The OFFICIAL Toronto FC Thread ***Spoilers***

[funkdoctorspock]

Welcome To The Toronto FC Thread

KITS: Home http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/Funkdoctorspock/Toronto%20FC/tfchome.jpg Away http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/Funkdoctorspock/Toronto%20FC/tfcaway.jpg


SPONSORS: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/Funkdoctorspock/Toronto%20FC/bmo.gif
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/Funkdoctorspock/Toronto%20FC/rogers.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/Funkdoctorspock/Toronto%20FC/sun.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/Funkdoctorspock/Toronto%20FC/canoe.gifhttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/Funkdoctorspock/Toronto%20FC/carlsberg.gif


TEAM:

Manager - Mo Johnston

First Team

-photo upcoming-

Stadium: BMO Field
Inauguration: 2007
Capacity: 20000

http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/t280/imgs/stadium/2006/north_rendering.jpghttp://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/t280/imgs/stadium/2006/south_rendering.jpg

v/kdlrinjuu4A


CLUB HONOURS:

- inaugural season... -


TEAM ROSTER:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v640/Funkdoctorspock/Toronto%20FC/TFCRosterFinal.jpg

Transfers In:

Marvell Wynne from the NY Red Bulls in exchange for a partial allocation and a second round MLS Superdraft pick in 2008



Transfers Out:

Jose Cancela To Colorado Rapids for a Youth Development roster spot
Richard Maloney To Houston Dynamo for Kevin Goldthwaite


this will be fully up to scratch in a couple of days... please be patient...

[Javi]

Any word on the result of the Benfica match tonight?

[Splatypus]

Any word on the result of the Benfica match tonight?
Ended 0-0... Could have used Cunningham

http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/scoreboard/game.jsp?match=05232007_ZZZTOR

Game Stats
Benfica Toronto FC
Total Shots: 9 3
Shots on Goal: 3 0
Total Saves: 0 3
Fouls: 14 16
Offsides: 5 0
Corner Kicks: 3 1

[Javi]

I got to see the last 30 minutes of the match on a stream and it was quite the boring piece of football with both side not really into the match. I would of been greatly disappointed if I had paid money to see that piece of football.

[Splatypus]

Fulham have parted company with striker Tomasz Radzinski as new manager Lawrie Sanchez runs the rule over the players that are out of contract this summer.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=307619

Lets hope he comes to TFC

[Javi]

I thought that when we traded Eskey that he would be coming (the reason for the trade was to make wage room) but since getting Cunningham who is a striker as well I dont know if Radz is in the cards to come to TFC when we have 4 strikers.

[funkdoctorspock]

k, almost done... just a couple more sections and we're good to go... anything you all want in the main thread, just ask...

[Splatypus]

Excellent game yesterday. Off to a great start with Wynne setting up the opener. Djekanovic could have been better on their goal but he was ok for his first game.

Cunningham looks pretty good to me, an definite upgrade over esky. He got beat by the field turf a couple times but that won't bother him for long. The stats say he's usually got better finishing than he displayed as he could have had 2 or 3 goals.

I missed the last couple games and the difference in play from earlier in the season in really apparent. They are shaping up to be quite a good club.

[CanadianRef]

i LOVE this team... we just need some help on the left side, and maybe one more solid defender... and we're good... i can really see us making some noise this year

[NateDoGG]

tfc!!!!!!!!
i just found this thread now lol

im really enjoying watching tfc play every saturday afternoon! gonna be a good summer of footy again :)

[funkdoctorspock]

Salary struggles real for TFC players

As the pro athletes emerged from the locker room after practice at BMO Field yesterday, it was threatening rain. But no one sent a gopher from the entourage to pull up the luxury SUV or the Bentley.

Most Major League Soccer players don't roll like that. While richer men in bigger leagues flaunt their millions with automotive fleets, the entrance to Toronto FC's locker room is usually flanked by decidedly more modest wheels. Bikes – the human-powered kind, not Harley-Davidsons – are the transportation of choice of at least a handful of players.

"I wasn't going to pay for a cab every day," said Marvell Wynne, Toronto's 21-year-old defender from Pittsburgh, explaining the presence of his two-wheeler. "(A bicycle) is cheap."

While many of the TFC's best players earn comfortable wages – Wynne, for instance, is among a handful of regulars earning around $150,000 (all figures U.S.) – there is no one on the roster who earns as much as the minimum salary in, say, Major League Baseball, which currently stands at $380,000.

Carl Robinson, the midfielder, is Toronto's top-earning player at $315,000, which doesn't exactly approach the $6.5 million being paid David Beckham, who is expected to suit up for the L.A. Galaxy.

Many players earn decidedly less. According to numbers recently made public by the league's players' union, the bottom end of the roster – Toronto's eight lowest-paid players – earn either the league-minimum $12,900 or $17,700. At those wages, according to Statistics Canada's most recent numbers, the players would be living under the poverty line for a family of one in a city of Toronto's size, which is why they tend to live with their parents.

"Frankly, those salaries are an embarrassment to all of us involved in MLS," said Bob Foose, the executive director of the league's players' association. "It's a disaster. Guys are sleeping on couches. Guys are packed into lousy apartments. ... In every MLS city you'll find story after story like that. "You're not going to hear any of these guys complain about it publicly because they're afraid for their jobs. But it's got to change."

