It's a bloody big De Ro

Yeah... let's just pretend that didn't happen



A few weeks back, the prodigal return of Scarberian superstar Dwayne De Rosario was the talk of TFC Land. Yesterday, Jermain Defoe happened. BOOM! De Ro was now the side dish of off-season signings. A few hours later... BOOMIER! TFC was/is in the middle of trying to snatch Michael Bradley away from AS Roma. De Ro thus became the whipped cream on a Double-DP Buster Parfait. And that is perfect.

The return of De Ro to his hometown club after his first spell ended rather acrimoniously was a polarizing announcement to TFC support. For now it seems firmly "love him or hate him" (although much hate will subside after the first stutter step goal celebration methinks) and some fear that things may not turn out well again. However, this is a different player coming to what may be a drastically different club.

Re-unveiled again today as the newest member of TFC, De Ro is indeed coming back as the aforementioned whipped cream. Unlike his original spell, he won't be "the man", he won't be expected to do the heavy lifting, and he won't be the face where the local media's cameras turn to first in good times or bad. Again - that is perfect.

Instead, De Ro will have every opportunity to successfully return home for what is likely his final professional stop on a great career. Together with the club, he can heal or hopefully erase many old wounds and help turn the heavy page on a long, miserable 7-year chapter. On the pitch, he can attempt to prove the old dog has a few tricks left in him and do what he does well - thumb his nose at doubters. If successful at most of these goals, TFC will be the benefactor.

Make no mistake, De Ro's return may end up as a footnote when this off-season's history is written. Defoe and (likely) Bradley will be the big deals but there is no risk apart from finances to those signings. There isn't a team in MLS that wouldn't take either of those players but many would balk at bringing back a player with such a turbulent past with the club. It will never be the "bloody biggest" deal of 2014 but it may very well be TFC's bloody boldest.

SCARBOROUGH BOGO!
In case you didn't now, Thursdays are "Buy One Scarberian, Get the Second Free!" at TFC. A nice little story was slipped in before DeRoPalooza began as TFC announced that they have signed homegrown academy product Jordan Hamilton. The 17-year old Scarborough-native becomes the ninth homegrown player to graduate to The Reds' first-team.

Hamilton has impressed during his time with TFC Academy and the Canadian national program but there were a few questions about whether or not he would be signed by the big club. A change in academy direction, with Thomas Rongen departing, may have meant a different analysis of the young forward who will hopefully be loaned out to get minutes as he works towards a TFC debut in the future.

THE STARTING 11: De Ro contract demands

Just do it already. Don't wait for Raivis to help you!



We know transit in Scarborough is bad but this is getting goofy. In what is turning out to be the slowest prodigal son return in ages, former and (99% sure) future Red Dwayne De Rosario is inching towards a new TFC contract. Now we all know the man knows how to sign things with a flourish so what demands could be holding back the formal announcement?

11. Annual fully-paid trip to Glasgow... no questions asked

10. Bestowed the title "Archduke of Scarborough" - baron of all lands he surveys eastward beyond Victoria Park Ave.

9. Andy Iro, Danleigh Borman and Leandre Griffit to perform as his backup dancers during every post-goal celebration

8. Allowed to make ironic contract signing at press conference using Tom Anselmi on all fours as a table

7. All past bad blood between TFC and De Ro to be brushed aside to media with phrase "we were on a break"

6. Any fixtures currently scheduled for SkyDome to be relocated to the food court at Scarborough Town Centre

5. A separate Wall of Honour dedicated to all of his past hairstyles

4. Argos to Malvern

3. TFC Academy teams to be re-branded as "The Below 'Sarios"

2. Gets Wednesdays and every second weekend with Drake

1. Five minutes locked in a soundproof room with Mo Johnston

Scarberians at the Gate - De Ro comes home

"No Raivis, you can't come back too. "

Someone check Lake Ontario by Bluffer's Park because it may be parted to welcome back Toronto football's biggest prodigal son - Dwayne De Rosario. Things just got biblical.

More than two-and-a-half seasons have passed since the "cheque-signing motion heard 'round the world" (well at least well past Malvern) but today TFC have welcomed back the best, and most controversial, player in their history. The whispers began when D.C. United decided to make the 35-year old available for the Re-Entry Draft and today The Reds flipped the page on what may be one of the big stories of the 2014 season. Possibly beyond.

This move will immediately polarize large sections of TFC support. Many are still firmly entrenched in the "Me Ro" camp, seeing the player's departure as an orchestrated, selfish deed. Others (ourselves unabashedly biased) see the actions of the management during De Ro's first tenure at home as ones that made his admittedly peacock-ego too ruffled to continue. Did he act out a little too much? Yes. Would you have if faced with the same issues and broken promises in your job? We would have.

On the pitch, and returning at a salary that will in no way hamper TFC going forward, De Rosario will be watched closely. Last season at D.C. the animated Scarberian performed a tale of two seasons. Injury and age seemed to hamper his output and usual swagger during the regular season albeit on a woeful club. Contrasting that however was a goal-a-game pace tear during the U.S. Open Cup that propelled United to the Final. Which De Ro returns to his hometown will remain a mystery until deep springtime.

TFC will not be getting the De Ro they once had. Despite being fanatically healthy, he will be entering his 17th season of professional football and wear-and-tear catches up. However, he is still naturally gifted and could be exactly the foil that TFC needs to avoid teams attempting to shut down their promised big-time striker - whether it is Jermain Defoe or other. Anyone that says "De Ro to Defoe at BMO" doesn't sound sexy as f--k is a liar.

No contest, Dwayne De Rosario is the finest player in TFC history. Some however will justifiably argue that history should be left where it is and that "you can't go home again". It is indeed a gamble for T-Bez and Co. but if it fails it won't disable the team like it did the first time around. He is coming back as a player, (with an admittedly dramatic story) but not as the captain, the superstar, the leader and the conquering hero. Just a midfielder.

