Today's News,Tuesday,Apr.03

[denime]

Mornin'





TFC TV



(http://www.torontofc.ca/video)Honduras Crew In Charge Wednesday


(http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/04/honduras-crew-charge-wednesday)Johnson Bracing For "War"


(http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/04/johnson-bracing-war)Rowaan on TFC: Lack of goals worrying


(http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/04/02/mls_toronto_fc_columbus_crew/)Cann, Hall on the mend (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2012/04/02/tfc_cann_hall_on_the_mend/)


Reed: Soccer in Canada on right path (http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/opinion/2012/04/soccer-in-canada-headed-in-right-direction.html)





TFC Related Blogs !! (http://redpatchboys.ca/forums/showthread.php?29582-TFC-MLS-blogs-thread)





SUNSHINE (http://www.torontosun.com/sunshine-girl)

[Stouffville_RPB]

Morning D!

[Red Rat]

Good morning sugar lips!!:wink:

[scooter]

mornin d

[Oldtimer]

Good to hear Winter's comments on TFC-TV that Cann is ready to go.

[[NBF]]

Nigel Reed: Damn good read. I particularly liked the last paragraph.

"Motivation will not be an issue. A franchise first home victory over Toronto is all the incentive Montreal needs. If they are not already, alarm bells will be ringing should TFC return from Quebec with an 0-4 record. So, who wants it more?"

Olympic Qualifying: I thought Nigel was going to write about the positives from the last two times the Canadian U-23 team has made it to the semi-finals to qualify for the Olympics, but I think its worth noting that the lack of a pro-league and scattershot of talent spread accross the world has its limitations. Lets just say it as well that the coaches also suffer from not having a pro-league.

[Carts]

Mornin'
Honduras Crew In Charge Wednesday
(http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/04/honduras-crew-charge-wednesday)

SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT...

The fact we had a competent American official - who not only didn't fall for the diving and bullshit was actually angered by it - was huge plus for us last week...

Tomorrow night, not so much... :(

[Eastend]

SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT...

The fact we had a competent American official - who not only didn't fall for the diving and bullshit was actually angered by it - was huge plus for us last week...

Tomorrow night, not so much... :(

I agree. My first thought was "aahhh f**k".

[yellowfellow]

SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT...

The fact we had a competent American official - who not only didn't fall for the diving and bullshit was actually angered by it - was huge plus for us last week...

Tomorrow night, not so much... :(

It's kind of expected that we wouldn't have another American crew. Let's hope these refs watched the Olympic finals last night and hold a grudge....

[Oldtimer]

It's kind of expected that we wouldn't have another American crew. Let's hope these refs watched the Olympic finals last night and hold a grudge....

Let's just hope our guys can do what they can to avoid a bogus red card.
I'm a little worried when I hear Cann talk about physical play. Santos' players are so light weight, a puff of wind could blow them over and leave them writhing in pain.

[Auzzy]

Check this ref's history in the Santos Laguna pre-game thread. Doesn't look too bad. I haven't seen those games, but based on the balance of fouls called, even between Mexican & US teams, he looks pretty even-handed. Also, few yellow cards given, and especially in the last few years, even fewer reds. We shall see on Wednesday how he acts if Santos dives alot, but I think we could have done far worse.

Plus, he may harbour a grudge against Mexico, based on the last Olympic qualifying game vs Honduras... :D

Edit: I think these are his stats: http://www.football-lineups.com/referee/1363/?iframe=true&width=80%&height=80%

[Carts]

Check this ref's history in the Santos Laguna pre-game thread. Doesn't look too bad. I haven't seen those games, but based on the balance of fouls called, even between Mexican & US teams, he looks pretty even-handed. Also, few yellow cards given, and especially in the last few years, even fewer reds. We shall see on Wednesday how he acts if Santos dives alot, but I think we could have done far worse.

Plus, he may harbour a grudge against Mexico, based on the last Olympic qualifying game vs Honduras... :D

Edit: I think these are his stats: http://www.football-lineups.com/referee/1363/?iframe=true&width=80%&height=80%

Nice research - his stats do look encouraging...

