TORONTO FC NAMES PREKI NEW HEAD COACH

As we told you on the show on Sunday night. Preki is the new coach of TFC. Toronto FC made the official announcement today.

Here's the official release:

Toronto FC announced Thursday, that Predrag “Preki” Radosavlijevic has been named the team’s fourth head coach in its history, signing a three year deal. The 46 year old Yugoslavian-born American joins Toronto after spending three seasons as the head coach at Chivas USA. As per league and team policy, financial details were not released.

“We are very excited to make this announcement today,” said director of soccer Mo Johnston. “Preki has everything we were looking for, and we feel he will be a perfect fit with our club. His resume with Chivas is impressive – having made it to the playoffs in every season he was there. His experience is what we need to take this club to the next level, and we can’t wait to get started.”

Radosavlijevic’s contract with Chivas USA expired at the end of this past MLS season leaving him open to explore new opportunities. He posted a career record of 40-29-21 (W-L-T) and a winning percentage of .561, the top mark in Chivas club history. He guided his team to top spot in the Western Conference in the 2007 regular season, with a 15-7-8 record, missing out on the Supporters Shield by only two points.

Named the Coach of the Year by MLS in 2007, he has also guided some the league’s top players including goalkeeper Brad Guzan, Sacha Kljestan and Zach Thornton (the 2009 Goalkeeper of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year).

As a player, Preki has a wealth of experience. He served a short stint with Red Star Belgrade in the old Yugoslav First League and from there went on to play indoor soccer in the U.S. for Tacoma Stars and St. Louis Storm before being bought by English Premier League side Everton in the summer of 1992. He spent two seasons with the Liverpool based club where he played with current Toronto FC director of soccer Mo Johnston. After a move to Portsmouth in July of 1994, Preki joined MLS in 1996 when he became a member of the Kansas City Wizards. He played every season in Kansas except for one year with the Miami Fusion in 2001. The Wizards brought him back the next season and it was there he won an MLS Cup in 2000, along with teammate Mo Johnston.

Preki is the only player to be awarded the MLS MVP Award and the MLS Scoring Champion twice, winning both in 1997 and 2003. He still holds the record for all-time league leader in points scored (270 on 79 goals and 112 assists, plus an additional 25 points on 10 goals and 5 assists in the playoffs). He played his last competitive game at the age of 42.

Internationally, he wore the colors of the U.S after obtaining citizenship in 1996. He played a total of 28 games, scoring four goals – one of the most memorable was a goal in the 1998 Gold Cup which beat Brazil.

Preki will travel to MLS Cup with Toronto FC director of soccer Mo Johnston later today.

Montreal v Vancouver

Okay, so I've been getting a bit of stick for saying prior to the post-season kicking off that I didn't think the Whitecaps were going to be around very long in the USL-1 the playoffs. I freely admit that I thought they would have been out in the first round. I did offer this though, "I hope the Whitecaps prove me wrong and make a run." And so they have, all the way to the final, and I have been getting the comments ever since, including some of the players and staff of the Whitecaps giving me a bit of a hard time. Now as we prepare for the 2nd leg of the final, the Whitecaps are down by a goal and looking to make it back to back championships. Standing in the way, are the Montreal Impact. Surprisingly, I made this prediction in my season preview and in the April edition of Free Kick Magazine. The key phrase, "If the Impact can put it all together, Montreal will be a strong candidate for 2009 USL-1 Champions" and low and behold, they may be crowned champions in just a few short days. Ofcourse, I never would say I told you so, as I admit I am wrong as much as I am right... but I do like the fact that I did predict Montreal would do well. In that same issue and in this preview, I do say that the Whitecaps have no hope of title glory and they will have a struggle during the season. So while I was right on the Impact, partially right on the 'Caps, it should be a tremendous final leg on Saturday. The best part, regardless of which teams wins, is that a Canadian team will claim the title.

On a side note, Rohan Ricketts told me at the start of the season that "I would bet my house that we'll be in the playoffs." Can I still claim that he owes me a house if they miss the playoffs or because he's no longer with the team, it's sorta null and void?

-TG

BLANCO REPLACES DE ROSARIO

Dwayne De Rosario decided to skip the All-Star game for TFC's CONCACAF Champions League match against Puerto Rico. A wise choice from DDR... I am happy that he is skipping the All-Star game to play for TFC, he did afterall decline on the opportunity to play for Canada at the Gold Cup, so why not decline for a match of lesser importance. If Dwayne decided to play in the All-Star game, it would simply have been a major kick in the teeth for both TFC fans AND Canadian soccer fans.

