The Toronto FC Sadvent Calendar: Day 8

"THE WORST TEAM IN THE WORLD"

　

Like "Hallelujah" from upon high - except with a wacky Dutch accent. Once-prolific striker/always prolific eater, Danny Koevermans was the first TFC player to come out and say exactly what supporters already knew: that TFC were probably "the worst team in the world". And so the Gospel was said. Amen.

　

Check back tomorrow and open another Sadvent window!



"That's what he said..." Reds offer a few final words on 2013 and beyond

"The end is nigh! Which is Kiwi for 'now'."

 

Like an Irish wake - but without the good times and whiskey - TFC held their annual "We Don't Need No Stinkin' Playoffs" press conference today. The jolly event is a yearly tradition where the few players who know they are coming back next season wax lyrical about how f*cking awesome TFC is while those who are being shot into the vacuum of space burn as many bridges as the mic can handle.

As with many controlled professional sports pressers, it is often as much about what is NOT said as what is actually mumbled to the ink-stained/digital-stained assembled wretches. Luckily for you, The Yorkies always keep a phalanx of psychoanalysts, mystics, shamen and Sasquatch on staff so that we can bring you what other outlets can't. So enjoy what was "actually said" (in boring layperson font) by TFC players and staff, as well as "what we heard" (in magical italics) through the power of a Ouija board bought from a toy store, a bucket of chicken bones (last night's KFC) and an Enigma record playing on loop. Set voodoo to stun...

 

RICHARD ECKERSLEY:

- "Fans have been fantastic... could be one of the best clubs to play for in MLS"

- "Summer football and SPF 90 just isn't easy"

- "It's clear I won't be here next season"

- "Why does FIFA ignore New Zealanders' systemic hatred for the English?"

JOE BENDIK:

- "I'm pretty sure I'll make more money next year"

- "Super Pickle is puttin' it on cruise control in 2014. Dill with it."

 

ANDREW WIEDEMAN:

- "If I'm here, I'm here. If I'm not, I'm not"

- "I'm a pretty, pretty man"

BOBBY CONVEY:

- "We have good young players but we've had way too much turnover here"

- "The turnover is a really underrated pastry"

- (On Ryan Nelsen) "He inherited players he wouldn't have signed"

- "How is Reggie Lambe a thing?"

- "If I'm not back that will be a surprise to me"

JONATHAN OSORIO

- "At the start of the season I was just a boy looking for playing time. Now I want to be among the best midfielders in MLS"

- "I wonder what TFC will get for me when they trade me to San Jose in January?"

 

MATIAS LABA
- "I expect to be 100% fit for next season..."

- "I will return to Argentina next week, grow a handlebar moustache, change my name and never return to this place. Adios"

MARK BLOOM

- "I hope to be back next season"

- "I am going to be the opening day starter next season"

 

ROBERT EARNSHAW

- "Must think of something good to say..."

- "TFC facilities are among the best in the world"

- "Have to try to sound hopeful..."

- "I see the light at the end of the tunnel here"

- "MLS is quicker, more technical than I thought it would be"

- "I was napping between April and October"

 

STEFAN FREI

- "I want to be part of a team where my services are needed and wanted"

- "I want to join any team that bites this one in the ass"

- "Love the city and the club. Always a special place for me"

- "Too bad the Canadian government has a lenient New Zealander immigration policy"

- "I didn't ask for a trade"

- "Shove a Toblerone where the sun don't shine Nelsen"

 

DANNY KOEVERMANS

- "2013 was a disaster for me"

- "I'm sure I smell waffles..."

- "I almost had a mental breakdown..."

- "McDonalds only sells Hot Cakes & Sausage until 10:30AM!"

- "I'm giving my career one last shot"

- "Never tell them that my 'calf injury' was from trying to eat an actual calf"

- "Poor communication from the coaching staff..."

- "There's the waffles!"

 

STEVEN CALDWELL

- "I love everything about the club. I'm proud to be captain."

