TFC 2013 general player moves/speculation/etc.

[Dv23]

Can the argument about celebrity/athlete criticism have it's own thread?

Seriously. Everyone posting in this threat about non-pertinent information should be warned by mods, and repeat offenders should be suspended from posting. This is getting out of hand.

[Morlesio14]

I really hope to hear some news soon on the Argentinian, anyone heard?

Conversation starter.

[Oldtimer]

Seriously. Everyone posting in this threat about non-pertinent information should be warned by mods, and repeat offenders should be suspended from posting. This is getting out of hand.
Everyone, back to topic!

[19Barrett19]

Everyone, back to topic!

Finally all this blabbering can stop thank you. Get to the real news and rumors. BTW yesterday Nelson had no updates on the new argentine dp, so I guess all else is quiet

[Dv23]

I'm very surprised that we haven't heard anything about the Argentinean. Two weeks ago, we thought we'd be hearing about a signing at any moment. I thought for sure that we'd have him before Saturday's game. What gives.

[Carts]

I'm very surprised that we haven't heard anything about the Argentinean. Two weeks ago, we thought we'd be hearing about a signing at any moment. I thought for sure that we'd have him before Saturday's game. What gives.

I keep hearing "...waiting on the ITC..." (International Transfer Certificate)...

But let's be honest, that is probably used to cover 1,000,000 possible reasons an international signing is taking time. From league holdups, to passports, to taxes, to saying goodbye to his mom, to packing his bags, to problems with the deal, to illness, delayed flight, can't sell his house, can't find an apartment, getting cold feet, gone missing, gone fishing, having goodbye sex with wife, having goodbye sex with girlfriend 1, having goodbye sex with girlfriend 2, having goodbye sex with girlfriend 3, trying to get his buddy brought over as his chef, lost his keys, ran out of gas, watching 'The Shield', cutting the grass, or tearing a final one off...

All of those are explained as "...waiting on the ITC..."

[Gazza]

I keep hearing "...waiting on the ITC..." (International Transfer Certificate)...

But let's be honest, that is probably used to cover 1,000,000 possible reasons an international signing is taking time. From league holdups, to passports, to taxes, to saying goodbye to his mom, to packing his bags, to problems with the deal, to illness, delayed flight, can't sell his house, can't find an apartment, getting cold feet, gone missing, gone fishing, having goodbye sex with wife, having goodbye sex with girlfriend 1, having goodbye sex with girlfriend 2, having goodbye sex with girlfriend 3, trying to get his buddy brought over as his chef, lost his keys, ran out of gas, watching 'The Shield', cutting the grass, or tearing a final one off...

All of those are explained as "...waiting on the ITC..."

Might be having problems with his local bank teller.

[Carts]

Might be having problems with his local bank teller.

HAHAHAHA...!!!! Well Played! g:D

That too is listed as Waited on ITC!

[Yohan]

Just a thought, but Simeon Jackson is out of contract from Norwich come summer. Doesn't look to be in Norwich's plans as he is looking to go on loan with Brighton now.

Likely get picked up by a Championship club, but something to think about, if he does become available

[gmacpheetfc]

simeon jackson is shit.

[Gazza]

Simeon Jackson is that frustrating striker who does so well to get himself into great scoring positions, but wastes so many opportunities.

He really thrived in the lower divisions earlier on in his career, and he's still young, but i would be a little leery about taking a flyer on him.

[Ajax TFC]

Just a thought, but Simeon Jackson is out of contract from Norwich come summer. Doesn't look to be in Norwich's plans as he is looking to go on loan with Brighton now.

Likely get picked up by a Championship club, but something to think about, if he does become available
No. There are far better strikers for the cap hit he would cost us.

[Ultra & Proud]

Hope we don't ever look Jackson's way. Unless of course we are doing a 2009 again and overpaying Canadians to fill our line up because it makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside.

[TFC07]

Jackson is a "super sub" who can play as a striker or winger. I will only sign him if we can get him for cheap ($200K at most given his age and experience)

[FreekAce]

Jackson is a "super sub" who can play as a striker or winger. I will only sign him if we can get him for cheap ($200K at most given his age and experience)

good to know our team is in good hands g:D

[Ultra & Proud]

Jackson is a "super sub" who can play as a striker or winger. I will only sign him if we can get him for cheap ($200K at most given his age and experience)

$200K for a 'super sub' striker whose strike rate is 1 in 3 in a league that people around here usually complain about the quality of?


:crazy:

[gmacpheetfc]

he's a poor mans robert earnshaw

[Canary10]

Norwich just signed RvW (yes, THAT RvW) so Simeon is definitely not in the plan. Even Grant Holt may be out of the plan now. So he'll more than likely be availabe. I don't think Simeon is shit. He has speed to burn with and without the ball. Does lack clinical finishing, but he's decent. Lay off him people!

[tfcleeds]

Norwich just signed RvW (yes, THAT RvW) so Simeon is definitely not in the plan. Even Grant Holt may be out of the plan now. So he'll more than likely be availabe. I don't think Simeon is shit. He has speed to burn with and without the ball. Does lack clinical finishing, but he's decent. Lay off him people!van Wolfswinkel? That's the only RvW I can think of...?

[BuSaPuNk]

I'd take a fyler on him at a good price. Has the speed and ability to create. Yeah his finishing is a little suspect but who knows he might be able to turn it around with some consistant playing time.

