It's Called Football - Guest: Jim Brennan

With the Quebec budget having just arrived, we update the MLS to Montreal situation.

We also get into what Toronto's approach to the Voyageurs Cup will be this season and who else will joining the TFC squad soon.

And TFC's captain Jim Brennan joins us to talk about the year ahead, how close MLS was to a strike, his thoughts on TFC's '09 meltdown and now some of its rising stars and how this is definitely his last year playing professional soccer.



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Toronto: Soccer epicentre

You’ll be shocked to know that I am writing this from a bar stool. Although, in fairness, I’ve consumed less than half of a single pint of beer. Still, I sit here at Toronto’s Scallywags basking in the afterglow of Champions League football – Arsenal and Barca played a classic today. Most of the crowd is still buzzing. Those in Arsenal strips are walking with their heads up high tonight. Friends in other strips are reminding them that a trip to the Nou Camp remains.

It’s times like this that I think that I live in the world’s perfect place to be a football fan. The mix of cultures and colours in Toronto give the city a hum on a big game day that is not unique, but yet still special. There are lots of places where the game matters, but it matters there for a single team or, at best, a couple. Here, the big clubs are represented well, of course, but there are a thousand other passions represented. I sat beside a diehard Stoke man at this very bar less than a year ago. A CSKA Moscow fan a few weeks later.

And that’s just on the club side. I dare you to find a city in the world with as many home teams as Toronto during the World Cup – New York, maybe. London, too, but not many. The city is alive with friendly rivalry for a month that epitomizes all that is great about the game.

I think that’s what Don Garber was talking about when he suggested that Toronto could become an epicentre of soccer in North America. That and the money and organizational ability of MLSE, the owners of TFC. Those outside the city will likely scoff at the notion, but they won’t provide evidence against the possibility.

Being an epicentre is more than hosting the odd visit from Real Madrid, or holding a MLS Cup. And, fun times during Champions League/World Cup games aside, T.O. isn’t quite there yet. But, it’s coming.

The sport is coming of age in Toronto before our eyes. All of the excitement of the international game that’s always been evident is now being combined with a true passion for the domestic side of things. If the national team ever takes off -- and it says here the 2014 qualifiers are going to be red at BMO – well, the transformation will be complete.

GRASSSS TO BEEEEEEMMMMOOOOOOO (last time I promise)

Watch some great time lapse photography from TFCTV of the grass install.



Doesn't that look great Seattle fans?

It's Called Football Live

Toronto FC's captain Jim Brennan will join It's Called Football Live tonight.

Brennan will join us at 9:20 EST. And off the top, we will have an update on the Montreal Impact MLS bid - the Quebec provincial budget came down yesterday - and where their stadium funding stands.

You can find the live show at the right of the screen. The live chat will be open to ask questions of our guests. This will be an audio only broadcast

Preki's V-Cup problem

Preki isn't a hard man to read. If he's irritated at the TFC back-line (or press gallery as the case may be) he'll just sort of grunt it out. Not in an arms waving, world-is-against-me-John-Carver way, but in a matter-of-fact-what-are-you-stupid-that's-just-how-it-is sort of thing.

Such was his reaction at last winter's press conference announcing the details of the 2010 Nutrilite Canadian Championship for the Voyageurs Cup. There was no, "every competition is important" rhetoric from the TFC headman. Nope, he stated what every fan of the modern game, anywhere in the world, knows.

"I suppose we'll try to win this. I'd rather win than lose, sure. But, the league is 100 times more important."

Or something like that anyway.

Flash forward to today and have a look at the league's thinnest line-up and put two and two together. Without significant additions to the roster, it's pretty clear Preki is going to use the V-Cup games as a chance to give Fuad Ibrahim a run out. I'm not sure he won't do that even if there are significant additions.

In Preki's mind, the NCC equals the US Open Cup. I expect him to treat it the same as he did in Chivas. The Yankee Goats never won a game and lost 3-1 to Charleston in 2009 and lost twice to USL-1 Seattle -- 2-0 in 2008, 3-1 in 2007.

The one caveat may be that the V-Cup is a lot more followed and cared about among fans here than the US Open Cup is (this is not a diss on the USOC, which deserves a lot more, but the evidence is clear on this front. Outside of the hardest of the hardcore, the USOC is a non-factor amongst MLS fans). It's not likely Preki can simply throw the games away.

Still, I expect an even greater struggle for TFC in the competition this year than in the two years past (where, despite common perception, they do have a pretty solid record of 4-2-2). I predicted 12 points for TFC in this competition last year (and I still believe that's what should have been expected in 2009), but I'm not going that far this year.

In the Out of Touch V-Cup prediction contest (do go enter. He's giving away a prize) for 2010, I did predict a TFC championship. However, I also picked TFC to grab just eight points. Preki can get the team to play enough of a workmanlike game that they should be able to grind out the home points. Vancouver is likely going to be more focused on building to 2011 and God only knows what Montreal will be playing like -- the Impact do tend to start slow though.

The other thing God only knows is what Preki is going to do with the line-ups. However, his history and demeanour give us some clues.

24th Minute survivor - week 2

There are 43 people remaining after week one of the 24th Minute Survivor pool. Listed below are those that correctly picked a non-loser. As with last week, you can enter up to the start of the week’s final game, but, obviously, you can’t pick a game that has already started.

You can only pick a team once. Those still in have their pick from week one listed.

It’s up to you folks to respond. You can do so in the comments section, or on the thread at the RPB or U-Sector boards.

Darlofletch – Columbus
Nalimin – Columbus
Royr – Seattle
Superchicken – Seattle
DanB – Seattle
Casual Soccer Fan – Seattle
tyrone – NYRB
Brooker – RSL
Leftcoastkicks – Seattle
Kevin Smith – Columbus
mrburito2 – RSL
TheatreRed – Houston
roue – Columbus
DistilledNick – Columbus
Ultra & Proud – Seattle
VicDev – LAG
Mulliganl – RSL
Kosks – RSL
Icecoldbeer – Seattle
Gallade – Seattle
Still Kicking – Houston
Bbb – Seattle
chief. – RSL
crofty – RSL
Green Apes – RSL
Colin – Columbus
Serie_AHH – SLC
LovesMyIrish – Houston
Waldorf – RSL
Ajretz – RSL
Canadiantarheel – RSL
JimmyBaldX – Houston
RedsYNWA – Seattle
Detroit_TFC – Seattle
RPB_RED_NATION_RPB – Seattle
Daveisonfire – Houston
Nuvinho – RSL
Lennon – Seattle
(Note - forgot to add those that e-mailed) -
zacRWE - Seattle
Ruben Pagan - Seattle
danB - Seattle
Devon - RSL
Heavy Red Flow - RSL


Here are this week’s games (home listed first):

Galaxy v Chivas
Houston v Salt Lake
Colorado v Chicago
DC United v New England
Seattle v New York

Garber v McCown

Don Garber made an appearance on the Fan 590 with noted soccer hater Bob McCown and known soccer lover Stephen Brunt.

Listen here.

Do listen McCown haters. He's not Jim Rome when it comes to the game. He just doesn't like it.

MLS Cup to Toronto - it just makes sense

MLS Insider Twitpic

The above photo, sent through the MLS Insider's Twitter feed, is all you need to see to understand why Toronto makes the most sense as the host of the 2010 MLS Cup. Although the game would be covered well in any market, only Seattle would come close to providing this game S1 treatment in the days leading up to it. The difference is that that media scrum above is talking to 34 million Canadians, whereas a scrum in Seattle is talking to 3.3 million, plus a few assorted geeks on BigSoccer.

Perhaps the team doesn't deserve the attention it gets (although I'm not sure why it wouldn't), but TFC is still given the benefit of the doubt in Toronto sports media. Not quite the Leafs, sure, but nowhere near the Rock (that's a lacrosse team for my American readers). The MLS Cup will probably be treated in a similar way to the Grey Cup (which will be played a week later in Edmonton) -- as a one off event that many fans will pay attention to even if they don't normally from week to week.

Although ticket pricing has yet to be determined (I've heard one estimate that puts the low end seats at $52) there seems little doubt that at least 90 per cent of the season ticket holders will gobble up their seats. I suspect that when all is said and done Toronto will hold back about 3,000 seats (taken mostly from the new north end stand and the regular group sales) for visiting fans. The rest will be sold by July. There is little doubt at all that the game will sell out and that the stadium will be full on Nov 21.

