinking. The fans added their own voice to the proceedings, effectively doing their best to run him out of town.
A little more than a year later Cunningham has 133 career MLS goals. John Carver is watching telly in the UK (as far as I can tell) and TFC fans are focused on running Chad Barrett out of town.
You don't have to have a UEFA A licence, or a PhD in psychology, to understand that strikers are a fragile bunch. As much as you might want to strangle them from time to time, that's not the best way to handle them. A more gentle massaging of the ego is more effective.
Maybe in a league like the EPL, where you have 10 other guys desperately tying to get their chance to prove that they can play, can you afford to throw guy like Cunningham under the bus. But a guy that can score in MLS...you try and hold onto those types.
Cunningham had to be moved when he was. It was clear that he was never going to score for TFC at any consistent rate. But, the fact that he's found the net 34 times since leaving Toronto seems to indicate that the Reds might have made a mistake or two in their handling of him. That's not to absolve Cunningham for everything -- it was pretty clear that he was mailing it in at the end, and that's not "professional" -- but, you have to ask yourself: What the hell was the point of Carver's "message?"
Also, we, as fans, might want to look in the mirror. When Mo Johnston suggested last week that the environment in Toronto could, at times, be difficult for some players to handle many fans, predictably, reacted defensively -- "how dare Mo blame us," was the rallying cry. That he didn't actually say that was beside the point. The truth is Toronto has a long and storied history of running players out of town, often with disastrous outcomes. With apologies for the hockey reference, let's call it the Larry Murphy Rule.
The LMR says that T.O.'s sports fans will hyper criticise skill players who fail to make an immediate impact, while simultaneously forgiving the failings of less skilled players that are "gritty." The fan will not let up on the skilled player until it becomes clear that the only option is to move him on to another city, where he will almost always go on to experience considerable success. The gritty player will retire with the team, become a community ambassador, and eventually star in a reality TV program that combines hockey and figure skating.
Or something like that anyway.
Cunningham wasn't scoring and, damn it, he deserved to be put in his place was the thinking. The fans added their own voice to the proceedings, effectively doing their best to run him out of town.
A little more than a year later Cunningham has 133 career MLS goals. John Carver is watching telly in the UK (as far as I can tell) and TFC fans are focused on running Chad Barrett out of town.
You don't have to have a UEFA A licence, or a PhD in psychology, to understand that strikers are a fragile bunch. As much as you might want to strangle them from time to time, that's not the best way to handle them. A more gentle massaging of the ego is more effective.
Maybe in a league like the EPL, where you have 10 other guys desperately tying to get their chance to prove that they can play, can you afford to throw guy like Cunningham under the bus. But a guy that can score in MLS...you try and hold onto those types.
Cunningham had to be moved when he was. It was clear that he was never going to score for TFC at any consistent rate. But, the fact that he's found the net 34 times since leaving Toronto seems to indicate that the Reds might have made a mistake or two in their handling of him. That's not to absolve Cunningham for everything -- it was pretty clear that he was mailing it in at the end, and that's not "professional" -- but, you have to ask yourself: What the hell was the point of Carver's "message?"
Also, we, as fans, might want to look in the mirror. When Mo Johnston suggested last week that the environment in Toronto could, at times, be difficult for some players to handle many fans, predictably, reacted defensively -- "how dare Mo blame us," was the rallying cry. That he didn't actually say that was beside the point. The truth is Toronto has a long and storied history of running players out of town, often with disastrous outcomes. With apologies for the hockey reference, let's call it the Larry Murphy Rule.
The LMR says that T.O.'s sports fans will hyper criticise skill players who fail to make an immediate impact, while simultaneously forgiving the failings of less skilled players that are "gritty." The fan will not let up on the skilled player until it becomes clear that the only option is to move him on to another city, where he will almost always go on to experience considerable success. The gritty player will retire with the team, become a community ambassador, and eventually star in a reality TV program that combines hockey and figure skating.
Or something like that anyway.
City's Money: It's half full dammit!
Allow me to present some numbers:
That would be a recap of where Manchester City stood after 10 games since it returned to the Premier League for good back in 2002. Clearly you can see that, other than the miracle start under Sven in '07, this has been, by far, the best start to a City season in a very long time. Under Sven, City only took 14 of the next 30 available points after that blistering start (HT to MCFC Stats and Bitter and Blue for the numbers).