[Yohan]

van Wolfswinkel? That's the only RvW I can think of...?
yep.

[Canary10]

van Wolfswinkel? That's the only RvW I can think of...?

Household name. Forget the "P."

[tfcleeds]

^Maybe you can give us Becchio back then. He hasn't done much for yas since he joined!

[Canary10]

^Maybe you can give us Becchio back then. He hasn't done much for yas since he joined!

Ha, that's true. He's barely played.

[bman27]

^Maybe you can give us Becchio back then. He hasn't done much for yas since he joined!

seconded....... pretty please?

[moralis]

It seems like Max Urruti is in the starting lineup for Newell's Old Boys Argentina Cup game:

http://www.copaargentina.org/es/partido/2208_Deportivo-Armenio-vs-Newell-s.html

https://twitter.com/CANOBoficial

https://twitter.com/search/realtime?q=urruti&src=typd

What happens if he get's injured? Why didn't TFC tell Newell's Old Boys that he can't play. If he does get injured the deal could collapse. Let's hope that doesn't happen.

Any thoughts?

[ag futbol]

he's a poor mans robert earnshaw
I think that's a pretty accurate description.

He can probably still find good work in the championship too, don't think MLS will be on his mind in the immediate future at least.

[moralis]

Max Urruti scores Newell's Old Boys second goal in the Argentina Cup:

http://espnfc.com/scores/_/league/arg.copa/copa-argentina?cc=5901

A little nervous that Newell's backs out and it collapses. Hope Urruti is announced soon.

Newell's Old Boys play again in league action on Sunday:

http://espnfc.com/scores/_/league/arg.1/date/20130331/primera-division-de-argentina?cc=5901 (http://espnfc.com/scores/_/league/arg.1/date/20130330/primera-division-de-argentina?cc=5901)

[notthesun]

Keep in mind we don't actually know that it is Urruti (although it likely is).

[moralis]

It is Urruti, pretty much confirmed by all TFC beat reporters.

Max Urruti scores Newell's Old Boys second goal in the Argentina Cup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ixtqtPJD-U

[69Chevy396]

It is Urruti, pretty much confirmed by all TFC beat reporters.

Max Urruti scores Newell's Old Boys second goal in the Argentina Cup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ixtqtPJD-U

I am confused. Just why does this player want to take a step down in his career path by leaving Argentina for MLS? Is it about the $ ?

[Abou Sky]

I am confused. Just why does this player want to take a step down in his career path by leaving Argentina for MLS? Is it about the $ ?

MLS is not a step down in the quality and as I understand it is a step up in exposure.

Ideally though, I would love to see a squad that is mainly unchanged over the years.

[Detroit_TFC]

In the past MLS was off the map for a player looking to progress in their career. Now, for a player in the pack, some players (probably more accurately - their agents) are starting to see MLS as an opportunity to get some exposure. Enough players have come here and had success that word is starting to get around, especially after some players have gotten picked up by Prem teams.

[Derko]

I am confused. Just why does this player want to take a step down in his career path by leaving Argentina for MLS? Is it about the $ ?

Even in Countries where Football/Soccer is the number 1 sport, they have divisions in their leagues that are poorer than MLS, the exposure thing is a good point. In fact in my opinion MLS have improved and are becoming more of a player, in the Football World Internationally.

[JuliquE]

In the past MLS was off the map for a player looking to progress in their career. Now, for a player in the pack, some players (probably more accurately - their agents) are starting to see MLS as an opportunity to get some exposure. Enough players have come here and had success that word is starting to get around, especially after some players have gotten picked up by Prem teams.
More on the point of exposure: I believe that, due to the similar styles of play (physicality/intensity, albeit lower overall quality), MLS often serves as a good test of character for SA & CA players being scouted by EPL sides; in many cases, foreign players struggle to adapt, whether that be down to language/cultural differences, home-sickness or what have you.

[Jpexxx]

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN)4m (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/317302272709255168)
U.S. mid Jermaine Jones is rumoured to be interested in MLS, according to http://Goal.com (http://t.co/MHlCCOCoYo). #TFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash) remains top of the allocation order.

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I wonder if this will lead to some movement? Maybe there is a team out there who really want him, and would be willing to trade up?

[Yohan]

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN)4m (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/317302272709255168)
U.S. mid Jermaine Jones is rumoured to be interested in MLS, according to http://Goal.com (http://t.co/MHlCCOCoYo). #TFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash) remains top of the allocation order.

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I wonder if this will lead to some movement? Maybe there is a team out there who really want him, and would be willing to trade up?
we'll see when summer comes. Jones probably is looking for DP level money though. and I can see Kevin Payne fleecing a 1st rd pick out of someone...

[Abou Sky]

More on the point of exposure: I believe that, due to the similar styles of play (physicality/intensity, albeit lower overall quality), MLS often serves as a good test of character for SA & CA players being scouted by EPL sides; in many cases, foreign players struggle to adapt, whether that be down to language/cultural differences, home-sickness or what have you.

Good point on the EPL thing, MLS plays pretty similar to EPL (not same quality but many of the same styles)

As for quality, I have watched a lot of games so far this year and I understand soccer better this year than in years past (I only started watching in 2011) Watching the DC vs. CLB game was as entertaining and QUALITY as bottom 1/3 EPL teams going at it. MLS is VERY watchable, especially for those that know less about soccer, Serie A is probably the best overall but to the uninitiated/less initiated it isn't as exciting as MLS.