The full story is on DeRo skipping the All-Star game is here. DeRo will be replaced with the 2008 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, Chicago Fire midfielder Cuauhtémoc Blanco.

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?

SURPRISE AND SHOCK... REAL MADRID V TFC MATCH SOLD OUT

Toronto FC made an announcement today saying that the match between TFC and Real Madrid on August 7th at BMO Field is sold out. Not surprising really, but nice to see.

"We're excited to host one of the most popular and successful football teams in the world,” said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Our players are looking forward to the challenge of playing against a club of Real Madrid's caliber.”

“The Real Madrid friendly will be an unforgettable experience for Toronto FC and soccer supporters. It’s a great once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch this summer’s hottest event in one of the best and most intimate stadiums in North America.”

The other item of note is that Real Madrid must play their "stars" for at least 45 minutes. Meaning fans will get a chance to see Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo. Here's the rest of the Toronto FC press release:

Toronto FC’s friendly match agreement will have Real Madrid summer transfers play a minimum of 45 minutes unless injured. With the recent addition of 2008 FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, the 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year, the Toronto FC versus Real Madrid game gives soccer supporters a chance to see the best in the world in Toronto.

Anselmi added that given the magnitude of this event, it will contribute significant economic impact and tourism dollars to the City of Toronto.

Last summer’s 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game hosted by Toronto FC at BMO Field generated more than $23 million in economic contribution and tourism for the city. It’s expected that the Real Madrid game will eclipse that mark.

For this special event, Toronto FC will install a temporary natural grass playing surface on top of BMO Field's existing FieldTurf. The investment will cost the club approximately $250,000 for the single-use installation.

GOLTV Canada also announced that it will produce and broadcast the Toronto FC versus Real Madrid friendly in High-Definition.

As Canada’s all-soccer network dedicated to the Canadian perspective on the global game, GOLTV will be available in freeview on all major cable carriers for the month of August. Presently, more than five million households across the country who subscribe to digital television will have access to the channel. ESPN will also broadcast the friendly match in the United States. ESPN is carried in 96 million households.

The “Spanish Giants” become the sixth international visitor to BMO Field. Real Madrid, the most successful team in Spanish football has won a record 31 La Liga (Spanish first division) titles, 17 Spanish Cups, and a record nine European Cups (now referred to as UEFA Champions League) and two UEFA Cups (now referred to as UEFA Europa League).

The other note of interest to soccer fans is that GOLTV will be broadcasting the game. No surprise really since MLSE owns most of the TV station, but it will be on free preview. Great to see that they will bring some nice programming in that free time.

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PRELIMINARY ROUND SCHEDULE...

NEW YORK (Tuesday, June 23, 2009) – With the qualification of the last of the 24 teams in the CONCACAF Champions League, the definitive schedule for the Preliminary Round has been determined.

The first of 78 games in the 2009-2010 Champions League will start with D.C. United at home against Chalatenango of El Salvador on Tuesday, July 28. The Preliminary Round will finish with the second leg between Real Espana of Honduras at home against Liberia of Costa Rica on Thursday, August 6.

With Toronto FC’s 6-1 victory over the Montreal Impact on Thursday in the final game of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, the Major League Soccer side claimed its first berth in the Champions League and will open at home against the Puerto Rico Islanders on Wednesday, July 29. Puerto Rico will host the second leg on Tuesday, August. 4.

The eight winners of the Preliminary Round will advance to the Group Stage, which will begin the week of August 18-20.

PRELIMINARY ROUND SCHEDULE
Times local (USA Eastern in parentheses); home teams listed first

FIRST LEG
Tuesday, July 28
D.C. United (USA) vs. Chalatenango (SLV), 8 p.m. (8 p.m.)
Pachuca (MEX) vs. Jalapa (GUA), 9 p.m. (10 p.m.)

Wednesday, July 29
Toronto FC (CAN) vs. Puerto Rico Islanders (PUR), 8 p.m. (8 p.m.)
San Francisco (PAN) vs. San Juan Jabloteh (TRI), 7 p.m. (8 p.m.)
Liberia (CRC) vs. Real Espana (HON), 8 p.m. (10 p.m.)

