Sam in Kenya..

Still not much going on.. I stumbled across this article on the Winston Salem Journal. It features our very own Sam Cronin! He spent 18 days in Kenya working at two orphanages.

Sam Cronin and his girlfriend, Samantha Holt, had an African experience they're unlikely to forget.

They spent 18 days in Kenya earlier this month, working at two orphanages through the Amani Children's Foundation. They said that the time was rewarding, even though some of their things were stolen near the end of their stay and they had stomach problems from some of the food.

"It was great to see how another culture lives and what those kids are up against," said Cronin, who played soccer at Mount Tabor High School and Wake Forest, and recently completed his rookie season with Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. "It gives you some perspective that you don't have because you take for granted how we were raised and how lucky we have it."

The two returned last week in time for Christmas, but they talk as if they already have received plenty of gifts.

MERRY X-MAS!!!

I don't have much today. After all it is Christmas Eve. This is kinda neat 2 you tube videos with blindfolded players playing keep up. Theo Walcott is awesome!!




This Next one is behind the scenes.


Also found this Castrol add with Cristiano.. LOL



and last but not least.. A Theo Add.. I could surf you tube all day looking for these things.. :)

Is there something wrong with the bladders of goalkeepers these days?

What is Auckland City stopper Paul Gothard doing here? Praying nope, planning nope... Pissing his pants in the middle of a match YES!! WTF? Like fellow goalkeeper Jens Lehmann only a few weeks ago Gothard went for a leak during the game! At least Jens had a little more class. I wouldn't have said that at the time but when you way the options pissing yourself or peeing behind a billboard... I think the billboard seems like a better plan. What are these jokers doing before games? come on. This Gothard kid has the creepiest peeing his pants grin on while he pulls his pud. eeek

A few more tweaks.

The TFC front office is starting to warm up for the holidays. Earlier in the week TFC named Leo Percovich the team's new assistant coach Monday. Percovich spent last season as goalkeeper coach with Chivas USA. Big deal SNORE!!!!

Exciting news from the office has Amado Guevara leaving the team According to several reports, Guevara has signed with Honduran club Motagua. Also on the way out are Pablo Vitti and Lesly Felinga.

Pablo Vitti really did not amount to much while he was here. I had high expectations of him but really I don't know if it was the lack of playing time. Maybe he is just shit. ya I think he is just shitty.

Lesly Fellinga, well I really think that this guy did not get a chance to play and it is unfortunate because the time he did play I found that he was very effective. He probably just was not in Preki's plans for the new season. I would imagine Fellinga will land a job somewhere soon.

Amado leaving is good.. I would rather that he left before the season started rather then waiting for the season to begin and find out that there is trouble in the dressing room. My take on it is straighten that shit out before you start the season. Get rid of the poison.

Amado did his job well when he was here. We didn't make the playoffs with him so no biggie getting rid of him and lets continue the building process. I want to watch a winner this season. Not a dirty bunch of losers! Buh Bye AMADO!!! See Ya Vitti.. (your shit) Felinga... I feel like we never really got to know you.. sniff... sniff..

Robo I think you next!

Paul Winsper is leaving TFC

Not surprised here. Paul Winsper leaves TFC. It is like a mass exodus over there, Carver, Cummins, Winsper. MLSE needs to find the right people to do the job and get it done. Freaking Seattle did better than us this year and they are in their first season. What the F! Find a trainer I don't care what his name is, frankly I think there was to much hype over Winsper in the first place. No offense to him but a team that can't make the playoffs can not possibly have the greatest trainer? right?

Anyways here is what i found.

Fitness guru Paul Winsper is leaving his job as strength and conditioning coach of Toronto FC for a new position with Nike, the Englishman confirmed to CBCSports.ca on Friday.

Winsper, who is under contract to the MLS club until Dec. 31, said he and his family will be moving in January to Oregon, where he will serve as sports performance director for Nike.

Nike's world headquarters are in Beaverton.

Winsper, 43, said Toronto FC offered him a two-year contract extension, but the job offer from Nike that they first made to him in the summer was just too good to pass up.

"It's an unbelievable job offer that I can't really turn down. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for me," Winsper told CBCSports.ca.

You can READ MORE...

Montreal in the MLS?

Doesn't it feel like every few months they are announcing a new team to the MLS? I kinda have been ignoring the stories about Montreal being the next team in but I don't have a lot to post so here it goes..

Montreal Impact are poised to become Major League Soccer's 19th team.

MLS commissioner Don Garber held meetings with the club’s president Joey Saputo, Quebec Minister of Finance Raymond Bachand and Montreal Mayor Gerald Tremblay to discuss the Impact joining the league.

"We are very happy with the visit of the MLS executives in Montreal,” Saputo said in a statement.

He said the meetings on Wednesday with Minister Bachand and Mayor Tremblay were “very positive”. “It's clear for us, and now more than ever, that the arrival of MLS in Montreal is only a question of time. We are hoping to have news in the first quarter of 2010.”

thats from World football insider and can probably be found all over the place cause the story is all over the place including here. now.

Oh Lehmann... you funny guy

I don't know what the heck happened here but if you find an english version of this clip I would love to hear what the commentators have to say about this.

There is an article about it at goal.com

"Stuttgart goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has remained tight-lipped over the much-publicised moment in which he appeared to take a comfort break during his side’s midweek Champions League encounter against Unirea Urziceni." READ MORE...

Keane linked to Celtic!!

It would probably be better news if he was linked to Toronto but I was born a Celtic fan so this news is just as exciting. If it could actually happen. My guess is it is purely speculation and nasty gossip to get guys like me excited. :)

"Keane, who returned to White Hart Lane after a difficult spell at Liverpool has seen Jermain Defoe and Peter Crouch move ahead of him in the striking pecking order at Tottenham and could be open to a move where he would be instantly taken to heart due to his Irish international credentials. "

Read More..

TFC what went wrong?

Not much going on yet today. Interesting article on goal.com if you have time to waste. Evidently I have a lot of time on my hands. eek.