Anyway, I think we should be able to attract quality young talent now, and as time goes on, I think we should be able to KEEP quality young talent.

[pdogg]

we'll see when summer comes. Jones probably is looking for DP level money though. and I can see Kevin Payne fleecing a 1st rd pick out of someone...

Ideally it's whoever is 2nd in allocation that wants him. We would essentially keep our allocation order by agreeing not to pick the player up. I don't know what the rules are on that in MLS, but an easy #1 for #2 + player/pick could be arranged as well, no?

[Pint]

International Spot(s) and allocation money would be my hope if we are trading that slot.

[gdg_9]

International Spot(s) and allocation money would be my hope if we are trading that slot.

^^THIS^^

Would help allow those rumoured Hondurans to come this summer.

[Yohan]

Ideally it's whoever is 2nd in allocation that wants him. We would essentially keep our allocation order by agreeing not to pick the player up. I don't know what the rules are on that in MLS, but an easy #1 for #2 + player/pick could be arranged as well, no?
you can trade allocation spots and get whatever in return.

[mowe]

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 1m (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/317681637389377537) Julio Cesar has been released by TorontoFC #TFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash)

Damn, I was hoping he would be the answer in the middle of the field. He didn't take an international spot so this is a little puzzling. Maybe his salary was too big and we get some relief?

[ag futbol]

^ Interesting news. His nagging injuries probably weren't much of a help.

[ensco]

Kurtis Larson ‏@KurtLarSUN (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN) 1m (https://twitter.com/KurtLarSUN/status/317681637389377537) Julio Cesar has been released by TorontoFC #TFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash)

My opinion on this is 100% driven by the cap implications. If as I fear we've lost $100K in cap room) ie half his salary, Payne has some 'splainin to do.

[Ivy]

Who's this Julio Cesar you speak of? I believe I've seen a black cat cover more mileage for TFC than this guy...

[PopePouri]

Maybe we're making a offer for Jermaine Jones.

[Yohan]

Maybe we're making a offer for Jermaine Jones.
contract is till summer of 2014

[Richard]

From the article on TSN

"TFC manager Ryan Nelsen said Friday he could not guarantee the Brazilian playing time with the Major League Soccer club."

Really? He is worse than Dunfiled and Hall? Seriously hope this is out of context.

[Yohan]

From the article on TSN

"TFC manager Ryan Nelsen said Friday he could not guarantee the Brazilian playing time with the Major League Soccer club."

Really? He is worse than Dunfiled and Hall? Seriously hope this is out of context.
some big balls KP has, cutting Julio Cesar just as he was about to be healthy. ironic, considering torontofc.ca just ran a story on Cesar

we all knew that Cesar was a stop gap measure. at 34, he was not going to be a long term solution. KP saw desperate lack of talent in TFC squad. Saw Julio Cesar available for immediate improvement in quality, but was smart enough to sign him to a non guaranteed contract (well, this would be smart thing to do). Fast forward to now and improvement in the squad at DM, at least to level that makes Cesar expendable. ruthless, yes. pragmatic, hell yes.

it sucks for Cesar that he got cut now though

[T-boy]

Do we know how much Cesar was making roughly? As he's a non-gurantee release, do we get that money back in cap space now?

[Ajax TFC]

Payne better have a quality DM signing up his sleeve, because there's no way we will last with Hall and Dunfield as our CM pairing, and we'll be even more screwed if one of those two gets an injury. And neither of those two covers enough ground or is aggressive enough to pair up with Bekker in CM which means he'll have to get his minutes up top or out wide where he is WAY less effective.

[Ajax TFC]

Do we know how much Cesar was making roughly? As he's a non-gurantee release, do we get that money back in cap space now?
probably ~200k. But I can't see cap space being the reason since we have a boatload of it already from getting rid of Frings+Hassli, plus a major allocation for coming last, plus all the allocation from trading down the draft order

[Yohan]

Do we know how much Cesar was making roughly? As he's a non-gurantee release, do we get that money back in cap space now?
if on a non guaranteed contract, pretty much

[Detroit_TFC]

I echo what others have said, what changed between now and 2 wks ago, either he was in the plans or not. Did he have to get fit in order to cut him?

[notthesun]

Definitely getting the feeling that we don't have the full story with Cesar.

Hall and Dunfield are going to continue costing us goals if they keep starting in central midfield. Payne better sign those Hondurans in the summer.

[Dv23]

Interesting news. Feel like it came out of nowhere. Only explanation I can ever think of for surprise drops like this is that we're about to sign someone new. Here's hoping.

[T-boy]

Payne better have a quality DM signing up his sleeve, because there's no way we will last with Hall and Dunfield as our CM pairing, and we'll be even more screwed if one of those two gets an injury. And neither of those two covers enough ground or is aggressive enough to pair up with Bekker in CM which means he'll have to get his minutes up top or out wide where he is WAY less effective.

Russel has played a lot of career as DM too, so he may get some game time in that position ahead of Dunfield and Hall eventually. Russel seems to have a fair amount of quality about him.

[mowe]

I echo what others have said, what changed between now and 2 wks ago, either he was in the plans or not. Did he have to get fit in order to cut him?

