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    Guest

    All for one -- in different ways

    By Guest, in Onward Soccer,

    BMO Field was cold and draughty on closing night, as Toronto FC nudged Arabe Unido of Panama to the sidelines with a decent 1-0 win.
    The stands were two-thirds empty and most of the fans stopped wearing red to protest – well – everything! But the empty seats were overwhelmingly red, actually making the in-game stadium redder than ever.
    The three main Toronto supporter groups took three different approaches to the last act of a lost season.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    - North End Elite sat quiet and still in their seats.
    - Red Patch Boys pretty much either stayed home or wore green, and didn’t jump or chant much, except for just a few, right at the end.
    - U-Sector sang and jumped and chanted.
    (- Tribal Rhythm Nation banged their drums faithfully throughout.)
    NEE and Red Patch were moved to silence by concern about the state of the team. Damn right. U-Sector rocked and rolled in support of the boys on the pitch. Also, damn right.
    So what effect did this mixed message have, as it wafted up to such Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment suits who drew the short straws and toughed out the cold, empty night from the private boxes?
    At the risk of annoying everyone equally (and, yes, I do count myself as U-Sector, if not until I die, at least until the gig does), I think everybody got their points across clearly.
    U-Sector’s been a bit under the hammer lately (not that anyone involved cares) for shattering the silence. But here’s what I saw from way up on the roof that night.
    - Stunning, un-ignorable silence from NEE. A very powerful statement of supporter discontent.
    - All those empty seats in Red Patch land. A clear indication that the fans have been taken for granted, and a reminder that, while their support of the team may be unconditional, their support of ownership is not.
    - Genuine joy in U-Sector. Pissed-off joy, clearly. But far from undermining the NEE and RPB, it offered a tasty flavour of how we all want things to be. To me, this neatly accented the silence of the other groups, and made their silence – and absence – all the more powerful.
    U-Sector even tossed in one of the evening’s nicest moments, when they sang Happy Birthday to fan-hero Danny Dichio, in the 24th minute when they always sing his name in memory of the very first goal Toronto FC ever scored. Dichio, from his assistant-coach’s perch on the Toronto bench, raised his hand in glad acknowledgment.
    Since that night, MLSE has made some more concessions on ticket prices, not for 2011, but for 2012. It’s a clear indication that they heard the fans.
    But, as has been pointed out elsewhere, it may not necessarily be the support groups they are responding to. 2010 was the summer where the expensive seats lining both sides of BMO went noticeably empty for large chunks of most games. And they are the ticket holders who could most seriously injure the entire enterprise if they don’t renew their season seats.
    What I learned from this – and am passing on for whatever little yoks and thought it might be worth – is that unity isn’t always united. All three groups followed their hearts (as did the tiny band of Tribal Rhythm drummers in the back row). All groups made their points clearly, and everyone got heard.
    “All For One,” in other words.
    Onward!
    Guest
    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 Toronto's defining moment was this year.
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    Guest

    Later wankers!!!