My main fear, is any official watches the mess at the end of last game, reads that twat Herc Gomez comments, reads the violence shit, and enters intimidated...

When entering these houses, with a stronger team, and the world against you, there's only one thing to do... BRING'EM HELL...!!!!!

[BayernTFC]

;1467832']but I think its worth noting that the lack of a pro-league and scattershot of talent spread accross the world has its limitations. Lets just say it as well that the coaches also suffer from not having a pro-league.
This is an excellent point. Under the current approach, growth for Canadian Soccer will continue to be severely limited and progress will remain slow. I think Canadian soccer fans miss out too. A Canadian league would guarantee that a Canadian team is crowned league champion every year and would earn the right to enter into the CCL. Consistent improvement in the league would lead to greater recognition and an automatic berth in the CCL. Also, better ranked leagues receive more berths.

[tfcleeds]

SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT... The fact we had a competent American official - who not only didn't fall for the diving and bullshit was actually angered by it - was huge plus for us last week... Tomorrow night, not so much... :(Guess that just means we'll have to play their game and flop about like fish out of water, go down at the slightest hint of contact.I don't think the game should be played that way, but hey, if it helps us beat those bitches and advance, I'm all for it.

[Stouffville_RPB]

This is an excellent point. Under the current approach, growth for Canadian Soccer will continue to be severely limited and progress will remain slow. I think Canadian soccer fans miss out too. A Canadian league would guarantee that a Canadian team is crowned league champion every year and would earn the right to enter into the CCL. Consistent improvement in the league would lead to greater recognition and an automatic berth in the CCL. Also, better ranked leagues receive more berths.

A Canadian league would be great but a purely Canadian league wouldn't be supported by the average sports fan as much as a North American league. It's just what people here expect. Just look at the CFL, it's entertaining football but isn't supported by fans. Without that support you wouldn't see a salary cap even as high as $3 million or $20 million investment into player development from TFC. You wouldn't see Danny Koevermans or Torsten Frings. A North American league has better reaches to the masses. I think the best thing that could happen is if a Canadian Second Division was created due to the popularity of the sport (or more regional leagues since D2 finances wouldn't be very high).

If you are worried about CCL berths though Canada now has an automatic spot starting this season. There is a new format to the CCL this season and Canada no longer has to compete with another country to make the group stage.

[Technorgasm]

im surpris3ed the temperature round here is so positive.
it makes a nice change.
Going in with a fighting chance. .
lets hop we emerge with the result!
would be MASSIVE lift to the club!!!

see you in MTL bitches.

[TFCBarrie]

A Canadian league would be great but a purely Canadian league wouldn't be supported by the average sports fan as much as a North American league. It's just what people here expect. Just look at the CFL, it's entertaining football but isn't supported by fans. Without that support you wouldn't see a salary cap even as high as $3 million or $20 million investment into player development from TFC. You wouldn't see Danny Koevermans or Torsten Frings. A North American league has better reaches to the masses. I think the best thing that could happen is if a Canadian Second Division was created due to the popularity of the sport (or more regional leagues since D2 finances wouldn't be very high).

If you are worried about CCL berths though Canada now has an automatic spot starting this season. There is a new format to the CCL this season and Canada no longer has to compete with another country to make the group stage.

The problem is, it only allows for ONE Canadian team, plus the competition itself is a borderline joke since there's only 4 contenders for the Voyageurs Cup.

[Roogsy]

A Canadian league would be great but a purely Canadian league wouldn't be supported by the average sports fan as much as a North American league. It's just what people here expect. Just look at the CFL, it's entertaining football but isn't supported by fans. Without that support you wouldn't see a salary cap even as high as $3 million or $20 million investment into player development from TFC. You wouldn't see Danny Koevermans or Torsten Frings. A North American league has better reaches to the masses. I think the best thing that could happen is if a Canadian Second Division was created due to the popularity of the sport (or more regional leagues since D2 finances wouldn't be very high).