Well he was injured, so maybe they wanted to see him in action before deciding if he fit in? In addition to the cap space, I think the roster spot he frees up was an important part of this decision. Hopefully this means some signings are imminent.

[BuSaPuNk]

An out of the blue release like this is either a signing coming and they need they cap dollars or he did or he said something and they needed to get Cesar out of here. Just surprising that there hasn't been alot of rumors or talk about signings outside of Urritti.

[Jeff s]

From the article on TSN

Really? He is worse than Dunfiled and Hall? Seriously hope this is out of context.

Tell me about it. Sometimes I question what these managers are seeing compared to the thousands of people who have a different view.

[razor787]

Tomorrow is the last day the window is open if i'm not mistaken. I wonder if the holdup with Urruti will be solved, or if we will need to wait until summer. Hopefully we have someone coming in, even if its not who we thought.

[Yohan]

Tomorrow is the last day the window is open if i'm not mistaken. I wonder if the holdup with Urruti will be solved, or if we will need to wait until summer. Hopefully we have someone coming in, even if its not who we thought.
(B) TRANSFERS AND LOANS
An MLS player may be transferred or loaned at any time to a team outside the League (subject to that team’s Federation’s transfer window), subject to the consent of the player.

The registration windows – the dates between which MLS may request the transfer certificate of a player under contract in another country – are as follows:

February 12 – May 6 (Primary Window)
July 9 – August 8 (Secondary Window)

[T-boy]

Tell me about it. Sometimes I question what these managers are seeing compared to the thousands of people who have a different view.

It's not always a "footballing" reason that players leave a club. These guys arent footballing robots - they also have other things going on, and there off field issues, different points of view. It seems that the Cesar thing is more likely a non-footballing issue, or at least a difference in opinion that means that Cesar doesn't belong in Nelson's plans. Simply comparing Cesar to Hall and Dunfield is looking at it from a very one dimensional (footballing) way.

[Derko]

It's not always a "footballing" reason that players leave a club. These guys arent footballing robots - they also have other things going on, and there off field issues, different points of view. It seems that the Cesar thing is more likely a non-footballing issue, or at least a difference in opinion that means that Cesar doesn't belong in Nelson's plans. Simply comparing Cesar to Hall and Dunfield is looking at it from a very one dimensional (footballing) way.

I tend to agree

[T-boy]

I know I'm not a mod, but before anybody carries on the Cesar convo here, best go to the thread specifically about him and post there :)

[jazzy]

simeon jackson is shit.

nice reference to a Canadian player who at the drop of a hat plays for Canada, instead of his other available options. A bit more depth and critical thought is more respectable/deserving to a player who wants to play for Canada.

[notthesun]

Pure speculation here, but does anyone else think we might trade Frei at some point this season? Bendik's looking like a hell of a keeper. There was talk of possibly moving Frei back when Kocic was doing well but even then Kocic would make the odd mistake... Bendik has been literally mistake-free (not to mention numerous good saves) and we're four games into the season.

Any MLS teams with goalie trouble?

[Bantamfan]

I would not think so. bendik may have shown he is capable but his ball distribution is not good. Every ball forward either goes into touch or it is a 50 50 ball that we don't win.

[Abou Sky]

Pure speculation here, but does anyone else think we might trade Frei at some point this season? Bendik's looking like a hell of a keeper. There was talk of possibly moving Frei back when Kocic was doing well but even then Kocic would make the odd mistake... Bendik has been literally mistake-free (not to mention numerous good saves) and we're four games into the season.

Any MLS teams with goalie trouble?

It has been a while but IIRC Frei and Bendik are pretty much the same IN net, and Frei is better at other stuff. Hope to see Frei start next week.

[Yohan]

It has been a while but IIRC Frei and Bendik are pretty much the same IN net, and Frei is better at other stuff. Hope to see Frei start next week.
why? Bendik has done nothing to lose his starting job. Sucks for Frei, but it's no good for Nelsen to take away from Bendik what he has earned

[Yohan]

Pure speculation here, but does anyone else think we might trade Frei at some point this season? Bendik's looking like a hell of a keeper. There was talk of possibly moving Frei back when Kocic was doing well but even then Kocic would make the odd mistake... Bendik has been literally mistake-free (not to mention numerous good saves) and we're four games into the season.

Any MLS teams with goalie trouble?
Colorado could use a GK now, though only temporary with Matt Pickens out for months. Former CSLer in goal for Colorado tonight

[Abou Sky]

why? Bendik has done nothing to lose his starting job. Sucks for Frei, but it's no good for Nelsen to take away from Bendik what he has earned

I would say just booting the ball 70+ yds and hoping for the best is reason to lose his start. I would rather someone who can place a ball 50yds than boot it 70.

[ag futbol]

The long passes are undoubtedly intentional on the part of the coaching staff. That being said, his passes aren't terribly accurate, they're just lumped up 'in the area' of a TFC player.

I'd put Frei back in goal.

[mcolvy]

Trade stuff as I have heard some speculation. Sporting KC has a hell of a team. Bunbury will be back soon and apparently Kamara will be back with the team post EPL loan. That gives them too much up top and we could trade with them. Bring in Sapong.
With espinoza gone the midfield is pretty thin in KC. Nagamura doesnt figure to be that great a piece in the midfield as a starter. So thats what theyd want in return. We dont have much to offer in the midfield though. I would offer Silva and picks? allocation? maybe Gala?