    By Guest, in West Coast Soccer Podcast,

    Ok none of these guys are wankers, at least not to my knowledge. So while Manchester United star Wayne Rooney is being shopped around like oh so many a United hero before him. As we think about that, lets take a look at some of the guys who suited up for the Whitecaps this season. Only to be released by the club.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The harsh reality is for most of these guys was that they didn't live up to their expectations. Most couldn't stay in the starting lineup, some couldn't even crack the line up. Others were just victims of circumstance. The latter will certainly get another chance to move up just not with the Whitecaps.
    1. Marlon James- Wasn't scoring. Was injured constantly. Was no longer on game roster as of July 25th. Scored 1 Goal in 2010. Scored 9 goals in 2009. Started first game of the season.
    2. Dever Orgil- Was released on July 8th. Had discipline issues. Has since gone on to play in his native Jamaica. Scored 1 goal in 5 games for St. George's FC. Everyone had high hopes for the speedy Orgil but he just never clicked. Started first game of the season.
    3. Ansu Toure- Released on August 11th. Scored one beauty goal on a cheeky back heel. Didn't really do much else. Started first game of the season.
    4. Nelson Akwari- Was Playing 90 minutes a game until he was injured on August 18th. Released this week. He'll certainly find work on a NASL squad or even overseas. Probably the best move for him. Might not be ready to move to MLS. Was a starter all season until he was injured.
    5. Zurab Tsiskaridze- Starter at the beginning of the season. As Takashi Hirano worked his way back to form he started to see minutes diminish ever so slightly. Had a solid season but lost more minutes to Willis Forko as he joined the club. Was released this week, leaving the club is probably the best move for his career. He should be a starter on any other club in the NASL.
    6. Chris Williams- Started the first several games, but by May he couldn't seem to get onto the pitch. By August he started to get a few more minutes, but by the end of August the audition appeared to be over. He couldn't even get his name onto the roster sheet.
    7. Richardo Sanchez- Was a big disappointment. A USL all-star the year previous. Couldn't supplant Martin Nash for minutes on the pitch. Was taking up an international spot on the roster and not getting on the pitch. It worked out to be the perfect formula for a trade. Was left at home for the road trip to Portland in April. Sent to Tampa for future considerations.
    8. Marcus Haber- Was only here on loan June 16th was his last match before he left for England. Didn't score enough to live up to the expectations placed on him after his USL Rookie of the Year performance. Received a lot of flack for not being an arial presence and using his 6'3 frame.
    9. Jonny Steele- Another massive disappointment. Rumours had it that he wasn't a good fit in the dressing room. He couldn't crack the line up. Left the team abruptly in May returning home to Philadelphia to deal with "Personal Issues" I'm not going to speculate as I have never heard anything as to what the issues were. Was USL 1 MVP in 2008. Was traded on July 21st 2010. Was ineffective in his limited performances. Didn't fit the system, and Teitur even appeared to change to formation on occasion to try to cater to Steele's abilities.
    10. Alex Elliot- Is probably wishing he'd stayed in Germany at this point. Mainz have been having a great season. He couldn't get on the pitch. Released this week.
    11. Justin Moose- A former MLS Superdraft first round pick after leaving Wake Forest, He couldn't crack the starting line up. Released on July 22nd. He wasn't a bad player, had lots of heart.
    12. Takashi Hirano- Taka struggled with his fitness. Battled with a couple guys for minutes in May, June and July but couldn't seem to keep the kids out of the lineup. Realistically he's old. His future with the club was probably limited by his age. Hell the guy played in a world cup 12 years ago. Against a lot of guys who are now managing clubs. I hope he ends up following that path.
    13. Jonothan McDonald- I don't think anyone was really sure what to expect from this guy. When I saw his highlight
    i was instantly reminded of * in Toronto.14. Dan Pelc: Former Serbian White Eagles keeper. Wasn't playing, and is better off starting somewhere rather then rotting on the bench.
    Lastly there were a couple Goalies that got a look in June while the team was on the Road.
    Subrata Paul or Pal-Indian National. Most famous for having been suspended for 2 months by The Indian National League. The Suspension was for allowing the goal that caused Brazilian Striker Christiano Junior so much excitement he died of a heart attack. Only in India.
    Danny Milosevic- A former Leeds United keeper who did better then Paul but not enough to make the club.
    *This video is also dedicated to Duane Rollins at The 24th Minute who wanted someone to make him a compilation video of Chad Barrett. Nobody seems to have taken the time to do it in T.O. but Fire fans were on it a long time ago.
    Guest

