Unsurprising news news: Toronto FC have parted ways with former first-round pick and local lad Emery Welshman. A non-descript ending for an underwhelming year in TFC red.
Drafted 16th overall by Kevin Payne & Co. just over a year ago, Welshman was part of the "905 Combo Platter" with Kyle Bekker that saw hopes of a "Made in Toronto" future at TFC peak. The fly in the ointment was that Welshman had no real business being drafted that high and was never at the level of MLS-ready. The jury on Bekker is only slightly still out.
It was a feel-good story on paper but as with many things in TFC history, it was sizzle over steak. The now 22-year old forward was trumpeted due to his proximity to the GO Train rather than what he could honestly bring to TFC.
It is a shame as Welshman was very excited to be a member of his hometown club but Ryan Nelsen obviously has no place for him now or in the future. With a glaring depth issue at striker after Bright Dike's injury and four loan slots available at Wilmington, The Reds see no long-term value in trying to develop the player. If he was Emery Welshman from Ohio, no one would bat an eyelash.
It's that time of year again. MLS contracts are ending; clubs look towards next season; some players will return - others will look for alternate employment. TFC is in the midst of their 7th rebuilding year and have many players whose future in Toronto is on the bubble. To paraphrase classic TV cooking show "Chopped": "A not-so distinguished panel of front office management will critique their work and one-by-one they will face the dreaded chopping block. Who will win a new contract? And who... will be Chopped?!" Yummy! The question is: what can players on the knife's edge do to get a leg-up on their competition?
11. MARK BLOOM: Has promised to wear "nerd glasses" at all times to make Tim Bezbatchenko feel less self-conscious
10. DANNY KOEVERMANS: Developed a 4-step program to eliminate waste at BMO Field by personally handling left-over concessions
9. BOBBY CONVEY: Will sit young TFC players around the fireplace and tell them tales of a mystical far-away land they thought was make-believe called "The MLS Playoffs"
8. REGGIE LAMBE: Vowed to work his hardest to improve game and become a "1-in-5" player
7. ANDREW WIEDEMAN: Has been working diligently with Environment Canada to collate data comparing rain days to match days and his scoring rate in relation to precipitation levels
6. ALVARO REY: Swears he will make fans forget all about Maxi Urruti's legendary TFC career
5. JONAS ELMER: Will help MLSE find a Swiss Bank that asks few questions to relocate their stash of secret Nazi Astronaut Gold
4. EMERY WELSHMAN: Has talked to his parents and it is cool if Samuel Eto'o and Jermaine Defoe crash in their Mississauga basement
3. DAREL RUSSELL: Is very willing to accept the nickname "Da Ru" if plans to bring Dwayne De Rosario back fall through
2. STEFAN FREI: Promises to get to the bottom of case that has seen a rash of graffiti art near BMO Field proclaiming "KIWIZ SUCK THE BIG ONEZ"
1. JUSTIN BRAUN: Legally changed name to "Jalberto Biraldino"
From elitist downtown socialist manifesto-enclaves to the moustache dens of Ossington Ave. and out to the moonshine joints frequented by Etobiyokels - It's the question that has been argued vehemently across Toronto. "Should he stay or should he go now? Followed by "If he goes there will be trouble. If he stays it will be double." That's right... the city is in turmoil as we wonder which current Reds should return in 2014! Why... who were you talking about?
Two weeks ago, GM Tim Bezbatchenko said he wanted "to decide on who is staying and who is going in two weeks’ time". Tick-tock T-Bez. Now the wild world of MLS contracts, salary caps, international roster spots and the like are enough to send most GM's into a drunken stupor so we thought we'd help our fave wonk out by picking which Reds we think should be considered as 2014-worthy. The others should really take some time off and "get the help they need".
Agree or disagree? Shout at us in the comments below and we'll say "you asked the wrong question" for six months. Chase us down through the Twitter parking garage @theyorkies1812 and maybe we'll apologize (but it won't be genuine). We love being your website, God Bless the supporters of Toronto FC.
GOALKEEPERS JOE BENDIK:STAY - The "Super Pickle" established himself as a useful MLS # 1 but needs to work on distribution to take next step in development. STEFAN FREI:GO- Do we want him here? Yes. Can he stay? No. The TFC stalwart's future has been made crystal clear and his future is sadly elsewhere. CHRIS KONOPKA: STAY - Because of any proof as a member of TFC? Nope. Because he was obviously bought to be the 2014 back-up? Yup. QUILLAN ROBERTS: STAY* - The details are in the asterisk. Hopeful that Roberts can be a future TFC regular but desperately needs a loan spell elsewhere in 2014.
