Sounders FC defeated Houston Dynamo 2-0 on Friday in front of over 38,000 fans in Seattle. Continue Reading

Sounder FC completed their preseason undefeated by beating Mexican squad Jaguares de Chiapas 2-0 at CenturyLink Field on February 29, 2012.

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The picture above from the home opener shows the dramatic changes that happened to the team from the first kick to today, as well as showing the future of TFC as the Academy team lines up behind the senior squad.

The expansion draft has come and gone… Here is who is still here and who is gone and some thoughts on who I think will/should be here next year or not..

Also here is a little look forward on what is on TFC’s schedule.

The start of January will consist of the announcement of the CCL game/ticket info which will be played at the Rogers Centre (Skydome).
The 2012 adidas MLS player combine occurs from January 6-10th with the MLS Super Draft on January 12th, supplemental draft is January 17th.

Pre-season Games:
vs. Orlando City SC - February 25th 2012 6pm ET
vs. BK Hacken - February 28th 2012 6pm ET
vs. FC Dallas March 1st 2012 6pm ET
Possibly a game on March 3rd time and opponent TBD.

CONCACAF Champions League:
vs. LA Galaxy – March 7th 2012 8pm ET (Rogers Centre)
vs. LA Galaxy – March 14th 2012 10pm ET (The Home Depot Centre)

Feel free to share your thoughts at our Twitter @TorontoFCasn or in the comments section below. Feedback, discussions and opinions are all encouraged.

STILL HERE and will/should be KEPT:
Milos Kocic
Stefan Frei
Richard Eckersley
Torsten Frings
Eric Avila
Terry Dunfield
Ryan Johnson
Danny Koevermans
Joao Plata
Ty Harden
Andy Iro
Ashtone Morgan
Matt Stinson
Doniel Henry
Nick Soolsma
Julian De Guzman
Peri Marosevic
Jeremy Hall (New Signing)
Reggie Lambe (New Signing)
Dicoy Williams

STILL HERE but will/should be ASSESSED prior to new contracts/release:
Nicholas Lindsay - Will be interesting to see what Winter thinks of him in the off season after the season ending injury he will be given a chance to prove himself.
Keith Makubuya – Barely played, minimal impact.. will have to earn his spot.
Oscar Cordon – Impressed to start the season with a few appearances then went down hill from there.. Will have to earn his spot again.
Adrian Cann - Season ending injury and early contract disputes this season will not get him an immediate contract but will be invited to training camp for sure!
Elbekay Bouchiba – Hasn’t played a single minute in MLS, due to a season ending injury. His stay will depend on pre-season.
Mikael Yourassowsky – No work ethic in my opinion, when he got minutes he barely put an effort. He was brought in as a left back, never really played there.

RELEASED/Gone/Traded:
Nathan SturgisDanleigh Borman
Demitrius  Omphroy
Matt Gold
Javier Martina
Eddy Viator
Leandre Griffit
Kyle Davis
Gianluca Zavarise

What do you agree with and what would you change? Make sure to share your thoughts.

This post was written by @MahmoudShoblaq of @amersocc and @TorontoFCasn.

Seattle Sounders FC set or tied several records en route to destroying Columbus Crew 6-2 at CenturyLink Field.

After a draw against Chivas USA at home, TFC went on the road to face the San Jose Earthquakes who have yet to win at home this season.

The starting line up saw no changes from last week. 
Keeper: Stefan Frei.
Defenders: Ty Harden, Nana Attakora, Adrian Cann,  Danleigh Borman.
Midfielders: Jacob Peterson, Tony Tchani, Alen Stevanovic.
Forwards: Javier Martina, Maicon Santos, Alan Gordon.

TFC started the game defensively awkward allowing several dangerous shots by San Jose, after finding their rhythm they took the lead in the 27th minute through a goal from Gordon.  Tony Tchani, Danleigh Borman and Alen Stevanovic looked much more comfortable with the team after having several training sessions under their belts.  Stevanovic demonstrated great skill and looks like a great addition to the team moving forward.  Martina on the other hand did not have a great first half and was close to invisible. San Jose was able to find the equalizer through Dawkins after a good run on the left side in the 38th minute. The first half ended with San Jose taking 12 shots and Toronto taking 3, the Earthquakes also dominated 61 percent of the possession.

