TFC Bloggers at The 24th Minute are speculating a BIG TFC related announcement on Jan 5th…
“Multiple sources have told me to keep Jan. 5 circled in the calendar.”
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I HOPE you all had a very nice Christmas and enjoyed some good old fashioned turkey lunch, as I certainly did.Being a player now in the mls the season break at this time enables you to spend some quality time with your family, but I do feel for the players who are only able to spend a mini Christmas with their families.
I’ve spoken to a few of my pals about Christmas and some were saying that they were going to spend Christmas night in a hotel, others trained on Christmas Day.
I know that they are looking at a mid season break and I do believe that it will eventually come.
Boxing Day’s matches are always tough as you have to make sure you don’t eat too much Christmas dinner, or chocolates and then have to prepare for two matches in the space of three days.
Well Manchester United are quietly sneaking up on the rails in the Premiership race, as others keep drawing, but Liverpool are still leading the way with Robbie Keane netting another two goals after scoring away at Arsenal last week.
Fernando Torres missing is giving them problems but they still have enough quality to be there or thereabouts. Chelsea’s boss has said that he hasn’t got a natural playmaker, which I find strange as with signing Deco, to add to Ballack and Lampard is a big comment.
I think that a lot of managers would want that playmaker problem! Aston Villa are still showing they’re a top team with a great comeback against the stuttering Gunners, who I think are now out of the title race. Their big race this year is to finish fourth in front of Villa, Everton and the usual suspects.
Hull must have a mention too, although they came down to earth with a bump from a 5-1 drubbing at Manchester City. Even now while they are in sixth, I still think that a fourth from bottom finish will be a great season for them.
Well I now know that I will be back in Canada at the start of February for our pre-season schedule, which will see us go to Florida, Tampa and Charleston. These trips are vital and good for team bonding which is crucial during the season.
I also have to welcome our new signing Dwayne de Rosario, a Canadian boy, former mvp league player and all-star team player for a number of years too.
It is a great coup for Mo Johnston to manage to get him, and I know that a lot of work went into this from him.
He will become a big player for us, and more importantly can get goals which has been one of our major problems over the last two years.
It’s great for another Canadian to join also as its important to have Canadians playing in the team, and I know that the supporters also love this.
I hope you all have a wonderful new year and look forward to an exciting 2009.
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The growing buzz is that Toronto FC is looking to part with some, if not all, of its first-round picks. A team poised to make serious noise in 2009, TFC is looking for veterans who can contribute immediately rather than rookies who will need time to develop. The club also already has three young prospects it rates highly in Abdus Ibrahim, Johann Smith and Brian Edwards, so fitting three more rookies on a roster that only has four developmental roster spots would be difficult.
2. Toronto FC- Omar Gonzalez, D, Maryland
This pick stands a very good chance of being dealt, with Tracy and Gonzalez the most coveted players by potential trade partners. Toronto could certainly use a central defender and Gonzalez is the best of the bunch. If Mo Johnston uses this pick, you can almost certainly bet that picks No. 4 and 13 will be dealt.
4. Toronto- Marcus Tracy, F, Wake Forest
So how would Tracy go from top pick material to No. 4? While I don’t think he will slide this far (a trade would likely help him land higher) we shouldn’t forget that Patrick Nyarko was considered a No. 1 pick candidate before sliding to No. 7 in last year’s draft.
13. Toronto- O’Brian White, F, UConn
As most folks are aware by now, White is recovering from ACL surgery, a surgery that has scared off plenty of teams as well as MLS itself. If TFC can’t find takers for its draft picks, you can bet that Mo Johnston won’t be scared to take a flier on a hometown player Toronto FC coveted greatly last year. If he recovers fully from surgery, Toronto could wind up with the steal of the draft.
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Canadian Press just reported that Canadian international and former Toronto Lynx bicycle-kick specialist Paul Stalteri has just been released by Tott’n’m ‘Otspur.
Apparently the parting is mutual, as the 31-year-old fullback wants to seek new opportunities with other clubs.