- "I fully expect to be playing for Scunthorpe in a year"

- "We need 3-5 new guys"

- "We need 35 new guys"

 

RYAN NELSEN

- "I'll hold my hand up and try and talk to players. My door is open."

- "... after band meeting"

- "No major changes, just adding players who will make us stronger"

- "QPR reserves, USL-Pro and Swiss 3rd Division you are on notice"

- "No loan deals next year"

- "Why buy the cow when Justin Braun is free?"

- "btw Convey is going to be surprised"

- "I know what's right and I only have the team's interests in mind"

- "I'm very good at my job"

 

TIM BEZBATCHENKO

- "It is difficult to attract DP's, but not impossible"

- "Mista is available"

- "I want to decide on who is staying and who is going in two weeks’ time"

- "You'll be hearing from me on February 20th"

- "Nelsen is the right guy..."

- "... until June."



No need to Koef up lead

We feel your painsh



In a season bereft of feel-good moments, the 86th minute of last Saturday's match against Union was welcome respite for a few of the Toronto FC faithful. After a 10-month lay-off, the club's potent striker and fan favourite Danny Koevermans entered the match to much fanfare and good tidings. But why?
　
While the return of the burly Dutchman has been anticipated for ages in these parts, with his reappearance being regarded in some circles at a Messianic level, this was simply a poor footballing decision. With about 10 minutes to hang on to a slim lead with only 10 men on the pitch, introducing a lumbering striker fresh off an ACL rehab was extremely questionable. And that is being kind.
　
So why the rush? While there is no doubt that Koef needed a run out in first team action, this was not the time. Yes, he has a lethal touch when the ball is at his feet but Koevermans will never be accused of having pace. However long Koef's tenure remains with TFC it will only be successful if he is played as part of a striking tandem where he plays the role of poaching target man. At his age and with the residual ring-rust of nearly a year away from play, using him as anything more than a fairly lethal tank is useless.
　
With TFC's regularly scheduled late-match collapses now an accepted fact of life, bringing in a player of his skill-set in the 86th minute put the club even further behind the 8-ball - virtually playing with 9 1/2 men on the defensive side. When Jack McInerney grabbed the inevitable equalizer in stoppage time, Koef was indeed one of the ball-watchers on the play, although in fairness it was your usual "All For One" collapse.

LETTERS FROM CAMP: Payne management

"It's good to talk..."



With just a few days before The Reds go all snowbird and head down to Orlando ("WHOOO! SPRING BREAK!"), Kevin Payne took time away from packing his mesh "Daytona Beach '84" tank-tops to hold a round-table discussion with some members of the mainstream Toronto football media. The boss of all things Eff Cee seemed to be in "line drawn in sand" mode which may or may not be a beach metaphor. Here's a few of K-Payne's phat rhymes...
　
ON THE KIDS:
- Some TFC Academy players will be invited to join the first team down in Florida due to some early "impressive performances".
- No word if they will be allowed any beachside hijinks with locals much like in the 1983 seminal theatrical spring break opus... "Spring Break"
　
ON NEW SIGNINGS:
- TFC are "looking almost exclusively south" for new players adding that European targets are "overpriced"
- Somewhere Mikael Yourassowsky said "WTF man?!"
- Did not get into any type of financial conversation about the Greek Debt Crisis or the falling value of the Euro over the Honduran Lempira
- Club is hoping to announce new signing this week or early next week but warned "it has been a complex deal"
- Possibly related, possibly not, but definitely complex, Payne dropped that "Peralta deal is not dead"
- In addition to the above 'imminent deal' the club is also working on 3 further deals with attacking players preferably under the age of 27.
　
ON THE MONEYZ:
- Claimed that the business side of TFC was in "great shape"
- Thousands of TFC supporters rolled their eyes in unison
- Ryan Nelsen was awarded a three-year contract
　
ON FITNESS:
- "Very disappointed" that "many players showed up unfit" and that "1 or 2 were not even close to being fit"
- Sternly stated "that won't happen again"
　
ON THE DP'S:
- When asked about Torsten Frings, Payne stated "he's deserving of every opportunity to prove he can still do the job" but then quickly added that the German is not in full training yet.
- Claimed that there are "no discussions yet to buy (Frings) out"
- Journalists likely safe to put "yet" in all caps
- Payne was clear that "buying out a DP is an option". Clubs may only do this once a year if you were hoping to hear that Frings, Hassli and Koevermans were all on a bus to Pearson.
- Rather randomly dropped that "the jury is out on Hassli". Not sure what the Frenchman is charged with but it sounds ominous in a 12 Angry Men kind of way
- When asked if it was explained to him why Hassli's contract was renewed a week before he was hired, Payne paused and wryly said "No."
- Somewhere Paul Mariner's ears started to burn.
- Unsurprising to most, Danny Koevermans won't likely be ready to play until the end of June at the earliest. His form would likely be found a month or two after that.
- As if wanting to end things with a big asterisk, Payne let it be known that the 3 DP's along with Darren O'Dea and Richard Eckersley eat up a "very, very large percentage of the salary cap"... so see you this time next year?
　
IN PARTING:
- First home fixture now solidly scheduled for SkyDome on March 9 at 1:30 PM. Get your thundersticks now!
- Payne may or may not have put on mesh "Daytona Beach '84" tank-top and strapped surfboard on top of Studebaker station wagon with Florida plates and peeled out of BMO Field parking lot.