New York can use this year to complete the development around Red Bull Arena and to concentrate on re-connecting with many of the fans it lost in the Meadowlands years. A 2011 final at RBA will be just fine.

And the team can quietly use the game as motivation to at least get within a sniff of it.

Isn’t it BMOutiful

I think I'll just let the photo stand on its own.

The crap in 2007:

TFC Academy rolling at Dallas Cup; Vancouver struggling against the big boys

The TFC sub-19 team is having an easy go of it in the sub-19 class at the Dallas Cup. To be clear, the junior Reds are not playing with the really big boys this year, but a 4-0 and 5-0 win suggests that they could finish near the top of the class they are in.

With one game left, TFC will likely play the best second place finisher in the quarterfinals.

Vancouver, meanwhile, is playing with the big boys in the Super Group. The Whitecaps did very well last year in this event. This year, however, has been a struggle. The 'Caps lost 3-0 to Frankfurt and 1-0 to the US national team. They stand last in their group with a game left to play against the Mexican national team.

Other Canadian results

• Erin Mills (Mississauga, Ont.) 2-0-1 in u17 play
• Oakville (Ontario) Raiders 0-0-2 in u16 play
• Chinook United (Calgary) 0-2-0 in u15 play

Sober Second Thoughts: About what you'd expect

I've held off on the Sober Second Thoughts for a couple days because I've wanted to make sure that I had fully wrapped my head around the start of the season. Emotions are high right now and there are a lot of people that want nothing more than to throw this team and everyone associated with it under the bus.

The frustration is legitimate. There is a lot that is, well, confusing about how TFC has been put together. However, as I wrote Saturday before the game, the negativity is pretty pointless.

I've already used one cliché in this article, so why not another: It is what it is. We can either dwell on the negatives for another two weeks or we can get over ourselves and see some positive.

What positive you might ask. Well, for one the team was a little more organized than we are used to seeing. Although the back-line looked outclassed at times, it never looked like it was collapsing. That was a major issue in 2009 and it lead to many late game goals against.

In spite of playing a team that is a co-MLS Cup favourite, on the road, and after it has played two competitive games, TFC didn't really allow a legitimate goal off the run of play. The first was a set-play. The second a terrible non call by the official (and before I'm accused on homer-ism, the consensus in even Columbus is that the Crew were a bit lucky on the second goal).

Now, the Reds never really looked dangerous. O'Brian White had a couple chances, DeRo another. Gabe Gala put a nice ball in late in the first half. But, it was a struggle moving forward. Chad Barrett has to be feeling a bit of pressure to get back out there because there isn't very much up front.

In many ways TFC catches a break with the bye coming so early. It gives them, essentially, two more weeks of pre-season. What hope was found in the first game came from a feeling that Preki could mould something out of the group that is there. By the time New England rolls around, TFC fans will want to see something more than hope.

Because, and I realize that pre-season doesn't really count, it's been 524 minutes since TFC last scored against a living, breathing opponent.

Not being negative, just sayin'.

It's official: MLS Cup to Toronto

The press release:

Major League Soccer will host its premier event, MLS Cup, in Canada for the first time when the passionate fans of Toronto, the fifth largest city in North America, welcome the League’s 15th championship match to BMO Field on Sunday, Nov. 21 at 8:30 p.m. ET (Live on ESPN and TeleFutura).

“Toronto and the Province of Ontario have proven to be a vibrant market for top-level soccer, and we are pleased to present the city’s fans another opportunity to enjoy a marquee event and showcase their passion,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “As we saw last year in Seattle, MLS Cup is more than just our championship match; it is a four-day celebration of the world’s game in North America. We believe Toronto will be a superb backdrop for the festivities.”

Hailed as Canada’s national soccer stadium, BMO Field is the home of Toronto FC and will be the ninth venue to host the prestigious event. It served as the setting for the 2008 MLS All-Star Game, has played host to international soccer giants Real Madrid and Aston Villa, and hosted the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Ongoing renovations to Canada’s soccer mecca will see capacity increased to 21,800 spectators with the addition of a new North End stand and a natural grass field. The Kentucky Blue Grass will replace artificial surface that had been in use since its opening. These improvements are scheduled to be completed by April 15.

Since the inception of Toronto FC in 2007, soccer fans in Canada’s largest city have shown overwhelming support and fervor for their hometown “Reds,” selling out every home match at BMO Field.

"We’re excited to host MLS Cup 2010, one of Major League Soccer’s pinnacle events. This is great news for soccer fans in Toronto and a tremendous benefit for our city,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “We’re looking forward to making MLS Cup Weekend in Toronto a celebration of the beautiful game in an authentic, credible soccer environment.”

Anselmi added that hosting MLS Cup will promote and profile Toronto to a larger global audience, creating an economic benefit for the city and supporting tourism. MLS Cup 2009 was broadcast live in more than 120 countries. Toronto FC hosted the Pepsi MLS All-Star Game in 2008, which resulted in an economic benefit of $23 million for the City of Toronto. “We look forward to welcoming soccer supporter groups from the other 15 MLS cities.”

Showing their commitment to Toronto FC and the success of Major League Soccer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment has invested $5.5 million in upgrades to BMO Field and the surrounding area. In addition to a new grass pitch and increased seating, the investments will also enhance local community sports amenities to increase public access to year-round soccer facilities. The result of the upgrades will be more than 2,500 hours of community sport use availability.

The hub of activity and the headquarters of MLS Cup in Toronto will be at Maple Leaf Square, a new $500 million retail, commercial and residential development, the largest mixed-use project constructed in the city since 1977. Adjacent to Air Canada Centre and connected to multiple public transit options and climate-controlled underground walkways, Maple Leaf Square is located just 10 minutes from BMO Field. Maple Leaf Square’s restaurants including Real Sports Bar & Grill, its apparel store, Real Sports Apparel and its public square will host a number of initiatives and activities for soccer fans.

"I'm delighted to welcome MLS Cup 2010 to Toronto," Toronto Mayor David Miller said. "Toronto FC has the best supporters and one of the best soccer-specific stadiums in the league particularly with the addition of a grass pitch and additional seats. The sport of soccer has a massive fan-base in the Toronto region guaranteeing that no matter who is playing in the final, the atmosphere and excitement at the game and the events around it will be a huge success."


Just as they were this year for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the eyes of the world will once again be on Canada when the 2010 Major League Soccer season culminates in Toronto. Last season’s finale, held at Qwest Field in Seattle, drew more than 46,000 fans who saw Real Salt Lake claim their first MLS Cup championship in a thrilling shootout win over the Los Angeles Galaxy.


Information regarding ticket sales for MLS Cup 2010 will be announced at a later date, but Toronto FC season ticket holders will have priority.

Football Specific Stadiums

If MLS fans have heard of the United Football League, they now have a reason to hate it. The latest effort to create another gridiron league stateside is targeting Salt Lake as a potential expansion market.

The stadium they would play in?

Rio Tinto Stadium

I guess SLC is used to playing with gridiron lines. Thankfully, these leagues tend to last about as long as a jug of beer at BMO on a hot summer day.

Firrrer...Firrrer...Firrer, Firrrer, Firrer.....

As Columbus fans were in the early stages of indignation over the appearance of a few flares at the TFC - Columbus game Saturday, Fire supporters were putting on this display at Red Bull Arena. I'd be curious to see whether the C-Bus has the same sense of moral outrage here.



Please note the security guard dancing with the Chicago fans at 31 seconds. They ain't in the Meadowlands anymore, are they? A New York supporter e-mailed me this morning to explain the appearance of smoke in the Empire Supporter's Club section. I'll let him speak for himself:

You and your readers should know that the smoke in the video you posted from the New York v Chicago game was not smoke bombs brought in by supporters. Rather, the smoke in that video was a collaboration between the Empire Supporters Club (and more generally the south end supporters) and the Red Bull front office. The smoke bombs were provided by the front office and lit in a pre-constructed sand pit in front of the section; this is a much safer situation that having smoke bombs in the stands and leaves everyone happy.