City is on pace for 72 points this season. That would be good enough for a Champions League spot in all but one or two of the last nine seasons (they would have been tied with Arsenal last year). It would represent a Europa League spot in all nine seasons. Clearly, City is doing OK.
Yet, if you were to listen to the rumblings of the average fan, whether it's a diehard Citizen, a big four know it all or an anti-modern football lecturer, City's play over the last few weeks has been a demonstration of how the bubble has burst -- City will continue down it's typical path of destruction and will not threaten the natural selection of teams.
Although there is no doubt that draws against Wigan, Fulham, Birmingham and, to a lesser extent, Villa have been frustrating, anyone who has followed this club even remotely close knows that that D-D-D-D line would have been L-D-L-L in years past. Three of the four draws were on the road, including a come from behind effort against Villa, who, you might realize, isn't a bad little team.
The painful one is Fulham at home, but Liverpool learned last week what Fulham can do if given some space. The Cottagers are a top half team. There is no shame in dropping points against them occasionally.
Is it possible to look at the four game stretch that City has just finished and make the argument that it's actually impressive? Perhaps "impressive" is a stretch, but gritty might do. It's a tight season so far in the EPL. Grinding out results on the road is important. Frustrated or not, City sits in a Champions League spot a quarter of the way through the season. That's above expectations.
The bottom line? City fans need to relax a bit and realize that things aren't as bad as they seem, big four fans need to get over themselves and realize that the top four isn't a private club and that City is legitimate, and the anti-modern football types should shut up and start a blog about the Blue Square North.
The next mouth will be huge for City. Three home games, including one against Chelsea, and a trip to Anfield (along with a League Cup game at home against Arsenal) should allow ample opportunity for City to shut up the critics.
Alternatively, City could provide those same critics with a lot of ammunition. It's just that there is little evidence to suggest that Manchester City circa 2009 will do that. No matter how much you want to/fear you'll see it.
- 2009 - 19
- 2008 - 13
- 2007 - 22
- 2006 - 12
- 2005 - 17
- 2004 - 11
- 2003 - 14
- 2002 - 8
That would be a recap of where Manchester City stood after 10 games since it returned to the Premier League for good back in 2002. Clearly you can see that, other than the miracle start under Sven in '07, this has been, by far, the best start to a City season in a very long time. Under Sven, City only took 14 of the next 30 available points after that blistering start (HT to MCFC Stats and Bitter and Blue for the numbers).
City is on pace for 72 points this season. That would be good enough for a Champions League spot in all but one or two of the last nine seasons (they would have been tied with Arsenal last year). It would represent a Europa League spot in all nine seasons. Clearly, City is doing OK.
Yet, if you were to listen to the rumblings of the average fan, whether it's a diehard Citizen, a big four know it all or an anti-modern football lecturer, City's play over the last few weeks has been a demonstration of how the bubble has burst -- City will continue down it's typical path of destruction and will not threaten the natural selection of teams.
Although there is no doubt that draws against Wigan, Fulham, Birmingham and, to a lesser extent, Villa have been frustrating, anyone who has followed this club even remotely close knows that that D-D-D-D line would have been L-D-L-L in years past. Three of the four draws were on the road, including a come from behind effort against Villa, who, you might realize, isn't a bad little team.
The painful one is Fulham at home, but Liverpool learned last week what Fulham can do if given some space. The Cottagers are a top half team. There is no shame in dropping points against them occasionally.
Is it possible to look at the four game stretch that City has just finished and make the argument that it's actually impressive? Perhaps "impressive" is a stretch, but gritty might do. It's a tight season so far in the EPL. Grinding out results on the road is important. Frustrated or not, City sits in a Champions League spot a quarter of the way through the season. That's above expectations.
The bottom line? City fans need to relax a bit and realize that things aren't as bad as they seem, big four fans need to get over themselves and realize that the top four isn't a private club and that City is legitimate, and the anti-modern football types should shut up and start a blog about the Blue Square North.
The next mouth will be huge for City. Three home games, including one against Chelsea, and a trip to Anfield (along with a League Cup game at home against Arsenal) should allow ample opportunity for City to shut up the critics.
Alternatively, City could provide those same critics with a lot of ammunition. It's just that there is little evidence to suggest that Manchester City circa 2009 will do that. No matter how much you want to/fear you'll see it.
SAAC the CSA
I urge everyone to have a listen to the Dino Rossi interview from today's It's Called Football Weekly show. You can find it below this post. Although the Jeff Cunningham interview is undoubtedly sexier, the issues that Dino touch upon are vital to the future of the sport in Canada.