Toronto, Canada-- A spectacular 5-0 capitulation at the hands of bottom club New York Red Bulls in a game that could have cemented a place in the playoffs for Toronto turned out to be the last act of departing coach Chris Cummins in an official capacity. Real Salt Lake took the last playoff spot instead, going on to win the MLS cup and underscoring the pain of what could have been for the TFC faithful. Despite the disappointment of providing Dwayne De Rosario his first season bereft of a playoff spot, Toronto FC managed to win their first silverware in the shape of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship by steamrolling the Montreal Impact 6-1 away. However, TFC failed to make the main draw for the CONCACAF Champions League as the Puerto Rico Islanders upended them in a tight qualifier.

Read on...

Toronto looking at adding another striker!

argh... This news is a little dis-heartening (is that even a word). We need guys in the back field!!
anyways I don't know how accurate this story is but it looks like TFC is looking at signing Kevin Kyle the captain of Kilmarnock. He is coming off a big season scoring 12 goals in 22 appearances. Big woop dee doo!!(now I know that is a word) I want to see the Reds look after the backfield and start making roster moves to remove the dead weight we already have.

Here is some of the story I got from News Of The World

The 28-year-old Scotland hitman is in the final six months of his contract and that has alerted Johnston who sees the giant striker as the perfect man to lead Toronto's front line.

Kyle is Killie's best paid player on £2,000 a week, but he could double that wage if the former Sunderland and Coventry hitman opts to move to Canada with Johnston able to offer him a £200,000-a- year deal.

Losing Kyle would be a massive blow to Kilmarnock boss Jim Jefferies, who pulled off a masterstroke by persuading him to sign an 18-month deal at Rugby Park last January. Jefferies received an instant pay-off as Kyle scored the goals to keep cash-strapped Killie in the SPL.

French winger Laurent Robert is hoping to secure a return to Newcastle United.

What the hell happened to this guy? Last I heard he had signed a two year deal with Greek side Larissa. Then all of a sudden I read an article on Sky Sports that says he is trying to work his way back to Newcastle. That is nuts!! He scored one goal for Toronto and 0 goals for Larissa. PSG wont even sign him if he plays for free! He tried to get a contract with PSG playing for FREE!!! and they said NO. Why would Newcastle want him?. NUTS

"He has now set his heart on a switch to Championship leaders Newcastle, and has persuaded Magpies new-boy Fabrice Pancrate to pass his details on to manager Chris Hughton."

Adidas unveiled its World Cup match ball!!

It is getting close to World cup time. Even though Ireland will not be in it due to Henry's big hands. I am excited about the tourney. Not sure who I will cheer for yet but I am pretty sure I will cheer for any team that is playing France. The unveiling of a new ball is always a little bit fun and interesting. How many different things can you really change in a ball? It seems every world cup there are new advancements with balls. Well here are some excerpts taken from the Toronto Sun and The New York Times about the ball.

The Jabulani (which means “to celebrate” in isiZulu) is the 11th World Cup ball Adidas has designed — and according to product line manager Chris Niall, the early feedback is positive.

“The players like it,” said Niall. “(It has been tested) in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, and some of the MLS teams have been given the ball in advance, and it is well approved by the players.”

Former Toronto FC star Danny Dichio said ball technology has come a long way since he first broke in with Queens Park Rangers in England in the early 1990s.

“When I first started, we were using medicine balls, it was that long ago,” said the 35-year-old Dichio, who retired in September. “But you can see significant changes in the ball even over the past few World Cups.

“Now you come in with a ball like this ... compared to when I first started playing, it’s night and day.”

Dichio realizes that some people might wonder why Adidas bothers to tinker with the ball so much. But he says world-class athletes deserve a world-class ball.

“Without (a good ball), the game is nothing,” said Dichio. “The puck never changes in hockey, but (in soccer) the ball is everything. I’ve been in games before where a referee changed the ball three times because people were complaining about it.

Strange Soccer Goal

Beauty... something to keep in mind. Never stop playing until the whistle blows. Or you will blow. the play... doh.

Philidelphia Union selected the following players

Union selected the following players in the expansion draft:
Jordan Harvey (DF, Colorado Rapids)
Andrew Jacobson (MF, D.C. United)
Brad Knighton (GK, New England Revolution)
Sebastien Le Toux (FW, Seattle Sounders FC)
Stefani Miglioranzi (MF, LA Galaxy)
Alejandro Moreno (FW, Columbus Crew)
David Myrie (DF, Chicago Fire)
Shea Salinas (MF, San Jose Earthquakes)
Shavar Thomas (DF, Chivas USA)
Nick Zimmerman (FW, New York Red Bulls)

Here is the list of Toronto FC players that were not available in the draft in other words they were PROTECTED!!

Nana Attakora
Chad Barrett
Jim Brennan
Sam Cronin
Julian de Guzman
Dwayne De Rosario
Emmanuel Gomez
Amadou Sanyang
Adrian Serioux
O’Brian White
Marvell Wynne

Toronto FC list of available players for the draft:

Brian Edwards
Lesly Fellinga
Nick Garcia
Ali Gerba
Amado Guevara
Carl Robinson
Pablo Vitti
Gabe Gala

Stefan Frei and Fuad Ibrahim do not need to be protected because they’re Generation Adidas players.

I am surprised they did not target Amado, or Brian Edwards. I would have thought one of those guys would have been picked off.

That Philly Team better not make the play offs before us!! It was embarrassing enough last season that Seattle had a winner. I wish we were part of that expansion draft Moreno would be a nice addition.

TFC Fan makes the paper! ( two weeks ago)

Because of the lack of interesting news and a slow day at work I thought I would bust this one out. It was Dave that first brought this to my attention. Many thanks Dave.

anyways SUNshine Girl Meagan is 25 years old and loves to watch sports. Proof that good things come in small packages, our girl stands a gorgeous 5-foot-nothing. This beauty loves to bake and shop in her free time.

NICE!!...

more pictures can be found at the Toronto Sun website

Fastest soccer goal ever scored in 2 seconds

This is a pretty neat little clip. I would love to know who came up with this strategy. Maybe someday in the future we could see TFC try something like this.

TFC change there coach about as often as I change my underwear!

Toronto FC announced yesterday that Predrag Radosavljevic, commonly known as Preki, will be the teams 4th coach. In a 4 year span the team is thru 4 coachs... DOH! This guy has a proven and a winning record in the MLS. Good news.

Johnston is quoted as saying "Preki has everything we were looking for, and we feel he will be a perfect fit with our club. His resume with Chivas is impressive — having made it to the playoffs in every season he was there. His experience is what we need to take this club to the next level, and we can't wait to get started."