In the glass half-full version (I know! It's still us writing. Honest.) it could turn out very well for all sides. If De Ro can swallow some pride, realize he wasn't perfect during his first TFC stop and find peace in his new role, he can perhaps heal the rifts left over and end his career at home as it should. For the club, they can perhaps work towards burying those managerial skeletons of the past that so damaged the relationship with players like De Ro and others and finally wipe the slate fully clean.

For player, club and indeed the wounded supporters in the city, it could be a redemption song that sounds very sweet.
 

 REPRESENT.

The Toronto FC Sadvent Calendar: Day 14

"A VERY SCOTTISH SOJOURN"

  

"Who's what in the where now?" The not direct-quote of TFC's former director of player personnel Earl Cochrane after the whole football world knew that under-contract TFC star Dwayne De Rosario was training with Glasgow giants Celtic. TFC claimed they knew nothing of it; De Ro's reps said the opposite; De Ro did keepie-uppies next to Freddie Ljungberg in a Celtic kit. Auld Lang Syne!

　

Check back tomorrow and open another Sadvent window!

AFTER 90: United in failure

Leaving the foggy past well behind him

THE BUZZ?

Can this league drought possibly continue?

Will De Ro fail to score against us twice?

Will there be a parade if TFC gets a draw?

Does Winter dare rest starters before Wednesday's ACC Final?

Is ghost Robert F. Kennedy ashamed of his shoddy stadium?

Are we really a less desirable club than Chivas USA?

Does Jim Brennan try Winter's chair when he leaves the room?

FIRST HALF:

1' - GOAL: D.C. United - Dwayne De Rosario

D.C. UNITED 1 - TORONTO 0

12' - YELLOW CARD - Ryan Johnson

43' - GOAL: D.C. United - Dwayne De Rosario

D.C. UNITED 2 - TORONTO 0

FIRST HALF HIGHLIGHT: The pre-match warm-ups

FIRST HALF LOWLIGHT: Barely sitting down before being down

HALFTIME: D.C. UNITED 2 - TORONTO 0

SECOND HALF:

45' - SUB: Danny Koevermans on for Terry Dunfield

68' - SUB: Nick Soolsma on for Joao Plata

71' - GOAL: Toronto - Danny Koevermans

D.C. UNITED 2 - TORONTO 1

73' - GOAL: D.C. United - Hamdi Salihi

D.C. UNITED 3 - TORONTO 1

SECOND HALF HIGHLIGHT: Danny Koevermans taking time out from a mid-match meal to score

SECOND HALF LOWLIGHT: Reading the sad online reactions of the one set of fans in MLS who have been used and abused like no others

FULL TIME: D.C. UNITED 3 - TORONTO 1

PLAYER RATINGS: Milos Kocic 6 / Jeremy Hall 5.5 / Adrian Cann 5 / Doneil Henry 6 / Ashtone Morgan 6 / Terry Dunfield 5 (Danny Koevermans 6.5) / Julian de Guzman 6 / Eric Avila 5.5 / Reggie Lambe 6 / Ryan Johnson 6.5 / Joao Plata 5 (Nick Soolsma 6)

THE YORKIES' TFC MAN OF THE MATCH: Ryan Johnson

THE MOOD:

It's been emotional. While watching Dwayne De Rosario put the sword to TFC tonight was always going to polarize his former supporters, it was fitting that a man from the club's past helped dispatch an organization that still has the same issues that have plagued it annually. Let's be real - there is no use calling for Aron Winter's firing (even though it is likely) because the rot that permeates TFC's hallways comes straight from the top and oozes down to the most junior employee. There is no fix, because an abyss has been formed where the real culprits of this club's demise are untouchables who are mentally incapable of not meddling in team affairs and turning the front office into a political melodrama.

To some, the easy answer tonight is "Fire the coach!". While it is hard to argue the logic, as the team is drifting aimlessly, it will be a bandage on a broken leg that comes with a very likely unpleasant after effect - the coup-like ascendancy of Jim Brennan into the manager's role. There will be many an ML$E PR man rubbing his hands at the thought of "Team Legend" (cough) and new Manager Brennan having the chance at a Voyageurs Cup victory photo-op but that will be a folly too far for this shambolic club. At this point though, with Tom Anselmi and his cabal's iron grip over this club's fate not slipping an inch - does any of it make a difference? And even worse, how many more one-time fans care less tonight?

THE MATCHUP: De R'0' and 7

Keeping the memory of Raivis Hscanovics alive since 2010



TORONTO VS. D.C. UNITED
　
BMO FIELD - SATURDAY 4PM ET
TV: SPORTSNET ONTARIO-----RADIO: THE FAN 590
　
THE KICKABOUT:
No matter the result, this one practically writes itself. Toronto FC either breaks their duck and ruins the "homecoming" of their most productive player ever - or - that player, Dwayne De Rosario, and his teammates from the American capital (including the alarmingly offensive ex-Red Maicon Santos) put The Reds to the sword and damn them into infamy. Win, lose or draw - the sideshow will be in full effect.
　
The plight of The Reds in MLS this season is well documented of course but many seemed to think that Wednesday's draw against Montreal in the Canadian Championship was some type of "turning point". Aron Winter sure made it clear that he was "satisfied" with the result and many think that he intentionally took it easy to give players a chance to win on Saturday. Others however, think that Wednesday's result was more one of inability and luck but they will be proven right or wrong when D.C. arrives after a long trip in from California.
　
MANUFACTURED DERBY NAME: "De Returnario"
　
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
TORONTO FC: Adrian Cann, Milos Kocic, Reggie Lambe
D.C. UNITED: Dwayne De Rosario, Chris Pontius, Maicon Santos
　
THE ODDS:
- Aron Winter unveiling his new defensive system "Total Preki": 5-1
- Reds taking sole possession of the "MLS Worst Start" record - proclaiming afterwards that it is a "baby step" towards success: 15-1
- No matter what - Winter being "satisfied": EVENS
　
WHO ARE YA?
After his famous "cheque signing" motion in 2010, Dwayne De Rosario started a local craze amongst his impressionable fans who wanted to mimic his actions. The charade-like performances were taken to a new level by people who "did a De Ro" by pretending to put a token into TTC boxes, leaving with unpaid groceries after punching in pretend pin numbers into invisible Interac machines, filling in imaginary tax forms and even trying to enter Mexico by waving around a phantom passport. Of course, after being gunned down in a hail of Mexican bullets, that fan brought an abrupt end to "doing the De Ro". But still, good times.
　
POST-MATCH HEADLINE: "ANSELMI MAKES IMAGINARY CONTRACT RIPPING MOTION TOWARDS TFC BENCH AFTER LOSS"

And well, if TFC do lose another match... Aron Winter may be ordered one of these...

