Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:10:58 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/ The Supporters' Voice en-ca http://gotorontofc.com/images/logo.gif http://gotorontofc.com/ james@gotorontofc.com http://gotorontofc.com/Article1017.html This week, GoTFC debuts a new feature which we hope to publish each Sunday morning. It's called the Sunday Soapbox, and it will feature the best of the week's posts from the forums here at GoTFC. To make your voice heard, simply register an account here (it's fast and free) and post your views on the forums. GoTFC's staff will pick the best and post them on the front page of the website. This week, our own Hammerman takes an interesting look at Major League Soccer's strict financial controls, and how they might be applied elsewhere in the world of football... Could the MLS have a lesson for the English Premier League? As incongruous as it sounds – how can an upstart, tier two organization teach the world’s most successful soccer league anything – consider the following. Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:10:58 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1016.html by James Oliphant GoTorontoFC.com Statements were released by both the MLS Players Union and Major League Soccer regarding the CBA talks, which were put on hold yesterday. While there appears to be no imminent strike action planned, talks have broken down and both parties have walked away from the bargaining table. This has led some to speculate there may be a work stoppage before the season begins. Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:32:18 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1015.html Press Release The Canadian Soccer Association announced Friday that the Canadian Soccer League has been granted full membership. Applying the provisos of the Canadian Soccer Association’s revised Professional Soccer Standards that were recently ratified by the Association’s Executive Committee, the Canadian Soccer League has been provided with the conditions of membership and a set of transitional benchmarks. “We are pleased to welcome the Canadian Soccer League as a member of the Canadian Soccer Association,” said Canadian Soccer Association President Dr. Dominic Maestracci. “We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship as the professional game develops in Canada.” Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:55:14 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1014.html Raul scored against TFC last August at BMO Field.By John Hadden, gotorontofc.com Real Madrid legend Raúl could soon be on his way to Major League Soccer. According to various reports, the New York Red Bulls hope to have the 32-year-old playing at the brand-new Red Bull Arena by this summer. Raúl has repeatedly expressed his interest in playing in America and the MLS club hopes to capitalize by offering to match his current salary and provide more playing time. "For 15 years I have won practically everything, and in the last three months I have played less," Raúl told Spanish Daily Marca. "It's not an ideal situation for any player." The Los Blancos captain, who joined the club at 17, will leave a legacy at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu as the club's all-time leading scorer. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 16:24:17 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1013.html (Photo: MLS)Press Release Toronto FC announced Wednesday they have acquired defender Ty Harden from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a third round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2011. Per league and team policies financial terms were not available. "We are excited to have him on board with us," said head coach Preki. "He's a good quality, young defender and there are many things I like about him. He showed a lot of promise in his rookie season with the Galaxy and we hope he can add some toughness to our back line." Harden, 25, was a second round pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft of the Los Angeles Galaxy. In his rookie season he started all 24 games that he played in, amassing 2,086 minutes. He went on to be named the Galaxy's 2007 Defender of the Year. Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:07:27 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1012.html Press Release Defending Champions Toronto FC will begin the 2010 Nutrilite Canadian Championship at home to Montreal Impact on Wednesday, April 28 at 8:00 pm. The Reds will then travel to play the reverse fixture in Montreal on May 12 and go to Vancouver on May 19. The final game in the 2010 championship will be at BMO Field when Toronto FC take on the Whitecaps on Wednesday, June 2. Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:31:02 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1011.html Press Release Major League Soccer announced Wednesday the complete regular season schedule for 2010. This is the 15th season of MLS and will see each of the clubs play 30 regular season games, for a total of 240 matches. Click here to see the 2010 Toronto FC MLS schedule Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:08:11 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1010.html Press Release NEW YORK -- Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Major League Soccer Players Union (Players Union) announced Thursday that the two organizations have agreed to continue to negotiate through February 12, as they work towards reaching a new collective bargaining agreement. "While we still have areas of disagreement, the talks have been constructive and both parties believe it makes sense to continue to work hard to reach agreement," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "This extension provides both MLS and the players the opportunity to continue our discussions while clubs are in training camps preparing