The BAD news I guess would be this is the guy that clashed with Amado Guevara, Toronto's star playmaker. I guess thats not totally bad news cause I don't give a shit what happens to Amado if it means our team starts winning. I guess if he wants to stay he will have to play harder and earn his right to be on the team. If Preki feels Amado can do the job I am sure that we will keep him.

Preki signed a three-year deal with Toronto. Hopefully he lasts more than a season cause I am tired of the carousel of coaches with this club.

It's the weekend I am going home. Someone kick Henry in the nuts for me!

South Africa for Frei!

Stefan Frei a member of the Generation Adidas program is heading to South Africa! On November 27 he will head out as part of the annual post season trip. Frei was nominated for the MLS Gatorade Rookie of the Year, and also was awarded the Toronto FC Rookie of the Year, and Defender of the Year honours.

Players who join MLS as part of the program receive opportunities to develop their game, and receive educational grants to further their college education.

Frei is a great goal keeper and hopefully he makes it back to North America in one piece. We need a keeper next season. My thoughts and prayers will be with him.

Stay safe buddy...

Dwayne De Rosario has been named to the MLS Best XI

The first Toronto player to earn the honour in the club's three seasons is DWAYNE DE ROSARIO!!

Surprise surprise. ya right anyone could see that coming. How long can we be shut out with the attendance that TFC draws. Obviously the MLS needs to keep TFC fans happy. And who else are they going to add from the club other than DERO!... Maybe next season we will see Julian get named. If the guy decided to sign a little earlier we could be in the playoffs right now, and he could have had those honors as well. Not that they mean anything. At all.

The MLS names a best XI every season. This is not Dero's first time to appear on the list. In fact its his fourth and he is the first player to be named to it from three different clubs. He is Toronto's first player on the list. Also notables on the list are Jeff Cunningham and Conor Casey. ARGH!! It always hurts to see EX-TFC players doing well.

Here is the whole list in the off chance you care.

Zach Thornton of Chivas USA named Best XI goalkeeper. Geoff Cameron of the Houston Dynamo, Wilman Conde of the Chicago Fire, and Chad Marshall of the Columbus Crew earned defensive honours. The other four midfielders were Landon Donovan of the LA Galaxy, Houston's Stuart Holden, Shalrie Joseph of the New England Revolution, and Freddie Ljungberg of Seattle Sounders FC, while the two forwards honoured were Conor Casey of the Colorado Rapids and Jeff Cunningham of FC Dallas.

Bummer. no Beckham.. :(

Toronto FC’s Pub Crawls are back

I just received an email from the club. The pub crawl is back.

"For the fourth year, Reds players will be touring pubs across the GTA to meet fans and talk footy.

We will start on Tuesday (November 17) at Jack Astor’s in Burlington, located at 3140 South Service Road (for a map, check out the Jack Astor’s website).

It’s an all-ages event, starting at 7:00 p.m. and there will be free appetizers!

Stay tuned for confirmation of other dates and venues. Here’s the provisional schedule:

Mississauga (Nov 19), Downtown Toronto (Nov 24), Richmond Hill (Dec 1), Scarborough (Dec 3)."

I guess this is only happening at Jack Astors?

What do they want from me? I watched these guys miss the playoffs now they want me to watch them drown their sorrows? WTF! I already spent money on the season tickets now they want me to pay for their beer? Screw it I am responding to the email with my address and if they want a drink that badly they can some over and split a case with me.

John Carver on the move?

It's been a pretty boring off season so far. Seat relocation has started for those that decided to renew season tickets.. WoooHoo..

Overseas I found some interesting TFC related news.

Seems our old coach is in the running for the Peterborough united job. "The Posh" (Peterborough united nickname) play out of London Road Stadium in Peterborough. They are in the Championship after being promoted last season and are currently struggling in the new division.
They have no manager currently and Carver is still out of a job. Darren Ferguson just stepped down as manager on November 9th.

I don't understand how a club with a manager that was able to lead them to successive promotions from League Two to the Coca-Cola Championship is shown the door? Why would you replace the guy with a quitter?

essentially what "the Posh" plan on doing is get rid of a guy they have had for 3 years and shown them tons of success to replacing him with a dirty quitter who achieved nothing in the MLS?

Come on... who's kiddin who?

Chris Cummins FIRED!

It did not take long for the dust to settle in Toronto. Looks like Mo Johnston is trying to be pro-active here maybe trying to cover his own ass a little. Few stories today about this

One from USA Today-
TORONTO (AP) — Toronto FC has dismissed interim coach Chris Cummins after the team missed the playoffs and finished with a losing record.

Toronto FC did not renew Cummins' contract on Tuesday. The team finished the season with a 10-11 record with 9 draws.

Cummins' coaching record was eight wins, nine losses and seven draws in 24 matches.

One from the CBC-

The Chris Cummins era is officially over.

Toronto FC general manager Mo Johnston announced at a Tuesday morning press conference that the team will not renew the contract of the head coach.

The announcement comes three days after the Major League Soccer club failed in its bid to secure a historic playoff berth.

"We have decided to move forward without Chris for next season," Johnston said.

Good luck in the future Chris.

THEY LOST....

Against the worst team in the MLS. New York Shit Bulls pummeled TFC 5-0. The Fan590 Blog summed it up pretty good calling it the "Manhattan Meltdown" I like it, very fitting. The Globe and Mail calling it "Canada's Soccer Shame" also very fitting.

I truly thought I would see the team give there best effort. Instead I watched a team of individuals showcase there talent. I think some of them are unsure of the future they hold with the team and do not understand they need to play as a team to stay on it!... What a mess. Hopefully next season will not be as glum.

I wish Chris Cummins the best for the future. Looks like he will be out of Toronto when the dust settles. He is claiming that TFC reneged on some of the promises they made when he first took over for quitter Carver. "There were things promised me" when they first came over that were never fulfilled.

Anyways I will try me hardest to keep up to date with the MLS playoffs as clearly TFC is not in them. Below is a chart with the playoff teams. I will try to make a Bracket with dates and stuff if I have time ( I doubt it).




I guess from here on out it is all Celtic, Arsenal, and Republic Of Ireland news! The Occasional TFC off season update and MLS cup action minus..

cheers

I got nothing today...