    Looking ahead

    By Guest, in West Coast Soccer Podcast,

    Well now that the season is over everyone has had a chance to sit back and really take a good look at what has really gone down over the last 8 months, here is my take on the players that made it through the season into the playoffs, and their potential moving forward into the Vancouver Whitecaps move to MLS soccer. Now I'm not Tom Soehn or Teitur Thordason so take my views for what they are worth. For all intents and purposes I will assume that there will in fact be a Reserve Division next season.
    Goalkeepers:
    Jay Nolly: North American Born. He has MLS experience, and his contract expires on November 30th 2010 so I would imagine that there will be an announcement pretty shortly after that. Nolly was one of the big standouts this year for the 'Caps. He led the league in games played, minutes played and Goals against average. Statistically he was the best keeper in the league. There weren't as many games this year that he actually stole for the Whitecaps the way he did last year but he will surely get a good look next year. I would take him.
    A+
    Simon Thomas: North American Born Canadian Born. Saw very limited action this season, He got in against Crystal Palace Baltimore for the life of me I don't remember it but supposedly it happened. As the team released Dan Pelc today I could see Thomas playing for the Reserve Team.
    N/A
    Fullbacks
    Greg Janicki: North American Born Like Nolly, Janicki has had a taste of MLS soccer. Had a solid season, start to finish. He was a worrior. Big, physical, strong in the air, always in the right place at the right time. He was Vancouver's most consistent player on the back line. He has earned himself a good long look from the staff with the way he handled Bright Dike in the first round of the playoffs.
    B+
    Maloud Akloul: The Flying Frenchman, scored a goal in his debut and broke his leg on the play. After that he was out for the remainder of the season. He got into the season regular finale against Portland and looked to be a step behind. He has a very impressive C.V. but we haven't really had a chance to see what he's all about. Mind you he has shown a great ability to hammer in scissor kicks at halftime. He's a brick house though. Strong and athletic, but I can't say much more then I already have cause we haven't had a chance to see him. It seems like he was brought on to the team with the expectation that he would be making the jump to MLS.
    N/A
    Alain Rochat: North American Born Canadian Born. On load to FC Zurich in the Swiss Axpo Super League. Part of the Swiss International Player Pool. Has Champions's League experience against the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan. If you went by the highlight videos alone he looks really impressive. Unfortunately you don't see his foul on Alex Pato that led to a Ronaldinho spot kick and a Red Card. The spot kick was converted and that was the end of FC Zurich's Champions League Run. He was injured most of September '10 and in his return match Zurich went on to lose 4-1 to FC Basel. He was signed for next year but it's important that we know what we're really getting. He does appear to be the real deal though. World class pace, great control of the ball with either foot. So we're going to have to wait and see.
    N/A (I've never really watched him play in a match)
    Luca Bellisomo: North American Born Canadian Born. Played in every game this year. Led the league in fouls. He played every game because he is the real deal. He moved back to central defence when the Whitecaps suffered a couple mid season injuries. Through and through the best player on the club to have come through the Residency Program. If he can't crack the first team next year, I would imagine that he would be kept for the Reserve Squad. He's the sort of player that could see a lot of time during Nutralite Cup matches. Although for him personally a move to another 2nd tier team may be the best move for his personal development.
    B+
    Wes Knight: North American Born. A fan favourite, his long throws make him a great asset. Oh and his incredible pace might help too. Played every game as though it was going to be his last. Had he not he might not have been getting the look that he surely will. He's suffered a couple injuries over the last couple years, knee problems. As the season progressed he seemed to play with a little less fear of tearing his knee again. Unfortunately he was unable to play in the second leg against Portland, and the first leg of the semi final in Puerto Rico due to a freak accident where he slipped on the pitch at Swangard and injured his shoulder. Wes has an incredible upside and is very useful as either a winger or an attacking defender.
    B+
    Willis Forko: Once more a player drafted by Real Salt Lake, He scored 8 goals in 38 appearances with the Utah outfit but for whatever reason couldn't stick. He's a Liberian International. Liberia are ranked 164th in the World placing them behind Asian Powerhouse Nepal. His only real memorable moment while he was here was a near Own Goal off a header that Jay Nolly pushed over the bar. He's a left footed player so he has some value.
    C
    Ethan Gage: North American Born Canadian Born. A Residency Product. While many of the reports I've heard have claimed that he doesn't normally play on the back four and is normally a mid fielder. Every PDL game I saw this year he started at Right Back. The Whitecaps PDL team was poor defensively. That's being kind. He played a pivotal role in the 2008 Championship run for the Whitecaps. He also had a very strong showing this year filling in for Wes Knight during the Second Leg versus Portland and in both matches against Puerto Rico. Although David Foley exposed his lack of pace in the 2nd Leg of the Semifinal. Sign him to the Reserve Squad and hope that he continues to improve, he has a lot of the tools to be a pro someday, but needs to put in a lot of work.
    D+
    Takashi Hirano: Old War Horse. Former Japanese International. Has a great mind for the game. Injured to start the season worked incredibly hard to make it back into the squad. When mid season injuries hit the team Taka stepped in and filled the gaps. He's ancient though. Having played under both T.T. and Arsne Wenger, I could see him moving into a coaching or player development role with the team next year. He was dropped from the squad more or less towards the end of the season to allow some of the new international signings to suit up for the Blue and White. I don't think it is likely he will be back next year and unfortunately I have to put this season as a fail.
    F
    Midfielders
    Nizar Khalfan: Tanzanian International, Left before the playoffs to fulfill National Duties, has great speed, and scored 2 opportunistic goals this season. He should get a look, as he was able to make it through with the squad all the way to the playoffs. He was signed to A PDL contract so the Whitecaps will retain his rights as they train over the next several months.
    B
    Blake Wagner: North American Born. Has MLS experience. Wagner had a great season. Chipped in with a couple goals including a hat trick. He was strong on the ball and played well defensively. Not a lot to say about Blake. He's got to get a look.
    B
    Phillipe Davies: North American Born Canadian Born. Another Residency Product. Fantastic on set pieces. He had a strong season on the Right Wing when he was called upon. He probably won't make the jump to MLS, I would be astonished if he did. I could definitely see him playing on the Reserve Squad. Really he would be better off moving on to another club where he would get more minutes in a starting role.
    C+
    Martin Nash: North American Born Canadian Born. Came into camp this year in the best shape of his career supposedly. 15 lbs lighter then last year. Lets face facts though. He's old. He threw out his back helping his neighbour move in the middle of the season. While that does go towards the character of the man it doesn't bode well for the longevity of his continued tenure with the club. He'll be on the team next year. He's the teams leader both on and off the pitch. He still has flashes of brilliance now and then but has a hard time finishing games. That being said, his early departure from the last couple games may have more to do with T.T. needing to get a look at some of his newer players in serious game action. In all fairness his legs have a lot of miles on them. I would imagine that he will be transitioned into a coaching role in the first 3 seasons.
    B+
    Kyle Porter- North American Born Canadian Born. Canadian U20 Player returned from a loan to Energie Cottbus in the German Bundesliga 2. Didn't crack the line up until October 2nd against Portland. Set up Cody Arnoux for a sprawling header. Played the ball in beautifully. Started against Puerto Rico in the semi finals. Didn't look out of place but didn't really create any serious chances either.
    Another player with Residency Potential.
    C+
    (I feel bad giving him such a low grade because we didn't really get to see a lot of him but I think this is fair.)
    Terry Dunfield: North American Born Canadian Born. Local Kid, Brought up through the Manchester City Youth Program. Has to make the squad for next year. Does absolutely everything right. Doesn't turn the ball over, makes smart passes. Oh and he is a fantastic defensive player too. Without a doubt the most impressive and consistent player brought in during the transfer window. If he's not on the team next year it's cause they have signed a dp at that spot.
    A+
    Alex Morfaw: Saw very limited action. Didn't really do anything of note. Apparently he made enough of an impact to not get cut on Tuesday.
    N/A
    Davide (Dede) Chiumiento: Truly a conundrum. Incredible skill on the ball (as seen in his highlight package), but may be too small for the physical style of the North American game. He is invisible defensively, and I felt as though he didn't seem to interested in getting involved in the play if other players were near. T.T. kept him out of the lineup against Portland for precisely these reasons. I wasn't impressed at all. Maybe he was apprehensive about getting his hands dirty because he knew he's made the team and is just trying to stay healthy for next year. Only he knows. The only reason he's not going to get an F is because I know he has potential. You're totally allowed to do that too, I know my teachers did when I was a kid.
    D
    Gershon Koffie: Scored in the first minute of the Quarterfinal First Leg vs. Portland. He featured heavily during the 'Caps playoff surge. Was impressive when called upon. Stronger then you would expect when he is on the ball. He is listed at 155 lbs on the Whitecaps website. I think that is generous. He was absolutely steamrolled at one point during the second leg of the Quarterfinal vs Portland. Then again he was run over by Bright Dike. He's going to have to do some strength and conditioning in the off season but he will be a great addition to the system he should at least get a look on the Reserve Squad until he puts some meat on his bones.
    B-
    Forwards/ Strikers
    Cornelius Stewart: Already signed to a PDL contract so he will be protected during the off season. He left the club at the end of the regular season to play in some international games for St. Vincent. He has speed to burn. That being said the kid is all Swedish and no Finish. He did however manage to assist on 5 of Vancouver's goals. Good enough to put him in a tie for 5th in the league, and 2nd on the team behind league leader Martin Nash. He's a pretty lean guy and that might hold him back but he'll atleast get a crack on the Reserve Squad. I doubt he'll start too many games with the club next year.
    C
    Ridge Mobulu- This kid came out like gangbusters his first month with the squad and had great chemistry with Cornelius Stewart. He disappeared as the season progressed but he's quite young and very raw. He could use a lot of first team experience. He will never get it with the Whitecaps first team. Reserve Squad potentially but I would let him go.
    C-
    Randy Edwini Bonsu- If you look at minutes played to goals scored, R.E.B. has the best ratio. He had a tough season dealing with his health and fitness. He had very high expectations placed on him at the beginning of the season. He might be in over is head at this point. He's a solid player but really needs to play more to develop. Everyone thinks the world of him, he's a great kid. It just doesn't look like he'll be back with the squad next year. Atleast not on the first team. He could always play for the reserves. I think the best move for Randy would be to return to his hometown of Edmonton and get some first team minutes with their new outfit.
    F
    (not entirely his fault, but it is what it is.)
    Cody Arnoux- North American Born. What can I say about Cody Arnoux? even though he has a contract with the Whitecaps, MLS may still force him to go through the draft process. That being said, at least T.T. will have had a good long look at him. Eventually he showed lots of promise. Despite only managing 1 goal in 10 games he did look to be the one striker on the club who could handle the physicality of the MLS.
    B-
    Watch for a full on End of Season Review Thursday!
    Guest