In summery, Dino updated us on the ongoing efforts of the Soccer Academies Association of Canada (SAAC) to get its players registered by the CSA. It seems like a fairly innocent request, and it's actually mandated by FIFA to happen, but yet soccer officials in this country continue to drag their feet.
Dino was somewhat diplomatic in his answer as to why there is a resistance to registering the SAAC players. He can't afford to piss too many people off in his role on the Board of Directors at SAAC. However, I can state it a little clearer.
Some clubs are fighting SAAC because they feel that the academies are "stealing" their best players and are therefore putting them at a competitive disadvantage when they play other clubs for provincial championships. Basically they are willing to blackball children so they have a better chance to win a shiny trophy with their u-14 squad.
To convince parents to go along with their efforts they tell tall, cautionary tales about big, bad academy owners that are only in it for the money and that will make promises that they can't keep to players that aren't good enough to play beyond the community level.
There is no doubt that there are people in this world that look to profit off of the dreams of kids. But, one of the components of SAAC is to ensure that its members are operating under a unified best practices that will prevent operators from taking advantage of players and their families. Basically, SAAC isn't going to let anyone with a pitch and whistle into their association. There are strict standards that need to be kept for membership in SAAC. If a player enrols in an academy they will be getting exactly what they were promised. What they do with that training is then up to them.
The irony of this type of argument against the registering of academy players is that FIFA brought in the requirement for registration as part of an effort to protect the players. Some in Canada are trying to make the opposite argument -- that NOT allowing those players to be registered is what protects them. It's counterintuitive.
Ultimately, as Dino said in the interview, SAAC is about giving people choice. And choice is good.
I've often been asked by readers why I've never published a multi-part series detailing how I would want to see the CSA fixed. The answer is that it's because many others already have and that I don't have a lot more to offer the subject. However, allow me to use this issue as a jumping of point for a succenict response to that ultimate question of What To Do About The CSA.
The problems with the organization can all be seen with this one issue. It's toothless, takes its orders from the provinces (which, in turn, take their orders from the community clubs). The old adage of the tail wagging the dog applies here -- and it's a problem. So long as the CSA refuses to step up and lay claim to what it rightfully theirs (control of the game) we are destined to flounder around, directionless.
How would I fix the CSA? By forcing it to demonstrate some leadership. Even though this change is mandated by FIFA it hasn't happened yet. Why is that? Likely because the CSA is trying to figure out how to satisfy the provinces, while getting FIFA off its back about the requirement.
If leadership was centralized, we wouldn't have this problem.
You can fix a lot by simply centralizing the decision making. Let the provinces handle the important recreation market. Leave the elite programs to the CSA, where they belong.
There is a lot wrong with the Canadian system, but making that one simple change will go a long ways to fixing many of the issues. And it might even allow for the radical concept of having every kid that plays this game, actually recognized by the national body.
Crazy, eh?
In summery, Dino updated us on the ongoing efforts of the Soccer Academies Association of Canada (SAAC) to get its players registered by the CSA. It seems like a fairly innocent request, and it's actually mandated by FIFA to happen, but yet soccer officials in this country continue to drag their feet.
Dino was somewhat diplomatic in his answer as to why there is a resistance to registering the SAAC players. He can't afford to piss too many people off in his role on the Board of Directors at SAAC. However, I can state it a little clearer.
Some clubs are fighting SAAC because they feel that the academies are "stealing" their best players and are therefore putting them at a competitive disadvantage when they play other clubs for provincial championships. Basically they are willing to blackball children so they have a better chance to win a shiny trophy with their u-14 squad.
To convince parents to go along with their efforts they tell tall, cautionary tales about big, bad academy owners that are only in it for the money and that will make promises that they can't keep to players that aren't good enough to play beyond the community level.
There is no doubt that there are people in this world that look to profit off of the dreams of kids. But, one of the components of SAAC is to ensure that its members are operating under a unified best practices that will prevent operators from taking advantage of players and their families. Basically, SAAC isn't going to let anyone with a pitch and whistle into their association. There are strict standards that need to be kept for membership in SAAC. If a player enrols in an academy they will be getting exactly what they were promised. What they do with that training is then up to them.
The irony of this type of argument against the registering of academy players is that FIFA brought in the requirement for registration as part of an effort to protect the players. Some in Canada are trying to make the opposite argument -- that NOT allowing those players to be registered is what protects them. It's counterintuitive.
