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    Reds Made the Playoffs! by Duane Rollins

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
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    Michael Crampton
    That’s fortunate for Toronto, because the game against New York does not arrive at an opportune time. Sebastian Giovinco’s cameo appearances for the Italian national team were an honour for Toronto FC and their star player, but having played in Rome just last evening he will certainly be unavailable for the Reds for only the second time this season. Likewise, Jozy Altidore played in the American national team’s loss to Costa Rica yesterday as well.
    It’s not all negative news regarding designated players however. On the positive side, captain Michael Bradley returned to the team early after the United States’ loss to Mexico on the weekend. That said, while he’ll undoubtedly expect to start versus the Red Bulls, Bradley did play the entire 120 minutes and has had to travel back from southern California where the game was held.
    Having already clinched a playoff spot, New York have other objectives. In first place overall in Major League Soccer, and with three games left to play, the Red Bulls have the inside track on the 2015 Supporter’s Shield. Head coach Jesse Marsch has asserted that he “doesn’t care” about the trophy, but it would still be a feather in the cap of the first year coach.
    Having parted ways with all of their own expensive designated players and popular former coach Mike Petke, most fans of the New Jersey based club were not anticipating such a successful season. Even if equalling Petke’s achievement of winning the Shield isn’t Marsch’s top priority, locking in a first round playoff bye and potential home field advantage were the Red Bulls to make it to MLS Cup should. Since moving to the non-neutral site final no host team is yet to loss a Cup final.
    For Toronto, almost as important as the point they need to make the playoffs is the chance to show that they can compete with a playoff calibre side. The Red Bulls summarily dismissed the Reds in a meeting back in mid-August. That was during an inconsistent stretch for TFC but was indicative of a larger pattern: Toronto FC has not been beating teams they are likely to meet in the playoffs for many months. Other than Montreal, the last time TFC beat a team currently in a playoff position was way back on June 6th in Washington, D.C. The points they have collected since then all count, but if Toronto wants to do more than simply make the playoffs – if they want to host a playoff game, or win the ones they play in – more will be required.
    Consequently, this is not a game Reds fans should be writing off. Giovinco’s absence and the Red Bulls’ quality do not render it moot. One point is all the Reds need, and grinding out a result against a good opponent is a more than reasonable expectation. Achieve that, and we’ll all be in a much better position to enjoy the last two games of the season. In itself, that would be another achievement for TFC.
    Michael Mccoll
    Casting our eye over all the fixtures remaining for all the teams, we're going with Dallas to win the West on 57 points, with Sporting KC coming second on 55, LA third on 54 and then that's where it gets really interesting.
    By our reckoning, Vancouver and Seattle will be battling it out for 4th on 53 points and will face each other in the first round of the playoffs. Where that will be played is very well going to come down to goal difference and I think Seattle will shade that.
    We also think RSL will come good at just the right time and edge out Portland for 6th on goal difference.
    Accurate or total bollocks? You can let us know below, but we'll soon find out, and part of it will be played out tonight in Dallas.
    Banged up, beat up, out of form and looking for someone to step up and be the goalscoring hero, it's all about points and positioning now for the Whitecaps, a fact not missing from everyone at the club.
    "We're in at the moment, and that's the pleasing thing about it," 'Caps coach Carl Robinson told reporters at Vancouver airport on Monday. "With two games to go, we're in. Now we just need to regroup, refocus, get our minds right and see where we go from here.
    "The focus is to finish as high as we can. That's never changed from the first game of the season. There's different factors that affect that. Us and Dallas are two teams up the top that are competing. They want it as well as we do. They're healthy, we're not healthy. It is what it is.
    "We'll regroup. We know what we need to do. We'll go there and we'll try and be tough to beat, with the right mentality, because it is playoff mentality now. We've got two league games left but really the playoffs start now."
    Momentum, being in-form, confidence. Call it what you like, but the 'Caps are desperately needing to find some of it heading in to the playoffs.
    Last year, Vancouver headed into the postseason on the back of four wins and 13 points from their last five matches. We all know how horribly that ended up once the playoffs began, but it certainly makes for a better mindset than the current form of no wins in their last four and only two points and blown opportunities to show for their efforts.
    "Having made the playoffs already, our goal now is to get a couple of wins," is left back Jordan Harvey's take. "We don't want to just coast into the playoffs. We want to build some momentum. Going in [to Dallas], without a doubt, we're going for three points. Are we disappointed if we get a draw? Probably not, but the goal is to get three points and build momentum."