    DeVos for TFC

    By Guest, in Onward Soccer,

    Okay, so Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment exec Tom Anselmi is apologizing to Toronto FC fans, both for the season-ticket price hike and the overall utter waste of the 2010 Major League Soccer season.
    Most fans seem not to be really buying it, and I think a key part of it is Anselmi’s promise to hire “consultants” to guide the ultimately crucial search for a new general manager.
    The fear, of course, is that MLSE will again get snowed and hypnotized by swaggering sweet-talk, as they so disastrously were when Uncle Mo’s Travellin’ Snakeoil Salvation Show rolled into their awe-struck offices back in aught-six.
    Who, exactly, are these consultants going to be?
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Fear not, Tom. There’s a man you need to talk to – and he would love to talk to you – and he’s already on the payroll. That, of course, would be the former captain of Canada and Ipswich Town – and current CBC and GOL-TV colour man – Jason DeVos.
    He’s already told me – in private and in public – that he would love to be involved.
    DeVos has a huge, contagious passion for the game of soccer – and the business that lies behind it. He speaks again and again of Toronto’s need for an overall, system-wide football philosophy – one that covers everything from the academy to the first team, overseen by a group of sharp soccer minds with different skills for different situations.
    The idea is that never again will one man be in charge of everything. Yes, have a director of football operations, but with a deeper, smarter staff than was ever possible in the Johnston years.
    DeVos also rejects the idea that either the head coach or top man have to be “MLS people.” Yeah, John Carver was a trainwreck, but they just have to have some support people in place who have the odd ins and outs of the MLS system mastered – the way every team in the NBA now employs a “capologist” to sort out the salary cap and ultra-restrictive trade rules.
    This isn’t a DeVos for GM pitch, by the way. (But I do believe he’d be invaluable in one of those support roles.)
    What’s more important here is that MLSE is still wandering in the soccer wilderness, and they desperately need a guide. I get an icy chill when I hear Anselmi talk about nameless “consultants.” The man may be learning – slowly – but he’s been flim-flammed before, and who among us has any sense of who these “consultants” will actually be?
    DeVos is a soccer man, an organization man, a captain, a Canadian and – every time I’ve ever talked to him – inspired. He can make the people around him want to be better. That’s an ability sorely lacking in these dark recent days at BMO Field.
    My most lasting image of the man hails from 2004, that horrendous night in Edmonton when two Honduran dives and two horrid calls from yellow-shirted whistle-blower Benito Archundia torpedoed Canada’s qualifying run for World Cup 2006.
    I’ll never forget the look etched on DeVos’s face after the double crime was done. He was on his knees, gasping, with shock, pain and rage burning from his eyes.
    Jason DeVos knew something was desperately wrong that night. And he knows there is something desperately wrong with Toronto FC right now.
    This time, he deserves a chance to do something about it.
    Onward!
    Guest
    For our 2 year anniversary show we lined up a great slate of guests.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    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 Toronto FC GM job.
    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
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    Guest