Be honest, you clicked here thinking that Toronto FC had released Ashtone Morgan. If we had advertising revenue on this site, we would be counting the extra pennies right now - but no, we were just being dicks. How else could we garner interest over this story? With the impending arrival of loan signings Steven Caldwell, Jeremy Brockie and perhaps Tal Ben Haim, space was needed to be roster compliant and the first cuts were the most obvious. Supplemental Draft Picks and "Camp Shining Light" sweethearts Ashton Bennett and Taylor Morgan are Reds no more with the club waiving them today. They are unlikely to be the last departures from BMO Field. With Kevin Payne informing us that TFC really only has "one or two" players with any kind of competitiveness and/or heart (thanks Kevin, we didn't notice) and also that players would be "naive" not to expect changes - expect changes. Whether this means more loanees of the castaway variety or the rumoured midfield DP of the "please don't stop buying tickets" variety, only time will tell. Assume that the time is rapidly approaching. No word yet from the Ashtone Morgan camp if he is pleased to have sole possession of both his names once again.
Find me a pic of him in a red kit and I'll swap it... better yet don't.
Well, in what can only be assumed that it was a move prompted by taking advantage of the vacuum of a slow news day, Toronto FC as released Julio Cesar.
Allow us to start the rumour that he was just tired of being confused for all of the other Julio Cesars that are out there, but the greater liklihood was to free up an international slot in the squad. At 34 years of age, there isn't much long term upswing for him. More will likely follow, but at least it wasn't for getting arrested for public intoxication or making a cheque signing gesture, so there's a plus.
There would have been a "video" of his playing days as a Robin, but realizing that he hasn't played a minute, finding an image of him sitting on the bench is tough enough.
The one constant at Toronto FC has always been change. Life under our new Kiwi Overlord has not altered that human resources workload. With rumours abound of up to four new potential signings joining our springtime tundra, more change is on the horizon.
MLS rosters have their limits of course, both in capacity and economical, so if new recruits are truly on their way then the football boot must drop for some current Reds. With the mystery Argentine striker (the not mysterious Maximiliano Urruti) seemingly waiting at Buenos Aires airport, the machinations of transactions are creaking to life. Yesterday, the first bit of space management was implemented with TFC Academy grad Matt Stinson given his release - but that won't be enough.
Nelsen also hinted today there will likely be more players released. In the wake of Stinson, more tough decisions. #TFC
— Kurtis Larson (@KurtLarSUN) March 19, 2013
Ryan Nelsen is clear that TFC will be a different looking squad over the next few months and that will have to mean pink slips to more than just Matt Stinson. But who else will be getting the not-so-golden handshake? Assuming that the professionals signed since Kevin Payne took control as President are safe(ish) - who may face the snip?
LOGAN EMORY?
The former Puerto Rico Islander arrived with the whiff of emergency signing but did clock some minutes in 2012. On that mess of a squad, that doesn't say too much. A low salary at a fairly young age could save him but as far as potential goes - we have probably seen all that he is capable of.
REGGIE LAMBE?
Possibly the most looked-to as far as potential cuts go. Despite a low salary he does seem to be the "1 in 6 player" that Paul Mariner frustratingly claimed he was. Has looked "okayish" early this season but yet to develop into any kind of consistent MLS player. Worse for Lambe is the big international roster spot dangling around his neck.
JUSTIN BRAUN?
"But I just got here!" Yes, probably a bit early and unfair to judge Braun but if attacking options are on TFC's shopping list then Braun may be the odd man out. His goal tally over the last few seasons is most likely to be found on the side of a milk carton but there may be a little bit of trade potential in the ex-Chivas striker. Could be ballast for Payne to pick up another team's international roster spot.
OSORIO, BENNETT and/or T.MORGAN?
The three youngsters impressed enough in training camp to secure a pro deal but they will only hang on if TFC feels they have enough potential to warrant development at the price of a roster spot. On miniscule salaries, their departures won't help the wage bill but would be purely to make space. Variables such as Taylor Morgan's international roster (or not) classification could be a variable.
ANDREW WIEDEMAN?