Yorkies Cards 2011 - Pack 4

Has this joke run its course yet? No? Good because we are not halfway done. The set will all be online before the season kicks off. Keep the comments coming as I've clearly learned that if I do these again next season, I will be sure to make the cards of all the obvious ones I missed this time around. This round of cards includes the legend Dewayne DeRosario, Jack Jewsbury and defensive anchor Nana Attakora in TFC attire.

Download Pack 4 [PDF]

THE MATCHUP: "Red Bulls Gives You Wins"

"The Champagne of MLS Clubs"



TORONTO (16th) VS. NEW YORK (10th)
　
BMO FIELD - SATURDAY 7:30 PM EDT
TV: TSN2 RADIO: FAN 590
　
THE KICKABOUT:
After the shock passed over Dwayne De Rosario's trade to New York this past spring, most TFC supporters scanned the calendar and circled October 1st as a must-see match. De Ro's return in navy, white and corporate logo wasn't to be however, as his NYRB stint was cut short in a bizarre fashion. While we missed out on "The Most Dramatic Game of the Season" - it still does reverberate as a "Tale of Three De Ro's". New York was flying high with the Scarberian in their engine, but have stuttered since his departure and are barely hanging on to the last Wild Card spot. Only 3 points behind New Jersey Energy Drink are the club they traded De Ro to - D.C. United, who have been in ascendancy since De Ro's arrival. And that leaves TFC. Still "re-building" as they were throughout De Ro's tenure in red, with only a draft pick two shaky defenders to show for the man whose name still stings and makes waves in Toronto months after his departure.
　
MANUFACTURED DERBY NAME: "The Jilted Lover"
　
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
TORONTO: Eric Avila, Torsten Frings, Danny Koevermans
NEW YORK: Thierry Henry, Rafael Marquez, Teemu Tainio
　
THE ODDS:
- Danny Koevermans subbed off for nap time: 50-1
- MLSE introducing new Energy Boost Chip Butty: 100-1
- D.C. United trading De Ro back to NYRB pre-match... NYRB flipping De Ro to TFC at the half... De Ro in Glasgow by supper: 250-1
　
WHO ARE YA?
Hiring Mo Johnston from New York (then MetroStars) wasn't the only inspiration MLSE took from the New Jersey-based club. Never ones from shying from a profit, MLSE considered copying New York's conversion to a beverage-branded corporate club for their own club but with a Canadian twist. Names rumoured to have been considered include:
FC Canada Dry Toronto
Canadian Club Football Club
Double-Double City
Pop Shoppe Rovers
Borussia Molsongladbach
　
THE WAGER: 1-1 Draw (2011: 22-21 with 6 exact scores)
FUTURE HEADLINE: "RED BULLS STYMIED BY REDS - DE RO SOMEHOW NETS HAT TRICK FOR BOTH"

THE STARTING 11: Other Ex-TFC Hat Tricks

Like my new hat? Got it in Malvern!



It's Murphy's Law in football, as in many other pro sports, that an ex-member of your club inevitably comes back to haunt you. Saturday night was Dwayne De Rosario's turn. Arguably the best player ever to don the TFC kit, De Ro of course left Toronto under a cloud of "he said, Mo saids". It came as no surprise that the Scarborough native lit up his former club for a hat trick - it almost seemed destined to be. It did make us wonder though - what other ex-Reds could prodigiously tease TFC with a vengeful hat trick suited to their own specific careers?
　
11. CHAD BARRETT: Kicks ball straight at goalkeeper on breakaway - Shanks ball into crowd - Gets a cramp
　
10. DANNY DICHIO: Watches TFC Academy lose - Headbutts Academy prospect - Attempts to bite said prospect
　
9. MAXIM USANOV: Signs with Siberian 3rd Division club - Encounters a polar bear - Punches polar bear in the head
　
8. CARLOS RUIZ: Threatens a triumphant return to BMO Field - Doesn't show up for 5 weeks - Loses interest and leaves
　
7. PREKI: Invites Gargan, Harden, Peterson and Garcia over for a party - Hosts the most boring BBQ in history - Blames Canada
　
6. JIM BRENNAN: Falls into a plum new job - Grows dodgy facial hair - Gets coffee
　
5. GABE GALA: Scores another fluky goal against a big European club - Believes that he is an amazing player - No one else agrees
　
4. ROHAN RICKETTS: Gets a trial with Montreal Impact - Plays great for two games and Tweets about it - Gets lazy and is released
　
3. ANDREA LOMBARDO: Waits for Dufferin 29 bus - Heads to BMO Field - Sells the most popcorn in his section
　
2. MO JOHNSTON: Hired by Raith Rovers - Worried as "5 Year Plan" stymied by no draft in Scottish football - Calls Barry MacLean
　
1. COLLIN SAMUEL: Jogs slowly - Attempts to kick ball - Eats your chip butty

AFTER 90: Who else would it be?

Dwayne right? Thought we recognized you.



