The 24th Minute

The 24th Minute is dead; long live the 24th Minute!

2010-11-15T05:19:00.000-08:00

This will be the last unique post made on Blogger. After an exhaustive re-design process (which we thankfully didn't bore you with by giving minute, technical updates on while making snarky comments about other Web sites before delivering something that looks like a 1995 HTML project you did in college) we launched Canadian Soccer News this morning.

Here is is.

If you want to go straight to The 24th Minute, you can click here.

The blogger site will remain live and act as an archive. The content I will be providing will not change. The 24th Minute will remain The 24th Minute. It just has a new, prettier home.

It also has neighbours. Joining me on CSN is Some Canadian Guys, Ben Knight's Onward Soccer, a new Vancouver blog called Vancouver Insider, Le12eJoueur, a Montreal Impact blog published in French (English content will be coming soon) and Euro File, a look at the European game. The site will also act as the home base of The Voyageurs and will feature its blog and discussion board.

It's Called Football will be hosted on CSN as well.

You can view the new site as a blogging collective, but I prefer to think of it as a news organization. We are looking to built CSN into the biggest and best source of soccer news in Canada. Yes, we are publishing in a blog format, but the distinction between the so-called mainstream media and blogging has long been blurred. If such things matter to you there are six j-school grads involved in this project.

In terms of your browsing experience, we feel that the new site will be easier for you to navigate (It might even make a great home page, just saying). If you start on the front page you will see each update as it is made. It will allow you to experience CSN as a single site, rather than a collection of seven separate sites. However, if you want to remain loyal to an individual site you can simply go straight to that site and follow its feed.

The addition of the Voyageurs provides an interactive experience for users that goes beyond the comments section.

If you have any questions about the new site, direct them to dgrollins@gmail.com. Otherwise, enjoy!

Taking a Wiz on (an albeit short) history

2010-11-13T05:26:00.000-08:00

The KC Wizards are preparing to re-brand. A "Major Kansas City Soccer Announcement" page on Facebook has been set-up to promote the event, which will take place November 17.

The rumour is Sporting Kansas, which is cringe-inducing horrible. Not Real Salt Lake bad, but up there.

The Wizards owners (and I'll tell you right now I'm just going to keep calling them the Wizards) apparently feels that they need a fresh start before making the move into their shiny new stadium. Apparently that means, if the rumours are true, re-naming the team in the same way that you name house league teams -- after someone more famous. The very first hockey team I played for was called the Kings. We played in a four team league on Wednesday nights against the Leafs, Canadiens and Bruins - no, I'm not sure why the Kings were included in that mix either. That's what Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas seem like to me.

As I've written before I might have cancelled my tickets if TFC had ended up being named Inter Toronto FC as was rumoured. No, really.

I've also written a defence of North American nicknames like the Wizards. Yes, they are a little cheeseball, but they are cheeseball names that have been attached to teams for a significant amount of time. Is Whitecaps really much better than Wizards? No, but I would lose my mind if Vancouver tried to re-brand the 'Caps and I'm not even a 'Caps fan. Why? Simple -- because Whitecaps is just what they are and always should be.

And so it is with KC. The Wiz forever!

(Although Kansas City City would be fun)

Tickets, got tickets....

2010-11-12T17:20:00.000-08:00

The MLS Cup ticket:

I know some have been disappointed. They were hoping it would be hand delivered by Evangeline Lilly with a DP striker for TFC attached. Instead all we got was a Purolator package with a simple, black and sleek design.

Damn you ML$E.

The QEW derby creeps closer to reality

2010-11-12T07:31:00.000-08:00

There is no mention of soccer in the latest story on the Hamilton Stadium, but that's the norm. Other than us geeks no one reporting on the Hamilton stadium gives any thought to pro soccer, which would only become the tenant that would most use the facility.

In every report it's all about the CFL's Ti-Cats, which is understandable, but missing half the story. A stadium in a city the size of Hamilton makes no sense if it's only getting used nine times a year. Add another 20 or so soccer dates (along with various high school events) and it starts to become something worth talking about.

Ti-Cats owner Bob Young is actually a soccer guy. If you skip to 4:56 of this interview on The Fan 590 you'll hear him both talk about how MLS stadiums are influencing the design in Hamilton and, more importantly, he bluntly states that the stadium would allow him to bring a professional soccer team to Hamilton. Although it was a throwaway line in the interview it was the most direct statement of intent by anyone in Hamilton on the subject.

If Young gets a stadium the people that matter in D2 soccer will give him a team. I've been told by several people that should know that's the case.

The stadium still isn't a sure thing. It looks good now, but God knows with this story. However, a second southern Ontario pro soccer team seems more and more likely.

If there is a D2 league to play in that is. But, that's a whole other subject...

In Bunbury's words

2010-11-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

The biggest thing for me is I want to play in a World Cup, bottom line. Every player in the world ultimately wants to play in a World Cup, and the way it’s looking the US has the better chance of making it to the World Cup, to be honest. That’s what really stuck in my mind every time I would contemplate it and that’s ultimately what swayed me

Read more here.

The joke could be on him. Although the US is far more likely to make a World Cup in the next 12 years, Teal is far more likely to be a consistent call-up for Canada than the U.S.

Imagine this scenario: Canada qualifies for a World Cup along with the U.S. (not that farfetched. Teal sits at home watching both (not even remotely farfetched). As I've already wrote, I don't hold this decision against Bunbury (I just wish he had been more upfront), but I have to admit the possibility of that idea does amuse me just a little.

Borderline international accepts call to South Africa

2010-11-11T10:48:00.000-08:00

Teal Bunbury has accepted the call for the United States. He will be part of the squad that will be going to South Africa to play in a friendly.

The move does not cap tie him to the US, but Canadians should put thoughts of Alex's kid playing for the red and white out of their mind. This isn't Jonathon de Guzman we are talking about here. It's a pretty raw MLS striker that is a borderline prospect for both the U.S. and Canada. Maybe he'll turn out good. Maybe. Since he's decided that he'd rather try his luck in the American set-up Canadians should wish him luck and move on.

Speaking personally, I don't at all feel betrayed by Bunbury's decision. He's an American. His mother is American and he grew up in the United States. He spent more time in Portugal growing up than he did in Canada. I fully understand his desire to play for the US. The decision isn't a cynical one made by, say, a kid from Alberta that moved to Germany when he was 14 and then decided to play for a country he had never set foot in prior to putting on its strip.

Where I do have a bit of an issue with Teal is that it's pretty damn clear that he told me a baldfaced lie on It's Called Football last week. I asked whether he had talked to the U.S. national team set-up. He said no. A week later he's called up?

Bullshit.

He's a kid though and it was a sensitive topic so I'll let it pass. But if Teal or someone close to him is reading let me offer you a bit of advice.

The reaction to your decision would have been 100 times better if you had just told the truth.

Note: Since Bunbury has declared for the U.S. he will be considered an American when I report. Therefore he'll be talked about in the context of MLS, but not as an international. Since not many five goal MLS players that aren't in Toronto get talked about, this will likely be the last post on him. That isn't out of spite. It's a pragmatic decision of focus. I didn't report Owen Hargreaves' short lived comeback because he's English now. So long as Bunbury is American, there are plenty of fine places out there that will cover him as such.

I'm clarifying this because it's my general policy on such matters and God knows we will deal with this again.

TFC coaching chase - hurry up and wait?

2010-11-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

Could you imagine the reaction in Ohio!

When people think about TFC's manager search they tend to look afar. Big Euro names with some sex appeal would make TFC fans feel that the club is trying to flex its financial muscle. The thing is, of course, there is no guarantee that a big name will bring big results.

There is no guarantee it won't either, but such is the reality of a coaching search.

However, what if there was a person out there that have proven that he can win at MLS wherever he's been. There is, and he's pictured above, but to get him you might have to wait a year.

As best as I can determine Sigi Schmid has one year left on a contract that pays him about $350,000 a year. That(again, as best as I can tell. Finding out manager salaries in MLS is akin to cracking state secrets) ranks him about third in manager salaries behind Bruce Arena and Hans Backe. As Seattle showed you could coax him away from a team prior to his contract ending (with some compensation), but maybe TFC doesn't need to do that.

Tom Anselmi has talked about his desire to promote within. Although most of us think that Nick Dasovic is a few years away from being the guy, I'm not sure you can say for certain that he isn't based on the limited evidence of this season's stretch run. What TFC was at the end of 2010 was a product of the Mo and Preki show. Daso couldn't do much more than to try and squeeze some juice from the rind.

It's more important to get the right guy than the quick guy. Letting the interim team run the show through what is sure to be a re-building 2011 wouldn't be the worst thing (hiring the wrong guy for the sake of it would be). Maybe they step up and prove they are the right management team. Maybe they don't.

When Juergen Klinsmann is looking at options he needs to look at every option, even those that might take a year to get. If Sigi is the best possible solution -- and he might be -- then you need to figure out if you can get him. Seattle has a lot of money too, but MLSE has the financial ability to match them. Throw a million bucks at Sigi (it's easy to spend other's money, isn't it?) and I'm sure he'd think about a move north.

P.s. - He's German. Just sayin'

Between the crosses, row on row

2010-11-11T05:12:00.001-08:00

We're going to talk about football today, but before we do take a moment to read this Remembrance Day entry from the blog of "D-Man," an active a passionate member of U-Sector.

He sums up the meaning of the day as eloquently as I ever could.

I am from a generation that never really had to deal with war. The horrible events of 9/11 and the news of fallen Canadians in Afghanistan have reminded us that we're never truly far from its hell though. Still, by and large, the sacrifice of others allows me to spend my days obsessing about something as frivolous as 22 athletes chasing a round ball.

Thank you doesn't really cover it, but it's what we can offer today.

It's Called Football UPDATE

2010-11-10T16:11:00.000-08:00

We're not doing any live shows this week.

We are however, doing a bunch of in house interviews for the remainder of the week and will be posting them starting Nov. 15 when we launch canadiansoccernews.com

And, with the MLS Cup events starting to kick off here (pressers with the Don and the other announcements) we will be doing a live show every day next week.

We'll have updates on the supporters events, interviews with league officials and analysis of all the breaking news in the lead up to the final.

5 more days folks, get ready.

Gone drinkin'

2010-11-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

It's derby day. I'm not getting anything done. Enjoy some highlights of derby days past:

The penalty of being a TFC fan

2010-11-10T05:29:00.000-08:00

Climbing the Ladder -- the best statistical oriented soccer blog in North America -- published a breakdown of penalty stats for MLS this season.

Not surprisingly to those that watched TFC, the Reds were tied for top spot in the league with seven conceded PKs. The stats aren't broken down by hand balls versus fouls, but it's pretty safe to say that TFC gives up more hand balls in the box than any other team -- a now two year habit that is, to put it mildly, maddening.

The stats are detailed and included are the top penalty earners, so go have a look.

But the team breakdown is as follows:

Chicago - 7
Toronto - 7
Seattle - 6
Chivas - 5
Philly - 5
Columbus - 4
Colorado - 4
Dallas - 4
Salt Lake - 4
DC United - 3
New England - 3
New York - 2
Kansas City - 1
Los Angeles - 1
Houston - 0
San Jose - 0

Looked at another way, the differential leader board:

Dallas - +5
Houston - +4
Columbus - +3
Los Angeles - +3
New York - +3
San Jose - +3
Kansas City - +1
Colorado - E
Salt Lake - E
DC United - -1
Philly - -2
New England - -2
Chivas - -4
Seattle - -4
Toronto - -4
Chicago - -5

Toronto fans can reassure themselves that, unlike past years, they actually scored on their penalties this year. So, that's something.

Right?

2010 TFC report card

2010-11-09T10:59:00.000-08:00

A
Stefan Frei

Easily TFC’s most consistent player from start to finish and one of the few that could command value elsewhere. Frei isn’t irreplaceable – a keeper rarely is – but he was invaluable to the Reds this year. Without Frei, Toronto is DC United bad.

A-
Dwayne De Rosario

You can say the same thing about DeRo. He was TFC’s only offensive force at times and he received almost all of the opposing team’s attention. It’s hard to imagine how bad the Reds would have been without him. However, his cheque writing stunt drops his grade down and calls into question whether he’s the player the team should be building around.

Nana Attakora

Attakora isn’t an all-star. There are many within TFC’s fan base that view him that way though because his development has been a wonderful surprise. He grows tougher every year and tactically is still improving. I’m less convinced this year than I was last that Attakora will move beyond the “very good MLS player” level, but he’s still a valuable piece of TFC.

B+
Adrian Cann

Consistent, tough and mature. He slipped out of the A range near the end of the year when his body started to break down and his pace became more of an issue, but it was a rare piece of value on the TFC roster. Cann has found his level and hopefully will be a part of the re-build moving forward.

Chad Barrett

When he was healthy Barrett looked like he might be ready to truly break through. He’s rarely healthy. However, he’s become a consistent and tireless second tier scoring threat at the MLS level. I’m still waiting for someone to show me 10 howlers Chad missed this year – I’ll be waiting for a while because they aren’t there.

Maicon Santos

An intriguing player that looked like he might be valuable down the road. If both Barrett and Santos can stay healthy next year and a primary scorer can be brought in, TFC could be dangerous. I don’t think he’s ever going to be a 10 plus goal man, but as a second option Santos could turn out to be a very useful piece of the puzzle.

B
Julian de Guzman

For the sake of the report card salary or DP status is not factored. De Guzman’s grade reflects his play, period. Technically he is a gifted player. His ball skills are second to none on TFC and his football smarts are rigfht up there as well. Where Julian struggles is on two fronts. First of all he is physically overmatched in MLS. He’s pushed off the ball way too often. Secondly, he’s not a player that can enhance the skills of those around him. Essentially, TFC’s DP is a role player in a great league. He’s not a superstar in a mediocre one. Quietly telling him to see if there is anything available in Spain might be the best solution for everyone.

Dan Gargan

Gargan is a very good plumber player that works his ass off and provides a good degree of leadership. He likely played above his level a bit in 2010. A fan favourite, he’s probably valued a little more than his actual abilities, but a solid professional none-the-less.

B-
Martin Saric

Without the injury, Saric would have ranked higher. He’s a role player (a midfield destroyer to be specific), but he plays his role very well. He should be offered another go at TFC in 2011. Like Barrett and Santos the question is injuries, but, to me, Saric has the potential to be a great value in MLS – if healthy.

Nick LaBrocca

An interchangeable MLS quality midfielder. He’s fairly versatile so he edges into the B range, but what you saw from LaBrocca is as good as you will likely ever get.

C+
Nick Garcia

There are some that would want to give Garcia a grade lower than F. Those folks are blind to Garcia, who became the TFC whipping boy in 2009 (when he was frankly horrible). However, it was a credit to his professional attitude that he managed to re-invent himself as a full-back this year. If, Reds fans are honest with themselves they will realize that he was one of TFC’s best players in that position (which isn’t saying much as TFC was God awful at full-back). I doubt it makes sense for either party to bring Garcia back in 2011, but at the right salary it wouldn’t be a bad move at all.

Maxim Usanov

The crazy Russian is still young and there were flashes of something raw but good there. His marking was atrocious however and he was overpaid. Usanov is raw enough that I’d be interested to see what he might bring to training camp in January.

Ty Harden
Harden is an interesting one. He had moments at centreback that gave one pause. However, those moments were too few and far between to raise his mark much higher than here. I would bring him back.

C
Jacob Peterson

He is grossly overpaid. There is no way he should be back based on his salary. However, if you were to strictly evaluate his play he was middle of the pack – although when he was moved towards the wing he showed some promise. It’s too bad his paycheque is what it is because I’d like to see Peterson consistently run out on the wing. As it is, however, he should be the first player cut.

Jon Conway

I was tempted to give him an A+ for punching Steven Lenhart. An adequate back-up that seemed to provide leadership at the right price.

C-
Amadou Sanyang

The human giveaway machine was a favourite of Preki because of his athleticism (and a cynic might suggest that he was being shopped to sell on). He scared the hell out of me on the ball.

Joseph Nane

Nane was a little better than many feared, but still a bit of a mystery as to why he was invited to the combine in the first place. Ok, no it wasn’t. He was invited because he was Preki’s brother’s client. Like I said, he wasn’t God awful though – just profoundly mediocre and raw.

D+
Raivis Hscanovics

Terrifying at the back, overpaid and only slightly better on attack. “New guy” was a panic signing and it showed.

D-
Mista

I was tempted to make it an F, but he did score a big goal in the Champions League and also flashed some remarkable talent. The consensus is that he was only here for the money – that’s possible. There is no way in hell he comes back at anything close to a DP salary. I won’t throw Mo Johnston completely under the bus for rolling the dice here. The fault is that TFC needed to gamble because the scoring was thin after the injuries. We rolled snake eyes. It happens. It happens too often at TFC, but still...

Fuad Ibrahim

I’m not giving him an F because he is still young and basically missed a year of development because TFC didn’t want to give up a higher draft pick for him. If he’s back it has to be at a league minimum salary and he needs to prove himself from the development roster.

F
Gabe Gala

It’s time to move on.

O'Brian White

He regressed. He needs to be moved yesterday. About the only thing he had going for him was his Canadian status for TFC. That doesn’t matter anymore. White represents the final nail in Johnston’s coffin in many ways. For years it was argued that for all Mo’s faults he could draft. White was drafted fourth overall.

Incomplete
Nicholas Lindsay
Doneil Henry
Milos Kocic

Of the three Lindsay is the most exciting. I almost gave him a grade based on his limited play (he already looks like the best winger TFC has ever dressed – which is a problem). However, I held off because Toronto has eaten its young a few too many times. Kocic is likely the player set to replace Frei down the road and we really didn’t see enough of Henry.

