Well worth the weight loss (so far)
6 months ago
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The 24th Minute Awards: continue tomorrow
Due to the breaking story regarding the failure of the USSF to sanction USL or NASL for 2010, I'll be continuing the awards tomorrow.
BREAKING: USSF says "figure it out boys" to USL and NASL
The USSF has refused to sanction both the USL and the new NASL for Div. 2 play in 2010. Instead, the organization has given the two sides seven days to come up with a solution.
The decision puts the 2010 season in doubt for both of Canada’s division two sides. The Impact and Whitecaps have played leadership roles in the new NASL.
However, Canadian officials have said that both clubs should remain eligible for play in Canada, even if they do not have a league to play in.
Earlier this month, CSA communications director Richard Scott said that the CSA could sanction both the Impact and Whitecaps if the dispute isn’t resolved.
“Every game played in Canada is sanctioned by the CSA-- even when TFC plays in MLS. (The Whitecaps and Impact) could play a barnstorming type tour under the sanctioning of the CSA next year if it came to it.”
Scott was careful to stress that the CSA was waiting for the USSF to make a decision on sanctioning the NASL and that it would make a decision to sanction the league itself after the Americans had concluded their investigation.
That position had not changed today, following the seven day ultimatum by the USSF.
“The important thing is to say that this is USSF decision and we will be looking to them,” Scott said about 30 minutes after the USSF’s decision was announced. However, CSA general secretary Peter Montopoli had yet to be fully briefed on the situation.
Scott said he would clarify the CSA’s position after speaking to Montopoli.
What does seem unlikely is the Canadian teams playing in an unsanctioned league. With the possibility of CONCACAF Champions League play there, the clubs will not want to risk playing in an outlaw league. Its players would not be eligible for international play.
That may not be as much of an issue for the U.S.-based teams. According to Inside Minnesota Soccer's Brian Quarstad, playing unsanctioned might be an option for the American NASL teams.
“The owners have so much invested in this that I can’t see them not figuring out something. It will either be through the USSF, or it will be something on their own,” Quarstad said.
The American-based teams are far less likely to be involved in international or CONCACAF play, thus making the decision to go unsanctioned less troublesome.
As much as the impasse is affecting the Canadian and American clubs, it’s likely that the biggest loser in this would be the Puerto Rican Islanders. The USL-1 club appears to have been caught off guard by the dispute and has remained loyal to the USL.
Islander blogger Kristian Vazquez says that he can’t see the Islanders making the jump to NASL.
“If, for some reason, the USL did not play I have a hard tome seeing them moving to NASL. They are so ingrained in USL.”
Vazquez says that it would be bad news for Puerto Rican soccer if the Islanders weren’t to have a league to play in next year.
“People often forget that the Islanders are more than just a club; they are an institution on the Island. It would be a disaster if they did not play next year.”
He rules out the possibility of the Islanders playing in the Puerto Rican league. Even if they were to take a step down to the local league, Vazquez says the Islanders would struggle to keep many of their current players.
He points out that the Islanders have failed once before and does not see the team lasting a season without a league.”
“It would really set Puerto Rican soccer back.”
There may be something else at play.
Kartik Krishnaiyer has covered USL soccer for many years. He has been at the forfront of this stoey since it first started to break last fall.
He is reporting today that the USSF’s decision could have as much to do with politics as it does with pragmatism. In particular Krishnaiyer suggests that the USSF is acting with the interest of MLS in mind.
He writes: “I believe the USL/TOA/NASL dispute cannot be viewed in a vacuum and must be analyzed in conjunction with the ongoing dispute between MLS players and the ownership/commissioner of the league. To me it is obvious the USSF is working on behalf of the MLS ownership in trying to ensure no player involved with the MLSPU has a domestic alternative in the case of a lockout.”
That position, that the USSF is acting to protect MLS interests, has been told to me by several sources close to the situation on both sides of the border.
The Vancouver Whitecaps office was closed for the holidays. As of this writing, the club had not responded to a request for an interview.
On Dec. 23, Bob Lenarduzzi said that the ‘Caps would not be speaking publically about the dispute until after the USSF had made a decision.
He did, however, say that the ‘Caps were happy with the progress of things.
The Montreal Impact had not responded to a request for an interview at the time of this writing.
The CSA had yet to release a statement as of 4:30 EDT.
Last updated at 4:45 p.m. EST.
The decision puts the 2010 season in doubt for both of Canada’s division two sides. The Impact and Whitecaps have played leadership roles in the new NASL.
However, Canadian officials have said that both clubs should remain eligible for play in Canada, even if they do not have a league to play in.
Earlier this month, CSA communications director Richard Scott said that the CSA could sanction both the Impact and Whitecaps if the dispute isn’t resolved.
“Every game played in Canada is sanctioned by the CSA-- even when TFC plays in MLS. (The Whitecaps and Impact) could play a barnstorming type tour under the sanctioning of the CSA next year if it came to it.”
Scott was careful to stress that the CSA was waiting for the USSF to make a decision on sanctioning the NASL and that it would make a decision to sanction the league itself after the Americans had concluded their investigation.
That position had not changed today, following the seven day ultimatum by the USSF.
“The important thing is to say that this is USSF decision and we will be looking to them,” Scott said about 30 minutes after the USSF’s decision was announced. However, CSA general secretary Peter Montopoli had yet to be fully briefed on the situation.
Scott said he would clarify the CSA’s position after speaking to Montopoli.
What does seem unlikely is the Canadian teams playing in an unsanctioned league. With the possibility of CONCACAF Champions League play there, the clubs will not want to risk playing in an outlaw league. Its players would not be eligible for international play.
That may not be as much of an issue for the U.S.-based teams. According to Inside Minnesota Soccer's Brian Quarstad, playing unsanctioned might be an option for the American NASL teams.
“The owners have so much invested in this that I can’t see them not figuring out something. It will either be through the USSF, or it will be something on their own,” Quarstad said.
The American-based teams are far less likely to be involved in international or CONCACAF play, thus making the decision to go unsanctioned less troublesome.
As much as the impasse is affecting the Canadian and American clubs, it’s likely that the biggest loser in this would be the Puerto Rican Islanders. The USL-1 club appears to have been caught off guard by the dispute and has remained loyal to the USL.
Islander blogger Kristian Vazquez says that he can’t see the Islanders making the jump to NASL.
“If, for some reason, the USL did not play I have a hard tome seeing them moving to NASL. They are so ingrained in USL.”
Vazquez says that it would be bad news for Puerto Rican soccer if the Islanders weren’t to have a league to play in next year.
“People often forget that the Islanders are more than just a club; they are an institution on the Island. It would be a disaster if they did not play next year.”
He rules out the possibility of the Islanders playing in the Puerto Rican league. Even if they were to take a step down to the local league, Vazquez says the Islanders would struggle to keep many of their current players.
He points out that the Islanders have failed once before and does not see the team lasting a season without a league.”
“It would really set Puerto Rican soccer back.”
There may be something else at play.
Kartik Krishnaiyer has covered USL soccer for many years. He has been at the forfront of this stoey since it first started to break last fall.
He is reporting today that the USSF’s decision could have as much to do with politics as it does with pragmatism. In particular Krishnaiyer suggests that the USSF is acting with the interest of MLS in mind.
He writes: “I believe the USL/TOA/NASL dispute cannot be viewed in a vacuum and must be analyzed in conjunction with the ongoing dispute between MLS players and the ownership/commissioner of the league. To me it is obvious the USSF is working on behalf of the MLS ownership in trying to ensure no player involved with the MLSPU has a domestic alternative in the case of a lockout.”
That position, that the USSF is acting to protect MLS interests, has been told to me by several sources close to the situation on both sides of the border.
The Vancouver Whitecaps office was closed for the holidays. As of this writing, the club had not responded to a request for an interview.
On Dec. 23, Bob Lenarduzzi said that the ‘Caps would not be speaking publically about the dispute until after the USSF had made a decision.
He did, however, say that the ‘Caps were happy with the progress of things.
The Montreal Impact had not responded to a request for an interview at the time of this writing.
The CSA had yet to release a statement as of 4:30 EDT.
Last updated at 4:45 p.m. EST.
The 24th Minute Awards: Game of the year
Feb. 25 - Montreal vs. Santos Laguna at Olympic Stadium
This was the easiest pick of the awards. I've already named the game one of the top 10 moments of Canadian soccer over the past decade. It would have been the winner even if Montreal hadn't won 2-0:
Some TFC fans will wonder why the 6-1 game isn’t here. The answer is that the V-Cup decider was only really played by one team and is only of profound interest to one city. Seeing more than 50,000 watching a soccer game in Canada in February is of far greater impact to the overall growth of the game.
This was the easiest pick of the awards. I've already named the game one of the top 10 moments of Canadian soccer over the past decade. It would have been the winner even if Montreal hadn't won 2-0:
Some TFC fans will wonder why the 6-1 game isn’t here. The answer is that the V-Cup decider was only really played by one team and is only of profound interest to one city. Seeing more than 50,000 watching a soccer game in Canada in February is of far greater impact to the overall growth of the game.
The 24th Minute Awards: Team of the year
Trinity Western University women Spartans
All three of the pro teams had questions. TFC's finish to the MLS season, along with its inability to score against Puerto Rico, eliminates the Reds.
Montreal won the USL-1 title, but its performance in the Canadian championship makes it impossible to select the Impact.
Vancouver, although rightfully peeved about the V-Cup, didn't actually win anything this year (still, they would be my second choice).
So, I'm going with a program that few outside of the B.C. lower mainland, or among hardcore women's soccer supporters, would be aware of. TWU won its third national university championship in six years in November. A 21-2-1 record (not including the win highlighted above against NAIA program Simon Fraser), demonstrated just how good this program has become. When you factor in the tiny size of the school (just 4,000 students) and that it is a private, Christian school (Canadians don't really do the private, Christian thing) it really is impressive to see just what the Spartans have accomplished.
All three of the pro teams had questions. TFC's finish to the MLS season, along with its inability to score against Puerto Rico, eliminates the Reds.
Montreal won the USL-1 title, but its performance in the Canadian championship makes it impossible to select the Impact.
Vancouver, although rightfully peeved about the V-Cup, didn't actually win anything this year (still, they would be my second choice).
So, I'm going with a program that few outside of the B.C. lower mainland, or among hardcore women's soccer supporters, would be aware of. TWU won its third national university championship in six years in November. A 21-2-1 record (not including the win highlighted above against NAIA program Simon Fraser), demonstrated just how good this program has become. When you factor in the tiny size of the school (just 4,000 students) and that it is a private, Christian school (Canadians don't really do the private, Christian thing) it really is impressive to see just what the Spartans have accomplished.
The 24th Minute Awards: TFC goal of the year
The year's first goal, Jimmy Brennan's strike off the counter against K.C. deserves an honourable mention, as do pretty much all six of the goals during the Montreal Miracle. However, in the end it came down to a battle between three goals.
In third was DeRo's strike against New England back in May. Not so much for the finish, which was good enough -- especially on the turf -- but for Danny Dichio's great assist. If there was an assist of the year award, this would get it:
Also in the running was this sublime touch by O'Brian White against Colorado. If you want a reason to feel hopeful about 2010, admire the scorer's instincts here:
But in the end the award went to, ironically (based on his overall season):
Chad Barrett
As I've mentioned a few times already, people forget that TFC won two other games in the Voyageurs' Cup. Without those wins, no one is talking about six goals in Montreal. And no goal was as pretty (or important) as Barrett's winner against the Impact at BMO.
In third was DeRo's strike against New England back in May. Not so much for the finish, which was good enough -- especially on the turf -- but for Danny Dichio's great assist. If there was an assist of the year award, this would get it:
Also in the running was this sublime touch by O'Brian White against Colorado. If you want a reason to feel hopeful about 2010, admire the scorer's instincts here:
But in the end the award went to, ironically (based on his overall season):
Chad Barrett
As I've mentioned a few times already, people forget that TFC won two other games in the Voyageurs' Cup. Without those wins, no one is talking about six goals in Montreal. And no goal was as pretty (or important) as Barrett's winner against the Impact at BMO.
The 24th Minute Awards: Canadian goal of the year
Simeon Jackson, Gillingham
When a Canadian scores an 89th minute winner at Wembley, he gets the Canadian goal of the year. Period.
From a few different angles:
When a Canadian scores an 89th minute winner at Wembley, he gets the Canadian goal of the year. Period.
From a few different angles:
The 24th Minute Awards: The If Only Football Was Played On Ice Award
Danny Dichio, Toronto FC
It's cliché, but Canadians, and in particular Torontonians, have always favoured the "gritty" athlete. Although we can appreciate skill, heart always grabs our attention. It's probably because of the tradition of lionizing the two-way power forward in hockey -- likely from some small town in Saskatchewan, usually scores 15 goals (but had a career best 23 in 1997) a year and averages 150 PIMs. He plays third line behind that showy Russian that scores all the goals, but we all know it's our guy -- let's call him, oh, I don't know, Wendel -- that is the key.
