Best You Tube Video discovery so far!! AWESOME!

SPAIN!!!

The Spanish U-19's have been doing some very entertaining stuff this year. I love this free kick.

Icelandic fishing Celebration!

Icelandic side Stjarnan with an awesome goal celebration.

Mista

PRESS RELEASE
Toronto FC announced Tuesday that Spanish forward Miguel Angel Ferrer Martinez “Mista” has signed with the club. Mista’s contract will run through to the end of the 2010 MLS season. As per team and league rules financial details were not released.
“Mista adds a wealth of experience to our team,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “He’s played at Real Madrid, Valencia CF, and Deportivo La Coruna which are all world class clubs. Mista is a different type of player from what we have and we are excited to get him in the lineup after July 15.”
Mista, 31, joins Toronto FC after spending his entire career in Spain playing almost entirely in The Primera Division (La Liga). The forward spent the 2008-2010 seasons with Deportivo La Coruna, where he was a teammate of current Toronto FC midfielder Julian de Guzman. Mista’s most successful seasons in La Liga came while he was a member of Valencia from 2001-2006 when he made 142 appearances, scoring 40 goals. He won two Spanish league titles (2001-02, 2003-04) during that time and was a member of the 2004 UEFA Cup winning squad where he scored the second goal in a 2-0 victory over Olympique de Marseille of France. By winning that title Valencia went on to compete in the UEFA Super Cup where Valencia CF defeated FC Porto of Portugal 2-0.
Mista began his career under current Inter Milan boss and former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez at Real Madrid where he spent three seasons before moving on to Tenerife where he helped that club gain promotion into the first division.
Internationally, he made his debut for the Spain on March 26, 2005 in a 3-0 friendly win over China and has two caps with the senior squad. He also was a member of the Spanish U17, U18 and U21 sides.
Due to International Transfer Rules, Mista will not be available for selection until after the July 15 transfer window opens.

Bendtner colors his socks vs Japan.

At the 4th minute in Thursday's match Denmark Vs. Japan. Nicklas Bendtner was sent to the sidelines by the ref to color in his socks!! Apparently the ref did not like Bendtner's stylish white tape that was just showing above his shoe line. No worry's the Denmark bench had a red marker on hand to correct the mistake. GAME ON!!

France is gone... Good ridance!

I wish I found this earlier...  I'm just very happy that France is out!.. tee hee

Senderos AWESOMENESS!!

Wicked tackle on his own teammate! AND he sprained his ankle in the process he will miss the next 2 games. wow

Woody Harrelson takes Penalty Kick

Looks like a nifty team they put together for a charity match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Woody was playing with the likes of Henrik Larsson, Mike Myers, and Zinedine Zidane in front of 65,000 people. No pressure man. In the video below looks like Mike Myers was giving him tips on taking the penalty.

World cup starts FRIDAY!!!!

I still don't know who I will cheer for this world cup. So far I am just ABE!!

Pirès thinks Philly is a shitty town

Robert Pirès thinks Philly is a shitty place to live. That is AWESOME! He wont play on Philly cause it's not nice. He would rather live in a nice place like Henry in New York. WOW. So I wonder how Toronto holds up? I wonder what cities meet his standards other than New York? maybe San Jose, Seattle, and L.A.

Anyways I read the following at the MLS website.

NEW YORK – Former French World Cup winner Robert Pirès, who was being pursued by the Philadelphia Union as a Designated Player, has come out publicly and stated that he will not be joining the MLS expansion club because the city’s not nice enough.
“[Philadelphia] is not very appealing to me,” the Frenchman told L’Equipe. “I don’t want to be difficult, but if I’m leaving to take my family far away, I prefer that it’s in a beautiful city.”
Making the matter worse for Philly fans is what Pirès had to say about the arrival of Thierry Henry in New York with the Red Bulls.
“I hope for him that he can go out there,” Pirès said of his former Arsenal teammate. “Now that’s a beautiful city.”
The 36-year-old told the French sports daily that he now waiting for other proposals and, if he does not receive any, he’s content to hang his boots. His preference, however, would be to take on one more challenge, possibly with a club in France.
Spanish club Villarreal decided not to renew his contract after the 2009-2010 European season although Pirès says that he would have wanted to stay.

Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara ponders playing for Republic of Ireland

I love this..

I hope Jamie plays for the Republic but it doesnt change the fact that Henry is a dirty cheater.

Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara could ditch England and choose to play for the Republic of Ireland at international level.  
O'Hara, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth and played in the club's 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, is expected to make a decision on his international future this summer.  
The 23-year-old, who qualifies for Ireland through his grandparents, has played for England at Under 21 level but has never been selected for the senior squad.  

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1279411/Spurs-midfielder-Jamie-OHara-ponders-Ireland-switch.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0oOF4Z0NU

17 year old to retire.. shitty..

Just read this press release. It is a bit of a bummer. This guy found out about a heart condition from team doctors. Now he needs to retire and he will be honored with a coin toss. So shitty. 






PRESS RELEASE
Retirements are often a time of reflection on a professional’s long and storied career. It is rare the word “retirement” is attached to a player at such a young age, but such is the case with Toronto FC defender Zachary Herold. The club announced Monday that the 17 year old Generation Adidas product has had to retire from the game of soccer.
Herold suffers from the condition Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) – which causes abnormal thickening of a part of the heart muscle. With this condition, under strenuous exercise, there is a risk of developing a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia.  Unfortunately the only way to reduce this risk is to put significant life-long restrictions on exercise.
On Saturday, May 22 the team will honour the 2010 MLS SuperDraft pick in a ceremonial coin toss before the 1 p.m. ET kick-off against the New England Revolution at BMO Field.
“Early in pre-season we did medical’s on all our players, and obviously our doctor, Ira Smith, was concerned with some of Zac’s results,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “From there he then began a series of tests with a variety of doctors, in both Canada and the U.S.  Zac’s health was first and foremost in this process. Our hearts go out to Zac and his family; it’s a very difficult situation. We felt it was the right thing to do by honouring him in front of our fans, and give them a chance to show their support.”
As part of Toronto FC’s screening procedures, an electrocardiogram (otherwise known as ECG or EKG) is done on all players. There are certain patterns that are recognized as potential problems for athletes, and it is at that point that cardiologists are consulted. In Herold’s case, several experts in both Canada and the U.S. were consulted and a variety of tests were performed to properly and accurately diagnose this condition.
“Announcing my retirement from soccer at this age is something I never, ever thought would happen to me,” said Zac Herold. ”I am grateful to Dr. Smith, and all the specialists I’ve seen over the last few months – this news was very hard to take but I know it’s the best decision for me and my health. My parents have been with me every step of the way, and it means so much to me that I’m able to “retire” as a Toronto FC player. The whole team has been wonderful to me and my family and although it’ll be a tough day, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on the 22^nd”
“The support we have received at this very difficult time has been more than we could have ever imagined,” said Zac’s mother, Beth Inniss. “We want to thank the Wasserman Media Group, particularly Aaron Maines and Richard Motzkin. All of the doctors, especially, Dr. Ira Smith and Dr. Christine Lawless, and to the staff at Toronto FC. Special mention to Mo Johnston and Preki, I have never felt such support from a group of people as I have in the past three months. You have all stood by Zac, and lifted him up. I cannot thank everyone enough.”
Herold was drafted in the 2^nd Round, 24^th overall on January 14 in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft that was held in Philadelphia. The defender was a fixture with the U.S. U-17 MNT and made 15 appearances, 13 of those as a starter. Herold was also part of the U-14 and U-15 teams before enrolling in the U.S. U-17 Residency Program in the fall of 2007.

Toronto FC to host Bolton

This is the big news today. Big deal. I'm getting very tired of friendly games that mean absolutely nothing in the middle of the season. 

 

Toronto FC to host Bolton of England's Premier League in Carlsberg Cup

By The Associated Press (CP) – 20 minutes ago

TORONTO — Toronto FC will host English Premier League club Bolton Wanderers on July 21 in Toronto's annual Carlsberg Cup.
Bolton boasts the highest number of seasons in England's top flight, this past season being No. 71.
The Wanderers, which finished 14th in the Premiership this past season, will announce their roster for the friendly at a later date.
Toronto hosted River Plate of Argentina last season, which the visitors won 4-3 on penalties.
The Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, will host Scotland's Glasgow Celtic at PPL Park on July 14 in place of an exhibition against Spain's Valencia that had been announced in March.
Union president Tom Veit said Tuesday that Valencia and its promoter "backed out of the agreement that was reached with the Union and other MLS teams."

World Cup Pepsi Ad

World cup commercials.. I love them. 