Thursday, July 30
W Connection (TRI) vs. New York Red Bulls (USA), 8 p.m. (8 p.m.)
Herediano (CRC) vs. Cruz Azul (MEX), 8 p.m. (10 p.m.)
Olimpia (HON) vs. Arabe Unido (PAN), 8 p.m. (10 p.m.)


SECOND LEG
Tuesday, August 4
Puerto Rico Islanders (PUR) vs. Toronto 8 p.m. (CAN), (8 p.m.)
Jalapa (GUA) vs. Pachuca (MEX), 8 p.m. (10 p.m.)
Chalatenango (SLV) vs. D.C. United (USA), 8 p.m. (10 p.m.)
Wednesday, August 5
New York Red Bulls (USA) vs. W Connection (TRI), 8 p.m. (8 p.m.)
Cruz Azul (MEX) vs. Herdiano (CRC), 7 p.m. (8 p.m.)

Thursday, August 6
Arabe Unido (PAN) vs. Olimpia (HON), 7 p.m. (8 p.m.)
San Juan Jabloteh (TRI) vs. San Francisco (PAN), 8 p.m. (8 p.m.)
Real Espana (HON) vs. Liberia (CRC), 8 p.m. (10 p.m.)

TORONTO FC SIGNS CANADIAN FORWARD ALI GERBA

It's finally official:

Toronto FC announced Tuesday that the club has signed Canadian international forward Ali Gerba. Due to international transfer rules, Gerba will not be available to Toronto FC until the MLS transfer window opens on July 15, 2009. As per team policy, financial details were not released.

“We are very happy to get Ali in here and under contract,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “Ali is a very strong player, he’s quick, he’s got an eye for goal and he’s someone that will help us down the stretch. We’ve tried to get him in here before – and he’s shown a real desire to play here, so we’re looking forward to getting him on the pitch with the rest of the squad.”

Gerba, 26, arrives in Toronto after he was released from his contract with English League One side Milton Keynes Dons with whom he signed with in August of 2008. In 24 appearances with the side, he finished with 10 goals. He made his first appearance with the League One team on August 20, and scored his first goal for the club a game later in a 2-1 loss to Peterborough United.

The forward’s career has taken him to numerous clubs in Canada and in Europe including two seasons with the Toronto Lynx of the USL in 2002-03 and then again in 2004-05. He left the team as Toronto’s second highest all-time scorer with 24 total goals. In his final two seasons with the Lynx, Gerba made 32 appearances scoring 17 times. A native of Montreal, he also played for the USL’s Montreal Impact during his rookie season in 2000 and then again briefly during the 2005 season.

Since making his debut for Canada in Burnaby, BC on July 2, 2005 in a friendly vs. Honduras, Gerba has been a regular member of the Canadian National Team with 23 appearances, and 11 goals. He was on the roster during Canada’s FIFA 2010 World Cup Qualifying campaign and part of two Gold Cup squads in 2005 and 2007. In 2005 Canada did not advance out of the group stage at the Gold Cup while in 2007, where Canada reached the semi-finals only to be eliminated by the U.S.

TFC WINS NUTRILITE CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Toronto FC won the Nutrilite Canadian Championship after beating Montreal Impact 6 - 1 on Thursday evening. TFC needed to win the game by 4 goals in order to win the competition. Vancouver fans were not the only ones disappointed with the effort from Montreal, “Tonight’s result is extremely disappointing,” said Impact President Joey Saputo. “The players wearing the Impact jersey have to show pride and they did not tonight. Even though the match had no significance, we can’t hide our heads in the sand. This is not the way this club should perform in front of our fans, in our stadium. Being first and foremost a fan, I know that this is not acceptable.”

Whitecaps fans were disappointed with Montreal's performance, and how could you not. Montreal had nothing to play for ini terms of positioning, but pride is something that they apparently could care less about. Last year, Vancouver helped Montreal into the competition by picking a result against Toronto that gave the Impact the title and were hoping Montreal would do the same for them this year. It truly is is a disgrace with that effort. Joey Saputo is right, it's not acceptable.

For Toronto, it proves that they are currently Canada's best team. Let's hope that they show the same fire and goalscoring (yes, it's shocking, Chad Barrett actually scored) when they meet Puerto Rico in the preliminary round to qualify for the group stage. It would be nice to see TFC show some muscle and do well in this competition. It will also be good for players such as Dwayne De Rosario and Adrian Serioux, Gaining experience in tough stadiums abroad. More importantly, it will give young Canadians like Nana Attakora valuable experience down the road. Playing for TFC in those countries will surely benefit the Canadian National program down the road when he will get a chance to lead his fellow Canucks to hostile enviroments he's played in and hopefully conquered.