If you are worried about CCL berths though Canada now has an automatic spot starting this season. There is a new format to the CCL this season and Canada no longer has to compete with another country to make the group stage.

I keep hearing some corners promote a Canadian-only league but it wouldn't fly. Your idea of a Canadian-only 2nd division I like.

Imagine a NCC where it isn't just the 4 North American teams that play, but some semi-pro teams get a shot as well. Sort of like the league cups in Europe.

You may see some upsets and in the process, interest in local, smaller clubs might grow.

[joeyjones]

I keep hearing some corners promote a Canadian-only league but it wouldn't fly. Your idea of a Canadian-only 2nd division I like.

Imagine a NCC where it isn't just the 4 North American teams that play, but some semi-pro teams get a shot as well. Sort of like the league cups in Europe.

You may see some upsets and in the process, interest in local, smaller clubs might grow.

you could structure it similar to the US Open Cup where the bigger teams get a bye into the quarterfinal knockout rounds....

[Stouffville_RPB]

The problem is, it only allows for ONE Canadian team, plus the competition itself is a borderline joke since there's only 4 contenders for the Voyageurs Cup.

How many people cared or even knew about the Voyageurs Cup when it was handed out in USL?

The competition has gone from who go the most points between each other in league play to an actual tournament that people know is happening with sponsors and a spot in an international tournament. Patience. The trophy now has more meaning than ever before.

Do you think people could call a Canadian league playing with 8 or so teams, playing in mostly CFL or university stadiums, with 3,000 people watching a joke? Or would a regional leagues playing at high school stadiums with a few hundred fans looking on be taken seriously? With MLS right next door? That is what Canada would be looking at. How many champions league spots do you think those type of leagues would be awarded from CONCACAF?

In an ideal world the Voyageurs Cup would be Canada's version of the FA Cup. Regional league teams playing in the early rounds with winners moving on to compete with the NASL and MLS clubs.

[WestStandGeoff]

The problem is, it only allows for ONE Canadian team, plus the competition itself is a borderline joke since there's only 4 contenders for the Voyageurs Cup.

Yes, but it grows form there... until this year, we had to play-in, and now it'll be an automatic berth. Another couple years of good showing and Canada gets another spot in the qualifying rounds. Assuming these things work the same as UEFA, the qualifying coefficients are 4-year rolling, so going from 1 spot in the qualifying rounds to 2 or 3 spots in the group stage isn't going to happen overnight.

[Yohan]

Yes, but it grows form there... until this year, we had to play-in, and now it'll be an automatic berth. Another couple years of good showing and Canada gets another spot in the qualifying rounds. Assuming these things work the same as UEFA, the qualifying coefficients are 4-year rolling, so going from 1 spot in the qualifying rounds to 2 or 3 spots in the group stage isn't going to happen overnight.

I don't think CONCACAF uses coefficients to determine spots

[Fort York Redcoat]

I keep hearing some corners promote a Canadian-only league but it wouldn't fly. Your idea of a Canadian-only 2nd division I like.

Imagine a NCC where it isn't just the 4 North American teams that play, but some semi-pro teams get a shot as well. Sort of like the league cups in Europe.

You may see some upsets and in the process, interest in local, smaller clubs might grow.

Absolutely. One of the issues we've seen is a lack of interest from some of the short sighted in the CSL that want a tight hold on a smaller league rather than an expansion to a true national league. The next is scheduling. Vcup starts in May as does the second division seasons. They would have to put together squads before the season starts and getting the youth in their team out of school is a factor. Not insurmountable by any means but some things to consider.

It's elementary that we need these piecemeal 2-4th divisions to stop fighting and unite in the decision to grow the sport here. There is more attention on the sport here than ever with 3 teams in MLS. The iron. It be hot.

[Yohan]

In an ideal world the Voyageurs Cup would be Canada's version of the FA Cup. Regional league teams playing in the early rounds with winners moving on to compete with the NASL and MLS clubs.

