TFC Prepares for Waiver Draft

The draft order will be as follows for today's MLS waiver draft which will take place at 3:00pm ET.

1. San Jose
2. Toronto
3. Salt Lake
4. Los Angeles
5. Colorado
6. Columbus
7. New York
8. Dallas
9. Chivas USA
10. DC United
11. Kansas City
12. Chicago
13. New England
14. Houston

Toronto FC has made the following players available:
Adam Braz, Maycoll Canizalez, Srdjan Djekanovic, David Guzman, Stephen Lumley, Cristian Nunez, Marco Reda

Now, Mo must know something that we don't with regards to changes to the Canadian roster requirements as it seems as if we're parting ways with a fair number of Canadian players. It does not surprise me to see Reda and Braz on the list, but some of the younger guys, like Guzman, Lumley and Nunez, I find a little disappointing. It will certainly make it easier for Mo to field a winning team, but I still hope that TFC will still provide opportunity for young Canadian players to develop in a strong league such as MLS.

Congratulations to the Houston Dynamo

2007 MLS Cup Champs!

Congratulations are also in order for Dwayne De Rosario for his second straight MLS Cup MVP! The best two players on the pitch happened to be Canadian: De Ro, and Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad.

Best of luck to another Canadian, Chris Pozniak, who was selected this afternoon by the expansion San Jose Earthquake. His work ethic and swiss-army knife adaptability will certainly be missed by TFC next season.

Toronto FC's Mo Edu wins Gatorade Rookie of the Year

Congrats Mo!

Link

TFC to host Revs to end the season

Toronto FC's inaugural season comes to a close as they host the New England Revolution at BMO Field tomorrow afternoon.

After a horrendous start to their history, TFC managed to turn things around after unveiling their brand new BMO Field and acquiring key players such as Danny Dichio and Jeff Cunningham, who both found their way to the injury list along with all-star midfielder Ronnie O'Brien, at which point their promising season came crumbling down.

One can only imagine what TFC's record would be had they not experienced such a rash of injuries which also included starting Goalkeeper Greg Sutton, and star wingback Marvell Wynne. Still, it has been shown that Mo has put together a very solid core, and with another year to add some depth to the squad, playoffs may very well be a reality next season.

Stay tuned for our year end evaluation of the Reds, and our final podcast for the 2007 MLS season.

I will be in Washington DC for the MLS Cup Final, I'll let you all know how that goes!

Where have we been?

Actually, we haven't been anywhere. There just isn't anything to write about. I suppose we could have let everyone know that Dichio got hurt again, but we were too distraught at the idea of a Lombardo/Samuel combo upfront to type anything. Or we could have touched on the fact we haven't scored a goal since TOTAL TFC made the trip to Chicago on July 7, but I'm sure all TFC fans are sick of hearing about our inability to find the twine.

This weekend sees Esky's return to BMO Field with RSL. If we can't beat these guys, let alone score a goal, I will be sorely disappointed.

Andy Welsh Transferred to Blackpool

Toronto FC has sent maligned midfielder to Blackpool in the English Coca-Cola Championship on a transfer.

Many believe the diminutive winger had underachieved in his time with TFC, and had found himself relegated to substitute duty by the end of his spell.

I for one would have liked to see him given more of a chance, but with the end of transfer windows in England approaching, this appears to have been the only time. It does free up salary cap space for TFC, and saves them a Senior International roster spot for next season.

Good luck back in England Andy!

TFC puts the "0" in Toronto

Toronto FC set the new mark for fultility in MLS by breaking the record for the longest goal scoring drought in league history last night as they dropped another match, 1-0 vs. DC United at BMO Field.

The game's lone goal came as a result of DC goalkeeper catching the TFC defense unprepared as he sent a long ball to Fred, who was fortunate enough to bank a low shot in off of TFC 'keeper Kenny Stamatopolous.