Ultimately, as Dino said in the interview, SAAC is about giving people choice. And choice is good.
I've often been asked by readers why I've never published a multi-part series detailing how I would want to see the CSA fixed. The answer is that it's because many others already have and that I don't have a lot more to offer the subject. However, allow me to use this issue as a jumping of point for a succenict response to that ultimate question of What To Do About The CSA.
The problems with the organization can all be seen with this one issue. It's toothless, takes its orders from the provinces (which, in turn, take their orders from the community clubs). The old adage of the tail wagging the dog applies here -- and it's a problem. So long as the CSA refuses to step up and lay claim to what it rightfully theirs (control of the game) we are destined to flounder around, directionless.
How would I fix the CSA? By forcing it to demonstrate some leadership. Even though this change is mandated by FIFA it hasn't happened yet. Why is that? Likely because the CSA is trying to figure out how to satisfy the provinces, while getting FIFA off its back about the requirement.
If leadership was centralized, we wouldn't have this problem.
You can fix a lot by simply centralizing the decision making. Let the provinces handle the important recreation market. Leave the elite programs to the CSA, where they belong.
There is a lot wrong with the Canadian system, but making that one simple change will go a long ways to fixing many of the issues. And it might even allow for the radical concept of having every kid that plays this game, actually recognized by the national body.
Crazy, eh?
Monday, November 2, 2009
It's Called Football: The Jeff Cunningham papers
Jeff Cunningham talks to us about his turn around season and about some of the problems he faced in Toronto. Also Dino Rossi on the SAAC vs CSA battle.
Subscribe and download It's Called Football Monday - Friday now on iTunes
No iTunes, no cry - download the show for your Zune, MP3 player or tape deck
Subscribe and download It's Called Football Monday - Friday now on iTunes
No iTunes, no cry - download the show for your Zune, MP3 player or tape deck
Jacob Lensky - maybe back on the radar?
The Voyageur’s are abuzz today with the news that the great Canadian head case, Jacob Lensky, might be back in the picture when it comes to Canada. He's been called up for this month's friendlies (link in Dutch).
Famously, Lensky was in the Celtic youth set-up back in 2004-2007, before bouncing around for a little bit, bizarrely retiring, showing up at the Seattle Sounders camp and apparently being offered a contract, turning it down, returning to Vancouver then, somehow, ending up with FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie.
It's been an adventure -- made even more surreal by rumours that he was not interested in playing for Canada internationally, preferring to keep his options open if the nation of his heritage, the Czech Republic, came calling.
Have I mentioned that he's still just 20?
Anyway, the Dutch interview linked seems to indicate that Lensky called the call-up a "pleasant surprise."
Pleasant. That word is causing Vs across the nation to take to the streets in a state of Rapture (or something like that). Regardless, it's nice to see that the kid might not have given up on himself and maybe his psychology is starting to catch up with his talent. That would be a good thing for Canadian soccer, because the truth is we don't have a lot of 20-year-olds that were once good enough to get a serious look from Celtic.
His first pro first team goal:
Of course under the new FIFA rules Lensky can't be cap tied this month. Still, it would be nice to get him back in the set-up to see whether he's worth worrying about. As mentioned, it's hard to imagine he isn't.
Famously, Lensky was in the Celtic youth set-up back in 2004-2007, before bouncing around for a little bit, bizarrely retiring, showing up at the Seattle Sounders camp and apparently being offered a contract, turning it down, returning to Vancouver then, somehow, ending up with FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie.
It's been an adventure -- made even more surreal by rumours that he was not interested in playing for Canada internationally, preferring to keep his options open if the nation of his heritage, the Czech Republic, came calling.
Have I mentioned that he's still just 20?
Anyway, the Dutch interview linked seems to indicate that Lensky called the call-up a "pleasant surprise."
Pleasant. That word is causing Vs across the nation to take to the streets in a state of Rapture (or something like that). Regardless, it's nice to see that the kid might not have given up on himself and maybe his psychology is starting to catch up with his talent. That would be a good thing for Canadian soccer, because the truth is we don't have a lot of 20-year-olds that were once good enough to get a serious look from Celtic.
His first pro first team goal:
Of course under the new FIFA rules Lensky can't be cap tied this month. Still, it would be nice to get him back in the set-up to see whether he's worth worrying about. As mentioned, it's hard to imagine he isn't.