Finally, as much as it pains me to say this. GO TFC GO!! Canada is supporting you now. Do us proud.

Why do I feel like I need to wash my mouth out with soap now...

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.

TORONTO FC WAIVES SMITH

Toronto FC announced Tuesday that they have waived forward Johann Smith. The 22 year old joined the club on August 15, 2008 signing as a free agent. Smith appeared in a total of 14 games, three of those as a starter. He compiled 418 minutes, and one assist.

On the surface, it appears as if TFC are making room for a couple of new players. Ali Gerba is reportedly one of them. Could there be a another one in the mix?

WISHING FOR AN INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

We talked about it on Sunday evenings show. In Canada, Montreal, Toronto and even Edmonton have gotten in the mix to host or play against international competition, while Seattle and Portland, just south of the border have also booked international clubs. The one city that is absent is Vancouver. It's disappointing that Vancouver has yet to announce an date against an international club. I for one would love to see the Whitecaps, or perhaps just two other teams, play against a European league team. It gives fans the opportunity to watch teams that they usually only get to see on television, never live and in person.

With Vancouver getting an MLS franchise in 2011, it's almost a certainty that Vancouver and BC Place will be hosting very big international friendlies, just look at Seattle this season, but it's disappointing that nothing is happening here in Vancouver. Even Portland is getting into the mix by playing Bayern Munich's reserve squad and newly promoted English Premier League side Burnley FC.

Bob Lenarduzzi told Full-Time earlier this season, "We currently do not have any plans for an international game", but that was earlier in the season, perhaps something is on the burner now. If Vancouver doesn't have anything on the burner, here's a brief list of some of the entertaining events happening close to Vancouver and across Canada:

Seattle:
Seattle v Chelsea - July 18th
Seattle v Barcelona - August 5th

Portland:
Portland v Bayern Munich II - July 2nd
Portland v Burnley FC - July 25th

Edmonton:
Everton v River Plate - July 25th

Toronto:
Toronto v River Plate - July 22nd
Toronto v Real Madrid - August 7th

Montreal:
Haitian National Team v Syrian National Team - June 27th
Haitian National Team v Impact – July 1st
Syrian National Team v Impact – Jul 8th
(Champions Trophy) – EA Guingamp v FC Girondins de Bordeaux - July 25th
Montreal v FC Girondins de Bordeaux - July 28th
Montreal v CA River Plate - August 4th

GREG SUTTON HAS BEEN RELEASED / GERBA RIGHTS TO TORONTO

Toronto FC have announced today that they have released goalkeeper Greg Sutton after making trading a 3rd round draft pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft with San Jose for defender Nick Garcia. The release of Sutton was done to make room on the roster for Garcia.

“First and foremost we want to thank Greg for everything he has done for this club,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “Greg has always been the consummate professional, he was the first goalkeeper signed by this club, and this was a difficult decision to make. We wish him all the best.”

Along with the move to trade for Garcia, TFC also picks up the Discovery Rights to Canadian forward Ali Gerba. Gerba played for MK Dons this past season, but was released in May.

The rest of the Release from TFC:

Toronto FC announced Tuesday that they have acquired defender Nick Garcia from the San Jose Earthquakes, along with the Discovery Rights to Canadian forward Ali Gerba. In exchange, San Jose receives Toronto’s 3rd round selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. As per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. To make room on the roster for Garcia, Toronto FC goalkeeper Greg Sutton has been released.

Garcia, 30, is currently playing in his 10th season in Major League Soccer. As one of the league’s most experienced defenders, he joined San Jose in their expansion season making his debut with the team on April 3, 2008 and helped the team post the fourth-best goals against average in the league. Starting in all 24 games he appeared in last season, he logged 2,151 minutes and added two assists.

“We are very happy to bring in a defender with Nick’s experience,” said Johnston. “We tried to bring him in before and finally we were able to get a deal done. He plays 90 minutes every game, he’s quick, and he knows this league inside and out. On Ali Gerba, he’s another one that’s been on our radar, and we look forward to sitting down with him and getting a contract signed as soon as we can.”

Prior to joining the Earthquakes, Garcia began his MLS career in 2000 with the Kansas City Wizards. It was a stand-out season for the rookie after he played every minute of the Wizards seven postseason matches to help them on to victory in the MLS Cup final over the Chicago Fire. That year the team was captained by current Toronto FC manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston.