    Ravaged by injuries and players away on international duty, along with no wins in Dallas, or any other part of Texas for that matter, Vancouver coming away with anything tonight would be an amazing achievement. It would also likely secure them a best ever top four finish and the much sought after home playoff game.
    Not that simply going into Frisco and playing for a point is likely to be the 'Caps gameplan. That's not through Robinson's tactics but the mindset of his players.
    "I don't think we've got the type of players that can play there and try and get a point," Robinson admitted. "We've got players that will want to try and win games."
    As much as I'd bite your hand off for a point right now, it is better to go in looking for the win, as that makes it easier to try and fight back if you fall behind. Too often under Martin Rennie's teams did the 'Caps go in defensively, fall behind, then have no clue how to change things around.
    The other huge obstacle for the 'Caps right now is absences. Not so much the fringe players away internationally, but the series of injuries that has decimated the creativity of the team. Pedro Morales and Nicolas Mezquida haven't made the trip to Texas. Mauro Rosales and Cristian Techera have, but both are still nursing injuries and haven't trained since limping off during last week's 0-0 home draw with Dallas.
    The Whitecaps now face the dilemma of do you rush these players back to try and secure points and positioning or do you rest them and save them for the playoffs, possibly giving up a home playoff game as a result?
    "We have a couple of guys banged up and nicked up," rookie Tim Parker told AFTN. "We do want to get as many points as we can. I think we have the depth on the road to get points regardless, but I also think that it's important that we save some of the guys that we so that they don't injure themselves further."
    But even if things don't play out in Vancouver's favour and they have to start the playoffs away from BC Place, Parker has no fear or concerns.
    "We've been really good on the road this year," he added. "Of course we want to get a home playoff game for the fans but I don't think we're afraid if we get a road playoff game at all."
    Neither they should be, but with that last away win coming on August 1st, that previously amazing road form doesn't quite look as formidable as it did a few months ago. Let's just hope it doesn't even come to discussing that.
    Guest
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
    @24thminute
    @KevLaramee
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    James Grossi
    Toronto FC are hosting the 2015-16 Fall Qualifying event for the East Regional group of U-17 MLS academy this weekend at Downsview Park. Nine matches will be played, spread over three days; all will be streamed live and are open to the public. The full schedule can be viewed here.
    They will be joined by five other MLS clubs – DC United, New England Revolution, Philadelphia Union, Orlando City, and New York Red Bulls – for a round robin of matches that will begin to determine which division the teams will participate in at the final stage of the tournament next spring.
    Danny Dichio, who will be managing the Toronto side, spoke with the media on Thursday ahead of the competition, covering a variety of subjects, including dealing with the condensed schedule and the squad at his disposal.
    With each team playing three matches in a four-day span, a hectic schedule, Dichio was asked if his plan was to rotate his side, or run out the same starters in each.
    “We have a good selection of players that we'll use. Obviously some of the players will get more minutes, but we'll try and rotate. That's why we've chosen a squad of 20 that we feel will add to the already strong squad.”
    “We have a couple of young boys that have moved up from the U-15s and a large proportion of this team are going to national camp seven days after the tournament. 10 guys going away from this team that are playing at the weekend, so they'll want to give a good account of themselves in front of the National Team (staff) that are going to be here, the first team staff.”
    Though reluctant, Dichio did highlight three names of which fans should be aware.
    “I don't like to single out players, but we have a striker, a very good striker, who I think if he keeps his head level, grounded, he'll be one for the future: Shaan Hundal. He's scored a lot of goals for us this year. We have a defender Klaidi Cela, who's played up a year with the senior team, the U-18 team. He's come back down for this tournament. And then we have a very young goalkeeper, Gigi (Gianluca) Catalano, who's a 15-year old, who has come into this group and performed very well.
    “(It's) a real mix of players. We have a very eclectic background here in Toronto, so we have players with backgrounds from South America, Japan... we have a Japanese kid in midfield, we have an African kid on the left wing, we have a Portuguese kid on the right wing. It's like a mini-World Cup in our squad, it's a delight to work with.”
    So with Thanksgiving weekend and international action putting the big club out of action and most leagues on hold, why not, before or after enjoying some turkey, get out in the crisp Fall weather to enjoy a little youth soccer.