I'm all for this. Have regional tourneys in fall (doesn't CSL end like sept or something?) and four teams advance to knock out stage with 3 MLS and Edmonton. One leg knock out stage (seeded) in spring to decide Voyageurs Cup winner

[Yohan]

Absolutely. One of the issues we've seen is a lack of interest from some of the short sighted in the CSL that want a tight hold on a smaller league rather than an expansion to a true national league. The next is scheduling. Vcup starts in May as does the second division seasons. They would have to put together squads before the season starts and getting the youth in their team out of school is a factor. Not insurmountable by any means but some things to consider.
national league means increased travel cost... just how many teams can afford to fly teams across the country on regular basis? (unless you're asking CSA to chip in big time)

[Stouffville_RPB]

I'm all for this. Have regional tourneys in fall (doesn't CSL end like sept or something?) and four teams advance to knock out stage with 3 MLS and Edmonton. One leg knock out stage (seeded) in spring to decide Voyageurs Cup winner

Boom! There you have it.

When can the RPB's take over the CSA?

[BayernTFC]

A Canadian league would be great but a purely Canadian league wouldn't be supported by the average sports fan as much as a North American league. It's just what people here expect. Just look at the CFL, it's entertaining football but isn't supported by fans.
I thought CFL attendance was strong and had remained pretty consistent over the years, no? Don't televised CFL matches receive good ratings? Junior Hockey in Canada thrives does it not?


Without that support you wouldn't see a salary cap even as high as $3 million or $20 million investment into player development from TFC. You wouldn't see Danny Koevermans or Torsten Frings. A North American league has better reaches to the masses. I think the best thing that could happen is if a Canadian Second Division was created due to the popularity of the sport (or more regional leagues since D2 finances wouldn't be very high). It certainly is easier for business to piggyback on the US structure and avoid capital start up costs. I don't think MLS started with a salary cap as high as it is now either. I think building the structure for Canadian soccer from the foundation up is a good suggestion. You have to start somewhere. I don't see anything wrong with building exposure for soccer in Canada by competing in North American leagues in the meantime. Montreal and Vancouver certainly were able to encourage a tradition through their time in the NASL and USL.


If you are worried about CCL berths though Canada now has an automatic spot starting this season. There is a new format to the CCL this season and Canada no longer has to compete with another country to make the group stage.
I'm not worried. It's just the nature of the way such tournaments are structured. Gaining additional berths in a competition can be a source of pride. How much have Toronto and Montreal's performances in the CCL contributed to that change? Maybe Canada's entry won't continue to be automatic if our teams fail to perform in the future?

[Fort York Redcoat]

national league means increased travel cost... just how many teams can afford to fly teams across the country on regular basis? (unless you're asking CSA to chip in big time)

Keep it regional till playoffs. It's one of the reasons they were invented.

[Yohan]

Keep it regional till playoffs. It's one of the reasons they were invented.
that sounds pretty damn boring, even if you're looking at like 15 team league. imagine playing same team like 6 times before playoffs?

[Yohan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOGjyUGRPRU&feature=player_embedded

Jimmy Conrad issues a soccer game challenge to Dana White

[BayernTFC]

I keep hearing some corners promote a Canadian-only league but it wouldn't fly. Your idea of a Canadian-only 2nd division I like.
Trying to begin with a Canadian first division is likely a non starter. For all the capital, geographic, support reasons that have been mentioned. It would be nice to see an attempt to start somewhere with an eventual goal in mind. I don't see why a top tier Canadian league should be categorized as never being able to happen. That's what makes the suggestion of building from a lower level interesting. I've watched CSL matches. I actually find them entertaining. Many have had more flow than some TFC matches I've watched. It has been interesting to see how Andrea Lombardo has performed at Portugal FC. I thought Milos Kocic made the most of his time with the Serbian White Eagles. Dare to dream I guess.


Imagine a NCC where it isn't just the 4 North American teams that play, but some semi-pro teams get a shot as well. Sort of like the league cups in Europe.