The return of the likes of Danny Dichio and Marvell Wynne were not enough to help TFC find the net for the first time since July 7 in Chicago, but the teams play seemed noticeably better throughout the match, despite the loss.

O'brien and Cunningham Officially Done

Toronto FC stars, Ronnie O'brien and Jeff Cunningham are officially done for the year, as they prepare for season ending surgeries on knee and sports hernia injuries respectively.

Where does this leave TFC? Cunningham is an important cog in the Reds attack, and is the perfect compliment to Dichio's holding play at centre-forward. Neither Colin Samuel nor Andrea Lombardo have the same explosiveness to their game that has allowed Cunningham to rack up 98 career goals. To make matters even worse, Toronto is yet to score a goal without all-star midfielder Ronnie O'brien in the lineup. The importance of his play on the wing is no secret to anyone who has followed this team.

To make matters even worse, it has been reported that much-maligned winger Andy Welsh picked up a groin injury and is doubtful for Saturday's match vs. DC United. If TFC is to win any match from this point onward, they need to get performances from underachievers such as Welsh and Samuel, and have their youth such as Andrea Lombardo, and Joey Melo (who needed 7 stitches to close a gash on his finger a few days ago) to start fulfilling their potential. With Kenny Stamatopolous shoring things up in goal we at least have a chance, but with key cogs Jim Brennan and Danny Dichio playing through injury, just how much of a chance remains to be seen.

I really do hope we score within the first 5 minutes. I really don't want the dubious distinction of the longest scoring drought in MLS history.

TFC Puts in Another Stinker in NY

Toronto FC stunk up the New Jersey swamp as they dropped a laugher 3-0 at Giants Stadium. NY outshot Toronto 21-3, 11-0 on goal. Had it not been for some stellar play by new goalkeeper Kenny Stamatopolous the score could very easily have been worse.

To add insult to injury, Colin Samuel was substituted in the second half after picking up what was reported as a "bruise below the knee". Hopefully it is nothing more serious then that. To make matters even worse, Midfielder Chris Pozniak was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge, and will miss the next game.

In all, it was a dismal effort by a team that showed signs of promise against the LA Galaxy only a week prior. Injuries or no injuries, this type of performance is unacceptable for athletes at this level. I'm sure Mo has really ripped into them, and I hope to see a MUCH better performance at home when TFC hosts Chivas USA.

Podcast: Episode 5

We recap the Toronto FC's match vs. LA Galaxy, discuss TFCs injury woes and more!

Click here to download TOTAL TFC Episode 5!

Click here to subscribe to TOTAL TFC in iTunes!

Promising Signs From Depleted TFC Lineup

Despite all the injuries, Toronto FC played to a scoreless draw with a Beckham-less LA Galaxy, a game in which TFC was unlucky not to come away with the full 3 points.

The changes made by manager Mo Johnston proved to be effective, as Marco Reda and Adam Braz both put in a solid full 90, usual substitute Chris Pozniak also started, and made many of us at BMO Field wonder why he doesn't start more often. Out of his regular position, Todd Dunivant was solid in a midfielder's role, and youngster Andrea Lombardo put in his best performance of the year.

Hopefully this is a stepping stone for Mo's skeleton crew, who need to adjust quickly if there is to be any hope of a playoff spot.

The verdict is still out on new 'keeper Kenny Stamatopolous, as he was not tested at all in his first match for Toronto FC.

Just when you thought things couldn't get worse...

The Globe and Mail is reporting Toronto FC Captain Jim Brennan is being checked out for the possibility of a broken rib and leading scorer Danny Dichio is slated for an MRI on his wonky back this afternoon.

At this rate, I wouldn't be shocked to see Mo Johnston put himself in the starting 11 this Sunday. Who else will he have left???