    “It's going to be really interesting for the fans that come out and watch the games because I know that the MLS teams that are coming from Philly, DC, have the same (situation)” said Dichio. “It's a goal for MLS teams to bring local talent in that have that cultural background. Even the local boys that love playing the game are really thriving on that as well”
    And as Danny encourages, be part of the action,“A lot of fans are, hopefully, coming out, because it's a free MLS weekend.”
    The other half of this interview can be seen here
    Guest
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
    @24thminute
    @KevLaramee
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    Michael Mccoll
    The Whitecaps know they can't keep relying on others. With three defeats in their last four MLS matches, they know they need to start getting the job done themselves and pronto, but defender Jordan Harvey is confident the 'Caps will soon get the wheels back on the wagon and get back to much needed winning ways.
    "Every time we've gone through a loss or some sort of bad spell, we've come back on track," Harvey told reporters. "That's a credit to the consistency and not changing anything because that's what's really helped us throughout this year."
    The bounce back was meant to come last week at home to New York City. We all know how that ended. The less said about that now, the better. The new place for the fighting finish to begin comes tonight in San Jose.
    And that in itself is not going to be easy. Never mind the fact that the Whitecaps haven't won at the Quakes in their previous six attempts, San Jose are fighting for their playoff survival.
    A 'Caps win clinches them a playoff place, while a Quakes win moves them to within two points of Vancouver. It couldn't be tighter and the Whitecaps know they're going to be in for one hell of a battle.
    "It's down to the wire," admitted Harvey. "Guys are fighting for their jobs if they're out of the playoff race. If they're in it they're fighting for the playoffs. Or, like us, we're fighting for a top two spot and potentially the Supporters' Shield.
    "Everybody's fighting for something, everybody's got something to lose, so we're going to go in like we have in road games and really be determined and organized and see what we come away with."
    It would take quite the sequence of results in this last month of the season for Vancouver to not make the playoffs now, in both their own games and others, but it remains a possibility. A possibility they can kill off by the end of Saturday night. If that isn't enough to give the squad the kick up the ass they need, then I don't know what will.
    In reality, they don't need that kick. Everyone at the Whitecaps is painfully aware of how important the next four games are for their season.
    "We just need to get back on form," Harvey added. "I'm really looking forward to this weekend because everyone was hungry this week, the training was sharp and going in to San Jose we have a good opportunity."
    Vancouver and San Jose have served up some battles on the pitch in recent seasons with less to play for, although a lot of the key instigators in those games have moved on. They've also served up some shocking games down in California, a couple of which I've had the misfortune to be at.
    You have to feel it's the former that we'll see tonight and that's exactly what goalkeeper David Ousted is expecting.
    "They're scrappy," Ousted said of the Quakes. "They're pushing for their push into the playoffs and it's going to be a tough game. We know we have the quality to go and get a win. We just need to find that energy, to find that intensity and to match their scrappiness."
    Vancouver certainly need to be up for the scrap not only in this game but their remaining four matches this season. But Ousted also cautioned that it needs to be controlled if they're to come away with the wins they need.
    "Urgency is important at this part of the season," Ousted added. "Every team we're meeting is chasing the playoffs, is pushing and is going to have that urgency, so we definitely need to have it as well.
    "It doesn't have to be a panic or something that's counter effective but knowing that going into these games we need to be on top of our game."
    The 'Caps remaining league matches are evenly split. Two at home and two away. Those road games both come at places that Vancouver have yet failed to record a victory, San Jose and Dallas, but that doesn't faze Ousted in the slightest.
    "We've showed this year that we're really good on the road," Ousted said. "We've showed that we have the mentality that we can win anywhere we go, so I'm not that worried going in to away games. It's some tough places we play but I've got confidence in that we can get away with three points."
    It's a view shared by winger Kekuta Manneh, who feels that no matter where the Whitecaps are playing this month, they have to stick to their gameplan and use their attacking strengths to get the wins they're looking for.
    "For us, we're going to try and approach every game the same, whether we're home or away," Manneh stated. "We need to win the [san Jose] game if we want stay in the title hunt. We're going to out, attacking minded."
    But as we've seen in recent games, playing in that manner may generate chances galore for the Whitecaps but it doesn't guarantee that any of them are going to be put into the back of the net.
    And while the goals haven't been coming at one end of the pitch, they have been at the other with two goals given up to both Houston and New York in the recent losses and three goals conceded twice to Seattle in two matches.
    Both are aspects of the Whitecaps game we weren't seeing even just a few weeks ago.