At any rate, Danny was that kind of player (although he could score, obviously. He was TFC’s most effective forward, even when he was beat up).
I thought about giving this one to another "tough" Canadian, Jimmy Brennan, but, in the end, I couldn't not give it to Dichio. The Brit was a real Canadian kind of player, after all.
It's cliché, but Canadians, and in particular Torontonians, have always favoured the "gritty" athlete. Although we can appreciate skill, heart always grabs our attention. It's probably because of the tradition of lionizing the two-way power forward in hockey -- likely from some small town in Saskatchewan, usually scores 15 goals (but had a career best 23 in 1997) a year and averages 150 PIMs. He plays third line behind that showy Russian that scores all the goals, but we all know it's our guy -- let's call him, oh, I don't know, Wendel -- that is the key.
At any rate, Danny was that kind of player (although he could score, obviously. He was TFC’s most effective forward, even when he was beat up).
I thought about giving this one to another "tough" Canadian, Jimmy Brennan, but, in the end, I couldn't not give it to Dichio. The Brit was a real Canadian kind of player, after all.
The 24th Minute Awards: The 'Who are Ya?' award
Marc Dos Santos, Montreal Impact
Yes, it happens everywhere. Teams rest players when they feel that one competition is of greater importance to them than another. But, the way that Dos Santos mailed it in on the final night of the Voyageurs' Cup, was not really defendable.
He failed to understand the importance of growing a competition that is still in its infancy. He made Vancouver feel cheated and he made the rest of the country forget that TFC was 3-1 in the competition (outside of Toronto the thinking is that TFC is an illegitimate champion).
When there are only three teams involved you should probably at least fake that you are trying.
All things considered, handing Dos Santos the 'Who are Ya?' award is the least we can do.
Yes, it happens everywhere. Teams rest players when they feel that one competition is of greater importance to them than another. But, the way that Dos Santos mailed it in on the final night of the Voyageurs' Cup, was not really defendable.
He failed to understand the importance of growing a competition that is still in its infancy. He made Vancouver feel cheated and he made the rest of the country forget that TFC was 3-1 in the competition (outside of Toronto the thinking is that TFC is an illegitimate champion).
When there are only three teams involved you should probably at least fake that you are trying.
All things considered, handing Dos Santos the 'Who are Ya?' award is the least we can do.
The 24th Minute Awards: year 2
The second edition of the 24th Minute Awards will roll out this morning. As a reminder, the categories are:
Last year's winners were:
The 'Who are you?' award: Zach Thornton
The 'If only football were played on ice' award: Adrian Serioux
Canadian goal of the year: Will Johnson
TFC goal of the year: Danny Dichio
Game of the year: TFC v Montreal, 1-1, July 22 – Montreal wins Voyageurs Cup
Team of the year: Vancouver Whitecaps
Performance of the year: Rob Friend at Borussia Mönchengladbach
World performance of the year: New award for 2009
Person of the year: (tie) Dino Rossi and Dwayne Cole
- The Who are Ya Award (screw-up of the year – can be an individual or a specific event)
- The If Only Football Was Played On Ice Award (Celebrating the inner hoser of our footballing heroes)
- Canadian goal of the year (best goal by a Canuck – can be scored anywhere in the world. Aesthetic value as well as importance of the goal factored in)
- TFC goal of the year (best goal by a TFC player – aesthetic value as well as importance of the goal factored in)
- Game of the year (best game played on Canadian soil, or involving a Canadian team)
- Team of the year (best Canadian team playing at any level)
- Performance of the year (top performance by a Canadian. Although most likely to be for a cumulative effort –-i.e. a full season—it can also be for an individual game of even a single goal. Whatever is deemed to be the greatest performance of the year).
- World performance of the year (top performance by an individual in football. It could be a player or an administrator, a coach or a fan. Hell, it could even be a blogger. Whoever is deemed to have made the greatest contribution to the sport over the calendar year).
- Person of the Year (the top award given to the individual thought to have made the greatest contribution to the betterment of Canadian soccer during the year -- can be a player, coach, official or fan. Likely Canadian, but not passport restricted)
Last year's winners were:
The 'Who are you?' award: Zach Thornton
The 'If only football were played on ice' award: Adrian Serioux
Canadian goal of the year: Will Johnson
TFC goal of the year: Danny Dichio
Game of the year: TFC v Montreal, 1-1, July 22 – Montreal wins Voyageurs Cup
Team of the year: Vancouver Whitecaps
Performance of the year: Rob Friend at Borussia Mönchengladbach
World performance of the year: New award for 2009
Person of the year: (tie) Dino Rossi and Dwayne Cole
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
The draft Generation
Ives has some interesting tidbits about the latest Generation adidas rumours. He's reporting that the incoming class might be the largest in history, with Wake Forest's Ike Opara and Corben Bone close to signing deals, along with Virginia midfielder Tony Tchani. Ives says all three are likely top five picks. All told, there could be as many as 12 Generation adidas players in the draft.
Additionally, Ives is reporting (Via Buzz) that Danny Mwanga is about to sign the largest deal in the class. Evidently, Philly wants Mwanga with the top pick. He is considered the top striker available.
As for top Canadian prospect Teal Bunbury, there have yet to be any concrete rumours about where he might end up (although Toronto doesn't seem likely as he won't be around at No 24 and, besides, TFC is in greater need of defenders). Speculating, Columbus with the eighth pick might make some sense. The Crew can likely afford to develop a striker (Bunbury is considered fairly raw) and might be interested in an attacking player after losing Alejandro Moreno in the expansion draft.
Additionally, Ives is reporting (Via Buzz) that Danny Mwanga is about to sign the largest deal in the class. Evidently, Philly wants Mwanga with the top pick. He is considered the top striker available.
As for top Canadian prospect Teal Bunbury, there have yet to be any concrete rumours about where he might end up (although Toronto doesn't seem likely as he won't be around at No 24 and, besides, TFC is in greater need of defenders). Speculating, Columbus with the eighth pick might make some sense. The Crew can likely afford to develop a striker (Bunbury is considered fairly raw) and might be interested in an attacking player after losing Alejandro Moreno in the expansion draft.
Top 10 CONCACAF clubs of the decade
In another effort to appease the desire of readers for more lists (everyone loves lists!) and as a reflection of the fact that a decade ends in three days, the top 10 CONCACAF club teams of the zeros.
No. 10 – Los Angeles Galaxy
The only MLS team this decade to win a CONCACAF title (albeit on American soil) and a two time MLS Cup champion, the Galaxy do just enough to grab the final spot on the list (just ahead of Olimpia – MLS is typically stronger than Honduras). The late decade disaster seasons were rescued by this past year. Factor in the whole Beckham thing (and it was a coup to get him) and L.A. is a deserving choice.
No. 9 -- Santos Laguna
Although not really a factor internationally (with apologies to Montreal), Santos came into its own this decade in the region’s toughest league. With two titles and regularly in the hunt this is a club that can compete with anyone in North America.
No. 8 – Houston/San Jose
MLS’ best club of the decade (despite playing in two cities), the Dynamo/Earthquakes have also been, by far, the best MLS team in international play (they have come closer than anyone in winning in Mexico, which is the last great frontier to conquer for American based teams). They also deserve a great deal of credit for remaining at the top of MLS all decade (nine of 10 seasons in the playoffs, all in a row). That’s not an easy accomplishment.
No. 7 – Monterrey
Two titles, including the most current one, and twice runners up in Mexico. Again, a lack of success in CONCACAF holds them back a little, but clearly one of Mexico’s best (and therefore one of CONCACAF’s)
No. 6 – Club América
Even when América is having a down decade it’s still pretty good. Like, two Mexican titles and a CONCACAF championship pretty good (and probably CONCACAF’s best showing at the Club World Cup).
No. 5 – Alajuelense
Historically Costa Rica’s most consistently good club, Alajuelense is on a bit of a dry spell. It has not won a championship since 2005. Still, it dominated Costa Rican football at the stat of the decade and captured a regional championship in 2003 (defeating its biggest rival in the final). The Costa Rican league doesn’t get the attention it probably deserves in northern North America, but, a strong argument can be mae that it is the second strongest of the region (or, at least, that it has the second best selection of top teams in the region.
No. 4 – Pumas
It’s been a bit up and down at times, but the ups have been significant. Three Mexican titles and a runner-up position in the Copa Sudamericana (losing on penalties to Boca Juniors after beating Corinthians on the way to the final) are hard to ignore.
No. 3 – Saprissa
The accomplishment of the Columbus Crew getting by this team in the 2009-10 CONCACAF Champions League should not be overlooked. Saprissa has been, by far, the best non-Mexican team in CONCACAF this decade. The honours: Six domestic titles, one CONCACAF championship and two runners up medals at the regional tournament.
No. 2 – Toluca
If this list were only calculated by domestic achievement, Toluca would probably rank first. It has the most Mexican titles and has been the most consistent club in that league throughout the decade. It did grab one regional title, in 2003, but overall it was just a tad behind...
No. 1 – Pachuca
It won three CONCACAF titles in the decade. No one else won more than one. And, Pachuca was OK domestically as well, winning three Mexican titles. Internationally, Pachuca also captured the 2006 Copa Sudamericana and, for what it is worth (not much), the 2007 SuperLiga. Clearly, the CONCACAF club of the decade...
No. 10 – Los Angeles Galaxy
The only MLS team this decade to win a CONCACAF title (albeit on American soil) and a two time MLS Cup champion, the Galaxy do just enough to grab the final spot on the list (just ahead of Olimpia – MLS is typically stronger than Honduras). The late decade disaster seasons were rescued by this past year. Factor in the whole Beckham thing (and it was a coup to get him) and L.A. is a deserving choice.
No. 9 -- Santos Laguna
Although not really a factor internationally (with apologies to Montreal), Santos came into its own this decade in the region’s toughest league. With two titles and regularly in the hunt this is a club that can compete with anyone in North America.
No. 8 – Houston/San Jose
MLS’ best club of the decade (despite playing in two cities), the Dynamo/Earthquakes have also been, by far, the best MLS team in international play (they have come closer than anyone in winning in Mexico, which is the last great frontier to conquer for American based teams). They also deserve a great deal of credit for remaining at the top of MLS all decade (nine of 10 seasons in the playoffs, all in a row). That’s not an easy accomplishment.
No. 7 – Monterrey
Two titles, including the most current one, and twice runners up in Mexico. Again, a lack of success in CONCACAF holds them back a little, but clearly one of Mexico’s best (and therefore one of CONCACAF’s)
No. 6 – Club América
Even when América is having a down decade it’s still pretty good. Like, two Mexican titles and a CONCACAF championship pretty good (and probably CONCACAF’s best showing at the Club World Cup).
No. 5 – Alajuelense
Historically Costa Rica’s most consistently good club, Alajuelense is on a bit of a dry spell. It has not won a championship since 2005. Still, it dominated Costa Rican football at the stat of the decade and captured a regional championship in 2003 (defeating its biggest rival in the final). The Costa Rican league doesn’t get the attention it probably deserves in northern North America, but, a strong argument can be mae that it is the second strongest of the region (or, at least, that it has the second best selection of top teams in the region.
No. 4 – Pumas
It’s been a bit up and down at times, but the ups have been significant. Three Mexican titles and a runner-up position in the Copa Sudamericana (losing on penalties to Boca Juniors after beating Corinthians on the way to the final) are hard to ignore.
No. 3 – Saprissa
The accomplishment of the Columbus Crew getting by this team in the 2009-10 CONCACAF Champions League should not be overlooked. Saprissa has been, by far, the best non-Mexican team in CONCACAF this decade. The honours: Six domestic titles, one CONCACAF championship and two runners up medals at the regional tournament.
No. 2 – Toluca
If this list were only calculated by domestic achievement, Toluca would probably rank first. It has the most Mexican titles and has been the most consistent club in that league throughout the decade. It did grab one regional title, in 2003, but overall it was just a tad behind...
No. 1 – Pachuca
It won three CONCACAF titles in the decade. No one else won more than one. And, Pachuca was OK domestically as well, winning three Mexican titles. Internationally, Pachuca also captured the 2006 Copa Sudamericana and, for what it is worth (not much), the 2007 SuperLiga. Clearly, the CONCACAF club of the decade...
Jimmy says down with Marathon!
...For now, we need to set our sights on winning our regional club tournaments, specifically the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL), year in and year out. The fact that we don't contend regularly in this competition is troubling and hurts us as a league...
It would be a mistake to over analysis Jimmy Conrad's latest ESPN column. He advocated that MLS move to Mars, after all. Conrad was clear that us blogger types take him far too seriously when he's just trying to start a conversation.
However, I do want to focus in on his comments regarding the CONCACAF Champions League. It's always refreshing to hear a MLS player articulate the importance of competing in the regional championship. Too often the attitude is that the league is all that matters (Santino Quaranta made comments to that effect earlier this year).
Clearly, the league is the bread and butter -- it's that way everywhere in the world -- but to suggest that winning in the CCL isn't important is to miss the point by half. As Conrad says, success regionally makes MLS more attractive to the region’s top players, which, in turn, will make the league stronger (and therefore more competitive internationally - it's a self-perpetuating thing).