The second half continued to be entertaining, where Toronto was much more organized and created more opportunities. Martina came out from the shadows and contributed more – feeding several balls into the box. It is important to note that Nana Attakora was subbed off at half time as it was evident that his play has not been what TFC fans have been used to, this is his second time in two games that he has been subbed off at half time. TFC suffered a blow when Stevanovic was down injured and had to be substituted, he was becoming and integral part of the game on the left side with Borman.

There is still more to do for TFC but this performance would be considered a good one moving forward. The club will now head home for a 3 game home stint before starting their Nutrilite Canadian  Championship quest at Edmonton. Toronto will face the LA Galaxy on Wednesday at BMO Field.

Ratings for players from 1 (low) to 10 (high), ranked by position:

Toronto FC
Stefan Frei: 7.5
Did well throughout the game making some great stops that kept his team in the game. He could not have done much about the goal!

Ty Harden: 7
Did well at right back in the first half and slotted well in the middle in the second half. Becoming more comfortable and confident on the ball in each game.

Nana Attakora: 6
Still does not seem himself since returning from injury last week. His second time being subbed off  at the half in two games this time it was for De Guzman. He was not into the game which resulted in another disappointing showing. He also was shown a yellow for his troubles.

Adrian Cann: 7.5
A great performance by Cann, took over most of the defensive duties in the second half and was seen almost everywhere.

Danleigh Borman: 7
Seemed more comfortable and did well to contribute to the team offensively and defensively. Connected well with Stevanovic on the left side.

Jacob Peterson: 7
Did well overall and did well to slot back into defense in the second half.

Tony Tchani: 7
Did well throughout the game, got himself a yellow for his troubles.

Alen Stevanovic: 7.5
A great game for Alen, did well working with Borman on the left side where they created several opportunities. His work rate resulted to his contribution on TFC’s goal. Subbed off in the second half for Zavarise after getting injured.

Javier Martina: 6
Not his best game for TFC, was invisible for the most part and became more involved in the second half.

Maicon Santos: 6
TFC’s new captain did not contribute much and was subbed off early in the second half for Plata.

Alan Gordon: 7.5
Another decent outing, scored the goal for TFC and it certainly will not be his last. He is being praised and getting compared to the big number 9 – Danny Dichio.

Subs Used:
Julian  De Guzman: 6.5
Came on for Attakora and did well to orchestrate the middle of the park. If he continues on in this manner, his stay with TFC will be extended. He also got himself a yellow card for his efforts this evening, which is a habit that needs to change.

Gianluca Zavarise: 6
Came on for the injured Stevanovic, did well with the time given.

Joao Plata: 6.5
Came on for the under-performing Maicon and had several good runs but did not make the correct decisions to impact the game.

Alan Gordon - Photo Credit to Catherine Solmes

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After winning at home against Portland Timbers, TFC was expected to continue on a positive note against Chivas USA. All was changed when the news of Dwayne De Rosario being traded to the New York Red Bulls surfaced. On Friday afternoon the DeRo trade was confirmed, where TFC acquired Danleigh Borman, Tony Tchani and a first round draft pick in 2012 in return for Dwayne De Rosario. On the other hand, Javier Martina was voted MLS Goal of the Week earlier in the week for his second goal in the Portland game and Decoy Williams was signed.

TFC and Chivas Draw!
The starting line up saw several changes after trades and signings this week. 
Keeper: Stefan Frei.
Defenders: Ty Harden, Nana Attakora, Adrian Cann,  Danleigh Borman.
Midfielders: Jacob Peterson, Tony Tchani, Alen Stevanovic.
Forwards: Javier Martina, Maicon Santos, Alan Gordon.

TFC started the game on a rough note suffering an early goal deficit. After finding their rhythm they were able to get back into the game and find the equalizer. With DeRo gone and new players starting the match, it was expected to be a difficult afternoon for Toronto. Once again it must be reiterated that it is a building process and the team will learn to cope with DeRo’s absence.

Some positives were evident, as Martina showed great signs of class and will be an integral part of the club moving forward. Several team practices for the new players with the club will create harmony and consistency within the team. Toronto FC can only see themselves moving forward after today, keeping in mind players must remain healthy.