An anecdote: In Chicago last October I spent a good amount of the game talking to security (I was the sober one, therefore I was in charge in his mind, I guess). The focus of our conversation was to get me to stop the people in our section from swearing ("no cussin,'" he kept saying). "Fuck" was going to cause the stadium to collapse, apparently. When the flares were lit, however, the security sort of collectively shrugged its shoulders, got out the sand and told us to put it out when it was done burning.

Section 8 lit some in response giving the stadium a spectacular glow. I'll fully admit that I enjoyed the atmosphere it created.

At any rate, the point I'm making with this is that it's a bit hard to take criticism of flares being lit seriously when it seems that the league itself doesn't. It wants to play both sides of a coin -- it loves the atmosphere, it hates the liability. The inconsistency in policy just makes things more dangerous -- if there was a policy of controlled pyro, then it could be controlled (like in New York). If the policy was no pyro, period, then the consequences of using it would be clear and it likely wouldn't be long until it was gone.

As I said, I like what it brings. I know many don't, or view such an opinion as "wannabe." However, I don't think it's necessary.

I just think the league needs to be consistent.

2010 MLS attendance tracking

I will be tracking attendance in MLS this year. Here are the numbers, without comment:

Seattle: 36,241
Chivas: 18, 653
Dallas: 8,016
Columbus: 13,536
Kansas City: 10,385
Galaxy: 21,376
San Jose: 10,589
New York: 24,572

Average - 17,921
Median - 16,095

Nothing to see here. Move along.

A Columbus fan posted this video in an effort to, I don't know, show something about something. If you want to waste nine minutes of your life watching (assumedly) drunk college kids from Columbus chant USA, USA, USA, feel free. If not I'll sum it up:

Taken from the Nordecke you see smoke bombs being lit in the Toronto section. I'm not sure you can say whether there were any flares, as it just looked like smoke. And we all know that only Toronto hoolies would dare bring smoke into a MLS building.

You see at least one, maybe more, of the smoke bombs fall onto the tarp below the visiting section. Bad form, no doubt. Ultra rule No. 1 boys: Don't light it up if you aren't prepared to deal with the consequences of it. Throwing it on a tarp below isn't a great way to deal with it.

The rest of the video is shot in front of a barricaded Toronto section in a group of about 50 Crew fans. They had gathered to tell the Toronto fans that their team and country sucked. "Way to light the flame," did make me chuckle, but the rest was about as witless as "We don't pay for health care" is.

Basically nothing happened. Crew Stadium seemed to be prepared. They held the fans back, they set up a separate exit for the Nordecke (that not all decided to use) and the Toronto fans appeared to do just stand and wait to leave. I'm sure a few said a few really bad words and some may have even directed those words to the Crew fans hanging about. But there was no violence and no issues of note.

A quick scan of the Columbus police report for Saturday shows no arrests at 1 Black and Gold Blvd. So, let's get that on record now.

If you can't beat 'em on the pitch...

They brought a lot of fans…to the stadium. At some point, you know, I looked behind the goal and it’s all Toronto fans. And they were singing and they were enjoying the game. I think our fans learned a lot from that game because after that there was kind of competition…they started singing. They learned a lot from the Toronto fans.

Robert Warzycha

I think when that fan group travelled down to Columbus It was really the beginning of an extra awareness and emphasis throughout league on the possibility of these fan groups, what they could do to help out teams and how important the league had become to soccer fans. I think that helped a lot in Columbus. Columbus now has an outstanding fan group, supporter’s group and I think a lot of that was spurred by seeing what was possible in Toronto and what is taking place throughout the league.

Mark Abbott

I think when the Toronto fans travelled that really showed what it can be. Thousands of Toronto fans travel to Columbus, take over that stadium if not in numbers then certainly with their passion. That kicked of the concept, which we are really, really focused on now of deep, connects not just in the local market but also with travelling fans….very importantly for Major League Soccer and the reemergence of the Columbus Crew is the fact that someone else came into their house and in many ways they took it over.

Don Garber

Or, to paraphrase, Toronto invented the Nordecke. Hey, don’t look at me, I didn’t say it.

(you will have to view video in full screen)

'Tis the season. Nothing else matters

MLS fans have lots of time to be critical. A four month off-season, and the six days between each game, give us plenty of opportunity to breakdown formations and analyze the relative level of sanity in our managers.

But for 90 minutes every Saturday (it's always Saturday when a football game is being played), we put all that aside and bunker down into the serious job of supporting the good guys. Or, at least we should. Sometimes, some let the negativity poor over into the game day experience. Too caught up in finding the problems, they forget the most important thing -- joy.

At 4 p.m. today I will stand beside friends -- some new, many old -- and forget, briefly, the troubles of TFC and of my life. We are drawn to this game for various reasons, but the experience of the game is the same. We are consumed. We feel joy. We feel anger. We feel excitement and, most of all, we feel full of life.

It's a long off-season. Thankfully, the season is longer. I'll see you all at the pub, or in the stands.

All for one, indeed.

Notes: If you are in the Toronto area there are several places you can join a group to watch the game. The Duke of Gloucester is where U-Sector will be (and me). Red Patch will be at their game day hang out of Shoeless Joe's, as well as on the upper floor of Scallywags. If others reading know of other locations in the GTA and beyond let us know in the comments.

D2 games to be streamed

NASL communications director Kartik Krishnaiyer confirmed to me yesterday that all NASL and USL-1 games will be streamed live over the internet this season. Like last, the package will be free.

There had been some rumours that had surfaced that the streaming would not be in place for 2010. However, Krishnaiyer said that the details of the streaming service will be made available before the start of the year.

He said that the quality of the stream will depend on the local set-up in each market, but that there would be something available in every market.

Although he stressed that he could not speak for the USL, he said that there has been some suggestion that some D3, W-League and PDL games will also be streamed.

It's Called Football Pre-Game

Philly with a rough team? Makes sense. We break down the First Kick game and set up the weekend's games to watch.

Which includes Toronto FC vs Columbus. We speak to a member of the Nordecke about how Columbus is looking this year, some of the security issues that arose last season and what's changed for this year.

Then we set up Toronto's side of the ball - lineups, formation and the Preki style of play - and make some predictions.

MLS Cup host T.O. be named Tuesday

I tweeted this out yesterday, and it was widely reported last week, but it will be official Tuesday at noon. Don Garber will be at BMO Field along with Toronto mayor David Miller and MLSE/TFC officials to name T.O. as the host of the 2010 MLS Cup.

There are a few in the TFC fan base that are taking a negative view of this, suggesting that it will be depressing to watch another team win the cup at BMO. That attitude ignores that fact that we don't have the first clue how good or bad TFC is going to be next November.

We really don't. Really. I'd like to point you to this 2008 MLS preview article written by a Columbus fan.

The point being that it's really hard to predict what actually will happen in a MLS season.

Regardless, hosting the MLS Cup championship in Toronto, in Canada, is significant. Those that were at the 2008 all-star game will tell you that any cynicism they had about the game quickly went away once they were in the stands. I suspect the same thing would apply in a MLS Cup. And, in the event of the nightmare situation of the Columbus Crew being in the game....well, that would at least make the choice of who to cheer for less difficult. Besides, it could be worse.

Montreal could have a team.

TFC Anthem

Ben Rycroft's adopted brother Mike - AKA the White Eagle -- has recorded the following. TFC fans that are feeling down about the season might want to have a listen.



You can download the TFC Anthem here:

Non iTunes download

iTunes download

Interview with Preki

I'll let this stand on your own. Have a listen to last night's interview with Preki on the Fan 590

GRASSSS TO BEEEEEEMMMMOOOOOOO

From Paul Beirne's Twitter



If you saw last night's First Kick game (and if you didn't why are you reading a MLS focused blog?) you'll understand why we're so damn excited to see that brownish strip of grass above. No more stupid bounces, weird skips and bitching internationals.

TFC may not have a centre-back, but it's got grass!

It's Called Football Live

It's been 127 days since you saw this face last on It's Called Football. Why wait any longer?

Today, we'll be setting up the weekend's games, breaking down Philly's debut and taking bets on the over under of taserings in Columbus this weekend.

Vegas odds have it at 3.

Join It's Called Football live today at 2pm. The video will be up. The chat will be open. Rollins will be sober (hopefully).

Some Van City porn

If you are into that kind of thing:

SUPER SUPER SUPER LIVE FIRST KICK BLOG

WE HAVE A SEASON!