Have a Hart CSA. Make it happen.
Today Squizz from Some Guys posted an interview with David Monslave. Since Sqizz was so kind to spam us let us know about it in the comments section below, I figured I should point you to it.
In Squizz' words the interview "talks about adjusting to life in Finland, the passion of Canadian soccer supporters, his future with the Canadian men’s national team, his relationship with Stephen Hart, his former teammates on Canada’s 2007 Under-20 squad (including a certain now-Bosnian) and his hometown club, Toronto FC."
Of interest was that Monslave pledged his support to Stephen Hart to become the full-time coach of the Canadian national team. His voice is the latest from the player pool to suggest that Hart should take over.
Not that you want to let the players run the show, but...Hart seems to be OK at the job, the players seem to perform for him and he seems like he might be willing to do it.
So why the hell not?
It's been a while since Dale Mitchell was mercifully taken back behind the barn and shot fired and there hasn't really been much noise coming from Metcalfe Street.
We probably can't afford anyone better. So...
Get it done.
In Squizz' words the interview "talks about adjusting to life in Finland, the passion of Canadian soccer supporters, his future with the Canadian men’s national team, his relationship with Stephen Hart, his former teammates on Canada’s 2007 Under-20 squad (including a certain now-Bosnian) and his hometown club, Toronto FC."
Of interest was that Monslave pledged his support to Stephen Hart to become the full-time coach of the Canadian national team. His voice is the latest from the player pool to suggest that Hart should take over.
Not that you want to let the players run the show, but...Hart seems to be OK at the job, the players seem to perform for him and he seems like he might be willing to do it.
So why the hell not?
It's been a while since Dale Mitchell was
We probably can't afford anyone better. So...
Get it done.
It's Called Football Weekly - Live Chat! Jeff Cunningham and Dino Rossi join us
Join us live at 2 p.m. EST for It's Called Football Weekly. Our guests are MLS golden boot winner Jeff Cunningham and Dino Rossi of SAAC.
Watch/listen at ThatChannel.com and chat here.
Watch/listen at ThatChannel.com and chat here.
Success for Canadian and former MLS pool keeper
Some may be tempted to take a narrow view and dismiss the importance of anything that happens outside of the major European leagues as being without importance. However, to me, the larger view is to understand the difficulty in winning a championship at any level of sport.
So, as a Canadian soccer supporter it's nice to see David Monsalve holding a Canadian flag above, during the trophy ceremony for the Finnish Cup. FC Inter Turku defeated Tampere United 2-1 Sunday to capture the honour. It was the first ever Finnish Cup for Inter.
Monslave, who played some minutes for TFC in 2007 as a MLS pool keeper, started the game for Inter, where he is normally the back-up. He's been forced into starting following an injury to Patrick Bantamoi. With Bantamoi rumoured to be on the way out during the January transfer window, Monsalve could find himself as the first choice come the time the Veikkausliiga kicks off again in the spring.
If that's the case, he could also see action in the qualifying rounds of next year's Europa League.
Clearly the Finnish league is a lower ranked European football league, but with the Canadian keeper situation what it is right now it's nice to see anyone, anywhere, getting playing time. It wouldn't be the worst idea in the world to give Monslave a call for this month’s friendlies against Poland and Macedonia.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
City at Birmingham LIVE BLOG-O-RAMA!
In my ongoing effort to talk to myself, join me at 11 a.m. EST for another City live blog!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
TFC season review, Part V - Where do we go from here?
So, what now?
Well, the first thing everyone should do is take a step back from the emotion of last Saturday. Losing 5-0 to New York exposed some things about TFC, no doubt, but it didn’t change the fact that the Reds were only one point from a playoff spot and just 10 points out of the Supporter’s Shield race.
So, TFC fans, try and remember that. The Reds weren’t Derby County circa 2008. No, they were a pretty typical MLS side that wasn’t quite good enough. So, chill.
Now, that said, they really weren’t good enough. Although they were just that one point away, they never looked good for a playoff spot from about two months out. They seemed to lack something.
The now infamous 15 blown points in the final 15, was exhibit 1A of that lack of something, but it came out in other ways as well. TFC failed to bury teams (eight of 13 wins were by one goal). The Reds struggled against teams that had less talent (they only won four of 11 games against New York, San Jose, Vancouver, Puerto Rico, Montreal and first half of the season Dallas. Take New York out and it’s just two wins in eight games) and they had the fourth worst road record in the league.