LETTERS FROM CAMP: Pitching a tent for 2013

Official red long underwear with giant, strategically-place maple leaf? Yup. Backpack full of guarded optimism? Check. Stale buttys to throw at any roaming bears/Collin Samuels? Packed. English-New Zealish Dictionary? On order.

Yes it' s the only return to sporting action anyone is talking about in Canada tonight as your Tee Eff Cee'ers trudged through the tundra to "Camp Shining Light". Relocated from its old lakeshore site, "Shining Light" (located in the middle of a creepy abandoned and no doubt haunted air field) will be the home base for the campers until they make their road trip to Florida.

For our readers who can't sit by the fire waiting for the latest scary story about ghosts of managers past, the "Letters From Camp" series will try to wrap up the latest news, rumours and tidbits from the Kiwi Jamboree. Now pass us those buttys... I heard a distinctly Trinidadian growl...

NILSIN NOT YIT PRISINT
The on-going tale of a Kiwi far, far away is going to dominate much of the conversation through camp and the fact that Ryan Nelsen played another full 90 for QPR on the day that his new charges arrived for camp hit the point home hard today. As the anxious wrung their sweaty palms and the cynical Marinerlytes loaded their mouth-cannons, the announcers during the West Ham v QPR match casually talked about how Nelsen would be with QPR until March. Inside knowledge or an educated guess? Who knows? However, during an interview with Sportsnet's Gerry Dobson, Kevin Payne remarked that "we (TFC) have a pretty good idea when (Nelsen) will arrive". He added that he felt fans would be pleased, and you get the feeling that it will be sooner rather than later, but also that the season won't feel "for realsies" until Nelsen touches down permanently.

THE CRAZY CANUCKS
The Canadian national squad's minor youth movement definitely has a heavy TFC influence as no less than five Reds will be headed down to Arizona and Texas to train with Colin Miller's team until January 30. Ashtone Morgan, Matt Stinson, Doneil Henry, SuperDraft sweetheart Kyle Bekker have all been called up as well as old man Terry Dunfield who will be driving the station wagon down south. We assume. The only important result from a Toronto point of view? No injuries.

OU EST LE SULK?
The TFC press machine was in fine form this morn tweeting TMZ-style paparazzo pics of happy Reds arriving at the KIA Training Ground. Thankfully no Richard Eckersley upskirt pics. One face who didn't skip through the door was French striker/ ink junkie Eric Hassli who has reportedly gone into "Full Anelka Mode" and wants out of town. There is no secret that Hassli was very close to Paul Mariner and was excited to play under him. There is also no secret that Kevin Payne will not be talking le guff from Hassli and has warned of "repercussions" if the big forward doesn't show. According to the club however, Hassli is expected to show up to Downsview sometime Saturday or Sunday. No matter what, this story is far from l'over.