IN THE TUNNEL:
Days after successfully qualifying for the CONCACAF Champions League group stages, Toronto travels to the nation's capital - that nation, not this one. Optimism has slowly started to creep in to TFC land as the new additions from Aron Winter's "Super Summer Transfer Blowout" have started to show their worth. Whether or not the recent positives can be parlayed into a successful string in league play remains to be seen but road matches have never been The Reds' forte. An old friend (or foe depending on your outlook) awaits as TFC heads into nobody's favourite stadium, RFK in Washington D.C.
　
ON THE PITCH:
1' - D.C. United are still here in "The House That Duct Tape Keeps Up" with no new home in site. Their great fans deserve better as does the team that was once MLS' "Big Club". Oh look - it's that Dave De Romario guy - he's famous! Kick-off...
6' - Red card for D.C. United keeper Bill Hamid who undercuts Eric Avila outside of the box with the ball far from Avila's feet. Back-up Steve "Not Sam" Cronin forced in for United. Potential game-changer for The Reds
13' - TFC yet to impose their man advantage as United hold possession
15' - Eric Avila getting himself noticed in TFC debut as he hits the post with a long range effort that had beaten Cronin
18' - GOAL: You just knew this would happen. Dwayne De Rosario given acres of space and curls 30 yard effort past Stefan Frei. Subdued celebration - not a cheque in sight
D.C. UNITED 1 - TORONTO FC 0
22' - Very sporting of TFC to be playing as if they are the team who is down a man
29' - De Ro forces a big save from Frei. Man-advantage TFC bordering on infuriating as United have been superior since going down a man
35' - If TFC can manage to grab a goal, chances are Richard Eckersley will have something to do with it. He's a ginger spitfire tonight
43' - JFK got a kick-ass Space Centre and all RFK got was this broken-down stadium? That's what the Oval Office will do for you. That… and Marilyn Monroe.
45' - After going down a man early, TFC looked... what? They didn't? What do you mean D.C. was a man down?... Never mind
　
HALFTIME: D.C. UNITED 1 - TORONTO FC 0
　
45' - SUB: Aron Winter goes all Rocky V and says "Go for it" as Doneil Henry comes out at the half for Peri Marosevic. Offensive... in a football sense
50' - SUB: Strange move as seemingly best TFC player on the pitch Eckersley comes off for young bulldog Matt Stinson
52' - GOAL: Talk about making the best of your opportunities as Peri Marosevic flicks home a rebound off of Steve Cronin. Smooth move Super Sub
D.C. UNITED 1 - TORONTO FC 1
54' - SUB: Someone pissed in Winter's halftime cornflakes as he uses all his subs within 10 minutes of the 2nd Half. Julian de Guzman in for Terry Dunfield
57' - The Goalblerone forced to punch out a dangerous delivery that De Ro rose to meet
63' - GOAL: Andy Iro makes a meal of a block that drops to (who else?) De Ro's feet who easily slots it past Frei. Iro will wear the goat horns if the score ends this way
D.C. UNITED 2 - TORONTO FC 1
65' - Iro getting an ear bending from the coaching staff
69' - GOAL: What a time to get his first. Julian de Guzman scores his first ever in TFC red. A scorching free kick taken in controversial circumstances that sees United coach Ben Olsen sent off
D.C. UNITED 2 - TORONTO FC 2
70' - United coach Pat Onstad losing his mind on sidelines. Dangerous for senior citizens to get so worked up in the heat
75' - United still unafraid to test TFC's shallow defence
80' - Andy Iro's tough night continues with very shaky decision making
85' - GOAL: Poacher. That's what Danny Koevermans was bought for. The Dutchman slips his marker and pokes it past Cronin
D.C. UNITED 2 - TORONTO FC 3
86' - PENALTY: Oh TFC. United walk down the field and eat TFC's defence alive, Iro forced into an ugly foul. GOAL: Who else? (Again) De Rosario buries it.
D.C. UNITED 3 - TORONTO FC 3
87' - Started to breathe again
89' - De Ro (yes, again) almost makes it four goals. Missed by inches.
90'+ - United throwing kitchen sink at Frei
90'+ - A crazy match comes to a halt with the feeling that either team could have left with 3 points. Only United can be pleased with that.
　
FULL TIME: D.C. UNITED 3 - TORONTO FC 3
　
IN THE BATHS:
Like so many ex-Toronto star athletes before him, Dwayne De Rosario showed up to put the sword into his former club. A truly wild match that would have been great for a neutral, ended up being frustrating for Reds' supporters as TFC snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. The early red card to United's Bill Hamid should have been pounced upon much earlier by Toronto but they allowed D.C. to control the 1st Half and take the inevitable lead. The 2nd Half offensive performance showed some good heart, especially with so much travel recently, but the defensive horror show was bad - even by TFC standards. And Iro had the worst possible night he could and we hope it's not the norm for the likeable back but with just over a week to go in the transfer window, it's a fair guess that Paul Mariner's phone is currently charging.
　
PLAYER RATINGS: Stefan Frei 6.5 / Richard Eckersley 7 (Matt Stinson 6) / Doneil Henry 6 (Peri Marosevic 7) / Andy Iro 3 / Ashtone Morgan 5.5 / Terry Dunfield 5.5 (Julian de Guzman 7) / Eric Avila 6.5 / Torsten Frings 6.5 / Joao Plata 6 / Danny Koevermans 7 / Ryan Johnson 6
　
THE YORKIES' TFC MAN OF THE MATCH: Peri Marosevic
TALKING POINT: How big a cheque do you ask for after a hat trick? Discuss.

THE STARTING 11: Toronto FC perks in the De Rosario contract offer

Scarborough Town Centre: Not just a food court... a home

If Dwayne De Rosario's tenure with Toronto FC can be described as dramatic, his departure to New York Red Bulls is a full-blown soap opera. In the three days since the deal went down there has been a back-and-forth war of words between the player and his former club Toronto FC. His claims that he didn't ask for a trade were publically refuted by Aron Winter with every twist played out in the media. In Dutch-English - "a clashik he shaid, she shaid". Winter has insisted that the club offered DeRo a very good deal which was turned down but we wonder what kind of "perks" TFC was willing to throw in to keep the former captain in town...