    Marcus Haber a Baggie

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    by Cheeta

    You could say the summer of 2009 was a pretty good one for Mr. Marcus Haber of Vancouver, British Columbia. After a year or two in Holland the gifted Big Man came home to spend a summer with family, friends, and of course the Vancouver WhiteCaps Football Club. Impressive individual performances, coming within a skipped heart beat of the Voyageur's Cup, a 1st Division runners up medal, and a United Soccer League's Rookie of the Year award all added up to a return trip to Europe for trials and as announced this Friday past, a contract with Coca Cola Championship side and promotion favorites West Bromwich Albion.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]So aside from the usual congratulations to young Mr Haber on advancing his career in exactly the fashion everyone was expecting him to after a very, very good 2009, how do things stand as of this Monday as a result of all this? Analysis.
    1).The 'Caps will be hard pressed to replace an attacking player who'd become by years end so influential and productive.
    2). Canada's football community will for a little while longer have to endure the smug grin on Bob Lenarduzzi's face as the pre-MLS WhiteCaps organization, for a fee of course, sends yet another player onto bigger and better things in Europe.
    3). After two years in Holland and a year in the USL bloggers back home in Canada will have to be forgiving of Mr Haber's frequent use of the phrase “ka-CHING” when replying to what it means to be playing in the CCC with West Brom.
    Setanta subscribers may get the very first look at Marcus Baggie this coming Monday as West Brom are away to top of table Newcastle on the 18th. Live kick-off scheduled for 2:45PM EST.
    North American Soccer League Mark II, sort of.
    So while Marcus Haber has jetted-off to set up his locker at The Hawthorns back in the New World all that purse swinging between the break away North American Soccer League (Mark II) and the United Soccer Leagues has come to be replaced by simple evil looks thanks to the family councilling skills of the United States Soccer Federation.
    Both groups will compete in a thing called the USSF 2nd Division in 2010 with the various club members split into two strictly cosmetic conferences diplomatically titled the USL Conference and the NASL Conference.
    While USL head quarters will call this compromise league structure a victory and crow about how it was earned entirely on that organizations strong reputation within US soccer circles all the singing, dancing, and otherwise joyful carrying-on is happening at the various NASL rebel clubs. The band-aid league has given USL a measure of face saving and the NASL group a year more to throw their considerable collective financial clout and business experience into a more polished article.
    With the cream of the crop from the old USL 1st Division still working towards the NASL no one is taking bets at any odds that after the USSF 2nd Division mandate expires at the end of this season there will be anything other than a freshly re-minted NASL to replace it.
    So look for the North American Soccer League, Mark II coming to a city near you in 2011.
    Guest

    Best of times, worst of times

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Grand news and desperate times in Ol' Montreal.
    The worst kept secret in North American soccer was finally, thankfully, let out of the proverbial bag late last week as Major League Soccer and the Montreal Impact announced to the whole world that they are indeed an item. The Saputo family will purchase a franchise and play their football in MLS beginning the 2012 season.
    So that clinches it. Yes, the sky is blue. Yes, water is wet. And yes, Montreal will be playing in MLS. All is as it should be in the universe.
    And it's this fresh but predictably un-surprising news which leads the Montreal Impact into this Wednesday's Voyageur's Cup Match #3 at Saputo Stadium for a must win contest against future MLS rivals, Toronto Football Club.
    Speaking of things being as they should be in the universe if there is anything we've learned over the last four years, it is that one of the few things that is more reliable than gravity is the annual spring ritual of Trader Mo Johnson's TFC going through a complete re-fit. That's right, in a city where Leafs fans view the Stanley Cup as just another urban myth like alligators in the sewers or free parking downtown the young MLS franchise is once again trying to win the Canadian Championship and make the MLS playoffs with the strong dosage of turning over players.
    New faces on and off the pitch have produced predictably unpredictable performances by the men in red so far this term. Mix the Jekyll & Hyde displays by TFC to a host Montreal team which will have it's player ranks thinned out by suspensions and a locker room which must be a-buzz with the MLS announcement and there really is no telling what sort of football we're in for Wednesday night. With the recent results between these two teams the safer money has to be with Toronto but a Montreal team in a desperate position, playing at home for their Cup lives right after one of the most important announcements in the clubs history can't be easily dismissed. Impact coach, Marc Dos Santos proved in last season's incredible USL playoff run that this is a Montreal side which can more than meet the challenge when put under adversary.
    Both sides showed well in recent wins, it looks like this Wednesday night it may all be down to who can find their best form first.
    Nutrilite Canadian Championship
    Montreal Impact vs Toronto Football Clubs
    Wednesday, May 12th
    Stade Saputo, Montreal PQ
    8:00 EST
    Roger's SportsNet East & West
    Guest