SHUFFLERS OF CATAN
A bit of positive news on the Danny Koevermans front. First, his front isn't an issue. As opposed to years past where... well just let's say the pancakes prevailed... Koevermans is looking trim. A winter spent in godless Dutch honey-cake-free Canada obviously help cut the cravings. The other slight positive is that Koef has begun light running in his long path back from his ACL injury. Light running to goal-scoring is likely a six-month process, but it's a start.

"LIKE A BOU-SO"
Yes we will all just end up calling him "Boss" because we are lazy but young defender and lottery prize Gale Agbossoumonde took to the airwaves (well TFC's YouTube channel) to teach us just how to pronounce his name in full. It's actually still pretty fun too! You hear that Keith "It's Not Boo-Yah" Makubuya? Practice here.

Get Fit met Koef!

"Lesh get fishical!"



If there is one overarching theme to this site - it is high-intensity physical fitness. We are practically aware addicted to "healthy body - healthy mind" here at The Yorkies. Sadly, the long, dark winter months of the TFC off-season aren't always conducive to calisthenics and regimented diet plans so we seek extra motivation. Alas, we look to our heroes in Red - those specimens of success - The Eff Cee's, for that ultimate push.
　
Looking at the TFC squad, there is only one man whose dedication to fitness and tremendous physique is worthy of such adulation. Sadly, Adrian Cann wasn't available and the only guy staying in town is Danny Koevermans. The "burly" Dutchman often arrives to preseason in conditions described as "here" or "sort of winded". With such a great scoring touch, his tight shirts are usually ignored until he regains fitness in July but coming off an injury and with such excuses an emphasis on last year's team fitness - this winter will be different. In Koef's own words "I will train everyday - except on weekends"... we like that kind of fire.
　
Luckily for fitness aficionados, "Koef" actually had a popular fitness series back when he was playing in The Netherlands. "Tweeëntwintig Minuten Koefuit" (22 Minute Koef-Out) was Holland's twenty-eighth most popular fitness video and pamphlet series and is still just as valuable today! With this easy to follow plan, you too can be "a bit less hefty" by Spring! (Translated from original Dutch)
　
HET WERK UIT (The workout)
- Rekken / Mengen pannekoekbeslag (stretching/ mixing pancake batter) 1 min
- Raak je klompen (Touch your clogs) 1 min
- Rookpauze (Smoke break) 2 mins
- Springen Johans (Jumping Jacks) 1 min
- Pannenkoek tijd (Pancake time) 4 min
- Gewichtheffen hazelnootpasta (Powerlifting giant Nutella jars) 1 min
- Kolonisten van Catan (Settlers of Catan) 10 mins
- Afkoelen / grap oproep Nick Soolsma (Cool down/ Prank call Nick Soolsma) 2 mins
　
EET DEZE! (What to eat)
- Groene groenten (Green vegetables)
- Romig Gouda saus voor groenten (Creamy cheese sauce for vegetables)
- 8 glazen water (8 glasses of water)
- 9 glazen chocolademelk (9 chocolate milks)
- Appels (Apples)
- Taart (Pie)
- Appeltaart (Apple pie)
- Fanta (Fanta)
- Noten (Nuts)
- Nutella (Nutella)
- Mayonaise ("Everything Sauce")
- Zeven dagelijkse porties van pannenkoek (7 daily servings of pancake)
- Volg met een gezonde lunch, diner en snacks (Follow with a balanced lunch, dinner and snack)
- Roken (A smoke)
　
"Vergeet niet, gezond is een 22/5 baan!"
("Being healthy is a 22 minute, 5 day a week job!")

THE MATCHUP: Rapidly Seeking Strikers

Are either of you a "fox in the box"?