You may see some upsets and in the process, interest in local, smaller clubs might grow
Maybe something like an open cup where the winner earns a qualifying match against a lower division team to gain entry into the NCC?

[Roogsy]

BWUAHAHAHAHA!!! GOOD ON YOU JIMMY!

Stinkin' Dana White...what a douche.

I boxed for years and I know what it takes to participate in both sports. Neither sport should be mocking the other and the fact that Dana White does to soccer only shows a massive level of ignorance.

[BayernTFC]

Keep it regional till playoffs. It's one of the reasons they were invented.

Isn't that what they do in Junior Hockey in Canada?

[Fort York Redcoat]

that sounds pretty damn boring, even if you're looking at like 15 team league. imagine playing same team like 6 times before playoffs?

Yeah if it was only a 15 team league. But why does it have to be? The entire CSL could be one division. The PCSL another. The link is weak geographically in the prairies for numbers but its more important the leagues are linked. Separate they will never grow. That sounds more appetizing than sorting out the American soccer pyramid.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Isn't that what they do in Junior Hockey in Canada?

Aye. And I'd say they're doin alright.

[Carts]

Guess that just means we'll have to play their game and flop about like fish out of water, go down at the slightest hint of contact.I don't think the game should be played that way, but hey, if it helps us beat those bitches and advance, I'm all for it.

I do the obvious in these games - bring'em hell even worse...

They want to drop like they're hurt - well, hurt them...!!!

Over-acting after dives can help us... Yes they will win the free-kick. Santos will dive, the official will buy that its a foul. But because of the lead up, he may not buy into the rolling in pain option - until he sees the replay after the game and realizes that ya, we did stomp an ankle - elbow the ribs - knee on knee foul...

They want to act like they're in pain - well, put them IN PAIN!!!!

[Yohan]

I do the obvious in these games - bring'em hell even worse...

They want to drop like they're hurt - well, hurt them...!!!

Over-acting after dives can help us... Yes they will win the free-kick. Santos will dive, the official will buy that its a foul. But because of the lead up, he may not buy into the rolling in pain option - until he sees the replay after the game and realizes that ya, we did stomp an ankle - elbow the ribs - knee on knee foul...

They want to act like they're in pain - well, put them IN PAIN!!!!

remind yourself to wash the war paint off when you go to bed tonight... and freshly reapplied tomorrow morning ;)

[reggie]

BWUAHAHAHAHA!!! GOOD ON YOU JIMMY!

Stinkin' Dana White...what a douche.

I boxed for years and I know what it takes to participate in both sports. Neither sport should be mocking the other and the fact that Dana White does to soccer only shows a massive level of ignorance.

DANA WHITE = cock fighting for humans

[Roogsy]

BWUAHAHAHAHA!!! GOOD ON YOU JIMMY!

Stinkin' Dana White...what a douche.

I boxed for years and I know what it takes to participate in both sports. Neither sport should be mocking the other and the fact that Dana White does to soccer only shows a massive level of ignorance.


Further to this, (whats netiquette on quoting yourself? LOL! ) it reminds of the high school I went to in Brampton after I moved out of Toronto in my last couple of years of secondary school, and there was a bunch of hockey players who mocked everything that wasn't hockey. Whether it be soccer or basketball (both of which were popular in Brampton). It angered me back then to see these palookas be so ignorant about another sport just because it didn't involve beating the snot out of another athlete.

[TFCBarrie]

How many people cared or even knew about the Voyageurs Cup when it was handed out in USL?

The competition has gone from who go the most points between each other in league play to an actual tournament that people know is happening with sponsors and a spot in an international tournament. Patience. The trophy now has more meaning than ever before.

Do you think people could call a Canadian league playing with 8 or so teams, playing in mostly CFL or university stadiums, with 3,000 people watching a joke? Or would a regional leagues playing at high school stadiums with a few hundred fans looking on be taken seriously? With MLS right next door? That is what Canada would be looking at. How many champions league spots do you think those type of leagues would be awarded from CONCACAF?