Preki's team

If there was any doubt that TFC is now Preki’s team, today’s trade of Marvel Wynne should erase any doubt. Wynne was one of Mo Johnston’s draft diamonds. He went out and got him from New York very quickly after landing in Toronto. He was front and centre to the team’s marketing efforts through 2009.

But, now he is a Colorado Rapid. Traded for a grunt MLSer in Nick LaBrocca. Although Preki wouldn’t say that Wynne wasn’t in his plans – he wasn’t as big of a dog as Ali Gerba, I guess – it was pretty clear that he doesn’t have a game that Preki likes.

Wynne is fast. He is athletic. He gets up in the play. He has little tactical ability, no touch on the ball and is very well paid. There is promise. Every coach in the world – Preki aside, apparently – looks at Wynne and thinks “if only we could make him into a footballer.” Evidence, however, would suggest that what you see is what you are going to get with Wynne – an OK MLSer that will frustrate the hell out of you.

Preki doesn’t care much for flash. Shaping Wynne into a player doesn’t seem to be of much interest to him. No, Preki would rather have a player that will play a workmanlike, hard game. LaBrocca is that kind of guy. He’s not going to impress opposing coaches, but he is probably going to do his job.

A grunt. A widget. Interchangeable in theory, although surprisingly not in practice.

Throughout TFC’s history they actually haven’t been short on talented players. As a collective, a strong argument could be made that TFC was a top third team last year. As a team, however, it’s been bleak.. The Reds have lacked tactical discipline and mental strength. Talent doesn’t mean much when you give up 93rd minute winners – consistently (Colorado fans may want to look into amputating Wynne’s hands. Just trust us here).

There is little doubt that TFC is desperate for depth right now and, long term, that needs to be addressed (with, essentially, an extra two weeks of pre-season for the Reds there is still time). And, the players in camp now are vanilla. But, if you look at Preki’s history you can make a strong suggestion that he will be able to squeeze everything out of those players. We don’t know for sure, but that’s what the history suggests.

One thing that is certain is that he will not accept a team that does not fight. He’s shown a quick trigger for players that aren’t fitting in. If guys like Wynne and Carl Robinson can be shipped out, no one will feel safe. So, although the numbers may be low, there is no evidence to suggest that the team won’t battle on Saturday.

Maybe the talent isn’t there yet. Then again, maybe the talent is overrated.

24th Minute Survivor!

Many will be familiar with survivor type sports pools. If not, they work like this:

Each week participants select a team from whatever league they are playing that they believe will not lose. If you successfully pick a team doesn't lose then you get to play the next week. If not, you are done. The competition continues until there is only one participant still remaining. You can only pick a team once.

An example, using MLS.

Week 1 -
Toronto v Kansas
Chicago v L.A.
Chivas v Montreal (it's in the future)

If I'm playing and select Toronto I'm betting that Toronto will not lose against Kansas. If the Reds win, I get to play the next week. If they draw, I'm still good. If the Wiz win, it's all over for me.

Simple, right?

Good. Because I'm holding a 24th Minute Survivor pool. Using the comments section or my e-mail dgrollins @ gmail. com, I'm asking readers to send in their picks starting now. You can join anytime up until the last game of the week starts, but you may only select games that have not yet started (so if you want to pick Seattle or Philly, get on it). These things usually last about half a year, so if you miss this time there will likely be a second go at it later this season.

THERE WILL BE A PRIZE! I will buy the winner a large beer at BMO Field during a game this year. It will be up to the winner to find his or her way to BMO Field, but I'm more than willing to spend the $13. If you don't drink, I'll get you a food or non-alcoholic drink of your choice of equivalent value.

You have to pick a nickname and stick with it if you are entering by the comments.

I am also posting this on the Red Patch and U-Sector boards.

This week's schedule:

Seattle Sounders FC at Philadelphia Union
Chivas USA at Colorado Rapids
FC Dallas at Houston Dynamo
Columbus Crew at Toronto FC
New York Red Bulls at Chicago Fire
Kansas City Wizards at D.C. United
San Jose Earthquakes at Real Salt Lake
Los Angeles Galaxy at New England Revolution

Preki's scrum today

Preki confirms the Wynne trade talk (but gives no details) at about 2:45. It's worth a listen.

"We're not going to be good right away."

Wynne traded to...somewhere? Somewhere is Colorado

This is breaking, so I might look foolish within the hour (wouldn't be the first time!).

Several sources are confirming that The Crazy Prekster has moved Marvel Wynne. Although the destination, or terms, have not been disclosed the current rumour is that it's to Colorado and that Nick LaBrocca might be the player coming the other way.

It's also being suggested that Brian Edwards has been cut to make salary room (and will probably become a pool keeper assigned to Toronto before the end of the day. Oh, those wacky MLS salary shifts!).

Edit: Or not. Jon Conway is in training with TFC today.

Edit 2: Looks like a draft pick is in the deal. The question is: can it defend? More deals are supposedly coming down the pipe today.

Edit 3: Edwards trained with the team today. No word on whether he was a pool keeper, or on the roster.

We'll stay on top of this and update as info comes.

It's Called Football - Guests: Ives Galarcep and Jason DeVos

We're joined by CBC's Jason DeVos and Fox Soccer's Ives Galarcep to break down how the league is going to look this year.

We get their expert analysis on how TFC will do this season, which MLS players are going to be this year's standouts and identify which teams are going be flops and those that are continue blazing the paths they did last season.

What Not to Trade - new this fall on TLC

There really isn't much to this Toronto FC video, but I'm putting it up because it reminds me of those self-confession vlogs people on What Not To Wear do. It appears to have been taped in his hotel room.



"The first day's been tough. Stacy and Clinton gave me the rules, but I just don't know..."

2010 preview: Come on you Reds

Mo Johnston

It sometimes feels as if Mo Johnston has less of an ability to learn from past mistakes than my cat does. Through TFC's short history the story has been the same: Finish the year with a glaring weakness in the back and up front, grunt about doing something about it, make noise about improving the team at the draft, then start the season shorthanded while looking to add players in the summer.

So far, so bad. And 2010 is even more pronounced. Actually, it's absurd how few players are in camp.

As of yesterday:
Nana Attakora
Chad Barrett
Jim Brennan
Sam Cronin
Julian de Guzman
Dwayne De Rosario
Brian Edwards
Stefan Frei
Gabe Gala
Nick Garcia
Ali Gerba
Emmanuel Gomez
Ty Harden
Zac Herold
Fuad Ibrahim
Jacob Peterson
Amadou Sanyang
O'Brian White
Marvell Wynne


That's just 17 field players, and only 15 are available right now. Two -- Ali Gerba and Marvell Wynne -- are reported to be out of Preki's plans. So, that would leave 13 players that are realistically in the hunt for the starting positions.

All MLS teams struggle with depth, but that's ridiculous. Maybe Brian Edwards can play midfield in a pinch.

There are, of course, a couple trialists that look ready to sign. Domestic defender Adrian Cann and Martin Šarić, who last played in Romania, will probably be added. However, there are cap issues and neither seems to be making the typical TFC fan think MLS Cup.

As much as Cann would be a worthwhile addition, he's not the type of defensive stopper that TFC has needed for years. It's still likely that Nick Garcia will be leaned on and that's not something that inspires much confidence in the back-line.

The real problem, however, is up front where no one under contract managed to score during TFC's eight preseason games. The most established striker on the roster is snake bitten Chad Barrett and he's hurt. DeRo will probably start up top in a straight striker role, but he's probably better suited as a supporting forward (he's also happiest in that role).

The negativity around TFC fans has been suffocating this off-season. And, it threatens to cause a very quick trigger in the stands this year. God help the first Red to make an error in front of the south end. I fear for their ears.

Here's the thing though. People need to chill out just a bit. I'm not suggesting that Johnston should be left off the hook for not filling this roster quicker. The definition of insanity is to repeat a behaviour and expect a different result, after all. But, MLS is a league that tries really hard to make everything equal. It's rare that a team falls out of it like the Red Bulls did in 2009. TFC is not as bad as the 2009 Red Bulls. So, there is time to find some help -- a defender and a forward would be what's needed. If that help comes in, TFC could look like a much better team come July. Remember that SLC finished 8th last year. L.A. was 1-1-9 after 11 games. In MLS it's how you finish, not how you play throughout.