Re-entry draft madness!

2010-11-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

Soccer America has leaked details of the MLS re-entry draft. The league sure does like to make things complicated.

Go have a look for the details, but basically teams must offer players a new contract at a fair rate that corresponds with their previous salary and experience. If they do, they keep the player's rights. If they don't, the player can apply to go into the re-entry draft.

It's not likely to be much of a factor for bigger name players. However, borderline guys or guys near the end of their run might benefit.

To turn it TFC-centric, Nick Garcia is a player that will likely qualify to go into the draft. TFC would need to offer him a minimum of $199,500 for 2011, with a five per cent increase over two more years as a club option. That's not likely.

Garcia at $60,000 might be worthwhile however (and before you start foaming at the mouth try and objectively look at his role this year after moving to full-back. Now do so while remembering that this is MLS). Toronto could still offer Garcia 6ok, but the player would then have the option of going into the draft to see if he could do better elsewhere.

I'm simplifying a little, but that's the general idea. As said, go have a look at all the ins and outs if you're ~~a true geek~~ so inclined.

What do they see in him?

2010-11-09T07:57:00.000-08:00

Fuad Ibrahim has been named to the U.S. u-20 squad for the Torneo de las Americas, which will be held in Georgia later this month.

Ibby is an enigma to the average TFC fan. Many want him gone from the squad, regardless of what salary he can be brought back for. Yet he remains in the mix for the u-20 program in the US. There is a disconnect there.

If Ibrahim is not a Generation adidas player next year -- and there is little reason to believe that he will be -- then a decision will need to be made. He certainly has struggled to make an impact at the MLS level. However, what most TFC fans fail to remember/think about is that he is still a kid. With MLS rosters expanding to 30 players it would be pretty stupid to just give up on him. Yes, the money has to be right, but we are finally in a situation where he might get some significant playing time.

From playing time might come improvement. With improvement this teenager may develop into a useful piece of TFC's future.

So, don't be shocked/dismayed/rip up your season tickets if Ibby is still in T.O. next year.

A tale of two countries: The USWNT v CWNT

2010-11-09T04:56:00.000-08:00

Our coaches at U-10 emphasize winning. You can win games and sacrifice player development and that’s what’s happening in our system. Why is that happening? Like I said, youth soccer is big business. If I don’t win, it doesn’t matter if I’m developing players, my business is going to hell. If I win, I attract other good players and by doing that I win more games. There are some very good programs out there, some coaches that are doing a really good job. But for the most part we have almost a generation of young kids that have not been developed properly.

Where do you think the above quote comes from? No, the above quote doesn't come from a serious town hall meeting talking about the future of Canadian football development. It's not even from Milltown FC owner/rabble-rouser Dino Rossi! No, it's a quote from former U.S. women's head coach Tony DiCicco talking about the state of the women's game in the United States right now.

Of course the USWNT is coming at its state of crisis from a more stable place than the Canadian game at any level -- they did win the Olympics two years ago -- but there is a lively debate going on now amongst the informed about whether the U.S. has lost the plot.

Athletic and strong the US women have over powered teams for years. They were never as ugly as Canada with the punt it towards the best player (Abby Wambach) and hope, but the style was the same. It makes sense because the development pathway was basically the same (NCAA) in both countries. In women's soccer Canada really was America Jr. in the years before Carolina Morace. There is still an element to that, but Morace is trying to move away.

The US, however, seems more and more entrenched in its style. Critics complain that friendlies aren't used to develop a new generation of American player, but rather are just exhibitions to pad winning statistics and cap totals. Player selection has become as stagnant as the predictable style.

It's interesting to note that the phoenix-like performance by the USWNT at the Olympics came after Wambach had broken her leg in the lead-up to Beijing. Forced out of their traditional strategy the US was able to reinvent itself enough to grab one last triumph.

Without change it might be the last for a while. Although the loss to Mexico was likely a one off right now, give it four more years and it might not be. Certainly there aren't a lot of people giving the Americans much of a chance in Germany (other than the true believers that will always believe).

A year ago the US wacked Canada 4-0 at BMO Field. The game wasn't close. On that day, five Canadian players started that also started the CONCACAF semi-final win over Costa Rica that sent the Canucks to Germany -- Candace Chapman, Karina LeBlanc, Diana Matheson, Christine Sinclair and Rhian Wilkinson. The Americans had eight players on the pitch that day that were also there last week when Mexico upset them -- Heather Mitts, Christie Rampone, Amy LePeilbet, Heather O’Reilly, Shannon Boxx, Megan Rapinoe, Amy Rodriguez and Wambach.

There is no doubt that those eight players are accomplished. They also represent an average age of 29 and four are on the wrong side of 30. Meanwhile the core of Canada’s side is an average age of 27.5 and only one, the keeper LeBlanc, is 30 (and just 30). More to the point, the six Canucks that were part of the win this year but not the loss last were: Jonelle Filigno, 20, Josée Bélanger, 24, Kaylyn Kyle, 22, Desiree Scott, 23, Sophie Schmidt, 22, and, the oldster of the new girls, Marie Eve Nault, 28.

Morace has clearly put her stamp on this team and is moving ahead with a young team. The U.S., meanwhile, is sticking to the players it knows best.

The US is still clearly better than Canada. It would have been nice to see the two sides matched up to get a measure of how far the gab has closed (a December date with Brazil could accomplish that against another power), but for the first time in a while a Canadian fan might feel slightly more hopeful than an American.

The caveat here is that the loss to Mexico might prove to be the catalysis that the Americans need. The program is stagnating. However, the depth of talent and potential there is unmatched anywhere. Canada needed an overhaul to pull itself up to something that's sorta, kinda in the same conversation as the U.S. The Americans really just need a tweak to be World Cup favourites again.

The question is whether there is a will there to make the changes before Germany. It will be interesting to see the player selections for the home and home World Cup playoff with Italy, which is less than two weeks away. The Italians will not lay down for the U.S. A Women's World Cup without the Americans in it is still a long-shot, but it is no longer the stuff of fantasy.

Champions

2010-11-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

A Christine Sinclair penalty gave Canada a 1-0 win over Mexico and first international senior championship in more than a decade tonight.

The score line flattered the Mexicans, who were game but outmatched by the Canucks. Canada did not allow a goal in winning all five games it played at the tournament.

Although you would hardly mistake Canada with 1970 Brazil, the victory demonstrated the value in Carolina Morace's style of play. After taking over from Even Pellerud, Morace has transformed Canada from a strictly boot and chase team to one that is more likely to play a possession game. They don't play possession only football -- they still mix in a significant amount of tactics that can only be described as direct. However, unlike under Pellerud there is shape and purpose to the tactics. The Canadian women are effective at attacking the wings and getting the ball crossed into attacking position. The difference is that they get the ball into the corner after six passes now instead of a single 60-yard punt.

The change in philosophy was particularly evident after Canada got the lead tonight. In the past they would have bunkered down, playing with 10 men behind the ball and Sinclair hopelessly chasing up front. Tonight they kept their shape and closed down space aggressively.

Equally startling was the way that Canada reacted to a clear penalty miss by the referee when Natalie Vinti took down Josee Belanger in the box. Even the most biased Mexican fan knew it was an obvious penalty call. Other Canadian teams would have folded up shop at that point, convinced that the world (or CONCACAF anyway) was against them. The men certainly would have. However, the women's barely paused to complain.

So now the preparation for Germany 2011 can move ahead full steam. Canada isn't a finished product yet -- a 5-0 loss to the Germans earlier this year demonstrates that -- but they have to feel better about their chances going in as the CONCACAF champs.

Canadian fans certainly do.

It's Called A Post-Game

2010-11-08T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's not often Canada wins a title, so today, we're doing a post-game show talking about the Canadian Women's National team success in Mexico, the new system under Carolina Morace and the now infamous 'shush' by Sinclair.

We'll be back with our regular programming on Wednesday - which will include an interview with a Whitecaps player, some info on the Toronto FC coach and GM search and an update on MLS Cup sales and marketing.

And then there were four

2010-11-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

The potential MLS Cup match-ups are down to four after L.A. outlasted Seattle last night. The Galaxy were the only higher seed to win a quarterfinal match-up, which leaves L.A. as the favourite and has likely started a 387 page thread on BigSoccer lamenting the playoff format (or the idea of playoffs at all).

MLS is a playoff league. Many other leagues in the world are as well. Every team in the league plays under the same rules. The winner of the MLS Cup is the league champion. Period. If you can't deal with that then, well, maybe MLS isn't the league for you. That's fine, but why not let the rest of us enjoy it for what it is*

The four remaining possibilities are:

Los Angeles v Colorado
Los Angeles v San Jose
Dallas v Colorado
Dallas v San Jose

None are exactly a marketer's dream, although LA v San Jose has some history behind it. Dallas v Colorado would ensure that one of the original teams would win its first MLS Cup title (and in Colorado's case first major trophy of any kind).

Organizers in Toronto are lying to you if they tell you they aren't hoping for L.A. to be in the game. Beckham will help move the 4,000 or so seats that they need to sell.

With Mo Johnston's history of moving players in and out of Toronto it should come as no surprise that all four teams remaining have a former TFC player on the roster. Maybe cheering for Marvell Wynne will help people get into the game.

* That's not to say that a tweaking of the playoff structure would not be worthwhile. My favourite format remains what the A-League and international curling use. With a major and minor final the top seeded teams get more chances to advance than lower seeded teams.

Using this year (and a single table) you would have had No. 1 LA play No. 2 SLC in a semi-final, with No. 3 NYRB playing No. 4 Columbus in another. The winner of LA v SLC advances straight to the major final, while the loser plays the winner of NYRB - Columbus (the loser is eliminated) in the minor final. The winner of the minor final goes on to the major final to play for the championship.

If you want more than four teams in the playoffs you can have lower seeded teams playing off to advance to the No. 3- No. 4 semi-final.

Just another game

2010-11-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is the second time I've posted a photo of one of my cats. What's your point?

You may have heard the rumour by now that the MLS Cup -- the most important football game to be played in North America on Nov 21, 2010 -- is taking place in Toronto this year. Toronto is in Canada. That's a different place than the United States and it explains the little maple leaf on the MLS Cup 2010 logo.

Of course you might not have heard this rumour by now, particularly if you live in Toronto, have just stumbled upon this blog after doing a Google search and have no idea what the 24th Minute name means. After all, there has been no noticeable effort to inform the non-soccer community of T.O. about the MLS Cup, to educate sports fans or to develop any sort of excitement about the game.

As an experiment today I'm going to take the miniature MLS Cup the league sent media members (that Fumo is admiring above) out to a mall today. While there I'm going to see if I can convince anyone that I'm holding the actual MLS Cup. I suspect I'll be able to. I might even be able to convince someone wearing a TFC jersey (I mean why would a TFC fan have ever seen the MLS Cup...).

Watching the non-promotion of the MLS Cup has been both baffling and frustrating. It's baffling because MLSE has done such a good job on selling TFC to a market that has some serious Eurosnob leanings. Or had anyway. That's the point. MLSE sold Toronto on the idea that supporting the local team was worthwhile and that it didn't take away from the Old Country leanings. The slogan All For One is a nod to that -- you may cheer for Rangers and I for Celtic but at BMO we are All For One.

So, selling the MLS Cup should have been a slam dunk. No, it's not the Champions League final, but, like the team itself, it's still worthwhile.

Here is where the frustration comes in. The biggest reason why the MLS Cup has struggled to gain attention here is because MLSE has literally not tried to sell it. Not in the early part of the season when the club was still in the hunt, not during the two months of anger and hell that ended the season and not over the last couple weeks as we stared down the possibility of empty seats at a cold BMO Field in 13 days.

How a company with the marketing track record and ability of MLSE could allow this to happen is confusing. It brings up the possibility that the league itself hampered efforts by dragging its feet. I know that many people involved in organizing the Supporter's Summit have been incredibly frustrated by MLS' involvement/lack thereof. However, it's still imperative for the local organizing group to understand the local market conditions and respond appropriately.

We know that TFC's season ticket renewal rate was about 85 per cent. Since the MLS Cup ticket is included in the 2011 season ticket package that means that about 13,600 seats have been sold for the final. Add a couple thousand for the league and sponsors and maybe 1,000 for the two teams and you are looking at about 17,000. So, about 4,000 seats left to move.

Just now I searched for eight seats in a row on TicketMaster. Section 133, row 13, seats 7-14. They could be mine for just $706. (As an aside, the seating plan calls for the opposing team’s supporters to be seated two sections apart in the same stand. It's probably a good thing that one of San Jose or Colorado will be in the game.)

I don't share the same level of pessimism of some about the amount of no shows. However, we'd be naive if we thought that everyone that bought a season ticket is going to show up in 13 days. Some will be home in protest. For most, however, the reason will be far more mundane -- the weather.

The current 14-day forecast calls for a high of 5C and a low of 3C. That's not horrible, but it's just about at the tipping point. Every degree below 3C that the actual temperature is probably represents about 500 fans that will stay home and (maybe) watch.

In other MLS cities the soccer community would likely rally around the game at this late hour to make sure that there was a significant crowd in attendance. I'm not sure Toronto will react in the same way. Unlike other markets – particularly ‘96er markets -- there isn’t a significant sense of ownership in MLS. In American cities, MLS isn’t just a league that their team plays in, but it also represents years of dreaming and fighting for legitimacy by the sport itself. MLS is American soccer.

In Toronto it's just a league. And it's just a league with American fans that haven't always made Canadians feel welcome. Although most MLS fans have no issue with Canadian teams it doesn't take much searching on places like BigSoccer to find the Get Your Own League crowd. In any American supporter's section you can see and hear anti-Canadian comments. Again, it's a minority, but it's a visible one. Why would a Canadian fan feel any sort of obligation to make sure that the MLS Cup is packed in that environment? I suppose you could say because the league was gracious enough to let Toronto play in it, but that argument kind of speaks to the condescension that some here react to in the first place.

If it comes to it I'm sure MLSE will find a way to subtly paper the house. It shouldn't have gotten to a point where that might be necessary, but here we are. We will keep a close eye on this the next couple weeks. A good place to watch that might be here.

Oh yeah, Canada won too

2010-11-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Close? Wow. Stunned by what kind of analysis could predict that. Absolute blowout. 5-0 USA. Minimum. The Mexicans are awful. Their goalkeeper is 16 and wouldn't make a state U16 team. Canada beat them 3-0.
Random BigSoccer post

Poking fun of a boastful American fan post on BigSoccer (in hindsight) is too simple by half. However, when considering last night's 2-1 loss by the US women's soccer team to Mexico you can't help yourself. Such was the magnitude of the upset that you need to find independent evidence of just how improbable it was.

In the seconds that followed the loss some people were proclaiming it the biggest upset in women's football history. That isn't a debate. It is. The better question is where it fits into the overall history of the game. For the US women's team to lose to Mexico in a game to go to the World Cup is on a short list of biggest upsets in the history of the game, period.

In 21 previous women's World Cup qualifiers the US was 21-0-0 with a +128 goal differential. Some were comparing the loss to the American's historic victory over England in 1950. Maybe. If you replace the US with Moldova, England with Brazil and the year with 1970.

The US will likely still have their day in Germany. Provided they don't show up drunk in the third place game against Costa Rica you would imagine that they will advance to play Italy in the playoff. The Italians, who were probably the biggest loser of the night, will not be pushovers, but the US is better. The last time the two countries met the States came away with a pair of 2-0 wins.

This being a Canadian blog I've likely spent too much time focusing on the American loss. After all, Canada did what was expected yesterday and qualified for its fifth straight World Cup with a just-difficult-enough 4-0 win over Costa Rica. The Canucks have yet to concede a goal and have looked damn good. They play for a championship on Monday, something no Canadian senior team has managed in a decade. In many ways it would have been better for Canada to be tested against the Americans, but...

Mexico is the story today.

It's Called Football - The future of D2

2010-11-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Today, We're by joined by Puerto Rico Islander writer Kristian Vazquez to talk about their winning season and the future of Division 2 soccer in North America.

We'll also talk about the reaction to the Vancouver Whitecaps season ticket prices, the Canadian Women's team on the verge of qualifying for the World Cup and our picks for the weekend MLS playoff games

Caps drop ball

2010-11-04T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Vancouver Whitecaps announced their season ticket prices today. Although they have held the line at the top end, the 'Caps now have, by far, the most expensive low end seats in MLS. The supporter's section is section 251, 252 and 253. Besides the bizarre situation of having the supporter's spread out over two different price points, the 'Caps are now have, by far, the most expensive supporter's section in MLS.

With the majority of supporter's seats at $494, they are charging $99 more than the price that caused a ticket holder revolt in Toronto.

On the surface the seats are affordable. On my Twitter feed I have already received a few comments challenging my position that this is the first major error by the 'Caps front office. However, what those folks are missing is an understanding of the importance of supporters in building a brand. This is MLS. In North America the average fan you are targeting has a connection to a bigger, better club in Europe. So, what you are selling those people has as much to do with the experience as it does with the football. The prices today will not allow the 'Caps to create a supporter's section that rivals what we see in Toronto. What it will do is create a Family Fun Fridays situation that has shown itself to be the bane of MLS marketing over the years.

The 'Caps may sell those tickets, but they will be screwing themselves by doing so. They will not get into the hands of the type of fans that they should want them to.