Considering that Conrad is one of the leaders on the player's side in this CBA negotiations, his comments give me hope that those types of considerations are on the player's minds as they negotiate the CBA. Certainly, Conrad indicated to It's Called Football earlier this month that the CBA was as much about quality of life (as a player) issues, rather than simple dollars and cents. So, we’ll see.
For the second year in a row, MLS had an embarrassing performance in the CCL. Two teams -- Toronto and New York -- lost in the preliminary rounds, while DC United and Houston failed to get by the group stage. Only Columbus advanced to the knock-out stage this February. When the league struggles to do better than the Honduran first division (or, in 2008-09, USL) it's hard to defend the league.
Conrad is saying it's important to be more competitive. Don Garber has in the past indicated that it's important.
Hopefully, they believe what they are saying.
Fear vs. Hope: the great MLS money debate
Steve Davis brought up the idea of a second DP per team in his ESPN column this week. This isn't the first time that the idea has been floated out there and it seems like it might be something that some in the league are pushing for.
Although it would be a positive step towards growing the league, and therefore better than nothing, adding the second DP slot would do little to impact the overall level of play in the league. As has been widely pointed out, only 10 of the 16 teams currently employ a DP. Philly may join the club this year, but the buzz around the rule has softened considerably since 2007. It's not clear, Beckham aside, if DPs increase attendance in a significant way.
Still, any initiative designed to reward off-field success (by allowing individual teams to spend their own money) is worthwhile.
But, the best way to help teams that want to take the risk of adding a DP is to reduce the cap hit that a DP causes. Whether a team has one, two, or, after a change in rules, three DPs, is not going to matter if having those players handicaps a team by eating up its cap.
Throughout this "debate" I've been clear in my position that the league needs to loosen the purse strings if it is to take the next step in its development. Those in smaller markets have criticised myself and others that propose the liberalisation of salary rules as being reckless. There is a fear that allowing teams to have more control over their own spending will lead to a NASL-type arms race that will bankrupt the league.
It isn't 1983 anymore. The sport has grown tenfold since then. The market is far more organic and far more established now. Those that are running MLS teams are not fly by night operators. They don't seem overly interested in losing their money.
It's time to stop letting fear of failure hold the sport back. Saying that isn't a criticism of how the league has been run or grown up to now. Obviously there needed to be controls during the early days and around the time of contraction. But, the league isn't going anywhere now. It's not in danger of failing. It's time to start thinking about the next stage of its development.
Although it would be a positive step towards growing the league, and therefore better than nothing, adding the second DP slot would do little to impact the overall level of play in the league. As has been widely pointed out, only 10 of the 16 teams currently employ a DP. Philly may join the club this year, but the buzz around the rule has softened considerably since 2007. It's not clear, Beckham aside, if DPs increase attendance in a significant way.
Still, any initiative designed to reward off-field success (by allowing individual teams to spend their own money) is worthwhile.
But, the best way to help teams that want to take the risk of adding a DP is to reduce the cap hit that a DP causes. Whether a team has one, two, or, after a change in rules, three DPs, is not going to matter if having those players handicaps a team by eating up its cap.
Throughout this "debate" I've been clear in my position that the league needs to loosen the purse strings if it is to take the next step in its development. Those in smaller markets have criticised myself and others that propose the liberalisation of salary rules as being reckless. There is a fear that allowing teams to have more control over their own spending will lead to a NASL-type arms race that will bankrupt the league.
It isn't 1983 anymore. The sport has grown tenfold since then. The market is far more organic and far more established now. Those that are running MLS teams are not fly by night operators. They don't seem overly interested in losing their money.
It's time to stop letting fear of failure hold the sport back. Saying that isn't a criticism of how the league has been run or grown up to now. Obviously there needed to be controls during the early days and around the time of contraction. But, the league isn't going anywhere now. It's not in danger of failing. It's time to start thinking about the next stage of its development.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Final Whistle #4
He's the best footballer in the world and yet he almost never got the chance to play. A severe heart condition at a young age almost kept this superstar off the pitch. Hear about how a life saving surgery opened the door to the Premiership and a chance to stamp his name on our collection imaginations.
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Subscribe to It's Called Football on iTunes - $0 every day beats any boxing week sale
Download It's Called Football here if you hate iPods, iTunes or Steve Jobs.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
'Caps keep on keepin' on
There isn't a whole lot of sense trying to break down the Vancouver Whitecap's signing of Jonny Steele and Greg Janicki. They are pretty typical off-season moves by a top level TOAUSLNASL2.0 side -- Steele is an established pro at the second tier level that the 'Caps have poached off of a competitor and Janicki is a borderline MLS player that is taking a step down in an effort to revitalize his career/find his proper level.
What's really interesting about the moves are that they happened at all. The fact that the 'Caps are continuing on with signing players before the new NASL has received the OK from the USSF suggests that they are still confident that they will have a league to play in next year. It's especially interesting that Steele made the decision to move from the USL Puerto Rico to the NASL 2.0's 'Caps. That player has obviously been convinced that 2010 is going to be a go for Vancouver (or he's enticed by the 'Caps entry into MLS in 2011).
I spoke to Bob Lenarduzzi just before Christmas about the USL/TOA/NASL dispute. Although he told me that he could not directly comment on the dispute until after the USSF made a decision, he did stress that the 'Caps remained confident that a favourable solution was going to happen.
When that might happen is the big question. Lots of folks that are in the know in this dispute were strongly suggesting that it would happen before Christmas. That obviously didn't happen. The information I've been hearing for some time now remains that a mid-January decision is likely. Whether that gives the NASL teams enough time to get ready for 2010 is unclear. It will be tight though.
Which is why the 'Caps must continue to move ahead as if everything was normal, I guess.
What's really interesting about the moves are that they happened at all. The fact that the 'Caps are continuing on with signing players before the new NASL has received the OK from the USSF suggests that they are still confident that they will have a league to play in next year. It's especially interesting that Steele made the decision to move from the USL Puerto Rico to the NASL 2.0's 'Caps. That player has obviously been convinced that 2010 is going to be a go for Vancouver (or he's enticed by the 'Caps entry into MLS in 2011).
I spoke to Bob Lenarduzzi just before Christmas about the USL/TOA/NASL dispute. Although he told me that he could not directly comment on the dispute until after the USSF made a decision, he did stress that the 'Caps remained confident that a favourable solution was going to happen.
When that might happen is the big question. Lots of folks that are in the know in this dispute were strongly suggesting that it would happen before Christmas. That obviously didn't happen. The information I've been hearing for some time now remains that a mid-January decision is likely. Whether that gives the NASL teams enough time to get ready for 2010 is unclear. It will be tight though.
Which is why the 'Caps must continue to move ahead as if everything was normal, I guess.
Simpson to Fenerbahçe?
I'll be back in full force a little later today, but for now a fairly significant Canadian abroad rumour.
Josh Simpson, a player many had kinda forgotten about, appears to be on the radar of Turkish giant Fenerbahçe.
According to the report 1860 Munich is also interested in Simpson (proving that Germany is the most Canada-friendly big league). As much as a move to within sniffing distance to the Bundesliga would seem appealing, playing for Champions League/Europa yo-yo team like Fenerbahçe would probably be ideal for Canadian fans. Playing in the type of environment that the Turkish league can sometimes provide and in games against Europe's top sides (when you aren't a complete no-hoper) should put Simpson front and centre in the future national team plans.
Josh Simpson, a player many had kinda forgotten about, appears to be on the radar of Turkish giant Fenerbahçe.
According to the report 1860 Munich is also interested in Simpson (proving that Germany is the most Canada-friendly big league). As much as a move to within sniffing distance to the Bundesliga would seem appealing, playing for Champions League/Europa yo-yo team like Fenerbahçe would probably be ideal for Canadian fans. Playing in the type of environment that the Turkish league can sometimes provide and in games against Europe's top sides (when you aren't a complete no-hoper) should put Simpson front and centre in the future national team plans.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The decade without a name review: Part X - Golden times
No. 1 - Feb. 27, 2000 - Simply Gold. Canada wins the Gold Cup
There is really no mystery as to what the biggest moment of the decade was. Canada doesn't win international soccer titles. Except it did on Feb 27, 2000.
And they did it in style. The final was dominated by Canada from start to finish. If you are a Canadian fan, take the nine minutes to watch the Youtube video. Forget It's a Wonderful Life. This is Christmas cheer for the hard-done-by Canuck football fan. Then go back and read how the Voyageurs reacted at the time. I dare you not to smile.
No, we didn't capitalize on it. But, that doesn't change how wonderful we all felt that day. There is nothing to say we can't get back there again.
It’s been in interesting 10 years for the sport. Although there has been down, this list shows that there has been some good things to hold onto as well. I look forward to watching the next 10 years.
Have a good one...I’ll be back on Dec. 27.
There is really no mystery as to what the biggest moment of the decade was. Canada doesn't win international soccer titles. Except it did on Feb 27, 2000.
And they did it in style. The final was dominated by Canada from start to finish. If you are a Canadian fan, take the nine minutes to watch the Youtube video. Forget It's a Wonderful Life. This is Christmas cheer for the hard-done-by Canuck football fan. Then go back and read how the Voyageurs reacted at the time. I dare you not to smile.
No, we didn't capitalize on it. But, that doesn't change how wonderful we all felt that day. There is nothing to say we can't get back there again.
It’s been in interesting 10 years for the sport. Although there has been down, this list shows that there has been some good things to hold onto as well. I look forward to watching the next 10 years.
Have a good one...I’ll be back on Dec. 27.
The decade without a name review: Part IX - Let's hear it for the girls in red
No. 2 - Sept 1, 2002 - 50,000 watch Christine Sinclair hit the crossbar
It was the first hint that things might be changing. A girls’ soccer tournament in Canada that had next to no hype or promotion started to grab the attention of Canadians. It helped that the home team was pretty good -- Canadians love their teenage sports heroes, after all -- but, still, no one expected it to be as big as it was.
By the time Canada took on the USA in the final of the 2002 FIFA u19 girls tournament, the momentum was so much that Sportsnet had its biggest audience in its history (almost 1,000,000 viewers) and more than 50,000 showed up at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium to watch.
To say that it raised some eyebrows is more than a little bit of an understatement.
At the time, many were dismissive of a greater meaning. But now, almost eight years later, we can see that it was what started it all. It was the first sign of an emerging soccer demographic. Soccer in Canada is primarily a Generation X and Y demographic (along with the ex-pat crowd, of course). They grew up playing the sport and watching it every four years on TV. The 2002 u19s were the first chance for many to flex their muscle for Canada. Many would have been surprised that there were others like them that cared about the game domestically.
Had Christine Sinclair just managed to get the ball down about four inches in the extra time the day would have been perfect. But, history is about a lot more than the scoreboard, so maybe it was perfect regardless.
It was the first hint that things might be changing. A girls’ soccer tournament in Canada that had next to no hype or promotion started to grab the attention of Canadians. It helped that the home team was pretty good -- Canadians love their teenage sports heroes, after all -- but, still, no one expected it to be as big as it was.
By the time Canada took on the USA in the final of the 2002 FIFA u19 girls tournament, the momentum was so much that Sportsnet had its biggest audience in its history (almost 1,000,000 viewers) and more than 50,000 showed up at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium to watch.
To say that it raised some eyebrows is more than a little bit of an understatement.
At the time, many were dismissive of a greater meaning. But now, almost eight years later, we can see that it was what started it all. It was the first sign of an emerging soccer demographic. Soccer in Canada is primarily a Generation X and Y demographic (along with the ex-pat crowd, of course). They grew up playing the sport and watching it every four years on TV. The 2002 u19s were the first chance for many to flex their muscle for Canada. Many would have been surprised that there were others like them that cared about the game domestically.
Had Christine Sinclair just managed to get the ball down about four inches in the extra time the day would have been perfect. But, history is about a lot more than the scoreboard, so maybe it was perfect regardless.
The decade without a name review: Part VIII - A hell of a party in Quebec
No. 3 - Feb. 25, 2009 - More than 55,000 people watch a domestic soccer game in Canada
Many people -- myself included -- had doubts about their ability to pull it off, but in the end you can't deny the result. In the middle of hockey season, playing a Mexican side with no real appeal outside of Mexico, the Montreal Impact managed to sell more than 55,000 tickets to watch a domestic soccer game in Canada.
Insane.
There were a lot of factors at play -- the Habs weren't having the best season and it was marketed as a one off kind of thing, but still...this wasn't Brazil playing. It was a USL team.
Long-time observers of the game in this country talk about the day with awe. They simply could not believe they were in Canada. Toronto has the week in week out turn out, but it can't match Montreal (as of yet. Would TFC sell out Rogers Centre if it played a CCL quarterfinal?) for a single game.
It was an incredible night, topped off by an unexpected Impact win. Although Montreal famously allowed two goals in less than two minutes to lose the tie, that doesn't change the magic of that night.