TORONTO VS. COLORADO
　
BMO FIELD - WEDNESDAY 7PM ET
TV: SPORTSNET ONTARIO/ONE ----RADIO: THE FAN 590
　
THE KICKABOUT:
It's entirely up to you whether you choose to blame the current management team, the previous one or whatever Pagans used to sacrifice virgins on the site of BMO Field. No matter who is at fault for TFC's striker crisis - after Danny Koevermans was ruled out for the season - it's a giant mess. Through some very poor team building/roster management, TFC is currently left with a choice of Ryan Johnson (off of failure to hit sides of barns), Andrew Wiedeman (off of nine games in MLS) and Keith Makubuya (off of soon to be in CSL) as their strike options. Crickets.
　
Even before Koef's untimely injury, the forward role had little depth - especially evident after the dismissal of Joao Plata and Nick Soolsma. This flew under the radar of course because of the even worse crisis on the defensive line and the torrid scoring of Koevermans. Now that there is a mess on two fronts, some very tough transfer decisions need to be made by Mariner & Co. in order to keep TFC's heads above water. A chance then for Colorado Rapids who have yet to beat TFC at BMO Field to take advantage of a paper-thin attack unless someone on The Reds steps up and fills a very big void.
　
MANUFACTURED DERBY NAME: "El Cursico"
　
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
TORONTO: Torsten Frings, Ryan Johnson, Milos Kocic
COLORADO: Conor Casey, Omar Cummings, Martin Rivero
　
THE ODDS:
TFC's "striker crisis" solved by:
- Paul Mariner becoming player/manager: 50-1
- Tiny boots for "Bitchy the Hawk": 25-1
- TFC's "Dream Striker Job" competition winner: 2-1
　
WHO ARE YA?
Much like Bigfoot and Loch Ness, it is a scientific fact that BMO Field is a cursed place built above an ancient burial ground. The exact spot of past virgin sacrifice lies directly below where The Reds strikers roam which has in turn cast spells on TFC strikers with many a malady following:
DANNY KOEVERMANS: Torn ACL
DANNY DICHIO: Lower lumbar/Male pattern baldness
JEFF CUNNINGHAM: Severe sucking
ALI GERBA: Fat
MISTA: Narcolepsy
COLLIN SAMUEL: Fat
CHAD BARRETT: Chronic shanking
ANDREA LOMBARDO: Delayed Dufferin bus
　
POST-MATCH HEADLINE: "JOHNSON AND WIEDEMAN COLLIDE - EVIL LAKESHORE SPIRITS APPEASED"

AFTER 90: Some New England evolution

THE BUZZ:

Can the Reds momentum carry from their amazing midweek win?

Will Paul Mariner manage TFC's first win at his old stomping ground?

Does new-boy Andrew Wiedeman make an appearance?

Is Kevin McKenna here yet?

Can Terry "Thierry" Dunfield continue his best form as a Red?

Is Olaf Mellberg here yet?

Have those musket dudes behind the New England goal ever actually shot someone and/or felt the warm embrace of a woman?

FIRST HALF:

8' - GOAL: Toronto - Luis Silva

NEW ENGLAND 0 - TORONTO 1

42' - SUB: Andrew Wiedeman on for Danny Koevermans

FIRST HALF HIGHLIGHT: Lambe going all Reggienaldo on the assist

FIRST HALF LOWLIGHT: Koevermans leaving on a stretcher with a nasty knee knock

HALFTIME: NEW ENGLAND 0 - TORONTO 1

SECOND HALF:

69' - SUB: Aaron Maund in for Reggie Lambe

85' - YELLOW CARD: Terry Dunfield

90' - SUB: Matt Stinson in for Luis Silva

90'+ - YELLOW CARD: Ashtone Morgan

SECOND HALF HIGHLIGHT: Milos Kocic saving the game late

SECOND HALF LOWLIGHT: A ridiculous 7 minutes of Extra Time

FULL TIME: NEW ENGLAND 0 - TORONTO 1

PLAYER RATINGS: Milos Kocic 7.5 / Doneil Henry 5.5 / Richard Eckersley 7 / Logan Emory 7 / Ashtone Morgan 6.5 / Reggie Lambe 6.5 (Aaron Maund 6) / Terry Dunfield 6.5 / Torsten Frings 6 / Luis Silva 6.5 (Matt Stinson N/A) / Danny Koevermans 6.5 (Andrew Wiedeman 5.5) / Ryan Johnson 5.5