When TFC launched they charged $200 for seats in the south end. Although the inflation of those seats has been an issue lately the bottom line is that price point allowed the TFC experience to become what it is. As it stands today, Vancouver has just set itself up to become a Canadian version of the Colorado Rapids.

With all due respect to the 100-200 hardcore Rapids fans out there, that’s a disaster.

Another one bites the dust

2010-11-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

Teal Bunbury didn't outright say that he was going to play for the United States on last night's It's Called Football. However, what he did say said a lot without saying anything specific.

When asked whether he was going to play for Canada in the past he always said enthusiastically that he was Canadian and he would be proud to do so. Last night he said that he had to "sit down with his dad and agent to see what's best for his career."

There is no way in hell that Canada is going to be better for his career than the United States. It was literally stunning to be part of both interviews. The difference in the way the question was answered was night and day.

With Bunbury it's easy to be forgiving here. He mostly grew up in the United States. He has barely lived in Canada and if it wasn't for his father the connection to Canada would be so precarious that it would barely be worth talking about. However, his dad was a Canadian star -- a rare commodity. That emotional tie makes Bunbury's case different. Losing him to the United States -- The UNITED STATES! -- would be a hit.

The caveat to all of this is that Bunbury is a long way from being a factor for either team. Clearly, he's closer to having an impact in Canada, but he's still not a starter for the Canucks. In the interview he said that he has not had any direct contact with the U.S. program. What we are really talking about here is which country he's going to represent in Olympic qualifying. It's worth remembering that he could switch to Canada after representing the U.S. u-23 side. I'm not sure Canadians should want that -- and Stephen Hart has said as much. We should only concern ourselves with players that want to play for us.

It’s no longer clear whether Bunbury does.

Keeping it in perspective

2010-11-03T13:39:00.000-07:00

Juergen Klinsmann is not in the market for an upscale Rosedale home. He's staying put in California. I point out this obvious fact because it seems that many fans have given Klinsmann a bigger role with TFC than he actually has.

He's a consultant. He was hired to consult, not run TFC. Nothing in the release today indicates that he'll be with the club in any official capacity long-term.

On the day this story first broke there were conflicting stories. The Globe and Mail's Stephen Brunt said that he was coming in as a consultant and would be given the ability to completely clean house if he felt it needed. Meanwhile Gerry Dobson reported that Klinsmann was being hired to run the show. Although he didn't specify what his role would be exactly, the inference was that it would be a president type position.

With confusion in the air I contacted a few folks in position to know what was going on. I was bluntly told that Brunt was right and Dobson was wrong.

As I wrote that day it would be ideal for Klinsmann to remain on the payroll long-term, but I have yet to see or hear evidence suggesting that he will. He's here to help TFC find their man. He's not that man.

It's Called Football - Guests: Teal Bunbury, Timbers Army

2010-11-03T13:02:00.000-07:00

Today, we complete our conversation on Cascadia away support with a member of the Portland Timbers Army, who will speak on the joint release the three main groups issued as well as the way forward with MLS.

And we'll be joined by Kansas City Wizards star Teal Bunbury to talk about his first year in MLS, if he'll cap for Canada (certainly seems like he's leaning towards the US now) and what his teammates Kei Kamara and Jimmy Conrad are like off the field.

As well, we'll be talking about the Jürgen Klinsmann hiring, CSL expansion and an update on the Caps stadium issues.

Figo to manage TFC from trendy Yorkville ice cream parlour

2010-11-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

There is an inside joke amongst long-time TFC fans. Whenever a rumour surfaces about the team that involves a big name player signing it doesn't take long before a cynic will suggest that they saw "Luís Figo in Yorkville."

The joke evolved from an over eager post by a fan back in 2007 suggesting that the Portuguese star was coming to TFC after they had been spotted in the trendy Toronto neighbourhood. Such hopefulness isn't unique to Toronto, of course. Every football team in the world that plays below the very highest level likely has its own Figo in Yorkville joke. Fans will be fans after all.

I bring this up because the list of potential candidates Gerry Dobson put forth for TFC's next manager has a sniff of Figo in Yorkville to me. That's not to suggest that Dobson is wrong, but only to say that we need to see a bit more evidence before we start speculating on what style those managers might bring to T.O.

As Hans Backe showed this year a lack of MLS experience isn't necessarily a fatal flaw in choosing a manager. So, if Dobson's list is correct, it's good to see MLSE looking outside of the North American bubble. With Juergen Klinsmann's hire now official the important work starts. TFC needs to make the right hire here -- six managers in five years is, to put it mildly, insane.

Putting the loop in the hole

2010-11-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

The camp will be injected with some new additions later in the month, when the Whitecaps select players in the MLS Expansion Draft on Nov. 24.

“Two days after the Expansion Draft we will be leaving for California,” Thordason said. “We hope to have most of the players there so we will have time to see them in a good environment training and playing some games.”

From MLSsoccer.com. Click here,

Don't get me wrong. I agree that the fact the Whitecaps are training now in advance of making the jump to MLS next year is great. In an ideal world all the non-playoff teams in MLS would be hitting the pitch within the next week or two to start to prepare for the 2011 season. If they missed the playoffs they probably need the work.

The thing is, they can't. The CBA prevents teams from starting camp prior to early January (So relax TFC fans. This isn't an example of Vancouver being smarter than TFC. You can cancel the pitchfork march to gate 4). Vancouver is taking advantage of not being covered by the CBA until January to have this extra camp. The players are likely OK with it because they are desperate to get the break needed to land a MLS contract.

What's interesting is the second part of that quote. Teitur Thordason is expecting the players picked up in the expansion draft will report to the extra camp. Those players are under a MLS contract. Those contracts are governed by the CBA. I can't see the players being OK with being required to report to a camp that falls outside of the CBA, nor the rest of the league being OK with Vancouver getting to start its training camp a month early.

Tickets, tickets - Got 'em? Need 'em?

2010-11-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

Posted by Paul Beirne on Twitter

The white dots are seats that are available for current season ticket holders to exchange. It gives you an idea of how many seats were let go this year.

It's only one stand and it would be interesting to see how many were up for grabs in the more upscale west stand (and in the supporter's end). However, the white dots seem to line up with the info that TFC let out -- a plus 80 per cent renewal rate.

I'll be at the relocation event this afternoon at 3 p.m. The chances of me finding seats ever so slightly below mine are pretty slim, but I will be there to report what I see.

Edit: The other stand -

No live show tonight

2010-11-01T14:14:00.001-07:00

We're taking the night off to help prep for the launch of canadiansoccernews.com - that means Duane will be spit shining his head, Ben will be pressing his vests and Rycroft will be doing whatever it is Rycroft does.

Conceivably, if Toronto FC introduces Jürgen Klinsmann tomorrow we'll do a quick show Tuesday night to recap the day's events.

But otherwise we'll be back on Wednesday to complete our conversation on Cascadia away support with a member of the Portland Timbers Army. And we'll be joined by Kansas City Wizards star Teal Bunbury to talk about his first year in MLS, if he'll cap for Canada and who his pick for rookie of the year is.

Watch this space for updates on the guests, the show and the site.

Ohhhh the Germans

2010-10-29T19:46:00.000-07:00

It's easy to be cynical about the appointment of Juergen Klinsmann as a consultant to MLSE in their search for a new GM and coach. After all this is a football club that has promised a lot over the past few years and has delivered little. With MLSE's track record of going for the big name to make a splash in media saturated T.O., you can see how Klinsmann might seem to be that type of hire.

With a name that impresses the casual fan, MLSE can take a little heat off of itself. The important hire still hasn’t been made. Now, the cynic might suggest, they have someone else to blame if it all goes south again.

It would be wrong to be that cynical. Don't get me wrong: I'm not convinced Klinsmann is a magic bullet. However, his hire addresses one of the biggest critiques of MLSE and TFC from the MoJo era -- that it wasn't football savvy. Having a football brain on the payroll that isn't also the one responsible for building the team is a good thing.

It certainly appears that he will be given lots of rope in his effort to turn this circus of a franchise into something that resembles a football club.

From Stephen Brunt's article that first broke Klinsmann's hire:

Though Klinsmann will not take on the role of general manager or coach himself, he will be asked to make a recommendation as to Johnston’s replacement.

But it is more than a simple head hunting assignment. Klinsmann and his company will look at the club’s infrastructure, at its academy and scouting system, will suggest a playing style, and then find someone to accomplish the goals they set out.

That type of role might make one wonder why he doesn't just take the role of GM and coach himself. Besides the fact he's pretty happy in SoCal and is likely only interested in a frontline job at a truly big European club, he might actually understand that he might not be a good fit.

Guys that played and managed at the level Klinsmann did aren't necessarily the best fit in MLS. MLS is more of a Hans Backe kinda league than a Sven-Göran Eriksson one. There are lots of Backes out there too. You just have to find them and maybe, just maybe, Klinsmann has the connections to do just that.

Another thing this appointment does is once again betray the great Toronto urban myth of MLSE's cheapness. Hiring Klinsmann might be popular with some fans, but hes not selling any tickets. And it's doubtful he comes cheap. On the sports side of the operations, MLSE might be incompetent. They are undoubtedly ineffective. But, they are not cheap.

When Klinsmann is introduced to the media it will be interesting to see how long his arrangement with TFC is. If it's just for the search then that's good, but it would be far more promising if he's agreed to an ongoing consulting role. That would be ideal because he could help MLSE understand when a tough decision needs to be made -- does anyone think that Mo shouldn't have been canned at the end of 2009? That he wasn't demonstrates that the front office is lacking in knowledge when it comes to the sport. At the town hall meeting I attended it was telling that Tom Anselmi expressed sincere surprise at the amount of turnover there was on the TFC roster this year. He must not read this blog because it was clear to those in the know how much of a mess the Reds were in at the end of 2009. If a Klinsmann had been there, it's possible the right decision would have been made last November and the rebuild could have started sooner.

In closing, I want to turn attention to the game as a whole in this country. Juergen freaking Klinsmann is working for a professional soccer team in Canada. If you've followed the game here for long you'll realize just how absurd that is.

Yet here we are!

It's Called Football - The new consultant

2010-10-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Today, we're joined by CBC's Jason DeVos to talk about Jürgen Klinsmann appointment as a TFC consultant, his own appointment as the technical director of Canada's biggest soccer club and what needs to be done on the player development side of things for Canada.

We're also joined by Kris Fernandes, a long time CSL insider, to help set up the final this weekend and talk about CSL expansion.

And in between we make some picks for the MLS playoffs and ponder where Duane got the money to buy a house - clearly MLSE is paying him to promote their agenda...

Playoff predictions

2010-10-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

The Columbus - Colorado game just kicked off. I figured I should get my predictions on record.

East
New York over San Jose 3-1 (1-1, 2-0)
Colorado over Columbus 2-1 (2-0, 0-1)

West
LA over Seattle 5-3 (2-2, 3-1)
Dallas over SLC 4-4, 5-3 pk (2-2, 2-2)

New York over Colorado 2-0
LA over Dallas 1-0

NY over LA 2-0

The first step is admitting that you have a problem

2010-10-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I, on some odd, uncomfortable level, like David Beckham. He's a former rag, so this does not come easy to me (the main reason I don't write much about the EPL is I am hopeless biased towards City).

Although Beckham is, as the kids say, a media whore and he seems more than bit clueless (and overly influenced by others. Victoria runs that household, that is clear (not that there is anything wrong with that if you are reading dear. Yes, I'll take the garbage out before going to soccer), at his heart, he just seems to want to play. If he wasn't born with the ability to do great things from set pieces he'd probably be that 35-year-old guy playing semi-pro for Maidenhead United (while still secretly believing that if he could just be seen by the right guy he's be able to at least play in League One). We make fun of him, while also envying him for doing what he loves.

The fact that he tried to take on the entier LA Riot Squad is oddly endearing as well. I have a feeling that if the Galaxy make the MLS Cup in Toronto that there is about a 50/50 chance he'll try the same in the south-east corner of BMO (there is a 100 per cent chance the SE corner will be expressing themselves to him). Since I also suffer from an inability to know when it's best to just shut up and ignore people I can't really blame the man for having a temper and for being willing to find an outlet for it.

So, when I read stories about how he still wants to play for England, or one day return to Real Madrid, I don't feel the need to poke fun at him. On the contrary, I think his sporting desire is kind of refreshing. The man doesn't need the money. He also has more than enough fame. He seems sincere (if a bit delusional). He just knows that if Mourinho or Capello could just give him a chance...

I, too, feel that if MLS scouts could just see me during my beer league jogabouts...

I'm not going to buy a strip and scream his name (for the record at 35 Beckham is past the point where 14-year-olds should be screaming his name. It's a little creepy) the next time he plays in Toronto. However, I might quietly give him a little respect (while screaming WANKER! at him from the SE corner of BMO).

NASL v USL, round 2

2010-10-28T08:11:00.001-07:00

I'm going to print this NASL press release in full because it's telling in the way it's written. Highlights are mine.

On the eve of the USSF D-2 Pro League final between two NASL clubs, the Carolina Railhawks and the Puerto Rico Islanders, the NASL announced that it will be hosting its AGM for the 2011 season on November 7 - 8, in Miami. Committed to play and grow at the second division level, the NASL members will be covering several topics including tentative schedule for next season, league staff and future expansion.

The NASL, while busy planning for the 2011 season, was surprised by league member Rochester Rhinos’ announcement earlier this week that they plan to play at the USSF third division level (USL PRO) despite their multi-year commitment with the NASL. The NASL is evaluating all of its options and will proceed accordingly. “It’s unfortunate that the Rochester Rhinos, a team with such a successful track record over its fifteen year history at the second division level, is stepping down to third division," said Aaron Davidson, CEO of the NASL

The forced marriage is over. It's time to call in the lawyers because this is going to get ugly.

Let's hear it for the girl

2010-10-28T06:21:00.001-07:00

As a reminder, CONCACAF Women's World Cup qualifying starts today at 6 p.m. when Costa Rica plays Guatemala in group B action. The USA plays Haiti at 8:30 p.m.

You can watch both games at the CONCACAF Web site.

Canada gets going tomorrow at 6 p.m. against T&T. Mexico and Guyana play at 8:30 p.m. Canada's games can be seen on CBC Bold. The world is catching up (a bit) in women's football, but Canada and the US are still the overwhelming favourites to directly advance to the World Cup. The battle for the playoff spot is likely between Costa Rica and Mexico. The third place finisher will have to play off with Italy for the final WWC spot.

Nine countries have already qualified for the WWC. The host Germany will be joined by New Zealand from the OFC, England, France, Norway and Sweden from Europe and Australia, Japan and North Korea from Asia.

The Women's World Cup starts June 26, 2011.

It's Called Away Support

2010-10-27T17:01:00.001-07:00

In the past month much has been said about teams deciding to limit the number of seats available in their stadiums for away support in Portland, Vancouver and Seattle.

Today we're joined by a pair of leaders from those supporters groups to talk about what the issues are, if they can be resolved and what needs to be done by MLS to help foster away support around the league.

In addition to that we'll talk about Martin Nash's retirement from Vancouver, TFC's media day and if the ongoing search for a coach and GM is starting to become clear.

You're done, bro

2010-10-27T05:14:00.000-07:00

Martin Nash is retiring. Marc Weber is reporting that it will be announced today that the Whitecaps fan favourite will be given a role with the club moving forward, but that the boots are being hung up for good.

It's the right decision. Nash was always an energy player and at 35 it was doubtful that he would be able to have the same sort of impact he did in D2. MLS is a physical league where athleticism is vital.

The harsh truth is that Nash hasn't been MLS quality for a few years now. He could have been a depth player maybe, but he would not have had the same role or earning power outside of Vancouver.

Had the Whitecaps included him on the MLS roster they would have been doing so out of sentimentality. This is not a league that allows for that. With a tight cap every penny counts and even a $40,000 contract could be better used on a younger player. Giving Nash a community ambassador/assistant coach role allows Nash to retire with dignity.

Even the blindest Nash fan must understand this on a logical level. Still, it's the first lesson on MLS realities for the Vancouver fandom.

The season ticket race

2010-10-26T19:09:00.001-07:00

News today that the Vancouver Whitecaps are looking to increase their season ticket base from the original goal of 16,500 to, well, something more has to be good news. Actually, when you factor in Paul Barber's comments that they are just 1,500 short of that goal now with Paul Beirne's comments in the live TFC chat today that the Reds renewals are at about 80 per cent you'll find that the Whitecaps actually have a higher season ticket base.

TFC is about 12,800 right now, Vancouver 15,000. TFC remains committed to trying to boost season tickets to 18,000, so it will be an interesting race to see which Canadian MLS team has the biggest base by First Kick.

Portland was said to have sold 10,000 season seats. The Timbers will be an interesting team on the fan front as the Timbers Army justifiably get a lot of good press and are considered one of the best supporter’s groups in North America. However, the 10k number has to be a bit disappointing. Portland will be fine, but it says here that Vancouver will have a higher average attendance than the Timbers and will play in front of a greater percentage of sold seats.

In other 'Caps news, the team is set to have two press conferences tomorrow. One is announcing a partnership with BMO and another has to do with "an important soccer personnel announcement." I suspect it's the appointment of Richard Grootscholten as youth director.

A nod to the past

2010-10-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Toronto FC is holding a design the kit contest. Fans are invited to submit designs for the 2012 second kit.

You can enter here.

Now don't get too excited you design freaks (because I know there must be a big cross over between TFC and Project Runway fans). The template is more than a little limiting. The base of the shirt has to be white and you can only put black, red or gray on the strip as an accent. Most of the design is done. fans are basically being asked to tweak the details a bit.