A short moment of pity to the youngster who was given the no-doubt unwanted anchor of "Modern Era etc. etc." in one of Paul Mariner's least cogent brain releases. Every time the attacking mid takes a (often wanting) shot on goal those words can be heard echoing around BMO Field like the Ghost of Ipswich Past. Pity aside, Wiedeman has yet to show his value and with his Generation Adidas shield gone, a future in Toronto seems unlikely. Whether another MLS GM can be tempted to mine what Mariner thought he saw remains to be seen.
DANNY KOEVERMANS?
Yes we know. Highly unlikely as the league's "Drop a DP" deadline has long passed - but weirder things have happened. While it is true that Koef is arguably the club's finest striker in its history, he is also on a very hefty (stop it) contract and is extremely injury-prone. Will the Dutchman be able to return to anything resembling a high-powered striker? Does he fit into Ryan Nelsen's tactical style? And... if fit... would a 35-year-old Koef re-sign with TFC in 2014 as a non-DP? These are questions that will determine his future in maple leaf red.
JEREMY HALL?
The positive of keeping Jeremy Hall in a TFC kit is that he can play five positions on the pitch. The negative is how he plays those five positions. Hall would be a useful tool on your bench if it wasn't for his nasty habit of making Reds supporters smack their heads really, really hard at least once per match. A player like Hall could still garner a wee bit of interest on the MLS trade market but not if you want a useful player in return. Has Hall's early season usage in the starting eleven been a sign of interest by Ryan Nelsen or just a lack of options?
TERRY DUNFIELD?
Ok - when you throw things at your screen it only hurts your computer - not our site. Calm down. While Terry Dunfield has done well with the gifts that Football Jesus has given him, he is not more than bench strength on any quality MLS side. If he wasn't Canadian, he wouldn't be held in such high regard here. But, it is those intangibles - a Canuck, a really good citizen and with seemingly good leadership skills - that will likely save his job. Not to mention avoiding the PR nightmare that would follow. Now take a deep breath Terrymaniacs - it's not personal.
While who stays and who goes will be dictated by who comes in and the positions they play, chances are that one or more of the above are not long for Hogtown. Who do you think is due (or would you like - vengeful buggers) to depart BMO Field? Add your voice to the discussion in the comments below. Or you're cut.
And, if it is you Danny or Terry... we promise to sing this once at BMO Field...
Having your contract terminated by a club is never a nice moment for a footballer... depending on the club doing the cutting. The most common reaction from departing players is a solemn thanks to the fans but every now and then a few words are uttered that make you curious. After TFC culled its "Dirty Half-Dozen" last week, young midfielder Oscar Cordon took to Twitter with a post-cutting "Thank God". Optimists thought it was his religious side coming out but when I yell "JESUS CHRIST" at Toronto FC - it's not in anticipation of the second coming. Blasphemy aside, we thought we'd take a look back at a few other unique parting shots by ex-Reds.... 11. KEITH MAKUBUYA: "Surely this pink-slip was meant for Andrew Wiedeman right?!" 10. LAURENT ROBERT: "Au revoir to this croissant-forsaken tundra!" 9. ANDREA LOMBARDO: "I'm sad to leave but I'd like to thank all the fans... and does anyone know when the next Dufferin 29 bus is due?" 8. MAXIM USANOV: "Maxim so angry he could punch horse!" (10 minutes later) "...does anyone know telephone for horse dentist?" 7. LESLY FELLINGA: "I was going to put a Haitian Voodoo curse on BMO Field... but obviously I was beaten to it." 6. MISTA: "Adios... and gracias for the free money!" 5. MARTIN SARIC: "I feel robbed." 4. TY HARDEN: "Wait... I still play here?" 3. RAIVIS HSCANOVICS: "Vry trrble day. Hscanovics dsspnted ovr rlse frm Trnto" 2. COLLIN SAMUEL: "They may take away my contract... but they can never take MY SANDWICH!!!" 1. ADRIAN CANN: "Oh and one last thing. My abs? They ARE real... and they're spectacular!"
