Thursday, August 30, 2007

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!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

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.

Friday, August 24, 2007

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.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

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.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

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.