KEVIN HARMSE OFF TO CHIVAS

Kevin Harmse was shipped off to Chivas USA today for allocation money coming back to Toronto. Here is the official release:

Toronto FC announced Wednesday that they have acquired allocation money from Chivas USA. In exchange, Chivas receives midfielder Kevin Harmse.

“The entire staff wants to wish Kevin all the best,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “Kevin requested a move back to the U.S. We tried very hard to hang on to him, but this move is what’s best for Kevin right now.”

Harmse, 24, was acquired February 29, 2008 from the Los Angeles Galaxy. The midfielder leaves Toronto having played a total of 30 games played, 21 of those as a starter. He compiled 1,882 minutes over two seasons and scored once this season in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship match at home against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 6.

Two ways of looking at this. Kevin was considered surplus and TFC have plans to bring in a more capable defender in his place or already have with Nick Garcia. Or, Harmse was the only Canadian to accept the invitation to go play for the Canadian National Team at the Gold Cup. Could this be Mo Johnston's way of saying that this is not acceptable and that he should have put club before country.

I haven't spoken to Kevin, but I'm curious why he would want a move back to the U.S. when the best part of his career has been with TFC. We'll try and get to the bottom of it.

What do you think of this move? Do you think it's because of the first or the second possible reason?

Toronto FC Preview

Toronto FC is attempting to make the playoffs for the first time in team history in 2009. It will be helped by a strong offense; however, its struggles in defense may hamper its chances.

Toronto FC looks to have a strong offense heading into the 2009 season after struggling in 2008. The addition of Canadian National Team member Dwayne De Rosario will provide a steady presence in the midfield and, alongside Ricketts and Guevara, will supply the forwards with plenty of offensive opportunities. Danny Dichio, when playing, will be well placed to capitalize on these opportunities – he led Toronto with 5 goals in a concussion- and injury-filled 2008 season. Chad Barrett may be able to step up this season after showing promise last year by scoring 4 goals in 13 games and will be starting alongside Argentine forward Pablo Vitti. The new off-season signing of Vitti failed to impress in his home country and the TFC brass are hoping that he can put it together in the MLS.

Defense is the biggest question for the club in 2009. Canadian defender Adrian Serioux is an upgrade on Tyrone Marshall (now with Seattle), but fellow Canadian Kevin Harmse and Serioux will not instill fear in opposition forwards in the powerful Eastern Conference.

In 2009, TFC fans have plenty of reasons to be excited. “At the very least, we will be in the playoffs,” says TFC’s Rohan Ricketts; “I’ll bet my house we’re in the playoffs.” A revamped Toronto FC roster will give head coach John Carver a chance to reach the postseason for the first time in the team’s short history and, if things come together on the defensive end, the chance to make a run in those elusive MLS playoffs.

- coming up next: Seattle Sounders F.C.

-TG