    "It goes both ways," Harvey admitted. "We've given up goals that at the beginning or the middle of the season we haven't given up. We need to address everything and really get back to the basics and what we do well, which is being organized, hard to break down and we get chances. That's the most important thing."
    The lack of goals for Vancouver may put additional pressure on the Whitecaps defence, but with 11 clean sheets already recorded this season, Ousted feels he's capable of holding up his end of the bargain to reduce what's needed at the other end of the park. But he's confident a change to the 'Caps fortunes is about to play out.
    "Obviously you need to keep more clean sheets to get points," Ousted said. "But we've got confidence in the goalscoring ability in this team. We're creating chances and I feel like the goals are coming, but we need to tighten up as a backline as well. Not let in too many goals and if it's a one-nil win, it's one-nil win. That's going to be ok by me."
    Michael Mccoll
    "I feel good after the last two weeks with my injury," Morales told AFTN at training on Thursday. "I feel good in my legs. I've been training hard the last two days with [Jon] Poli and I'm feeling nothing in my hamstring now."
    Just what to do with Morales heading into a crucial game with San Jose is certainly a dilemma for Robinson.
    The 'Caps coach had to use both Morales and Octavio Rivero off the bench in last Saturday's 2-1 defeat to New York City after both failed late fitness tests. He was told he could use both for 15 to 20 minutes. He got 23 minutes out of Morales and the Chilean looked excellent when he came on, hitting home the equalising penalty and looking back to his old ball spraying self at times.
    It's the difference maker the Whitecaps need at this crunch time of the season and one they've been missing from their Designated Players in their three losses over the last few weeks.
    "Since June, we haven't had our three DPs [on the field at the same time]," Robinson told reporters this week. "It makes a big difference. The three DPs of NYC won them the game really. We haven't had that, but it shows the depth of our squad that we're still in with a shout towards the end of the season with a number of injuries."
    That depth may be great but it's been tested and stretched in the losses to Houston, Seattle and New York. They Whitecaps need Morales back but they don't want to rush him and cause further aggravation to his injury.
    They got away with it last week but it was close. Morales stretched for a ball late on and the bandage covering his hamstring came flying off. It looked like he may have overstretched and tweaked it again, and he hardly ran after that.
    Robinson confirmed to us that that was the case, but it was a minor tweak that was fine after a couple of days rest and some light training. It was alarming never-the-less. The one thing the Whitecaps don't want to do is to push him back early again and risk losing him for the playoffs.
    "We've just got to get him fit and healthy in the run-in," Robinson told us last week ahead of the NYC game. "We just won't take any risks. I won't take any risks on any of my players, which is why we've made a number of changes [recently]. I'll continue to do that because I won't put any players health at risk."
    The original plan was to ease him back gently.
    "That's what we'll probably do," Robinson added. "I done that after his original injury and then it reoccurred. We've just got be very careful. We've got enough good players in those areas that we don't need to rush anyone."
    That view hasn't changed but needs may cause some reconsideration.
    Mauro Rosales has come into the number ten role and hasn't been able to stamp his authority on games the way we know he can. Nicolas Mezquida now has an injury that will see him miss another game this weekend.
    And that takes us back to Robinson's dilemma for the Quakes game.
    Morales will play, but whether he will start and play the first hour, or come on as a sub for the last half hour, will be down to a gameday decision and the health of Rivero may also dictate what option Robinson goes with.
    "I'd rather have 90 minutes from Pedro," Robinson admitted. "That would be nice. We'll try and get to it as close as we can."
    Morales is eager to play his part, but is also unsure what would be the best way to use him right now. Whatever Robinson decides, he's ready to go.
    "The decision is Robbo's now," Morales told us. "I don't know if he'll play me for the start of the game [against San Jose] or in the second half. I don't know what is the best.
    "The thing is to help the team, either from the first minute or in the second half. But I feel good and I've been working hard these two weeks since getting back to training and I'm ready now for these last games."
    The Whitecaps know they are in for a battle during the last month of the regular MLS season and Morales will be a crucial part of it.
    A win over San Jose on Saturday and they clinch their second straight postseason berth with three games to spare. Then it all comes down to positioning, with a home and away series with Dallas set to determine whether they get a first round bye or not.
    A defeat in San Jose and the Quakes are suddenly just two points behind them and even the 'Caps place in the playoffs is thrown into doubt, never mind all the talk of the Supporters' Shield and a home playoff game from just a couple of weeks ago.
    Pressure, but the Whitecaps are ready for it, and they've had some previous experience last season when they had to pretty much win every game of the final month to make the playoffs.