TFC's Promising First Season De-railed by Injuries

Already without the services of starting goalkeeper Greg Sutton, perhaps for the rest of the season as he plays the waiting game of Post-Concussion Syndrome, Toronto FC finds themselves short several key players at all positions. All-Star midfielder Ronnie O'brien re-injured his knee in the friendly against Aston Villa, speedy wingback Marvell Wynne pulled his hamstring in the same game and will require 3-4 weeks to recover, and finally, striker, and 2006 Golden Boot Award winner, Jeff Cunningham will be out at least a month as he takes the time to properly heal a lower-abdominal injury.

As a result, the depleted Toronto squad that took to the field Sunday afternoon against the Chicago Fire was trounced convincingly, coming up on the embarrassing end of a 3-0 loss. Manager Mo Johnston's adjustments were completely ineffective, and saw the likes of Colin Samuel, Andy Welsh, and Jim Brennan shuffling around the field as if they were playing musical chairs (or positions in this case). The sight of left-footed Andy Welsh taking the ball into the corner on his off-wing was an easy target for Chicago to mark, holding him to short passes and defending the off-foot cross. Even worse was the play of Colin Samuel on the wing, as he spent a good 20 minutes just wandering around in no-mans land, before being moved back up front to striker. Jim Brennan lacks the pace and ball handling skills to be effective as anything more than a ball distributer, but with Samuel's poor off-the-ball play and Dichio's lack of pace, he has no real options. Without strong play on the wing, TFC was doomed to a lack of quality scoring chances.

On the otherside of the ball, Marvell Wynne's pace was sorely missed, as Chicago exploited Toronto's defence with fast-paced attacks. If it were not for some strong saves by young goaltender David Monsalve, the score could very easily have been 5 or 6 to nil.

In short, if we put in an effort such as this against Beckham and the LA Galaxy it will be one hell of an embarrassing evening at BMO Field in front of the biggest audience TFC has ever seen.

Toronto FC falls to Aston Villa

It was a highly entertaining return to BMO Field for the TFC, but in the end it was the Villans that came out the victors in this friendly competition between the newest team in the MLS and one of the oldest teams in the EPL. Toronto FC was dominated in the first half, and trailed as a result, 2-0 after 45. However, the home side came out with much more jump in the second half, and tied the score on goals from Dunivant and Lombardo. More strong play followed, until Villa managed to score on a counter attack. They added one mark late in stoppage time for a 4-2 final.

Podcast: Episode 4 - Beckham Special

We weigh in on David Beckham's arrival in North America and MLS with our guest, English ex-pat and EPL expert, Tony Walsh. We also discuss Toronto FC's thus far successful road trip, the nagging injuries that are piling up for TFC, and more!

Click here to download TOTAL TFC Episode 4!

Click here to subscribe to TOTAL TFC in iTunes!

Toronto FC continue road success

After squandering an opportunity to pick up 3 points against Chicago, Toronto FC bravely fought for a single point against the defending champions Houston Dynamo on Sunday night. A brave fought scoreless tie saw TFC playing down to ten men after Maurice Edu was unfairly sent off for a late challenge at the 42" mark. The match also saw Jimmy Brennan playing his natural left-midfield position, but it was difficult to judge his effectiveness having to play as a defensive ten man unit. Striker Jeff Cunningham missed his second consecutive game as he nurses a groin injury, and winger Andy Welsh was conspicuously absent from the match.

I will go out on a limb here and say he must have picked up a knock against Chicago, as his speed down the wing was an element that was sorely missed. Especially after going down to ten men, I was expecting Brennan to move back to defense and Welsh to come in to use his speed to counterattack down the left side. Alas, we managed to get the point, much in part thanks to some brilliant goalkeeping by Srdjan Djekanovic .

TOTALTFC MotM: Srdjan Djekanovic

TOTAL TFC hits the road!

After a hard-partying Canada Day weekend (up north with no TV or internet - sorry for the lack of updates), and Toronto FC's nail-biting, first ever road victory in Salt Lake City, TOTAL TFC will be hitting the road with the Red Patch Boys to watch our TFC put out the Chicago Fire for a second time!