In 2003, Garcia made his 100th career MLS start, becoming the 100th player in MLS history to reach that mark and also the youngest to start in 100 games.

Internationally, the defender has six caps with the U.S. National Team making his last appearance for the Americans on January 18, 2004 against Denmark. He was a member of both the 1997 U.S. U-17 World Championship team, and the U-20 World Cup team where he finished with 20 career caps and 46 appearances.

Garcia will arrive in Toronto this week and be available for comment after Toronto FC training on Thursday. Media should arrive no later than 11:15 a.m. Manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston will also be available for comment on these moves during training on Thursday.



Nick Garcia #6

Position: Defender

Height: 5-10

Weight: 175 lbs.

Born: April 9, 1979 in Plano, Texas

Hometown: Plano, Texas

Last Club: Kansas City Wizards (MLS)

College: Indiana

Citizenship: USA

C'mon Toronto... 1 goal ain't good enough

It isn't going out on much of a limb to say that Toronto FC is the best team in Canada playing in the best league. The players that I have had the chance to speak with have all told me "there are a bunch of interchangeable guys playing in both leagues and then the game breakers, Major League Soccer has those types of players, the USL doesn't".

Before the Nutrilite Canadian Championships began, I told my co-host Mike Martignago during our radio show (Sunday nights at 10pm on the TEAM 1040) that Toronto would win the tournament this year and so far I am looking pretty good. The problem is, predicting TFC to win isn't that big of a stretch. The part that has me annoyed though is that Toronto has won both games by the simple score of 1 - 0, and truth be told, it was a terrific hand save from Frei to keep the Vancouver v Toronto game 1 - 0. Frankly, it's just not good enough.

Hey, you got the result and you deserved the wins, but scoring just one goal in each game? I want to see 2 or 3. It's not like you are sending out the scrubs to play in these matches. I want to see goals, I want to see forward movement, I want you to claim it and show you are downright superior and I want you to beat Montreal and Vancouver into submission. I want to see a blow out.

Having said all that, hope is not lost for Montreal or Vancouver. This tournament is still far from over. If the Impact or Whitecaps can sweep the other USL team and beat Toronto, they would have a chance. Perhaps even hope their USL brother can do them a favour a draw or beat TFC. It might even come down to goal differential (which is why I need and beg of TFC to score more). Wouldn't that just infuriate Toronto fans as the claims of USL dominance would once again be chanted against Toronto.

It would begin to show a pattern that in a one-off game, TFC or a USL franchise could beat anyone else, but it would also show that over a 6 game tournament, Toronto FC just wouldn't have what it takes. Call it depth, call it fate, call it whatever you want, it surely would put a black eye on Canada's best team.

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

Montreal kicks off it's defence against Toronto

Montreal's Rue Frontenac has published what they believe to be the schedule for the upcoming Canadian portion of the CONCACAF Champions League.

I don't actually speak more than 25 words of french... but I'm pretty sure it looks like this:

May 13 - Montreal @ TFC
May 20 - Vancouver @ Montreal
May 27 - Montreal @ Vancouver
June 17 - TFC @ Montreal

Obviously, the games that are missing are the Whitecaps games against Toronto FC. Those will be released on Tuesday, but I'm working on getting the rest of the schedule for you today, but likely to be held on June 3rd and 10th.

What's better for Canadian Soccer...

There is an argument out in the soccer world about which team should represent Canada in the upcoming CONCACAF Champions League. Many people say Toronto F.C. because they are the only MLS team in Canada and, arguably, the best team with the best talent. My argument is a little different: which team, in representing Canada, would bring the best benefits home to Canadian soccer? I would not choose Toronto F.C., and the simple reason is that, in my opinion, TFC is not Canadian; rather, they are an international squad. The Montreal Impact and the Vancouver Whitecaps are both more "Canadian" teams, and for this reason, either team would be better positioned to benefit Canadian soccer by competing. Since Vancouver is out of the running, I would support Montreal to represent Canada in the CONCACAF Champions League.