TFC won't win the Supporter's Shield (although no one was picking Columbus to win in 2008, so...). But, it is in the mix for the playoffs -- with about seven other teams, but in the mix regardless.

If you are to look at the preseason results in a half full kind of way you'll see that TFC only allowed more than one goal once in the eight games it played. So long as the Reds can keep things tight they can sneak out some points early and stay in it. Go look at Chivas' roster and try and figure out how that team managed to stay near the top of the west the last couple years. The answer is that Preki squeezed everything he could out of them. He's a coach that has a short shelf life -- and I don't expect him to be here more than a couple years -- but one who could make a bad team mediocre (which in MLS puts you in the playoffs).

Columbus Saturday will be telling. One thing that is concerning people is what appeared to be a lack of drive by TFC during the pre-season. That's not great, but it could also be a reflection of the training that the team was doing. If Preki was running them into the ground during the day, it makes sense that they wouldn't have a lot left at night. You would imagine that the schedule will be shifted back this week, so there is no excuse. The other thing Preki teams were known for was for being annoying SOBs. They made teams suffer. If TFC hasn't taken a card by the 10th minute Saturday we could be in trouble.

Is there reason to be concerned by TFC so far? Absolutely. There is even a lot of reason to be concerned. But, is there a reason to think that the season is doomed? Only if you haven't been paying attention to how this little league works.

Yes, it's wrong to be hopeful about TFC's chances in 2010. It's also wrong to be hopeless.

A promise kept

It appears that Toronto will host the 2010 MLS Cup. The Globe and Mail is citing "league sources" today as confirming that the championship game will be played outside the U.S. for the first time in history.

Most neutral observers appear to be happy with the choice, feeling that Toronto has demonstrated an ability to sell out BMO for the game and to put a good show on. It's too bad about the struggles of the home team because it would be crazy if they were in it, is the feeling in Toronto.

Even those in Columbus will likely come around to the idea of the game in T.O., as they will likely enjoy the possibility of winning the MLS Cup in front of their Canadian friends.

You know there will be some criticism. It will likely centre around the following:

The weather

Perception is reality, so it's irrelevant that Toronto's climate is actually a bit warmer than Boston's and about the same as Chicago's, New York's, and Columbus'. However, reality is also reality and, well, the weather will be fine. There is about an equal chance of the day being freakishly mild as it being freakishly cold. There is very little chance of snow and next to no chance of a winter storm.

Rowdy fans

A lot of fan groups in MLS like to throw rocks at their glass houses when it comes to the TFC fans. No, not everyone in the stands at BMO is an angel, and lines are occasionally crossed (like EVERYWHERE in MLS and sports in general). The 2008 all-star game went off without a drunken hooligan tackling David Beckham, so I'm not sure why we should fear a problem at the MLS Cup.

USA! USA! USA!

Get over it. It's our league too now. (it's about here that someone will bring up the national anthem issue from the all-star game. Keeping in mind that traveling TFC fans often sing the Star Spangled Banner out of respect at road games and there has never been a problem before or since the all-star game, perhaps it's time that people accepted the explanation by Toronto fans: They were booing the fact that it appeared that the Canadian anthem was not going to be played at all. The league failed to tell anyone what it was doing. And, the booing lasted all of 10 seconds before the vast majority of the crowd started to sign the anthem. Move on folks. The U.S. anthem will not be booed at the MLS Cup, just as it isn’t booed any of the 2,876,543 times a year it’s played before sporting contests in T.O.)

Stadium size

The expansion will take BMO to more than 21,000 seats. I'm sure they will find a way to squeeze some more in. And it's better to have a packed house than 3,000 empty seats in L.A. (nothing against L.A. They have been fine hosts. The novelty of holding the game there is gone for the more casual fan, however).

TFC sucks

Maybe. Not a reason to keep the game from Toronto though.

The game will sell out, everyone that goes will have a blast and, unless God still has a twisted sense of humour, the weather will be just fine.

Lots of blame to share with Ali Gerba

Ali Gerba makes $300,000. He scored one goal.

You can make all the arguments you want about him not being used correctly. He needed the ball at his feet, the service was poor, but he scores (against minnows) for Canada, he's really just misunderstood, but...

The end game is the same.

$300,000. One goal.

And people are frustrated with Chad Barrett's strike rate.

So, the news today that Preki is done with Gerba does not warm the heart of the TFC fan, nor does it reflect well on his (technically) boss Mo Johnston. Mo has a habit of throwing big money at players that don't quite work out. Gerba is likely the biggest (pun intentional) failure yet (and we're talking about a guy that brought Laurent Robert to Toronto).

Lots of blame to go around here. We've already touched on Mo. When the Scottish hall of famer is finally sent packing this might be the contract that we can point to as the beginning of the end. But, Preki deserves some blame here too. The man is taking a scorched earth policy on the roster. That's fine and all except the season starts in four days. TFC currently has 15 healthy players -- and one is Gabe Gala. Sometimes a coach has to make the ole' lemonade out of the lemons rather than throwing the lemons into the trash.

I had a longtime observer of soccer in Canada call me the other day. His thoughts on Preki? "I was happy at first (about him coming to Toronto), but I'm more and more convinced he's a mad man."

So, we'll see.

But, as we cast the blame let's not forget who deserves the most. Gerba showed up out of shape, may or may not have been a problem in the room and complained in the french media when he was sent home from Charleston last week.

Oh, and he scored one damn goal. Did I mention that he is paid $300,000?

2010 preview: The award winners

Yesterday I looked at the teams. Today I’ll cast my eyes on the players as I make my predictions for the MLS Awards. Tomorrow, I’ll get TFC specific with a detailed preview of the mighty Reds (if Preki hasn’t cut the whole team by then that is)

Goalkeeper:

My pick: Donovan Ricketts
Darkhorse: Chris Seitz

Ricketts was one of the best moves made in MLS last year and I suspect that his play will improve even more in 2010 behind a LA backline that has a little more experience playing together. With the darkhorse picks I’m trying to go off the radar (otherwise they wouldn’t be a darkhorse, would they?). Seitz could see a lot of the ball and, as such, could have a chance to really shine.

Fair Play

My Pick: Pat Onstad
Darkhorse: David Beckham

I was tempted to write who cares – it’s the fair play award. However, the criteria tends to favour keepers and veteran players the league wants to give an award to. Thus, my picks. Beckham’s a darkhorse because it’s laughable that he’d ever win a fair play award, but...

Comeback

My Pick: Taylor Twellman
Darkhorse: Alecko Eskandarian

Yes, I know Eskandarian is retired. Thus the darkhorse aspect. If the headaches were to clear up and he were to get back on a pitch somewhere he’s win. But I think this is Twellman’s to lose.

Defender

My Pick: Chad Marshall
Darkhorse: Omar Gonzalez

Marshall is the best defender in the league. Period. A third straight award is absolutely justified if he continues to play like he has. Gonzalez plays in a high profile market and is a player the league will want to hype, so I think he’ll be in the running (but won’t deserve it – yet).

Referee

My Pick: Iha Venoclue
Darkhorse: Nord O’Icare
Um, yeah....

Rookie

My Pick: Tony Tchani
Darkhorse: Zack Schilawski

I suspect that Tchani is going to get a long look this year in New York (I’m more and more convinced that the Red Bulls are working on a two year plan to win the MLS Cup while hosting and will therefore give a lot of time to the kids). He’s also good. Schilawski has had a great preseason, for what it’s worth, plays a glamour position and is older than most of the rookie class.

Coach

My Pick: Sigi Schmid
Darkhorse: Preki

If Seattle has the type of season I think it might it will be hard to ignore Schmid. However, expectations are so low in Toronto – and so much of the team’s past failure has been placed on the coaching – that I can’t help but think that even a playoff berth out of TFC will put Preki in the mix.

Newcomer

My Pick: Blaise N'Kufo
Darkhorse: Eduardo

N’Kufo isa only going to play half the season, but I can see him coming in and being the final piece in a championship run for the Sounders. Eduardo is either going to be a bust or a boom. Playing for San Jose won’t help, but if he plays like (some) of his hype he could be a major factor in a turnaround season for San Jose.

MVP

My Pick: Landon Donovan
Darkhorse: Chad Marshall

Not very inspiring, I appreciate, but if Donovan plays the whole season he is the favourite, going away. I actually will make a strong argument that Marshall is actually the MVP – as any great stopper is – but he will always be a long-shot as defenders never get the recognition over those with the gaudy stats.