    Different scenarios, but Morales feels that experience will serve the 'Caps well.
    "It's different from last year because the team have a very big chance to win the Cup this year," Morales told us. "We're now in the second position but the team is just concentrating on the last four games.
    "It's like a final on Saturday. Every one of these four games is like a final. The team is prepared for these last four games. We just need to play with confidence and start to win again."
    And the key to winning is for Vancouver to actually take their chances. Not something they've found easy to do of late.
    The amount of missed chances in the final stages of the loss to New York was staggering.
    The general feeling in the 'Caps camp this week was that it's just a matter of time before those chances turn to goals again and Morales is at least pleased with the creative aspect of the side but knows it needs to be better.
    "If you don't create the chances then it's a danger for the team," Morales said. "If you create the chances in the first half, in the second half, against a good team, you need to score. Sometimes you're not lucky. Sometimes you're not concentrating enough in the final pass."
    There were so many breaks with at least a man advantage last weekend, with a failure to punish their visitors every time. It eventually cost the 'Caps dear, as we all know, with NYC's controversial late penalty winner. Three vital points lost and the chance to grab some breathing space at the top of standings gone. Again.
    Morales knows it's not acceptable to squander so many of those opportunities and it's been the prime focus at training in the aftermath of the defeat.
    "This week we've worked on the situation," Morales added. "The counter attack. Four against two, four against three. We lost too many chances last week against New York. If we score, then maybe we win and we're in first position. Sometimes this stuff happens but we need to create and score more goals."
    Let's hope that begins again on Saturday night in San Jose.
    Michael Mccoll
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    Guest
    Get To Know A National Team Player
    Name: Luca Gasparotto
    Age: 20 years old
    Position: Centre back
    Hometown: Ajax, Ontario
    Current Club: Greenlock Morton (on loan from Rangers FC)
    Luca Gasparotto has been part of the Canadian National Program since he was 15 years old. His talent, hard work, and dedication to the game he loves has not gone unnoticed and he was selected to be part of the Senior Team for the 2018 World Cup Qualifying campaign. He’s also part of the U-23 team that will qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. The team plays their first game on the “Road to Rio” this Thursday, October 1 in Kansas City. I had the chance to speak with him about how his love for the game started and where it’s taken him so far.
    A love of the game came pretty early on in Luca Gasparotto’s life in the small town of Ajax, Ontario.
    "I started playing soccer when I was about 5 years old. I played house league. I played in Ajax from when I was 5 until I was about 14 / 15. And then I was at the regional and provincial teams and then made my way to the national team."
    Soccer was always a family affair for Luca and he credits his father with giving him the motivation and inspiration he needed to reach his goals.
    “My dad played soccer as well and he was a coach when I was young. He coached me pretty well from five until 15 I’d say. He was always my coach and always teaching me so he got me into it.”
    This is where the dream started for Luca and he always knew that he wanted a career in the sport.
    “It’s just what I always wanted to do. I loved it. I loved playing when I was younger. I wanted to “make it” in the game and I always worked hard with my dad and with my teams that I was with. It was my dream growing up and that’s what I wanted to do from a young age.”
    It wasn’t long until the national program started to take notice of Luca’s ability and he got the call for the U-17 team when he was just 15 years old.
    “That was my first taste of international football. I played with them for a couple of years and then moved up to the under 20s and now I’m at the senior team. So it’s been a real privilege and an honour to represent your country. That’s what you want to do when you’re growing up and that’s what you want to do when you’re playing football. You want to play at the highest level for both club and country. It’s exciting. It’s a great learning experience for me being so young coming into these camps and being with an experienced older group and they teach me a lot on and off the pitch. I’m very privileged and it’s always exciting being part of the national team.”
    Things started moving pretty fast for the young player and clubs in Europe were already showing an interest in his talent at 16 years old.
    “My agent got me a trial over in Scotland when I was 16. I was over for a week. I played in a couple of games and then after a week they wanted to sign me. So I moved over maybe three weeks later and I’ve been there for four years now. It’s my fifth season over there.”
    Admittedly moving away from home is a pretty big step for anyone and at such a young age, it had a big impact on Luca.
    “It’s a different style of play than over in Canada. So obviously it’s bigger over there in the sense that it’s their main sport and that’s the life over there. Moving over at a young age was a big step up for me but it helped me mature quicker as a player and as a person. I’m just enjoying every minute of it and hoping to have a successful career wherever I end up.”
