THE MATCHUP: "2011 or Bust" as The Reds try to tame Los Gatos

Frings: Suspended due to impaling with foot



TORONTO FC (3rd) VS. PUMAS UNAM (1st)
CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - GROUP C
　
BMO FIELD - TUESDAY 8PM ET
TV: SETANTA CANADA
　
THE KICKABOUT:
Many are saying Aron Winter gambled and lost in playing, and tiring, his 1st Team against Chivas USA on Saturday. There was a split amongst fans, some who favoured resting the team for this season-breaking tilt with Pumas with others wanting to "compete" at all costs. Of course, TFC couldn't have competed out of a paper bag at Chivas and now wearily face one of CONCACAF's best clubs in a match that could very well end all 2011 competitions. With talisman Torsten Frings out on suspension and Pumas once again playing their best team, The Reds are decided underdogs in a match where only 3 point will suffice. Fairly or not, a loss will be placed at Winter's feet. Oh well, at least TFC okayed the match to be shown on Setanta - so no one outside of the 8,000 at BMO (to be announced as 18,500 by MLSE) will see TFC's potential whimpering end to 2011.
　
MANUFACTURED DERBY NAME: "The Cat Comeback"
　
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
TORONTO FC: Julian de Guzman, Stefan Frei, Ryan Johnson
PUMAS UNAM: Martin Bravo, Juan Francisco Palencia, Dario Veron
　
THE ODDS:
- A loud "We Told Ya So" chant aimed at Aron Winter in 2nd Half: 5-1
- Literally dozens watching at home on Setanta: 10-1
- TFC trying to compete with Pumas' flamboyant kit by putting giant face of "Bitchy The Hawk" on front of shirt: 50-1
　
WHO ARE YA?
Those who follow our highly scientific research know that the "UNAM" in Pumas UNAM's name refers to the Mexico City University that they play out of and are controlled by. When Toronto was exploring bringing a MLS club to town back in 2005 they originally planned to follow this model. The first choice was Varsity Stadium where the team would have been called "Beavers UOT" with the second choice being a stadium on York University's campus with the club being named "Squirrels YU". Rejected was an owl-themed club on Ryerson's campus named "Whoo RU".
　
THE WAGER: 1-2 Pumas (2011: 22-20 with 6 exact scores)
FUTURE HEADLINE: "2011 ENDS IN MEXICAN STANDOFF"