I don't have to much to say today. Mostly cause I'm working so here are a collection of stories around TFC TODAY. :)

Toronto FC coach not worried about keeping job - (He should be)

On the eve of what could be his final game as coach of Toronto FC, Chris Cummins insists he's not feeling any added pressure to win for the sake of his job.

"I was asked to do the job until the end of the season," said the 38-year-old Englishman, who was named interim head coach in April after John Carver abruptly quit.

-From the Toronto Star

TFC's De Rosario looks to keep playoff streak alive - (I hope so)

Just call Dwayne De Rosario Mr. November.

The 31-year-old attacking midfielder, who joined Toronto FC via a trade prior to the current Major League Soccer season, has a reputation for being a clutch performer during the playoffs, having won four league championships (two each with San Jose and Houston).

He also scored the game-winning goal in two MLS Cup finals, and twice was named player of the game in the league's championship contest. Most impressive of all, though, is the fact that he has never missed the playoffs in his eight previous MLS campaigns.

- CBC Sports

MLS enters frantic finale on last weekend - (YES! heard this a million times now lets get down to it)

Since the beginning of Major League Soccer's existence, the league has been faced with criticism for a playoff structure that saw all but a few teams make the playoffs. In years when eight teams would qualify out of a field of 10 or 12, teams that had endured awful regular seasons could still sneak into the playoffs and potentially win an MLS title (like the 2005 Los Angeles Galaxy).

Expansion has helped ease the problem, and the arrival of a strong expansion Seattle Sounders team has helped turn the 2009 playoff race into the toughest in league history, with six teams heading into the final weekend battling for two remaining playoff spots. Four of those teams (Toronto FC, New England, D.C. United and FC Dallas) have the same point total going into the last game.

- From ESPN

PREVIEW RED BULLS VS. TFC - (nice about a million previews on the net this one is good though)

After hosting MLS games for more than a decade, Giants Stadium will close as a soccer venue with what could be a memorable finale.

Toronto FC tries to emerge out of a complicated playoff picture with one of the two remaining spots Saturday when it visits the New York Red Bulls.

Toronto (10-10-9) is one of four clubs currently tied for the eighth seed in the MLS standings with 39 points. Those teams are one point behind seventh-place Colorado, putting Toronto in a must-win position - along with the right combination of results in the other matches this weekend - if it hopes to clinch a spot.

- From CBS

Republic of Ireland vs. France

This is not TFC news but I had concerns over Ireland missing another world cup until I heard this news! It gives me hope for the future.

Franck Ribéry is likely to miss France's World Cup play-offs against Ireland next month.

He has been hampered by left knee tendinitis this season, the specialist says he needs to rest his knee for four weeks. wooo hooo! I'm not gonna lie, that gives me some hope that Ireland will be able to pull thru!

Ireland will face France in a two-leg playoff on 14 and 18 November for a spot in next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Ribéry has already missed France's last two World Cup qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Austria. Hopefully he stays injured and misses the Irish games.

Coach says backup goalkeeper 'deserves a chance'....

There is a story in today's Toronto Star that indicates Brian Edward's is going to be the man this weekend.

Looks like Edwards for FC's last stand

This should be a good thing. I like Edwards in net right now only because he has played reasonably well over the past 2 games. It was only last season that John Carver thought so highly of Brian Edwards that he awarded him the starting job over Gregg Sutton. This distresses me a little cause I don't know how I feel about any of Carver's decisions.

Also I found out that The Red Bulls will honor forward Juan Pablo Angel and defender Mike Petke for reaching milestones, after the team’s season finale against Toronto FC Saturday.

I can not believe they are honouring people after having such a shitty season. Couldn't they wait till next season. Unless of course Angel has played his last MLS game leaving room for much rumoured Thierry Henry.

Speaking of rumours I heard a good one today. Apparently Jeff Cunningham is rumoured to head to Reading. This is the guy that EX-TFC coach John Carver said "I am thinking, ‘How did he score 99 goals?’ That’s what I thought.’"

Like I said at the top. I don't know how to feel about Carvers decisions...

Edu tweets claim racial abuse.

I am sad to say that I am not surprised. Well maybe I am.

In my opinion Rangers fans have a history of taking things to far and it looks like they have done it again. Maurice Edu in one of his tweets revealed "Not sure what hurt more: result last nite or being racially abused by couple of r own fans as I'm getting in my car,".

I liked Edu when he played in Toronto and as much as I hate the Rangers I wish him all the best. No one deserves that sort of behaviour no matter what your background is.

Maurice you are always welcome back in Toronto!

Liverpool Balloon incident

This weekend there was a great goal scored by Darren Bent of Sunderland vs. Liverpool. It went off a beach ball. To funny. The goal should have been disallowed with a drop ball given after the intervention of an 'outside agent', but referee Mike Jones allowed it to stand.

Reina told a Spanish radio station: "It was such bad luck. I lost sight of the official ball and stayed on the red one.

"When he shot, it startled me and I went for the red ball instinctively as it was the closest to me and the other went past me. It all happened very quickly.

"This had never happened before in my life. I didn't know what to do.

"A lot of things were going through my head but I honestly thought that the goal would stand and no-one was going to disallow it."

Well Pepe... (Pepe LOL) I am sure you never had to deal with a beach ball in the past but I am guessing you are going to have to deal with a lot more soon enough. Apparently the Liverpool online store is sold out of beach kits. The suspicion is that the £10 kits – including towel and ball – had been bought by Manchester United fans for their visit to Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

Don't forget your sunscreen

October 20th

Well, I am sitting waiting for the Arsenal Game to start. I found this site that gives a good run down on the playoff picture.

Playoff berths still up in air in final week

Three open spots remain as seven teams fight for postseason shot

Will Edwards Start Again?

I know I did not write about it, by now you must know that Jim Brennan scored the goal that won us the game on the weekend. TFC took down Real Salt Lake despite poor officiating. Actually check that. Beyond poor, truly atrocious! The real hero of the game had to be Brian Edwards.

The team overall looked good, but I truly believe Brian Edwards was the decisive man in the line-up. Edwards posted his first shutout of the season and his 3rd in his MLS career. Without him Toronto would not have won that game.

So I guess going into the weekend the big question will be who plays in goal this weekend. Stefan Frei is a great goal-tender but Brian Edwards owns this team right now. In my opinion Edwards should be the man in front of the mesh against the Red Bulls this Saturday.