The league – a single entity that negotiates contracts and pays salaries for each of the 13 teams – has dismissed Foose's criticism by pointing out that the developmental players are apprentices who only work a few hours a day. It says developmental salaries are similar to Class-A baseball wages and that, above all, the players' union agreed to the numbers in negotiating a collective bargaining agreement.

Foose said yesterday that developmental players have the same responsibilities as the so-called senior members of the club; that many of them have made considerable contributions to their teams; and that – given the league's new-found revenue streams since the last collective bargaining agreement was signed in 2004 – it would be a gesture of good faith for the league to spend the approximately $1.5 million it would cost to bring the low-end earners up to the senior-squad minimum of $30,000. Such raises aren't unheard of. When the season began, Toronto FC's Andrea Lombardo was earning $17,700. But last month, not long after he became a semi-regular contributor to the cause, his salary was bumped up to about $31,000. Even still, he lives with his parents in North York. Out of bicycle range, he takes the Dufferin bus to practice every morning.

"If I had to live on my own, it would be a different (financial) story," Lombardo said. "Thank God I don't have to."
Click (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/221946)

this was discussed in another thread and it's interesting to read about how some of these players survive on the salaries they are getting...

[NEColourULike]

The players making that bank survive the exact same way players survived on the salaries when MLB/NBA/NFL/EPL first started up. I've heard guys tell stories about how they worked in steel mills with some of the first Superbowl Champions the day after they won.

[Splatypus]

Yeah, some of those are pretty low and it must be hard to find outher sources of income given the training and travel schedule.


Big game tonight. Pozniak at left back for the suspended Goldthwaite. Hopefully they can contain Angel but that will be a tall task.

[Javi]

Hopfully Cunningham can get off the mark this match becasue the way both sides are playing I have the feeling it is going to be a high scoring match.

[Splatypus]

Yeah, I hope he can find the net as he looks to able to make space for himself and generate chances.

[drzauis]

Great to see we finally have our own home on these forums! Lets make sure we are as loud as our counterparts at BMO!!

I have really grown to love watching TFC play, and have high hopes for them in the future, once we learn to play a full god damn game!!!

[funkdoctorspock]

Angel wings late goals to lift Red Bulls over TFC

'He's a world-class player,' says TFC coach of New York star

Before Juan Pablo Angel could face reporters last night he had to look and smell just right.

Sitting at his locker the Colombian striker, who dismantled Toronto FC last night with two goals in a three-minute span, squirted on some hair spray, and then some cologne. Then he applied two kinds of lotion, and before a reporter could finish asking a question – "Was he sure his 69th minute free kick would be a goal as soon as he hit it?" – Angel had already answered him.

"Yes."

Angel was just as calm and confident when his 25-yard free kick, then a chip two minutes later, overcame a one-goal lead that Toronto had nursed for nearly an hour.

Angel, who signed with New York in April, now has six goals in five games with the Red Bulls. He came to MLS under a new rule – often called the "David Beckham Rule" – that allows teams to sign high-priced players from foreign leagues while counting only a fraction of their pay against the $2.2 million ( all figures U.S.) salary cap.

Of the four designated players signed so far, only Angel and fellow Red Bull Claudio Reyna have played in the MLS – Beckham and Mexican star Cuauhtémoc Blanco will arrive later this summer.

As a designated player pioneer, Angel says he's ready for the scrutiny that comes with his $1.6 million guaranteed salary.

"People have a misconception of this league," said Angel, the MLS's reigning player of the month. "It's very tough. Very physical. Our duty is to try to do well, to respond to expectations, every single (designated player) that has been signed over the last few months. Hopefully, not just by us, but by the players on the field stepping up their performance this league will continue to grow."

Toronto's Jeff Cunningham entered yesterday's game under a different kind of pressure. The league's leading scorer last season, he hadn't scored a goal in nearly a month – an eternity for him.

Midway through the first half, Andy Welsh sprinted down the left wing and spotted Cunningham streaking toward the goal. Cunningham collected Welsh's cross near the six-yard box and knocked it into the top of the net. Toronto's lone goal was one of several scoring chances in the first half that left TFC coach Mo Johnston optimistic even after the team's sixth loss in 10 games.

"The guys hung in and fought for each other," Johnston said. "(New York) spent a hell of a lot of money on two (designated player) slots, and we held our own."

But fifteen minutes into the second half Andrew Boyens fouled New York striker Jozy Altidore – a call Johnston disagreed with but wouldn't discuss after the game – and set up Angel for a free kick.

He bent it like Beckham, freezing Toronto goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic, tying the game and affirming for Johnston the value of the designated player rule.

"His free kick was world class," Johnston said. "You see the movement. You see the class. You can't teach that. He's a world-class player."
Click (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/222710)

Having talented players from Europe come to play in the MLS is only going to improve the league. I'm hoping that Mo can quickly raise the level of TFC's game to combat against these and other talented players in MLS...

[NEColourULike]

Having talented players from Europe come to play in the MLS is only going to improve the league. I'm hoping that Mo can quickly raise the level of TFC's game to combat against these and other talented players in MLS...

Don't get caught up in that line of logic my man, its depth of roster that wins the day in MLS. Look at the top teams in MLS right now and throughout the years. The Galaxy can bring in all the star power it wants, all it'll buy them is still being the 'second' team.