Full CBA - by the scoreboard

Why fight our instincts. Here is the details of the CBA scored.

* TERM: 2010 – 2014.

Owners win - The economy was used as an excuse throughout for why the league couldn’t change. Now, the players must wait five years before it can have back at it. If the economy turns around soon...tough.

* GUARANTEED CONTRACTS: The CBA provides for guaranteed contracts for all players who are at least 24 years old with three years of MLS service. The majority of the players in the League will have guaranteed contracts each season.

This is a clear win for the players. When this started, many suggested that there was no chance that the players would get guaranteed contracts. They did and at an age that most didn't think they would.

•

SALARY BUDGET: An increase of the salary budget from $2.315 million per club in 2009 to $2.55 million in 2010 (10.15%) and an increase of 5% per year thereafter.

Draw. It was clear that the cap had to move a little and it has. It just hasn't moved as much as many would have liked. It is, however, a clear win for those of us that had to fight off pedantic arguments from those convinced that the cap wasn't part of this CBA because it wasn't part of the last one.

•

An increase of the minimum salary for senior roster players from $34,000 in 2009 to $40,000 in 2010 (17.64%) and an increase of 5% per year thereafter.

Draw. See above.

* PLAYER MOVEMENT: While there will be no bidding by MLS clubs against each other for out-of-contract players, the League will establish a “re-entry draft” for players who are out of contract. Although the specific parameters of that draft are being finalized, it will address players in each of the following categories:

o Option Not Exercised

A player who is at least 23 years old with three years of MLS service and whose option is not exercised will be placed in a re-entry draft and made available to all clubs at his option salary.

o Contract Terminated

A player who is at least 22 years old with one year of MLS service and who is asked to take a pay cut after contract termination will be placed in a re-entry draft and made available to all clubs at his current salary.

o Contract Expires

A player who is at least 30 years old with eight years of MLS service and whose contract has expired will be placed in a re-entry draft unless his team makes him a qualified offer that must be at least 105% of his last salary. If placed in the re-entry draft, the player will be made available to all clubs at a salary equal to 105% of his last salary.

A player who is at least 25 years of age with at least four years of MLS service whose contract has expired will be placed in a re-entry draft unless his team offers him a base salary of at least as much as the base salary paid to him in the last year of his contract. If placed in the re-entry draft, the player will be made available to all clubs at a salary equal to the salary in the final year of his contract.

* OPTIONS IN PLAYER CONTRACTS: A limit on the number of options in player contracts to two for players who are at least 25 years old with four years of MLS service. Contracts for all other players may have up to three options.

o For players whose annual compensation is less than $125,000, the minimum increase in base salary will be 10% for players who play in at least 66% of his club’s games and 12.5% for players who play in at least 75% of his club’s games.

Owners - This is still insane and far less of a gain than anyone would have liked. If a player is waved, he's basically screwed until the end of the year and the system will still allow teams to pull Brian McBride-to-Chicago-via-TFC type power plays. On the up note for TFC fans, it gives Mo Johnston one more thing to trade (likely - I'll need to ask someone whether teams will be allowed to trade these re-entry picks).

• PLAYER BENEFITS: The CBA includes a package of benefits that include increases in 401K contributions by the League, appearance fees, per diem when travelling and relocation expense reimbursement. Among the additional player benefits in the CBA are full health care benefits for every player and his family at no cost, 401(k) contributions and expanded insurance benefits.

Moderate player win -- it depends on what the per diem is.

• BONUSES FOR WINS AND EXHIBITIONS: The CBA includes a package of bonuses for wins in MLS games and international tournaments as well as appearance fees for international exhibitions.

Like to know the numbers, but this is one of those little things that the players gained. call it a players win.

* GROUP LICENSE: The League and Players Union reached agreement on an extension of the Group License that will run through 2015 (a year longer than the CBA).

Meh. Draw.

* RESERVE DIVISION: MLS and the Players Union will establish a joint committee to study the re-launch of a Reserve Division. In the event the rosters are expanded, the salary for those players will be a minimum of $31,250 with additional annual increases.

TBD - It's great that they are talking about it though and if the reserve division does start back up it's a winner for the players.

So, one clear win for the players and one clear win for the owners, with a couple moderate wins by each side and a sparkling of draws. You can spin it either way, really. And I will. Since the position of many was that the players had no leverage, any gains have to be viewed as a players win. They didn't win the way that they might have wanted, but it's still a better CBA today than it was last year.

It's Called off due to lightning

Apologies for the late notice.

There will be no live show tonight as we prepare for a bigger MLS season preview show for Wednesday.

And join us on Friday for a Toronto FC vs Columbus pre-game show - where we will launch our new video system and set up the other games for the weekend.

First Kick starts in less than 72 hours.

MLS 2010 - The pre-season rankings

With less than a week to the season, I’m going to crunch my pre-season picks into two posts. The first will look at the teams, the second the players and coaches. These are my predictions for the season.

Over the next 10 days or so I will look at each individual team a little more in detail with a five questions feature – I will ask five questions about the team heading into the year.

For the record here are my 2009 pre-season predictions.Yes, I did pick TFC fifth and LA last. What’s your point. I also had SLC third, I’ll have you know. At any rate, predictions are best when they are dragged out months later in an effort to show just how stupid you are anyway.

So, here it goes:

No. 16 – San Jose
Earthquakes fans should be overjoyed at this pick, seeing that I called the Galaxy as the league’s worse last year at this time. That said, it’s been a tough go of it the third time around for the Earthquakes. Eduardo Adelino da Silva, who must be good because he goes by one name, is likely the key, but he strikes me as a San Jose’s Pablo Vitti, if you follow. There is some young talent returning, especially up front, but another long year could be in store – 32 points, last in west, miss playoffs

No.15 – Dallas
FCD didn’t do anything to improve a team that wasn’t good enough last year. Yes, they went on a late run, but does anyone expect Jeff Cunningham to get that hot again? -- 37 points, seventh in west, miss playoffs

No. 14 – Philadelphia
The last time an expansion side came in without the benefit of a D2 season it was TFC. Philly doesn’t have to find Canadians, so they will be better, but this isn’t a Seattle situation either. I expect a tough team at home, but a team that lacks the ability to pull close games out. 37 points, eighth in east, miss playoffs.

No. 13 – Kansas City
The Wizards made a lot of changes in the off-season and, as such, they might be the hardest team to peg this year. It strikes me as a bit too much turn-over as K.C. wasn’t that far off in 2009. It says here the team gets better as the season goes on, but digs itself an early hole it can’t get out of. 38 points, seventh in east, miss playoffs.

No. 12 – Houston
Call this one a hunch. On paper, Houston still looks to be a top half team, but this is a side that has been near the top for a long time and might be ready for a drop back. Pat Onstad can’t play forever and Stu Holden is going to be very hard to replace. A frustrating season with lots of late losses and dropped points. 39 points, sixth in west, miss playoffs

No. 11 – Chicago
Chicago went for it in 2009 and will pay the price in ’10. Cuauhtémoc Blanco’s loss will be felt, as will Chris Rolfe. And who is going to play goal? 39 points, sixth in east, miss playoffs.

No. 10 – New England
The Revs just keep on keeping on – and on many levels its foolish to pick them out of the playoffs – but one year things aren’t quite going to work out. The loss of Albright and Ralston’s leadership will hurt. 39 points, fifth in east, miss playoffs

No. 9 – New York Red Bulls
The turnaround will be dramatic, but the depth just isn’t there to quite make the playoffs. A lot will hang on how healthy Angel can stay – and the grass at RBA will help. Regardless, the team will set itself up for 2011 (and a big DP signing) well and will be in the playoff push to the final week. 40 points, fourth in east, miss playoffs.

No. 8 – Toronto FC
They aren’t as bad as the preseason made them look and Mo Johnston gambled on an increase in the cap and won. The early schedule is kind to TFC, essentially giving it two extra weeks of a pre-season (which is likely why they feel comfortable being patient with signings). There is still four international/American slots and now that there is more money expect another forward and defender to be brought it. I’m banking on it and that the additions will be enough toi give TFC the one more point it needs to scrap into the playoffs. 41 points, third in east, loss in first-round, wins Voyageurs Cup.