There is nothing wrong with that, of course. It's a nice little exercise in involving fans and it helps pass some time. I have an entry in and I'll probably go looking for you all to vote me the winner in a month's time (I'll then give away the prize to a reader), but wouldn't it be nice if we could offer something a little more outside the box.

For instance, how about this:

Replace the Blizzard logo with TFC's and consider it a nod to the past. When TFC was first coming into being there were a significant amount of people that wanted the team to stick with its NASL name. MLS has traditionally avoided keeping the NASL names (until Seattle fans basically forced them to reconsider. Portland and Vancouver have followed suit). Tradition matters in football. As I've written before, the Blizzard was a cheeseball North American name, but it was our cheeseball North American name. Doing something small like adding some blue to the second strip with a nod to the past would be kind of cool, don't you think?

RaveGreenbacks

2010-10-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

Just as one season ticket holder revolt appears to be cooling off, MLS could face another. The Seattle Sounders sent season ticket holders an invoice today that, at best, can be described as confusing. It includes multiple pricing for fans that bought tickets in 2009 versus 2010 and, according to fans, it reneges on a promise to not raise prices for three years.

You can read some of the reaction here.

Famously the Sounders gave fans their money back after losing badly at home earlier this year. That refund was to be put towards the 2011 package for those the renewed. However, even with the discount, which is noted on the invoice, the price is still higher for 2011 than it was for 2010.

A general admission ticket is $342 USD ($350 CDN) before the refund. With the refund it is $331.50. They were $297 last year. The 2011 package includes 18 games, which is the same as the 2010 package. For comparison sake, the price is about fifty cents higher per game than TFC tickets.

Published e-mail exchanges that are allegedly from the club claim that there was no three year price freeze promise. The club said that there was a two year freeze followed by a three per cent increase. Even factoring the free ticket, the numbers appear to indicate a 11 per cent increase. Since the free game won't likely be included next year Seattle fans are understandable concerned about what the 2012 price will be (and new general admission tickets for 2011 are already pushing the $400 level).

The biggest difference between this increase and TFC's is the play on the field, of course. TFC has been nearly historically bad, whereas Seattle has been incredibly successful. It will be interesting to see whether that affects how Sounders fans react to this.

It's Called A Season Recap - Guest: John Molinaro

2010-10-25T12:37:00.001-07:00

Today, we look back on the season that was for Toronto FC in 2010. We talk about the defining moments, the players who shone, stunk and sunk in our eyes as well all the off-field drama that has come to define TFC in its first four years.

We're also joined by CBC's John Molinaro who breaks down the moments that mattered, what players John would like to see gone in the off-season and he discusses Mo Johnston's relationship with First Wave and what Barry MacLean's connection to the club still is.

Listen and let us know what you think was Toronto's defining moment this year.

MLS Cup tickets

2010-10-25T10:28:00.001-07:00

I received confirmation from TFC that the MLS Cup tickets will be delivered to season ticket holders starting Wednesday, Nov 10.

They will be shipped via Purolator.

The last tickets should be in the hands of fans by Friday, Nov 12.

The terrible twos

2010-10-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

So the blog is two. Yesterday, actually. Two in blogging terms is about 50 in regular media, so we're middle aged around these parts. Best schedule that prostate exam.

It seems a bit surreal to think that it's only been two years of blogging (January marks two years of podcasting for me; It's Called Football itself passed the two year mark earlier this month). So much has happened. This blog was around when the Impact put 50,000 in Olympic Stadium, and when TFC put six goals past them to rip the Voyagers Cup out of the Vancouver Whitecaps hands. It's been around for four TFC head coaches. There is a label for Laurent Robert. Real Madrid was covered in the flesh.

It wasn't around when Canada started its disastrous 2010 World Cup qualifying, but it was there at the end. Actually, it was the first to report Dale Mitchell's dismissal. This space was also the first place to report that DeRo was unhappy with his contract (the first time) that Julian de Guzman was really coming to TFC and that the Vancouver Whitecaps were going to MLS. Oh, Edmonton FC was first talked about here too. The 24thminute isn't always the first to break stuff, but it is sometimes. I'm damn proud of that because, at my root, I am a journalist. My aim with this blog has always been to add value to the reporting of TFC and Canadian soccer. I hope I have and that I can continue to do so.

I'm not perfect. Blogging is a very personal pursuit. You have no filter between your work and your readers. If I make a mistake I can't blame the desk. It's all on me. The readers hold you accountable. Anyone that suggests that blogging has no checks and balances hasn’t published a blog -- at least one that is at all read.

Many times the readers add value to this space through their gentle questioning and insightful comments. Other times they are really just trolls and borderline nutters. And there is an example of my great failing. I can't help myself. I fight back when I think readers are wrong. I should probably just shut up and trust that the majority will judge my work on their own and that I don't need to defend myself.

Then there are the blogger battles. Over two years I have had a few. We all know who they are (and one hasn't published in nearly a month...interesting...). I know the drama bores most of you. I promise I'll try harder to not have so much.

If there has been one thing I have learned (and am still learning) is that you should never promise anything when you blog. Life gets in the way and makes it difficult to meet deadlines that you have set for yourself. Although I do make money off this site (and have never hid that) it's not nearly enough that I can prioritize this writing (although I do way too often). Trust me guys, no one beats himself up more than I do for not getting something done that I said I was going to. I have gotten up in the middle of the night to blog when the guilt was too much for me to handle. I've updated from Belize and Spain. I think about this way more than is likely healthy.

All that is a long preamble to say that there are some significant changes planned for this space and they likely will come about pretty soon. But, don't hold me to that. You'll know more when it's ready to go and it will be better for everyone.

The third year beckons. I can't wait to see what it brings.

Note: I can't get through this without thanking folks - thanks goes to Neate Sager, now Yahoo's junior hockey blogger and the man that helped launch me into this blogging world; Ben Rycroft and Ben Knight (Ok, Squizz too) for providing the backbone of the podcasting side of this space; Andrea - I'm so terribly sorry; Scott Carefoot of the Score Federation; My U-Sector brothers and sisters - as always an inspiration; Kevin - it's your fault more than anyone that I'm so damn obsessed with this sport; Paul Beirne, Earl Cochrane and others at TFC who have been helpful in providing access and information when needed (no, I don't cut their lawns); The MLS blogging community - Ives, Jason Davis, Dave Clark, to name a few, that have been helpful and who provide inspiration; My Twitter friends - many a stressful day has been dealt with by finding amusement in my Twitter feed; Manchester City Football Club - they keep me sane...really; Fumo and Massy - When you write all day in an empty condo you grow to appreciate your cats; The Voyageurs - one day you all are going to get a medal for your loyalty. Then you'll bitch about the colour, but that's why we love you; Dino Rossi - For putting his money where his mouth is; and, finally, Me. It's all about me, really...;)

MLS playoff schedule

2010-10-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here is the MLS Cup playoff schedule. For TFC fans unaware, the "playoffs" take place after the regular season and determine the league's "champion."

If the games are available on Canadian TV they will be on Gol.

Oct 28
COL vs. CLB

Oct 30
DAL vs. RSL
SJ vs. NY

Oct 31
SEA vs. LA

Nov 4
NY vs. SJ

Nov 6
CLB vs. COL
RSL vs. DAL

Nov 7
LA vs. SEA

CCL by the numbers

2010-10-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

Out of Touch has compiled a summary of CONCACAF Champions League results by country that might surprise you. By looking at the overall record of Canadian teams in the competition an argument could be made that they deserve a spot directly in the group stage.

It's hard to say how much of an argument since there is only three teams (four next year) competing for the spot, but Canada's 1.55 points per game ranks right up there.

How well does it rank?

Have a look yourself.

The MLS Cup match-up: ranking the possibilities

2010-10-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Based on my quick calculations, there are still 22 possible MLS Cup match-ups. If TFC fans are going to go to the game -- and feedback I've received is that most likely will (a month is a long time to go without the rhythms of game day and when push comes to shove staying home is not going to seem as appealing as it does while sitting in front of your computer) -- then it stands to reason there are some match-ups that are better than others.

Here is a ranking, from worst to best, of the possible match-ups:

No 22 - Galaxy v Columbus

One of them would have to win. And that would be awful. There are match-ups involving the two teams higher up the list that are more palatable, but none where both teams play the villain so well

No 21 - Galaxy v Seattle

It's a nice match-up, but again TFC fans would be forced to watch either Landon Donovan hold a trophy or a team that is two bloody years old. No offense Seattle fans, but...salt in wounds...

No 20 - Dallas v Colorado

Just because I can't think of a less exciting match-up.

No 19 - Seattle v San Jose

Both teams came into the league after TFC

No 18 - LA v Colorado

Colorado does not inspire and La we've talked about.

No 17 - Dallas v Columbus

See No 18, add greater Columbus hate. At least there would be a team to cheer against.

No 16 - Dallas v New York

The Red Bulls will probably bring a good amount of fans up and are less villain-like because of, well, their suck-ness over the years

No 15 - Dallas v Seattle

Jeff Cunningham or year two team. You pick.

No 14 - Seattle v Colorado

Again, not that sexy of a match-up. No good winner for TFC fans.

No 13 - Dallas v San Jose

Frank Yallop gives some local cheering interest and Cunningham a needed villain. This one is almost tolerable.

No 12 - San Jose v Colorado

Neither team that wins this one would offend (or inspire, really)

No 11 - SLC v Colorado

A rivalry game, so that's interesting. Also Will Johnson gives TFC fans a Canadian cheering interest.

No 10 - San Jose v Columbus

On one hand having Columbus in the game is a nightmare. On the other, it would provide the crowd with a cheering (against) interest. San Jose is pretty benign too and has a Canadian manager, so...

No 9 - San Jose v New York

Having one of Henry or Beckham in the game would be nice regardless of how cynical you might want to be about it. Ideally it would be nice to have a team playing against them that you won't feel dirty cheering for. Also, Carl Robinson.

No 8 - SLC v San Jose

There is a lot of Canadian in this one to like and neither team is that offensive of a winner

No 7 - Galaxy v San Jose

An old rivalry game with easy to understand villains and heroes. Plus, Beckham.

No 6 - SLC v Seattle

If Seattle was a 10 year old club I'd have no problems cheering for them in the final. However...this would be a good game, I think and I'm good with a SLC repeat.

No 5 - Seattle v Columbus

It's a bit inconsistent, but if I'm going to cheer for Seattle I want to REALLY cheer for Seattle.

No 4 - Seattle v New York

It would be a hell of a game and it would be really nice to see Carl Robinson and Greg Sutton win, don't you think?

No 3 - Galaxy v New York

It's the glamour match-up and it would be hyped beyond words. That's a good thing for a game that is going to struggle for attention in bitter Toronto.

No 2 - SLC v Columbus

SLC is the most palatable winner in my mind and Columbus would be fun to cheer against.

No 1 - SLC v New York

There are few match-ups where I'd be good with either winner and that look like a good (and possible) match-up. This is the one that best meets those criteria. Either Will Johnson and the cute team with the bad name wins again (which offends no one in Toronto) or two former and popular TFC players win at BMO with the sexy team that has never won a damn thing before (and will probably bring a bunch of supporters up for the game making it fun to watch).

Yeah, New York and Salt Lake. I could live with that.

No live show today

2010-10-22T09:55:00.001-07:00

We had a couple guests back out last minute so we're pulling the plug on today's show.

Bad timing considering the news out of Toronto today but we'll be back on Monday with our MLS playoff preview, a recap of the season ticket freeze, what it means going forward and two great guests.

Wednesday we're planning to have someone on from the supporters groups in Seattle, Portland and Vancouver to talk about away support and what teams need to be doing to foster that element of supporters culture. The Southsiders released a statement on it today

And Friday we'll have a CSL championship preview. We should be giving away tickets to that so stay tuned.

That's the update. Enjoy the weekend.

A(nother) letter from the F.O.

2010-10-22T09:10:00.001-07:00

I'm just going to let this sit on its own for now:

Thank you.

Over the past 10 days, we've solicited and received a lot of feedback from a broad spectrum of season seat holders and supporters. Through emails, conversations, on-line chats and a series of Town Hall meetings we've heard a great deal and it has been very informative.

The Town Hall sessions were passionate, vocal and candid. The meetings were crucial to helping us understand your concerns. Toronto FC fans are unique - you love your club, you feel a part of the club, but your club has let you down on and off-the-pitch. We've now digested your feedback with the goal of identifying actionable items.

Several key themes have emerged throughout our discussions. We've summarized these themes and our plan of action for 2011 and 2012.

1. "Don't price us out of the building. When will price increases stop?"
For returning season seat holders who renew by the deadline, we will honour their 2011 prices for the 2012 season. In other words, there will be no price increase for the 2012 season for renewing 2011 season ticketholders.

2. "Toronto FC is MY Club. I don't want any other teams or games in my season ticket package."
For 2012, Toronto FC's season ticket package will only include the MLS regular season games and two Nutrilite Canadian Championship games.

3. "These Town Halls are good. Will you continue the dialogue?"
The Toronto FC Town Hall sessions were valuable and enlightening. We hope the sessions have been valuable for you as well. We are committed to holding similar sessions at BMO Field two times in 2011.

4. "Transportation: GO Trains arrive too close to kick-off. Leaving Exhibition Place is a nightmare!"
We understand this frustration. We will continue to work with Metro Police, Toronto Transportation, TTC and GO Transit to improve getting to and from games. A new exit from Exhibition Place to Lakeshore Blvd. is nearly complete and will help with post game congestion.

5. "Team performance is not where it should be. What is the club's direction in the short and long-term?"
With change comes the opportunity to make important decisions about our future. We're working hard to assemble a management team that is second to none in Major League Soccer. We are looking for leadership that will establish the vision for this team and create a winning culture so that Toronto FC will consistently compete for a championship.

We are excited about the opportunity for a fresh start as we prepare to launch our fifth anniversary season in 2011. To welcome you back and thank you for showing the world how Toronto supports this game like nobody else in North America, all season seat holders who renew their seats by Monday, October 25 will be attending our 2011 Home Opener on us - we're picking up the tab for your ticket for that game. Since you have already renewed - thank you - your account will be credited accordingly. More details about this will come in a separate email.

You have given us a lot to consider and in turn we hope our efforts demonstrate that we value your support and passion. We are extending our renewal deadline to 5 p.m. on Monday, October 25, 2010 to give season seat holders additional time over the weekend to think about our action plan and make their decision.

We look forward to seeing you back next year. And before that, we look forward to celebrating the best in North American soccer at the MLS Cup game at BMO Field on November 21.

Thank you again.

Road to T.O.: A final week preview

2010-10-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

With New York's 2-0 win over New England last night, the Red Bulls finished off a remarkable one year turn around from worst to first (in the east) and ended Columbus' attempt to win a third straight eastern crown.

From a Toronto perspective, New England's loss assured that TFC will end with the same amount of points as the Revs. If it's a two way tie, the Revs will finish ahead based on head to head play. Unless it's a three way tie. Then you have to factor in the other team's record against Toronto and New England.

Most people, however, won't be looking at the battle for 11th - 12th. With a tight race for the bottom playoff seed that's where the attention will be. A quick review of the tiebreaker formula:

The highest position shall be awarded to the team with the better win/loss record in current regular season games against all other teams equal in points. (head-to-head competition)
If the teams are still equal in the standings, the highest position shall be awarded to the team with the greater goal difference against all other teams during the regular season. (goal differential)
If the teams are still equal in the standings, the highest position shall be awarded to the team scoring the greatest number of total goals against all other teams during the regular season. (total goals for)
If the teams are still equal in the standings, the procedures described in this section shall be applied only to games played on the road by each team against all other teams during the regular season. (road 1-3)
If the teams are still equal in the standings, the procedures described in this section shall be applied only to games played at home by each team against all other teams during the regular season. (home 1-3)
If the teams are still equal in the standings, the highest position shall be awarded to the team with the fewest team disciplinary points in the League Fair Play table during the regular season.
If the teams are still equal in the standings, the highest position in the standings shall be determined by the toss of a coin.
The first tiebreaker in a three-way tie is also head-to-head, but it is determined via points-per-game versus the other two teams. If two teams are tied in points-per-game head-to-head, the next tie breaker is goal difference.

If two clubs remain tied after another club with the same number of points advances during any step, the tie breaker reverts to step 1 of the two-club format.

Currently, the standings are as follows:

West
Galaxy – 56
SLC – 55
Dallas – 50
Seattle 48
San Jose – 46
Colorado - 45
Houston – 30
Chivas – 28

East
NYRB – 51
Columbus – 47
Kansas - 36
Chicago – 33
Toronto – 32
New England – 32
Philly – 31
DC United – 22

With the east settled, there are two things to watch for this weekend. The Supporter’s Shield/west race and the wildcard shuffle.

With a one point lead, L.A. has a simple task – win and lift the trophy. If the Galaxy beats Dallas at home they will win the west and the Shield. It won’t matter what SLC does.

SLC must get a result against Colorado and hope that L.A. doesn’t win. A draw will only be good enough if the Galaxy lose. However, with the head-to-head tiebreaker even, SLC would take the second tiebreaker if the two teams end up even on 56 points.

SLC plays first so the Galaxy will know what it needs to do at kick-off.

The wildcard is, um, a bit more wild. Although we know that Dallas can’t fall below fourth in the west and therefore won’t cross over the rest is up for consideration.