[funkdoctorspock]

Don't get caught up in that line of logic my man, its depth of roster that wins the day in MLS. Look at the top teams in MLS right now and throughout the years. The Galaxy can bring in all the star power it wants, all it'll buy them is still being the 'second' team.

My logic is fine... the league needs a bit of an injection... a couple Euro players coming in can improve the level of play. That's all I'm saying...

Depth helps for sure... but adding some players to compensate for the lack/restructuring of the development of the youth is a good way to go until they are ready to play. (and before you start, Becks salary has been covered twice over by tix sales and soon to be kit sales...)

I really don't expect the Galaxy to do much... but if it Euro players add to the fanbase, without compromising salary structure & denying young talents an opportunity to play... I'm all for it...

I like the 2 spot Beck rule... you don't' have to exercise using it.. many teams don't...

[NateDoGG]

no tfc games for the next few weeks?

[CanadianRef]

next game's at home, june 17... then no home games until a friendly on july 25

[NateDoGG]

who is ur guys fav tfc player? mine would have to be dichio, and then edu, that kid is goin to be amazing in a few yrs!

[NateDoGG]

ughh my saturday afternoons are so boring now without watching tfc!!!
i need to get to a patio downtown to watch some footy!!

[Javi]

who is ur guys fav tfc player? mine would have to be dichio, and then edu, that kid is goin to be amazing in a few yrs!

I have been a fan of Edu, he has come on and looked the part and the reason why he was rated so highly in the draft and why we took him 1st overall. I think will a bit more development (passing and ball control) he could be a top end CM/CDM in the MLS.

For similar reasons is why I like Boyens (though he needs a bit of work and a few extra pounds before he can be a solid CB).

Also to update Buddle has been sent out to LA Galaxy for Marshall (good trade IMO) and we are going to sign Colin Samuel from Dundee Utd since now he got a permit to play in Canada.

[CanadianRef]

jim brennan's doing a lot of under appreciated work... danny just brings it, the guy's a great guy in person too, same with ronnie... welsh, i'm sorry but we have to dump that salary.... but if i had to go get a jersey right now, it would have to be #9, dannnnnnny dichio...

Danny Dichio once visited the Virgin Islands. Now they're just called the Islands

[Javi]

jim brennan's doing a lot of under appreciated work.

Brennan is getting wasted at CB because he is not a natural CB and you can tell because he get out of position a lot. This does not help out well with a young CB in Boyens would needs someone to learn off of so I hope Marshall will come in and slot for Brennan and push Brennan to the wing and have Welsh as a bench option.

[NateDoGG]

that new TnT international should be a good fit in. looking foward to tomrrows match
anyone know what time and what channel its goin to be aired?

[Javi]

anyone know what time and what channel its goin to be aired?

1:00 p.m. ET on CBC ;)

[funkdoctorspock]

wow, missed the match, but read the post match report... damn, that was an ass kicking... extremely impressive considering that so many regulars were out on international duty. Keep it up TFC

Toronto downs Western Conference leader Dallas 4-0 on Sunday

TORONTO (CP) - Toronto FC produced one of its finest performances of the season to beat league-leading Dallas 4-0 on Sunday afternoon, a perfect sign-off before the team leaves town for an extended road trip.

Maurice Edu, Danny Dichio, Carl Robinson and Jeff Cunningham scored for Toronto in front of a noisy crowd of 20,156 fans, a record turnout at BMO Field.

Coach Mo Johnston was delighted with his team's effort in its biggest victory to date.

"It was a wonderful result," Johnston said. "Dallas are a good team but we're getting better all the time. It was vital to get three points ahead of our time on the road."

Toronto plays its next six games on the road as the under-20 World Cup takes over BMO Field.

Toronto improved to 4-6-1, while Dallas dropped to 7-6-1 after its biggest loss this season.

After early pressure from FC Dallas, Toronto took a surprise lead in the 22nd minute. Kevin Goldthwaite skilfully escaped the Dallas defence and crossed towards Dichio. His shot was blocked on the goal line, but Edu was first to react and blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

It was Edu's second goal of the season and the midfielder pointed out he is working hard to become more productive in front of goal.

"The coach has been emphasizing that I should get into the box more and try to get on the end of plays. I'm trying to add that to my game and take opportunities to score some more goals" Edu said.

Toronto looked like a different side after that goal and doubled the lead three minutes later. Dichio used his height and strength to hold off his marker and head in a perfectly flighted free kick from Robinson.

Dichio's afternoon came to an end at halftime in the one negative of the afternoon. The striker was unable to return after the break because of an ankle injury and was replaced by Andrea Lombardo.

Johnston is worried that his big forward may now be facing time out of the team.

"He is away for X-rays and we will have to wait and see how he is. It would be a big blow if it is serious," said the coach.

Dallas was the better side in the opening stages of the second half but it was Toronto who went closest to scoring. In the 56th minute Cunningham picked up the ball on half way and outpaced the defence before crashing a shot against the bar.

The crowd didn't have to wait much longer for the third goal to arrive. Robinson headed in Goldthwaite's left-wing cross in the 65th minute to score his first goal for the club. After that, the result was never in doubt as Toronto cruised to its fourth win of the season.