TFC is currently sitting in a playoff spot due to some weird and funky tie-breaking rule. A win will help this weekend but they may also need a prayer.

Frei please stay injured.

Edwards Back In...

This weekend TFC have a very important match against Real Salt Lake. They need to win to keep the play-off drive alive.

A lot of tough decisions will need to be made by the Interim manager Chris Cummins. Goal-keeper Stefan Frei is still out with finger injury. Edwards will make his second straight start.

Defender Marvell Wynne returned to training yesterday after suffering from a thigh injury. Cummins choice here will probably be to yank Garcia and take a chance on Wynne. Frankly if I was on the team I would probably kick Garcia in the thigh and make Cummins decision a little easier. Wynne would be in for sure then.

Amado Guevara is back from international duty after helping Honduras secure a spot in the World Cup. Now hopefully Cummins feels the man is match fit (I mean he was playing when he was gone) and puts him into the line-up. Our squad looks a lot better with DeRo, Guevara, DeGuzman, and (hate to say it) Cronin in the midfield.

I think the last big decision that Cummins needs to make before the weekend is which motivational speaker to bring in and talk to the team. Tony Robbins is a no brainer! This team needs to learn NOW! how to hold onto the lead.

A hypnotist might not be a bad Idea either.

Toronto FC hosts Philadelphia in first MLS game on grass at BMO Field

From the Canadian Press

Toronto FC hosts Philadelphia in first MLS game on grass at BMO Field

(CP) – 11 hours ago

TORONTO — Toronto FC has set a date for its first game on grass at BMO Field.

Toronto will host the expansion Philadelphia Union in its 2010 homer-opener on April 17, a later date than usual due to the installation of a grass pitch.

Toronto opens the season March 27 against the Crew in Columbus, followed by an April 10 game in New England against the Revolution.

Here is an excerpt from "The Toronto Sun" today. It makes some good sense.


And those goals have transformed a team that should be in first into an also-ran.

Here's the sad history:

- April 11: Allow late goal in 1-1 draw with FC Dallas. Cost: Two points.

- April 19: Concede late penalty kick in 3-2 loss to FC Dallas. Cost: One point.

- May 9: Concede late goal that allows D.C. United a 3-3 draw. Cost: Two points.

- July 18: Give up late goal to Houston Dynamo in 1-1 draw. Cost: Two points.

- July 25: Lead Columbus 2-1 late into second half, then concede two late strikes in a 3-2 collapse. Cost: Three points.

- Aug 1: Give up equalizer in 76th minute to New England in 1-1 draw. Cost: Two points.

- Sept. 26: Defensive lapse allows Chicago to get late equalizer in a 2-2 draw, and Fire sub Calen Carr actually misses an open net in time added on. Cost: Two points.

- Last Saturday: Allow an injury-time equalizer to the already-eliminated-from-playoff-contention San Jose Earthquakes. Cost: Two points.

Do the math. Toronto FC's defensive lapses in the final 15 minutes of games have cost the Reds a grand total of 16 points. Add 16 to their current total of 36, and you come up with 52.

Weekend match VS. SanJose

I was at the game on the weekend, the atmosphere going in was not that great. You can feel it in the air no one on the team believes they will make the playoffs. I am sure of this. If you watch these guys play there are only a few men on the team that play with any sort of urgency. Dero clearly wants to prove that this team belongs in the playoffs. Nana Attakora has an undying love of solid play. Aside from that everyone else is a one man team out for personal stats or acceptance.

I liked the play of Lesley Felinga, he handled the ball well and looked like he belonged. It is to bad they waited so long to start this guy. You can not expect a guy to gel with the team so late in the season.

Barrett looked like Barrett. I truly believe we should keep this guy he is still a young fella and maybe with better coaching he will provide us with some exciting play in seasons to come. This season was way to unstable for any players playing up front. No rhythm was set because of the coaching staffs inability to show confidence in any of the strikers up front.

I found Cummins said something interesting about his limited substitute options. He talked about not having "a defensive midfielder on the bench." But wasn't Amadou Sanyang there? And didn't the young Gambian make three starts at defensive midfielder just a few weeks ago, with reasonable effectiveness by most accounts?

The nice thing about the weekend is that New England lost against Columbus so that still gives us playoff hopes. The Revolution in the last 2 games need to beat Columbus and Chicago. 2 teams that they definitely will struggle with.

Let the playoff PRAYERS continue!

Here's the highlights of the game.

GRASS!!

PRESS RELEASE

Oct. 9, 2009

Plan to increase access to soccer facilities, lay grass at BMO Field get final approvals

Toronto Mayor David Miller today announced that with Provincial and Federal government approvals now in place, a plan by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment to increase public access to year-round soccer facilities and install grass at BMO Field can proceed.

"The agreement of our government partners means tremendous things for soccer at both the community and professional levels," Mayor Miller said. "Since BMO Field (Canada's National Soccer Stadium) was built with public money from all three orders of government, their support was necessary to allow this plan to proceed. I want to thank Federal Infrastructure Minister John Baird and Provincial Health Promotion Minister Margarett Best for recognizing this tremendous opportunity and working with the City and MLSE to make it happen.

"This is a terrific example of the public and private sectors working together to build our city and the sport of soccer and also means good things for the community and for the players on Toronto FC and all our National teams."

With the final government approvals - including a unanimous Sept. 30 City Council decision - and the required building permits now secured, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment will invest $5.5 million and manage the work required to advance the sport in Toronto including investments of:

• $3.5 million to replace the Field Turf at BMO Field with a natural grass field.

• $2.0 million investment in community sports facilities; including an estimated $1.2 million to upgrade Allan Lamport Stadium with a winter bubble and an $800,000 investment in another artificial turf soccer field in the city.

"Converting BMO Field into a natural grass surface will have tremendous benefits for our community, our city, Toronto FC and soccer in Canada," said Bob Hunter, executive vice-president of venues and entertainment for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "BMO Field's natural grass surface will support growing and developing soccer at amateur, national and professional levels, by creating greater levels of access and opportunity. It will also help attract high-profile soccer events to our stadium, creating a positive economic impact for our city."

Hunter added "There are so many people to thank for their support and approval of this positive initiative including represents from all three levels of government and especially Mayor David Miller and Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone."