Dallas really doesn’t have much to concern itself with. Seattle could catch it – and ideally you want to finish above in case you meet in the conference final – but otherwise it knows it’s playing one of SLC or L.A. in the first round. Unless Seattle beats Houston by about 10 goals, Dallas will have the tiebreaker on the Marching Band FC so a win or draw will clinch third in the west for Dallas.

Seattle, as stated, has to finish ahead of Dallas in points to grab third. The only way that happens is to beat Houston and have Dallas lose to L.A. If Seattle wins they can finish no worse than fourth in the west and won’t cross over. If they draw, they will guarantee a finish above Colorado and will wait to see what San Jose does. A loss could see them drop all the way down to the final playoff spot.

Seattle currently has the tiebreaker with San Jose, but would lose a tiebreak with Colorado. A three way tie is not possible.

San Jose must beat Kansas City on the road to have a hope of playing off in the west. With a win and a Seattle loss they will finish fourth in the west and play one of L.A. or SLC. With a two goal win and a Seattle draw they will also grab fourth. A Seattle win, or failing to win themselves will guarantee a trip east for the playoffs.

Colorado must win against SLC and hope Seattle and San Jose loses. If that happens they will play SLC in the playoffs.

Looking ahead: A very (too?) early draft preview

2010-10-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

TFC will draft somewhere between fifth and ninth (although New England is losing to New York as I type. If that result holds the Reds cannot finish lower than the Revs and will not have a better pick than No. 6) in this year's MLS draft. Vancouver, of course, has the first overall pick.

Although the draft's importance has been reduced in recent years, it is still an important way to build depth. It's also a great way to build consistency, as often the NCAA products turn into MLS lifers.

Here is a look at a few of the more likely choices for the two Canadian teams.

Cody Arnoux is already with the team and might be what Vancouver is looking to do with the pick. He certainly has the potential to have a great career. As it seems that he will need to go back through the draft, it's likely that the 'Caps will need to use their first pick on him if they want to keep him. They have had a unique advantage of having seen him up close and personal to evaluate him so far.

If it isn't Arnoux it might be Anthony Ampaipitakwong, a creative midfielder from Akron, or Generation adidas prospect Omar Salgado, a forward. There is your caveat, Generation adidas. As GA players are extremely valuable a true evaluation of the draft must wait until we know what the GA class is. That said, you could do worse than the above three players.

It's even more difficult to peg what TFC might do. However, if we assume that the Reds are going to pick somewhere around the eighth slot and that they might be looking to fill a need (scoring), we can take some educated guesses. If you factor in a need to find a guy more likely to step in and contribute, we can narrow it more.

Here are a few names: Casey Townsend, Ashley McInnes and Brian Ownby. All are forwards with good upside. However, I kind of like the look of Colin Rolfe. He's a big, gifted goal scorer and looks the most pro ready to my admittedly untrained eye.

As stated, it's a bit early to start doing the mock drafts just yet, but with the season TFC has had it's never really too soon to start looking ahead to better times. Or, in Vancouver's case new times.

The preseason starts in about 15 weeks.

Movin' on

2010-10-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

I'm about done with the drama. I understand that people are frustrated and that they want to express themselves. As I've written 100 times by know, have at it. Do what makes you happy.

But, I'm done. I attended the U-Sector town hall meeting with MLSE last night. I listened with interest with what they said and what was asked and then I jumped on the subway to go do a podcast on the Vancouver Whitecaps. I don't have the energy to be angry about ticket prices or at the way people are or are not protesting said ticket prices anymore. Until there is new news on this subject this is the last you will read of it here (that said, I expect there will be more news within the week and the MLS Cup will be a topic of discussion for the next month).

Speaking of the MLS Cup, it struck me as sincere when Tom Anselmi said that they were shocked at the negative reaction to having the game included in the season ticket package. They felt that getting the game was something they should do for the fans. The MLS Cup does not make money for the hosts. The league is giving up revenue by holding the game in a smaller stadium. Suggesting that the inclusion of the game is because ML$E is greedy is, well, illogical, but I might as well have that debate with my cat. If you think that, you think that. There ain't nothing I can do to change your mind.

Regardless, there were some good things that came out of the U-Sector meeting. It seemed productive. The group had the advantage of knowing what was said at other meetings before it so it was able to ask questions in a way that produced more detailed answers.

Detailed notes of the meeting can be read here.

In the past TFC had a season ticket renewal rate of about 94 per cent. Even before the anger, that number was likely to drop. However, reports that less than a third of the tickets have been renewed are simply inaccurate. The club remains committed to expanded the season ticket base to 18,000 and is even thinking about future stadium expansion. Anecdotally a lot of people have renewed this week (myself included). TFC seems concerned right now, but not panicked.

If you read the reaction in the U-Sector thread I've linked, and in this thread that asks members if they have renewed, you'll see that there has been a softening of opinions because of the town hall meetings. There are still people ANGRY AS HELL (and you'll meet some in the comments section, I'm sure), but for many, myself included, it seems a good time to move on.

Note: I lied (a bit). I invited a non-affiliated season ticket holder to report on his perspective from tonight's meeting. That could appear in this space tomorrow.

It's Called Whitecaps - Guest: Terry Dunfield

2010-10-20T14:26:00.001-07:00

We're doing a full-show dedicated to the Vancouver Whitecaps tonight, their season and what lays ahead for them.

In it we're joined by a new host from the left coast to help break down their series vs Puerto Rico, the recent releases by the club and the recent signings by Portland.

And we're joined by Terry Dunfield who talks about his return to Vancouver, what its like for the players who are on the bubble of being cut right now, the honour of playing for Canada and his thoughts on MLS as a league.

If all goes well, we'll be adding a regular live Caps show to our lineup very soon.

So, if you like what you hear, or you don't, let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Mini-break

2010-10-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Some other work is keeping me away until tomorrow.

It's Called A Post-Game

2010-10-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

Our usual panel of experts/hooligans talk about if the CCL run can be called a success, if it was a mistake of Toronto to compete for both league and CCL and what to expect in next year's Nutrilite Voyageurs Cup.

We also review the play of Nicholas Lindsay and Ashtone Morgan and who from the regular starting 11 should be afraid for their job next year.

Canada qualifies for Olympic qualifier!

2010-10-18T11:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it was automatic, but still...

CONCACAF released the Olympic qualifying details on Friday. It will be the same format as in 2008, which saw two groups of four play out followed by a semi-final, final. The winners of the semi-finals advance to London.

The three "North American" teams -- Canada, USA and Mexico -- go straight to the event. They are joined by two qualifiers from the Caribbean and three from Central America.

The women's event, which will be held in Canada, sees Canada, Mexico and the United States in automatically. They will be joined by three teams from the Caribbean and two from Central America. It's the same format as the men's.

It's worth reminding readers that the men were one win away from going to China. The Olympics represents a real chance to get to a high profile event. It could be invaluable from a optics perspective. However, the sub-23 program has traditionally been overlooked by the CSA. There is little evidence that anything has changed. The team will likely go into the tournament with limited preparation.

Re-sign the Gargan?

2010-10-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

Dan Gargan is the type of player that Toronto sports fans love. He's tough, intense and plays a straight forward game. To use a hockey analogy he's a third line checking forward who will drop the gloves from time to time and who shows up at Sick Kids without telling the media.

He can play the game too. At $40,000 he's been a great value for TFC this year on a club that rarely gets values from its contracts. He's due for a raise.

That's where it gets tricky. How big of a raise is Gargan worth? Is he a $100,000 player? More? Less? Therein is the question that the new TFC GM needs to answer.

It's not just Gargan of course. Other salary decisions face the club as well. How they are handled will tell us a lot about whether the mentality of the club has changed or if Mo Johnston was a symptom of a greater issue.

That's why we all should be watching the Gargan situation very closely. As a fan favourite the temptation might be to overpay. If they do let Gargan slip away you know there will be some upset fans that will be convinced that it is an example of the club's inability to understand just how good he is. Maybe TFC doesn't want the heartache and giving him the extra $20,000 he asks for is easier than holding the line at what they value him at.

In the past MLSE has been accused of meddling in player decisions. There are more than a few examples on the Leafs side of things (Tie Domi anyone?), but even with TFC the rumour has been there. What else could Preki have been talking about when he issued his parting shot about interference as he was leaving town?

So, we'll see.

Gargan is a solid player that seems to add some intangibles into the mix. But, he isn't irreplaceable. Columbus paid Andy Iro $71,100 this year. Based on Iro's play up to this year, that's not a bad measure. If Gargan gets something like that for 2011 then by all means Release the Gargan. Otherwise just release him.

Sober Second Thoughts: Yeah, that makes sense

2010-10-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

Of course the keeper scored. Obviously. After the year TFC has had it only makes sense.

Still, those that booed at the final whistle were guilty of more than a little head-up-the-ass-ness. The effort was there. Booing TFC results now is beyond redundant. Last week someone in my comments section took issue with my writing that the club wasn't good enough. They said that the point had already been made too many times. Fair enough. That's kind of my point too.

The problem, of course, is there is very little else to talk about. Nicholas Lindsay, maybe? The kid did have a good game. There is still room to grow, but he has a touch on the ball and could be a useful piece next year. A wide option off the bench at least.

Jon Conway punching Steven Lenhart before walking off the pitch arms raised high in the air waving the crowd on like a departing star in the WWE -- well, that might have been the highlight of the year. It's possible Conway might get a few MVP votes for that public service.

No word on whether Brian Burke was watching, but I think I know who his favourite soccer player would be if he was.

We could also talk about the protests. From where I stand I can't really see section 112 so I can't say how many were wearing green. Some, for sure. The stadium was hardly painted green though.

It was quiet. And that was part of the RPB and North End Elite's plan. Whether it makes any difference is hard to say.

In talking about the protests before the game I did mention to a few people that it would be telling on one front -- helping people understand what the true reach of the supporter's groups are. Many of us that are involved in the culture are guilty of thinking that everyone at the stadium is as engaged as we are. The truth is less than 2-3,000 at any game are active in a supporter's group. The majority of the crowd are non-affiliated. As much as MLSE needs to appreciate the value of the supporter's groups in the marketing of the team and in fuelling the atmosphere at the games, they also need to take care of the needs of the non-affiliated.

Those needs aren't always in line with those of the supporter groups. Actually feedback I have received from the town hall meetings so far indicates that there is a slight resentment amongst some non-affiliates towards what they view as preferential treatment to the groups.

Moving forward the groups should be aware of that when they plan any future protests in the stadium. That's not to suggest they shouldn't do whatever they feel is needed for them to do, but rather that they should make efforts to understand what the feelings of the rest of the stadium are. A push back from the non-affiliated fans is possible.

Regardless there is just one game left at home now -- tomorrow's nothing CCL match where a crowd of less than 10,000 is likely. Well, other than the MLS Cup.

God only knows what the crowd is going to be for that one.

Whitecaps - Islanders second-leg live blog

2010-10-17T13:55:00.001-07:00

After a 0-0 tie in Puerto Rico in the first leg of their USSF-II semifinal, the Vancouver Whitecaps have returned home (on the same flight as the Islanders) for the rematch. They take on Puerto Rico today at 4 p.m., and I'll be live-blogging it from Vancouver's Swangard Stadium. Wes Knight is back in the lineup, which should give the Whitecaps a boost, but facing the Islanders in an elimination game is never easy. Check out game previews from Marc Weber, Ben Massey, Simon Fudge and Bruce Constantineau, then come join me at 4 for the game!

Whitecaps - Islanders: Leg II

It's Called Football - 2 Year Anniversary Show

2010-10-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

For our 2 year anniversary show we lined up a great slate of guests.

CSL commissioner Dominic Di Gironimo joins us to tell Canadian fans to expect major expansion in the CSL over the next two years (Quebec, BC and Ontario).

Toronto FC's Dan Gargan joins us to talk about his first year at the club, what his plans are for next year and his thoughts on Mo Johnston

Former Chicago Fire GM Peter Wilt talks to us about what it takes to build a winner in MLS and all but confirms he's been approached about the GM job here.

And finally, we're joined by the president of the Red Patch Boys, Boris Aguilar, to talk about the protests planned for this weekend.

Thank you to all who have supported us the past two years. It's the viewer feedback that makes it worth it. Cheers

Vancouver Whitecaps - Puerto Rico playoff live blog, Leg 1

2010-10-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

After narrowly surviving the Portland Timbers in the first round of the USSF-2 playoffs, the Vancouver Whitecaps hope to continue their run against the Puerto Rico Islanders, who upset top-seeded Rochester in the first round. Game One is today at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific in Puerto Rico. The Whitecaps are webcasting it, and it will be live-blogged here (as long as the webcast's working; Puerto Rico isn't on their usual ground, and I know Rochester had some issues trying to get a webcast from the temporary ground).

To get ready for this one, check out the game previews from Ben Massey, Marc Weber, Simon Fudge and Bruce Constantineau. After looking through those, come join me for the live blog below!

Vancouver Whitecaps - Puerto Rico Islanders

Anselmi says he's sorry, likely makes things worse.

2010-10-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

Appearing on the Fan 590 yesterday Tom Anselmi suggested that the cost per game increase was not fuelling the anger regarding the season ticket prices. He said "A buck or two extra a game isn't the issue here."

Although I do believe that the single biggest factor in the unrest remains the club's lack of success, Anselmi is mistaken. The club did remove two games from the package, and that might be enough to tip renewals to the level they need them to be at (at the top end removing the games will take almost $250 off of the cost of a pair -- it isn't insignificant) it doesn't speak to the rage at the supporter's level.

Putting aside those that can't be satisfied -- and there is a subsection of the base that fits that description -- rolling back the cost of tickets per game to this year's rates would have taken much of the momentum away from the anger. It also would have represented less of a decrease in the sticker price than removing the two CONCACAF games, but would have likely felt like a bigger sacrifice to those dissatisfied.

The other big issue most have is the inclusion of the MLS Cup ticket in the package. Beyond demonstrating to me how few people are really listening to It's Called Football (we actually reported that back in June), the level of anger must be puzzling to MLSE. After all, it's just a straight swap from the international friendly that has always been included in the package. It really is literally no different than what people have bought in the past without blinking.

Emotionally it seems different to people though.

MLSE mishandled the situation, clearly. To fix it they are going to need to speak to that emotion, rather than the logic.

Note: If you haven't seen the MLSe "I'm Sorry" letter, click here.

About U-Sector and Saturday

2010-10-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

I don't speak for U-Sector. U-Sector speaks for U-Sector. So, what I'm about to write does not reflect the overall view of the group, its informal leadership or any individual member of the group.

There will be no organized protest at the game Saturday by U-Sector. Quietly, the group has decided not to employ a capo for the game and many members will be wearing a colour that is not red. Sack the CSA t-shirts are a popular suggestion, as are black U-Sector hoodies.

Most members of U-Sector have resisted renewing their season tickets until the last possible moment and many have spoken to their ticket reps about dissatisfaction. Leadership remains in contact with the front office.

To suggest that U-Sector is in someway capitulating to MLSE and, by doing so, inferring that they are somehow part of an overall problem is inaccurate and, frankly, ignorant.

One of the core philosophies of U-Sector is to promote independent thinking by its members. It maintains a public discussion board open to anyone that wishes to join and has no membership structure. If you think you are U-Sector, you are.

As the group originated from supporters of the Canadian national team and the Toronto Lynx, there is also a strongly held belief in the importance of loyalty regardless of results. That is why you very rarely will see a organized public display in the stadium and you will never see U-Sector turn negative on the players during the 90.

Speaking as an individual now, I would ask that those that wish to protest Saturday respect those that are not.

I am supporting the efforts of North End Elite and Red Patch Boys by promoting what they are doing. I will report what happened after as well. I am not commenting on the protests beyond that. Anyone that wants to talk about the efforts is welcome to send me an e-mail (that I will publish) or contact me to request appearing on It's Called Football (I can’t accommodate every request, but we are certainly open to talking to a representative from both groups). I will provide you with that platform.

On Saturday I am going to watch a football game. I don't know what I will wear yet (probably not green as it strikes me as a little too close to what Manchester United fans are doing and, well, I support City). I doubt I'll be as enthusiastic as I might normally be, but if the spirit moves me, I will be.

Again, I don't speak for U-Sector, but I suspect most in the group feel the same as me.

No live show tonight

2010-10-13T15:24:00.001-07:00

Rollins is upset I'm charging him to drink my beer now, so he's off tonight in protest. We hope to have things resolved by Friday - I plan to offer him the good chair in return for the increased fees.

But the nice thing about weeks when we only do one show, is it makes that one show f'n phenomenal.

On Friday we'll be joined by former Chicago Fire GM Peter Wilt to talk about what it takes to build a winning club in MLS, the CSL commissioner to talk about expanding to B.C. and a TFC player to be named later (rhymes with Jan Blargan) to talk about his plans for next year.

In addition to that we'll be discussing, wait for it, the protests.

Make sure you join us for the 2pm EST kickoff.

Protest day

2010-10-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

Both the Red Patch Boys and North End Elite are planning protest actions at Saturday’s MLS season ending game against Columbus.

The Red Patch are asking members and supporters to wear green clothing to the game. They say it’s to symbolize “the greed and cash grabbing nature of MLSE.”

From the RPB discussion board (RooneyRPB):

“We want to let the team and management know that when we say "All for One" it means something.

It doesn't mean doubling the price of seasons tickets over a span of four years. It means that you should be rewarding loyalty not exploiting it. Doing this type of action is in the best interests of all fans in that stadium, not only supporters. We have a community and atmosphere to protect and the current attitude by ownership threatens that.

We are seeing rumours about adjustment to the ticket packages, but in all reality we are now looking to next year and trying to send the message that these increases are not welcome or warranted.