    Seven Days

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Quite the week ahead for fans of the Canadian game and it begins with what might be an ending this Wednesday night as Toronto takes to the grass at Swangard Stadium for Match #4 of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship. For Toronto the Voyageur's Cup is within reach but hosts Vancouver Whitecaps will yet have their say as to whether the MLS side retain the silverware or not.
    Toronto have been enjoying a run of form and a period of success of late which included eliminating the chances of Montreal Impact winning the Vs Cup by scooping a 1-nil victory away at Stade Saputo last Wednesday and securing their place atop the Cup table on 6 points. Toronto has two matches remaining and they're both against Vancouver.
    The 'Caps on 1 point after 1 match are quite obviously in a tough spot. Should defending champions Toronto win they retain their title after only 3 matches. And while a draw on Wednesday wouldn't be the end of the world a victory for the 'Caps could put into motion a grandstand finish to this 3rd edition of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship. Turning things around to the point where on Vancouver's visit to BMO Field on June 2nd for the final Cup fixture we could be seeing TFC in a must win predicament against a 'Cap side which has recently enjoyed more than it's fair share of success against the reds.
    And that would be a fun way to end a championship. On the last day, winner take all. Perfect.
    But it's one step at a time, starting this Wednesday at Swangard. A fortnights more worth of drama or the re-crowning of the Canadian champions?
    Nutrilite Canadian Championship
    Vancouver Whitecaps vs Toronto FC
    Wednesday, May 19th
    Swangard Stadium, Burnaby BC
    10:30 PM EST
    Roger's SportsNet East & West
    A week today Canadians will be celebrating Victoria Day in all manner, fashion, and style. For Stephan Hart and the Mens National Team they'll be forgoing the bar-b-ques, trips to cottage country and civic fireworks displays for the honour of being Argentina's final warm up test before the South American giants jet off to South Africa and the World Cup finals. All the same, bar-b-ques and fireworks are sure to follow as Monday's fixture is part of the celebrations on the bi-centenary of Argentina's Revolution Day, May 25th so it's very possible the Canucks will get a nice bit of steak and a show yet.
    Fingers and toes crossed the Argentinians keep the best shows off the pitch. It was always going to be a tough, tough, match for Canada and with manager Stephan Hart bringing a fresh group of faces south with him he really does have his work cut out for him.
    So there you have it. Canada and Argentina both celebrating a part of their colonial pasts on Monday in entirely different contexts, but on the same field of play. In a way that says just about everything important that there is to say about the beautiful game and why there is no other like it.
    Argentina vs Canada
    Monday, May 24th
    Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina
    3:30 PM EST
    Roger's SportsNet
    So enjoy the next 7 days Canada, it seems like the last few weeks of spring we always do. Here's hoping this year is no exception.
    Guest

    Celebrate

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Away up north Canadians from coast to coast will be keeping that strangest of holidays, that celebration of both spring and our colonial heritage popularly know as Victoria Day. We're a strange and diverse bunch, no doubt about it, but it says something to the nature of the peoples who live and have lived in this broad land that we can take something we've inherited from abroad and over the years mocked it up into a beloved and uniquely Canadian tradition.
    So fire up the barbeque, grab a beer, and bring on the fireworks. Another May Long is upon us.
    Speaking of fireworks.
    Away down south Argentinians all across their broad lands will be keeping their autumn holiday celebrating the beginning of the end of their colonial ties. It's a bit earlier and a bit longer this year as the Revolution Day festivities will include a final send off for coach Diego Maradona and his team as they ready to depart for the World Cup Finals in South Africa.
    With a stern look and a fresh beard Mr Maradona will be serving up a hot helping of Argentina's finest footballers for the spectators at one of soccerdom's great cathedrals, River Plate's home the “El Monumental” in Bueno Aires.
    Oh, and one more small thing, they'll be playing Canada.
    No small stage this for coach Hart and his lads. No friendly kick about either. Argentina is leaving for Africa and 70,000 Argentinians are going to damn well demand they do it in style.
    There is no denying Stephan Hart would have loved to have been able to bring a stronger squad to this wonderful event but with season end injuries having taken a toll on more than one important figure in his plans, the task ahead just gets harder and harder. There is also no denying Diego Maradona would have loved to see Canada bring a stronger squad as well. You can't sharpen your blade on a soft opponent. He might be in for a bit of a surprise.
    It may be wishful thinking but Canadian teams have shown an aptitude for punching above their weight a little from time to time when the occasion calls for it. Just ask Mexico. Just ask Brazil.
    It'll be some old familiar faces and baby-fresh new ones in Canadian reds today at the El Monumental. A hard days work and a memorial experience awaits for all. Win, lose, draw, or slaughter, it'll be a memorial day for Canada supports as well.
    Viewing parties!
    You can't have a Canada match and not have a Voyageur's Viewing Party. Enjoy a bit of company and a shout with Vs across the country, many with children friendly venues. Wear red, forgive the odd bit of passionate language and drive safe.
    Must see!
    RedNation has been doing the good work down in BA and giving our Canadian lads no respite. A must see well worth the watch. Check it all out at rednationonline.ca
    Argentina vs Canada
    Monday, May 24th
    Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, Buenos Aires, Argentina
    3:30 PM EST
    Roger's SportsNet
    Until Brazil 2014
    Allez Les Rouges
    Guest