Robinson believes the performance is a result of hard work in training.

"We've been getting better with each game," Robinson said. "The boys are learning how to play with each other. We're taking it from training into games and the lads are now showing that extra bit of quality."

Cunningham's goal came in the final minute, when he headed in from six yards out to score his team's fourth goal of the afternoon.

Striker Collin Samuel watched the game after training with Toronto this past week. Other teams are interested but Coach Mo Johnston hopes to sign the player."

"We have the first option on him and we will continue to talk to him this week and try and get something done," said Johnston.

Toronto's new signing Tyrone Marshall watched the game from the stands. The 32-year-old defender joined the team Wednesday but was unable to play after receiving a red card in his last game for LA Galaxy.

NOTES: Toronto doesn't play again at BMO Field until July 25 when they face English Premiership side Aston Villa in an exhibition game. . . Toronto Raptors all-star forward Chris Bosh was at the game.
Click (http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/TorontoFC/2007/06/17/4268235-cp.html)

[Splatypus]

Was a pretty good game and could have been 5 or 6. Cunningham put one off the cross bar and was clear in on the keeper another time.

Hopefully Dicheo's injury is not too bad.

[rOOnaldo86]

Yeah I only caught the game when it was 3-0 up but in all honesty it should've been 5-0. Cunningham was ALL ALONE with the keeper and even had a second shot at it and missed. Can't complain though, 4-0 is great !

BTW, who's the new TnT international? I haven't heard of that for some reason.

[Javi]

BTW, who's the new TnT international? I haven't heard of that for some reason.

Colin Samuel (T&T international), he has not officially sign but from Mo interview on The Score you got the impression.

As for the result it was good win, I thought we played well and combine that with the terrible defending of FC Dallas then there were goals a plenty.

[NateDoGG]

was one of our best games played all season i would say! against the best team in the league too no doubt!
im really starting to LOVE this mls team, leave it to toronto to be one of the best teams to watch in the league ;)
we already have the best fan base lol tdot has wanted a pro soccer team to call our own for sometime now, glad its finally happened :) soccer is here to stay for sure in southern ontario :D

[NateDoGG]

we better start gettin some away wins... we wont finish a .500 club if we cant do that..... i would really like to finish this season off at .500, that would be considerd a success.

[Javi]

What is the news on Sutton? I heard that Mo might have to put him on the IR because of the injury got during the Gold Cup (concussion). This means we have to try to sign another Canadian keeper or trade a YI or SI to make room for a non-canadian keeper.

Also Samuel has signed on for 4 year deal and will be ready for the KC match next Sunday.

[funkdoctorspock]

Here is an article on the Samuel's signing...

Toronto FC sign T&T international Samuel

MLS side Toronto FC have signed striker Collin Samuel to a three-year contract.

Samuel, a Trinidad & Tobago international, joins from Scottish Premier League side Dundee United on a free transfer after playing out his contract with the club.

The 25-year-old scored 14 goals in three seasons at Tannadice and Toronto coach Mo Johnston said: 'We're excited to have him on board.

'I tried signing him two years ago when I was in New York. He's strong, he's fast, he can play left side, he can play right hand side and he can play through the middle.

'He's a great addition to our team, having (Danny) Dichio and (Jeff) Cunningham already.'

Toronto suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the New England Revolution to slip to seventh and last place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Click (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=441654&cc=5739)

[NateDoGG]

Kevin Goldthwaite Traded!
Posted: 26-Jun-2007 2:11 PM Reply


I've looked around for this, but cannot find it anywhere else. I was reading T$N's article on the signing of Samuel when I saw this under related TFC news:

http://tsn.ca/soccer/news_story/?ID=211913&hubname=

"Toronto FC has traded fullback Kevin Goldthwaite to the New York Red Bulls for left back Todd Dunivant.

Dunivant, who has experience with the U.S. National side, has been sidelined with a quadricep strain, but could be ready to play Sunday for Toronto against Kansas City.

Toronto coach Mo Johnston, when he was coach of the Red Bulls, traded to acquire Dunivant on June 27, 2006.

Dunivant, 26, has three goals and 10 assists in 107 MLS games."




news is a little old, but was not posted so i thought i would

[NEColourULike]

Here's hoping for a TFC victory on the first.

With standings politics coming into play I'm not sure who'll support TFC more, the boys at BMO or the boys out of Bobby K. :D


Edit: I'M BEGGING TFC TO PICK UP ONE FRIGGIN ROAD WIN, JUST ONE! AND BY ONE I MEAN TONIGHT!

[funkdoctorspock]

2-1 win over Real Salt Lake. First road win in TFC's history... :D

new signing Colin Samuels scored the winner on a penalty.

[Splatypus]

About damn time too!

Good performance with Poz at right back for Wynne

[jnice17]

Does anyone know what Maurice Edu's salary is? I don't think it can be too bad since he was the 1st overall pick.

[Splatypus]

Does anyone know what Maurice Edu's salary is? I don't think it can be too bad since he was the 1st overall pick.

It's in the first post of this thread.

[malaujai]

wow... some of those salaries.... very low ...

[NateDoGG]

i wouldnt say that. i mean danny dichio is our best player, and he makes what? 150K?
and for some reason obrien makes 220K?