The NEE are planning on watching the game in silence. They say that they are doing so because they feel taken advantage of by MLSE using images of them in their marketing while “gouging (their) ticket prices to unacceptable levels.”

U-Sector is not planning any actions but is not stopping individual members from making individual decisions.

The money game

2010-10-13T12:07:00.001-07:00

As expected TFC eliminated two games from the season ticket package and extended the renewal period to Oct 22.

Also as expected the reaction has been even more anger from those already upset about the ticket increase.

In case I have not been clear, my position on this is as follows. I do not believe TFC handled this correctly. Although there was no good time to announce an increase – the reaction would have been there even if the club was on a 10 game winning streak – doing so right after one of the lowest points in club history was terribly misguided. If ever there was a time for a per game price freeze it would have been now. As I’ve written in the past, holding the per game cost and making the MLS Cup an opt in would have decreased the sticker shock of the increase a great deal.

It would be nice if the club could articulate why a per game cost was justified in the first place. Demand for the product has clearly dipped this year. Not as much as some critics think, but the 17,000 person waiting list is mostly myth as well – many of those on the list are current holders looking for more tickets or people that signed up more than two years ago on a whim.

Where I differ from many of the critics is in the issue of fairness. There is a belief that MLSE is being “unfair” in increasing prices. Misguided, sure, cold even, but they are not being unfair. TFC is a business. They can set prices wherever they feel they can. That doesn’t make them greedy. It makes them businessmen.

Today’s action was an adjustment brought on by the market’s reaction. Was it enough? To many, no. And that’s fair. Each person has to make a decision about renewing that feels right to them. We should respect those that say no to paying the price increase and we should also appreciate and understand why others will.

Season ticket adjustment possible

2010-10-12T11:41:00.001-07:00

Strong and credible rumours are flying today that TFC is set to announce an adjustment to the season ticket package tomorrow.

The deadline to renew season seats is Friday. Although no numbers have been made public anecdotal reports suggest that renewals have been sluggish. TFC fans have reacted angrily to a cost per game increase of about $2 on the cheap end, the forced inclusion of the MLS Cup in the package and the inclusion of four "Nutrilite Canadian Championships and/or CONCACAF Champions League games" in the package.

The NCC games have been included in the package before. However, with an additional team in the Voyageurs Cup next year the format for the competition is unknown. As a result, management is unsure how many games will be played. Their solution to that was to include four games that were to be determined. It's likely that three will be used in the NCC with the final ticket then being converted to the CCL preliminary stage game.

The preliminary game was not included in the 2010 package. Attendance at the Motagua game was about 18,000 announced.

The suggestion is that TFC is going to adjust how those games are handled for the 2011 package. There would no longer be games that are not guaranteed in the package. Subscribers would only pay for games that were assured to happen.

Although there has been no official word from the club discussion board fodder has suggested that ticket reps have been telling fans today that a change is coming.

Speculating, the most likely scenario would see two of those tickets removed from the package. That would reduce the renewal sticker price about nine per cent for low end seats to about $390 from $433.

It's unlikely that such a move would completely eliminate much of the anger -- especially as it relates to the MLS Cup final -- but it would represent a nearly unprecedented move from MLSE. It would also suggest that the rumours of sluggish renewals are likely true.

I've requested confirmation from the club. As of 2:50 EDT I have not heard back. I'll update if I do.

Common Sense not Stupidity

2010-10-12T09:34:00.001-07:00

Sounder at Heart's Dave Clark has been trying to get the catch phrase Trophies not Friendlies to catch hold. Although his efforts have managed to convert the converted it's unlikely it's taken root at the league's office -- particularly in the not talked about offices at the end of the hall where SUM operates out of.

If you are a football fan you understand that playing a friendly at the crucial crunch of your season is beyond cynical. Actually, it's just stupid and it betrays a lack of appreciation for the real competition.

The soccer fans, however, are a bit more oblivious.

Last week Seattle won the US Open Cup in front of a record crowd of about 33,000 at Qwest. Tonight, more rave green fanatics will chant SOUNDERS or SEATTLE as the club takes on Chivas FMF.

It's disheartening. In tonight's case it kind of worked out. Seattle has clinched a playoff spot. All that is really left to play for is positioning and, travel aside, Seattle would probably rather finish one spot below where they are now. The East crossover looks more attractive than Dallas.

Still, could you imagine the uproar if Chelsea scheduled a friendly with Barcelona in early May? No, you probably couldn't because it just never would happen. Only here would such a half-baked idea ever have legs.

However, as long as people keep paying their money to see these games they will keep happening.

I'm not one that argues for the full elimination of the international friendlies. I understand that for the long-term growth of the sport we need to keep brining over the big clubs and the only time they can come over is during the season. However, I do believe that those games should be limited to a particular time in the schedule -- lets say July 1 - August 1 -- and that there should never, ever be a game played this late. It hurts the credibility of the league.

In an ideal world I would love to see a three-quarters empty Qwest tonight. That won't happen. A more realistic goal will be education. If ever there was a good time for a TROPHIES NOT FRIENDLIES tifo it would be tonight. That way you might get some casual fans asking questions.

The un-American League

2010-10-12T09:20:00.000-07:00

A second straight Canadian Derby D2 title game is still possible after both Montreal and Vancouver won their first round USSF D2 quarterfinal series.

Montreal continued to ride the form of former Miami Fusion, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Toronto Lynx, GIF Sundsvall, Göteborg, Odd Grenland, AC Horsens, Ingolstadt, MK Dons and TFC striker Ali Gerba in getting by Austin, while Vancouver held off Portland in a tight tie.

The Whitecaps might consider themselves a bit lucky and a bit fortunate to have Jay Nolly in goal. The keeper made several point blank saves in the second half of the first game and throughout the second game to hold onto the narrow 2-1 tie win.

Gerba had four goals as Montreal won both games against Austin.

The semi-finals will be contested by three non-American teams. It has now been three years since an American based team played in the D2 final and if Carolina can’t get past red hot Montreal it will be three straight. Puerto Rico draws Vancouver in ~~exhibit 1A of why D2 travel requirements are very difficult to deal with~~ the other semi.

Based on form, experience and history you’d have to suggest that a Vancouver – Montreal final is once again in the cards (although Carolina is a strong side). Certainly, the ‘Caps have to be favourites.

The semis start Thursday in Puerto Rico and Montreal and finish Sunday in Vancouver and Carolina.

Sober Second Thoughts: Yeah, I got nothin'

2010-10-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving came at a good time, I think. All of us, myself included, needed a little break from this team.

After sneaking glances at my Twitter feed during Thanksgiving dinner (sorry mom) to learn that DC United was not going to keep what little bit of hope there was alive, I retired to the den to watch a shaky feed of TFC's sleepwalk in Los Angeles.

The official page said that TFC lost "despite having most of the chances." In other news, I didn't win this year's Booker despite not publishing a novel.

So now it's official. It's over. TFC will finish with no more than 37 points. That's two less than 2009 and the lowest since the expansion year. The bottom line, however, is that it's another season of failure. All that's left now is the indignity of watching the Crew win the Trillium Cup next week at BMO in front of an small and angry crowd.

So, it should be fun then.

As I stated last week there is nothing left to say about the 2010 season. The quicker we can get through it and start to move on the better. The Voyageurs Cup win of the spring is a very distant memory now. It hardly registers amongst the hardcore. It doesn't register amongst the angry mass. Even with a decent Champions League run -- and it was -- it doesn't mean anything to anyone really.

The thing is we all should have expected it. At the conclusion of 2009 it was understood that the club would look very different in 2010 and that a lot of veterans would have to be pushed overboard. The thing was that the '09 team wasn't that far off. They needed a little more discipline and to be psychologically stronger, but talent wise TFC was rright there.

However, cap mismanagement -- and we know who to blame for that -- meant that it had to be blown up. The new team wasn't put together until late in March -- Dan Gargan famously was putting his boots on in a cab as he was being brought to Crew Stadium for the season opener. In the pre-season many were predicting that TFC might be the worst team in MLS.

Without Preki in charge they are. The Crazy Prekster's style allowed the team to play above their head early, but eventually his training demands drove the club into the ground and the lack of depth was exposed. The August swan dive has been well documented. So, here we are.

As rebuild is needed again. This time it's the rebuild that should have happened last year. We have four months to wait and watch. In the meantime we can only hope the nightmare ends soon.

Whitecaps - Timbers: Second-leg live blog

2010-10-10T14:10:00.001-07:00

The Vancouver Whitecaps have a 2-0 aggregate lead heading into the second leg of their USSF Division II playoff series in Portland today, but the Timbers aren't going to be an easy foe to dispatch. The game's at 9 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. Pacific) tonight, and will be streamed through the Whitecaps' website. I'll be live-blogging it here and at Sporting Madness. Check out the previews from Marc Weber, Bruce Constantineau, Simon Fudge and Ben Massey, and then come join me at 6 for the live blog!

Vancouver Whitecaps - Portland Timbers

Canada 2 v Ukraine 2

2010-10-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

I have to eat turkey today. However, I did want to get up the highlights of the Canada - Ukraine game. A surprising 2-2 draw is, obviously, a great result.

It's Called Football - Guest: Kara Lang, Dino Rossi

2010-10-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Today, we're joined by Kara Lang - UCLA alumni, Whitecaps star and Canadian national team player - to talk about her road back from injury, where the lady Whitecaps will be next season and where her future in football lays.

We'll also be joined by Dino Rossi, president and owner of Milltown FC, to help set up the CSL playoff picture and give us his take on Milltown's success this year.

TFC v Chivas, Whitecaps v Portland and Montreal v Austin will all get broken down as we take a look at each Canadian club's upcoming game.

Vancouver Whitecaps - Portland Timbers playoff live blog

2010-10-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'll be live-blogging tonight's Vancouver Whitecaps - Portland Timbers USSF-II playoff game from the Swangard Stadium press box. It should be a good one, as this rivalry's always interesting on its own and the playoff atmosphere should only add to that. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. Eastern/7:30 p.m. Pacific, and you can watch the game on the Whitecaps' site here. Come join me then!

Vancouver Whitecaps - Portland Timbers

On sporting loyalty

2010-10-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

With TFC it has only been four years. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, it's been 43. However, in both cases we are begining to hear a familiar critique -- that constant sell-outs and fans willing to support blindly are the root of a losing mentality.

All MLSE cares about is making money, the argument goes; as long as the fans give them that they will never do anything about losing. To borrow and twist a recent catchphrase amongst MLS fans, it's profits not trophies.

Let's put MLSE aside for a moment. Toronto too. Instead I want to examine that thinking from a different angle. In a general way, does blind, loyal support actually hurt a team? If there is not an impetus to improve to sell more seats is there then less of a desire to win?

I honestly don't know the answer to that, but my instinct is to suggest that it's actually the opposite. Teams that lose money tend to cut costs so they lose less money. MLS is a poor example because of they way its structured, but we see it in other leagues. In the NHL many teams don't spend to the cap. In baseball teams like the Kansas City Royals seem to exist only to collect revenue sharing cheques. Meanwhile the profitable franchises spend over the cap in sports like basketball, to the cap in hockey and stupid high in baseball. The Yankees makes lots of money and they spend lots. The Red Sox spent lots before they started to win again because they had a fan base willing to support them.

In football we see the same pattern. The biggest factor in Manchester United's raise to the top might have been it's consistent investment in expanding Old Trafford -- more seats, more money, better teams.

I cannot think of a single example where fan apathy has lead to an increased investment in the team. None. If you can, by all means let me know. The Blue Jays will be an interesting model to watch in the next few years as the fans have started to turn away and the young club might be an investment away from actually competing.

I think of this every time I hear someone blame the victim in Toronto sports. There are a lot of problems in the way teams are run in this city right now, but what isn't a problem is the fans loyalty.

Bringing this back to TFC, I fail to see how boycotts help make MLSE a better manager of the club. You may not want to buy tickets anymore, and that's fine, but I think it's terribly disingenuous to suggest that pulling your support is somehow noble.

On a personal level I struggle with the idea that it's wrong to be loyal. I'm one of those Nick Hornby fans that Simon Kuper writes about in Soccernomics. However, Kuper also tells us that most fans aren't Hornby-like -- that many fans shop their support throughout their life. Rather than living and dying with one team the causal fan cheers for teams that enhance their life and give them pleasure. At times I envy that. At other times I remember what it felt like standing in the stadium the day my Alma matter finally won the national football championship in 2005. Or, I watch this:

That was 78-years in the making.

You don't owe anyone your loyalty, but the rewards are greater if you give it.

Whitecaps set for playoff start, Impact already off and running

2010-10-07T15:36:00.001-07:00

Canada’s two USSF-2 teams start their playoff campaigns this week with home-and-home series. Montreal got off on the right foot Wednesday, beating the Austin Aztex 2-0 thanks to an Ali Gerba brace. Meanwhile, Vancouver will face their long-time rivals from Portland in a two-game series starting tonight at Swangard Stadium (10:30 p.m. Eastern: I’ll be live-blogging from the stadium press box, and the game can be seen via streaming video at whitecapsfc.com). Both teams are in slightly different situations, but they have some of the same concerns and will face some of the same challenges.

For Montreal, putting the ball in the net consistently has been an issue for most of the year. Gerba was solid down the stretch run, scoring nine goals in his last seven regular-season games, but he didn’t score at all in the regular season before that. The Impact weren’t able to find much scoring depth, either, and their depth hasn’t shown up much at all lately.

The 2-0 home win was a terrific start for the Impact. As Ben Massey writes, they did well defensively against a determined Aztex team, and that does put them in the driver’s seat. Don’t go predicting them to advance just yet, though. The Impact have been much better at home than on the road all season long, going 12-11-7 at Stade Saputo with 19 goals for and 11 against.. By contrast, they were 5-7-3 on the road, where they allowed 19 goals and only scored 17.

Montreal is facing a difficult opponent as well. The Aztex finished second in the USL Conference with a 15-7-8 record and 53 points, 10 more than Montreal. They earned the third playoff seed overall, while Montreal was seeded sixth. Austin is particularly dangerous at home, where they won more games than any other USSF-2 squad, going 10-2-3. Austin has scored 33 of their 53 goals at home and conceded only 18 of the 40 they allowed all year. Keep an eye out for Manchester United academy product Eddie Johnson (not the American one); he led the team with 14 goals this season and looked absolutely dazzling in the games I saw. Max Griffin added 10 more goals for the Aztex, so he’s a guy to watch as well, as is Jamie Watson, who ranked third in the league with seven assists.

The Whitecaps share some of the same issues as Montreal, most notably finding consistent scoring. Their biggest problem this year has been putting the ball in the back of the net, and as Marc Weber writes, that’s the top question facing the team heading into tonight’s playoff opener. Vancouver finished second in the NASL Conference with a 10-5-15 record, but they only scored 32 goals all year. Part of that’s thanks to a revolving cast up front (and on the whole team, to be honest), but part of it has just been poor finishing. However, they don’t have a significant home-road split (5-2-8 at home with 17 goals for, 5-3-7 on the road with 15 goals for, 11 goals conceded both home and away), so it might not be quite as critical for them to win the first one as it was for Montreal.

Portland isn’t going to be easy to top, either. The Timbers finished third in the USL Conference, but actually put up more points than Vancouver (49 to 45) and thus are the higher-ranked side (fourth versus fifth) heading into this one. They’re a remarkably similar team, too; tough to beat, but with scoring issues (they notched 34 goals for, two more than Vancouver, and conceded 23 goals, one more than the Whitecaps). These teams know each other well, and even if tactical changes may or may not be in the mix, there’s going to be even more intensity to the matchup than normal. Expect plenty of harsh tackles and heated emotions tonight, even if we might not see many goals.

The other USSF-2 playoff matchups are the No. 1 Rochester Rhinos against the No. 8 Puerto Rico Islanders and the No. 2 Carolina RailHawks against the No. 7 NSC Minnesota Stars. The Stars and RailHawks played to a 0-0 draw in their opening leg in Minnesota yesterday, You’d have to think that favours the RailHawks to advance at home, as they were one of the league’s best teams this year; however, both teams don’t have a particularly notable home/road split, so the Stars might still be in it.

Rochester is in Puerto Rico tonight to take on the Islanders, and that match has already run into some controversy. Here’s the release that was just published on the Rhinos’ site:

Bayamon, Puerto Rico -- Due to inadequate and unplayable playing conditions at Puerto Rico's Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, tonight's first leg playoff match has been moved to the Bayamon Soccer Complex. Because of the sudden and unexpected change in tonight's venue there will be no broadcast available for tonight's match. Please follow the Rhinos twitter page for updates throughout the match.

That’s certainly interesting. It will be curious to see how that affects the game. Rochester should be heavily favoured, but odd things seem to happen in Puerto Rico. The return leg is Saturday in Rochester.

Remember to come back here at 10:30 p.m. Eastern/7:30 p.m. Pacific for the Vancouver – Portland live blog!