TFC Designated Player conspiracists will now insist that Stalteri is clear to Toronto as a high-priced DP.
I think … not.
For one thing, Stalteri is insisting he wants to remain in Europe. For another, he lacks DP marquee status, and is neither the striker nor central defender the Fort York Redcoats so desperately need.
But any time one of Canada’s best pro soccer players hits the free agent market, a bit of healthy speculation is certainly in order. Stalteri certainly sounds like a man who’s been totally dedicated to healing an injury and impressing new Spurs manager Harry Redknapp. I don’t think he’s been spending a lot of time on the phone talking MLS with TFC GM Mo Johnston.
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… Looks like he has finally broken his silence.
If you didn’t read the whole story I’ll point you to the important part.
The Dynamo tried to keep De Rosario happy in Houston, signing him to a long-term deal midway through the 2007 season that made him the team’s best-paid player at $325,000 (the league maximum at the time). Apparently, that wasn’t enough.
De Rosario, 30, asked to be traded to Toronto because that is home and because he is looking for a new long-term deal that includes a significant bump in compensation, although word from Toronto is that his new team might not be willing or able to comply.
Okay.
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For what it is worth, TFC play-by-play voice and host of The Fan590’s Soccer Show
A little birdy tells me there will be an announcement (about a DP) in a couple weeks.
Nigel Reed wrapped up tonight’s Soccer Show with this: Combine that with Gerry Dobson’s subtle as a baseball bat to the head hint yesterday and, well…
We’ll take more stock in Reed’s comments than Dobson’s, if only because he’s more connected to the team. But, ultimately any fan knows that nothing is nothing until the player is holding the strip up at the presser.
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2009 SBI MLS Mock Draft
1. Seattle Sounders- Marcus Tracey, F, Wake Forest
Sigi Schmid goes with the top striker prospect rather than the stud defensive prospects. Tracey would very likely have been the top pick in the 2007 draft if he had come out and the only real strike against him is that his contract (at least some of it) will count against the salary cap, unlike the top Generation adidas prospects. This pick is very likely to be Tracey or Opara.
2. Toronto FC- Ike Opara, D, Wake Forest
Mo Johnston will be absolutely giddy to be able to grab Opara, a 20-year-old defender with tremendous upside who could play right away. If Seattle takes Opara, TFC will have a hard time passing on Tracey, though Omar Gonzalez would fill a more pressing need.
3. Los Angeles Galaxy- Omar Gonzalez, D, Maryland
Everybody knows what the Galaxy needs and Gonzalez is the best defender on the board. Bruce Arena will gladly turn to the ACC standout, though do not be surprised if the Galaxy deal this pick to FC Dallas for a package of first-round picks. The Galaxy need more help than one player can provide.
4. Toronto FC- O’Brian White, F, UConn
The word on the street is that TFC wants to deal away one or two of its first-round picks, but if White is here at No. 4 you can bet Johnston will pounce on the Toronto native and standout striker. The question at this point is whether White will actually sign with MLS.
5. FC Dallas- Steve Zakuani, F, Akron
As stated above, don’t be surprised to see Schellas Hyndman package his No. 5 and No. 11 picks to move up to grab one of the Big Three. FC Dallas has plenty of quality prospects already and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Hoops package picks for some veteran depth.
6. D.C. United- Sam Cronin, M, Wake Forest
Whether or not Ben Olsen can come back this year it is clear that D.C. needs to replace him and Cronin is just the player to do that. A classy central midfielder who would fit right in at D.C, Cronin has the make-up to play major minutes as a rookie.
7. D.C. United- Jeremy Hall, M, Maryland
Dave Kasper and Tom Soehn will jump for joy of they can pull off this ACC double. Hall played on the left for the Terps but is a naturally right-footed player with a nice speed-skill combo who could be an impact player right away.
8. Kansas City- Baggio Husidic, M, Illinois-Chicago
It isn’t a stretch to say the Wizards attack could use a boost of creativity and Husidic could provide just that. Regarded as one of the most skilled playmakers in the draft, Husidic could go even higher than No. 8.