The upgrades to these three facilities will result in more than 2,500 more hours available for community sport use and have met with support from the Canadian and Ontario soccer associations as well as residents and businesses near Lamport Stadium in Liberty Village.

It is expected that the bubble will be installed at Lamport by the end of November with work to install grass at BMO Field taking place this fall with completion next spring in time for the start of Major League Soccer's 2010 regular season.

They are in the pink...hopefully they don't stink!!

I received a note from MLSE this afternoon to inform me that TFC will be wearing pink at Tomorrow's game.

here is what it said

Toronto FC are three points off the playoffs with three games left to play! The boys return home to face the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on CBC and The FAN 590.

The Reds will be going pink again on Saturday in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation as part of MLSE Team Up Foundation’s Pink Ribbon weekend. The goal of Pink Ribbon Weekend is to raise awareness and funds for the CBCF.

Here’s how you can help!

• We will be collecting donations at the gates as you come into the stadium on Saturday.
• Purchase a Toronto FC pink jersey from CentreSports or at BMO Field on game day. 10% of every pink jersey sold will be donated to the CBCF.
• Participate in an online auction for some great Toronto FC items including 13 game worn autographed jerseys.

SCOUTING REPORT
THIS MATCH IS IN SUPPORT OF CBCF
Toronto FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Saturday, October 10, 2009

ROBO goes for face surgery

Tomorrow TFC will face San Jose in hopes of keeping the play-off dream alive!! San Jose and Toronto have met only three times previously and sit even a 1-1-1. The Earthquakes can be eliminated from playoff contention, but have been strong of late. They are undefeated in their last four League games with a 2-0-2 record, and are 3-1-2 in their last six games. The Reds will be without the services of Guevara he will be away on international duty as Honduras plays a pair of crucial World Cup qualifying games this week.

Amado out is bad news.

but

the good news is

Toronto FC's Robinson out for the season

I appreciate everything Carl has done for the team since its inception but time ticks on we all get older. Missing the playoffs is getting old to me. Having an aging holding midfielder in the line-up does nothing for the team. I am sure we will not see RoBo suit up ever again in a TFC kit. Maybe the team will find him a role in the coaching ranks.

Monday.... blah...

Not a whole lot going on... or at least I don't think there is. I know Dichio had some sorta thing on the weekend. This is form his Twitter

"Fantastic day at my Soccer Festival yesterday. Thanks to all the teams that participated and to DeRo, Stefan Frei & Nana for turning up"

here are some other stories around the interweb that involve TFC one way or another.

From the CBC sports website

"Three weeks to go and Toronto FC needs some help if it's going to make the Major League Soccer post-season for the first time."

From GOAL.com

"Chris Cummins must have smiled as he watched Chivas USA thump United at home. The road to the postseason just got a tad bit easier."

From the National Post

"Three weeks to go and Toronto FC needs some help if it's going to make the Major League Soccer post-season for the first time."

and last but not least a blurb on salaries from InsiderMediaGroup.com

"If a team has a $500 million budget, a player earning $25 million is not being overpaid"

Natural Grass

ok

This is a day old and the story has been kicking around forever. Obviously BMO is going to get grass eventually. I think the fan calls for it have been way to loud to ignore.

so here is a clip from yesterdays Toronto Star

-"The fact the MLSE pays the full $5.5 million means it was really a no-brainer for city council to approve it," Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone said after the 29-0 vote. Pantalone is the chair of Exhibition Place, where the stadium is located.

ya that's right. A no-brainer called it a no-brainer.

nice

Pat Phelan

Here is a little summary of some stuff I read on the interweb today

New England picked up Pat Phelan from Toronto FC in June 2008 in exchange for an international roster spot.

Pat this season has 18 games played 11 started and 953 minutes. New England now has to lean on him a little as Shalrie Joseph is out with an injury.

"I got drafted out of Wake to Toronto and never played a game, never got a shot with the first team," said Phelan. "Fair enough, that’s what happens a lot of times if you’re a rookie, you’ve got to pay your dues. They needed the international roster spot, they needed to bolster their roster."

"When I first heard about the trade I thought they just thought I was an unhappy kid who just wanted to go home," said Phelan, (this Blogger believed that to be just the case) "which wasn’t the case at all, but it’s nice to be close to home – my parents are close, my wife’s here. I’m a local kid and think New England might have drafted me had I been available, so it worked out well for both parties. I was also playing center back there which I didn’t really want to, so I was really excited to jump at the chance to come down here and start contributing. Fortunately, I’ve been able to stay within the top 15 players."

"There’s really no way to replicate the way Shalrie plays," said Phelan, "and that's usually when I’m in there - when he’s playing forward or suspended."

"I’ve got to wear this cast till about the middle of December, three months - it’s a long time and pretty obnoxious. I ran into the boards and lost my footing on the asphalt and landed on my wrist with all my weight and broke my scaphoid, which is an area that doesn’t get a lot of blood flow which is why it takes so long to heal. Instead of opting for surgery and missing a couple weeks I’m just going to wait it out in a cast."

It's nice to see Pat did not have anything negative to say about Toronto and he is doing well in the MLS for a second year player. His success says something about our scouting but not a whole lot about our General Manager.

Columbus first team to qualify for playoffs

Salt in the wound weekend. Toronto Fc's Arch nemesis are the first to qualify for the MLS playoffs. ARGH!!
Jeff Cunningham pulls into a tie for "The Golden Boot" award scoring 2 goals over the weekend.
There is a strong chance Toronto will not make the playoffs. And all the talk around the team right now seems to be what is going to happen next season. I am not going to lie. Talk of next season drives me crazy!! This one is not over yet. Worry about next season in the off season.

On the TFC game over the weekend. The effort was there. unfortunately Garcia was the designated shit player. I do not really want to sum up the game so here it is in six minutes.

later

Adrian Seriouxly considers retirement

Hey Y'all.  Breaking news.  Or breaking rumour perhaps is more appropriate... Word on the street is that Serioux's done soccer.  For goods.  Which sucks, because he's the best defender on our team (IMHO).

Buddy of mine that lives a few houses down from Serioux was having some beers with him and Serioux mentioned that he's pinched a nerve in his neck and keeps re-injuring it.  Doesn't look like it's going to heal, so he'll probably retire at the end of the season.  He's in contract negotiations now and has to decide whether he wants to let TFC buy out his contract for the remainder of the year and retire, or try rehab to fix the problem.  Apparently he's leaning towards retirement.