11. Promised to never let Nick LaBrocca anywhere near his hair again
　
10. Willing to buy Scarborough Town Centre's food court and turn it into a luxury home for the De Rosario family
　
9. Jim Brennan would get him his morning coffee (DONE)
　
8. Club would compete with New York Red Bulls by re-branding team Toronto Tab Cola
　
7. Team would market a "Tickle Me Elmo"-like children's plush toy called "Cheque Me DeRo"
　
6. TFC Academy players would throw rose petals in front of him when dribbling the ball
　
5. Profit sharing on new BMO Field snack "Corn-Rows on the Cob"
　
4. Allow him to play online poker during any break in play
　
3. Joao Plata forced to wear white tuxedo and point out team airplane to DeRo
　
2. Would be allowed to go on trial in Scotland... but only at Kilmarnock
　
1. Formally petition Mayor Rob Ford to rename Malvern - "Scarborosario"

DeRo in "Empire State of Mind" as hometown star heads to NYRB

From Scarborough to The 5 Boroughs

It wasn't supposed to end this way was it? When Scarborough legend Dwayne De Rosario joined Toronto FC from Houston before the 2009 season, most supporters imagined him holding TFC's first MLS Cup aloft. Instead, DeRo has been in the middle of one soap opera after another with the club - many having little to do with him of course... but some serious conflicts resting squarely at his feet. Mo, turf, locker-room cancers, cheque-signings, contract disputes and Glasgow vacations have all been linked with the man who is starring today in the latest "As The Reds Turn"

　
The news of DeRo's trade to New York Red Bulls came flying out of TFC practice today with first reaction being that it was an April Fools prank. But, as the story gathered steam, it became obvious that DeRo was in fact headed to Red Bull Arena with talented young midfielder Tony Tchani and sort-of-ok defender Danleigh Borman headed north in return. A 2012 1st Round Pick is also included in what is easily TFC‘s biggest deal of its short history.
　
The first reaction for many supporters was shock, with many being immediately outraged. But, on further examination the transaction has merit. De Rosario is a very talented, but aging commodity and if Aron Winter's system is going to take a year or more to build, time was running out to receive any quality in return. In addition to his value, the ongoing DeRo saga of contract disputes, transfer rumours and cryptic Twitter messages must be a distraction to which Winter did not want in his new clean-slate club. While the move will no doubt hurt Toronto FC in the short term, it also opens a lot of room for Winter and Paul Mariner to rebuild the club in their image. DeRo was possibly the elephant in the room handicapping that process.
　
Tony Tchani will be the long-term face of this deal and how it will be judged in the future by Reds supporters. At 21, the young Cameroon born midfielder has a massive upside. For De Ro, his name may sadly be marred by many in his hometown and he leaves with a lot of "what-if's" in his bag. He has constantly gone from DeRo to HeRo to ZeRo with Reds supporters but at least his last on-field act as a Red will be his classy gesture in support of a deceased young fan. Perhaps the former Captain knew it was his last time in Red. It should have been different for DeRo and The Reds but as with most things TFC - it's time to move on.
　
　
More DeRo to NYRB reaction here in the days to come… and also likely on DeRo's ever-present Twitter

Letters from Camp: United they stood

"Aww Adrian... you didn't have to"

From a results point of view, Toronto FC's participation in this year's Carolina Challenge Cup won't go down as their most successful stop in Charleston. Winning a friendly tournament trophy is never high on the pre-season goals list but this year in particular, the tourney was obviously a training ground for The Reds and not a place for wins. Going into tonight's final match against DC United, many wondered if the performance would be closer to what is expected 7 days from now or a continuation of that training style.
　
Facing DC United was a good test as the club from the US Capitol is coming off a season even worse than the dreadful one seen in Toronto. United are rebuilding under a new coach with a new style and will be a team TFC needs to be superior to if they want to dream of playoffs. However, when DC add a guy like Charlie Davies while Toronto adds Nick Soolsma, many will see United as the better of the two clubs going into 2011. Here's briefly how the "Battle of the Titans" went down earlier tonight...
　
TFC match starters... Frei, Gargan, Attakora, Harden, Yourassowsky, Sturgis, Cordon, De Rosario, Zavarise, Peterson, Maicon
2' - Yourassowsky starts as he means to go on by "assing" up a defensive marking
7' - Literally dozens of rabid fans on hand. Some actually rabid.
12' - GOAL! Charlie Davies eats 3 TFC defenders alive and blasts it high past Frei
DC United 1 - Toronto FC 0
15'- DC's 87-year-old Canadian GK Pat Onstad a symbol of good socialized health care. DC Republicans will hate him
19' - PENALTY DC's Dax McCarty hauls down Gianluca Zavarise leading us to chant "When you're fouled from behind like a big pizza pie, Za-varise!" GOAL! De Ro takes PK
DC United 1 - Toronto FC 1
25' - Toronto energized by goal and controlling play
28' - Stefan Frei does a major Aron Winter no-no and boots a long-ball... however Maicon Santos gets on the end of it and GOAL! Past Onstad's walker!
DC United 1 - Toronto FC 2
32' - Oscar Cordon showing his youth and having his worst game
34' - Charleston advertising hoarding of the night: "RENT A PARTY TENT! 971-GOAL Oooh! I can get some Piggly Wiggly and eat it in my party tent!
37' - Two quick yellow cards for Yourassowsky leads to a RED CARD and a sending off. You sir, are an ass owsky. TFC down to 10 men.
43' - Charleston Battery president/ amateur announcer Andrew Bell wonders aloud why Nick LaBrocca didn't start tonight. Maybe he had his tax forms filled out too.
　
HALF TIME: DC UNITED 1 - TORONTO FC 2
　
45' - Overmatched Oscar Cordon off and replaced my The Prodigal Defender: Adrian Cann. Someone must have bought the team a box of Pot Of Gold chocolates
50' - DC pouring on the pressure trying to get an early equalizer. Makes us miss the show The Equalizer
58' - Pretty sure Pat Onstad just put Metamucil in his water bottle
61' - GOAL! TFC can't hold back the offensive wave and Joseph Ngwenya puts the ball past a sprawling Frei
DC United 2 - Toronto FC 2
67' - Andrew Bell informs us that the pro shop at Charleston's Blackbaud Stadium sells vuvuzelas. Precious.
71' - Matt Gold in for Maicon Santos. Bob de Klerk yells "I love Gooooold!"
75' - Reds holding their shape well and managing to counter-attack
78' - Javier Martina on for Dwayne De Rosario
82' - Two party tents successfully rented during the match. Happy Birthday Bobby
89' - Gianluca Zavarise ends a good night and is replaced by Keith "BOOYAH" Makubuya
91' - TFC close out the match with some solid defending.