[Stryker]

Trade Silva for another forward when we have Koev and Earnshaw? Ummmm No.

[notthesun]

I'm surprised anyone would not want Bendik to keep starting. I love Frei and I feel terrible for him that he had to get injured right before the season started, but Bendik has been more than rock solid.

I haven't noticed him playing particularly bad balls either. And honestly, I don't think Frei would make much of a difference in that area. I think he sort of made a reputation for himself with that one brilliant punt up to Martina way back when more than anything.

Also, consider Nelsen's position. If you're coaching this team would you start a guy who's been nearly perfect for four games or a guy who's played 60-something minutes in the past year? Imagine if Nelsen starts Frei and Frei makes a mistake that costs us a win or draw. Talk about embarrassing. I wouldn't take that risk when I have a good thing going in Bendik already.

Frei will get his start at some point. Maybe in the Canadian Championship. If not because Bendik slips up, then because we'll have to give him some games to show the league he can actually play so that there would be takers if we tried to move him. I hope he can at least get to 100 appearances.

[JavierMartini]

The new hot thing is hating on Bendik, im guessing noone saw his point blank save off the header? Are we to blame him for 2 blatant mistakes by Russel?

[OgtheDim]

The new hot thing is hating on Bendik....

3 posts and its the new hot thing?


:chillpill:

[ensco]

Bendik is terrific. I love his presence. Like Milos that way, but even better. Gets out on guys in close and causes them to mishit. Also great on balls in the air. Which Frei isn't (or wasn't).

He kicks the ball as far as anyone in world football. Maybe he should be an NFL pinter.

He's too deliberate on his distribution, then tends to just punt. Has a lot of work to do there.

Frei is going to have trouble getting his job back.

[Morlesio14]

We are playing a 4-4-1-1 correct? If we are we need a midfielder that can also distribute the ball to rob. Not just a totally defensive one

[Abou Sky]

The new hot thing is hating on Bendik, im guessing noone saw his point blank save off the header? Are we to blame him for 2 blatant mistakes by Russel?

I don't hate him, I think he is fantastic at saving shots.

I don't blame him for either goal but Frei distributes better, so if you Frei can put it on Bostock or Lambe to move it up and get more goals, I want Frei.

Nelsen knows more than me, he said it really well yesterday (paraphrase) 'creative is romantic but first let's get our foundation built, then we can be creative' so maybe Bendik suits his views and goals better.

[Abou Sky]

Trade Silva for another forward when we have Koev and Earnshaw? Ummmm No.

Especially when Silva plays beautifully in the 10 man position.

Seems to me that things are pretty good at the moment. We need 2 DMs and maybe a left back.

I am wondering if Urruti is being held up because we may not really need him as Earnshaw has performed beyond anyone's expectations.

Think we can get Kyle Beckerman?

[69Chevy396]

We are playing a 4-4-1-1 correct? If we are we need a midfielder that can also distribute the ball to rob. Not just a totally defensive one
The team is playing the way it did under Mo Johnson. Balloon ball from the defenders rendering the midfielders useless. I am hoping this is a response to having utter shit midielders who don't know what to do with the ball when they do touch it, and anticipating real change once the current boss acquires skilledreplacements for bums like Dungfield and Hall.

[pdogg]

A lot of people are saying that Frei won't start because he's only played 60 minutes in the last year. How do you expect him to get more minutes if you don't play him? If that is the excuse, just trade him away because you'll never let him play then. I would think on just his body of work so far, that should earn him a chance at starting. If they see something in practice, that's fine. But the 60 minutes argument is BS, IMO. Bendik played 5 games last year.

[Smokecell]

Urruti on the bench again today for NOB http://espnfc.com/us/en/gamecast/361101/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901

I believe he also scored the other day in Copa Argentina

Is anybody else starting to think he's not the Argentine TFC have been pursuing. I haven't been able to find word of NOB going into administration either so I'm not sure what to think. Also taking into account they are third in the table and boast stars like Heinze and Maxi Rodriguez I'm not sure why a player like Urruti would even want out. Honestly speaking, TFC would be a step down for him.

EDIT: Urruti now called upon off the bench

[moralis]

Max Urruti entered the game in the 84th minute for Newell's Old Boys vs. San Lorenzo: Newell's Old Boys won 1-0.

http://espnfc.com/us/en/gamecast/statistics/id/361101/statistics.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901

Man, I hope he signs this week. Need him up front with Earnshaw. Need more goals from other players. Earnshaw 4 and Osorio 1.

[jazzy]

Max Urruti entered the game in the 84th minute for Newell's Old Boys vs. San Lorenzo: Newell's Old Boys won 1-0.

http://espnfc.com/us/en/gamecast/statistics/id/361101/statistics.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901

Man, I hope he signs this week. Need him up front with Earnshaw. Need more goals from other players. Earnshaw 4 and Osorio 1.

no we need a strong Koev's and new mids

[T-boy]

Especially when Silva plays beautifully in the 10 man position.

Seems to me that things are pretty good at the moment. We need 2 DMs and maybe a left back.

I am wondering if Urruti is being held up because we may not really need him as Earnshaw has performed beyond anyone's expectations.

Think we can get Kyle Beckerman?

Beckermann or Osvaldo Alonso and we have a team. Either would be a fantastic addition to our midfield. Chances of getting either though? I'd say unlikely.