BMO tightened security

This is from a post on the RPB website it was posted by someone in the TFC front office:

It was only a matter of time until we saw this coming. I want you to know that this is due to some people in the southwest corner who cannot keep their heads during a game. South east and north west corners generally get it. The display at the beginning of the Montreal game was great and will still be allowed.

But as a result of the numpty at the Seattle game (and previous pattern of stuff getting tossed) our staff at BMO Field will be instructed to have zero tolerance for items being thrown during the game to impact play. Mainly this is corner kicks but any other time in-game or at players as well.

Goal celebrations, kick-off displays are still cool.

here's the official word:
OBJECTS THROWN ONTO THE FIELD
From today’s game forward, there will be tightened security with regards to objects being thrown onto the pitch at BMO Field. Unfortunately, a bottle was thrown at one of the opposing players during our home match against Seattle Sounders and stadium officials will be strictly enforcing a policy that anyone seen throwing an object onto the pitch will be ejected from the stadium (streamers can still be thrown in celebration as long as they don’t impact the play). We want to keep the great atmosphere at BMO Field but also need to ensure the safety of other supporters and players during matches.

 Its pretty self explanatory. I guess it was only a matter of time before some jack ass ruins the fun for everyone else. grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....

Here is the Seattle "incident"

Roberto Brown has been suspended

PRESS RELEASE
MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact announced Friday that forward Roberto Brown has been suspended for a period yet to be determined, following his gesture Wednesday during the match against Toronto FC, in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.Brown was ejected from the game at the 35th minute, after hitting Toronto FC defender Nick Garcia in the face.
“Roberto is an intense athlete, an excellent person and an important player on our roster, but his gesture is unacceptable,” declared Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos. “Roberto left his teammates down during the game Wednesday. We took this decision following discussions with the entire technical staff.”
“From a club perspective, his gesture is not tolerated and it stands far from our sportsmanship values,” declared technical director Nick De Santis. “I hope he will understand the seriousness of his behaviour because it’s not the first time he acts this way.”
The duration of the suspension is undetermined given that the club is waiting for the discipline report from the Canadian Soccer Association.

Awesome.. Kansas screws up less than 6 inches from GOAL!!

Just fanning over the MLS soccer news and I came across this little doozie...(is that how its spelled?) Buddy Hand balls it on the goal line!! How bad do you have to suck to have that happen to you?




Nick Garcia could have scored that goal... I think after a gaffe like that your manager should be subbing you out AND there should be a paper bag at the sideline waiting for you to stick your head into. WOW. Sometimes I think things like "Man how could Chad miss that?".  Now instead of Barretting the ball. I think its going to be called a Kamara!

Gerba Lashes out.. nice

 I really did not like the way TFC handled Ali Gerba. I felt like he was never given a real chance to prove himself with the team. Or maybe I feel like he never really had a solid chance to prove himself to the fans. It was a shame they way TFC let him go. In fact it is a real shame the way they handle all the players on the team.

Brian Edwards was released the day before the first game. Greg Sutton once a hero in Toronto, just let go like a fart in the wind. I felt Danny Dichio was forced into retirement. Alecko Eskandarian had a player blog on the TFC official website and he was supposed to be the go to guy for the team. He wore the red with pride and was brushed away with no thought at all. Jeff Cunningham struggled to find his way with the team and was forced out. Tébily came to play with us but was forced out with an injury... or was he? Rohan Ricketts was outspoken and forced out of town. Beloved Carl Robinson was shown no respect just the door. The list goes on and on and on. Who knows what the real story is with Jimmy Brennan. It was nice to see this interview yesterday Kristian Jack from "The Score" (footy blog) had with Gerba.

No holds barred. Unfortunately that wont change Ali's situation but it may shake up the front office in Toronto. There is a valuable lesson to be learned here for MLSE. Start treating the players with respect. There is NOT an never ending supply of these guys and its only a matter of time before players around the world realize there time would be spent better with another team.

Kansas City's Ryan Smith

There really should be better refing in the MLS. I am still on the fence as to whether or not the Referee dealt with this situation properly. Smith ended up playing a big part in the only goal in this game.

                           

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Mo... tee heee

I was paruzzing Youtube vids last night. I found a nice little video of Mo Johnston scoring goals for Celtic.

Mo must go signs

I didn't notice it when i was at the game but I guess a few fellas wanted to express to Mo what they think of him. Some signs were Confiscated and it looks like Paul Bierne (Toronto FC’s senior director of business operations) who frequents the RPB forums has admitted to the mistake. The Toronto Sun has a story about it this morning in the paper.