FULL TIME: DC UNITED 2 - TORONTO FC 2
　
So, after a journey that started in late January in Turkey, Toronto's preseason matches are over. A solid draw tonight that was equally promising and frustrating. While the defensive lapses continue, The Reds managed to hold it together despite being a man down for nearly half of the match. Good performances by Zavarise, De Rosario and Frei were tempered by less than stellar nights for Cordon and Yourassowsky.
　
There is a sense this evening that it is upwards and onwards for TFC with a week to go before the opener in Vancouver. The sense of optimism was encapsulated by Adrian Cann's very public post-match mea culpa. "I'd like to apologize to the fans in Toronto, the organization and my fellow teammates, as well as Aron" said the remorseful Cann who with that hopefully shut the door on the only negative episode of camp. Changes are still possible but tonight's TFC may be what we can expect when the season begins in 7 short days.

Letters from Camp: Grade A Florida Oranje

"Orlando, Florida... The Grammar Interesting"

NOT SO FRIENDLY
As Aron Winter gets used to life in the weird and wonderful world of North American football he will stumble across continental oddities that get under his skin. During a media scrum at TFC's Oakville training facility this week, the manager was grumbling about upcoming friendlies against other MLS clubs and mentioning he wouldn't have allowed it if he had it his way. It is of course nearly unheard of in Europe to play preseason matches against clubs in your own division but MLS of course tries to mimic other North American pro loops and their "exhibition season". Unfortunately for Winter, this will likely remain the norm unless he can talk MLSE into funding a month and a half camp somewhere distant like Turkey next year, or alternatively, only schedule friendlies versus CONCACAF clubs outside of MLS.
　
NO LUCK FOR THE IRISH
Supplemental draft pick Steven Beattie announced via Twitter today that he was leaving Toronto FC with his university being the most likely destination. The young Dublin native had been extraordinarily excited only weeks ago about joining TFC's camp but felt that his opportunities had been limited with The Reds. While not divulging too much of what led to his decision, he did tweet that he "wasn't getting a fair shot here". A "fair shot" for an unproven NCAA Division II player may be different in Beattie's eyes to TFC management's.
　
DISNEY ON ICE... er...ONLINE!
After enjoying a long weekend off (I wonder what Ty Harden got for Family Day?) The Reds will travel down to the Orlando area of Central Florida to continue training camp. When not drinking fresh OJ, riding on the teacups or watching the Space Shuttle take-off, TFC will take part in the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic(?). The Reds will face Houston on Thursday at 8PM and two days later play either FC Dallas or USL's Orlando City. The league is trying to promote the tourney by streaming the matches online via sources such as ESPN3's website but north of the border TFC-TV seems the most likely destination for footy starved Reds' support.
　
OLA TRIALISTOS!
Aron Winter wants to pack lightly for spring break. No, not tiny orange Speedos but rather a trimmed down squad that can concentrate on game tactics. Reports out of Toronto whisper that TFC will invite 3 or 4 South and/or Central American trialists while some of the out-of-contract players who were with TFC in Turkey may still return but no more than that. With just about a month to go before the season starts, Winter wants to start putting his 1st Team squad together. Wasn't it more fun when Mo was signing players 2 hours before the first game of the season?
　
DE RO ME SO HAPPY!
Toronto captain Dwayne De Rosario is claiming to be at his happiest in Toronto since the day he signed and it‘s not due to Toronto‘s natty new kit. While the mercurial midfielder claims that Aron Winter's tactics are suited to his game and that it will pay dividends on the field there may be other reasons for the Scarberian's smile. When asked about his contract situation, De Ro answered pleasantly and optimistically, while some news outlets in the city hinted generously that a DP offer could be in the pipe for the formerly corn-rowed goal-scorer.

Bhoys Trouble: Possible fallout from "DeRoGate"

De Ro perfects the look most TFC supporters have

Remember a few weeks ago when Toronto FC Konsültant Jürgen Klinsmann was waxing on about the pre-Christmas signing of our new head coach? Ah... good times. While the future wasn't exactly bright (since Tom Anselmi and ML$E were still involved) it was at least something to look forward to. A shiny present to unwrap on Christmas Day from our German uncle. Well I hope you kept the gift receipt because Boxing Day delivered a box full of circus dung for TFC supporters.
　
Now Reds supporters are used to these absurd antics but rarely have we seen a crapstorm story like the Dwayne De Rosario-to-Celtic drama. Quite arguably, rarely in football do you see a saga that was so poorly handled - from all parties involved. De Ro and his management's "he said, we said" permission slips; Earl Cochrane's denying confirmation of confirming his denial about said permission; and even Celtic who have acted like it was the first time they had even heard of Major League Soccer or active contracts. It is a mess from top to bottom and the blame could still land on any doorstep but the long-term fallout from "DeRoGate 2010" will be felt long-term.
　
Let's take a look at a few best case and worst case scenarios for the main players in Toronto FC's latest (but unlikely last) three-ring-circus...
　
DWANYE DE ROSARIO:
Best Case Scenario: De Ro gets his permission to train with Celtic and impresses the Glasgow outfit during the week landing himself a long-term stay in Scotland and one last decent payday
Worst Case Scenario: Celtic decides De Ro isn't up to scratch and the player must return to TFC and MLS as a pariah who has managed against all odds to turn a large chunk of the club's supporters against him. He would get a rough ride at BMO if he's not dealt to another MLS club first where his career would peter out quietly
　
EARL COCHRANE:
Best Case Scenario: The permission for De Ro to train at Celtic goes through quietly and quickly and the whole mess is spun as a clerical and communications error with Cochrane seen as the upstanding "victim" in a mess beyond his control
Worst Case Scenario: The "Interim-ish" GM is exposed for the amateur he actually is who was too much of a rookie to handle the shark-infested world of sports agents. His fledgling GM career which looked certain until yesterday is cut short in an ML$E clean-up PR job
　
CELTIC:
Best Case Scenario: The Glasgow giants like what they see in De Ro and get a cheap deal worked out with TFC/MLS quickly and don't get their reputation dragged through any "tapping up" talk or threats of action from Major League Soccer
Worst Case Scenario: Want to sign De Rosario (if this whole zoo hasn't turned them off him already) but get caught with their hand in the cookie jar in regards to his contract situation meaning they have to pay a higher transfer fee to avoid any legal wrangling
　
ML$E:
Best Case Scenario: Given a free pass to get out of De Ro's hefty DP salary request and replace him with an Academy player at 1/10th the cap-space all while avoiding the wrath of the fans who are too angry at De Rosario to notice. Also, get to cash in on an unexpected transfer fee, and... have a built-in excuse for when the 2011 season inevitably goes terribly wrong.
Worst Case Scenario: Having to sell De Rosario jersey's at 10% off
　
TFC SUPPORTERS:
Best Case Scenario: ML$E, who seemed to be moments away from handing Earl Cochrane the full-time GM gig, will have their hand forced by the errors of their "amateur-hour" front office and be made to buy a top-level executive and head coach in order to spin the bad stench away from TFC... again.
Worst Case Scenario (yet most likely): The exact opposite of that and the introduction of the "Cochrane/ Brennan/ Dasovic - 5 Year Plan". Oh, and not having anyone who scores goals. That's bad too.