Many people -- myself included -- had doubts about their ability to pull it off, but in the end you can't deny the result. In the middle of hockey season, playing a Mexican side with no real appeal outside of Mexico, the Montreal Impact managed to sell more than 55,000 tickets to watch a domestic soccer game in Canada.
Insane.
There were a lot of factors at play -- the Habs weren't having the best season and it was marketed as a one off kind of thing, but still...this wasn't Brazil playing. It was a USL team.
Long-time observers of the game in this country talk about the day with awe. They simply could not believe they were in Canada. Toronto has the week in week out turn out, but it can't match Montreal (as of yet. Would TFC sell out Rogers Centre if it played a CCL quarterfinal?) for a single game.
It was an incredible night, topped off by an unexpected Impact win. Although Montreal famously allowed two goals in less than two minutes to lose the tie, that doesn't change the magic of that night.
The decade without a name review: Part VII - We're not gonna take it anymore
No. 4 - Sept 12, 2007 - Black Wednesday for the CSA
In the end, the exact number of people that wore black is irrelevant. About 400 shirts were sold. Maybe that many again wore black of their own. The entire south end of BMO was dark.
What mattered is that for the first time in history the frustrations of those in the soccer community -- those in the soccer community that aren't part of the establishment -- had their voice heard. The frustrations about a lack of a proper governing structure, the over reliance on amateur "leadership" and the lack of focus on elite programming were finally aired in the open, to the mainstream.
The protest was covered by all of the major Canadian sports media (except Sportsnet, who was broadcasting the game. We still can't quite get over that) and some big international sites too -- the New York Times, anyone.
Full disclosure: I was involved. Pretty heavily. Dino Rossi was the main organizer and he deserves the credit for making it work, but I was in pretty consistent contact with him during the lead up and fall-out from it. I actually did a few of the radio interviews when Dino was busy elsewhere. It was an incredible experience and an empowering one.
Things have changed since Black Wednesday. You could argue that it was a coincidence. You could say that, but I won't.
In the end, the exact number of people that wore black is irrelevant. About 400 shirts were sold. Maybe that many again wore black of their own. The entire south end of BMO was dark.
What mattered is that for the first time in history the frustrations of those in the soccer community -- those in the soccer community that aren't part of the establishment -- had their voice heard. The frustrations about a lack of a proper governing structure, the over reliance on amateur "leadership" and the lack of focus on elite programming were finally aired in the open, to the mainstream.
The protest was covered by all of the major Canadian sports media (except Sportsnet, who was broadcasting the game. We still can't quite get over that) and some big international sites too -- the New York Times, anyone.
Full disclosure: I was involved. Pretty heavily. Dino Rossi was the main organizer and he deserves the credit for making it work, but I was in pretty consistent contact with him during the lead up and fall-out from it. I actually did a few of the radio interviews when Dino was busy elsewhere. It was an incredible experience and an empowering one.
Things have changed since Black Wednesday. You could argue that it was a coincidence. You could say that, but I won't.
The decade without a name review: Part VI - A goal to remember
No. 5 - Feb. 20, 2000 - Richard Hastings scores the goal of the decade
It was totally unexpected. For 82 minutes everything as going along as you would expect in the 2000 Gold Cup quarterfinal between Canada and Mexico. The Mexicans were cruising to a win, up 1-0, against a spirited but overmatched Canuck side. But then Carlo Corazzin got one against the run and suddenly it was game on.
With Canada gaining in confidence, the game finished and entered into extra time. The golden goal rule was in place then and maybe it was the Canadians comfort in the concept of "sudden death" in sports overtime, but it was Canada that pushed things when the extra frame started.
Then Hastings streaked down the wing, placed a near perfect shot into the top corner, Gerry Dobson screamed in disbelief and Canada was off to the semis.
Hastings has not always been the favourite call-up to Canadian camps amongst the hardest of the hardcore, but he will always have a place in the hearts of Canadian fans for the golden goal. It was easily the biggest goal in Canadian history post '86, and likely the second biggest of all time.
It was totally unexpected. For 82 minutes everything as going along as you would expect in the 2000 Gold Cup quarterfinal between Canada and Mexico. The Mexicans were cruising to a win, up 1-0, against a spirited but overmatched Canuck side. But then Carlo Corazzin got one against the run and suddenly it was game on.
With Canada gaining in confidence, the game finished and entered into extra time. The golden goal rule was in place then and maybe it was the Canadians comfort in the concept of "sudden death" in sports overtime, but it was Canada that pushed things when the extra frame started.
Then Hastings streaked down the wing, placed a near perfect shot into the top corner, Gerry Dobson screamed in disbelief and Canada was off to the semis.
Hastings has not always been the favourite call-up to Canadian camps amongst the hardest of the hardcore, but he will always have a place in the hearts of Canadian fans for the golden goal. It was easily the biggest goal in Canadian history post '86, and likely the second biggest of all time.
The decade without a name review: Part V - The summer of soccer
No 6 - June 30-July 22, 2007 - A whole lot of Canadians watch teenagers play soccer
By the time the 2007 FIFA u-20 tournament kicked off the TFC miracle was already well underway. In 2006, the best that most people in the soccer community were hoping out of TFC was for crowds of 15,000-ish and not to have the constant fear of having the team pulled away from us. So, when 20,000 plus nutters started to show up every week it was awe inspiring to those who had watched the game domestically for many years.
Then the u-20s started to roll across the country and suddenly there are packed venues in places like Ottawa and Victoria too. All total, 1,156,187 Canadians showed up to watch during the month long event, the most in tournament history.
Maybe this isn't a sport only played by 4-year-olds in Canada. Maybe there are people here that will watch this sport. Certainly a lot of investors have stepped forward since that magical summer to suggest that might be the case.
The home team was embarrassingly awful, but the tournament was still an incredible success. The centrepiece of what was likely the most important six month period in the sport's history in Canada.
By the time the 2007 FIFA u-20 tournament kicked off the TFC miracle was already well underway. In 2006, the best that most people in the soccer community were hoping out of TFC was for crowds of 15,000-ish and not to have the constant fear of having the team pulled away from us. So, when 20,000 plus nutters started to show up every week it was awe inspiring to those who had watched the game domestically for many years.
Then the u-20s started to roll across the country and suddenly there are packed venues in places like Ottawa and Victoria too. All total, 1,156,187 Canadians showed up to watch during the month long event, the most in tournament history.
Maybe this isn't a sport only played by 4-year-olds in Canada. Maybe there are people here that will watch this sport. Certainly a lot of investors have stepped forward since that magical summer to suggest that might be the case.
The home team was embarrassingly awful, but the tournament was still an incredible success. The centrepiece of what was likely the most important six month period in the sport's history in Canada.
The decade without a name review: Part IV - Danny says Huh?
No. 7 - May 12, 2007 - Danny Dichio doesn't have the first clue what Toronto reporters are talking about
Everyone knows that Danny Dichio scored TFC's first ever goal at 23:13 of Toronto's May 12, 2007 game against Chicago. It set of the first ever seat cusion rain storm and, ultimately, lead to the naming of this blog.
Dichio further solidified himself as a Toronto sports cult hero later in that game when he managed to get himself sent off for allegedly biting a member of the fire. That, in turn, lead several putting-in-time-to-they-get-the-Leafs-beat Toronto reporters to ask Danny what he thought about getting "a Gordie Howe hat trick*."
Dichio, the Brit, of course, looked at the reporters blankly and said "Who is Gordie Howe?"
We weren't in 1954 Toronto anymore.
Obviously, the first goal and the beginning of the cult hero that is Dichio is what puts this on the list. History books will show that the journeyman striker was the first true domestically based soccer star in this country with mainstream appeal. You know that somewhere in Toronto a kick-about started today where one of the kids said "I'm Dichio!"
And the sport grows just a little bit more.
*for my American/European readers: Gordie Howe is a legendary NHL player. He's played more games than any other player and stands second on the all-time scoring and goals list. He was also known for being a tough player not afraid to use his elbows or drop the gloves. Therefore a "Gordie Howe hat trick" is when a hockey player gets a goal, assist and a fight in a single game. It's kind of the Canadian ideal of masculinity. Dichio was very much a soccer player with the mentality of a hockey player, whether or not he knew who Gordie Howe was or not. It’s not surprising that he was so popular.
Everyone knows that Danny Dichio scored TFC's first ever goal at 23:13 of Toronto's May 12, 2007 game against Chicago. It set of the first ever seat cusion rain storm and, ultimately, lead to the naming of this blog.
Dichio further solidified himself as a Toronto sports cult hero later in that game when he managed to get himself sent off for allegedly biting a member of the fire. That, in turn, lead several putting-in-time-to-they-get-the-Leafs-beat Toronto reporters to ask Danny what he thought about getting "a Gordie Howe hat trick*."
Dichio, the Brit, of course, looked at the reporters blankly and said "Who is Gordie Howe?"
We weren't in 1954 Toronto anymore.
Obviously, the first goal and the beginning of the cult hero that is Dichio is what puts this on the list. History books will show that the journeyman striker was the first true domestically based soccer star in this country with mainstream appeal. You know that somewhere in Toronto a kick-about started today where one of the kids said "I'm Dichio!"
And the sport grows just a little bit more.
*for my American/European readers: Gordie Howe is a legendary NHL player. He's played more games than any other player and stands second on the all-time scoring and goals list. He was also known for being a tough player not afraid to use his elbows or drop the gloves. Therefore a "Gordie Howe hat trick" is when a hockey player gets a goal, assist and a fight in a single game. It's kind of the Canadian ideal of masculinity. Dichio was very much a soccer player with the mentality of a hockey player, whether or not he knew who Gordie Howe was or not. It’s not surprising that he was so popular.
The decade without a name review: Part III - The day the club game mattered
No. 8 - July 22, 2008 - Montreal wins Voyageurs Cup in front of hostile Toronto crowd
It mattered. There were 20,000 people in attendance. The atmosphere was every bit the same as a cup final anywhere in the world. You had all the drama that make cups what they are -- a hugely popular "big" club that is hated as much as it is loved taking on the plucky underdog.
There was an edge in the air. Traveling support from Montreal wasn't there to tour the CN Tower before tailgating with the locals. Someone from Toronto stole the license plates of the Impact's bus.
For years the club game in this country floundered around, but on that warm July night it was the biggest show in town. By happenstance Don Garber was even in attendance (and I'm willing to bet that it was the day that he pledged to himself to figure out how to get the Impact into MLS). David Beckham was in town. We don't know if he watched, but we do know that soccer was the story in Toronto.
Montreal got the draw it needed to take the cup. In doing so they ensured that the tournament would be taken very seriously by Toronto in year two. It's now, likely, the most important annual event in the domestic game. It looks like a competition that will just keep growing and increasing in importance. I can't wait to tell my great-grandkids about how I was there on 7-22-08. They won't believe me, but I can't wait to tell them anyway. The tournament will be a very big deal then. That, I’m sure of.
And it all started that night....
It mattered. There were 20,000 people in attendance. The atmosphere was every bit the same as a cup final anywhere in the world. You had all the drama that make cups what they are -- a hugely popular "big" club that is hated as much as it is loved taking on the plucky underdog.
There was an edge in the air. Traveling support from Montreal wasn't there to tour the CN Tower before tailgating with the locals. Someone from Toronto stole the license plates of the Impact's bus.
For years the club game in this country floundered around, but on that warm July night it was the biggest show in town. By happenstance Don Garber was even in attendance (and I'm willing to bet that it was the day that he pledged to himself to figure out how to get the Impact into MLS). David Beckham was in town. We don't know if he watched, but we do know that soccer was the story in Toronto.
Montreal got the draw it needed to take the cup. In doing so they ensured that the tournament would be taken very seriously by Toronto in year two. It's now, likely, the most important annual event in the domestic game. It looks like a competition that will just keep growing and increasing in importance. I can't wait to tell my great-grandkids about how I was there on 7-22-08. They won't believe me, but I can't wait to tell them anyway. The tournament will be a very big deal then. That, I’m sure of.
And it all started that night....
The decade without a name review: Part II - The Robbery
No 9 - June 21, 2007 - Canada proves it can play with the big boys of CONCACAF
On the surface it might seem a bit off to put the 2007 Gold Cup semi-final loss to the USA on the list. After all, it contains all of the hallmarks of the typical Canadian football tragedy -- a poor start, heartbreaking finish and borderline corrupt refereeing. However, the game is worth remembering for a few reasons.
First, remember how the team played for the last 30 minutes of the game. Down 2-0 the Canucks showed some all too rare heart in clawing back. By the time Atiba Hutchinson scored the clearly legitimate tying goal (Iain Hume had got them back to within one with about 30 to play) Canada was actually dominating the game. Although it is true that it's impossible to say what would have happened if the game had gone into extra time -- hell, Landon Donovan could have scored three and the States could have ran away with it -- but the evidence suggests that it might have been Canada's day. Actually, I'll go out on a limb and suggest that Canada wins the whole thing if that goal stands.
Regardless, during the bleakest of days that have followed it's been that game and that tournament that gives Canadian fans hope. The way they played and competed for Stephen Hart gives one pause - maybe 2014 isn't such a long-shot after all.