[West220Side]

The last thing we need is to waste money in the striker position, with Earnshaw healthy and scoring, once Koev is healthy, assuming he retains his form from last season. We should be laughing in the striker position, behind the striker in the hole we now have Silva coming back and I would imagine once Koev is healthy him and Earnshaw may be playing together anyways. Bostock is doing a great job getting forward, dazzling with skill, and farely good on corners. Silva showed a nice bit of skill this weekend aswell to build up that goal. Its Lambe, and Ephraim for me that arn't doing it. They're just not providing service to our strikers that we desperately need. Hall is a goal leaking machine he's just gonna bash into people in the midfield, wont be able to pass good enough, wont be able to break up play. I'm a big Dunfield supporter so I won't say much on him other then in that last ten minutes I was thinking "Oh god let Dunfield back on!" I felt as if he never went off he could have been the game changer for once, breaking up play, drawing a foul here or there, who knows.

What we need is a decent replacement for Lambe, just an MLS caliber guy nobody who's going to work master pieces but somebody who is atleast going to put in a consistent shift every week.
Ontop of that you're all right in saying we need a DM because Hall needs out of that midfield.

[Thomas]

I think Dunkfield is good value for what he is being paid, just don't think that we should be consistently have to rely on him as a core starter. I also think that it is too early to pass judgment on Hogan.

[Ajax TFC]

A lot of people are saying that Frei won't start because he's only played 60 minutes in the last year. How do you expect him to get more minutes if you don't play him?
You go with your in form GK and you keep going while he's on form. Same with any position really. This is about what is best for TFC, not what's best for Frei.


If that is the excuse, just trade him away because you'll never let him play then.
Sounds great to me. I would have traded him in the off season before last season. And this past off season we should have renegotiated Milos' contract up to ~100k and traded Frei and his 175k contract for Bendik.

[West220Side]

Interesting to see that DeRo could be on his was back to TFC? Apparently staff stayed late to push the deal through with DCU, could be why Urrutti deal hasn't been completed.

[flamehawk]

Interesting to see that DeRo could be on his was back to TFC? Apparently staff stayed late to push the deal through with NYRB, could be why Urrutti deal hasn't been completed.

!! NYRB? You mean DC?

Oh man, this would make my week! ... and I just submitted the first draft of my thesis.

Where did you hear this?

[flamehawk]

Interesting to see that DeRo could be on his was back to TFC? Apparently staff stayed late to push the deal through with NYRB, could be why Urrutti deal hasn't been completed.

ah wait... april fools?

[Stryker]

Interesting to see that DeRo could be on his was back to TFC? Apparently staff stayed late to push the deal through with NYRB, could be why Urrutti deal hasn't been completed.
Yeah and I suppose he was happy to negotiate a deal with his good friend Cochrane. Piss off, don't even start this April fools DeRo shit.

[khso11]

Interesting to see that DeRo could be on his was back to TFC? Apparently staff stayed late to push the deal through with DCU, could be why Urrutti deal hasn't been completed.

nice one

[Morlesio14]

A bastian schweinsteiger type of player would be awesome a deep midfield playmaker that is good defensively

[Walms]

elaborate April fools joke?

http://www.rednationonline.ca/Articles2012/ImpactacquireEckersleytradeWengertoTFC.aspx (http://www.rednationonline.ca/Articles2012/ImpactacquireEckersleytradeWengertoTFC.aspx)

Edit: after the enitial feeling of shock/sadness has passed,.... defffffffinit April fools Prank

[Stouffville_RPB]

It's fake.....April Fool's Day

[Ultra & Proud]

I think it's best to ignore all news today. Especially when it's crazy talk.

[ensco]

The all time best MLS April 1 stunt

http://archive.revolutionsoccer.net/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail&pid=18057&pcid=115

[Joe Kool]

Im praying this is just an elaborate April fools joke

http://www.rednationonline.ca/Articles2012/ImpactacquireEckersleytradeWengertoTFC.aspx (http://www.rednationonline.ca/Articles2012/ImpactacquireEckersleytradeWengertoTFC.aspx)

Eck's to Montreal :-(

Yeah nice one. Happy April Fool's everyone!

[Walms]

I think it's best to ignore all news today.

Ive decided to take on this philosophy

[Joe Kool]

The all time best MLS April 1 stunt

http://archive.revolutionsoccer.net/search/index.cfm?ac=searchdetail&pid=18057&pcid=115

LOL...thanks for that. I love this guy. Best part is he plays every position.

Luis Fangoso
No.: 10
Pos: D, M, F, CB, AM, RM, LM
Ht: 184 cm
Wt: 85 kg
DOB: 4/1/80; Rosario, Argentina

[ensco]

^Have you taken a close look at the picture?

best for me: He wants to play for Pete Mariner (!) so that he can get into the Gibraltar setup.

[jvanpeebles]

I think it's best to ignore all news today. Especially when it's crazy talk.

I agree 100%. I don't know which diappointed me off more. This Dero rumour or todays sunshine girl.

[Joe Kool]

So things went real dead quiet about any of these international player acquisitions particularly the one Payne mentioned was almost done deal and that he expected to be completed in a few days from his interview. I take it KP hasn't been available for comment for a reason? No news to tell I guess. I know they said delay is that these teams are going through administration and they need multiple signatures instead of one but it has been weeks. Has to be more to it than getting a couple extra signatures.