Out with the old, in with TBD. The replacements are yet to be identified but Toronto FC lowered the boom on three former starting defenders and three Academy grads today as Paul Mariner & Co. begin to make space for TFC XII. The following dirty half-dozen were the first to be deemed surplus in the magical world of "No Frills" football but are unlikely the last... ADRIAN CANN: All the abs in the world couldn't save the former club MVP and nine-time Canadian international. For a stretch, Cann had become the club's most solid CB - which is of course not saying much - but a series of injuries was followed by an apparent lack of interest by the new manager. Thank God there is so much money to be made for 32-year old male models. TY HARDEN: The only real surprise is that he was still here to be released. "Try Harder" was given more than enough chances to solidify a starter's role but his oak tree-esque mobility and constantly bewildered looks doomed him to petering out at TFC under a cloud of "mystery ailments". Off you go Ty. Finally. DICOY WILLIAMS: Sad Tweet Alert! Sad Tweet Alert! The big Jamaican had the briefest of bright moments when he and Adrian Cann were a healthy duo but injuries and his 2km/h top speed doomed him to oblivion. That being said - he is a semi-regular with the Jamaican national team so are TFC missing something? Wrong Caribbean island maybe? OSCAR CORDON: The diminutive midfielder seemed like he was the apple of Aron Winter's eye for a period but completely fell off the radar in 2012. Hopefully a useful NASL career can be carved out for the affable local lad. KEITH BAKUBUYA: It all went downhill when the Academy grad told TFC TV that his last name was pronounced "MA-KOO-BE-YUH" instead of the far more entertaining "MAKKA-BOOYAH!" From that point on it was only a matter of time. A career snuffed out by boring pronunciation. NICHOLAS LINDSAY: Lindsay was the first Academy grad to really turn heads at TFC. The speedy winger looked like he had the skills to play at a level similar to fellow grad Ashtone Morgan but an unfortunate (and daft) snowmobiling accident was the catalyst for the end of his TFC dream. While many will bemoan the fate of three young locals, this is simply the reality of having an Academy system. It is unfortunate that a U-23 set up doesn't exist within the TFC framework but local kids are cut from clubs all over the world. As for the veteran defenders, there will be some sentiment for Cann but in all honesty none of these three were the way forward for Toronto and would be hard-pressed to make the bench on many MLS clubs. The only questions that remain are "who is next?" and more importantly "who is replacing them?" The post-season fun has begun.
With two home fixtures remaining for TFC supporters (well the ones who can be bothered to go) it may be time to get a jump on your player Bon Voyage cards. While Paul Mariner once claimed "...we're close (to competing). I promise"... would-be GM Earl Cochrane countered that the club likely needs 8-9 new faces. Where these warm bodies be acquired from - either Bosman signings, MLS trades, or the academy - is anyone's guess. However, the eternally cap-pressed TFC won't be able to bring in that many newbies without freeing up some existing salary. With that, we take a quick look at the roster and who could and/or should be facing their last days in TFC red. We work on the very, very hypothetical (not hypercritical, Paul) assumption that TFC can indeed bring in numerous replacements in order for you to get your craft kit out and design a few farewell posters. Glue and glitter at the ready.... QUINCY AMARIKWA: Mariner seems to love Jamiroquai but he screams one-dimensional sprinter with only rumours of a scoring touch. Shouldn't stick around but probably will. 2013 PREDICTION: Starting TFC striker ERIC AVILA: The manager obviously has no place for Avila whose appearances have become Loch Ness Sasquatchian in occurrence. Get your "So Long Avi" poster ready. 2013 PREDICTION: Goal, two assists and Man of the Match on opening day... for Chivas USA ADRIAN CANN: Former TFC MVP was supposed to be the returning stabilizer on the defence but was never in Mariner's plans. Add a backpack to that 10-pack. 2013 PREDICTION: Prepping for Mr. CHIN Picnic pose down OSCAR CORDON: Development seems to be halted and may have reached the end of the line with Toronto. Could stick as Reserve Team fodder. 2013 PREDICTION: High-fiving Gabe Gala with Mississauga Eagles TERRY DUNFIELD: Not "the ultimate box-to-box player" but a handy leadership presence at a low-cost who should be bench-depth only 2013 PREDICTION: MLSE's poster child as they try to find the "Wendel Clark of the FC's" RICHARD ECKERSLEY: Everyone loves his heart and desire - no one loves how much he gets paid for it. Still better than most we have for now and will likely be here. 2013 PREDICTION: Red Cards LOGAN EMORY: A very low-budget workman who can play a few positions but in reality - a solid NASL player. Should only stick as bottom of bench emergency depth 2013 PREDICTION: Starting TFC centreback STEFAN FREI: If he regains full fitness he will be the # 1 in goal. One of the few no-brainers. 