[rawd]

I need to pick up a red Toronto FC jersey by Tuesday, are they still sold out everywhere, are they in malls yet.... im in the GTA

[funkdoctorspock]

check National Sports Centre or Sportschek. They should have them in stock.

[rawd]

Great thank u sir

[jr!]

Did I read that 1st post correctly? It has Marvel Wynne's nationality as "Togo"?
Also, I heard from somebody in the know that they will be adding a 2nd tier of seats on the East side of the stadium this offseason.

[malaujai]

i wouldnt say that. i mean danny dichio is our best player, and he makes what? 150K?
and for some reason obrien makes 220K?

ya but the lower end of the salaries... 20-30k?

the 12k ones i can understand since those players are very young, but still... they aren't making as much as i thought.

i mean, the wage my summer job is paying, i could make more than them in a year based on their salaries.

[Splatypus]

the 12k ones i can understand since those players are very young, but still... they aren't making as much as i thought.

i mean, the wage my summer job is paying, i could make more than them in a year based on their salaries.

But you are working all day, not playing footy and training.

The club finds them living arrangements and pays them to train, not a bad deal for a 17 year old kid if you ask me.

[malaujai]

working all day vs playing footy and training is no different when it comes to how much you work/how many jobs.

i dont see any of the players juggling another job.

i'm not putting myself above these players by saying i get more pay than them, i'm just surprised at their low wages.

[NateDoGG]

its a full time job
they train sometimes 2 times a day, every day.

[Fac1]

Going to the game tonight versus Aston Villa. Anyone else have tickets?

[NateDoGG]

it looked like there was a few thousand seats empty?

[jr!]

p'raps the high high ticket prices had something to do with it?
A friend of mine who has press access to BMO field was talking w/ some Villa supporters prior to the game & they felt the prices were far too high for a friendly & that they wouldn't pay that in the UK for a friendly.

[CanadianRef]

Also, I heard from somebody in the know that they will be adding a 2nd tier of seats on the East side of the stadium this offseason.

100% not true

it looked like there was a few thousand seats empty?

it filled up in the second half nicely, and when i looked around, in the 70th minute or so, it was almost all solidly packed... there were a couple of pockets that were noticeable but then again the patio was at capacity...

triple posting

[NateDoGG]

u guys think our new keeper will help us out?
god knows our defence wont......
is this our 4th keeper of the season?

[Frappi]

Question!

Are any of you going to be at the match tomorrow against the Galaxy? I would have definitely been there had the match taken place a month later...

Hopefully Beckham plays and puts on a good display...and under normal circumstances I would prefer Toronto to win...but I can only imagine the media, especially ESPN, if Beckham makes his debut...doesn't play well and the Galaxy lose. I'm riding the train and hoping he makes an impact on the MLS and that train of mine might be slightly derailed if the bloody journalists and media reporters put a bad spin on the match.

Anyway Good LucK and hope for an exciting match!

EDIT: Great moments after the post I read on SkySports that it is very unlikely he will even make his debut this coming Sunday. So! Go Toronto! haha

[NateDoGG]

i love how beckham missed our game, then played a few days later.... "2 weeks till im 100%" my ass beckham...

[NEColourULike]

TFCers for once I come in peace :D

I was just reminded of how before the season started I was all set to adopt TFC as a club of interest, as I was presuming DeRo based on his comments around last years all-star game was going to sign there. How do you guys feel about him signing a 5 year deal with Houston and do you guys think he will sooner than later show up in a TFC kit?

I know him resigning with Houston is old news but I was just reminded of this and wanted to get you guys take. Also how do you guys feel about DeRo in general? He's a great player with a great personality, he's ideal for marketing the game in Canada, and hell the US too.

[NateDoGG]

so how do u guys feel about our new record?
600 some odd mins without a goal
new mls record
it will be hard to beat that one!!
so winless in 9 are we now?

geez.... i wanna go back to when we were winning every home game every saturday afternoon......

[NateDoGG]

EDIT:
another game, another loss. another non scoring game for us

[funkdoctorspock]

It has been painful to watch tfc play the past could of weeks.... injuries have definitely taken a toll.

Hopefully they can score sometime soon. :(

[NateDoGG]

another goal-less game.. woohoo... way to tfc.. u guys really earned this record

[dada]

Sad....

[funkdoctorspock]

injuries/lack of depth have really hurt TFC. Typical growing pains for a new franchise. But, I definitely like what Mo has been doing with the club and I'm very interested to see what he does in the offseason to further improve the side.

Hopefully we score before the end of the season... :o

[NateDoGG]

atleast we scored a goal today...

and wow lombardo just sucks... that kid is soo terrible..... i cant stand watching him play anymoer..

[emma_my_girl]

Yeah...Lombardo...a waste of football boots, but who else is there at this point? All in all, I have enjoyed watching TFC this season, and really am excited about the future of the team. I hope Cunningham sticks around, and Becks gets to play in TO next summer. There are a lot of young guys who will come up through the ranks, and I approve totally with Mo as the coach for years to come......may he become the Arsene Wenger of Canada. There are better times to come!

[NateDoGG]

well we got that win out of the way
galaxy game tonite, is beckham playing?

[NateDoGG]

wow good way to end the season for tfc today!!
thought it was gonna be terrible with that long distance goal scored on us, but the king dichio scored not only the 1st ever tfc goal, but the last tfc goal of our very first season :) another great moment!!