    Don't cry for me Venezuela

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    [attach]185[/attach]
    Canada's match today against Argentina sadly went as predicted. Argentina's World Cup team against a largely second string Canada squad in Buenos Aires was always going to be about how few goals Canada would concede. Canadian fans can rest easy that had Canada's first string squad played, the scoreline would likely only have been 4-0. The picture accompanying this blog entry was really the turning point in the game.
    What has become frustrating, even if it was predictable in this match, is that Canada has nearly gone a full year without scoring. If they do not score against Venezuela on Saturday, their next possibile opportunity to get one will be September 4th in Toronto against Peru - more than a year after their last goal (which to date, was Marcel De Jong's first half strike against Costa Rica last July in the first round of the Gold Cup). Der Cucumber Bomber is unfortunately not with the Canadian team for this South America, and De Rosario has headed back to TFC, so someone else will have to pick up the slack. While Canada's opponent is a much less tricky opponent than Argentina, Canada will also be featuring a much weaker side than the already-weakened line-up that got beat by Argentina.
    The positives to take out of this match is that Canada, despite only a couple of training sessions, looked fairly organized defensively. Almost all the goals came off silly giveaways (as opposed to players simply being out of position), which is what they'll obviously need to work on going forward. Plus it's always good to give some players their first cap - Adam Straith looked confident at the back in the short time he was on the field and apparently Pedro Pacheco got his first cap for Canada - not that the Argentinian broadcasters let us know about this mind you, as they seemed more interested in showing us pictures of Messi doing nothing on the bench or Maradona berating the Referee even with a comfortable lead. Credit to Pat Onstad and Daniel Imhof in particular for coming out of international retirement to play this game, and to veteran Richard Hastings, who if he is not fit for Saturday, may have played his last game for Canada. No offense, but this blogger certainly hopes so because we need to explore better options for the 2014 World Cup qualifying cycle, options that will still be around by the time qualifying starts.
    One hopes the boys enjoyed themselves, but let's throw caution to the wind against Venezuela, even with a largely third string line-up, and get some frigging goals. Attack! Attack! Attack!
    Guest

    Can't Beat the Canadian Kids

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    [attach]191[/attach]
    That was surreal.
    Imagine if you will Canada trailing by a goal in 2nd half injury time against a South American opponent on their home turf, not having scored in nearly a year, and who do we have out there to end the drought and get an equalizer? The (comparatively speaking) grizzled veteran at age 25, Issey Nakajima-Farran - by far the most experienced international who was not in the back four - takes charge of a last-minute free kick, places a perfect ball on the head of Gavin McCallum (nephew of former Canada and Toronto Blizzard bruising defender Trevor McCallum) who equalizes. McCallum, in his first cap for Canada, races down the field in celebration and he is joined in the celebration by the likes of those house-hold Canadian soccer names such as Simeon Jackson, Adam Straith, Eddy Sidra, Gian-Luca Zavarise, Jonathan Borgeault and Stephen Ademolu, while no doubt another house-hold name in Haidar Al-Shabani was pumping his fist in celebration while tending the Canadian goal and Pedro Pacheco had a big Portugese smile while sitting on the bench after having played the first 81 minutes, along with fellow starter Massih Wassey and his half-German/half-Afghan smile. If you look closely at the video of the tying goal on this link:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZYhIEKf6Jk
    you might just make out a brief glimpse of Paul Stalteri and Richard Hastings as the only two recognizable Canadian players, on the field probably by default to provide at least some experience at the back. Otherwise even a fairly knowledgeable fan of the Canadian national team - one who doesn't spend hours on the internet following the exploits of young Canadians in the German and English lower divisions - could be forgiven for asking "Who the hell are these guys?" if they managed to stumble by accident on last night's telecast (I say "by accident" as I believe that fact that the game was being shown on one of Sportsnet's digital channels had been deemed classified information by CSIS, hence the lack of publicity and word getting out).
    In the past Canadian supporters have enjoyed their favourite pasttime of complaining that the current manager of the team doesn't give so-and-so young/new player a look. How dare Stephen Hart spoil this great Canadian past-time, by throwing out a ton of players with little or no experience, and then seeing them get a result on the road against a decent team! Okay, Venezuela isn't a great team, not the level of a World Cup entrant and they were playing a lot of younger players as well, but getting a result with our own inexperienced (internationally, and in terms of playing together) group of players is something to find encouraging, particularly the way they did it. 6 players got their first caps for Canada on this two-game trip to South America, four of them in this game (Pacheco and Straith came on late against Argentina for their first) while Sidra, Bourgeault, Wassey and Ademolu each barely have more than one
    So for all you people who didn't uncover the near-secret broadcast of the match, here's a quick guide to the new Canadian players:
    Pedro Pacheco - looked like the offensive creative midfielder that Canada is often in short-supply of. His fitness at high altitude seemed to desert him in the 2nd half, but was most impressive as being the go-to guy in the first half. Should definitely be kept in the squad as he will probably only improve once he gets to know his teammates better as well as (hopefully) learning more of the English language to be able to better communicate with them.
    Terry Dunfield - weird to think of him as a "new" player since he played for the U20 and U23 teams many moons ago, but this was his first cap. Did nothing special, but was fine as the holding mid.
    Massih Wassey - willing to shoot from distance and can hit them. A left-footer to boot. Qualities that Canada also doesn't have an abundance of, given his age and his club team definitely worth keeping an eye on.
    Adam Straith - not very noticeable - which is what you want from a 19 year old defender getting his first start in front of 20,000 South Americans (and what appeared to be 60,000 South American moths flying about the stadium - what was up with that?) Very promising.
    Eddy Sidra - very impressive going forward, as the youtube link demonstrates. Again, not the type of player we have an abundance of.
    Haidar Al-Shabani - didn't have much time to make an impression but any keeper getting his first cap in a meaningless friendly who screams at his teammates to get the hell up the field and thereby showing it was meaningful for him is okay in my books. He just *looks* like a keeper, and with Canada's woeful depth there after the stunt Begovic pulled, we may be seeing him again soon.
    Jonathan Bourgeault- also didn't have much playing time, but I'm glad that he wasn't forced to play goal after the previous stunt Begovic pulled.
    Gian-Luca Zavarise - gets credit for achieving what I failed to do - becoming the first Gian-Luca to play for Canada.
    Gavin McCallum - the guy scored, what more do you want?
    Guest