On the surface it might seem a bit off to put the 2007 Gold Cup semi-final loss to the USA on the list. After all, it contains all of the hallmarks of the typical Canadian football tragedy -- a poor start, heartbreaking finish and borderline corrupt refereeing. However, the game is worth remembering for a few reasons.
First, remember how the team played for the last 30 minutes of the game. Down 2-0 the Canucks showed some all too rare heart in clawing back. By the time Atiba Hutchinson scored the clearly legitimate tying goal (Iain Hume had got them back to within one with about 30 to play) Canada was actually dominating the game. Although it is true that it's impossible to say what would have happened if the game had gone into extra time -- hell, Landon Donovan could have scored three and the States could have ran away with it -- but the evidence suggests that it might have been Canada's day. Actually, I'll go out on a limb and suggest that Canada wins the whole thing if that goal stands.
Regardless, during the bleakest of days that have followed it's been that game and that tournament that gives Canadian fans hope. The way they played and competed for Stephen Hart gives one pause - maybe 2014 isn't such a long-shot after all.
The decade without a name review: Part I - Oh what a Keeper
Merry Christmas!
As we face down the final week of a decade that never really found a name, it's time to review the top moments in Canadian soccer from the 10 years.
On the surface, it might seem like it's been bleak. Three World Cup campaigns came and went with Canada falling further and further behind in each cycle. The worst moment of the decade was undoubtedly the second game of the CONCACAF semi-final round against Honduras. It wasn't over at that point, but it was over.
But, this is a positive list and there have been a lot of positives, especially at the start and finish of the decade. The ‘00s started with hope (that proved to be unfounded) and has once again ended with hope. Only it seems different this time. Now, the hope comes not from one lucky run in a tournament, but rather from structural and attitudinal changes in the system that make you think that maybe, just maybe, this time we can get it right.
Over the rest of today I will be rolling out the top 10 moments in Canadian football over the past decade. Starting with....
No. 10 - Feb. 24, 2000 - Craig Forrest plays game of his life against T&T
Canadians tend to remember the final of the 2000 Gold Cup, where Canada was a deserving 2-0 winner over Colombia. What they forget is the semi-final, when Trinidad and Tobago were pretty much robbed.
The thief’s name was Craig Forrest, who probably played the greatest 90 minutes of soccer by a Canadian in history. Time after time Forrest turned away the T&T attack, often spectacularly. It's a Canadian sports cliché that the goalie has to steal one for you on the way to a championship. Forrest stole that game.
As a fan it was terrifying. The dramatic quarterfinal win over Mexico looked destined to be wasted throughout the evening. But, Mark Watson's 68th minute marker was just enough...
What, with a brick wall in net and all...
It wasn't a pretty game -- one of the decade's ugliest, actually, but for an unworldly individual effort, Craig Forrest nails down spot number 10 in the decades top Canuck moments.
As we face down the final week of a decade that never really found a name, it's time to review the top moments in Canadian soccer from the 10 years.
On the surface, it might seem like it's been bleak. Three World Cup campaigns came and went with Canada falling further and further behind in each cycle. The worst moment of the decade was undoubtedly the second game of the CONCACAF semi-final round against Honduras. It wasn't over at that point, but it was over.
But, this is a positive list and there have been a lot of positives, especially at the start and finish of the decade. The ‘00s started with hope (that proved to be unfounded) and has once again ended with hope. Only it seems different this time. Now, the hope comes not from one lucky run in a tournament, but rather from structural and attitudinal changes in the system that make you think that maybe, just maybe, this time we can get it right.
Over the rest of today I will be rolling out the top 10 moments in Canadian football over the past decade. Starting with....
No. 10 - Feb. 24, 2000 - Craig Forrest plays game of his life against T&T
Canadians tend to remember the final of the 2000 Gold Cup, where Canada was a deserving 2-0 winner over Colombia. What they forget is the semi-final, when Trinidad and Tobago were pretty much robbed.
The thief’s name was Craig Forrest, who probably played the greatest 90 minutes of soccer by a Canadian in history. Time after time Forrest turned away the T&T attack, often spectacularly. It's a Canadian sports cliché that the goalie has to steal one for you on the way to a championship. Forrest stole that game.
As a fan it was terrifying. The dramatic quarterfinal win over Mexico looked destined to be wasted throughout the evening. But, Mark Watson's 68th minute marker was just enough...
What, with a brick wall in net and all...
It wasn't a pretty game -- one of the decade's ugliest, actually, but for an unworldly individual effort, Craig Forrest nails down spot number 10 in the decades top Canuck moments.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sober Second Thoughts: 10 things for ‘10
It’s a bit cliché, sure, but the end of year is always a time for reflection. However, rather than look back, I want to look forward in the penultimate edition of Sober Second Thoughts for 2009.
The 10 things all Canadian and MLS football fans should hope for in 2010
10. A division two season. Doesn’t matter what it’s called
Yes, I know. The apologists want to shout down any suggestion that the new NASL is in any trouble, but the truth is that time is ticking. Northern North American professional soccer has seen this movie before and no one likes the way that it ends.
9. A TFC playoff berth
Non-Torontonians don’t want to admit what is painfully obvious – that TFC success equals increased exposure for the sport as a whole. Yes, it’s terribly unfair that one-thirdquarter of all Canadians, and the vast majority of the country’s media, live within a 2-hour of BMO Field, but it is what it is.
8. MLS labour peace
Obviously a work stoppage is not in anyone’s interest. Hopefully the hawks on either side of the conflict understand this and realize that compromise is in order. Sign a one year contract if that’s what it takes, but we need to have a full season in 2010.
7. Ten games for the Canadian men’s national team.
Canada needs to play and play often if it is to increase its exposure to Canadians. Increased exposure will mean increased scrutiny and increased scrutiny means increased pressure for change. You get enough of that and you might actually see some.
6. A World Cup without controversy or suspicion
With allegations of match fixing no longer possible to ignore, football fans need FIFA to do things to make us all comfortable that what we are seeing on the pitch is actually the result of competition, rather than a pre-determined outcome.
5. A Dutch breakthrough in South Africa
I hate to single out any one country, but if Holland were to be finally rewarded for years of playing positive football it would be good news to football fans the world over. It would give fans of small nations (only 17 million) hope and would be an antidote to recent wins by other, um, less positive winners. Brazil would be fine too, but a little too predictable to be entertaining.
4. A problem free tournament
The last thing Africa needs is stories of tourists robbed (or worse), ineffective transportation links, or just basic incompetence. This tournament is about building Africa, not reinforcing old stereotypes.
3. A full house at BMO in September cheering on Canada
Starting with the Black Wednesday game against Costa Rica and continuing through the Aug. 20, 2008 WCQ against Jamaica, the national team is starting to benefit from the inherent organization and culture of the TFC supporter’s groups. Canada needs to have more of a home advantage if it is to ever get back to the top of CONCACAF and the first step to getting that is to support the supporters in their efforts to make things difficult for opposing teams.
2. The Canadian women complete their transformation under Carolina Morace and qualify for the 2011 WWC in style
The women have a role to play in growing the sport in Canada, but to do so they first have to start playing the game the correct way. Under the previous leadership, the long-term advancement of the game was sacrificed for a few 8-0 wins over Bermuda. Canada has the talent to win a Women’s World Cup if it ever got the right combination of preparation and luck. And that would be, to say the least, huge.
1. Montreal officially gains entry into MLS
It’s thought to be a sure thing, but in MLS expansion there really isn’t any such thing. Getting a third team into MLS is the most important thing that can happen to Canadian soccer in 2010.
The 10 things all Canadian and MLS football fans should hope for in 2010
10. A division two season. Doesn’t matter what it’s called
Yes, I know. The apologists want to shout down any suggestion that the new NASL is in any trouble, but the truth is that time is ticking. Northern North American professional soccer has seen this movie before and no one likes the way that it ends.
9. A TFC playoff berth
Non-Torontonians don’t want to admit what is painfully obvious – that TFC success equals increased exposure for the sport as a whole. Yes, it’s terribly unfair that one-
8. MLS labour peace
Obviously a work stoppage is not in anyone’s interest. Hopefully the hawks on either side of the conflict understand this and realize that compromise is in order. Sign a one year contract if that’s what it takes, but we need to have a full season in 2010.
7. Ten games for the Canadian men’s national team.
Canada needs to play and play often if it is to increase its exposure to Canadians. Increased exposure will mean increased scrutiny and increased scrutiny means increased pressure for change. You get enough of that and you might actually see some.
6. A World Cup without controversy or suspicion
With allegations of match fixing no longer possible to ignore, football fans need FIFA to do things to make us all comfortable that what we are seeing on the pitch is actually the result of competition, rather than a pre-determined outcome.
5. A Dutch breakthrough in South Africa
I hate to single out any one country, but if Holland were to be finally rewarded for years of playing positive football it would be good news to football fans the world over. It would give fans of small nations (only 17 million) hope and would be an antidote to recent wins by other, um, less positive winners. Brazil would be fine too, but a little too predictable to be entertaining.
4. A problem free tournament
The last thing Africa needs is stories of tourists robbed (or worse), ineffective transportation links, or just basic incompetence. This tournament is about building Africa, not reinforcing old stereotypes.
3. A full house at BMO in September cheering on Canada
Starting with the Black Wednesday game against Costa Rica and continuing through the Aug. 20, 2008 WCQ against Jamaica, the national team is starting to benefit from the inherent organization and culture of the TFC supporter’s groups. Canada needs to have more of a home advantage if it is to ever get back to the top of CONCACAF and the first step to getting that is to support the supporters in their efforts to make things difficult for opposing teams.
2. The Canadian women complete their transformation under Carolina Morace and qualify for the 2011 WWC in style
The women have a role to play in growing the sport in Canada, but to do so they first have to start playing the game the correct way. Under the previous leadership, the long-term advancement of the game was sacrificed for a few 8-0 wins over Bermuda. Canada has the talent to win a Women’s World Cup if it ever got the right combination of preparation and luck. And that would be, to say the least, huge.
1. Montreal officially gains entry into MLS
It’s thought to be a sure thing, but in MLS expansion there really isn’t any such thing. Getting a third team into MLS is the most important thing that can happen to Canadian soccer in 2010.
A Bullish Robbo rumour
Call this one a solid rumour for now. Rumblings around TFC are suggesting that Carl Robinson is indeed being shopped and that New York is the front runner in obtaining him. TFC is likely looking for the Red Bulls second round draft pick, which it could then package with its natural pick to move up in the draft.
As previously mentioned, TFC is after one of the top defenders in the draft and will likely need to get into the top half of the first round to have a chance.
The hold up in the rumoured Robbo trade is rumoured (how’s that for stressing that this is still in the rumour stage) to be New York’s desire for TFC to cover part of Robbo’s salary in the form of allocation.
If it were to come to pass, Toronto will have shed more than $900,000 in salary in the time after Preki’s appointment. With Nick Garcia likely to come of the books as well, TFC should have more than a million to spend during the winter window.
As previously mentioned, TFC is after one of the top defenders in the draft and will likely need to get into the top half of the first round to have a chance.
The hold up in the rumoured Robbo trade is rumoured (how’s that for stressing that this is still in the rumour stage) to be New York’s desire for TFC to cover part of Robbo’s salary in the form of allocation.
If it were to come to pass, Toronto will have shed more than $900,000 in salary in the time after Preki’s appointment. With Nick Garcia likely to come of the books as well, TFC should have more than a million to spend during the winter window.
Letters to Santa: Maradona
The great one took time away from watching a region of Spain score four goals against Argentina to send us his Letter to Santa:
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Generation Adidas + senior signings
Generation adidas signings Teal Bunbury, Jack McInerney, Dilly Duka and Blair Gavin were joined by senior signings Toni Stahl, Andre Akpan and Zach Loyd today as the 2010 MLS draft class starts to take shape.
Ives says that Bunbury, the Canadian that It's Called Football interviewed last week, is the highest ranked of the signings so far. He suggests that Bunbury could go first overall, although I still like Ike Opara for that spot. Opara has yet to sign a Generation adidas contract.
Bunbury could be more of a long term project, as many observers suggest that he is pretty raw yet. However, it's also being suggested that he is making the right call to come out now, as there wasn't much more for him to accomplish in the college game.
TFC, of course, does not have a pick in the first round. It seems farfetched to think that Mo Johnston isn't working overtime to change that. Mo does like his draft picks.
Ives says that Bunbury, the Canadian that It's Called Football interviewed last week, is the highest ranked of the signings so far. He suggests that Bunbury could go first overall, although I still like Ike Opara for that spot. Opara has yet to sign a Generation adidas contract.
Bunbury could be more of a long term project, as many observers suggest that he is pretty raw yet. However, it's also being suggested that he is making the right call to come out now, as there wasn't much more for him to accomplish in the college game.
TFC, of course, does not have a pick in the first round. It seems farfetched to think that Mo Johnston isn't working overtime to change that. Mo does like his draft picks.