THE STARTING 11: Surprising reasons behind De Ro's desire for Celtic switch

Just two buttered slices away...

It's barely been 24 hours since the whole "De Ro to Celtic" drama began in earnest, but boy - doesn't it feel so much longer? I guess when you're a TFC supporter and the circus visits town so often, these things just get old in a hurry. At last word, Earl Cochrane has yet to be able to confirm if he denied his original denial confirmation or whether that denial had yet to be confirmed. He sure did learn from Mo Johnston well didn't he? What is for sure is that Dwayne De Rosario is indeed training with the Glasgow giants with an eye on a switch but apart from escaping the sinking "SS TFC-Tanic" what other reasons are behind the Scarberian's desire to join The Bhoys?
　
11. Just couldn't go to Columbus, Ohio one more time
　
10. Since Henrik Larsson left, Scottish League has been missing the "wacky hair-do factor"
　
9. The whole Catholic v. Protestant battle is easier than the whole 416/905 conflict
　
8. Loves how nickname is pronounced "DayRoo" in Scottish brogue
　
7. Horizontal stripes are flattering
　
6. If it doesn't work out at Celtic, old pal Mo Johnston can get him trial at Rangers
　
5. Had to try the Haggis Butty
　
4. There are great opportunities in the Scottish online poker industry
　
3. The thrifty Scottish can appreciate a good post-goal cheque-signing gesture
　
2. Glasgow is the Scarborough of Europe
　
1. It was his boyhood dream to one day play against St. Mirren

Is anyone in charge at TFC? De Ro joins Celtic after Cochrane rubbishes rumour

Earl Cochrane says the above picture doesn't exist

In perhaps the most shocking display that ML$E's brand new "braintrust" is as broken as the Mo Johnston era's, Toronto FC star (and best player all-time) Dwayne De Rosario has officially joined Glasgow giants Celtic on trial this morning. The trial isn't overwhelmingly surprising but what is a shock and a major black eye for TFC is that "Not-really-interim-at-all" Director Earl Cochrane denied the rumours of De Ro leaving for Celtic less than 24 hours ago! That means that while Cochrane, who is far closer to a PR man than a GM, was releasing a statement to Toronto media denying the trial, De Ro was relaxing in a Scottish hotel waiting to suit up this morning.
　
If the early morning rumours are true and De Rosario went to Glasgow without permission from TFC it will give plenty of fuel to the star's sometimes reactionary group of detractors in his hometown. However, even the biggest anti-De Ro naysayer has to agree that he is TFC's most important player right now and for Cochrane, who is obviously being groomed as the next GM, to not even know if he is getting ready to suit up with another club reeks of amateur hour. Whether or not Cochrane and TFC even knew about the trial is beyond knowledge at the moment but that is really no excuse. Yes, De Ro is an ambitious person who could have taken the trial on by himself but there isn't a "real" director anywhere in the world who wouldn't have heard about it first.
　
While so much more will come out and be written over the next few days about this supposed trial and whether it will lead to a transfer or a loan, it isn't the player movement that is really important. De Ro is a great player and losing him would hurt - but not ruin the team. The real ruin of this team is the amateur actions of a "new" head office run by Earl Cochrane who don't even have the football connections to hear about their star player suiting up with another club... while under contract! It does not bode well for the future. Many supporters have drifted into the "let's give Earl a chance" mode that ML$E wants you to eat up. But, take this as a BIG alarm bell that Cochrane is not ready for this stage and Toronto FC should not be where PR men get to "play" as Director and learn on the job. The spin from ML$E will be "bad De Ro, poor Earl". Don't buy it.

Anyone want to take odds on a TFC story announcing a new coach by New Year's today?
　
　
MORE UPDATES ON DE RO TO CELTIC WHEN AVAILABLE

UPDATE: Toronto FC released an official statement reiterating their complete innocence and ignorance that their star player is training with another club. It's okay though - Earl's gonna give Celtic a call later if Tom Anselmi gives him the long-distance code. Read the statement here (if you want to be more embarrassed by your club...)

UPDATE II: "The Updatening": TFC continues to look under tables and chairs to see where De Ro is. Have asked Uncle Don to call those mean De Ro-stealing Scots. Read more here... if you're not bored by now.