Story can be found below


Toronto FC is apologetic after angry fans filled the Internet message boards Thursday night and Friday over banners critical of Mo Johnston that were confiscated at the entrance gates.

“Mo must go” — a call for the dismissal of director of soccer Mo Johnston, was a popular theme.

read more here

Philly keeper Chris Seitz

 Just to prove my point a little bit further about the Philly keeper Chris Seitz. I searched a wee bit on the Google. I came up with this little diddy its really only a week old the game was played on April the 10th against DC United. At the 18 second mark I am sure the broadcaster is saying " He is so crafty" referring to Moreno but I am sure he meant to say "He is so Crappy" referring to Seitz. TFC should have taken this fella for more then 2 goals.

TFC in six minutes

Toronto FC won the home opener last night.. yeeehaaa... I still think this team needs a lot of work. They played sub-par football against an undermanned expansion team. They had more than an entire half were they played against 10 men. To top it off the Philly keeper is brutal. I know they won the game but they should have embarrassed a team like that. Especially after the embarrassing loss in Foxboro against the Revolution. I was truly humiliated to drive 10 hours to watch the Boston Massacre. As a fan I want redemption!

Toronto Add's Defenders.. but Team is still shitty

The Canadian Press TORONTO — Toronto FC has signed a pair of defenders in Canadian Adrian Cann and Russian Maksim Usanov.
Cann, 29, has spent the last two seasons in the Danish league with Esberg FB. Prior to that he played for the Vancouver Whitecaps and Montreal Impact.
Drafted 16th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids, he made two appearances for Colorado before being released midway through his first MLS season.
"We're delighted to complete the signing of another Canadian international," Mo Johnston, Toronto's director of soccer, said in a statement Monday. "Adrian will add to our backline with his height and his strength, so we're looking forward to seeing what he can do on the field for us.
"Max is another good young signing for us at the back. He attacks well and defends well."
The 25-year-old Usanov, who is awaiting a Canadian work permit, was most recently with FC Krasnodar in Russia. Prior to that he played in Latvia for FC Skonto.
Toronto FC, 0-2 after two losses on the road, play their home opener Thursday against the fledgling Philadelphia Union.

Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew. eeeek

Wow. First week Columbus Crew. Garcia has proved to us once again he stinks. Wynne would have been nice. good thing we traded him. ARGH.. Whats the deal with White? PASS the ball man!

anyways.

Here it is in Six minutes.

Toronto FC has new Away Kits

 Surprise! We may have no players left on the team but at least we have a new kit. 

Goalie Goal!

Sweet goal from a goalie. Darío Capogrosso scores from 70 meters out. I thought this kinda stuff only happened in video games.

Robo in NewYork

It's a nice sunny day today. To bad I am cooped up in this office.

I was sifting thru the TFC news today and noticed FINALLY Robo is gone. TFC fans have been pestered with the news of Robinson leaving for some time now. This guy (ME) is just glad it finally happened. I would like to see all the puzzle pieces put into place before the season starts. How Robinson left is another issue. Different sites are reporting different things. The New York Post is reporting that Robinson was traded to NY Red Bulls for 2011 draft picks. 2011 draft picks seems a little step (TEE HEE HEE). The CBC website is reporting that Carl was released and New York has him on trial. The TFC site is even more vague with a TFC TV bit interviewing Preki on the situation. You would figure he would have his shit together on the situation before being asked by TFC tv questions like that.



Either way Robo deserved a little bit more respect from the club. The situation was handled with about as much tact as they had with our beloved Danny Dichio. I hope the TFC faithful show him a little bit (just a little not to much) appreciation when he returns to play against us in August.

TFC in Disney!

I am a little reluctant to post any news lately as the MLS and the players union STILL have not reached an agreement (unless i'm oblivious and missed the news.)

Anyways thought I would share this with you from the TFC website. I missed the game last night but TFC turned out a win vs. Dallas. The Reds only goal came from the trialist Vincent Kayizzi. The goal looks good I think Barrett put in the same situation may have blasted it over or beside the net. I wonder if Kayizzi can do this in the regular season?.

Oh and whats with the porn music in these videos? LOL. 

HOLY SHIT!!

I can't believe it! This guy has impacted a team I support AGAIN!! (Arsenal this time) And he is going to be in the world cup! I really hope he ref's all of England and Frances games. LOL. I know its impossible but it is nice to dream.