for the 2010 MLS season." Sat, 30 Jan 2010 14:19:29 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1009.html Our help is needed more than ever.MLSE, Rogers and Fans to Provide Donations Press Release Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), with the help of Toronto sports fans and their partner Rogers, will undertake a variety of fundraising efforts in support of UNICEF's and ONEXONE's Haitian earthquake relief efforts during the Toronto Marlies' home game January 23 at Ricoh Coliseum, the Toronto Raptors home game January 24 and the Toronto Maple Leafs' home game January 26, both at Air Canada Centre. Employees from all four of MLSE's teams will be located throughout the arena collecting cash donations for UNICEF from fans in attendance. MLSE will match in-arena cash donations for UNICEF made during the January 23, 24 and 26 home games. Click here for 360° view of devastation "The events in Haiti have been devastating and have had a tremendous impact on the entire world. We know that many of our fans have been personally affected by this tragedy," said Richard Peddie, president and CEO of MLSE. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:07:19 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1008.html Press Release Toronto FC announced Thursday the final piece of their 2010 MLS preseason plans with a trip to Orlando, Florida to compete in the Inaugural Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic. The tournmanet, to be held at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, will take place from February 25-27. The team will travel directly to Orlando from Bradenton, Florida following the first stage of their preseason from February 8-17. Along with Toronto FC, the tournament will feature the Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas, and New York Red Bulls. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:32:49 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1007.html Press Release Toronto FC announced Thursday they have acquired midfielder Jacob Peterson from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for allocation money. Per league and team policies financial terms were not available. "This is a player that Preki has been wanting for some time," said director of soccer Mo Johnston. "We're looking forward to bringing him into camp and getting him working with the rest of the players." Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:57:57 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1006.html Argentina's former MLS MVP will stay on in Ohio. (Photo: MLS)Press Release COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Columbus Crew announced Tuesday that it has re-signed Guillermo Barros Schelotto, keeping one of the most popular, prolific and decorated players in club history in Black & Gold for the 2010 season. Schelotto's fourth season with the Crew will be his 20th in professional soccer, continuing an extraordinary career in which he has been part of a remarkable 18 club championships. Since joining the Crew in 2007 from storied Argentine club Boca Juniors, Schelotto has been one of the finest attacking players in the league, earning both league and MLS Cup MVP honors, along with two MLS Best XI selections, while accumulating 26 goals and 39 assists in 78 regular-season and playoff games. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:02:48 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1005.html The new facility will be top-class. (Photo: KC Wizards)Press Release Kansas City Wizards ownership group OnGoal, LLC announced Tuesday that approval has been granted for a state-of-the-art soccer-centric stadium for the Wizards and a nearby youth-soccer complex. Construction is set to begin tomorrow at the stadium site, located across from Nebraska Furniture Mart and The Legends in the Village West district of Kansas City, Kansas. The Wizards, a founding member of Major League Soccer (MLS), will become the first Major League professional sports team to play its home games in the State of Kansas and the 12th MLS team to play in a venue built for specifically for soccer. Kansas City is preparing for its 15th MLS season, with the League expanding to include 16 teams. Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:45:49 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1004.html By John Hadden gotorontofc.com The 2010 MLS SuperDraft was full of excitement Thursday - especially if you're a Philadelphia Union supporter. The league's newest franchise made a variety of moves this afternoon, adding two more first-round picks to their first overall selection of Oregon State forward Danny Mwanga. Philadelphia picked UCLA midfielder Amobi Okugo sixth overall, after acquiring the spot from Toronto FC. Kansas City also has a big reason to be excited. The wizards selected Canadian forward Teal Bunbury fourth overall. The 19-year-old now follows in his father's footsteps, creating the first father-son duo in MLS history. Alex Bunbury, a Canadian soccer hall-of-famer, finished his playing career with the Wizards in 1999-2000. Continue reading for a list of first round and Toronto FC selections. Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:04:19 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1003.html Curt Onalfo knows the league well. (Photo: MLS)Press Release Washington, DC -- D.C. United has named Curt Onalfo as the team's head coach. The 40-year old Onalfo becomes the sixth head coach in club history. He has long-standing ties to United, having previously served the team as a player, director of youth development, and assistant coach. "This has been a lengthy process but at the end of it we believe Curt Onalfo will be an outstanding leader for D.C. United," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "Our first priority was to find someone who shares the club's long-standing philosophy of attacking soccer -- and Curt absolutely does." Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:44:43 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1002.html by James Oliphant GoTorontoFC.com The presents are wrapped, the stockings are stuffed, the nog is flowing and I’m all out of Christmas similes with which to introduce arguably the biggest gift on this list. Or am I? I’m not sure if your parents did this when you were a kid, but mine often kept one Christmas gift away from the glow of the tree, hiding it in the basement or some closet I was sure not to open (in hindsight, it was likely the one with the cleaning products in it). Invariably, that was the best gift of all. After tearing the paper off the other well-thought-out-but-mildly-underwhelming, I’d get to the end of my pile and think “well, that’s a pretty damn good haul.” And then mom would excuse herself to refresh her tea and come back one last box both for me and my sister. We’re down to that last box. Over the last 11 days, we’ve given you everything a fan of Toronto FC could ever need. From sure-thing strikers to rock solid centre-backs, keepers’ jerseys to continental glory, more night games to less labour pains and more. All things designed to make the experience of being a TFC supporter just that much better than it already is. So what’s left? What could we possibly be hiding on that top shelf in the linen closet, out of reach of our 3-year-old hands? Want a hint? It’s something several of the gifts are designed at giving us. Something we’ve yet to experience, and the one thing I’d imagine all of us can agree we need the most. On the twelfth day of Christmas GoTFC gave to me... A winning season. Have the Merriest Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Best wishes to you and yours from all of us here at GoTFC. Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:17:47 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1001.html by John Hadden GoTorontoFC.com The days leading up to Christmas can be some of the most exciting of the year. Anxiety, laughter, stress and smiles all come in the same package. It’s easy to appreciate the holidays when you have nothing to worry about – other than whether or not you should have another cookie. Unfortunately Toronto FC fans have been worrying too much lately, I’m frightened that some may not be able to enjoy the holidays. I would wager that some supporters are so tired by now that they will simply just sleep until it’s time to return to work. And that’s just not fair. This time of the season is strictly reserved for the good things in life. Ladies and gentleman, I present to you the reason behind all this nonsense. Drum roll............the Toronto Argonauts. Not only have they dampened Christmas, but this Grinch has also not apologized for causing thousands to roll their eyes. Something must be done about these silly little elves, wearing their tights just too tight and calling themselves tough guys. The headlines they create in the ‘soccer’ community are ridiculous and enough is enough. That's why... On the 11th day of Christmas GoTFC gave to me... The end of "Argos at BMO Field" rumours. Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:33:41 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article1000.html by Matthew Scianitti Special to GoTorontoFC.com Have you ever been sitting down to enjoy a wonderful Christmas meal and the tension in the air is as thick as the delicious aromas? Beside you, one family member is looking intensely across the table at another who’s chewing their food ever so menacingly. (Uncle Fred you can stop grinding your teeth when you chew, I think the turkey is dead) Decorum is only maintained out of respect of the the ‘good tidings’ of the holiday, but in any other situation civility would not last. Or perhaps you’ve fired, or been the target of, insults cleverly wrapped up in disingenuous complements. (I didn’t know they made jeans that big Fred! I guess there specially made for you champion beer drinkers eh!) Tis the season. But while we might avoid such uncomfortable and awkward situations, there is one disagreement that might affect all of us. So before you feast with your combative and discourteous relatives take a moment to pray for some peace and good will amongst a few men this holiday season. On the tenth day of Christmas GoTFC gave to me... A resolution to the CBA Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:29:39 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article999.html by James Oliphant for GoTorontoFC.com Probably the biggest downside to this time of year – apart from the ridiculous state of shopping malls and their parking lots – is that the sun drops out of sight before 5pm. Many of us wake up during these winter months before the dawn, head to work just as the sun is rising, and come home again in the dark. We rarely get to spend any significant amount of time basking in sunshine. And it’s bloody cold once the sun drops too. I think I can safely speak for most of us when I say nights in the coldest months of the year just plain suck. This revelation (ha!) comes, of course, as we suffer the longest night of the year. Yes folks, today is the winter solstice. In the summer months, though, nights are a different story. Nights are wonderful...warm, calm and best enjoyed in the company of 20,000 of your closest friends. On the ninth day of Christmas GoTFC gave to me... More night games in the summer months Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:13:51 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article998.html by Matthew Scianitti Special to GoTorontoFC.com I don’t consider myself a mean person. In fact, I don’t think there has been a year where I been amongst the wretched few who are condemned to Santa’s naughty list (Enjoy your coal, bitches). So, on account of the 364 days of peerless selflessness and benevolence I would say I am deserving of my presents (smug, aren’t I). But for one day, on Christmas, all my kindness and good will evaporates in self-ignited blaze of covetous greed. What’s mine on Christmas morning belongs to me, and if you don’t like it, you sorry sap, the fact is the fat man in the red suit didn’t address my gifts to you, did he? I’ll throw hands to protect what has been generously given to me. I once punched my sister square in the mouth because she thought it was ‘OK’ to play a PlayStation game I had received. And that was last year. (My God, I really do have problems don’t I?) I only wish Toronto FC could show that same obstinacy and aggression in protecting the one thing that SHOULD be precious to them. A lead! On the eighth day of Christmas GoTFC gave to me... A competent centre-back. Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:10:46 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article997.html by James Oliphant GoTorontoFC.com The weather has become decidedly more - what's the word I'm looking for here - seasonal? Yes, I suppose that's a good way of putting it. With just 6 days remaining until Christmas, temperatures here in Southern Ontario are cold at best; bone-chillingly bitter at worst. It could be worse, of course. Last Sunday, the temperature in Edmonton hit -46.1 degrees Celsius. BEFORE the wind chill was factored in. But it could also be a lot better. Today, the temperature in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, reached a high of 28 C. Notice the lack of minus sign? We need an excuse for a December vacation to the UAE. And what better excuse is there than football? Today, the finals of the FIFA Club World Cup were held under sunny skies and dry, desert heat. That’s why... On the seventh day of Christmas, GoTFC gave to me... A better run at the CONCACAF Champions League Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:19:12 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article996.html By John Hadden GoTorontoFC.com Dear Santa, You know that funny feeling you get in your mid-section after drinking way too much egg nog...and eating too many of Mrs. Claus' 'special cookies'? Well lately I've been having that same feeling. But my pain is different -- I'm not seeing crimson and clover or getting visited by heaps of 'the pasties' followed by hours of gut-rot -- oh no Santa, I fear I've taken on all the suffering of Toronto FC supporters and it's far too much to bear. Sometimes it hurts so much I have to cheer for another team just to relax my mind...but then another Maple Leafs goalie gets hurt and I want to die all over again. I've done some long, hard thinking and I'm pretty sure I've discovered the root of the problem. I live in Toronto. You got it Claus -- I live in the 'Big Smoke'. Where all our sports teams are mediocre and strive for nothing more. But Santa I know you could help us. If only just once, you could give a Toronto team the one thing it desperately needs to move forward towards a trophy. That's why Santa, on the 6th day of Christmas GoTFC gave to me... A winger worth his salary. Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:11:06 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article995.html by James Oliphant GoTorontoFC.com Last year about this time, I cleverly (according to my mom, at least) associated the stuffing of stockings as a Christmas favourite with the scoring of goals as a footballing favourite. And while the metaphor may be far more muddled than my mother would ever admit, the point remains: There’s not much I like more at Christmas than a well-stuffed stocking, and there’s not much I like more in football than a well-stuffed opposition net. In the three years we’ve run this 12 Days of Christmas series, several items have made the list twice. Only one, however, has made an appearance in all three years. On the fifth day of Christmas, GoTFC gave to me... A 15-goal striker Thu, 17 Dec 2009 23:59:49 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article994.html Press Release Toronto FC announced Thursday that the club has decided to not pick up the options on the following players for the 2010 MLS season; forward Pablo Vitti, midfielder Lesly Fellinga, and midfielder Amado Guevara. December 31 marks the end of their contracts with Toronto FC. “After sitting with Preki, and the rest of the coaching staff, we have decided this is the direction the club would like to go,” said director of soccer Mo Johnston. “This leaves all players free to negotiate new deals with other clubs outside of MLS. We wish them all the best of luck in the future.” Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:31:30 -0500 http://gotorontofc.com/Article993.html by Matthew Scianitti Special to GoTorontoFC.com Whatever you celebrate this time of year, the one thing everyone can agree on is, there is no place like home for the holidays. The wonderful gifts (“Oh, thanks Mom! Underwear AND socks!), delicious food (“No Dad I don’t think its safe to eat a turkey you’ve ‘flashed-cooked’ in the oven for 30 minutes on 500 degrees”) and cherished moments with family and friends (“Yes Grandma, Christmas is the best time of year for me to show the family my new ‘slut’), make the festive season all the more memorable. Every wonderful moment reminds you why you spend most of the year trying to avoid that god-forsaken place. Or maybe its just me, I have a weird family. But there is a place we all call home at a certain time of year. Full of the kind of festive cheer you can’t find at home during the holidays. Unfortunately, we’re forced to wait to arrive there for reasons beyond our control and understanding. So, unbeknownst to you, I pulled a few strings, made a few calls and told MLS Commissioner Don Garber that, indeed, I call the shots. Didn’t you know? On the fourth day of Christmas TFC gave to me... A season opener at BMO Field. Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:29:44 -0500