    Moving from Canada to Europe to play professional football came with a big learning curve and a chance to grow his game.
    “Well obviously working in a professional environment everyday, training with professional players, you get better every day. It’s a good experience for a young player from Canada being involved in a European team and trying to make it over in Europe. Since moving over there I feel that I’m a better player and a more mature person.”
    Even at a young age Luca has already seen some changes in Canada around the game and he hopes to see even greater strides in the future.
    “Well obviously you want to see it progress year in and year out and I think were headed on the right track. I know that past couple of years it’s been getting bigger and more recognized around the world and in Canada more importantly so I hope we continue that. And with these qualifying games, hopefully we can go far and make it to the World Cup. That’s the goal. That’s what everyone wants to do and we hope the nation will be behind us. “
    Guest
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
    @24thminute
    @KevLaramee
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    Guest
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @OfftheWoodworkx
    @KevLaramee
    http://www.afrokanlife.com/category/sports/
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    Guest
    Until next time, have a great soccer!
    @TwoSolitudesPod
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    Guest
    Luca Gasparotto has been part of the Canadian National Program since he was 15 years old. His talent, hard work, and dedication to the game he loves has not gone unnoticed and he was selected to be part of the Senior Team for the 2018 World Cup Qualifying campaign. He’s also part of the U-23 team that will qualify for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. The team plays their first game on the “Road to Rio” this Thursday, October 1 in Kansas City. I had the chance to speak with him about how his love for the game started and where it’s taken him so far.
    A love of the game came pretty early on in Luca Gasparotto’s life in the small town of Ajax, Ontario.
    "I started playing soccer when I was about 5 years old. I played house league. I played in Ajax from when I was 5 until I was about 14 / 15. And then I was at the regional and provincial teams and then made my way to the national team."
    Soccer was always a family affair for Luca and he credits his father with giving him the motivation and inspiration he needed to reach his goals.
    “My dad played soccer as well and he was a coach when I was young. He coached me pretty well from five until 15 I’d say. He was always my coach and always teaching me so he got me into it.”
    This is where the dream started for Luca and he always knew that he wanted a career in the sport.
    “It’s just what I always wanted to do. I loved it. I loved playing when I was younger. I wanted to “make it” in the game and I always worked hard with my dad and with my teams that I was with. It was my dream growing up and that’s what I wanted to do from a young age.”
    It wasn’t long until the national program started to take notice of Luca’s ability and he got the call for the U-17 team when he was just 15 years old.
    “That was my first taste of international football. I played with them for a couple of years and then moved up to the under 20s and now I’m at the senior team. So it’s been a real privilege and an honour to represent your country. That’s what you want to do when you’re growing up and that’s what you want to do when you’re playing football. You want to play at the highest level for both club and country. It’s exciting. It’s a great learning experience for me being so young coming into these camps and being with an experienced older group and they teach me a lot on and off the pitch. I’m very privileged and it’s always exciting being part of the national team.”
    Things started moving pretty fast for the young player and clubs in Europe were already showing an interest in his talent at 16 years old.
    “My agent got me a trial over in Scotland when I was 16. I was over for a week. I played in a couple of games and then after a week they wanted to sign me. So I moved over maybe three weeks later and I’ve been there for four years now. It’s my fifth season over there.”
    Admittedly moving away from home is a pretty big step for anyone and at such a young age, it had a big impact on Luca.
    “It’s a different style of play than over in Canada. So obviously it’s bigger over there in the sense that it’s their main sport and that’s the life over there. Moving over at a young age was a big step up for me but it helped me mature quicker as a player and as a person. I’m just enjoying every minute of it and hoping to have a successful career wherever I end up.”
    Moving from Canada to Europe to play professional football comes with a big learning curve and a chance to grow your game.
    “Well obviously working in a professional environment everyday, training with professional players, you get better every day. It’s a good experience for a young player from Canada being involved in a European team and trying to make it over in Europe. Since moving over there I feel that I’m a better player and a more mature person.”
    Even at a young age Luca has already seen some changes in Canada around the game and he hopes to see even greater strides in the future.
    “Well obviously you want to see it progress year in and year out and I think were headed on the right track. I know that past couple of years it’s been getting bigger and more recognized around the world and in Canada more importantly so I hope we continue that. And with these qualifying games, hopefully we can go far and make it to the World Cup. That’s the goal. That’s what everyone wants to do and we hope the nation will be behind us. “
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