[daveed]

So who do you think is going be in the squad next season?

(besides the obvious: Edu, Wynne, Robinson, Breenan, O'Brien)

[NateDoGG]

ill tell u who i dont think will be in the squad, braz, lombardo, and boyens....

[funkdoctorspock]

Lombardo will probably stay. Toronto link. He just needs to up his game... don't think a suitable position has been found for him yet.

[CanadianRef]

ill tell u who i dont think will be in the squad, braz, lombardo, and boyens....


braz and lombardo will be back, i'm willing to bet 1 or 2 testicles on that one...

[NateDoGG]

lombardo should be gone, he is terrible

[NateDoGG]

i think DeRo should come to the FC!!

[drzauis]

First game of 08' is away on March 29th to Columbus Crew aka the team with the really lame kit...

Home opener is April 19th against Real Salt Lake!!

[jr!]

My buddy's new fan site is up:
www.ourtfc.com.

[NateDoGG]

i miss tfc home games on a sunny saturday afternoon :(

[NateDoGG]

season opener march 29th!!! CANT WAIT!!
we have over 1000 TFC fans goin to this away match!

[NEColourULike]

Just read about the O'Brien trade, how do you guys feel about it? Here's hoping Johnston & Co. have finally realized we have more cost-effective neighbors to the south, or if they do go for Europe, at least here's hoping he lures in a Canadian player

[adammac_19]

Toronto FC have just got Kevin Harmse from the LA Galaxy for a 4th round pick.

[emma_my_girl]

Former French Internation player Tony Vairelles is trying out for TFC. I have not seen him play a lot. I think his rep as a former "Bleu" may be a good thing for the TFC players, and he should generate a bit of excitement up front.

[Bearded Kyle]

has anyone seen much of that international?

Apparently Kiki Musampa has left and won't be returning. He seemed to be doing quite well on tryouts. I'm going to assume that they couldn't agree on a contract.

[NateDoGG]

we will be able to watch the carolina cup streamed live on cbc website
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/torontofc-schedule.html

tomorrow at 6pm!

[ave]

Laurent Robert signs for the club!

Toronto FC sign French MF Laurent Robert

French midfielder Laurent Robert comes to Toronto FC by way of the English Premier League.

Toronto FC announced the signing of French midfielder Laurent Robert. The former French international has agreed to terms with Toronto after being freed of his contractual obligations with Derby County of the English Premiership. Per team and league policy no details of the contract were released.

Robert, 32, is a proven veteran with a resume that lists a number of Europe's biggest clubs including Newcastle United, Benfica, and Paris Saint Germain.

We are thrilled to have Laurent join Toronto FC and become part of our club", said manager Mo Johnston. "He's a tremendous player with a lot of talent and we expect him to come in and make an impact with our team straight away. He's played at every level, and is a true professional in every respect."

Robert's biggest career move came when the winger signed with one of England's most storied teams, Newcastle United, where he played under current Toronto FC head coach John Carver.

"I've spent a lot of time with him, and I know a lot about his game," said Carver. "He'll be a big asset to the team, he's got pace, his ability on free kicks is top class and he's a great finisher."

Robert joined the Magpies in 2001 from Paris St. Germain for a fee of 9.5 million pounds and quickly became recognized as having one of the most powerful shots in the league and clinical in dead ball situations. He made 181 appearances (in all competitions) for the club, scoring 32 goals. At Newcastle he participated in a number of big European competitions such as the Champions League, and UEFA Cup qualification.

Robert started his career at Montpellier in 1994 (France, Ligue 1) before making a move to Paris Saint-Germain in 1999. While with PSG he went to the League Cup Finals in 2000. It was not long after he joined PSG that he made his debut for France's National team - August 18, 1999 against Northern Ireland. He was also part of the squad's 2001 FIFA's Confederation Cup victory over Japan. He appeared a total of nine times for France, scoring once in France's 4-0 win over Turkey on November 15, 2000.

Robert will be available for selection for Toronto's game on Saturday against D.C. United, pending the completion of his International Transfer Certificate.

http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080402&content_id=147130&vkey=pr_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280

[daveed]

TFC really need someone with quality, I hope he can make an impact.

[BiG_MaNC]

Interesting... from the worst in the EPL to the worst of MLS... I'm hoping for a revival of his career and making TFC a bit more competitive this season.

[Bearded Kyle]

I think he's only 32 and if nothing else they should be more dangerous on set pieces.

[ave]

for gods sake, if he can take a PK better than fatty Samuel then he's worth whatever we pay him!!!

[nobuzz]

It's just nice to see some more signings, there was such talk about how we were going to strengthen the side but there is still so much to hope for. The opener had a couple of good spots but I don't have a very good feeling about tomorrows match against DC. Oh well at least it's a chance to head out, have a few drinks and watch a bit of footie.

[NateDoGG]

the game last night was horrid.....

but once we get back at bmo i will be expecting to see W's

[NateDoGG]

i wonder if the beckster will show up sunday aftenoon

hope so, i wanna beat his LA BECKHAMS

[NateDoGG]

what a way to get our first win of the season!!!

[Bearded Kyle]

It's a good thing Donovan can't finish and LA's defence is terrible. I really thought TFC was going to blow it giving up goals right after scoring.