A hot topic in the minds of TFC fans is Samuel vs. Welsh: who should start on the left side? It's amazing how many people have finally come around on their thoughts on Welshy, and if you listen to the podcast, you'll know that I have always supported him. As far as Welsh being relegated to the bench in favour of Samuel, I believe it is a good move. Welsh wears down quickly due to his lack of size, and is much more effective in the early stages of the match, and fades quickly to the point where he is rarely effective during the second half. Putting him in after the 60th minute allows Welsh the opportunity to take on fatigued defenders, which helps to make up for his lack of physical strength, and makes his speed even more of a factor. Watch for big things out of our little number 7 off the bench! I think he'll be good for a goal in Chicago this week!

Goldthwaite's nightmare ends, traded to RBNY

Ending what must have been a nightmarish week, Kevin Goldthwaite now finds himself a member of the New York Red Bulls, as defender Todd Dunivant joins Toronto FC.

Goldthwaite was coming off a horrendous performance in TFC's 3-0 drubbing at the hands of the NE Revolution, all the while sporting a mysterious shiner. We can all speculate about the cause of the black eye, but what we all know for fact is that Goldy put in one of the biggest stinkers of a sporting performance last Saturday night, prompting manager Mo Johnston to say, "The attitude here needs to change. We were very disappointed with one player in particular. You'll see the effects of that next week."

Todd Dunivant is has been out of action since May 27 with a quadriceps strain, but is listed as probable to make his TFC debut Sunday vs. KC.

TFC smoked again in NE, Samuel signs

Toronto FC were embarrassed for a second time in New England as the Revolution stomped all over our Reds 3-0.

Kevin Goldthwaite had a nightmare of a match, his poor play eventually resulting in the first goal as his failure to clear inside the box found it's way onto the foot of Andy Dorman, who made no mistake in finishing.

The rest of the first half was filled by miss after disappointing miss, as TFC were unable to finish on many glorious opportunities to score. Once the whistle went to end the half, New England switched to a very defensive style that Toronto was unable to break through, and the Revolution capped the match with a counter-attack score.

Must improve: Cunningham, Goldthwaite

MotM: Marvell Wynne

In other news, T&T National Colin Samuel has officially signed with Toronto FC. I hope to see him make his debut vs. KC July 1.

Podcast: Episode 3

We recap the Toronto FC's Father's Day thumping of FC Dallas, discuss the Marshall trade and suspension and more!

Click here to download TOTAL TFC Episode 3!

Click here to subscribe to TOTAL TFC in iTunes!

Toronto FC thumps FC Dallas 4-0

Recap:
Toronto FC:
Edu (22)
Dichio (25)
Robinson (65)
Cunningham (92+)

Dallas:
NO SCORING

Summary:
A tired looking FC Dallas squad posed little resistance to the Toronto FC attack as the TFC rolled to a convincing 4-0 victory in front of a raucous Father's Day crowd at BMO Field.

TFC Midfielder Carl Robinson put in a brilliant performance, earning two assists and scoring his first ever MLS goal, as he lead the attack and distributed the ball from his position at centre. Ronnie O'brien played an intense game against his former club, and FC Dallas had no answer for the combination of Cunningham and Dichio up front. Even after Dichio was substituted due to an apparent ankle injury, his replacement, youngster Andrea Lombardo, was given acres of space to roam free, undoubtedly due to the attention paid to Cunningham's skill and speed. Backup goalkeeper Srdjan Djekanovic earned the clean sheet for TFC.

TOTAL TFC MotM: Carl Robinson

Buddle to LA, Marshall to TFC

Mo Johnston has pulled the trigger on yet another trade, bringing defender Tyrone Marshall to Toronto FC in exchange for striker Edson Buddle who joins the LA Galaxy.