Last night in Portugal he really gave Porto the advantage when he let them take a quick indirect kick. He was out of position and obstructed Sol Campbell from defending the kick. I guess it was only a matter of time before Arsenal got burned by one of these. Henry was pretty good at them. I just hate the fact that it had to be Martin Hansson the Sweddish Douche that was involved. The truth of the whole matter is. Arsenal needs a new keeper BADLY!

Last Nights Game Highlights.

FC Porto v Arsenal

TFC have packed there bags

Today TFC is headed south for training. They kick off a 10 day mini camp for there trialists. From what I understand it sounds like if the trialist does well he will not make the team but if he plays OK then we can sign him to a mediocre contract. That sucks balls. Apparently TFC are pretty much out of allocation money and unless the Labor disputes between the players and the MLS changes that. WE ARE SCREWED. :)

Sounds like Serioux is not coming back... Dave mentioned this last year, tee hee. Looks like the nail was smacked right on the head!

Carl Robinson's contract is in jeopardy.

Dwayne Derosario's future does not look good. He is apparently pissed that he is not a DP.

Chad Barrett is injured.

should be interesting season. Not much to say until they actually start training and get there shit together.

BULLSHIT!!

This is friggin ridiculous. This definitely causes credibility issues at the upcoming world cup. This douche bag referee Martin Hansson was named one of the 30 referee's for this summers 2010 world cup. He is a BASKETBALL REF!!!! IT WAS A HANDBALL YOU DICK! I admit I am still trying to recover from his missed call in Paris just a short while ago. I still need to find a team to support for this summers tourney. This just makes my decision really difficult. How can I watch an event were I KNOW they have not picked the right officials. The whole process stinks. It gives me the feeling that this shit is rigged. ARGH! THIS MAKES ME SO MAD!!

anyways you can read on here...

Disney!! yah and signed midfielder Jacob Peterson

I'm pumped looks like TFC are going to Disney this year. I was just reading on the MLS website. I'm saving my pennies! hopefully they do it again next season. I drove past this complex about 4 years ago and it looked pretty desolate. its nice to see they are finally putting it to use! woo hoo soccer.

The Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas, New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC will get an early taste of MLS competition when the four clubs compete in the inaugural Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

The tournament, which kicks off the re-launch of the complex and is part of the 2010 ESPN The Weekend, begins on Thursday, Feb. 25, with the Dynamo taking on the Red Bulls at 6 p.m. ET, followed by a clash between Dallas and Toronto at 8:30 p.m. ET. The winners will meet in the championship game on Saturday, Feb. 27, with the losers of the opening matches meeting in a third-place game earlier in the day.

ALSO today TFC have announced the signing of a midfielder. Not sure they need another midfielder... UNLESS Mo is planning a trade. Who is he thinking of getting rid of? Anyways pur new midfielder is Jacob Peterson he was drafted a few seasons ago and has started to make an impact in the MLS last season before being struck down by the injury bug. I read most of this on the CBC website.

Toronto FC signed midfielder Jacob Peterson from the Colorado Rapids on Thursday, the team announced in a release.

Peterson, 23, was Colorado's first-round draft pick in 2006. He broke through in 2009 when he appeared in 23 games for the club, making 12 starts and tallying two goals and two assists. He missed the last month of the '09 campaign because of injury.

MLS strike...Ibrahim Saied...and some NikeSoccer Juve commercial.

No word on the MLS labor dispute yet. Makes me kinda angry that TFC has not sent me any updates. As a season ticket holder I feel I have the right to know what the F is going on. I want to plan a road trip this year and can't make any decisions on hotels or flights cause I don't want to pay if there is going to be no game!! ARGH!

Some Dude named Ibrahim Saied an Egyptian central defender is set to join Toronto FC this season. I read a little blurb on IMscouting.com He needs to pass a physical still. Once upon a time he played for Everton. I guess that means he is shit and is trying to revive his dead career. I really hope he is good. I want a reason to cheer for the team!

Also I watched the Nikesoccer presents master accuracy video on youtube this morning. Not much to it other than I would like TFC to send all our strikers to the thing. We need accuracy man!

Nils Binstock is getting a shot to be a hometown Red

Nils Binstock is some local dude keeping his fingers crossed that TFC keeps 3 roster spots open for keepers this season. I love TFC adding Local or Canadian players to the team and I hope this kid makes it. If he does make it he better not be shit!! That will just piss me off.