[BiG_MaNC]

That was a crazy game... unexpected too... nice way to get the first W

[Splatypus]

Missed most of the game but caught the finish. Can't say they deserved the victory but it's a win nonetheless.

[NateDoGG]

home opener reminder tomorrow afternoon fellas!!

[NateDoGG]

woohoo!! first 3 game win streak and first time we have ever been above .500!!!!!
GUEVARA FOR PRIME MINISTER!!!

[NEColourULike]

woohoo!! first 3 game win streak and first time we have ever been above .500!!!!!
GUEVARA FOR PRIME MINISTER!!!

damn 2 zip over the KC Wizards nice!

Edit: how much ahs the TFC Back line improved? Certainly Sutton is going to prove to be one of the best keepers in the league this season, but judging by the stats it wasn't a total shoot out on his goal as has been in other matches. Looking at the box score the stats are well impressive, fewer shots, but more shots on goal, and clearly more shots into the net. Fewer fouls, only a couple offsides. Damn impressive result from TFC

[Bearded Kyle]

I'd say two things are helping them.

1) Their offensive players mean they hold onto the ball alot more often and have the other team on the backfoot.
2) Their new formation has Edu - Robinson in front of the defence effectively stifling counter attacks and they don't have the impetus on getting the ball forward beyond moving it to Guevarra or their talented wide players.

I guess it should be said that Sutton's health and confidence is clearly much higher then any point last year. At no point last season did I think he was a quality keeper but he's changed my mind this year.

Basically I'm still not convinced of Velez and Marshall. I'm sure new signing Tebily will get his shot and I think it's only a matter of time until their top draft pick James gets starts in the first 11.


I have to give it to Mo. With a few signings he's turned a weakness (wide play) in to a real strength of the team. All three of those signings (Roberts, Gueverra, and Ricketts) were fantastic today and dangerous at all times.

[ave]

decent draw last night. There's a whole lot of teams in the east sitting on 10 points, sadly TFC is still in 5th on goal dif.

anyone know why the hell there is an almost 3 week layoff until the next game? Then we play 3 in 8 days....there must be some reason, but i cant seem to figure it out.

edit: and regarding Greg Sutton, remember that last year he had a fairly bad concussion and was out for most of the season, so im not sure how some were able to really form an opinion on him. He is indeed Canadas best keeper and i think if he can stay healthy this year he'll do fine for us.

As for why our defense has turned around, i have to agree with Kyle. Robinson sitting in front of the back 4 is really helping to stop the attacks, and to be fair i felt that Velez has gotten much better in the last couple of games. Here's hoping he keeps getting better with more experience. Im still not convinved about Marshall either, last year he made soo many mistakes. This year he looks a bit better but i still get nervous when he is in action!

[Bearded Kyle]

Sutton didn't really convince at the start of last year and that's where my opinion was really formed. He wasn't good in his one Gold Cup performance last year either. As I've said though he's been very good this year. In particular he gets anything in the air.

Would you take Sutton over Lars Hirchfeld? I'd probably give Hirchfeld a slight nod but I don't know if he's playing at all since he left Rosenborg.

[Splatypus]

edit: and regarding Greg Sutton, remember that last year he had a fairly bad concussion and was out for most of the season, so im not sure how some were able to really form an opinion on him. He is indeed Canadas best keeper and i think if he can stay healthy this year he'll do fine for us.

He's hardly Canada's best keeper. Hirschfeld is our best option and I'd even put the aging Pat Onstad ahead of Sutton. The only reason he played in the Gold Cup was due to Rosenborg not releasing Hirschfeld.

[ave]

ha, i forgot about Hirschfeld, though playing in Romania, its easy to do that:D

[NateDoGG]

vote now for ur tfc players in the 2008 mls allstar game in toronto!!!!
http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/t280/index_no_ad.jsp

[Diggler]

Marco Velez for CB :D

[Diggler]

Toronto keeps things going with a 1-0 win over DCU. now we have not loss in 6 games. Dichio with the goal early and overall it was quite a sloppy game in the rain.

Now we are off to DCU and I hope we can pull out a draw or maybe nick a win :)

[Bearded Kyle]

I assume that everyone feels that TFC should use their DP spot on a striker and probably soon. Does anyone have any ideas or preferences on who they would like to REALISTICALLY get?

[malaujai]

Our next target is apparently AMEOBI! LOL!!! I can't wait to see what happens on "I'm On Setanta Sports"

[Diggler]

There was a lot of names flying but one I really like is Pauleta from PSG. Unlike Ameobi he has a very good scoring record and I think he would do quite well in the MLS.

[NateDoGG]

well tfc are unbeaten at home still, i swear we are the next stamford bridge!!! ;)

[Diggler]

Hope we can start winning away from home :)

[NateDoGG]

damn i missed the game this afternoon, i was watching the nertherlands play, i thought this game was on at 7pm :(
didnt miss much tho, tfc couldnt hit the back of the net

[jr!]

I was there & it was BRUTAL...

[loconet]

Hakan Şükür is said to have accepted an offer by TFC for $4million.

[Bearded Kyle]

They've also reportedly signed Petrov. It's hard to imagine they've actually done both.

[BiG_MaNC]

FSC said there were 5 supporter groups in Toronto, is this true? Why the hell do you need 5 groups to get the crowds to throw streamers and chant TFC TFC over and over???