In Marshall, TFC are getting an experienced defender, twice named MLS defender of the year (2004,2005) and a stalwart member of the Jamaican national squad.

Buddle was the odd man out in Toronto, already behind the likes of Cunningham and Dichio, and with Andrea Lombardo nipping at his heals for playing time, Mo Johnston is also looking at bringing Dundee striker Colin Samuel in for at least a look on trial. In light of this trade, Samuel may soon be finding a home in the red and grey of TFC.

Marshall is suspended for 3 games after a hard, injury-causing foul that left FC Dallas' Kenny Cooper with a broken tibia. Once he makes his debut for TFC, it will allow TFC Captain Jim Brennan the opportunity to move to his natural position at Left Mid, a move that will see the fans whipping boy, Andy Welsh, to the sidelines.

Refs at it again as Toronto FC falls to NYRB

A high spirited match by Toronto FC resulted in a bitterly disappointing 2-1 loss to NYRB, as Juan Pablo Angel took advantage of some questionable officiating to score twice in three minutes to steal 3 points for the New York side.

Toronto FC carried a 1-0 lead into half-time on Cunningham's first TFC goal, but saw the score equalized after a questionable foul called on a solid Boyens tackle resulted in Angel netting one off a well placed free kick that fooled TFC Keeper Djekanovic. A few minutes later, a TFC rush was snuffed out by another questionable call, the ball was sent quickly the other way, and a cross was deflected by a TFC defender right to Angel, who put home his second for the game winner. As the Columbian star ran to the sidelines to take in the atmosphere, he was greeted by a shower of beer from the BMO Field faithful, but it was all taken in stride by the NYRB striker, who said after the match with regards to MLS, "I must say that this is probably the best ground I've played in so far. The atmosphere was terrific and that's what these people are about, that's what we're going to see in this league."

Terrific atmosphere, terrible officiating. Welcome to BMO Field.

Marc Bircham trains with Toronto FC

Canadian national, and former QPR fan favorite, DM Marc Bircham is in town for a trial with Toronto FC. You may recall Bircham as being the first ever player to score an international goal for a country he had never set foot in, when he scored in his first cap for Canada in 1999.

It is a move that is consistent with coach Mo Johnston's desire to field the best possible team, but with the midfield starting 4 starting to settle in and solidify, it would be an odd move to bring in someone to disrupt that, especially the middle with Robbinson and Edu playing so strong in TFC's resurgence. Could a move to centre back be in the works for Bircham?

Read the full story from the Toronto FC website here.

Podcast: Episode 2

We recap the match June 2 vs. Colorado, first impressions of Cunningham, and talk about unfair treatment on and off the field!

Click here to download Episode 2!

Click here to subscribe to TOTAL TFC using iTunes!

Toronto FC vs. Colorado Rapids Preview

Toronto FC did well to secure their first road points last weekend at Crew Stadium in Columbus, but will be stretched even thinner at home against Colorado with 10 players serving international duty, including Keeper Greg Sutton and Midfielder Carl Robinson.

Chris Pozniak did an admirable job filling in the starting lineup last week, but he too has been called to serve his country in the Gold Cup. Look for Canizalez to see some time on the wing.

Backup Keeper Srdjan Djekanovic will make his official debut in MLS. He was impressive in limited play in the friendly vs. Benfica.

Thankfully, Toronto FC will be able to maintain the front two of Dichio and Cunningham, but with Goldthwaite questionable for tonights game, it may be a patchword defense that takes the pitch this afternoon.

Toronto FC earns first road points. 2-2 vs. Columbus

Recap:
Toronto FC:
Dichio (27)
Brennan (49)

Columbus:
Herron (2, 36)

Summary:
A tenacious effort from Toronto FC saw them coming from behind on two occasions and battling the Columbus Crew to a 2-2 draw.