In an ideal world the Voyageurs Cup would be Canada's version of the FA Cup. Regional league teams playing in the early rounds with winners moving on to compete with the NASL and MLS clubs.

I fully agree with all of this, I'm a supporter of the cup, but it needs to be MORE important. Add regional teams from the CSL, add the Ottawa NASL team when they get there, add the top Canadian team in the USL, this would even allow for the development of the smaller clubs by playing against TFC and Vancouver, hell add some semi-pro teams from lower Canadian teams, the more grassroots this can be made, the more that soccer culture will sink into the country.

And I don't buy in to the whole "Canada is tied to the states for sports" argument, I never have. I don't think this country gives itself enough credit.

[Carts]

remind yourself to wash the war paint off when you go to bed tonight... and freshly reapplied tomorrow morning ;)

Will do...!!!! :thumbsup:

:mad5: :mad5: :mad5: :mad5: HELL'S COMING WITH US...!!!! :mad5: :mad5: :mad5: :mad5:

[reggie]

those aholes at sportnet are showing the barca-ac milan game on sportsnet world not the regular network..wtf

[Roogsy]

Dana White accepts challenge.

http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_12933.shtml

[TFCBarrie]

that sounds pretty damn boring, even if you're looking at like 15 team league. imagine playing same team like 6 times before playoffs?

Why would you be playing them 6 times? In a 15 team league you play each other twice for 30 games, then you have playoff's and different cup formats for the champions, eventually leading to the NCC. TFC, Montreal and Vancouver could stay in the MLS (similar to what Wales does, with Cardiff and Swansea playing in the English leagues and not in the Welsh Premier League).

[flambe]

Is anyone going down to Mexico to see the game?

[joeyjones]

Dana White accepts challenge.

http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_12933.shtml

does dana white know what a red card is?

[Yohan]

Why would you be playing them 6 times? In a 15 team league you play each other twice for 30 games, then you have playoff's and different cup formats for the champions, eventually leading to the NCC. TFC, Montreal and Vancouver could stay in the MLS (similar to what Wales does, with Cardiff and Swansea playing in the English leagues and not in the Welsh Premier League).
I meant if 15 teams across Canada, and as FYR suggests, play each other only regionally before playoffs. meaning, 5 teams would play each other regionally (if divided East, Central, West) before going to playoffs

[Yohan]

Dana White accepts challenge.

http://www.mmatorch.com/artman2/publish/UFC_2/article_12933.shtml
Jimmy Conrad used to be quite a tackler as a defender... lol

[TFCBarrie]

I meant if 15 teams across Canada, and as FYR suggests, play each other only regionally before playoffs. meaning, 5 teams would play each other regionally (if divided East, Central, West) before going to playoffs

got you, sorry Yohan, I Mis-interpreted that.

[Canary10]

All the talk of a Canadian league reminds me we tried to do this in Canada in the early 1990s. Remember the Canadian Soccer League (not to be confused with the current CSL)? We even had a team in London (the London Lasers) playing out of the old Western Mustangs football stadium. My youth coach at the time played for the Lasers. Syd Marsch, a really speedy blond Welsh guy. Anyway, all this trip down memory lane is meant to say we tried a pro league in Canada and it folded pretty quickly. MLS is a much better platform.

[ArmenJBX]

LOL Dana White XI vs Jimmy Conrad XI :D
I love it!
That should be the MLS All-Star Game halftime show

[TFCBarrie]

All the talk of a Canadian league reminds me we tried to do this in Canada in the early 1990s. Remember the Canadian Soccer League (not to be confused with the current CSL)? We even had a team in London (the London Lasers) playing out of the old Western Mustangs football stadium. My youth coach at the time played for the Lasers. Syd Marsch, a really speedy blond Welsh guy. Anyway, all this trip down memory lane is meant to say we tried a pro league in Canada and it folded pretty quickly. MLS is a much better platform.

I would suggest that Canada as a soccer nation is 100x larger and more caring than it was 20 years ago.