Toronto FC will need to perform and prove their fans that they are a competitive team to maintain the atmosphere BMO Field is used to. The game’s attendance is still considered great in comparison to MLS numbers but 18,968 is below TFC’s regular attendance numbers of 20000 or more. It was evident that there were  many empty seats which in turn made the television broadcast look very unattractive for those watching at home. Whether the attendance numbers are due to the DeRo trade or a lack of interest from fans after 4 unsuccessful season, it remains unknown. The club will need to earn their supporters back with several positive performances at home and on the road.

TFC will now head away from home to face off against the San Jose Earthquakes before coming back for a three game home stint.

Ratings for players from 1 (low) to 10 (high), ranked by position:

Toronto FC
Stefan Frei: 7
He may have not been able to do much about the goal, but did well with what came his way as the game went on.

Ty Harden: 6.5
Did well as a right back, contributed a few crosses on the attack. Still room for improvement!

Nana Attakora: 5.5
Came back from injury and may have been at fault for the goal. Not one of his best performances and was subbed off in the second half.

Adrian Cann: 6.5
Decent performance, with no visible mistakes.

Danleigh Borman: 6.5
Did well to contribute to the team offensively and defensively considering not practicing with the team prior to the game.

Jacob Peterson: 6.5
Did well on the set piece to set up Alan Gordon for the equalizer.  Subbed off at the half for De Guzman.

Tony Tchani: 6.5
Did well throughout the game for a player who has not practiced with the team, could possibly do more.

Alen Stevanovic: 6.5
Did well working with Borman, would probably wish Maicon Santos passed the ball for him to score the winner. Subbed off in the second half after getting injured. He is also another player whose contribution will become greater as time goes on.

Javier Martina: 7
Had a decent game showed great foot work and will be an integral part of the team.

Maicon Santos: 6
Captained the team for the day, scores a low rating today due to his horrible miss. Otherwise he is another player that will be an important part moving forward.

Alan Gordon: 7
A decent game, was at the end of several crosses and set pieces but did not do enough to create solid chances. Scored the equalizer and celebrated with class.

Subs Used:
Julian  De Guzman: 5.5
Came on for Peterson, still needs time to come back from injury. His distribution still lacking, got himself a yellow card for his efforts this afternoon.

Decoy Williams: 6.5
Another new signing making his debut, came on for Attakora who just returned from injury. From what was seen can easily take Attakora’s starting spot on the team.

Joao Plata: N/A
Came on for the injured Stevanovic, had little impact on the game.

————————

Martina wins MLS Goal of the Week!

Martina - Photo Credit to Catherine Solmes

TFC striker Javier Martina has won his first ever MLS Goal of the Week award for his amazing finish in the 2-0 win against Portlant Timbers at BMO Field on Saturday. It was his second MLS goal in his two appearances. Martina’s goal gave TFC the assurance lead that they held on with to win the game. The goal assisted by Frei has shown his striker’s instinct which gives everyone a taste of what he can bring to the team in the future.

A coalition of Toronto FC supporters groups plan to stage a silent protest during the upcoming Major League Soccer all-star game at BMO Field in Toronto.

TFC’s fans are noted for their boisterous support, but leading voices from each group are voicing their concerns about the possible expansion of BMO Field to accommodate CFL football and the Toronto Argonauts. Groups like the Red Patch Boys, U-Sector, Ultras 114 and the North End Elite feel are advising fans to wear black and remain silent, as the emerging fan culture at BMO Field is in large part due to the ground’s status as one of the league’s premier soccer-specific-stadiums.

It is not possible to fit a CFL field into the stadium without major reconstruction.

Toronto FC’s most rabid supporters in the south end and in the northwest corner will sit, rather than stand, during the All-Star game against English side West Ham United on July 24th. There will be limited chanting and cheering. Many of the most rabid supporters have pledged to boycott Toronto FC games should the stadium be retrofitted for CFL football.

“This is not an anti-Argos protest,” clarified Pedro Almeida of the North End Elite. “We have nothing against the Argos or the CFL… We wish them the best of success. But Toronto FC fans signed up in the thousands to support this team based on the premise of it being a soccer-specific stadium with real grass and an intimate setting. We didn’t get the grass. We better get to keep the intimate setting.”

“The supporters groups are united on this,” said Jack DePoe, president of the Red Patch Boys. “The club, the players, the media; everyone has acknowledged the contribution of the supporters groups in the club’s success. We want everyone to understand how upset we are about the possibility of a CFL football retrofit. We won’t stand for this kind of expansion.”