Jeff Cunningham was just short of brilliant, creating several glorious opportunities, but was unlucky to not convert them. Columbus was able to expose a depleted Toronto lineup and managed to control much of the play in the Toronto end. The absence of Carl Robinson and Andrew Boyens saw Ronnie O'Brien in the middle, Andy Welsh playing his off-wing, and Marco Reda and Chris Pozniak seeing time in the starting 11. The end result was confusion at midfield and ineffective defending which allowed several easy chances for the Columbus side. Strong efforts by Dichio and Cunningham were enough to make up for the lackluster performance behind them, and by the end of the match it seemed an unfortunate result for TFC to not come away with 3 points.

Total TFC MoM: Jeff Cunningham

Match Preview: Toronto FC @ Columbus Crew

For the first time in nearly a month, Toronto FC take to the road to challenge the Columbus Crew at Crew Stadium.

Jeff Cunningham looks to make his debut for TFC, and it will definitely be a new look lineup from Mo Johnston as Welsh national Carl Robinson and Kiwi Andrew Boyens will be unavailable due to international duty.

The Columbus side is coming off an embarrassing 4-0 loss to New York, and will look to improve in front of their home fans.

CNNSI's Ryan Hunt predicts a 1-0 win for the home side.

I am confident that Cunningham's presence will provide TFC with enough of an offensive spark to make up for the absence of two key players. A trademark strong showing from Greg Sutton will be needed, but I have TFC up 3-2.

Cunningham to suit up Saturday @ Columbus

Toronto FC 's newest player, forward Jeff Cunningham, watched last nights friendly vs. Benfica from the sidelines, with Mo Johnston not taking any chances to alow Cunny to rest a "slight knock".

"I'll be ready to face Columbus on Saturday," Cunningham advised.

As for his first taste of the Thunder by the Lake that is BMO Field he mentioned, "I just looked over to one of the boys and said: 'This is the atmosphere the game was meant to be played in,' "

Sounds to me like he is excited to be playing here! Pat on the back to all TFC supporters!

TFC v. Benfica 0-0 Draw

For a 0-0 draw, it was a pretty exciting match, with great chances for both sides. The talent level of even a "B" squad from Benfica really showed who on our roster can keep up with the big boys in Europe and I would have to say Marvell Wynn impressed me the most in this respect. He was, in my opinion, spectacular in how he handled himself on both sides of the pitch. I was hoping for more from O'brien and Lombardo, and was again very disappointed with the performance from Edson Buddle.

In all, based on this performance, our boys in red seem to be working out some of the defensive kinks that plagued them earlier in the season. The addition of Jeff Cunningham should be able to give the offense the ball-handling spark it needs, and I am very optimistic for the next match against Columbus!

Podcast: Episode 1

The first ever TFC Podcast!

We discuss the Esky trade, recap the May 19th match vs. DC United, and talk about the emergence of BMO Field as a frightening place for visiting teams!

Click here to download Episode 1!

TOTAL TFC XML Feed

ESKY TRADED!

Breaking news as we are preparing our first ever podcast. Popular striker Alecko Eskandarian has been traded to Real Salt Lake along with a first round 2008 MLS SuperDraft pick in exchange for forward Jeff Cunningham.

I'm pretty torn about this. I was a big fan of Esky in his short time here in Toronto, he was one guy we could count on to give 120% on the pitch for us, and seemed to really want to help build the team. Right now I am shocked and frankly a little disappointed.

Now, we are getting in return the 4th leading scorer in MLS history, and a finalist for MLS MVP in 2006. This certainly makes us a better team, and I look forward to seeing Cunningham don our glorious red.

That said, I'm still a little sad about Esky leaving. He was just a very likable character.

Best of luck in Utah Esky, I for one will cheer for you when you return.

TOTAL TFC IS HERE!

After an up and down first month, the TFC will soon have its first (as far as I know) podcast!

On the slate for Podcast #1:
Post-game comments from the May 19th match vs. DC
Our thoughts on TFCs first 3 home games
and more!