2013 PREDICTION: Still looking behind him in disbelief then at defence in bewilderment TORSTEN FRINGS: Wow. Will his body bounce back? Does he even want to come back? "Frings ain't what they used to be" and they ain't cheap either. A chance that club and player may call it a day. 2013 PREDICTION: Filling water bottles, dropping pylons at Werder Bremen FREDDY HALL: Always looking dodgy in goal but always with an awful defence in front of him. Surely there are better players to use an international slot on than the smiling Bermudian. 2013 PREDICTION: Lost in the triangle of free agency JEREMY HALL: Useful in that he can play multiple positions, possibly more useful that he may garner MLS trade interest. Not a starter but very handy on the bench 2013 PREDICTION: Starting TFC left-back TY HARDEN: The longest goodbye of all! How he is still here is mind-boggling to all. 2013 PREDICTION: Returns from season-ending "mystery injuries"; re-signs with TFC on lucrative 5 year deal
ERIC HASSLI: Le Rental could have come for free after the season but Mariner understandably gambled a 1st Round Pick for him. Would welcome him back... on a non-DP contract only. 2013 PREDICTION: DP contract in Toronto. Constantly trying to replicate his circus shot goal. DONEIL HENRY: Re-signed with the club so you can assume a return. Needs more first-team experience to progress - even if it is on-loan 2013 PREDICTION: Still being the guy TFC supporters say "if we're going to lose 3-0 anyways, I'd rather see them play Doneil Henry!" about RYAN JOHNSON: At times a beast, at more times frustratingly invisible. Maybe has trade value but are there replacements available? 2013 PREDICTION: Making TFC supporters scream for him / at him. MILOS KOCIC: Would be ideal to keep Kocic as a very capable # 2 to Frei - all Mariner signs point to no. The fertile Serb seems to be in an unlikely doghouse but has proven capable of being a MLS starter 2013 PREDICTION: Sleepless nights. DANNY KOEVERMANS: Even when he's not injured it takes Koef four months to shake off his winter pancake-layer. Will need a major off-season effort to regain use but is it worth waiting until June or July for him? Talent-starved TFC will say yes. 2013 PREDICTION: Hearty winter meals, Catan Settling and a goal in August. REGGIE LAMBE: At a surprisingly low cost, the affable Bermudian still has an upside. In a perfect world he comes off the bench but "perfect world" and "TFC" are rarely written together. 2013 PREDICTION: Starting TFC winger; Tweeting in hilarious patois NICHOLAS LINDSAY: TFC only in name. Complete unknown due to injury; local status will at least get him a look. 2013 PREDICTION: Regretting decisions KEITH MAKUBUYA: May fill a similar spot if the promised replacements are not found. Past promise seems to have diminished. 2013 PREDICTION: Just pleased that he made it into FIFA13 AARON MAUND: A very NCAAish square peg who Mariner tries to fit into a DM sized circle. Out of his depth but will most likely return. 2013 PREDICTION: Starting TFC defensive midfielder ASHTONE MORGAN: Must work hard to develop to next level but local fans love him and he has stepped up to the Canadian Nation Team - which means TFC will screw this up. 2013 PREDICTION: San Jose Earthquakes MVP DARREN O'DEA: For us, the best thing Mariner has done. Not perfect but a hard, strong defender who already loves the city and club (?) and exudes vocal leadership. Give him the permanent captaincy and move forward. 2013 PREDICTION: Fan favourite. QUILLAN ROBERTS: The jury is still out on the academy product and whether he can really be a # 2 or better if called upon. Will likely be in camp. 2013 PREDICTION: Showing strangers his goal vs England on YouTube LUIS SILVA: A lock. While maybe not as astonishing a talent as some would promote - he will likely develop into a good MLS attacker. Surely TFC can't screw this up. 2013 PREDICTION: TFC screws it up. MATT STINSON: Like Cordon, an academy product that may have been promoted too quickly. Has more MLS raw material than Cordon and Makubuya though and deserves another look. 2013 PREDICTION: Anchor of the midfield... on reserve team ANDREW WIEDEMAN: Oh boy. Exalted by Paul Mariner as the greatest finisher since Pele Maradona Jr., Wiedeman has shown nothing in his many chances to make anyone around here a believer. However, the manager has a huge crush on him and he will likely return. 2013 PREDICTION: Redefining the "modern era" DICOY WILLIAMS: At the end of the day, Williams has had one solid month as a Red. So starved for quality on defence here that he was given Jamaican Messiah status but injuries have halted the second coming. International spot may prove too much. 2013 PREDICTION: More morose Tweets So, take our advice if you like and get those "AVI GOOD YEAR AT CHIVAS"; "WE HARDEN-LY KNEW YA!" and "YOUR ABS WERE FAB ADRIAN" posters ready. Only two chances left before we see the next crop of guys... who we will say goodbye to in 2014.