Here is the article from the Toronto Sun..

Nils Binstock is getting a shot to be a hometown Red.

The Burlington netminder just got an invite to Toronto FC's goalkeeping combine, where he will try to win at least a spot on the training-camp roster. The combine goes Jan. 25-26 at Lamport Stadium.

"I received an e-mail from (TFC goalkeeping coach) Mike Toshack and he invited me out," Binstock said.

"The team had been following my progress for the past couple of years ... I don't know any of the other four or five 'keepers who will be invited out, but I think they could offer a contract to the best one."

And Binstock has given Toshack a lot to think about. In his final NCAA season at Iona College, he posted a stellar 0.66 GAA and a superb .849 GAA.

The combine will run before the scheduled opening of TFC's regular training camp and the Jan. 31 expiry of the current collective bargaining agreement between MLS and its players'union.

If there is no progress in talks, the owners are in position to lock out the players on Feb. 1.

STRONG AT GOAL

Even though TFC is stronger in goal than it is at any other position, with rookie-of-the-year Stefan Frei at No. 1 and Brian Edwards at backup, Binstock is hopeful that the Reds will keep three 'keepers in 2010. Once again, without a CBA in place, it's hard to guess what kind of roster limits will exist in 2010.

"I think they are going to be carrying three," Binstock said. "Last year, they ran into problems when Frei got hurt and Edwards had to jump in, and there was no back-up there. I know that D.C. United had a situation where both keepers were out and they needed an emergency replacement."

But, even if Binstock doesn't stick, the former Toronto Lynx and AB Copenhagen 'keeper knows getting this tryout will help him to get more trials at other clubs.

"I think it's a definite positive; it's a trial in a pro atmosphere," he said. "It still looks good on a resume. Toronto FC is my hometown team. If things don't work out, I want them to succeed, regardless."

Toronto FC home opener moved to April 15

BLAH BLAH BLAH... This story seems to be everywhere right now.

Here it is from the Toronto Star

Toronto FC is going to get a little southern exposure on its new grass field.

The Major League Soccer club announced Wednesday that the team's home-opener in mid-April is being moved from Saturday afternoon to Thursday night in order to accommodate a national broadcast in the United States on ESPN2.

TFC will now play the expansion Philadelphia Union at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 15.

The game will be the official debut of the grass pitch at BMO Field.

Club owner Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment is now in the midst of a $3.5 million conversion of the city-owned stadium from artificial Field Turf to Kentucky bluegrass.

The new field, complete with its elaborate drainage and heating system, is to be ready for the home opener.

TFC is scheduled to kick off its fourth MLS season Saturday, March 27 in Columbus, Ohio against the Crew.

But with the contract between the league and its players union set to expire on Jan. 31, there are questions whether the season will be marred by a strike or lockout.

Both sides are refusing to talk publicly but reports are that the negotiations are not going well despite months of talks and the league may lock out the players Feb. 1.

TFC going Teal?

Well the MLS superdraft is coming up soon. As usual I do not know who any of the college players are that are entering the draft. EXCEPT Teal Bunbury!! He is the the son of former Canadian International Alex Bunbury. I am hoping TFC try to move up the draftand get him. It would be nice to have another strong Canadian player on the team.

There was an article in the Toronto Sun a few days ago. Here is most of it.

What will he do this time?

Toronto FC director of soccer Mo Johnston is known as a mover and shaker in Major League Soccer circles, always good to make a deal.

And Thursday's MLS SuperDraft should be no different, despite TFC not having a first-round draft pick and having only two picks in the draft (Nos. 24 and 53).

"I've actually been very quiet so far," Johnston said.

The silence won't last long.

"I'm confident we'll be able to get some things done over the next six or seven days," he said. "This year it's all about getting the right guy and the priority is to move up in the draft."

Johnston's job is that much more difficult, not having any American roster spots available. And using an international roster spot on an American drafted college player doesn't make sense for the club.

EXPECT MOVES

Translation: Expect some player movement from Johnston.

Johnston also acknowledged he's in on-going talks with various clubs and players, and now that the MLS player combine is over, the real action begins.

What Johnston will be able to get done is unclear.

While he acknowledges this year's draft is about "certain positions", it's more about asset management. Moving up to take a player of interest for another team, then turning that player into another asset coming back to the club seems like the most logical move.

And from the sounds of it, this is what new head coach Preki Radosavljevic would prefer.