THE YORKIES' TFC MAN OF THE MATCH: Milos Kocic

THE MOOD:

While much of the excitement for Reds supporters in the lead-up to the match was around the Olof Mellberg to TFC rumours, for once, the match overshadowed off-field news. Far from a pretty match (outside of the very sweet goal by Silva), TFC did show a steely backbone in preserving a 1-0 lead for the majority of the match. While they still have some serious holes to fill there are some very pleasing signs that the squad is indeed playing as more of a "club" under Paul Mariner.

Unfortunately there is a very dark lining around the good result in that Danny Koevermans picked up what could turn into a season-ending injury. With the big Dutchman being the only reliable source of goals in the recent weeks, his absence would put a big roadblock before any TFC resurgence, even if the playoffs are still a pipe dream. The truth is, whether Koevermans is out or not, TFC desperately needs another striker. While the focus on potential transfers is justifiably on the centreback position, the striker role could be about to be a very weak link and one that Ryan Johnson nor any other current options are good enough to carry. Testing times ahead made a bit easier for tonight by TFC's first win in Foxboro.

AFTER 90: A bit of a brawl

Aceval, Soolsma and Silva head back to Toronto

 

THE BUZZ:
Can TFC put their crime spree behind them?
Will the distractions be the latest excuse for the club's form?
Did Mariner want a Plymouth Argyle but got a Plymouth Sundance?
Will the three DP's finally carry the club?
Are "The Escobar Three" on the verge of release?
Is Joao Plata heading back to Ecuador?
Does Houston's new stadium look fat in orange?
　
FIRST HALF:
13' - GOAL: Toronto - Jeremy Hall
HOUSTON 0 - TORONTO 1
20' - GOAL: Houston - Bobby Boswell
HOUSTON 1 - TORONTO 1
22' - GOAL: Toronto - Danny Koevermans
HOUSTON 1 - TORONTO 2
45'+ - GOAL: Toronto - Danny Koevermans
HOUSTON 1 - TORONTO 3
　
FIRST HALF HIGHLIGHT: Three of them for once
FIRST HALF LOWLIGHT: Very briefly pining for Andy Iro
　
HALFTIME: HOUSTON 1 - TORONTO 3
　
SECOND HALF:
47' - YELLOW CARD: Torsten Frings
73' - GOAL: Houston - Will Bruin
HOUSTON 2 - TORONTO 3
81' - SUB: Reggie Lambe on for Julian de Guzman
83' - YELLOW CARD: Ashtone Morgan
90' - GOAL: Houston - Will Bruin
HOUSTON 3 - TORONTO 3
90' + - SUB: Dicoy Williams on for Danny Koevermans
　
SECOND HALF HIGHLIGHT: Battling like it was Club Escobar
SECOND HALF LOWLIGHT: The 90th minute dagger by a guy we could have drafted but got Nathan Sturgis instead
　
FULL TIME: HOUSTON 3 - TORONTO 3
　
PLAYER RATINGS: Milos Kocic 6.5 / Jeremy Hall 6 / Richard Eckersley 6 / Doneil Henry 5 / Ashtone Morgan 5 / Eric Avila 6 / Julian de Guzman 6.5 (Reggie Lambe N/A ) / Torsten Frings 5 / Terry Dunfield 6.5 / Ryan Johnson 5.5 / Danny Koevermans 7 (Dicoy Williams N/A)
　
THE YORKIES' TFC MAN OF THE MATCH: Danny Koevermans
　
THE MOOD:
It sounds like a hackneyed wisecrack after the week that was but the silver lining on tonight's somewhat disappointing match was fight. Most supporters had foreseen a major letdown after the embarrassing week the club suffered but TFC pushed hard, especially in the first half, and were rewarded with what seemed like a commanding lead. Even as that lead slowly dissipated, we can't fault the effort in attempting to preserve a win - it was simply the talent chasm that caught up to them.
　
It's not all "good job boys" tonight though as the loss of a two-goal lead is rather damning. Paul Mariner, whose tactics were being lauded by many, may have erred in the substitution of Julian "B" Guzman who has been a bit of a midfield general of late. After his departure the team lost shape and form and Houston's goals followed. Of course the biggest problem is STILL the same problem since 2007. A porous defence missing a commanding centreback and another striker. How it takes six years to solve that is preposterous. In the end, many Reds' supporters will take temporary solace in their team that brawled to the end... for the right reasons.