[NEColourULike]

FSC said there were 5 supporter groups in Toronto, is this true? Why the hell do you need 5 groups to get the crowds to throw streamers and chant TFC TFC over and over???

RBNY Translation: WHY DO YOU NEED SUPPORTERS?

[jr!]

They've also reportedly signed Petrov. It's hard to imagine they've actually done both.

True! Which probably means they've done neither & are now stuck with McBride (nothing wrong with him), too bad he doesn't want to play here! I'll believe this when I see it.

[mzaucha]

TFC trade rights to McBride to the Fire for Chad Barrett, allocation money, and a 1st round draft pick. :)

Go FIRE!!!!!:cool:

[weequeg]

Enjoy Barrett fellas....

[Bearded Kyle]

Ha.

I wonder if Don Garber had anything to do with this?

[weequeg]

Ha.

I wonder if Don Garber had anything to do with this?

Just a little, ya think?

Although....Mo Johnson says otherwise...

"Johnston said the deal was reached without the intervention of the commissioner's office."

http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080725.wspt-mcbride0725/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home

[Bearded Kyle]

Would he say anything else though?

Hypothetically if Garber got involved the commiosoner's office may be making it worthwhile for them in other ways. Mo has complained about having to have so many Canadian players on his roster (most of which don't get used) so I'll keep this trade in mind if in the off season we find out TFC's Canadian quotient is lowered.

[alombardo20]

LOL. Why would the Canadian content need to get lowered? Through his last bunch of trades, Mo Johnston has ensured that TFC now has more international roster spots than actual roster spots.

[Bearded Kyle]

But those spots have an expiry. I'm sure he doesn't want to have to deal for international spots ever year.

I'm just saying, lookout for the MLS to give TFC some sort of break this off season.

[Bearded Kyle]

Those rabid TFC fans, they're everwhere. :rolleyes:

I guess it's up to me to mention that Carlos Ruiz is a red now. Thoughts from the empty gallery?

[alombardo20]

Bringing this thread back from the dead. TFC's TV schedule for the season has been released:

http://www.24thminute.com/2009/03/full-tfc-broadcast-schedule.html

All 30 MLS games will be shown on either CBC, Sportsnet, or Gol TV Canada. One match (Mar.28 v Columbus) will be on tape delay.

The first game of this season, this Saturday v. KC will be live on Gol TV at 8:30 pm EST, including a pre-game show which will begin at 8:00 pm EST.

Gol TV Canada should be free this weekend.

Nice to see that the Score was avoided. Which means no games with a ticker and no US simulcast.

The TV for the Canada Championship games hasn't been released yet. But I'm pretty sure those games will be on CBC.

[BiG_MaNC]

Good luck TFC, seems like you have a great team this season based on the first game. Should be a lot of good games amongst the eastern conference teams this year.

[gunner4life]

Who's going to the home opener?

[alombardo20]

Who's going to the home opener?

Me! :D

My season tickets came in the mail last Tuesday.

If I wasn't unemployed I'd be going to Columbus this weekend as well....

[gunner4life]

Me! :D

My season tickets came in the mail last Tuesday.

If I wasn't unemployed I'd be going to Columbus this weekend as well....

Great. I've not bought might ticket yet but I'll go for sure. If you have a connection to someone letting theirs go for a decent price let me know.

[alombardo20]

I'll keep my eyes open.

You should consider trying the ticket exchange threads on the U-Sector or RPB forums and even big soccer TFC forum.

[loconet]

Me! :D

My season tickets came in the mail last Tuesday.

If I wasn't unemployed I'd be going to Columbus this weekend as well....


Me too :D

CANNOT WAIT.

[jr!]

John Carver resigned today.
Hmm....wonder if he'll show up in Newcastle in a few days?

[RyFryy]

John Carver resigned today.
Hmm....wonder if he'll show up in Newcastle in a few days?
That's what all the "sources" are saying.

Any ideas who'll be replacing him?

[br0pbr0p]

Apparently he got fed up with MLS. I don't blame him...the system is so confusing. -.-

[alombardo20]

That's what all the "sources" are saying.

Any ideas who'll be replacing him?

For the time being, his assistant, Chris Cummins will be in charge. Considering the way the team has played since the change I don't see why he doesn't deserve an extended shot at the job.

[Daveisonfire]

Just a matter of time until our missed chances came back to haunt us...Barrett and Vitti missed some sitters today.

BUT, that said, Chicago is probably the best team in the East so I'm not surprised by the result. Hope the guys can get rested now after that hectic part of the schedule and we can get another good streak going.

[jr!]

A deal for De Guzman (!) is apparently 90% done: http://bit.ly/bCNFW

[loconet]

Bye Bye Danny and Thank you :(

Good luck with the new job.

[alombardo20]

Sad to see Dichio call it a career. Nice to see that he will continue with the club as a coach.

This opens the door for the signing of Julian De Guzman, which should happen in the next few days.

[loconet]

w00t

http://web.mlsnet.com/images/2009/09/11/iS72lWwF.jpg

Also, Grass at BMO has been approved by the Ex Board. Very close to getting that sorted as well :D

[NateDoGG]

its weird but i have had the least bit of interest in toronto fc this season. after carver bounced the season went straight down hill