No 7 – Colorado
It says here that Conor Casey has an unconscious season and that Omar Cummings is a big reason why. The Rapids finally take full advantage of their home advantage and are the dark horse of 2010. 43 points, fifth in west, lose in eastern final.

No. 6 – Galaxy
We’re not sure about Beckham and Donovan, of course, but the strength of the Galaxy in 2009 was in an improved back-line and an organized style. That’s not going to change, but it’s reasonable to expect a slight fallback – especially if Landon finds his way back to England. 44 points, fourth in west, loss first round.

No. 5 – Salt Lake
I don’t see a cup hangover. This is a team built on solid, workmanlike defence and underappreciated play from Kyle Beckerman. The loss of secondary scoring by Yura Movsisyan will hurt a bit, but the championship run will give the side confidence and keep them in the hunt for a regular season title. 47 points, third in west, loss west final

No. 4 – Chivas
Preki gave this team its character – hard working, organized and better than a sum of its parts. He also defined its weakness – over trained, inflexible and ultimately a little short (*cough*) on talent. So, his departure could give the team the best of both worlds. His good lessons will still be there, but his failings can be addressed. It says here the team is about the same though. 47 points, second in west, loss first round.

No. 3 – DC United
United has made some smart additions in the off-season and will build off a solid young core to return to (near) the top. I don’t see enough depth to be a championship team just yet, but I’m not ready to write them off either. 48 points, second in east, loss MLS Cup final.

No. 2 – Columbus
The core is great. It also asks a lot of an old Argentine that might run out of gas before the end of the year. The Crew will be the best team in the league until September. Then they will fade just out of the Supporter’s Shield race before crashing out of the playoffs to the west cross-over team for a second year in a row. 52 points, first in east, loss first round.

No. 1 – Seattle
Seattle had the perfect storm to quickly produce a championship team. A year to build on before coming over. The money to go out and grab the best coach in the league and to do the work on the scouting side of things. Extra allocation to spend. A spectacular home field advantage (From the Field Turf as much as the noise – although both are a great combination). I see a dream season. 55 points, first in west, treble winner – Supporter’s Shield, MLS Cup and US Open Cup champion.

Sober Second Thoughts: Tazergate, one year later

Supporter's Entrance: This season they Crew has setup a seperate entrance for supporters in the Nordecke. Assuming you have tickets in the section I'd highly encourage you to enter at the gate on the west side of the stadium just north of the tent.
Good.

There was a lot of booze consumed and a lot of bad behaviour at Crew Stadium on March 28, 2009.

In case you forgot:



A year later I still see the same thing when I watch that video: A bad stadium design, no security plan, some Toronto and Columbus fans acting like, well, idiots and a whole lot of noise without much actual violence. Yet, the fall-out was extreme (and, interestingly, written almost entirely by people that weren’t there, four days after it happened). The expected critics decided to wag their finger entirely at the Toronto fans (ignoring the question of what the hell exactly the Hudson Street Hooligans guys were doing hanging in the south concourse anyway). I spent the better part of a Thursday afternoon answering questions like "Why are soccer fans so evil" in mainstream Toronto media (if the Inter City Firm had a head of PR I have a pretty good idea of what their job would have looked like) and then we all kind of moved on.

But, did we learn anything? Apparently the Crew front office has finally realized that having all the fans exit from the same gate is probably a bad idea. It only took two years of asking by the Crew supporter's groups (according to the Crew Union on Twitter in a message to me this morning). I know that the Toronto trip organizers were asking for similar security measures to be taken prior to the trip last year. They were ignored.

So, what can we expect Saturday? That's a good question and one that is difficult to answer. The main TFC supporter's groups are not organizing a trip down, which will greatly reduce the numbers. But, there will be people there. We just don't know how many. Hopefully the Crew security will take its focus away from the pedantic and harmless (dirty words on banners) and instead focus on doing their job (keeping people safe. Regardless of what passport they hold).

Hopefully the HSH boys will head back to Ruby Tuesday through the north entrance that has been set-up for them.

Hopefully those wearing red will leave the stadium in the same condition they found it in.

And hopefully the police helicopter stays away.

There is an edge to Columbus - Toronto games that both sides want to deny and that does add to the game (it would help if Toronto actually ever won a game against the Crew -- although they are more competitive than many in Columbus give them credit for). We don't want that line crossed, but we do want people to ride it. If you don't understand why, well, you don't really understand what it means to follow this sport.

In closing I'd like to wish my Columbus friends a healthy and safe season. And remind them that Jesus loves them:

Let us never speak of this again

So, it looks like a cap of $2.55 million (which is just $50,000 off what I reported a month or so ago and part of what the Ohio Troll liked to hold up as evidence that I was making stuff up. Just putting it out there). Guaranteed contracts for about 80 per cent of the league and an increase in minimum salaries for non-developmental players to $40,000 a year.

Increases are tied into the agreement, which will be in place to 2014. The cap will be $3.1 million at the end and minimum salaries will be about $46,000.

Soccer American Daily has the details.

The free agency issue was not really resolved in the player's favour. Instead the two sides have come up with some half-baked re-entry draft, which will make everyone crazy and satisfy no one. But, that's our quirky little league, isn't it?

So, who won? That will likely depend on who is reporting it. I'm sure the BigSoccer feature writers are busy working up ways to spin it in the owner's favours. I'd imagine many are here looking for a pro-players interpretation. The truth, of course, as always, in the middle. The two sides found a common ground that will allow them to move forward together. So, (cliché alert) the fan's won (*COUGH*)

What I do know is that those that suggested that the players had no power and would gain nothing from forcing the issue were dead wrong. The players have made gains, particularly on the guaranteed contracts issue.

The biggest issue that the owners won in this is the length of contract -- five years is way longer than us progressives are comfortable with. And, $3.1 million at a peak is, well, a tad too conservative in my mind. But, they are going to play and, after the off-season from hell that we just had, that's the important thing.

Now, let us never talk about the CBA again (until 2014).

It's Called Football Live

Want to listen in on the teleconference but don't have media credentials?

It's Called Football will broadcast the live teleconference.

Nothing fancy. No analysis. No discussion. Just a look behind the scenes as MLS and MLSPU announce that they have reached a deal.

Live show on the side of the page at 1pm

Is Gabe Gala the Real* deal?

First, some video:



Gala has been getting some looks this pre-season from Preki. It's about time because this is a guy that has been around since the beginning and has very rarely seen the field. When TFC started in 2007, Gala was the young Canuck that most thought would break through. Nana Attakora was an afterthought.

But, other than when he scored against Real Madrid*, Gala has not featured and not looked likely. One of the reasons most often sighted was attitude -- as in a bad one. As I reported here last year, Gala's, um, confidence was the main reason why the Canadian sub-20 team sent him home last year. He was never popular with any of TFC's previous 345 coaches.

The talent, however, has always been there. And, if as many fear, this truly is a rebuilding season (don't you have to be built before you can rebuild?) then getting Young Gabe some playing time is important. Either that or let him move to Edmonton. One way or another four years is plenty of time to determine if the kid can play.

AP reports that breakthrough is near in CBA

Although they provide no detail.

The story says that the deal will be announced today, so we won't have long to wait if it's true. If it is solved, we can finally get on our actual previews as I've held off until I know that there will be a season. Currently, I can't bring myself to believe that there will be lest I am disappointed.

The press release seems pretty damn positive:

CBA MEDIA TELECONFERENCE CALL TODAY AT 1:00 PM ET

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, MLS Players Union Executive Director Bob Foose and Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service George Cohen to Discuss the MLS Collective Bargaining Agreement



NEW YORK (Saturday, March 20, 2010) – Major League Soccer will host a media teleconference call today, Saturday, March 20, beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET with key individuals involved with the League’s Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations.



Details for media interested in participating are included below.

WHEN: Saturday, March 20

1:00 pm ET



WHO: Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber

MLS Players Union Executive Director Bob Foose

Director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service George Cohen

Sober Second Thoughts: So, did I miss anything?

So, your computer breaks down for five days and all hell breaks loose. MLS owners calling MLS players punks – ungrateful punks. MLS players refusing to break down and Ali Gerba getting booted from TFC (maybe) and then asking to be released (maybe).