The only question is "how did it take so long?" Reports emerged this afternoon that Toronto FC and portly Chilean "defender"/ tequila aficionado Miguel Aceval have "mutually parted" ways. Brought in to TFC during the off-season alongside equally successful Ecuadorian Geovanny Caicedo, Aceval was touted to be one half of a South American centreback pairing that would solve The Reds' six-year defensive crisis. Not so much. With less than a dozen appearances in TFC rouge, most of them looking slow, flat-footed and out of shape, Aceval leaves as yet another failed defensive experiment and takes his equally portly salary with him. Of course, Aceval will always own a bit of club infamy as he was one of the "TFC Three" players arrested in Houston earlier this year on public intoxication charges. With the earlier departure of Nick Soolsma, only Luis Silva survived the cull of TFC's "criminal element". It will now be up to MLS nuclear scientists/ mathematicians to figure out how much of Aceval's salary will return to TFC's coffers and up to Mariner & Co. to replace a guy who wasn't even part of the team anyways. To the local Chilean who ran out and bought an Aceval TFC jersey in March... lo sentimos. Further rumours are floating in the BMO ether today that the club are ready to sign Bermudian goalkeeper Freddy Hall. The 27-year old who flirted with Northampton Town would add cover to Milos & The Gang and possibly allow for the shopping of Stefan Frei once he regains health. If Hall sends mad Tweets like his countryman Reggie Lambe - we're all in. Official word* will be linked below... (* As this is TFC - official word should emerge in mid-November)
Those devils proved us wrong. TFC's official Migual Aceval statement (here)
If only Toronto FC scouts had watched The Matrix on the flight down to Ecuador to watch Geovanny "The Spoon" Caicedo. "Do not try to bend The Spoon — that's impossible. Instead, only try to realize the truth: there is no Spoon" is a famous line from the sci-fi film inspired by Mo Johnston's 5 years of management. Today that line became truth as The Reds announced that the club and their new defender Caicedo had mutually parted ways, taking TFC's bally-hooed off-season defensive depth with him. Caicedo has been publicly expressing his difficulty adapting to the North American game, in particular the crashing and banging style. Strange for a man as hulking as the 6 foot 2 Ecuadorian international. The club hinted at personal issues as well in explanation for a bad loss to squad depth as the season is set to begin. So, as the season begins, the back four's only new face will be the talented Miguel Aceval but the rub is that he will have to be partnered with the limited Ty Harden or a very raw choice between Aaron Maund or Doneil Henry until Adrian Cann is 100% healthy. It seems unlikely that a replacement will be found before the summer transfer window. On top of being a tremendous disappointment to the squad, take a moment to mourn the loss for bloggers today as we have lost a man with such a strange nickname. "The Spoon" immediately gave us a season's worth of puns that are now lost. There will be no "The Spoon dishes to Lambe on a Silva Plata", no "Spoonman" videos and a 70% loss to future Matrix references. Now please bow your heads and join us in losing so many puns...
Easily in the Top 250 MLS English leftback specialty tees - order now!
SNIP, SNIP So confident in the make-up of their first team for 2012, TFC management have taken the unusual step of pre-announcing oncoming cuts. For Reds supporters this is like being in some kind of training camp Twilight Zone. So used to having trialists come and go only to be cut or signed on the first day of the season, this assuredness in squad depth is almost off-putting! The club took to their website to drop a not-too-subtle hint that more cuts are likely before the team heads down to Orlando, Florida next week. With only one Supplemental Draft pick and a handful of Academy products unsigned, it doesn't take a detective to do the math. But seriously, did they have to attach the picture of Michael Green to the article? Note to Michael - hold off on your Toronto apartment hunt.
