TFC on paper is better than UNAM Pumas?

My dear brother-in-law and blogger on this site, Mike, officially went off the deep end last night. Mike has been having a long temper tantrum about MLSE and how they have ruined Toronto FC. He derides most every move they make and every result they achieve. Once a season ticket holder, he has become an embittered old man hating everything TFC.

Last night, following the 1-1 draw between TFC and UNAM Pumas, we exchanged text messages. We bitched about the horrible Setanta Sports broadcast (what was up with that, Setanta?) and he stated (again) that they (MLSE) need to fix the team. I pointed out that I wasn't disappointed in the draw and that TFC had put forth a good effort. "No shame in drawing a better team.", I said. Mike replied with "Fuck that, on paper we are better. Shame."

As you can imagine, dear reader (literally, probably only one reader), this blew my mind. This morning, Mike continued, suggesting I look up who is on their team, compare it to who we have, then accused me of being a typical Leaf fan, accepting mediocre teams. There is some truth in this - I am a Leaf fan, and probably too easily accept mediocrity. However, I felt I needed to address Mike's delusions in-depth.

So let's take a look at UNAM Pumas. They are ranked #7 in CONCACAF and #179 in the world by Oosterpark.  They have produced dozens of Mexican international players, a country that is currently ranked #20 by FIFA and has been as high as #5. 6 of their current players have recently played for the national team. They have won the Mexican league 7 times, including the Clausura 2011. They have been CONCACAF champions 3 times. They have been the champions of a now-defunct North and South American competition once. The Mexican league itself is ranked #12 in the world by IFFHS.

Our heroes Toronto FC, are not ranked by Oosterpark. The top ranked MLS team as of the end of 2010 was D.C. United, at #12 in CONCACAF and #306 in the world. As we know, D.C. United now sucks, and I'm sure their 2010 ranking is a result of past successes. Hey - there's the Puerto Rico Islanders at #1,736 in the world - we fall somewhere below them. Toronto FC currently features Canadian internationals Julian de Guzman and Terry Dunfield (and injured Adrian Cann), Jamaican international Ryan Johnson, Curacao international Javier Martina and Guadeloupe stalwart Eddy Viator. Comparing this to Mexico's #20 ranking, we see Jamaica at #45, #87 Canada, #178 Curacao and Guadeloupe not ranked. Toronto has won the MLS... Never, and never even made the playoffs. They haven't advanced out of the CONCACAF Champions League group stages. MLS is ranked #52 in the world by IFFHS - but is now second in CONCACAF, having passed the Costa Rican league!

Now, I don't believe that we should be thrilled that Toronto FC only managed to draw UNAM Pumas. I would have been ecstatic with a victory. But to claim that Toronto FC is better on paper and should have won is so ludicrous that I am beginning to question Mike's sanity.

Oh Greg..

I can honestly say after watching this clip that I am glad Greg Sutton is not with Toronto anymore. Nothing short of embarrassing here. He absolutely looks as though he would fit into Toronto FC current system. Lack of sensibility and ball handling skills makes him a perfect fit. What a mess.

Roger Levesque had a great goal celebration. At this point though I would like it if Toronto could just score.

SMILES!

Canadian Keeper Scores from the other side of the pitch!

What can only be described as a major embarrassment to England. Canada scored an absolute gem. The Canadian Goalkeeper Quillan Roberts evened up the score at 2-2 in the 86th minute from the Canadian side of the pitch! If I find a better clip today i will post it.
LOL

Priceless.

Canada vs. Ecuador Friendly Report

I had the pleasure of attending the Canada vs. Ecuador men's friendly at BMO Field last night with a vocal crowd of Canadian supporters. Unfortunately, the dirty, diving Ecuadoreans had more supporters so the stadium looked mostly like a sea of yellow jerseys.

Canada was a bit lucky to steal a draw, after Julian De Guzman, the crappiest designated player in MLS history (next to Mista) took a quick free quick and caught the dirty Ecuadoreans busy whining at the referee. One Tosaint Ricketts goal later, it was a 2-2 draw and the Canadian supporters could feel free to hurl nasty swear words at the opposing fans.

Attiba Hutchinson is great. He was all over the field and had a huge impact. I described him as a "good version of De Guzman" but that's probably not doing Hutchinson justice. Simeon Jackson looked dangerous and Terry Dunfield scored a brilliant opening goal for Canada. The keeper, Mirlo Borjan (or whatever the hell his name is) looked fantastic, other than when he stared sadly at the 2nd Ecuador goal flying into the net without actually moving.

Shout out to the guy in front of us who spit all over the place when he shouted - the wind carried it right back into our faces, which was awesome. Props to the supporters who chanted and danced the whole time. It was nice to see an energetic base of support for the team.

Thursday June 2nd 2011

Thursday June 2nd 2011

 

Afternoon Links

 

National Post - Toronto FC head coach Aron Winter needs to banish haughty talk of rebuilding and patience and replace it all with the truth:

 

Toronto Sun - Canada came away with a lucky 2-2 draw vs. Ecuador at BMO Field on Wednesday night

 

MLS - 50/50 Gordon may play; The Toronto FC forward, who has been out with a groin injury, trained with the team on Tuesday at Cherry Beach.

 

The Canadian Press - Adrian Cann will miss the remainder of Toronto FC's season after the defender suffered a knee injury during training Tuesday. "I can confirm that Adrian has torn his ACL and will miss the rest of the season," said Toronto FC Head Coach

 

Monday's Links

Whitecaps well rested for this weeks Nutrilite championship game vs. Toronto FC. 

Goalkeeper Jay Nolly, shown in action recently, says his team knows it has to score against Toronto FC on Wednesday.

Windsor Stars fell 5-2 to Toronto FC 

Windsor fell 5-2 to Toronto FC Academy Saturday, but put up a much better effort 24 hours later in losing a heartbreaker 1-0 to the defending CSL champion Brantford Galaxy.

MLS Recap 2011: Colorado Rapids 0 - Toronto FC 0

Toronto remains in 15^th place, only two points out of a playoff spot. What matters, besides the “golden point”, is how confident this team is growing.

Toronto get break as de Guzman is only Canada call  

Toronto FC will need to do without the services of Designated Player Julian de Guzman for most of June, after the midfielder accepted the call for Canada to play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

 

 

IM BACK!!

Hey, I have been gone (from the blog) for a while now I’m back. I will try my best to keep the blog up to date. It’s been a little tough lately only because well I am getting tired of following a team that is potentially in its fifth losing season. Obviously would like to watch a winning team. Truly I believe that the MLSE big wigs are the root of the problem. Anyways. In an effort to stay positive and away from the negative. I will try posting daily links to soccer and mostly Toronto FC related links with a brief thought on the link.

cheers.