The Toronto FC Sadvent Calendar: Day 18

  

"THE SACRIFICIAL CRONIN"

Selected 2nd overall in the SuperDraft and with a bright future ahead of him, the talented MLS stalwart Sam Cronin had the gall to tell the truth - after TFC had been blown out 5-0 at New York - that The Reds' locker room was a toxic mess. While the team "captain" assured all that everything was just peachy, Cronin was shuffled off to San Jose for our old friend allocation money. Said "captain" is doing just fine by the way.

　

Check back tomorrow and open another Sadvent window!

THE MATCHUP: Red-uce, Red-use, Red-cycle

Oooh, it comes in "San Jose blue"



TORONTO (17th) VS. SAN JOSE (14th)
　
BMO FIELD - SATURDAY 7PM ET
TV: GOLTV -----RADIO: FAN 590
　
THE KICKABOUT:
- Is TFC's sudden lack of scoring a long-term issue or can they break out of their goal funk?
- Can the much needed Danny Koevermans return from injury?
- Which Quakes' ex-Red do Toronto fans miss most - Attakora, Cronin, Peterson or Gordon?
- How many negative messages on Twitter will Jacob Peterson post during the match?
- What would Frank Yallop trade to us for our whole defence?
　
MANUFACTURED DERBY NAME: "The Trading Post"
　
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
TORONTO: Eric Avila, Andy Iro, Ryan Johnson
SAN JOSE: Bobby Convey, Jacob Peterson, Chris Wondolowski
　
THE ODDS:
- Jacob Peterson Tweeting that he'll only miss "Ty Harden and Tiny Tom Donuts" when he leaves Toronto again: 20-1
- TFC going down 1-0 only to be saved by a biblical flood, locust infestation or rivers of blood: 50-1
- Alan Gordon waving to the crowd - injuring wrist in process: 75-1
　
WHO ARE YA?
- A protest is planned outside of BMO Field by victims of last Tuesday's "Great Toronto Earthquake 2011" Nearly 1's of people were hurt in the quake that registered nearly 3 on the Richter scale by time it reached Toronto. Protesters are angered over the insensitivity of the San Jose club's name. Never forget.
- With the incredible amount of players that have suited up for both of these clubs, FIFA has voted Saturday's match as "Most Incestual Fixture - 2011"

- To help flagging attendance, MLSE is planning a halftime tribute to former Canadian pro wrestler John "Earthquake" Tenta. Never forget.

　

THE WAGER: 1-0 Toronto (2011: 19-17 with 6 exact scores)

FUTURE HEADLINE: "TRADE AFTERSHOCKS RATTLE QUAKES"

God speed Earthquake. God speed.

The way to Sam Jose

Last kick at the NutCan

BREAKING NEWS! "News story that was completed weeks ago now official!" Read all about it here!

Yes, the worst kept secret in the wacky world of Toronto FC was made official today and the transfer of industrious midfielder Sam Cronin to San Jose is a done deal. Toronto receives that mysterious element known as MLS allocation money in return for a guy deemed worthy of drafting above current LA Galaxy defensive standout Omar Gonzalez only last year. What will be done with that allocation money is but a secret to a select few... and of course the First Wave Agency group.

The eternally hard-working Cronin proved himself as a solid and dependable, if unspectacular, workman who racked up the club's third most minutes played in his rookie season. In a year when TFC was splitting at the seams, the composed Cronin held his own and was even one of the outspoken critics of the state of the club after the New York debacle. Whether his alignment with the other critics (the equally departed Serioux, Robinson etc.) doomed his time in Toronto or if he just wasn't a "Preki guy" will likely stay secret for now. Either way, San Jose head (and TFC dream director) Frank Yallop has landed a player who will likely prove to be a solid MLS pro for years to come.

Meanwhile, back in the Mo-Cave... we'll wait breathlessly (can you breathe sarcastically?) for Mo Johnston to use the allocation money on a high quality unknown Eastern European/ unemployed Canadian/ elderly Brit/ First Wave client.

Of Kiwis and Cronins

Downtown Wellington was packed after today's 1-1 draw

It's a busy time for a Yorkie these days. Watching the 7:30AM match while brushing teeth etc. Getting to work just in time to catch the last 15 minutes and inevitably missing the match's only goal. Looking busy in front of the boss while having a wrestle with CBC's live online feed. Shuffling papers in mock business busy-ness. All the while, keeping an eye on those restless "Butty Boys" down at BMO Field. It's the best time of the quarter decade though.
　
Today's big news from Sith Ifrici is that The Yorkies very own adopted minnow New Zealand felt The Yorkies bump and got a historic draw! The single point against Slovakia was the All Whites (still not racist) first ever World Cup point. Winston Reid obviously "Likes to Rock the Party" as he headed home the equalizer very late in the match after some sustained (Inner.. Inner City) pressure. The Kiwis can rub their feathers in Australia's zero points face for today at least! We're proud of you our non-racially nicknamed adopted pals!

　
Meanwhile at the Mo-Cave...
The heavy rumours have been swirling around Toronto for a few days that TFC's 2009 1st round draft pick and all-round hard worker Sam Cronin is on the way out of BMO Field and it looks today like the deal is nearly done. Word is that TFC is only getting allocation money and/ or draft picks in return for the industrious midfielder with San Jose being the most likely dance partner. Optimists will say "they must be freeing up room for a major signing!" Realists will say "pants".
　
While it may look like a case of moving a surplus player for futures, it seems curious. Johnston liked Cronin enough to draft him higher than other, more promising players, so why relegate him to the bench then dispatch him for little? Nothing is for certain in the magical world of Mo and Preki but consider this nugget: after last year's 5-0 drubbing against New York, a huge dressing room rift emerged. The players who spoke out against the "management mess" were apparently Ali Gerba, Amado Guevara, Carl Robinson, Adrian Serioux, Dwayne De Rosario and Sam Cronin. Now De Ro is an untouchable but could this move really be the final sweep of the broom against the protesters? In G-20 spirit... we think Cronin just got gassed.

Cronin. Cronout.

Sam Cronin gets USA Gold Cup Call-Up. Toronto FC Roster gets Thinner

As much as the state of TFC's paper-thin roster is worrying, supporters have to be proud of Sam Cronin for getting the call from the USA squad for the Gold Cup. In a short time with TFC, Cronin has become a reliable and consistent performer in the midfield. Under the obvious mentoring of Carl Robinson, the young midfielder makes few mistakes and has a burgeoning offensive instinct.

Unfortunately, USA's gain is TFC's loss as the roster is bleeding players by the day. With the Gold Cup taking a chunk of Toronto's Canadian contingent, including newly signed Ali Gerba, and now adding Cronin, the bench strength (?) will be tested. A positive for TFC will be the return of Marvell Wynne, who was not included on the USA Gold Cup roster, and Dwayne DeRosario's decision not to play for Canada in the tournament.

Despite the comings and goings of the existing roster, it is painfully obvious that reinforcements are needed quickly. Mo Johnston must sign a handful of players to give TFC some much needed depth and the rumour mill has indeed been grinding over the past few days. If Toronto can get past Puerto Rico in the CCL Qualifier, they are faced with the prospect of 8 additional matches and the prospect of MLS Playoffs. The momentum of late has been welcome but a few injuries or extended absences could derail the high hopes for 2009.