TORONTO FC RELEASES RICKETTS

The official word has come out from Toronto FC. Below is the announcement:

Toronto FC announced Wednesday that they have come to an agreement to terminate the contract of midfielder Rohan Ricketts.

Ricketts, 26, was signed with the club April 11, 2008. He leaves Toronto with 39 appearances, 29 of those as a starter. The midfielder compiled 2,455 minutes and finishes with four goals, four assists, and one caution.

GERBA SET FOR TFC / RICKETTS SET TO LEAVE

ALI GERBA

Ali Gerba is set to sign with Toronto FC, or already has. Various sources and various media are indicating that the contract is signed, sealed and waiting for league approval before it can be officially delivered.

He apparently is also with the squad in Montreal and could play a part in tomorrow's Nutrilite Canadian Championship final game against Montreal. TFC needs to win the game by a 4-goal margin if they hope to qualify to the next round to play Puerto Rico, otherwise the Vancouver Whitecaps FC will claim the spot.

ROHAN RICKETTS

Meanwhile, The 24th Minute is reporting that, Full-Time favourite, Rohan Ricketts is set to be released. Full-Time has received confirmation that Ricketts will be leaving TFC and it will officially be announced in the next few days.

Podcast - Randy Edwini-Bonsu and Rohan Ricketts

Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show was joined by Whitecaps youngster and U-20 Canadian National team member Randy Edwini-Bonsu to talk about the U-20 CONCACAF Championships and discussed what he hopes to bring to the Whitecaps this year.

Plus, Toronto FC's Rohan Ricketts previewed the upcoming season for the TFC and gave us his thoughts on the David Beckham saga. Ricketts also talked about his involvement in the Athletes for Africa.

Download the podcast with itunes here.

Or if you don't have itunes, you can get the podcast here.

Former Whitecaps and current Esbjerg fB defender Adrian Cann will join Tyler and Mike in the weeks to come. Stay tuned for details.

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

TFC's Rohan Ricketts joins 'Full-Time' on the TEAM 1040

Full-Time: Vancouver's Soccer Show will be joined by Toronto FC's Rohan Ricketts this Sunday, March 15th at midnight following the Canucks vs Avalanche game. Rohan will preview the upcoming season for the TFC and give us his thoughts on the David Beckham saga. We'll also get his thoughts on the Nutrilite Canadian Championships. Ricketts will also talk about his involvement in the Athletes for Africa.

Ricketts will join Tyler Green and Mike Martignago every month during the MLS season to update the listeners on TFC's performances, talk Major League Soccer and it will give Rohan a chance to rant on whatever is bothering him in the world of soccer.

It all gets going at Midnight on Sunday, March 15th following the Canucks and Avalanche game on the TEAM 1040 Sports Radio in Vancouver.

For more information visit the Full-Time show page on the TEAM 1040