You heard it hear first kids.

TFC vs. Columbus first game next season

Crew in Columbus on March 27th... TFC season opener.

I have a few thoughts on this and none of them are good. I think that the brain trust at the MLS has been working overtime. They know that the past 2 seasons Columbus vs. Toronto at the beginning of the season was a hit. well screw that... Apparently they were not paying to much attention. Otherwise they would have noticed the away fan attendance dwindle last season. They should have noticed in forums, newspapers and websites that traveling fans were getting pissed.

I went to the First BIG Columbus road trip. It was tons of fun but we were treated like shit and the people on Columbus made fans feel un-welcome. I went to the 2nd BIG road trip to Columbus and it happened again X2. Although Dave and Trav witnessed drunk boobs for the first time. How can the MLS expect us to travel to Columbus again? It is a shitty trip. I am not going (or at least at the time of this posting I am not going).

Reasons I do not like the idea of going back;

-Un-Organized
-Long ass drive
-No benefits for going other than supporting my team that can not beat Columbus anyways
-Treated like shit
-treated like shit just in case you missed the last one

I was really hoping the season would start in New England, Chicago or New York. Really those are places I would like to go to. It is difficult to justify to the wife why I need to go to an away game. First game of the season kinda fly's. Why would I want to waste it on Columbus!

I have been so annoyed about this announcement that I have not checked out the Red Patch Boys website to see the reaction they have but I am willing to bet it is similar to mine.

I hate Columbus.

I will probably go anyways.

Ricketts washes out again!

FORMER Spurs and Toronto FC winger Rohan Ricketts played for Orient reserves in their 4-1 defeat at Gillingham last week - but he won't be joining the club.

Orient Manager Geraint Williams confirmed: "There won't be anything happening."

Come on! Are you kidding me! Ricketts can not seem to catch a break anywhere. I am starting to feel real bad for the guy. Your trying to tell me he can not land a job anywhere? WHY. Twittergate could not possibly be influencing coaching decisions over seas? It is not like the guy has no talent. This is making me seriously question Toronto FC management because we seemed to have given him a better chance than a lot of other teams. Now I am embarrassed we held onto him for that long.

Wish I could go shirtless

Beckham on Fox Sports News after thumping Toronto. He thought he should have had 3!!

We lost.. ARGH..

Toronto 0 - L.A. 2

Scoring summary
Team: Player goal (assisted by) minute
LA: David Beckham 2 (Chris Birchall 1) 9.
LA: Edson Buddle 5 (Landon Donovan 6, David Beckham 3) 83.

Misconduct summary
Team -- Player (foul type) minute
TOR -- Julian de Guzman (caution; Reckless Tackle) 24TOR -- Amado Guevara (caution; Reckless Tackle) 64LA -- David Beckham (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 64TOR -- Nick Garcia (caution; Tactical Foul) 67

Toronto FC lineup
Player (substitute minute)
Stefan Frei, Sam Cronin (Pablo Vitti 79), Nana Attakora, Nick Garcia, Julian de Guzman, Ali Gerba (Lesly Fellinga 71), Jim Brennan, DwayneDe Rosario, Marvell Wynne, Chad Barrett (O'Brian White 62), Amado Guevara.
Substitutes Not Used
Brian Edwards, Amadou Sanyang, Gabe Gala, Emmanuel Gomez.

Los Angeles lineup
Player (substitute minute)
Donovan Ricketts, Todd Dunivant, Omar Gonzalez, Eddie Lewis (Chris Klein 46), Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle (Alan Gordon 86), StefaniMiglioranzi, Gregg Berhalter, David Beckham (Jovan Kirovski 89), SeanFranklin, Chris Birchall.
Substitutes Not Used
Josh Saunders, Yohance Marshall, Mike Magee, Bryan Jordan.

Ricketts on TRIAL again!

Looks like Leyton Orient a league one team is the next one to step up to try out the EX-Toronto FC player. Having failed to land a spot on a hand full of other teams it would be nice to see Rohan land somewhere. I guess the term "Don't mess with the Rohan" has been taken way to literally lately.

Jonathan de Guzman on the move?

Aston Villa have expressed interest in Julian's younger brother for the January transfer window. Jonathan currently is a Feyenoord midfielder and has had a lot of interest from big teams in the EPL. His contract with Feyenoord will expire next June making him a hot comadatity for the next transfer window. Villa is said to be willing to an offer of £5million to take De Guzman in January. Still waiting to see what the TFC offer will be HA. It would be nice to see the 2 brothers playing together in Canada.

Jonathan was born in Scarborough Ontario, but unlike his brother he has stolen a page out of Owen Hargreaves book. When given the opportunity to choose between playing for the Canadian or Dutch national sides. He picked the Dirty Dutch. Recent changes to FIFA regulations regarding switching nations now means that De Guzmán is again eligible for selection by both the Netherlands and the Canadian national team. So maybe all is not lost yet.

You can find a tiny bit more HERE

De Guzman may suit up against L.A.

Toronto Fc's newest designated player has met Beckham before. Over the past four seasons, the two matched up during Beckham’s time with Real Madrid.

“My first and only goal for Deportivo came against him and Real Madrid,” de Guzman told reporters after practice on Tuesday. “It’s always great to play against guys like Beckham and any kind of star that plays for Real Madrid or another big team in the world.”

Can Julian bring us to the promised land. This will be his first time suiting up since playing for the Canadian National side in the Gold Cup. I could not resist going to YOUTUBE for some highlights.

TFC improves playoff chances

I was away at the cottage over the weekend. So it took me a while to get caught up on the weekend football action. I watched the TFC game last night and it was very entertaining. I was a little disappointed to not see DeGuzman in the line-up.

De Rosario's goal in the 19th minute ended a 313-minute scoreless drought for Toronto FC. Rookie O'Brian White and defender Nana Attakora scored three minutes apart in the second half to help Toronto FC with a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids!! I loved the fact that all 3 of the TFC goals are gems.



Ali Gerba looked better than he has in his last appearances I know some people would argue that with me but this is my blog so I can say what I want. He had some pretty close chances and debatable non calls. Nice to see Felinga finally or did I? Didn't really notice him out there that could be good and bad I guess. Overall I was impressed with the game but I still hate Chris Cummins.