[Phil]

My guess would be the movement of Cesar has something to do with clearing the decks for the new guy.

That signals there may be some discussion with the MLS on what the actual hit is, another wrinkle from the looks of things. Totally basesless speculation on my part so don't read too much into it beyond whats said.

[Wooster_TFC]

My guess would be the movement of Cesar has something to do with clearing the decks for the new guy.

That signals there may be some discussion with the MLS on what the actual hit is, another wrinkle from the looks of things. Totally basesless speculation on my part so don't read too much into it beyond whats said.

I dunno. I suspect the movement of Cesar was that he was signed to be a starter, had a relatively large salary, and apparently wasn't showing more than Dunfield/Hall in practice (this part a guess - based on Nelsen's "earn your spot" philosophy).

I'd hazard an even further guess that he then complained about playing time, was told that Nelsen "couldn't guarantee him starting time", and either asked to be released, or was released when he argued more vehemently about being a starter.

Either way, he wasn't going to be a long term solution, and if he's not getting time over Dunfield/Hall, then there's no point in keeping him around. The loans of Bostock and Ephraim, and arguably the signing of Russell, made it even harder for Cesar to make the starting 11, since Hall seems to now permanently be a CM, whereas he may have seen time at RB or RM without those signings.

[maninb]

I dunno. I suspect the movement of Cesar was that he was signed to be a starter, had a relatively large salary, and apparently wasn't showing more than Dunfield/Hall in practice (this part a guess - based on Nelsen's "earn your spot" philosophy).

I'd hazard an even further guess that he then complained about playing time, was told that Nelsen "couldn't guarantee him starting time", and either asked to be released, or was released when he argued more vehemently about being a starter.

Either way, he wasn't going to be a long term solution, and if he's not getting time over Dunfield/Hall, then there's no point in keeping him around. The loans of Bostock and Ephraim, and arguably the signing of Russell, made it even harder for Cesar to make the starting 11, since Hall seems to now permanently be a CM, whereas he may have seen time at RB or RM without those signings.


If Hall is part of our starting lineup along with Dunfield....we're finished.....it's that simple...

[Morlesio14]

If no moves are made. Put Richter at RB and Russel at CM

[Wooster_TFC]

If Hall is part of our starting lineup along with Dunfield....we're finished.....it's that simple...

No disagreement there. I would say the same thing about Dunfield.

That said, if Cesar couldn't beat out those two consistently (or at all), then he's not worth keeping around, regardless of whether you have another signing ready to go or not (which is what Phil was implying - that this was all about the cap hit and roster spot for a new signing).

[T-boy]

Is it just me, or is Hall improving slowly so far this season? His closing down/pressing game is improving greatly. He shifts his body weight well to evade opponents too. His distribution is still poor, but he's young and that should improve under some guidance. I have some hope that he can become a fairly average to good MLS midfielder.

[Ultra & Proud]

Is it just me, or is Hall improving slowly so far this season? His closing down/pressing game is improving greatly. He shifts his body weight well to evade opponents too. His distribution is still poor, but he's young and that should improve under some guidance. I have some hope that he can become a fairly average to good MLS midfielder.
Looking better but still poor technically. Sometimes when he hoofs the ball around it reminds me of how I look when I do it, awkward and horrible.

[Ajax TFC]

No disagreement there. I would say the same thing about Dunfield.

That said, if Cesar couldn't beat out those two consistently (or at all), then he's not worth keeping around, regardless of whether you have another signing ready to go or not (which is what Phil was implying - that this was all about the cap hit and roster spot for a new signing).
Cesar was a mainstay in the midfield of the Eastern Conference winners, so I don't think there can be much argument that he wasn't as good as them. The reason according to Nelsen was that he "wasn't willing to play the TFC way" - whatever that means. Although you could say that if a player isn't willing to go with what the coach wants them to do, they need to go.

[Canary10]

Is it just me, or is Hall improving slowly so far this season? His closing down/pressing game is improving greatly. He shifts his body weight well to evade opponents too. His distribution is still poor, but he's young and that should improve under some guidance. I have some hope that he can become a fairly average to good MLS midfielder.

I think he had the best game I've seen him play in a TFC shirt against LA. He started our second goal too. That said, I agree he and Dunfield aren't a central mid pairing we want to have for too long.

[Greatest Ripoff]

Looking better but still poor technically. Sometimes when he hoofs the ball around it reminds me of how I look when I do it, awkward and horrible.

For me it's more about his vision and decision making. He doesn't really have that '360 degree vision' or football intelligence that is needed to play in central midfield. Although, that is a criticism you could level against most MLS players.

[Red I]

For me it's more about his vision and decision making. He doesn't really have that '360 degree vision' or football intelligence that is needed to play in central midfield. Although, that is a criticism you could level against most MLS players.

... I'm really missing Frings right now; guy was boss in that midfield

[Ultra & Proud]

... I'm really missing Frings right now; guy was boss in that midfield

Was is key. He didn't look much better than Dunfield last season and after his hip going south he'd be even slower now. Good positioning and vision can only make up for so much when you're a few steps behind.

[Mr. Bigby]

Nelsen's comment on Dunfield taking a knock in practice today: " Terry's a bit of a drama queen." :lol:

[MartinUtd]

Guys you're killing me. Can we please take the Dunfield/Hall talk to another thread?