AFTER 90: Once more with feeling

One eye on 2011

D.C. UNITED 2 - TORONTO FC 3

On a night where all MLS eyes were gathered in D.C. to watch the farewell of arguably United's greatest player, it was the unarguable best player in Toronto FC's short history that stole the show. After TFC dropped down 1-0 during a shocking opening 60 seconds, The Reds' captain and enigmatic talisman Dwayne De Rosario showed what he can do when firing on all cylinders mentally and physically delivering TFC to a rare road victory. At the end of a miserable season where the mercurial hometown star was often the only saving grace for Toronto, it was fitting that his two goal performance should lead the club into hopefully, but far from assured, greener pastures.

Tonight's match was of course a meaningless affair. D.C. United has had an appalling season in 2010 with a management team who make ML$E look nearly competent... nearly. Few would have really cared tonight if TFC had not shown up and chalked up yet another road loss but for Nick Dasovic it must be a satisfying evening in what could be his last as Reds manager. TFC showed some heart and fight, a rare sight in 2010, and even glimpses of future hope in the energetic play of Academy product Nicholas Lindsay. While things are indeed bleak - there are threads of hope to hang on to for 2011.

Of course, if those threads are to be woven into a successful new season, ML$E must do the right thing and put the right man in charge. The fan protests and subsequent ML$E apology and season ticket "sorry gifts" will all be for naught if this one move isn't performed by Anselmi & Co. It's not good enough to let Earl Cochrane and Jim Brennan to make a bunch of player moves before hiring a cheap GM in January. No, if the owners really want to make amends to their suffering supporters - this is the only move they must make. A top quality GM, sooner rather than later, and then get out of the way. That could be the only saving grace of a season which mercifully ended on a note of tiny hope.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Dwayne De Rosario (TFC)
GOAT OF THE MATCH: Nick Garcia (TFC)... because it may be my last chance and I'm a petty bastard!

MATCH IN FIVE WORDS: Moreno. Surprising. Hopeful. Finally over.

SENSATIONAL HEADLINE: "THE END IS NIGH!"

TOTALLY FAKE POST-MATCH QUOTE: "Thank God it's over." - TFC's supporters collectively exhale

Moreno: MLS Legend

THE STARTING 11: New contract perks for Dwayne De Rosario

Nothing can go wrong now.

As if the exhausting soap opera that is Toronto FC (aka "As The Ball Turns") isn't enough to grate on a supporter's last nerve, the talking point from yesterday's loss to San Jose isn't the fact that the rest of the MLS season is redundant but that a deep unhappiness is brewing in the club's star player. After team captain/ only dependable goal threat/ unfortunate hairstyle aficionado Dwayne De Rosario scored a goal which gave TFC a thread of hope in the match he decided to forgo his usual "Scarborough Stutterstep" celebration to instead stand in front of ML$E and the team bench making a cheque-signing motion.

In post game interviews, the blunt Scarberian expanded on his feeling of being undervalued adding a further shadow onto an already dark season. We're not going to get into whether De Ro is the club's most valuable player and if he deserves a pay increase (yes... and yes btw), but we do wonder what ML$E could offer him to make him feel the love he deserves...

11. Piggybacks on Jon Conway

10. Gets Mo Johnston's old parking spot

9. The keys to Scarborough Town Centre

8. A handwritten promise from next TFC GM Jim Brennan that he "will do his best" to sign a striker

7. Rosario Dawson

6. Invited to visit ML$E's secret underground bouncy castle full of money

5. Allowed to fly the team's charter jet whenever he wants to

4. Invited to perform his post-goal strut on "So You Think You Can Dance Canada"

3. Will only be referred to as the "Archduke of Malvern"

2. Chip Butty-making monkey butler

1. Corn-rowing machine

AFTER 90: Isn't it time for a song?

A team on his shoulders

HOUSTON DYNAMO 1 - TORONTO FC 2

He's Toronto FC's all-time leading goal scorer, he holds most club offensive records in fact. He's a hometown boy and the club captain who also proudly wears this country's colours. Tonight, he lifted a truly lost looking TFC side to only their second away victory of 2010 on the power of two of the finest free kicks you could take. Then why, oh why, doesn't Dwayne De Rosario get the overwhelming respect and support of a good portion of TFC's support?

It is a minority, but a very vocal one, in the midst of TFC's supporter groups that just refuse to give the man his due. The criticisms range from De Ro being labelled a "ball hog" to a "locker room bad apple" to "inconsistent and selfish." The behind the scenes conjecture is mostly based on message board rumour but critiques of his on the field performances are a bit baffling.

We are far from putting down anyone's opinions here but ask yourself just how much worse TFC would have been over the last two years without De Ro. If the Scarborough native does seem to be "selfish" or "disappear" perhaps it's time to step back and ask what kind of quality options his teammates provide in offence, and, if he has "disappeared" it might just be he's having an off day but we've become accustomed to having him carry this club on his shoulders and always expect it.

Tonight in Houston, the match seemed as if it was "Night of the Playoff Dead". TFC looked so poor that Chad Barrett even called out the team on live TV at halftime and openly ripped their putrid performance. Having gone down 1-0 early, it looked as if TFC was having "yet another 2010 road game". The fact that De Rosario pulled two bits of magic out of a hat on a night when most around him were so poor only illuminates his importance to this club.

If you are one who will never like the confident De Ro (possibly for that reason) stop and wonder when the next time this club will have a hometown boy who leads so dominantly. Perhaps when the stadium sings every match for a likeable yet briefly effective journeyman, we can stop, and instead sing (regularly) for the best player this club has ever had.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Best. Red. Ever.
GOAT OF THE MATCH: Mo Johnston for apparently lying to him about DP money - I'm still petty

MATCH IN FIVE WORDS: Terrible. Pathetic. Sloppy. Then De Ro.

SENSATIONAL HEADLINE: "HOUSTON HAS PROBLEMS"

TOTALLY FAKE POST-MATCH QUOTE: "See, I told you Toronto should have gotten rid of that Canadian guy. What's with all that goal-scoring and road winning? They could have had a nice 0-0 out there." - ex-TFC coach Preki is confused by the desire to score on the road

De Ro breaks through "Night of the Playoff Dead"