The 24th Minute awards - Part II
We are a week away from the second annual 24th Minute awards. I have a pretty good idea where I'm headed with a few of them already, but I'm looking for feedback from you, the readers.
The categories are as follows:
To that list I am adding one more category: World performance of the year. That award will be the same as the Performance of the Year, except it will go to a non-Canadian.
E-mail me or post in the comments with suggestions for any of the categories. I’d especially love to get some links to goals.
The awards will be announced Dec. 30.
NOTES: You can see last year's winners here.
The categories are as follows:
- The Who are Ya Award (screw-up of the year – can be an individual or a specific event)
- The If Only Football Was Played On Ice Award (Celebrating the inner hoser of our footballing heroes)
- Canadian goal of the year (best goal by a Canuck – can be scored anywhere in the world. Purely aesthetic)
- TFC goal of the year (best goal by a TFC player – aesthetic value as well as importance of the goal factored in)
- Game of the year (best game played on Canadian soil, or involving a Canadian team)
- Team of the year (best Canadian team playing at any level)
- Performance of the year (top performance by a Canadian player. Although most likely to be for a cumulative effort –-i.e. a full season—it can also be for an individual game of even a single goal. Whatever is deemed to be the greatest performance of the year).
- Person of the Year (the top award given to the individual thought to have made the greatest contribution to the betterment of Canadian soccer during the year -- can be a player, coach, official or fan. Likely Canadian, but not passport restricted)
To that list I am adding one more category: World performance of the year. That award will be the same as the Performance of the Year, except it will go to a non-Canadian.
E-mail me or post in the comments with suggestions for any of the categories. I’d especially love to get some links to goals.
The awards will be announced Dec. 30.
NOTES: You can see last year's winners here.
Preki interview
Nothing too crazy in this interview, but as the news trickles down to an, um, trickle this Christmas season it's worth a quick listen.
Preki talks to the GolTV folks after watching the Raptors. He didn't comment of the Raps utter lack of interior defence.
Preki talks to the GolTV folks after watching the Raptors. He didn't comment of the Raps utter lack of interior defence.
An Empire idea
Above is a mock-up of the temporary Empire Stadium that the 'Caps will start the 2011 MLS season at.
It's got grass.
It's intimate.
It has a historical tie-in.
Why are they not just staying again?
Back to the Future: Whitecaps confirm that 2011 will start at Empire Stadium
The glory years of the Vancouver Whitecaps were spent at old Empire Stadium. There the stars of the NASL came through and the 'Caps established themselves as probably the best Canadian club of all-time.
So it's only fitting that when Vancouver returns to the top flight of northern North American soccer that it will do so playing at Empire Stadium -- well, a temporary version of it anyway.
That's the positive spin to today's news (which wasn't really "news" in the sense that pretty much everyone knew already). The more negative spin is that the 'Caps don't get to start in the promised stadium at B.C. place. Not that the stadium at B.C. place, what with its faded gridiron lines and plastic pitch -- is much to write home about, but hey, it's got a roof.
The announcement today likely ends the particularly catastrophic thinking of some, who have suggested that the stadium hiccups in Van City could derail the whole thing. That wasn't likely to happen, but MLS has to be getting sick of having stadium deals delayed and not quite working out to the way that they were promised.
As an aside, is it too early to start a "get Vancouver grass" petition? I'd suggest not.
City’s Money: So long Sparky
There was something fitting about the way Mark Hughes' firing leaked out. In a world of instant gratification, it was a snowballing of whispers and rumours during City’s typical 4-3 win over Sunderland Saturday. I learned of the sacking on Twitter. It was a Twitter kind of sacking.
In the days that have followed City have been roundly criticised for the way it was handled. So much so that the club’s chairman was compelled to release a clarification prior to the press conference introducing Roberto Mancini as the new gaffer.
There is a pile-on element to much of the coverage that is out there. Nouveau money continues to be an easy target and a lot of the press seemed to be waiting for another opportunity to hold City to the same double standard that has been applied since the good Sheik took over.
There is no good way to fire someone. City is not to only club to screw up and allow a leak to get out before the old coach was told and the club’s handling of it was no more cold than what you would expect from any other professional sports team.
That’s not to say there isn’t reason to be concerned. As a self-admitted City supporter, my immediate thoughts turned to what the greater meaning was behind the sacking. The truth is Hughes had been on borrowed time for more than a year. No one should be surprised that he was fired. From the time the money started to flow, there had been talk that Hughes wasn’t the type of manager that could lead a team to the top. He didn’t have the experience – beyond his playing days anyway – of being involved in a big game.
However, the fact that City stuck with him as long as they did made me think that ownership wasn’t as knee-jerk as had been predicted. Although there was lots of money being thrown around, the truth is that the Blues weren’t really chasing names for the sake of it (Kaka aside). Under Hughes, City actually had a fairly reasoned transfer policy. Players like Shay Given and Craig Bellamy are the meat and potato types that every great team needs.
Ad it wasn’t just me that thought so. I asked Soccernomics author Simon Kuper last month what he thought about City’s moves so far. To my surprise he was complimentary, suggesting that City “would win the league” within a couple years. He based that on their slow building strategy. As he argued in the book, teams cannot make big moves through the transfer market, but they can build slowly by taking an intelligent approach, not influenced by names.
In other words, you have to catch Everton before you can gun down Liverpool. And it appeared that was the approach that City was taking. But, did that change Saturday?
By bringing in Mancini did the club signal that it was accelerating its building plan? Certainly Mancini’s initial comments about finishing top four this year and then going for the title (assumedly next year. It wasn’t specified) would seem to indicate that.
And that worries me. In Soccernomics, Kuper makes the point that clubs like Newcastle and Spurs have continued to struggle in mid-table frustration for years because management there has gone for the splash of a signing rather than taking a sensible, growth-by-steps approach. I worry that City is looking at the Newcastle model of growth now.
It is, after all, a Twitter kind of world.
In the days that have followed City have been roundly criticised for the way it was handled. So much so that the club’s chairman was compelled to release a clarification prior to the press conference introducing Roberto Mancini as the new gaffer.
There is a pile-on element to much of the coverage that is out there. Nouveau money continues to be an easy target and a lot of the press seemed to be waiting for another opportunity to hold City to the same double standard that has been applied since the good Sheik took over.
There is no good way to fire someone. City is not to only club to screw up and allow a leak to get out before the old coach was told and the club’s handling of it was no more cold than what you would expect from any other professional sports team.
That’s not to say there isn’t reason to be concerned. As a self-admitted City supporter, my immediate thoughts turned to what the greater meaning was behind the sacking. The truth is Hughes had been on borrowed time for more than a year. No one should be surprised that he was fired. From the time the money started to flow, there had been talk that Hughes wasn’t the type of manager that could lead a team to the top. He didn’t have the experience – beyond his playing days anyway – of being involved in a big game.
However, the fact that City stuck with him as long as they did made me think that ownership wasn’t as knee-jerk as had been predicted. Although there was lots of money being thrown around, the truth is that the Blues weren’t really chasing names for the sake of it (Kaka aside). Under Hughes, City actually had a fairly reasoned transfer policy. Players like Shay Given and Craig Bellamy are the meat and potato types that every great team needs.
Ad it wasn’t just me that thought so. I asked Soccernomics author Simon Kuper last month what he thought about City’s moves so far. To my surprise he was complimentary, suggesting that City “would win the league” within a couple years. He based that on their slow building strategy. As he argued in the book, teams cannot make big moves through the transfer market, but they can build slowly by taking an intelligent approach, not influenced by names.
In other words, you have to catch Everton before you can gun down Liverpool. And it appeared that was the approach that City was taking. But, did that change Saturday?
By bringing in Mancini did the club signal that it was accelerating its building plan? Certainly Mancini’s initial comments about finishing top four this year and then going for the title (assumedly next year. It wasn’t specified) would seem to indicate that.
And that worries me. In Soccernomics, Kuper makes the point that clubs like Newcastle and Spurs have continued to struggle in mid-table frustration for years because management there has gone for the splash of a signing rather than taking a sensible, growth-by-steps approach. I worry that City is looking at the Newcastle model of growth now.
It is, after all, a Twitter kind of world.
NSR: The beauty of blog awards
One of the stated purposes of the Canadian blog awards is to expose bloggers to the work of others. That way the community of bloggers grows and continues to support each other.
It's a bit cliché to think of it that way, but there is a lot of truth to the idea that we all drive each other's traffic.
With that in mind, I wanted to point people to the third place podcast winner (second place, Kyle with the world,is a podcast that would really only be of interest to those living in Yellowknife).
North by East West is a brilliantly simple concept -- take the old idea of a mixed tape and apply it to the modern idea of a podcast -- applied to a Canadian theme. Each podcast profiles the work of independent Canadian musicians by arranging their music into a mixed tape tape format.
I've already bookmarked it. If you're the type of person that likes to expose themselves to new music you should too.
It's a bit cliché to think of it that way, but there is a lot of truth to the idea that we all drive each other's traffic.
With that in mind, I wanted to point people to the third place podcast winner (second place, Kyle with the world,is a podcast that would really only be of interest to those living in Yellowknife).
North by East West is a brilliantly simple concept -- take the old idea of a mixed tape and apply it to the modern idea of a podcast -- applied to a Canadian theme. Each podcast profiles the work of independent Canadian musicians by arranging their music into a mixed tape tape format.
I've already bookmarked it. If you're the type of person that likes to expose themselves to new music you should too.
Who let the Wolves out?
As the transfer window creeps closer to re-opening, speculation as to where Canadian player of the year Simeon Jackson will end up. It is becoming increasingly clear that he will not be in League One come February.
It's exciting as a Canadian fan. So rarely do we have a player that is attracting as much speculation as Jackson. It almost feels like we are a real footballing nation. Almost, anyway.
Wolves remain one of the hardest chasers along with Queens Park Rangers. It seems that he is destined to end up in that 11-30 range in the English pyramid. If that's the case, you might as well go to a yo-yo team that is currently in the Premiership rather than one fighting to get there. It is, after all, a hell of a lot easier to stay up than it is to get up.
With Wolves currently tied for the second worst attack in the EPL it would seem that Jackson would get a fair look there. If he can help them stay up, then that's great news for Canadian fans as it would ensure that this country had a striker in the top flight for another year (with the benefits of all that entails - exposure and experience). If he goes down, well, maybe he has a chance to prove his worth in the top flight and is able to attract more interest for another move up.
It's exciting as a Canadian fan. So rarely do we have a player that is attracting as much speculation as Jackson. It almost feels like we are a real footballing nation. Almost, anyway.
Wolves remain one of the hardest chasers along with Queens Park Rangers. It seems that he is destined to end up in that 11-30 range in the English pyramid. If that's the case, you might as well go to a yo-yo team that is currently in the Premiership rather than one fighting to get there. It is, after all, a hell of a lot easier to stay up than it is to get up.
With Wolves currently tied for the second worst attack in the EPL it would seem that Jackson would get a fair look there. If he can help them stay up, then that's great news for Canadian fans as it would ensure that this country had a striker in the top flight for another year (with the benefits of all that entails - exposure and experience). If he goes down, well, maybe he has a chance to prove his worth in the top flight and is able to attract more interest for another move up.
It's Called Football - Footballers Letters To Santa
In the lead up to Christmas, footballers read us their letters to Santa.
Today David Beckham lets us know what he asked for from the big guy.
Today David Beckham lets us know what he asked for from the big guy.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Duane is the winner
So, it appears that I have been voted the winner of two Canadian blog awards (they are as prestigious as a Golden Globe, I'm told). Expect lots of changes around here as a result.
For one, Duane will only refer to himself in the third person now.
Also Duane will now ban anyone who does not post flattering comments about Duane. You are, after all, talking to a Canadian blog award winner -- sorry, make that a multiple Canadian blog award winner.
Lastly, Duane will be sure to let all of the wait staff at
Scallywags just who it is that they are serving. That's important.
Ok, to be serious, I'm thankful that enough people took some time out of their day to vote for me in each of the three rounds. The fact that it was a soccer sweep of the medals (Some Canadian Guys writing about Soccer finished second with Onward! third) speaks to how loyal the soccer community is. The truth is there are a lot of great sports blogs out there written by Canadians -- Neate Sager's Out of Left Field, for one -- that deserve to be recognized, but who were not. This is not a full measure of worth, but rather one kind of measure. I recognize that and appreciate it (the award is still going on my C.V. though).
I also won the podcast award, although that one clearly needs to be shared with Ben Knight, Ben Rycroft and Squizz, along with the support staff at That Channel and, of course, all of the great guests (except one) that we had on the show last year -- without them, I'm just some guy rambling on about Manchester City at the end of the bar.
Thanks again and let's keep growing this community of soccer commentators in the new year.
Speaking of the holidays, the blog's schedule will be as follows:
Dec 22-23 - Normal posting
Dec 24 - Posting until about 3 p.m.
Dec 25-26 - No posting
Dec 27-30 - Normal posting
Dec 31 - Posting to about noon
Jan 1 - no posting.
It's Called Football is taking the next two weeks off and will return on Jan 4. We are, however, releasing a few Squizz shorts over the next week.