THE STARTING 11: Recent changes in Toronto FC's dressing room

"Mr. Bojangles can partner me at CB boss"



To say the last few days have been a time of great change at BMO Field would be a major understatement. While most people familiar with The Reds are used to the revolving door with playing staff, the sheer amount of new faces in such a short period is still quite monumental. Such change affects the club at all levels of course but nowhere can it be felt as much as within the club's most inner sanctum - the dressing room...
　
11. "Hello My Name Is..." tags
　
10. Dan Gargan and Ty Harden's permanently packed suitcases
　
9. A countdown clock over Julian de Guzman's locker
　
8. "Lonely Planet: Nicaragua" guidebooks
　
7. Stickers on Danny Koeverman's boots saying "Pass Ball Here"
　
6. Dicoy Williams and Ryan Johnson's new pirate radio station
　
5. Intercity bus & train schedules
　
4. Joao Plata walking around like he's 5 Foot Tall
　
3. Torsten Frings giant ghetto blaster pumping out the sounds of hardcore "Oompah-Pah" and David Hasselhoff music
　
2. Andy Iro keeps breathing life into dead mice
　
1. 25 Copies of book "What to Expect when you Expect to be Traded"

You wait all year for a Designated Player, then two come at once!

The criticisms surrounding Aron Winter & Co's "re-building" of Toronto FC had recently started to reach alarming levels in some supporting circles. A lack of results and seemingly neutral development on the pitch coupled with relative quiet off the pitch started to make murmurs of displeasure turn into yells. For a good majority of long-suffering Reds supporters though, patience was always going to be paramount with the summer transfer window the first litmus test for the new management. As far as tests go, it was a good first day.

　
A couple of weeks before the international transfer window opens in MLS, Toronto FC made a massive splash today by inking two Designated Players - German midfield legend Torsten Frings and Dutch hitman Danny Koevermans. With the 2011 season being lost in the dregs of re-building, the most historic and momentous signings in the club's young history may have turned the atmosphere at BMO Field from tentative to optimistic in a few pen strokes.
　
Frings, the 34-year-old German defensive midfielder arrives in the twilight of his career, yet with no recent signs of diminished skills or physicality at his long-term club Werder Bremen. With piles of experience with the German National squad and playing in the highest levels of UEFA club championships and the Bundesliga, his pedigree and leadership will be looked at to anchor the TFC midfield.
　
The 32-year-old Koevermans is a towering central striker who had quite the dynamic strike rate during his career peak in the Dutch leagues. Most famous for his stretch with PSV Eindhoven, the former Dutch international found himself on the fringes of his former club this season and eagerly jumped at the chance to become the talisman striker for the goal-shy TFC. With no history of major injury and with the size and pace that suits MLS, Koevermans has the chance to make an impact up front with The Reds where so few have before him.
　
We can be cynical and claim that MLSE has only approved these moves to ensure healthy ticket renewals but it isn't the time for that. The ownership has rubber-stamped three DP's, the maximum allowed in the league, and that deserves some commending. The "R" word of re-building can't stop here yet however, as the defensive squad needs desperate quality. After today's splash into the transfer market though, a few of those yelling for change will now be eagerly awaiting the next moves at BMO Field.