Greg Sutton still wants to play

There is an article on the CBC website about Sutton still looking for some playing time.

"I'd like to keep playing as long as Pat," Sutton admitted. "Realistically, if I can keep playing for another five years I'd be pretty happy. That would take me to 37 and I could say I had a pretty good career."

That is nice to see. I really enjoyed watching Greg playing for TFC and I wish him the best of luck.

Jeff Cunningham gets his 3rd player of the week award in 11 weeks.

EX-TFC forward and now FC Dallas forward Jeff Cunningham was voted Major League Soccer’s Player of the Week for Week 26 of the 2009 season. The 12-year veteran now ranks second in the Budweiser Golden Boot race with 12 goals this season, behind leader Conor Casey (13) and ahead of third-place Fredy Montero (11).

Check out the story HERE

It is always a little painful to see when EX TFC players are doing so well. Cunningham chasing Casey. shit.

DANNY DICHIO say it ain't so...

Danny Dichio announced his retirement early yesterday morning 09/09/09 go figure. I probably should have posted something yesterday but work (as usual) got in my way.

Danny had a good run with Toronto FC becoming a huge Icon here. He scored our first goal, I had tickets to that game and I will never forget that I was outside the stadium still trying to find a parking spot when he scored that first glorious goal. From outside the stadium it felt like an earthquake had started and all I could see blast out of the top were seat cushions that had been given away for free that day.

While with Toronto FC Danny managed 59 appearances and 14 goals over a span of 2 and a half seasons. He added creativity and spark to the team. I am sure the team and the fans will miss him greatly. Danny meant a lot to the players on the field I am sure Gabe Gala will never forget him. Danny set up a beautiful play that lead to Gabe scoring the only TFC goal against Real Madrid in August.

The Londoner will continue in soccer, with Toronto FC appointing him an academy coach and team ambassador, working in the community for the club.

I can't help but wonder if DD just paved the way for Carl Robinson to make a similair move at the end of the season. Hopefully with Julian deGuzman in the mix we will have a more stable midfield and possibly a shot at the playoffs. I can not help but wonder though if TFC made a mistake by not using Dichio in more games this season I felt he still had and has a lot to offer on the pitch.

Here is a link to some of Danny's greatest moments.

Cheers Danny! thanks for the great memories.

TFC Lose in Colorado argh!@$

Conor Casey Ex-Toronto FC player put the nail in the coffin scoring the only goal of the game against his former team late Saturday night. The MLS leading scorer Conor Casey, who was supposed to be in the lineup for the U.S. when they met with El Salvador for World Cup Qualifying on the weekend. But U.S. national team coach Bob Bradley decided he wasn't going to use Casey, and the Colorado forward quickly boarded a plane and returned home. This Game was brutal to watch. Toronto FC had 2 red cards in the last 15 minutes of the game losing Sanyang and Serioux. In my opinion Sanyang did not deserve the first yellow card he received. The play was definitely a foul but I don’t think there was any call for a yellow which lead to the dismissal of Sanyang after he received his second yellow late in the match. Serioux bad temper showed up for the match no comment necessary on his blatant foul. This team looks like shit right now. With Amado Guevara away on international duty with Honduras, this leaves the team short a solid midfielder who has creativity in controlling and moving the ball up the pitch. Cummins tried loading the field with strikers at the end of the game but he still lacks the ability to manage this team.

Still we have not had the opportunity to see Lesley Felinga play. I figured when they put out such a shitty effort they should test this players ability on the pitch.

I still dis-like Cummins

It has been awhile since I have had anything to post here. So lets try to bang this out in order.

First the Game on the weekend with the attendance at 32,679 it was the largest crowd Toronto has played in front of all season. Given that 0-0 is a shit result. The game was embarrassing as usual coach Cummins never fails to display his incompetence when it comes to running this team. Toronto FC displayed a relentless attack in the first half as Seattle struggled to control the ball. Dwayne DeRosario missed a wide open net in the first half, Guevara dinged one off the crossbar and Chad Barrett lost his concentration as he made an incredible dive to try and head the ball in. Sanyang in my opinion was the star of the game, he managed to torment midfielder Freddie Ljungberg all game long . Freddie Ljungberg received a yellow card in the 73rd minute for unsporting behavior and arguing with the referee when he came racing across the field to engage in a scuffle that was ignited after a hard tackle by defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado on Dwayne DeRosario. The booking is Ljungberg’s fifth, meaning he is suspended for the next league match. Seattle really had the best chances to win the game in the second half as it looked like TFC shot everything they had in the first half. After the break it looked as if there were entirely 2 different teams out on the pitch. Seattle was dominant with the ball and made some strong offensive pushes. When Barrett was subbed out for Gerba in the second half he was clearly pissed at coach Cummins. If my lip reading skills are as good as I think they are, Chad was questioning the coach while walking off the pitch. He was the only TFC substitution of the match. after leaving Danny at home vs. Chivas I guess because of public backlash the club felt compelled to fly Dichio to the west coast game and nail his ass to the bench. We still haven’t had a look at Lesley Felinga. Looks like things are still shitty in the TFC locker room.

I am a terrible writer.

Second thing I would like to address is the Red Patch Boys have decided to make a strong push to make Danny’s last 3 games of the season as comfortable as possible. The September 12th home game vs. Colorado will be the beginning of it. Here is a quote from the Red Patch website

“We will use the last few home games of the season to draw support from all areas. This campaign will be topped off at the end of the season by marking October 17th Danny Dichio Day.That is also the game that the south end supporter groups will unveil the Year end banner!!! On September 12 please be sure to support the Terry Fox foundation where some members will shave their heads in support of the Terry Fox Foundation.Be sure to support the year end banner by donating in person or by buying a very limited Danny Dichio t-shirt. The shirt will cost $10 and $5 will cover the production and $5 will cover the end of year banner. There will be a special Raffle on September 12th to raise funds for the year end banner at Shoeless Joe's after the game. More info will be provided here. Also, be sure to check the boards as we will have special pub nights set up so that members can get together and finally put that face to the board name. We will have special prizes and raffles as the dates draw closer.”

I think that this is a great idea. Danny Dichio is a great ambassador for the game in Toronto.

I lost my train of thought work has interrupted me. Anyways I am very much looking forward to the Celtic match on Wednesday at BMO field Vs. Benfica. WOOO hOOOOO