Preki seems less than impressed with the roster. He admits the team is a work in progress. But unlike his former club Chivas, TFC ownership has afforded Johnston ample resources to bring in players.

"Preki has got his eye on a couple of targets he wanted while at Chivas and wasn't able to bring in. We've talked about it and I think I can get something done," Johnston said.

This approach benefits Preki in putting together a team in his own mold while adding some much-needed MLS experience to the roster.

If Johnston elects to move up in the draft and to keep the pick, it could also signal his interest in Teal Bunbury -- this year's Mac Hermann Trophy winner as the NCAA'S top player.

Bunbury's name resonates with Canadian soccer fans, as the son of former Canadian International Alex. Bunbury proved his worth as a dynamic goal-scorer this past season, leading his Akron Zips to an undefeated regular season and then taking them all the way to the national final. His Canadian designation doesn't hurt either.

"He's a good, young player.He's 6-foot-2, strong, fairly quick and I played with his father." Johnston said.

If Johnston can bring in Bunbury, TFC would have two of the past three Mac Hermann Trophy winners on their roster. Forward O'Brien White was the 2007 recipient. The Canadian connections to both White and Bunbury could make for an intriguing striker combination for years to come.

Last year, Johnston landed all three of his major targets. Instead of trading away any of his three first-round picks, Johnson did the unusual for him, staying status quo, selecting midfielder Sam Cronin (second), White (fourth) and goalkeeper Stefan Frei (13th), all of whom had varying levels of success in their respective rookie campaigns.

In fact, TFC has considerable young talent. Defender Nana Attakora (20), and to a lesser extent young Gambian duo of Amadou Sanyang (18) and Emmanuel Gomez (19), are reason to believe better days lie ahead for the Reds.

The pressure is on for Johnston to get it right this off-season right. While Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. is resolutely standing by its man, the public knives have been out for Johnston for quite some time, after three subpar years under his watchful eye.

"The entire process is a game and in the end it all funnels through. We've got a game-plan. "

Ilia Javorijan.. who is he?

I know this is very boring news but not much of anything exciting is happening right now. Unless you want to hear about how I am doing in FIFA10 on my DS. I think the people at EA sports screwed up when they added Vitti to the game cause the man is on fire in my game. Nothing like the real player. anyways..

Today I read on the IMscouting website that this fella Ilia Javorijan is headed for Toronto for a Trial with TFC. It seems he is over paid and no good so his current team Maccabi Tel Aviv wants to get rid of him. I can only assume that Mo Johnston see's the resemblance to Danny Dichio and has decided he would be a good replacement for the big bald man. I don't think Mo has taken into consideration that Ilia's name is probably not song friendly.

If you want to check out the article it is at the IMscouting site. Here is a clip of the story

MLS side Toronto FC have handed a 10-day trial to Armenian striker Ilia Javorijan , starting from February 8th.

The 28-year-old target man has been plying his trade in Israel since 2004, and this season he has been a major disappointment for Maccabi Tel Aviv despite scoring 4 goals in 10 league appearances.

According to reports in Israel, Maccabi Tel Aviv are trying to get rid of the striker who doesn't wish to play for other sides in the country and prefers a move abroad.

Javorijan has been playing for Israeli sides Hapoel Petach Tikva, Hapoel Tel Aviv, Irony Kiriat Shmona and Bnei Sachnin before moving to Maccabi Tel Aviv in the summer of 2008 for $515k. His contract runs out in the coming summer.

Nutrilite a GO

Looks like the Nutrilite Championship is still a go. I didn't realize it was in limbo. Shows how much I know. That whole mess with the USL and NASL is just so un-interesting. You can read about it at the Toronto Sun today. Here is a snippet.

Toronto FC will get the chance to defend its Nutrilite Canadian Championship crown in 2010, even if the Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps have no leagues of their own in which to play.

The Canadian Soccer Association confirmed this week that the three-team championship still is slated to go ahead as it has the past two seasons, despite rumours to the contrary.

The CSA made the decision to sanction Montreal and Vancouver in December, meaning that they still can compete for a national championship.

Both Montreal and Vancouver are in limbo as the United States Soccer Federation refused to sanction the North American Soccer League, a new circuit formed by rebel owners from the United Soccer Leagues. The USL's first division also was rejected. The leagues have until some time this week to strike an 11th-hour kiss-and-makeup deal that would satisfy the U.S. authorities.