First, let's take a look at the Major League Soccer team in Toronto. Currently, TFC have 7 Canadian members in the squad, down from 8 after recently releasing Andrea Lombardo. That's 7 players on a roster of 25. TFC's Academy Head Coach, Nick Dasovic, is the only Canadian on the coaching staff. Dasovic's duties include assisting the reserve team, but his duties don't allow him to work with or to travel on the road with the first team. Jim Brennan, team captain, and Greg Sutton, first choice 'keeper, are the two well-known Canadian players on Toronto's squad, both playing a majority of minutes. As for the other Canadians on the team, at the time of writing, there are two on the development roster: Tyler Rosenlund and Nana Attakora-Gyan. Rosenlund has had the pleasure of playing 2 TFC games for a total of 8 minutes, while Attakora-Gyan has managed just 1 game for 3 minutes. Canadians Joey Melo and Tyler Hemming are both on the senior development squad. Melo has yet to feature in a game, and Hemming has 72 minutes under his belt, played over 2 games. The final Canadian is Kevin Harmse, who has played 7 games so far for the Toronto outfit, including 5 game starts. All this in a total of 15 MLS games so far this season.

Meanwhile, Montreal's squad features a number of Canadians: 11 to be exact, on a 22 man roster. Canadian Patrick Leduc has featured in all 15 of Montreal's USL games, while Adam Braz and Mauro Biello have taken part in 14. Nevio Pizzolitto has featured in 9 games. Sita-Taty Matondo, Gabriel Gervais and Rocco Placenino have managed to acquire 8 games this season, while Antonio Ribeiro and Alex Surpenant have each played 6. The high representation of Canadians on the Montreal team doesn't just stop on the playing field: the Impact have an entire coaching staff of Canadians as well.

Looking at these statistics, the question is, which team should represent Canada in the CONCACAF Champions League? The answer is Montreal, and here's why.

Canada has been trying to build a strong soccer tradition for a long time. That entails establishing 3 key factors: loyal fans; better Canadian talent; and more teams that can compete with and are as strong as Toronto. If Montreal wins the right to go and play in the CONCACAF Champions League, then that will strengthen all 3 key factors:

Firstly, Montreal will be positioned to foster a better and more influential soccer community within Canada. This will eventually lead to Montreal hosting more national tournaments in the new Saputo Stadium and also raising home grown fan support in a city that is only 4 or 5 time zones away from the Europe-based players. It will ensure that there is a strong support structure for soccer in place in Montreal, and allow for the Canadian team to play sold out events supported by loyal Canadian fans.

Secondly, Montreal has a better opportunity than Toronto to build Canadian talent. With only 2 players seeing regular action in Toronto, it is important that a more "Canadian" team has the chance to give its players the valuable experience of facing other environments and cultures in competitive matches. Montreal has more Canadians on the roster and more playing in everyday games. With the addition of the Champions League they will play higher calibre teams, and in league play, reserve players will get a chance to play more regularly, thus building a stronger foundation in Canada for players in North American leagues. Montreal players will then know what to expect when they put on the Canadian National Team shirt and play against a country like Mexico, Honduras or Costa Rica. They will have had actual game experience against these countries. Having Americans Maurice Edu and Marvell Wynne, or Honduran Amado Guevara play Champions League games for Toronto does not help our national product. Further, if Montreal were to represent Canada, it would benefit Canadian soccer by helping build a strong Canadian coaching staff. Who will follow in the footsteps of Canadian National Team coaches Frank Yallop and current coach Dale Mitchell? Perhaps a Canadian named John Limniatis, current coach of the Impact, or Montreal's technical director, Nick De Santis.

With respect to the third factor, Canada needs to build the strength of Toronto's competitor teams. While having a stronger team in Toronto will help us reach our goal of being a better soccer country on the CONCACAF stage and on the world stage, having 1 strong team out of Canada's 3 teams is not sufficient to create a vibrant, competitive, and exciting soccer culture in Canada. We, as a country need 3 equally developed Canadian teams. As of this writing, the Vancouver Whitecaps are solidly near the top of the USL Division 1. Montreal is struggling in the league this year, but if they win the Canadian Club Championship, it would provide a solid finish to the season. Toronto is holding its own in the MLS Eastern Conference. If Montreal goes through, they will be building a better group of young Canadian players, while Toronto will be building a better group of international stars. If Montreal wins and gains a place, they will build a strong franchise, a better franchise, one that kids in Quebec would love the opportunity to play for.

To me it makes perfect sense. Montreal wins the Canadian spot in the CONCACAF Champions League, building a better team off the field, on the field, and in the future. And if they lose in the first round, well, who knows for sure that Toronto would do any better? The question is, would you rather have Canadians gaining experience on the field or would you rather have Canadians gaining experience on the sidelines? I want my Canadians playing.


written by: Tyler Green