    Supporters Section Canada vs Peru

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    The CSA has reserved four sections at BMO for use by the Voyageurs at the upcoming Canada vs Peru friendly in September.
    112, 113, 114 and 127
    If you would like a group order form please contact voyageurstickets@gmail.com
    If you would like to purchase a smaller quantity PM socceronly on the board.
    Thank you,
    Jamie
    Guest

    Lessons Learned

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    [attach]261[/attach]
    Things which can be learnt from the two September friendlies Canada played against Peru and Honduras respectively (outside of the obvious "we still have a long ways to go" bit):
    1. More attacking options need to be tried up front. We need to try Rob Friend alongside another striker to see if he can be more effective in a 4-4-2 with someone to play off, as it seems unlikely in the 4-5-1 that Coach Stephen Hart employs that an avalanche of goals will come from the striker, or even to Ali Gerba levels of productivity. With the style Canada prefers to play - keeping the ball on the ground rather than aiming long balls at the second coming of John Catliff up front (and even he was almost always utilized in a 4-4-2) - it's easy to see why Der Cucumber Bomber is often more effective and productive for Canada than Friend, who seems to thrive much more with service in the air - which he doesn't often get playing for Canada. Occean needs to be given another look, and yes, Hart must do everything in his power to convince Bunbury and Hoillet to play for Canada - not to mention getting Jono De Guzman to switch back. And lets give Marcus Haber (in the SPL) and Julian Uccello (in Serie a look. We really have nothing to lose.
    2. Our offensive central midfield options are somewhat limited - both Bernier and De Ro are in their 30's already. Pedro Pacheco, our recent Portugese signing, could provide part of the answer here, a shame that he was injured and therefore not called.
    3. Terry Dunfield could be a valuable addition to the national team player pool. Nothing flashy in the d-mid role, but his distribution was very good, always keeping his team in possession against Honduras and I don't think he gave the ball away once. Playing for the Whitecaps in MLS next season will hopefully get him acclimatized to Concacaf officiating, which he got a taste of in Montreal. Simeon Jackson and Adam Straith also look like regulars for the future. It would be nice to get young Eddie Sidra in there as well for some speed coming out of the back - hopefully his club situation sorts itself out soon. And we still need an explanation for what the heck happened with the non playing of Nana Attakora, since we wasted a golden opportunity to see the kid try his luck at the international level.
    4. One spot Canada actually now has some decent depth in is central defense. Outside of the three central defenders who did play in the two games, we didn't play Nana, and Adrian Cann and Andrew Hainault weren't called from their MLS clubs - making the non-call of David Edgar somewhat of a rare luxury for Coach Hart. It would be nice to get David back in the fold however, but also nice for him to start playing regular first-team football.
    5. The CSA's goal at this point for home games needs to be filling the stands with Canadian fans. Team up with the pro clubs if necessary or let them run the marketing for the games in each respective city. There has been talk even from the Mayor of Toronto that the CSA needs to do more promotion, but charging more money for friendlies than the pro clubs do for games that "count" is part of the problem that hasn't been discussed. The game in Toronto was promoted well enough that the city's Peruvian community (many of who mistook the Canadian team for the Peruvian one when Canada came out to warm up, indicating how much - or rather how little - they follow the Peruivan team) came out to watch the match, whereas few Canadians outside of dedicated supporters did. This suggests a lack of interest by more general soccer fans (as opposed to "supporters") for the national team - at least for friendlies - and you aren't going to get them into the stands by charging more money than they are used to paying for games that count. I would like to think that most people would see supporting the national team as being more important than a club team, but not everybody does - and the distinction between "real games" and "exhibition matches" is far more prevalent with the average sports fan that is often realized.
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