THE KIT BAG We can't say we're the hugest fans of TFC's new away kit for 2012. I mean, it's bad enough that the shorts and shirt look like they come from different kits but changing the badge to all red? That's bordering on sacrilege. Anyhoo, after five losing years we all know that at BMO Field it's not how you feel... but how you look! With that in mind, The Yorkies are launching our new 2012 line of TFC and random footy universe t-shirts for your purchasing pleasure. What better way to show up to SkyDome on March 7th than in one of these handsome and customizable garments?
Show love to red-headed step-hero Richard Eckersley (Gingery!)
Swiss stopper extraordinaire Stefan Frei (Chocolatey!)
Pint-sized pocket-rocket Joao Plata (Heighty!)
Our benevolent leader Torsten Frings (Germanic!)
The Bermudian midfield marvel Reggie Lambe (Muttony!)
Celebrate the meat of the order with The Lads (Ampersandy!)
Or... get ready for the WCQ with some Canadiana (Non-Argosy!)
Check out the rest of the "Yorkies Footy Clobber" shop (here) and browse through all of the categories. Don't forget to check back soon as new designs are on the way before the season begins.
PLAYERS CUT, PUNS TO GO UNUSED A sad day for four young men as Toronto FC made their first four cuts of pre-season today. Sadder still is the effect it will have on blogs as some quality nicknames will forever go stale in Toronto. Cut from the 42 man training camp conundrum are: NICKARDO BLAKE Position: D Lost Nickname: Nicky Nickardo MYKELL BATES Position: D Lost Nickname: The Master ARTUR IVO Position: MF Lost Nickname: Dr. Ivo MIKE MAZZULLO Position: MF Lost Nickname: MixMaster MikeMazzullo This leaves only one remaining Supplemental Draft pick left in camp, Michael "Mint" Green, with the remaining unsigned trainees being Academy products. With four spots expected to be filled before the season begins, the likelihood of some new homegrown professionals has increased. THE 1812'er? (WE WERE AHEAD OF OUR TIME!) That top-notch, success-driven organization The Canadian Soccer Association made a few major announcements last night in Toronto. First on the menu was the official announcement that all of the next round of Canada's WC 2014 qualifying would take place at BMO Field much to the chagrin of Canadian football supporters in other parts of the country (rhymes with blank hoover). In reply, Toronto-based supporters were quoted "Meh. Astroturf.... 12 hour flights.... What is this other part of Canada you speak of?" Part of the BMO Field extravaganza will also include a summer friendly with the USA which will officially celebrate the CSA's 100th Anniversary (so many World Cup to show for it!) and inadvertently, the War of 1812 which celebrates its 200th Birthday this year. Well done War - you don't look a day over 150 - thanks for Laura Secord. During these matches, Canada will be wearing its new Umbro kit also revealed last evening to roars of "it's ok I guess".
"Oooh your manbag is so moody - it must be a Laurent Robert!"
Autumn is a time of transition. Where the once promising blooms of spring must wither and make way for Winter (Lazio 1992-1996) and the eventual dawn of a new re-birth. Oh, the circle of life - love it when this blog goes all Robert Frost. Anyhoo... it's also the time of year when MLS clubs start cutting players. TFC is no different, with Demitrius Omphroy and Matt Gold (As Seen on Twitter) the first go. However, The Reds don't let their former charges leave empty handed - there's always some final parting gifts... 11. Left-over gold embossed Maurice Johnston 5-Year Planners 10. A lovely hand-written note from management... asking if you'd be willing to take Ty Harden with you 9. A leather European manbag from "Laurent Robert Pour Homme" 8. Martin Saric comes by to help "clean out" your apartment 7. Andrea Lombardo lets you borrow his Metropass so you can get to the airport 6. Jim Brennan makes you one last Cafe Latte 5. Joao Plata dances around you like a medieval jester as you leave BMO Field for the last time 4. A mini Voyageurs' Cup filled with old Halloween candy 3. Torsten Frings sings you a few bars of Wayne Newton's "Danke Schoen" as you wait for your cab 2. A year's supply of "Rice-A-Roda JC... The Eredivisie Treat (TM)" 1. A copy of "TFC: The Board Game"
"From this day on - we will only play on Twitter"
The post-season tinkering, or SIXual Healing preparation - depending on your view of time and space, is under way at BMO Field. While still awaiting official word from the club, two young Reds, Matt Gold and Demitrius Omphroy, took to their media of choice - Twitter - to announce that their days in Toronto were done.