9. Chivas USA- Stephen Frei, G, California
The Goats struggled to replace Brad Guzan when he left for Aston Villa but Frei is just the type of goalkeeping prospect to potentially be the permanent replacement. Frei is a 6-foot-3 force in the net and is widely regarded as the best pro prospect in a good goalkeeping class.
10. New England Revolution- Yohance Marshall, D, South Florida
Replacing Michael Parkhurst is all but impossible to do in a college draft, but landing the best senior defender in the pool will help. Marshall has the strength, speed and leadership abilities to step right in as a rookie and start, which is why he could go higher in the first round.
11. FC Dallas- Graham Zusi, M, Maryland
As we stated above, look for this pick to be dealt, but if it isn’t, Hyndman would be hard-pressed to pass on a player with Zusi’s quality.
12. Real Salt Lake- Mike Grella, F, Duke
Would you really be surprised to see Jason Kreis take a fellow goal-scoring machine from Duke? Grella is a proven finisher, something RSL could have used last season.
13. Toronto FC- Kevin Alston, D, Indiana
Johnston scores again by landing the best fullback prospect in the draft. TFC could also go with Canadian striker Toussaint Ricketts, but if TFC lands White, look for Toronto to add to its defensive depth.
14. New York- Michael Stephens, M, UCLA
The Red Bulls would have much preferred to grab Alston here, but unless Alston slips, look for New York to grab Stevens, a playmaking midfielder who would be a Generation adidas player if he signs with MLS.
15. New England- Chris Pontius, F, UCSB
Having addressed a defensive need with its earlier pick, look for the Revs to grab the best attacker on the board. They could go with Peri Marosevic of Michigan, but look for Pontius to get the nod.
So there you have it, the first crack at an MLS Mock Draft. I can tell you that I doubt highly the first round looks like this because there will definitely be trades and there will definitely be players who don’t come out, and some others who come out that weren’t originally listed as potential Generation adidas signings.
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MLS-rumors.net just received the following by email, standard disclaimer applies:
I can tell you the following about Toronto FC’s DP search. Someone privy to the information is close to me. You should know that Toronto has its eyes set on two DP targets. One is a Brazilian currently playing in Europe who for family reasons wants a change. The other is an Italian currently playing in Italy for a team relegated to Serie-B last year. Please do not use my name. Cheers.
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Filed under: Toronto FC
Carl Robinson announced in his column in Welsh newspaper Country Times that he has agreed to a new deal with Toronto F.C. The Welsh midfielder stated that he has not yet signed the deal, but that he and Toronto general manager Mo Johnston have verbally agreed to Robinson’s return.
“This is and was a massive decision for me and my family as this will probably see me never come back to England to play again,” Robinson said. “Since being in Toronto I’ve absolutely loved my time there, enjoying my football so much that my love for the game and desire is still as high as ever.”
Robinson touted the Canadian fans as one of the major reasons he decided to return to Major League Soccer.
“I keep telling people what it is like over in Toronto, and how crazy and great the fans are, and I think now people are starting to understand one of my reasons why I’m extending my stay,” Robinson said in his column. “I know every player says this, but after playing for some top clubs in my career I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like them – their passion, devotion and support is unbelievable.”
Robinson joined Toronto in 2007 and has played in 53 matches in his first two years with the club. The 32-year-old started 27 games for Toronto in 2008 and is one of the most experienced players on the roster.
Robinson is also looking forward to 2009, saying that the team will need to play well next season to repay the fans for their loyal support.
“I want to win things, and really do believe this next year coming will be big for us, names being mentioned suggest exciting times ahead for TFC,” the Welshman said.
Excitement for Toronto F.C. in 2009 is well-founded. Danny Dichio is another popular player who also decided to rejoin the club for another season. The big English forward played in 23 matches for Toronto last year and tallied five goals. Joining Dichio and Robinson will be hometown superstar Dwayne De Rosario, who should generate even more interest in the team from the Toronto faithful.
Toronto will be looking to avoid another last place finish in the East. The re-signing of Robinson seems to be just another step in TFC’s ambitious rebuilding process.
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