[Fort York Redcoat]

All the talk of a Canadian league reminds me we tried to do this in Canada in the early 1990s. Remember the Canadian Soccer League (not to be confused with the current CSL)? We even had a team in London (the London Lasers) playing out of the old Western Mustangs football stadium. My youth coach at the time played for the Lasers. Syd Marsch, a really speedy blond Welsh guy. Anyway, all this trip down memory lane is meant to say we tried a pro league in Canada and it folded pretty quickly. MLS is a much better platform.

And a better platform than the old NASL...

MLS is the accepted successful tier one in NA. I speak of a stronger, united national league that would make the rest of the US soccer pyramid here irrelevant and strengthen the countries game.

For example I'd love to see 2 CSL teams in London creating rivalries (not St Patricks day riots though) in a stronger CSL than this PDL competing. Do they ever play each other in friendlies, even?

[Auzzy]

does dana white know what a red card is?

He'll probably think, if you've collected the most by the end of the game, you've won.

[jloome]

All the talk of a Canadian league reminds me we tried to do this in Canada in the early 1990s. Remember the Canadian Soccer League (not to be confused with the current CSL)? We even had a team in London (the London Lasers) playing out of the old Western Mustangs football stadium. My youth coach at the time played for the Lasers. Syd Marsch, a really speedy blond Welsh guy. Anyway, all this trip down memory lane is meant to say we tried a pro league in Canada and it folded pretty quickly. MLS is a much better platform.

The only issue with a pro league in Canada is infrastructure, as regionalizing loops can address the travel issue.

I believe Canadians are passionate footie fans. I've seen nothing but, every time they're given a good chance to show it.

But we're also expecting a certain level of professionalism. And THAT is all that has been lacking from other efforts: infrastructure, because you can't make it work without a proper stadium atmosphere, and professionalism.

People forget that pro lacrosse teams get 9,000 a game in Canada. Do people really think we couldn't make a go of it budgeting for 10,000 a game for soccer (bigger than most pro leagues around the world, it should be noted)?

The only impediment (other than investors with balls and foresight) is that in order to offer the right level of professionalism, the infrastructure has to be there, and that's a pretty huge speed bump. It would take lots of government buy in, lots of community involvement to justify off-time use, a spread of sizes based on community "buy in". Even if you go cheap with a framework style stadium like Empire Field, you're looking at $20-30 million per community.

I think number crunchers could make it work based on the long-term, but it takes more vision and risk than the business community and government is willing -- and a recognition by those two groups of the dormant, unrepresented hard-core fan base that exists out there, due to the COMMUNITY of football.

[BayernTFC]

that sounds pretty damn boring, even if you're looking at like 15 team league. imagine playing same team like 6 times before playoffs?

Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I followed some of FC Edmonton last year and I didn't mind the structure of the latest incarnation of the NASL. I actually felt that fewer teams helped me become more familiar with the other teams Edmonton was playing against. I have no connection to the other teams in the league and I didn't watch the US teams when they were playing each other, so it didn't bother me. Some people like the NHL's 82 game season or the long seasons in other NA sports leagues. I find those boring. How about best of seven playoff series? They're great for generating money, but I think they last too long and I'd rather watch a two-legged tie. Didn't the NHL start with 6 teams?

[Yohan]

Montreal is playing their academy in the USDA league

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2012/04/timbers-impact-extend-mls-presence-in-us-development-academy.html

[Yohan]

http://www.tout.com/m/wh8crk

BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston

[Auzzy]

http://www.tout.com/m/wh8crk

BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston

Nice. And then they're going to add poly-carbonate panels to extend the roof to the edge of the seats.

[TFCRegina]

Adrian Serioux + Dana White = White's legs broken = Nuke

[Redcoe15]

Adrian Serioux + Dana White = White's legs broken = Nuke

http://scentsofself.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/make-it-so.jpg

[Redcoe15]

Adrian Serioux + Dana White = White's legs broken = Nuke

http://scentsofself.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/make-it-so.jpg