Be sure to check out the second annual 24th Minute Awards, which will be posted between Christmas and New Years.
For one, Duane will only refer to himself in the third person now.
Also Duane will now ban anyone who does not post flattering comments about Duane. You are, after all, talking to a Canadian blog award winner -- sorry, make that a multiple Canadian blog award winner.
Lastly, Duane will be sure to let all of the wait staff at
Scallywags just who it is that they are serving. That's important.
Ok, to be serious, I'm thankful that enough people took some time out of their day to vote for me in each of the three rounds. The fact that it was a soccer sweep of the medals (Some Canadian Guys writing about Soccer finished second with Onward! third) speaks to how loyal the soccer community is. The truth is there are a lot of great sports blogs out there written by Canadians -- Neate Sager's Out of Left Field, for one -- that deserve to be recognized, but who were not. This is not a full measure of worth, but rather one kind of measure. I recognize that and appreciate it (the award is still going on my C.V. though).
I also won the podcast award, although that one clearly needs to be shared with Ben Knight, Ben Rycroft and Squizz, along with the support staff at That Channel and, of course, all of the great guests (except one) that we had on the show last year -- without them, I'm just some guy rambling on about Manchester City at the end of the bar.
Thanks again and let's keep growing this community of soccer commentators in the new year.
Speaking of the holidays, the blog's schedule will be as follows:
Dec 22-23 - Normal posting
Dec 24 - Posting until about 3 p.m.
Dec 25-26 - No posting
Dec 27-30 - Normal posting
Dec 31 - Posting to about noon
Jan 1 - no posting.
It's Called Football is taking the next two weeks off and will return on Jan 4. We are, however, releasing a few Squizz shorts over the next week.
Be sure to check out the second annual 24th Minute Awards, which will be posted between Christmas and New Years.
The grass will come out at night
TFC's 2010 home opener has been moved up two days and will now be played on Thurs., April 15 at 8 p.m. It will be on ESPN2 in the U.S.
Only 115 days to go.
Only 115 days to go.
Say it ain't so Robbo
It was also good to catch up with my agent before he flew back to America to sort some business out.
It may not mean anything, but I found Robbo's reference to "America," as opposed to Canada, interesting. Although we've yet to hear anything about his future with TFC, one has wondered for some time now whether we've seen the last of the classy Welshman.
With Preki looking to put his stamp on things, Robbo representing another $300,000 on the cap and the fact that he isn't 23 anymore (or, more to the point, Sam Cronin is 23), it's hard to imagine where he fits in. There has been talk about Robbo wanted to move into a coaching role after he retires, but with Dichio already in a role with the club one wonders how many spots there are (not to mention Robbo let it slip in an earlier County Times column that he paid to do his coaching licence himself, rather than TFC picking up the tab).
The one caveat to this is that TFC only has so many discovery spots and only a couple late draft picks. If they want a full-ish roster they may not be able to let too many other players go -- they currently have just 19 players on the roster and that includes Nick Garcia).
Oh, ad for what it's worth (hint: very little), Robbo didn't answer my Tweet asking him what's up.
The Reds could do worse than to have Robbo back another year. Younger players have long suggested that he has been a major influence on them. But, MLS can be a cruel league sometimes. Cap considerations have to win out over sentimentality.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
U-Sectoooooor.....
Tonight was the annual U-Sector Christmas party. U-Sector is the oldest of the TFC supporter's groups. Although the Red Patch Boys have long passed U-Sector in numbers, the fact that the core of U-Sector was standing in Varsity Stadium watching the Toronto Lynx cannot be denied and will forever make the group relevant.
I was living in Fredericton, New Brunswick during the peak of the U-Sector, USL Lynx days. However, I "knew" most of the U-Sector guys already, even though I lived 3,000km away -- that's because I knew their names and personalities through Internet discussion boards.
So, in 2006, when I pulled out my credit card to put the $50 deposit down on TFC season tickets, I had yet to meet any U-Sector guys. But I knew that I wanted to stand beside them when TFC came to be (I always knew I would return to the Toronto area, which is why I bought the tickets when I was living a 15-hour drive away). God love the Red Patch -- and I have friends that are in that group -- but, to me, U-Sector has always been the place to be.
The group, which was formed in 2000, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year -- that's six years older than TFC, for those keeping tabs. I'm proud to be associated with a group that cared before it was cool to care (not that those that came later should feel inferior -- I'm so profoundly excited to see the success of NEE and RPB).
If you'll allow me a personal moment, I'd like to thank a few people. The Keay's and Rudi -- we don't elect leaders, but you know who you are. Chris D -- you are the soul of this group and we all would run through walls for you. I hope you understand that.
Our "honoured members"...Jess, Mel, Kat, Liz. Etc...thanks for giving us street creed and for being Damn Cool Chicks.
Bobby....don't ever change, OK...
Jambo (we don't need fuckin 'Rambo), Newf, Scotty, Ross, Terry, Harris, Martin, Jamie, Rod, Kris, Zack, Colin, Bruce, Mike, Ken, Jarrek, Freek, Brando....And Kevin. It starts and finishes with you Kevin, regardless of how things play out on any given day...
When it gets right down to it, you guys...and many, many, many, more are what it's all about. The day TFC wins this thing, I want to be standing with and sharing it with you.
In April 2007 I know that this team was going to be a special part of my life. I never realised that so many other people would be too. I'm honoured and humbled by standing beside you week after week.
Don't stop belivin', OK.
Don't ever stop. No, really...
DON’T STOP!
I was living in Fredericton, New Brunswick during the peak of the U-Sector, USL Lynx days. However, I "knew" most of the U-Sector guys already, even though I lived 3,000km away -- that's because I knew their names and personalities through Internet discussion boards.
So, in 2006, when I pulled out my credit card to put the $50 deposit down on TFC season tickets, I had yet to meet any U-Sector guys. But I knew that I wanted to stand beside them when TFC came to be (I always knew I would return to the Toronto area, which is why I bought the tickets when I was living a 15-hour drive away). God love the Red Patch -- and I have friends that are in that group -- but, to me, U-Sector has always been the place to be.
The group, which was formed in 2000, is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year -- that's six years older than TFC, for those keeping tabs. I'm proud to be associated with a group that cared before it was cool to care (not that those that came later should feel inferior -- I'm so profoundly excited to see the success of NEE and RPB).
If you'll allow me a personal moment, I'd like to thank a few people. The Keay's and Rudi -- we don't elect leaders, but you know who you are. Chris D -- you are the soul of this group and we all would run through walls for you. I hope you understand that.
Our "honoured members"...Jess, Mel, Kat, Liz. Etc...thanks for giving us street creed and for being Damn Cool Chicks.
Bobby....don't ever change, OK...
Jambo (we don't need fuckin 'Rambo), Newf, Scotty, Ross, Terry, Harris, Martin, Jamie, Rod, Kris, Zack, Colin, Bruce, Mike, Ken, Jarrek, Freek, Brando....And Kevin. It starts and finishes with you Kevin, regardless of how things play out on any given day...
When it gets right down to it, you guys...and many, many, many, more are what it's all about. The day TFC wins this thing, I want to be standing with and sharing it with you.
In April 2007 I know that this team was going to be a special part of my life. I never realised that so many other people would be too. I'm honoured and humbled by standing beside you week after week.
Don't stop belivin', OK.
Don't ever stop. No, really...
DON’T STOP!
It's Called Football - Guest: Teal Bunbury
Akron's Teal Bunbury joins It's Called Football to talk about going to MLS, his intentions of playing for the Canadian National Team and his season in NCAA.
We also get into the recent TFC roster moves and the CSA players of the year.
Subscribe to It's Called Football on iTunes
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We also get into the recent TFC roster moves and the CSA players of the year.
Subscribe to It's Called Football on iTunes
Download It's Called Football here if you hate iTunes
Friday, December 18, 2009
Jackson and Sinclair get nod from CSA
Simeon Jackson and Christine Sinclair are the 2009 CSA players of the year. The vote to name the winners was conducted by a 50/50 split between media and A and B licence coaches.
I'm not sure I buy that a League One player is really the Canadian player of the year. I would have gone with Pat Onstad or DeRo. However, in saying that, I don't want to take away from Jackson, who is clearly a very promising player and who did, in fact, have one hell of an exciting year.
Sinclair is a no brainer on the woman's side.
Regardless of who actually wins these things, I give the CSA credit for putting it out there. It may seem like a simple thing, but it wasn't long ago that the CSA struggled to get the simple things done. As much as I poked fun of CSA communications director Richard Scott earlier today with the Jamaica game the truth is they have turned things around there a great deal. When we say we want to "Sack the CSA" we aren't being literal. We’re not calling for any individual to be fired. Rather, we are talking about "sacking" parts of a very sick system to allow the professionals within the CSA to do their job without interference.
As an aside, Scott will likely be pleased to know that the news that Jackson had won the award flashed above me about an hour ago from the time that I type this. Standing in an insanely busy Square One (massive, soulless mall) food court, it was right there on the TV screens they use to distract you while you eat your Taco Bell.
I can't say you would have found out who the 2003 CSA player of the year was while doing your Christmas shopping. Clearly, something is happening and the sport is getting more and more exposure.
I'm not sure I buy that a League One player is really the Canadian player of the year. I would have gone with Pat Onstad or DeRo. However, in saying that, I don't want to take away from Jackson, who is clearly a very promising player and who did, in fact, have one hell of an exciting year.
Sinclair is a no brainer on the woman's side.
Regardless of who actually wins these things, I give the CSA credit for putting it out there. It may seem like a simple thing, but it wasn't long ago that the CSA struggled to get the simple things done. As much as I poked fun of CSA communications director Richard Scott earlier today with the Jamaica game the truth is they have turned things around there a great deal. When we say we want to "Sack the CSA" we aren't being literal. We’re not calling for any individual to be fired. Rather, we are talking about "sacking" parts of a very sick system to allow the professionals within the CSA to do their job without interference.
As an aside, Scott will likely be pleased to know that the news that Jackson had won the award flashed above me about an hour ago from the time that I type this. Standing in an insanely busy Square One (massive, soulless mall) food court, it was right there on the TV screens they use to distract you while you eat your Taco Bell.
I can't say you would have found out who the 2003 CSA player of the year was while doing your Christmas shopping. Clearly, something is happening and the sport is getting more and more exposure.
Canada v Jamaica - Jan. 31
It would be nice if it was the CSA that actually told us about these games for once, but whatever.
Three games in two FIFA dates. So far so good on the 30-35 total/85 per cent of FIFA dates promise.
Oh, and CAP NANA!
NOTE: Having spoke with the CSA a moment ago, it was confirmed to me that talks are ongoing with the Jamaica federation. However, the paperwork has yet to be officially signed, which is why they had not released the information yet.
They also said that they were talking to other countries for games in that period.
Three games in two FIFA dates. So far so good on the 30-35 total/85 per cent of FIFA dates promise.
Oh, and CAP NANA!
NOTE: Having spoke with the CSA a moment ago, it was confirmed to me that talks are ongoing with the Jamaica federation. However, the paperwork has yet to be officially signed, which is why they had not released the information yet.
They also said that they were talking to other countries for games in that period.
DC looks to El Salvador
DC United fans are excited today with the announcement that the club has agreed to a loan that will bring El Salvador international Cristian Castillo to the club from Mexican side Leon.
Certainly he is a player that has shown some flair in the past (he will also attract a lot of the significant El Salvadorian ex-pat community in DC, so you can say that he will probably bring a little flare too).
Let's hope this isn't a move based solely on putting bums in the seat. DC United is a club that has always had success with Central American players in the past so there is reason to think that he might add something of value on the pitch.
To take it TFC-centric for a moment one hopes that Mo Johnston is taking notes. To review:
European talent = overpriced by MLS standards
Central American talent = value for money.
Or you can just keep trading for more allocation. I guess.
Certainly he is a player that has shown some flair in the past (he will also attract a lot of the significant El Salvadorian ex-pat community in DC, so you can say that he will probably bring a little flare too).
Let's hope this isn't a move based solely on putting bums in the seat. DC United is a club that has always had success with Central American players in the past so there is reason to think that he might add something of value on the pitch.
To take it TFC-centric for a moment one hopes that Mo Johnston is taking notes. To review:
European talent = overpriced by MLS standards
Central American talent = value for money.
Or you can just keep trading for more allocation. I guess.
The Rest of the Story: Liverpool slums
Fuuuuuck off Chelsea FC
You ain't got no history
5 European Cups
18 Leagues
And one Europa League*
That's what we call history!
The Kop - sometime in 2010-11....
You ain't got no history
5 European Cups
18 Leagues
And one Europa League*
That's what we call history!
The Kop - sometime in 2010-11....
Ok, maybe not. But, the unseeded Liverpool finds itself in the Europa League after a now infamous disastrous Champions League group stage. So is Everton, which has got to cause more than a little consternation amongst the Anfield faithful.
They aren't the only big fish in the competition. Former Champions League winners Juve and Ajax are also floating around in the consolation tournament. Sporting, Werder Bremen, Fenerbahçe, PSV, Benfica and Roma too. It actually should be a hell of a good competition.