[Cross-posted to Sporting Madness]

Cut or keep - the TFC roster dance, part I: The forwards (and DeRo)

2010-10-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

Over the next few days I’m going to look at the current TFC roster and critically analyse what players should be invited back. Today we’ll start with the forwards (plus DeRo)

First let’s look at some stats. The top 20 scorers in MLS this season, with salaries:

Edson Buddle - $188,448 – 15 goals
Dwayne De Rosario - $443,750 -- 13
Juan Pablo Angel - $1,918,000 -- 13
Sebastien Le Toux - $122,000 -- 13
Chris Wondolowski - $48,000 -- 12
Omar Cummings - $80,250 -- 12
Conor Casey - $350,000 -- 11
Jeff Cunningham - $230,125 -- 11
Alvaro Saborio -$128,125 -- 10
Fredy Montero - $180,000 -- 10
Kei Kamara - $182,500 -- 10
Justin Braun - $67,500 -- 9
Steve Zakuani - $178,000 --
Guillermo Barros Schelotto - $241,250 -- 8
Brian Ching - $350,000 -- 7
Chad Barrett $212,500 -- 7
Danny Mwanga - $206,250 -- 7
David Ferreira - $300,000 --
Landon Donovan - $2,127,777.78 – 7
Marco Pappa - $108,000 -- 7

The average player on that list is pays $308,123.79. Of course there are some outliers. The median is $206,250 and the average with the DPs taken out is $200,097. Still, compared to every other position on the pitch your goal scorers are going to cost you the most.

It’s with that in mind that you need to look at the two of the more “prickly” contract decisions TFC needs to make in the off season. Do you bump DeRo and do you keep Chad Barrett. Although clearly there is more to a player’s value than just scoring it is a useful measure to use when objectively looking at things.

DeRo is already paid above average, even when you consider the DPs. I think you can make a strong, cold argument that he doesn’t deserve more as compared to others that play a similar role, but you can also suggest that his overall play does put him in the Angel and Donovan class when you are talking about the overall marketability of the player and importance to the team. He’s also on the wrong side of 30. The pros and cons go back and forth.

So, the numbers don’t really tell us much.

Barrett, on the other hand, is a more interesting study. Such is his divisive status amongst TFC support that it’s likely that many aren’t even aware that he is in the top 20 of scoring. Fewer still would be aware that he’s only paid $12,500 more than the average non-DP player amongst the top scorers.

There is no argument that Barrett’s salary represents good value. Mo Johnston overpaid for him, especially when you consider that he was signed (yes, he was a First Wave client, why do you ask?) before he had proven much of anything. However, I don’t think you can argue, as many have, that his contract represents bad value. Actually, it`s pretty much in line with what most top 20 scorers make.

When considering Barrett you have to decide whether this year represents the start of an upswing (he is still young), or if this is what he is – a borderline top 20 scorer that’s a bit injury prone. If it’s the former than you can probably live with a slight overpay (especially when you see Casey and Ching’s numbers). If it’s the latter, you might be better off looking for value.

The off-repeated idea that his salary (of which I am also guilty of) is unmovable seems like it might be bunk though. If you can sell someone on his promise (maybe hometown Portland) then you might be able to move him.

Of course you need someone to replace him. Barrett might be frustrating to some, but there is no one else on this roster not named Dwayne that can come close to his seven goals.

What to do about Barrett is without a doubt one of the most difficult decisions for TFC this off season.

As for the other strikers – O’Brian White ($182,000) and Fuad Ibrahim ($133,000 – GA) – the choice will come down to their contract status. If Ibby is Generation adidas again next year there is no point letting him go. White needs to come in at at least half his current salary. Maicon Santos seems to represent decent value at $93,000.

Mista ($987,337) is as good as gone now.

If I’m running the show, I live with Barrett’s salary for another year. However, the player is made to know that he needs to crank the number of goals up closer to that magic 10 mark. White is released and invited to travel up the #401 to play with Ali Gerba and Ibby is kept as a GA player, or at a salary of around $45,000 if he is graduated. With the reserve league on tap for next year, it’s too early to give up on Ibrahim altogether. Santos deserves to get an invite back to camp at the same salary

As stated, I’d release Mista now if it doesn’t cause too much issue in the room. I doubt he’d come back for the $100,000 I’d be willing to offer, so you might as well let him start looking for another club.

As for DeRo, I do think he provides enough intangibles to the club that you could justify moving him to a DP role. If MLSE is willing to match Julian de Guzman’s salary, good for DeRo. However, in a true market evaluation he’s probably worth about $1,000,000.

Tournament of the Americas finally on way?

2010-10-07T07:57:00.000-07:00

It's long been a pipedream of many a soccer wonk. It's been hoped that rather than having the ugly stepchild Gold Cup as the region's second biggest prize, that a Americas-wide competition takes it place. Although it would be unlikely to rival the Euros for attention right away, in time such a competition would become another must-see summer football event.

As a Canadian you might be forgiven for thinking that this country might actually get to take part too.

Yesterday the pipedream became real-ish with the news that just such a proposal has been made. The 10 CONMEBOL nations would be joined by six CONCACAF teams every four years to compete for an Americas title. CONMEBOL would gain exposure in the rich American market and the top CONCACAF teams would get a challenge (which might help them to get better).

It's pretty much a win-win, with one exception. What would it mean to the smaller, hopeless CONCACAF countries? You would need to provide those countries with something to play for, especially when you need their support to approve a play.

It's easily solvable. There is no reason when you can't still hold a Gold Cup. You just make it every four years instead of every two and make it the qualifying event for the new Tournament of the Americas event. If you have that, plus expanded World Cup qualifying there is plenty of football for the small nations to play. Add some shared TV revenue from the Tournament of the Americas (you can be sure that there would be a significant demand, perhaps even beyond North America).

Such an event might be a bit of a carrot to the USA and Mexico in exchange for the change in qualifying. The issue those two countries had with the proposed change is that they would not be challenged in between World Cups. This would provide them with that challenge.

We will watch this closely.

TFC to the playoffs!!!

2010-10-07T07:40:00.001-07:00

Well, TFC Academy anyway. Both the TFCA senior and junior teams have advanced to the CSL and CSL reserve league playoffs.

The senior team finished a respectful sixth, just seven points back of first in the league. The academy finished third. It should be remembered that TFCA is a sub-20 team playing in a senior, semi-pro circuit.

The Montreal Impact academy team failed to make the playoffs, finishing in ninth.

TFCA starts the playoffs against Hamilton Croatia at Toronto's Centennial Stadium Oct. 13 at an uncivilized 9 p.m.. The return leg is in Hamilton Oct. 17 at TBA.

The juniors play in Maple this Saturday against Portugal FC at 7 p.m.

If you are feeling burned out by all the TFC drama, why not check out some CSL playoff action? It's decent, local football and there are a lot of programs in the league that are doing good things on the development front.

More info here.

It's Called Football - Guest: Marc Weber

2010-10-06T16:02:00.001-07:00

Today, we're joined by Marc Weber from the Vancouver Province to help set the Caps playoff picture, talk about what pieces to the puzzle this team still needs before heading into MLS and what the goal has been for them this year.

We also get into what TFC's goal for Earl Cochrane's is right now, talk about Nick Dasovic calling out his players, Ali Gerba leading the Montreal Impact to a fine playoff result and what the return of the MLS reserve division will do for the league next year.

MLS standings from Aug 1

2010-10-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

In an effort to demonstrate which teams are playing the best down the stretch, a look at the MLS standings based on games played after Aug. 1

Dallas 6W 4D 0L – 22pts
NYRB 6-2-2 -- 20
Seattle 5-2-1--17
Salt Lake 4-5-0 --17
San Jose 5-2-3 --17
Colorado 5-2-3 --17
Galaxy 4-1-4 --16
Philly 3-4-5 -- 13
Columbus 3-3-3 -- 12
Chicago – 3-3-6 – 12
KC 3-2-4 -- 11
NER 3-2-6 -- 11
DC United 3-0-6 --9
Toronto 2 -2- 6 -- 8
Chivas 2-1-6 -- 7
Houston 2-1-6 –7

Hands up if you thought it was Dallas...

(put your hand down, you liar...)

Three more weeks? Really??

2010-10-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

There really is nothing left to say, is there?

As TFC winds down its fourth year -- a tragic number of one staring it in the face with three games to play -- everyone that writes or talks about this team is pretty much at a loss.

Mo Johnston is out. Another coach has been fired. The anger of season ticket increases has simmered to a dull rage. Talk of protests exhausts pretty much everyone and we still have three more weeks to fill before we can seriously start to deconstruct the whole thing.

TFC induced writers block has taken hold. Read the archives. It's the same ole' (stuff) over and over and over again.

Is there anything left to get out of this season? Miracles aside (San Jose must lose all four of its games while TFC must win all three AND hope that Kansas City loses once as well for the Reds to make the playoffs), what is a TFC fan to do the next few?

Well, we could bitch about things. That seems to be a special talent. Or, we could check out emotionally. Many seem to be going that route -- I expect the first sub-18,000 attended game in TFC's MLS history against Columbus.

Suggestions of trying to just get on with it and find joy in the moments have been shouted down. So, basically, the answer is this:

Do whatever you want. If being REALLY, REALLY ANGRY is what gets you to sleep at night, go ahead. If spending all your time analysing the Toronto Maple Leafs playoffs chances is more entertaining, that's cool. Whatever.

Personally, I'll be sitting in my den trying to finds a way to make it all seem relevant. Going to the games has never felt as much like work as it has the last month.

As for the team and what they need to be doing the rest of the way it becomes a little more difficult. Yes, you can make the playing for their jobs argument, but in MLS that's a bit disingenuous. The guys that have a chance of keeping their jobs are pretty much set. It's hard to see many outside that bubble playing their way back in.

There is no farm system like in other North American sports where you can bring up a bunch of kids to see what they might have either. No, instead we have the same group that got us into this mess playing out the string. Inspiring.

It's a bit like going out on a date with your high school sweetheart the day before you both go to university on opposite sides of the country. You go through the motions of normality, but you both are looking forward to meeting new people.

And so it goes...

Now THAT'S a volley!

2010-10-06T07:04:00.000-07:00

HT to @Adz77 via @thevipersnest

Watch this goal from Northern Ireland. Matty Burrows of Glentoran Football Club with a 17-yard back-heel volley.

How long until someone suggests that TFC should sign him?

Trophies not relevance

2010-10-06T05:51:00.000-07:00

In beating Columbus 2-1, the Seattle Sounders captured their second straight US Open Cup title last night in front of more than 33,000 rowdy fans at Qwest. Approximately 53 people outside of the stadium were paying attention – it was late in Ohio, after all.

It’s a shame, really, as the competition has some history. It really should matter more to more. However, a combination of indifference by most MLS teams and a set-up that called the legitimacy of the final into question (plus a 10 p.m. eastern start to the game) means that outside of the geek core, not many cared.

A quick review for Canadian readers not aware of the set-up. The cup has a bidding process where teams involved put a proposal in to host games. In the finals case, all four teams in the semi asked to host. Not surprisingly it went to the city that seemed to care the most. It’s hard to ignore 30,000 plus tickets. However, playing the game in Seattle meant that the Crew had to travel across the country and play on less than ideal rest (the date is also part of the bidding). Of course the game was also played on the plastic crap.

All of that lead to Robert Warzycha throwing cold water on the final yesterday, suggesting that Seattle had all of the advantage heading in. Warzycha didn’t come out and say we’re dressing scrubs and hoping to just get through the thing, but it hardly inspired confidence. Further dampening enthusiasm was the news that the US Open Cup CONCACAF Champions League spot might be taken away. Although it later came out in the day that the spot was set for next year, it was suggested that it was unlikely after that.

As stated, it’s a shame. Why a classic cup competition struggles to get any sort of foothold in the US is likely a product of sporting culture. The concept of parallel competitions baffles many in this part of the world. It simply isn’t how things are done here.

On the weekend I was talking to a sports fan in Eastern Ontario. He told me that he “didn’t get” soccer and the main reason was that he didn’t understand the competitive format. I tried to explain it, but his eyes started to glaze over within seconds. What seems second nature to most of us reading this confuses casual fans. Is it any wonder that the teams prioritize league play?

All this is in no way meant to diminish Seattle winning. Although I don’t like that the final isn’t at a neutral site, I recognize the reasons (which I just outlined) why it isn’t. I also appreciate the effort the Sounders put into the competition – they probably deserve to win for that reason alone.

Turning this to Canada for a moment, the lack of general interest in the competition (Seattle is clearly an outlier) should give pause to those that want the Voyageurs Cup to turn into a classic knock-out competition. The current mini-league has managed to grab the attention of fans. It’s working. Why screw with it?

New York lessons

2010-10-05T10:06:00.000-07:00

When the New York Red Bulls started their disastrous 2009 season, the line-up looked like this:

Juan Pablo Angel
Danleigh Borman
Terry Boss
Andrew Boyens
Daniel Cepero
Jon Conway
Oscar Echeverry
Kevin Goldthwaite
Jeremy Hall
Macoumba Kandji
Matthew M’Buta
Carlos Mendes
Dominic Oduro
Mike Palacio
Mike Petke
Juan Pietravallo
Dane Richards
Jorge Rojas
Luke Sassano
Khano Smith
Seth Stammler
Sinisa Ubiparipovic
John Wolyniec

Bold are still with team

Of that line-up, 10 players remain on the current squad that is in the middle of a remarkable one year turn around that sees them sitting on top of the Eastern Conference with three weeks to play.

So, TFC fans might be wondering, how did they do it? How is it possible to go from one of the worst teams in MLS history to being MLS Cup contenders?

It helps when you can sign Rafa Marquez and Thierry Henry, but New York’s turn around goes deeper than that. In total they have cut ties with 13 players and added 19 since the start of 2009. Let’s have a look at what happened.

Out:
Terry Boss (waived in May 2009 – currently with Seattle)
Daniel Cepero (waived Feb 2010 - currently in USL-2)
Jon Conway (released June 2009 - currently with Toronto)
Oscar Echeverry (Released April 2009 – unattached)
Kevin Goldthwaite (released August 2010 – currently with Portland)
Macoumba Kandji (traded to Colorado for Mehdi Ballouchy)
Matthew M’Buta (waived Feb 2010 – currently in USL-1)
Dominic Oduro (Traded to Houston for two draft picks)
Mike Palacio (contract not renewed – currently in the Serbian second division)
Juan Pietravallo (Released in June 2009 – currently in Argentine second division)
Jorge Rojas (Released in October 2009 – Currently in Venezuela league)
Khano Smith (Waived in July 2009 – Currently in New England)
John Wolyniec (waived in July 2010 – retired)

What should jump out and grab hold of most TFC fans is how many of those guys were just let go. There was no Trader Mo fiddling. The cap space was worth more than any player that could have been brought in. Tough decisions were made. It’s also interesting to see how many players were let go during a season – an indication that the Red Bulls understood that an overhaul was needed and there was no point waiting to start it.

Players in:

Juan Agudelo (academy prospect)
Chris Albright (acquired via trade for two draft picks)
Mehdi Ballouchy (acquired via trade for Macoumba Kandji)
Conor Chinn (MLS Draft)
Giorgi Chirgadze (home grown signing)
Bouna Coundoul (signed as a free agent after Colorado refused his contract demands)
Austin da Luz (MLS Draft)
Irving Garcia (MLS Draft)
Thierry Henry (DP signing)
Salou Ibrahim (signed from Denmark)
Joel Lindpere (signed from Norway)
Rafa Marquez (DP signing)
Roy Miller (signed from Norway)
Brian Nielsen (loan from Austria)
Tim Ream (MLS Draft)
Carl Robinson (acquired via trade for a fourth round draft pick)
Greg Sutton (signed as a free agent)
Carey Talley (acquired via trade for a draft pick)
Tony Tchani (MLS Draft)

A couple things jump out. New manager Hans Backe used his Scandinavian connections to find some useful pieces and the Red Bulls have done well at getting value from their younger players. Obviously, the DP signings can’t be ignored, but in New York’s case, those players were brought in to complete the project, not jumpstart it.

One of the biggest problems with TFC this year is that it had little financial flexibility after Mo Johnston spend a great deal of allocation in 2009. Useful veterans like Amado Guevara and Carl Robinson were let go because they had inflated contracts that simply didn’t work. As such, TFC was waiting until the last minute to bring in players (there were times when they didn’t have enough warm bodies to properly scrimmage in pre-season). Although Preki deserves some credit for getting the rag-tag bunch to play above their head early, the depth was not there to compete season long (especially with CCL play thrown in).

If TFC is to re-build properly this time it needs to make tough decisions quickly. That way they can aggressively go after players from the start of the transfer window. It’s important that they get the GM hire right, but it’s imperative that they don’t waste too much time. If there isn’t a new GM in place by December 1, then maybe it would be best to let Earl Cochrane handle things through to the end of 2011. The worst thing that can happen is for more uncertainty to underline another off-season.

The Red Bulls have shown that it can be done. It’s up to TFC to show us that it can be done by them.

Canada's playing again?

2010-10-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

There was a time when three CMNT games within a month would have been the stuff of fantasy. However, as you can see below on my Canada friendly watch, so far so good on the CSA's commitment to playing as much as possible. We all wish they could have pulled together a November game, but allowing the Euro based players a chance to fully focus on the club game until February is probably a good thing.

There is no word yet on whether the traditional North American camp will take place in January. With Olympic qualifiers next year, you would think that at the least a u-23 camp will take place. The one complication will be that MLS camps will start a couple weeks earlier next year.

But that's a while off yet. First we have Ukraine in three days. The 2012 Euro co-hosts were a goal away from going to South Africa and will present a very strong challenge to Canada’s Euro-based team.