“This was supposed to be our national soccer stadium,” said Rudi Schuller of U-Sector, “but the national team players have already made it clear they prefer to play in other venues because of the Field Turf. Rebuilding for the CFL would further take BMO Field away from being the national soccer stadium.”

Soccer-specific-stadia have long been a key part of the league’s business plan. Seven of the league’s 14 teams currently play in SSSs. Two others will move into SSSs within the next year and the rest have plans to build one.

At last count, Toronto FC’s travelling contingent to Columbus for the 2008 MLS season opener was standing at 1200+, with some estimates topping 2000. This for the worst team in the league in 2007. Doubters in the Canadian soccer community predicted a drop-off in fan support after the club’s debut season, and while they may yet be proved right, the fans of the league’s worst-performing side have been doing everything right so far.

I’m not going to come out and say that Canadian teams are the answer to the MLS’ problems — the expansion boom in the NASL’s heyday certainly wasn’t helped by franchises like those in Edmonton and Calgary — but the signs that are coming from the soccer community in North America’s most European city are encouraging for an MLS team. Montreal has supported its USL club, the Impact, far better than Toronto’s Lynx (now plying their trade in the PDL) ever experienced, and Canada’s newest soccer-specific-stadium, Saputo Stadium (or is that Stade Saputo?), while wanting in capacity, could be expanded to meet MLS criteria.

Appealing to a range of the population with their marketing strategy was part of the key to Toronto FC’s success in filling the stands, something that MLS clubs stateside desperate to tap into local Spanish markets are trying to unlock.

Canada’s own latin culture, particularly in Montreal and Toronto, is traditionally more heavily influenced by the Italian and Portuguese communities who watch their favourite European clubs on television every weekend. Contrast this to Latin American football fans in the southern United States, whose own favourite club teams not only play just over the border but routinely visit MLS stadia for friendlies and money-spinning tournaments.

A distinct footballing culture is emerging in Canada, itself a local fusion of international traditions. And while Canada’s football clubs may be still be relegated to the back pages of mainstream media outlets, places like the internet and the Italian-language daily Corriere Canadese’s sport pages — the Canadian Gazetta della Sport, if you will — offer fans the eagerly-sought-after coverage that TFC and the Impact deserve.

It may be hard to pinpoint Toronto’s fan appeal, but seamlessly incorporating the city’s different cultural elements without an overtly desperate marketing campaign (or at least a subtle one) may be what American MLS sides with floundering attendance have been lacking. If such a strategy is indeed the formula for Major League success, then Montreal, a team owned by a Sicilian family, coached by a Canadian, and populated with French-, Portuguese- and Italian-Canadian players, is already on the right track.

With such a rich footballing tradition finally flourishing in Toronto and Montreal, promising signs on the continent’s west coast point a to potential future expansion site in Vancouver. Further south, two teams already compete in Los Angeles, San Jose has returned to the league and Seattle are stepping up from the USL in 2009. Factor in the Sounders’ division rivals in Portland and their rabid home support, and the soccer scene out west looks good, with the Vancouver Whitecaps on the outside looking in.

If the ‘Caps are looking to continue their traditional rivalries with Seattle, Toronto and Montreal, they may have to do so in MLS. Stumbling blocks and municipal red tape have delayed the start of construction on a proposed waterfront stadium project funded by Whitecaps patron Greg Kerfoot, but as Major League Soccer becomes an increasingly viable proposition, you have to feel that the opposing parties’ position will be gradually weakened.

That’s not to say that either Montreal or Vancouver bear a divine right to Major League Soccer — the patient, well-reasoned expansion process brought forth by commissioner Don Garber and the league in recent times won’t allow any side, Canadian or otherwise, to jump into the pool without an established framework for long-term success.

Spurred on by memories of the NASL and the contraction of both Florida MLS franchises in 2002, the league’s brass are reluctant to so much as publicly speak out on behalf of either Montreal or Vancouver’s expansion bids, at least until more research has been done.

The signs are good that the league’s cautionary measures, however justified, will eventually be outweighed by the benefits of top-level soccer on both Canada’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Whether or not they are included in the next few rounds of expansion, however, could determine whether the wait is a matter of years or decades.