Both players were part of TFC's 2011 SuperDraft crop, a series of player selections which were made in the infancy of the new Winter/Mariner management era. Of the entire draft selection, only Joao Plata emerged as a player with any real value for Aron Winter... and he's not even fully TFC property yet. Whether this is the first step in illuminating Toronto's move away from the Draft while putting all of their development in the Academy basket remains to be seen but the collegiate selection is a very foreign object in the Ajax-esque structure being installed around these parts.
Neither Omphroy nor Gold had many opportunities outside of the Reserve League to prove their talents in TFC red. Omphroy, the brave young man who battles MS while pursuing his football dream, seemed to have the technical skills that a Winter team could use but perhaps lacked the physicality needed to survive the rough and tumble MLS world. Matt Gold, "The Ginger Un-Ninja", did see some garbage minutes over 2011 but would have been completely invisible if not for his shock of copper hair and freckles.
Both players may be able to carve NASL careers for themselves with Omphroy still having an outside chance at an MLS stint. If not, there's always the Pro Twitter League, where these two would be Maradona and Pele. #goodlucklads
What could a Jamaican possibly like about Vancouver?
Going into the MLS Expansion Draft, Toronto FC dangled a couple of big names in front of Portland and Vancouver followed by a list of its various underachievers and also-rans. Looking at the list prior to the draft, most would have believed TFC would have a better chance of having its junk grabbed if it went through U.S. airport security. Badum-bum! Thanks, I'm here through the draft - try the butty.
With that said, it came as a mild surprise that Vancouver decided to draft former Toronto First Round SuperDraft pick O'Brian "Montego/Malvern Molasses" White in the 6th Round. White, who entered the league injured and never seemed to find his way back to full speed is a striker with some promise but also one with an increasingly questioned work ethic and a fairly sizeable contract. The recently capped Jamaican International marks something of a project for Whitecaps FC but if they can kick-start his career it will be an egg on the face of their Canadian cousins without the risk of taking on Julian de Guzman's DP contract.
The draft turned out to have a fairly deep field and the newly minted Whitecaps can enter the league with quality names such as SannaNyassi, Atiba Harris and sexy adult film star/ goalkeeper Joe Cannon. Timbers grabbed a few big names of their own today, snagging the likes of Dax McCarty, Robbie Findlay and Jonathan Bornstein. While many of the selected may end up becoming trade bait, it's more than disturbing to compare the similarities of these two first-year clubs and our very own local fifth-year offering and the unprotected "junk" still on its books.
UPDATE:
Later in the day TFC "Interim-ish" GM Earl Cochrane and the club announced further ballast jettisoned from "Bad-Ship TFC". No less than five players, all of the scrap-heap variety, were released by the club and their contracts terminated. The players released include:
GABE GALA: The only man who wasted more time at BMO Field over the last four years was Mo Johnston
MARTIN SARIC: The Argentine-Croat version of Kevin Harmse will likely get a red card on his way to the airport
MAXIM USANOV: His Ivan Drago-esque need to "break you" and punching random things will be missed. His South End nickname "Maximum Uselessnov" will be remembered fondly
RAIVISHSCANOVICS: So many consonants. So little talent. GdbyeswtLtvjnfrnd.
MISTA: You may have been a whiny, unsporting waste of money who didn't give a toss but your signing was a big nail in Mo Johnston's coffin. For that hombre, we salute you.
All in all it was a day where much fat was trimmed from the roster. The common thread? Apart from Gabe Gala, every departed player represents the worst of the Mo Johnston era. We're still waiting on Nick Garcia. Cochrane may be "interim-ish" but today was a necessary cull.
UPDATING THE UPDATE:
Vancouver Whitecaps sent O'Brian White to Seattle Sounders late Wednesday evening in a flurry of moves that saw them free cap room, gain allocation money and International slots. O'Brian White... more will be expected of you. Good luck.
The Yorkies are a collective of Toronto FC supporters and season ticket holders since day one. Our sole purpose is furthering our beloved club's fervent support with a movement of like-minded fans who want to speak with an independent voice. Our core belief is that supporters should always be able to voice their opinions about the state of the club free from outside influence or compromise. We will always aim to do that while having a laugh at the same time. Have opinion, have passion and support. Be a Yorkie too.
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