Here is the Ukrainian line-up:

Goalkeepers: Andriy Piatov (Shakhtar), Andriy Dykan (Spartak Moscow, Russia)

Defenders: Dmytro Chyhrynsky (Shakhtar), Vitaliy Mandziuk (Dnipro), Taras Mykhalyk, Yevhen Khacheridi (both - Dynamo), Volodymyr Poliovy (Metalurh Zaporizhya), Olexander Romanchuk (Metalist), Artem Fedetsky (Karpaty)

Midfielders: Olexiy Hai (Shakhtar), Oleh Husiev (Dynamo), Denys Kozhanov, Ihor Khudobiak (both - Karpaty), Denys Kulakov (Vorskla), Denys Oliynyk (Metalist), Anatoliy Tymoschuk (Bayern Munich, Germany), Olexander Aliev (Lokomotiv, Russia)

Forwards: Andriy Shevchenko, Artem Milevsky (both - Dynamo), Andriy Voronin (Dinamo Moscow, Russia), Yevhen Selezniov (Dnipro).

As you can see it's mostly a domestic team. Without qualifying to worry about Ukraine will be looking at as many different players as possible in the lead-up and, you would suspect, against Canada they will likely experiment. So, it won't be a repeat of Argentina. We hope.

If you haven't seen Canada's line-up yet, here it is:

Goalkeepers: Lars Hirschfeld (Vålerenga), David Monsalve (Inter Turku)

Defenders: David Edgar (Burnley), Marcel de Jong (FC Augsburg), Dejan Jakovic (DC United), Adam Straith (Energie Cottbus), Paul Stalteri (Borussia Monchengladbach),

Midfielders: Nik Ledgerwood (SV Wehen Wiesbaden), Pedro Pacheco (CD Santa Clara), Issey Nakajima-Farran (AC Horsens), Julian Uccello (FC Crotone), Atiba Hutchinson (PSV Eindhoven), Jonathan Beaulieu-Bourgault (SC Preußen Münster), Josh Simpson (Vestel Manisaspor), Patrice Bernier (FC Nordsjælland)

Forwards: Simeon Jackson (Norwich City FC), Marcus Haber (St. Johnstone FC), Olivier Occean (Kickers Offenbach)

Those forwards are starting to scare me. Jackson has moments of brilliance, but has yet to convince me that he can lead a club at an international level. The middle looks OK -- nice depth, useful wide players and some very good holding options (I'd like to see a world class No. 10, but that's a dream we've been waiting 100 years or so for...). The fullbacks scare me, but I'm becoming less concerned with the centre back situation. Although he's barely playing, it is good to see David Edgar back in there.

There is no Canadian TV for this match. You might be able to get a Ukrainian feed here.

No live show tonight

2010-10-04T14:49:00.001-07:00

Rycroft checked himself into a mental hospital following Liverpool's latest performance.

We'll be back on Wednesday with a Canadian D2 playoff preview.

D2 playoffs

2010-10-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

Two Canadian soccer teams are in playoffs. Both the Whitecaps and Impact start play this week.

Here is the schedule:

No. 3 Austin vs. No. 6 Montreal
Leg 1: @ Montreal, Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Leg 2: @ Austin, Saturday, 6:30 p.m.

No. 4 Portland vs. No. 5 Vancouver
Leg 1: @ Vancouver, Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Leg 2: @ Portland, Sunday, 5 p.m.

By Vancouver failing to beat Portland on the weekend they set up the bailing for MLS derby. Otherwise the Caps would have had a much easier touch as the No. 2 seed.

Montreal is in tough against a good Austin team.

The rest of the playoffs:

No. 1 Rochester vs. No. 8 Puerto Rico
Leg 1: @ Puerto Rico, Thursday, 7:05 p.m.
Leg 2: @ Rochester, Saturday, 6 p.m.

No. 2 Carolina vs. No. 7 Minnesota
Leg 1 @ Minnesota, Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Leg 2: @ Carolina, Saturday, 6 p.m.

I’ll have a preview up later this week.

A word from the CSA

2010-10-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

The CSA’s Richard Scott exchanged a couple e-mails with me this week talking about the attendance at the Canada – China game Thursday. He took issue to my claim that there were less than 5,000 people at the game. From my position in the press box it looked like a much smaller crowd.

Scott told me that the number reflected tickets scanned and therefore was accurate. Since I’m not an expert on evaluating crowd size I’ll take their word.

The debate is a bit silly though as everyone that was there seemed to enjoy themselves and I think we can all agree that it would be nice if more people supported the women.

The road to Germany

2010-10-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

The CONCACAF World Women's Cup qualifying schedule (it’s no longer called the Women's Gold Cup - although my label will remain for consistency purposes) was announced today. Canada is in a group with Mexico, T&T and Guyana. The tournament is in Mexico.

Although there is a backdoor into the WWC through a playoff against Europe No. 5 (one of Denmark, Switzerland, Ukraine or Italy) you don't want to risk that. Winning the group and avoiding the USA in the semi-final is key.

So, Canada's final game against Mexico is vital. Both teams should be 2-0 heading into the game.

The Canuck's schedule:

Oct 29 - Trinidad & Tobago - 6 p.m. EDT
Oct 31 - Canada vs. Guyana - 7 p.m. EDT
Nov 2 - Mexico vs. Canada - 9:30 p.m. EDT

The semi-finals are Nov 5, with the final Nov 9 at 9 p.m.

Alll of Canada's games can be seen on CBC Bold.

The rest of the schedule is as follows

FIRST ROUND
Group A: Canada, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana
Group B: United States, Costa Rica, Haiti, Guatemala

Thursday, October 28
At Playa del Carmen
Costa Rica vs. Guatemala, 6 p.m.
United States vs. Haiti, 8:30 p.m.

Friday, October 29
At Cancun
Mexico vs. Guyana, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 30
At Playa del Carmen
Haiti vs. Costa Rica, 6 p.m.
United States vs. Guatemala, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 31
At Cancun
Mexico vs. Trinidad & Tobago, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, November 1
At Playa del Carmen
Guatemala vs. Haiti, 7 p.m.
United States vs. Costa Rica, 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 2
At Cancun
Guyana vs. Trinidad & Tobago, 7 p.m.

SEMIFINALS
Friday, November 5
At Cancun
Group A winner vs. Group B runner-up, 7 p.m.
Group B winner vs. Group A runner-up, 10 p.m.

FINALS
Monday, November 8
At Cancun
Third-Place
Semifinal losers, 6 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Semifinal winners, 9 p.m.

It's Called Football - Guests: Victor Montagliani, Dave Clark

2010-10-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

Today, we're joined by CSA Vice-President Victor Montagliani, to talk about his recent comments regarding Canadian MLS clubs giving up the Canadian quota, what the CSA is planning in terms of development and their incoming plans for a national league.

We're also joined by Dave Clark from Sounder at Heart to help set up TFC's game in Seattle and dispel the myth that Freddie Ljungberg's departure lead to their success.

And we'll get into a planned protest of the MLS Cup, the Globe's article on 'MLSE: Too big to win' and the Canadian Women's National Team win over China.

Sober Second Thoughts: An enjoyable night at BMO

2010-10-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

They said there was more than 5,000 people there. There wasn't. It wasn't close. However, those that did attend last night's women's friendly between Canada and China left the stadium with an odd feeling -- satisfaction.

BMO Field has been a house of nightmares the last two months. Whether it was TFC or the men's national team it was a steady flow of agitation, losing and frustration. Although it would be terribly incorrect to equate a women's crowd with a typical men's or TFC crowd, there was some cross over. The diehards that support the domestic games at all levels and both genders were there and, for once, they saw something worth celebrating.

It was Canada's night from the get-go. Unlike in 2003 when the women's program had its most famous win of its history against the same country (in the quarterfinals of the 2003 WWC) this was a fair result. If anything, Canada could have had more goals on the night.

The women mixed things up well. They played a nice possession game, but weren't afraid to go direct from time to time to take advantage of their athletic advantage. Christine Sinclair, who looked in much better shape than I ever remember her, showed why she's world class and even Kara Lang made a contribution with a beautiful pass to set up Canada's third goal. Many have been critical of the former golden child's game over the past few years, but she didn't look out of place in her time last night.

It was the first win by a Canadian team of any gender or age group at BMO Field -- i.e. the National Soccer Stadium -- in five tries. You gotta start somewhere.

However, on a personal level the most important thing about last night had little to do with the result. It was fun. That's something that 2,500 or so that really were there would likely agree with. It's also the point of all this.

And that's an important thing to remind ourselves from time to time.

Letter bag: Boycotting the MLS Cup is not the answer

2010-09-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

I agree that a boycott of the MLS Cup would be an ineffective way to show dissatisfaction. I'll write more on that in the days ahead, but for now a letter I received from a supporter in Seattle.

I was reading the Du Nord blog this morning and he had some links to stories about the disenchantment that TFC supporters have with MLSE. I can empathize with how the RPB, U-Sector and others are feeling about the direction that management is taking your club and how they are gouging your pocket book with an increasingly inferior product. I live in Seattle and have had this with the Mariners for almost a decade now.

In the spring of this year, Mr. Rollins campaigned hard for the MLS Cup to be played in Toronto. At the time, I believed that TFC deserved to host the game. I still do. This was a deserved reward for the great support that the fans of soccer in Toronto gave to their Club and MLS in general. In reading the different articles in the Globe & Mail, Toronto Sun and others, I was reading the comments and a few were talking about having to purchase this years MLS Cup to get next years Season Tickets. If this is correct, than MLSE is obviously handling the MLS Cup game sales terribly and they deserve to get a severe backlash on this matter.

I wish I had the answer for what an appropriate response to MLSE should be for their strong arm tactics of getting every last $$$ out of the TFC faithful, however the response should not be supporters purchasing their tickets, boycotting the game and then not even offering their tickets for resale to supporters of the Clubs that will be in the match. The consequences for this will be greater to the supporters of soccer in Toronto and MLS than the Executives at MLSE. If this happens, do you really believe that MLS will ever play another Cup final or All-Star match in Toronto? This will also give the haters in all the other MLS clubs, Bill Archer comes to mind, more ammo against TFC and their supporters groups as being whiney arrogant blowhards.

MLS is on the cusp of being a relevant League in North America and I beleive that having less than a sell out at BMO for the Final would be a step backwards for the growth of a sport that we as supporters love. I implore you to use your influence on the TFC supporters with your blog or pod cast to try and discourage this form of boycott against MLSE. I think that if you boycotted their overpriced food and drink at the stadium as well as any merchandise for TFC would be a more effective tack to take.

Thanks for hearing me out.

Matt W
North End Supporter (SSFC)

Free TFC (v Arabe Unido)

2010-09-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

To: MLSE

The Undersigned are calling for the final competitive game of Toronto FC's 2010 season (October 19 versus Arabe Unido) to be free to attend.

We feel that several factors would make this gesture appropriate.

They are:

1) - The continued failure of the club to be competitive in a league that is designed to promote parity.

2) - Four years of front office turmoil that has seen more than 80 players come through and five head coaches.

3) - Continued use of images of the supporter's groups and references to their loyalty and passion in the team's marketing.

4) - Annual per game ticket price increases that have seen the season ticket prices for said supporters increase 116% from 2007.

In light of these factors we feel that MLSE, in an act of good will, should acknowledge the dedicated support that has made TFC so successful during the four years by offering free tickets to the Oct. 19 game, or an equivalent.

Sincerely,

The Undersigned

Sign here.

--

Since MLSE has offered a free exhibition game to Leafs fans the last two years there is precedent to this. They could accomplish it by crediting the accounts of those that have already bought tickets, sending an offer to season ticket holders that did not pick up the CONCACAF Champions League games and then offering them on a first come, first serve basis. A block could be held back to give away to local charities.

It was pointed out to me that CONCACAF might expect a cut of ticket sales, thus making this more difficult for MLSE to do. Although, based on the level of frustration and anger out there, it would be good business sense for MLSE to eat those costs and get this done, an equivalent value credit/ticket would be OK too.

You may be tempted to be cynical. Don’t be. This is a very specific thing that we, as fans, can ask for. If you feel that the ticket increase was uncalled for show them by signing this. No, it won’t make up for a lot, but it would be something that could be done.

This blog has a good reach, but it doesn’t reach a lot of casual support. Please spread the message.

No live show today

2010-09-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

Nobody wants to hear us bemoan last night's loss any further anyways.

We'll be back on Friday.

DeRo says he's sorry

2010-09-29T11:54:00.000-07:00

He appeared on The Fan 590 this afternoon and said he was sorry:

Listen here.

Sober Second Thoughts: keeping sane in the crisis

2010-09-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

If only last night happened in July, rather than in the middle of a now two month long funk. If TFC had tied the best team in MLS back then people would be less likely to feel so empty right now.

Then again if I had $999,999 more in my pocket I’d be a millionaire. People are empty, this team is broken and the season is over. We could delude ourselves with talk of four game winning streaks and another late season collapse by the Rapids, but the truth is that’s never going to happen.

Angry supporters, meaningless games and bickering players. That’s the TFC experience for the rest of 2010. Only two more weeks to renew your season tickets!

As I’ve written before the only way to keep yourself sane for the last month is to treat each of the last four as individual experiences, all containing the possibility of salvation. If you can enjoy the small moments then maybe you can enjoy the rest of the season on some level. It’s imperative to disconnect yourself from the whole to appreciate the individual parts.

There were times last night where that did happen. Jacob Peterson’s goal was possibly the nicest goal I’ve ever seen TFC score live. That it was Peterson made it even more enjoyable. There was also an odd feeling of satisfaction in being one of the 10,000 that were there despite it all. Loyalty, even blind loyalty, has value. As much as I’ve sometimes been at odds with the North End Elite, credit where it’s due. They were there last night as was U-Sector and Red Patch Boys. Walking out of the stadium I had a brief chat with a well known RPB. His feeling was that the biggest positive that came from the game was an increased harmony and coordination amongst the south end groups. Whatever keeps you sane, we agreed.

As the CBC’s John Molinaro wrote, this team is at a crisis point. Everything around it is at a crisis point. And there doesn’t seem to be a way out. That kinda sucks.

About all TFC fans can do to find hope is to remind themselves that other teams, the Red Bulls this year and the Galaxy last, have turned things around very quickly.

That’s true, but it’s probably not getting much traction on the season ticket renewal lines.

Becks: he's got a temper, eh?

2010-09-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Watch it quick as it won't stay up long. Beckham confronts fans after New York game Friday.

Canada v Greece Feb. 9

2010-09-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

A very reliable source has told me that the CSA will make an announcement today about a friendly match for 2011. It will likely be for the Feb. 9 date.

Details are thin right now. I'll update if I learn more.

It's Greece. Interesting...

It's the stadium, stupid

2010-09-28T07:06:00.000-07:00

John Pugh, who is the man behind the PDL Ottawa Fury, has joined the leadership group behind the Lansdowne Live project in Ottawa.

those that recall the MLS expansion decision may remember that Lansdowne Live was the opposing group to Eugene Melnyk's effort to convince Ottawa to build a stadium out by his hockey rink in Kanata. Lansdowne Live, which looked to rebuild Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa's hyper-trendy Glebe neighbourhood, eventually won the day and with that win dreams of MLS in the capital, however tenuous they were, died with it.

However, the Lansdowne Live plan did call for some soccer. Although a cynic might have guessed that it was an effort to appease the soccer nuts into supporting Lansdowne Live in the stadium debate, yesterday's news might ease those concerns a bit. Certainly it is good news that someone already involved with the game at a fairly high level in Ottawa is in the group. You would likely rather have a PDL owner trying to lead the group into D2 soccer than a junior hockey owner.

Suddenly Ottawa finds itself with two competing groups looking to bring soccer to the region. Neil Malhotra, a local real estate developer, and Lansdowne Live. Both groups have the money. And both groups now have an understanding of the sport.

Sadly, both groups have a flawed stadium plan. In Malhotra's case he wants to convert the former AAA baseball stadium into a soccer facility. That's not without precedent, but it would take a significant investment to make it workable.

Lansdowne Live has a brilliant location (the Glebe is very nice with lots of watering holes nearby and is a short hop to the downtown core) and the stadium will be nice. The CFL's third kick at the can in the capital is scheduled to play there starting in 2013. But, that's the problem. It's a Canadian football stadium, with all that entails -- FieldTurf, lines on the pitch and more than 25,000 seats.

If it was just the challenge of trying to market a D2 soccer team playing in a Canadian football stadium it would be one thing. However, the new D2 standards set out by the USSF last month make this more complicated. Those rules state that all D2 teams must be playing in a soccer specific stadium within five years. I don't hear anyone in the Lansdowne Live group talking about building another stadium.

That's what Ottawa fans need to be aware of. On paper, yesterday's move looks promising. In reality it's hard to see how it advanced the cause. If D2 soccer is coming to Ottawa it still seems like it's going to have to be driven by the Malhotra group. Or, better yet, as a cooperative effort from both.

If the two groups worked together some more money could be generated to make the former Lynx Stadium a proper home to soccer, allow Lansdowne to be used for big games and allow for the two groups to combine forces to market the team.

Ottawa's a small city. It's not really big enough for two groups to be fighting over the same small piece of the sports' market pie.

Tom Anselmi on DeRo: disappointing

2010-09-28T06:16:00.001-07:00

Whether you like Bob McCown (when it comes to the sport he's Canada's answer to Jim Rome -- except that McCown isn't a jock sniffer) or not, you should take 10 minutes and listen to his interview with Tom Anselmi from last night.

The Fan doesn't let me embed, so click here.

Even the fact that McCown dealt with the topic is interesting. He rarely ever has soccer topics and even more rarely talks TFC. However, this obviously caught his attention.

For all of his anti-soccer bluster -- which is mostly for show -- he does ask Anselmi pretty much everything a soccer-focused journo would (I can't say I would have handled the interview much differently, other than to directly ask him about Preki's parting shot about board meddling).