Those are problems. How you deal with them is not easy to determine. Clearly there is something in the psychology of the tem. Either they lack the skills needed to handle pressure (the ‘ole inverted U theory of sports psychology) or they simply lack the desire to put forth the needed effort.
It could also be a case of the players never learning how to win. How many championships have TFC players won in their pro career? Outside of DeRo, the answer, as far as I can tell, is none. TFC management needs to look at every player it has and determine if they have the ability to win. It’s a skill that isn’t just about, well, skill. It’s about metal toughness. And if it’s determined that a player is soft, then he needs to be shipped out.
Also, something as simple as hiring a full time sports psychologist might be beneficial as well. That type of auxiliary spending is how rich MLS clubs like Toronto can take advantage of their off-the-pitch success.
Jimmy Brennan should also understand that his captaincy needs to be critically evaluated. You want your captain to lead you through tough times on the pitch and, through three years, TFC has never shown an ability to do that. Maybe Jimmy isn’t the problem, but everything needs to be looked at.
Clearly the coaching situation is the most important piece of business in the off-season. Mo Johnston has said that he wants someone with MLS experience. That limits greatly. We can speculate all we want about specific names, but I think the prototype needed is understood. Both John Carver and Chris Cummins were assistant coaches given head coaching responsibilities. Both struggled to let go of their “one of the boys” attitude that served them well in their assistant manager roles. TFC’s players don’t need a buddy. They need a coach that can kick their ass in line when needed – someone that will demand respect from the get go.
It’s not going to be easy to find that guy, but if they can everything else will follow.
You don’t need to have your UEFA A licence to know what Toronto needs as far as players. It’s a broken record -- a pure goal scoring striker, one or two natural wing players and a hardnosed stopper to play CB.
That should be easy...
OK, maybe not. The truth is pretty much every team in the world is after those type of players. To me, the first priority should be to find the wing players. Although you might look at the other two holes as being more pressing, to me Toronto’s lack of width on the pitch is its biggest failing. Who knows, with an adjustment in tactics that involve actually having a player on the wing that can get some crosses in, maybe Chad Barrett or Ali Gerba might start scoring.
As for that 20-goal scorer Mo talked about earlier this week, TFC fans probably have as much chance of seeing themselves win Lotto Max next Friday. The only way you find a guy out there that can net you 20 goals who won’t cost you DP money is to win the figurative lottery by finding that mythical 19-year-old Argentine striker that no one has seen before. Now, Johnston did let it slip in his interview with the Fan 590 that he’s pretty sure the cap is going up. So, maybe there will be enough money to go after another big transfer. But, you can’t count on that.
Realistically, Toronto may be able to find another 10-goal guy and if they can do that it may be enough. You have to assume that one of either Barett or Gerba will bounce back a bit next year.
I’m actually least concerned about the centreback needs. Sure, a big stopper would be great. You can say that about pretty much every other club in the world. Dominating CBs are likely the most difficult of commodities to find. But, Toronto does have some promise on the backline. Between Emmanuel Gomez and Nana Attakora, I have to think that one will step their game up even more in 2010. With Adrian Serioux now playing on grass every week, his injuries should be less frequent and everyone will be happier.
I would love to see an upgrade at left fullback, thus letting Jimmy B play in the mid, where he belongs.
The wildcard in everything is what the impact of a full season of Julian de Guzman will be. If the new coach figures out how to best use him, that could be the extra two points TFC needs right there.
Regardless, and sadly, we will have four long months to ruminate over this. But, what needs to be remembered is that the Reds weren’t that far away. With a little tweaking – and an adjustment in the psychology – this team could not only make the playoffs, but also compete for the MLS Cup.
Really. It just doesn’t seem like it right now.
Part III of V of the season review:
Part I - Mo Johnston and management
Part II - What went right on the pitch?
Part III - What went wrong on the pitch?
Part IV - Player's report card
Part V - What needs to happen?
Well, the first thing everyone should do is take a step back from the emotion of last Saturday. Losing 5-0 to New York exposed some things about TFC, no doubt, but it didn’t change the fact that the Reds were only one point from a playoff spot and just 10 points out of the Supporter’s Shield race.
So, TFC fans, try and remember that. The Reds weren’t Derby County circa 2008. No, they were a pretty typical MLS side that wasn’t quite good enough. So, chill.