Here is the draw:
1. FC Rubin Kazan (RUS) v Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC (ISR)
2. Athletic Club (ESP) v RSC Anderlecht (BEL)
3. FC København (DEN) v Olympique de Marseille (FRA)
4. Panathinaikos FC (GRE) v AS Roma (ITA)
5. Club Atlético de Madrid (ESP) v Galatasaray AŞ (TUR)
6. AFC Ajax (NED) v Juventus (ITA)
7. Club Brugge KV (BEL) v Valencia CF (ESP)
8. Fulham FC (ENG) v FC Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
9. Liverpool FC (ENG) v FC Unirea Urziceni (ROU)
10. Hamburger SV (GER) v PSV Eindhoven (NED)
11. Villarreal CF (ESP) v VfL Wolfsburg (GER)
12. R. Standard de Liège (BEL) v FC Salzburg (AUT)
13. FC Twente (NED) v Werder Bremen (GER)
14. LOSC Lille Métropole (FRA) v Fenerbahçe SK (TUR)
15. Everton (ENG) v Sporting Clube de Portugal (POR)
16. Hertha BSC Berlin (GER) v SL Benfica (POR)
Liverpool v Fenerbahçe is the likely round of 16 match-up. The second round draw is as follows:
Winners of Match 10 v Winners of Match 2
Winners of Match 1 v Winners of Match 11
Winners of Match 5 v Winners of Match 15
Winners of Match 16 v Winners of Match 3
Winners of Match 4 v Winners of Match 12
Winners of Match 14 v Winners of Match 9
Winners of Match 6 v Winners of Match 8
Winners of Match 7 v Winners of Match 13
It will be interesting to see how the bigger clubs play this one out, although there is money to be won so one imagines they won't put the slugs out (that said Liverpool needs to get a top four league spot to avoid playing this tournament two years in a row -- and if Liverpool supporters are having trouble wrapping their heads around the knock-out stage I'm sure they will be thrilled to play in the group stage...).
Still, I can't help but think this gets won by a smaller club, one that will appreciate it more. Just like City in the League Cup, some teams need to win it more.
My pick?
Squizz' grade 7 hockey teammate Rubin Kazan.
*don't bet on it
You too can play for the TFC!
What do Tim Regan and Sam Reynolds have in common? For the hardcore TFC fan the answer is obvious. Both men have played for the Reds in their three year existence. Reynolds as an emergency keeper in 2007 and Regan as an emergency fullback in 2008.
There are 60 others that can claim alumnus status for TFC. That’s 62 players in three seasons. With MLS’ tiny, little rosters.
Consider that for a moment as you reflect on yesterday’s announcement that three other TFC players have left the building. Clearly there is a turnover on any professional sports team, but it’s more than a bit insane to think just how many players have gone through Gate 4 at BMO.
Trader Mo is the nickname hung on general manager Mo Johnston. He wheels and deals and, it appears, fancies himself as a mastermind that is just one great trade away from taking the team to the promised land. It’s all part of some elusive five year plan, we’re told.
But, really, 62 players in three years. You know it will be more than 70 by this time next year. And, Johnston typically does not use all of his limited roster spots.
At some point stability has to take the place of tinkering. When rumours of dressing room issues emerged last year you couldn’t help but believe them. There was simply too much turnover for natural leadership to emerge in the room. Yes, Jimmy and Carl had been there for all three years, but how many others had? Not many.
Of course the biggest problem has been the lack of stability in the coaching staff. Four in four years. At that rate you might as well have an annual “Coach the TFC” contest amongst season ticket holders.
There are 60 others that can claim alumnus status for TFC. That’s 62 players in three seasons. With MLS’ tiny, little rosters.
Consider that for a moment as you reflect on yesterday’s announcement that three other TFC players have left the building. Clearly there is a turnover on any professional sports team, but it’s more than a bit insane to think just how many players have gone through Gate 4 at BMO.
Trader Mo is the nickname hung on general manager Mo Johnston. He wheels and deals and, it appears, fancies himself as a mastermind that is just one great trade away from taking the team to the promised land. It’s all part of some elusive five year plan, we’re told.
But, really, 62 players in three years. You know it will be more than 70 by this time next year. And, Johnston typically does not use all of his limited roster spots.
At some point stability has to take the place of tinkering. When rumours of dressing room issues emerged last year you couldn’t help but believe them. There was simply too much turnover for natural leadership to emerge in the room. Yes, Jimmy and Carl had been there for all three years, but how many others had? Not many.
Of course the biggest problem has been the lack of stability in the coaching staff. Four in four years. At that rate you might as well have an annual “Coach the TFC” contest amongst season ticket holders.
Champions League draw
Most will know this already, but for the record:
AC Milan (ITA) v Manchester United FC (ENG)
BECKHAM! BECKHAM! BECKHAM!
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) v Real Madrid CF (ESP)
MONEY vs MONEYBALL
FC Bayern München (GER) v ACF Fiorentina (ITA)
Ohhhhh THE GERMAAAANS
FC Porto (POR) v Arsenal FC (ENG)
YEAH, I GOT NOTHIN'
Olympiacos FC (GRE) v FC Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA)
ONE OF THESE TEAMS WILL BE IN THE QUARTERS!
VfB Stuttgart (GER) v FC Barcelona (ESP)
DREAM DRAW FOR BOTH REALLY (for different reasons)
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) v Chelsea FC (ENG)
ENGLAND v ITALY AGAIN IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS) v Sevilla FC (ESP)
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BENYLIN!
AC Milan (ITA) v Manchester United FC (ENG)
BECKHAM! BECKHAM! BECKHAM!
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) v Real Madrid CF (ESP)
MONEY vs MONEYBALL
FC Bayern München (GER) v ACF Fiorentina (ITA)
Ohhhhh THE GERMAAAANS
FC Porto (POR) v Arsenal FC (ENG)
YEAH, I GOT NOTHIN'
Olympiacos FC (GRE) v FC Girondins de Bordeaux (FRA)
ONE OF THESE TEAMS WILL BE IN THE QUARTERS!
VfB Stuttgart (GER) v FC Barcelona (ESP)
DREAM DRAW FOR BOTH REALLY (for different reasons)
FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) v Chelsea FC (ENG)
ENGLAND v ITALY AGAIN IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
PFC CSKA Moskva (RUS) v Sevilla FC (ESP)
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BENYLIN!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
CONCACAF: getting no respect
J at Out of Touch has touched on one of my biggest pet peeves today -- CONCACAF's 3.5 spots at the World Cup. Using hard data he shows how the confederation is getting screwed
CONCACAF has two powerful teams, including one that traditionally advances into the knock-out stage. Additionally, the third (and often the fourth, if the playoff is won) has performed well at every World Cup. Yet, Asia and Africa continue to get more places. This despite the fact that their teams don't actually outperform CONCACAF.
J's got the numbers for you.
The only thing I'd add to his post is a reference to how 2002 Japan/Korea skews the Asian data even more. There is absolutely no reason that Asia deserves more spots than CONCACAF. None. It isn't arguable.
Yet...4.5 to 3.5. The .5 Asian team couldn't get by New Zealand for God's sake.
But, with FIFA being what it is, no one expects anything to change.
* obviously the confederations that are most screwed are South America and Europe, but you can't give them all the spots they deserve if you want any other teams there.
CONCACAF has two powerful teams, including one that traditionally advances into the knock-out stage. Additionally, the third (and often the fourth, if the playoff is won) has performed well at every World Cup. Yet, Asia and Africa continue to get more places. This despite the fact that their teams don't actually outperform CONCACAF.
J's got the numbers for you.
The only thing I'd add to his post is a reference to how 2002 Japan/Korea skews the Asian data even more. There is absolutely no reason that Asia deserves more spots than CONCACAF. None. It isn't arguable.
Yet...4.5 to 3.5. The .5 Asian team couldn't get by New Zealand for God's sake.
But, with FIFA being what it is, no one expects anything to change.
* obviously the confederations that are most screwed are South America and Europe, but you can't give them all the spots they deserve if you want any other teams there.
BUMP! Canadian blog awards
So it's a soccer sweep for the final round of the Canadian Soccer Blogs sports award. It's a great way that you can support us without it costing you anything (if we win an award, however borderline it may be, we can use it when approaching sponsors.
So, go vote. Clearly, I think that The 24th Minute has a unique combination of quality and quantity (along with actual reporting) that makes it a unique and worthwhile choice for you to vote for. However, if you really think one of the other four blogs are more worthy than by all means go vote for them (or rank us 1-5 according to your preference).
The other finalists are:
Some Canadian Guys Writing About Soccer
RedNation Online
Onward!
Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show
Vote here.
I'm also nominated in the podcasting category. I'm the only soccer guy in that one so do what you might.
Also nominated is:
YK Online Podcasts
NxEW Mixtape Podcast
KyleWith
Devin Johnston Podcast
Vote here.
So, go vote. Clearly, I think that The 24th Minute has a unique combination of quality and quantity (along with actual reporting) that makes it a unique and worthwhile choice for you to vote for. However, if you really think one of the other four blogs are more worthy than by all means go vote for them (or rank us 1-5 according to your preference).
The other finalists are:
Some Canadian Guys Writing About Soccer
RedNation Online
Onward!
Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show
Vote here.
I'm also nominated in the podcasting category. I'm the only soccer guy in that one so do what you might.
Also nominated is:
YK Online Podcasts
NxEW Mixtape Podcast
KyleWith
Devin Johnston Podcast
Vote here.
TFC to go back to Carolina
Toronto FC will once again play at the Carolina Challenge Cup in 2010. Despite the host Battery making the drop to USL-2 for 2010, the tournament, which has been a mainstay of the spring football schedule for six seasons, will go forward in 2010.
TFC has been involved in all four of its preseasons.
Oddly, five of six previous editions of the tournament have seen the winner go on to win the MLS Cup. Salt Lake beat Toronto last year to capture the championship.
The defending champs return to the 2010 event as does DC United.
Traditionally, the Cup has been the first chance for TFC fans to see the team play in the preseason. The games have typically been shown on a web feed.
The tournament starts March 13, with games also on March 17 and March 20.
TFC has been involved in all four of its preseasons.
Oddly, five of six previous editions of the tournament have seen the winner go on to win the MLS Cup. Salt Lake beat Toronto last year to capture the championship.
The defending champs return to the 2010 event as does DC United.
Traditionally, the Cup has been the first chance for TFC fans to see the team play in the preseason. The games have typically been shown on a web feed.
The tournament starts March 13, with games also on March 17 and March 20.
Vitti, Fellinga also cut
Seconds ago TFC announced that, in addition to Amado Guevara, Pablo Vitti and Lesly Fellinga would also not be returning to the club in 2010.
Ben Knight will be happy.
There is little doubt that Pablo Vitti was as big a bust as one could ever imagine. And he was a damn expensive one. At $288,000, Vitti proved that some good ball skills at 17, combined with the right passport, can land you well paying jobs in football.
Fellinga was always an odd pick up, but I'm a bit surprised he isn't going to get a look in camp. He only made $36,000.
When you add the three players up that are not returning you find a savings of $624,000 on the cap for next year.
Spend it wisely Mo.
It is interesting that some of the other players that were speculated to be on the outs – Carl Robinson, for one – are not on this list. That makes it seem likely that, trades or transfers aside, we can reasonably believe that the players that remain on the roster are likely to be there on Feb 1 when camp opens.
Ben Knight will be happy.
There is little doubt that Pablo Vitti was as big a bust as one could ever imagine. And he was a damn expensive one. At $288,000, Vitti proved that some good ball skills at 17, combined with the right passport, can land you well paying jobs in football.
Fellinga was always an odd pick up, but I'm a bit surprised he isn't going to get a look in camp. He only made $36,000.
When you add the three players up that are not returning you find a savings of $624,000 on the cap for next year.
Spend it wisely Mo.
It is interesting that some of the other players that were speculated to be on the outs – Carl Robinson, for one – are not on this list. That makes it seem likely that, trades or transfers aside, we can reasonably believe that the players that remain on the roster are likely to be there on Feb 1 when camp opens.
Atiba The Good
Not the first time Atiba has been screwedUnless you speak Danish, you might have to take my word on this one. Canadian international Atiba Hutchinson was one of four finalists for the Danish Superleague player of the year award. He didn't win. The honour went to Jacob Poulsen. However, that decision lead Hutcheson's coach at FCK, Ståle Solbakken, to go off in the media.
Solbakken says Atiba is the best player in the league.
The Danish league, of course, isn't a top four league in Europe. But, it's not the Cyprus first division either. So, for a Canadian to be in the running as the best player in the country is something to be proud of (and, let's face it, we need to hang our hat on anything we can get a hold of nowadays).
At 26, the window for a move to a bigger league is closing. Still, you would think that he might have a few good ones left and it would be nice to get another guy playing in the big four. Germany maybe?
If not, then we can always cheer him on in the Europa League, as FCK is an annual participant. It advanced to the round of 32 last week for the second year in a row.
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