Another two games of no goals for the Reds (well, some things had to stay the same) and an all Mexican CCL semi stage (sadly, predictable. That “other” Champions League got through the first knock-out stage (all French quarter!).

Let’s not forget the teenager Canucks who stunned the Americans after being stunned themselves by Mexico. We will ignore the fact the rest of the region is clearly catching up for a moment and focus in on the trip to the sub-17 World Cup that the girls earned.

But, how do we jump back into the mix here? Where we left off, I suppose. MLS Armageddon. Apparently we are two days away from the strike (although I’m sure someone will find a way to pedantically attack my position here to prove Just. How. Wrong. I. Am.). The players have been consistent in their threat. They have an overwhelming mandate to give the bargaining committee the power to call a strike and the owners are threatening to bring in scab labour (which is idiotic from both a tactical and public relations perspective). So, in other words, it looks just like any labour dispute.

I’ve been consistent in my position that there would be a short strike for some time. I hope I’m wrong. It is important to remember that the league has a two week World Cup break that could potentially be used to make up games, so there is some wiggle room before the potential to miss games and/or force the players to play three games a week comes into play.

Again...hope I’m wrong, but it looks more and more like they will force the issue Monday. To me, the strike will either last less than two days, or get really messy. It could be short when both sides stare down the possibility of not making money. It could go long if the players feel disrespected and the owners keep up with the Those Damn Kids Don’t Know How Good They Got It rhetoric.

The players are serious. They will walk if there is no movement. But, they are players. They will play if there is some good faith on the free agency front. Some will criticise the players here and suggest that they are trying to spend other’s money (an ironic criticism when they are trying to dictate other’s working conditions).
Meanwhile the fans are powerless to do anything but wait it out. The fans aren’t the “real losers.” Such sentimentality is bullshit since the fans aren’t the one’s losing their income/salary. However, it’s foolish to ignore the emotionally loss the true fans feel.

38.5 hours to go.

It's Called Football - Emerald City Supporters

We're joined by a member of the Emerald City Supporters to put a fan face on what an MLS strike would mean for the league.

In lieu of the recent comments from the AEG head, we debate who is winning the PR battle in the strike. And talk about the irony in San Jose finally getting approval for a new stadium.

It's Called Football Live - Special time

In lieu of St. Patrick's Day (it's freaking +20 here today) and in order to prevent another infamous 'Grass to BMO' episode, today's show will go live at 2pm.

A week out from First Kick in Seattle, we're joined by one of the Emerald City Supporters, McKenzie Clark, who will put a fan face on how the strike will effect supporters and the impact it will have on MLS' recent momentum in cities like Philly and Seattle.

Live show can be found on the right side of the page. Sign up at UStream to participate in the chat and ask questions of our guests.

Gone phishing

Duane will be back tomorrow after he gets his computer (and the cat who broke it) fixed.

It`s Called Football - Guests: Neil Malhotra and Red Patch Boys president Boris Roberto Aguilar

Ottawa developer Neil Maholtra joins us to talk about bringing an NASL franchise to Ottawa and the league`s plans for aggressive expansion in Canada.

And we`re also joined by Red Patch Boys` president Boris Roberto Aguilar to talk Ali Gerba`s sending home and the apparent re-building year this has become.

We also get into David Beckham`s latest injury and if the league should re-think allowing players to basically play year round. And SUM up the league`s strategy for making money.

It's Called Football Live

We are joined by prospective Ottawa NASL franchise owner Neil Malhotra at 9pm to talk about bringing second division soccer to their city and the NASL plans for the rest of Canada.

Then at 9:30 we are joined by the president of the Red Patch Boys Boris Roberto Aguilar to talk about their plans for the season and some general TFC conversation.

Live show at the right of the page. Sign up at UStream to be able to participate in the chat and ask questions of the guests.

No pressure Chad, but it's all on you.

Crazy, isn't it?

I've been thinking about Chad Barrett today. Lost on TFC's fans ongoing effort to run him out of town last year were two important facts. First off he was only 23 years old. No, not a child in soccer terms, but not washed up either. Under the right coaching -- and with a little more confidence -- he could improve. Second, if the You Suck Barrett brigade is successful, who the hell is going to score for this team? As much as Barrett struggled last year -- and there is little doubt he needs to step it up in 2010 -- he has scored in this league before. I don't think it's realistic that Barrett will ever be a team's primary striker, but if he can match the seven goals he got for Chicago in 2007 that would be a useful contribution to the squad.

Barrett has missed all of the preseason with a broken foot. In the six games TFC has played, it's scored three goals. Pre-season, games don't really matter, relax-Duane-you're-losing-the-plot and all that, but three goals in six games does not inspire confidence. Against the USL-2 Charleston Battery Saturday the Reds had a lot of the ball, but did nothing with it. Ibby basically hasn’t played for a year (and is a kid), Ali Gerba would be more hated than Barrett if he wasn't Canadian and O’Brian White has only played one half of a pro season. The trialists are trialists. Maybe they'll work out, but it's pretty much impossible to say right now. Just 12 days to the first game of the year (hopefully) and TFC's scoring issues appear to be the same, if not worse than they have ever been.

So, as much as it might cause concern amongst TFC fans, an improved Barrett is key to TFC's success in 2010.

I've seen the future and...it looks like the past

As reported first today by Ben Rycroft in Metro, it appears that the NASL has targeted Canada as the most fertile ground for expansion in North America. No fewer than six cities have been targeted for future teams. That’s in addition to Edmonton, which will start play in 2011.

Why Canada? Long a black hole in the soccer landscape it may seem surprising that a group as aggressive as the NASL would be so interested in this country. However, when you look closer at the situation here you see a sport that has pushed itself far more into the mainstream here than in the United States. Largely because of the off-field success of Toronto FC (and also a long CONCACAF Champions League run by the Montreal Impact), the Canadian sports media no longer ignores soccer. No, it’s not yet hockey – nor will it ever be – but soccer in Canada has finally broken through.

A big, and surprising, part of that break through can be found in the popularity of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship for the Voyageur’s Cup. The rinky-dink little tournament (from an outsider’s perspective) has captured the imagination of fans of the “big three” Canadian clubs and has investors in other cities taking note. When they see the passion of 300 Toronto fans celebrating in a rainy Saputo Stadium, or the Vancouver Southsiders steaming anger at Montreal for failing to stop Toronto from scoring six goals in last year’s final game, they see opportunity. People care about club soccer in Canada now. I would argue that a greater percentage of Canadian sports fans care than do American fans (percentage. Clearly there are more American soccer fans than Canadian soccer fans in pure numbers because there are ten times as many Americans as there are Canadians).

And that’s why the NASL is targeting Canada. Those emerging fans need to be serviced and it’s unlikely that MLS is going to go much beyond Montreal. The NASL can get a better bang for its buck by going into an Ottawa (fourth largest city in Canada) than it could by going into Birmingham, Alabama (the 48th largest metro area in the United States and the exact same size as Ottawa).

I pick Ottawa on purpose as it seems that the capital might be the next in line for a team. As Ben reports, Neil Malhotra is seriously looking at putting a team in east Ottawa at the former baseball diamond of the AAA Ottawa Lynx. He was a guest at the recent NASL AGM. Both Ben and I have heard strong rumblings out of Hamilton, Ont., where Ti-Cats owner Bob Young is actively looking at bringing a team to the south-western Ontario city. The Toronto 2015 Pan/Am Games will include action at a new Hamilton stadium. It’s likely that the NASL team would play there.

There would be some concern about the Toronto Lynx claiming division 2 rights over Hamilton, or TFC taking issue with a team setting up so close to its base of operation, but it seems unlikely that those concerns could not be sorted out.

If Hamilton and Ottawa join Edmonton in the next two to three years, what’s to stop a Winnipeg, Quebec City or Calgary from coming on board? Hell, Moncton, NB has a new stadium too. Once there are more than eight pro teams in Canada...

I’ll stop myself right there. It’s unlikely that the Canadian MLS teams would voluntarily pull out and align themselves with their NASL cousins, but an eight or nine team V-Cup might be just as good as a pan-Canadian league anyway.

But, I’m getting ahead of myself. For now all that’s for sure is Edmonton. The rest is just very promising rumours (although you can listen to It’s Called Football tomorrow night to hear what Malhotra has to say about his plans). However, for the first time since, well, the first NASL, you can say that the future looks bright for Canadian club soccer.