Now, that said, they really weren’t good enough. Although they were just that one point away, they never looked good for a playoff spot from about two months out. They seemed to lack something.
The now infamous 15 blown points in the final 15, was exhibit 1A of that lack of something, but it came out in other ways as well. TFC failed to bury teams (eight of 13 wins were by one goal). The Reds struggled against teams that had less talent (they only won four of 11 games against New York, San Jose, Vancouver, Puerto Rico, Montreal and first half of the season Dallas. Take New York out and it’s just two wins in eight games) and they had the fourth worst road record in the league.
Those are problems. How you deal with them is not easy to determine. Clearly there is something in the psychology of the tem. Either they lack the skills needed to handle pressure (the ‘ole inverted U theory of sports psychology) or they simply lack the desire to put forth the needed effort.
It could also be a case of the players never learning how to win. How many championships have TFC players won in their pro career? Outside of DeRo, the answer, as far as I can tell, is none. TFC management needs to look at every player it has and determine if they have the ability to win. It’s a skill that isn’t just about, well, skill. It’s about metal toughness. And if it’s determined that a player is soft, then he needs to be shipped out.
Also, something as simple as hiring a full time sports psychologist might be beneficial as well. That type of auxiliary spending is how rich MLS clubs like Toronto can take advantage of their off-the-pitch success.
Jimmy Brennan should also understand that his captaincy needs to be critically evaluated. You want your captain to lead you through tough times on the pitch and, through three years, TFC has never shown an ability to do that. Maybe Jimmy isn’t the problem, but everything needs to be looked at.
Clearly the coaching situation is the most important piece of business in the off-season. Mo Johnston has said that he wants someone with MLS experience. That limits greatly. We can speculate all we want about specific names, but I think the prototype needed is understood. Both John Carver and Chris Cummins were assistant coaches given head coaching responsibilities. Both struggled to let go of their “one of the boys” attitude that served them well in their assistant manager roles. TFC’s players don’t need a buddy. They need a coach that can kick their ass in line when needed – someone that will demand respect from the get go.
It’s not going to be easy to find that guy, but if they can everything else will follow.
You don’t need to have your UEFA A licence to know what Toronto needs as far as players. It’s a broken record -- a pure goal scoring striker, one or two natural wing players and a hardnosed stopper to play CB.
That should be easy...
OK, maybe not. The truth is pretty much every team in the world is after those type of players. To me, the first priority should be to find the wing players. Although you might look at the other two holes as being more pressing, to me Toronto’s lack of width on the pitch is its biggest failing. Who knows, with an adjustment in tactics that involve actually having a player on the wing that can get some crosses in, maybe Chad Barrett or Ali Gerba might start scoring.
As for that 20-goal scorer Mo talked about earlier this week, TFC fans probably have as much chance of seeing themselves win Lotto Max next Friday. The only way you find a guy out there that can net you 20 goals who won’t cost you DP money is to win the figurative lottery by finding that mythical 19-year-old Argentine striker that no one has seen before. Now, Johnston did let it slip in his interview with the Fan 590 that he’s pretty sure the cap is going up. So, maybe there will be enough money to go after another big transfer. But, you can’t count on that.
Realistically, Toronto may be able to find another 10-goal guy and if they can do that it may be enough. You have to assume that one of either Barett or Gerba will bounce back a bit next year.
I’m actually least concerned about the centreback needs. Sure, a big stopper would be great. You can say that about pretty much every other club in the world. Dominating CBs are likely the most difficult of commodities to find. But, Toronto does have some promise on the backline. Between Emmanuel Gomez and Nana Attakora, I have to think that one will step their game up even more in 2010. With Adrian Serioux now playing on grass every week, his injuries should be less frequent and everyone will be happier.
I would love to see an upgrade at left fullback, thus letting Jimmy B play in the mid, where he belongs.
The wildcard in everything is what the impact of a full season of Julian de Guzman will be. If the new coach figures out how to best use him, that could be the extra two points TFC needs right there.
Regardless, and sadly, we will have four long months to ruminate over this. But, what needs to be remembered is that the Reds weren’t that far away. With a little tweaking – and an adjustment in the psychology – this team could not only make the playoffs, but also compete for the MLS Cup.
Really. It just doesn’t seem like it right now.
Part III of V of the season review:
Part I - Mo Johnston and management
Part II - What went right on the pitch?
Part III - What went wrong on the pitch?
Part IV - Player's report card
Part V - What needs to happen?
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