[Yohan]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/ccl/news/article/2013/04/02/despite-april-fools-gag-herculez-gomez-says-he-hasnt-heard-mls-clubs-ball%E2%80%99s-

Hercules Gomez to MLS?

[Abou Sky]

http://www.mlssoccer.com/ccl/news/article/2013/04/02/despite-april-fools-gag-herculez-gomez-says-he-hasnt-heard-mls-clubs-ball%E2%80%99s-

Hercules Gomez to MLS?

I guess it is a rumor thread so...

I love Herc, he is a love or hate kind of guy and man he can twist a knife. Comments on Klinsmann 'it is cute'

That said, I wouldn't want a shit disturber like that at TFC, maybe LA would be good for his kind of drama

[gmacpheetfc]

he does love our city....

[OgtheDim]

Payne would kill him.

He'd be good for a team like Seattle that takes themselves very seriously.

[Abou Sky]

Payne would kill him.

He'd be good for a team like Seattle that takes themselves very seriously.

$100 on Payne in a street fight, that guy has 'the crazy eyes'

[lintberg]

Neil Davidson (Canadian Press) is reporting on Twitter that TFC have landed Maximilliano Urrutti and an Argentine midfielder. Both expected in Toronto by end of April.

[jazzy]

Also on fan 590, Urrutti and midfielder coming end of April.

[tfcmanu]

http://metronews.ca/sports/619747/to...of-argentines/ (http://metronews.ca/sports/619747/toronto-fc-lands-a-pair-of-argentines/)

TORONTO – Reinforcements are on the way to Toronto FC.
The Canadian Press has learned that the MLS franchise has finalized deals for Argentine striker Maximiliano Urrutti and an Argentine midfielder.
Both are expected at the club by the end of the month.
Toronto FC is also working on landing an attacking midfielder in the summer.
The 22-year-old Urrutti, who plays for Newell’s Old Boys, has been reported a target of Toronto, although club officials have referred only to chasing an Argentine forward.
The club is looking at possibly categorizing one of the Argentines as a so-called “young designated player.”
Only $200,000 of the annual salary of a DP aged 21 to 23 counts against the club’s salary cap, less if signed mid-season.

[Richard]

I hope the other midfielder is a solid DM.

[David_Oliveira]

With Max coming in. Does he play infront of Earnshaw or behind him? What does are lineup look like? Does Hogan Ephrain get returned to his club? Lots of questions are left after this potential signing.

----------Earnshaw-------------
------------Urrutti--------------
Silva--------------------Bostock
-------New CM--Dunfield--------
Morgan--O'Dea--Califf--Eckersley

[notthesun]

Great news if true. Sucks we have to wait until the end of the month to get them though.

I'm curious as to who the midfielder is, I'm sure his name will be revealed soon. Alfredo Mejia was the name going around most for a midfielder but he's Honduran. It may be a guy we haven't heard of yet.

As per Davidson's twitter (https://twitter.com/NeilMDavidson), sounds like some things are still unclear. Possibly getting a little help from the league on this.

[mowe]

Great news, especially excited about this unknown midfielder. If him and Urruti adjust to MLS soon enough we can be a dangerous team. Let's hope we stay in the playoff hunt while these reinforcements arrive.

Man, I love hope.

[Ivy]

Ecks, califf, o'dea, morgan
bostock, New mid, silva, Ephraim
Urruti
earnshaw

playing the 4-4-1-1. Or push silva up beside urruti for a more attacking 4-3-2-1

[Globetrotter]

Stop being so damn cautious!! Why do we need any DM's!?! Those two we have are likely the weakest link on the field.

[PopePouri]

Heard it some guy named Messy (sp?).

[Morlesio14]

If this mid can distribute to rob and max I'll be happy

[KGH]

Wheres does Koev fit in? With him healthy how does the lineup look? Where are we getting the international slots for these 2 new guys?

Could you do something like:

------Earnshaw---Koev----------
------------Urrutti--------------
Silva--------------------Bostock
------------New CM------------
Morgan--O'Dea--Califf--Eckersley

Or do you keep Koev up top by himself and do:

-------------Koev--------------
------Earnshaw-----Urrutti------
Silva--------------------Bostock
------------New CM------------
Morgan--O'Dea--Califf--Eckersley

Either way it would put some serious pressure on the new midfield guy and on Silva and Bostock to control the pressure

[Globetrotter]

We are loaded for options up top (if Koevs is healthy, and Urruti is at least as good as Silva/Earnshaw).

If we wanted to play attack, we could go with 3 forward. Earnshaw nipped both passes on the right side of the field, and isn't Urruti also a bit of a wing (left) guy? You could drop two of them a step back from Koev.

------------Koev-------------- Fwd
---Urruti-----------Earnshaw-- Fwd
-------------------------------
------------Silva-------------- Att Mid
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
----mid------------Bostock---- Central Mid
-------------------------------
-------------------------------
--Morgan--Odea--Califf---Ecks--


A 4-3-3 type of fit.

[David_Oliveira]

Does anyone remember the contract specifics that KP got into in regards to Ephrain? I would really send him and Russell away. i don't see how they fit into the team salary-wise and position wise.

[notthesun]

I see Koevermans being mainly a bench option when he returns.

As for the international slots, we have 9 slots and 7 are in use. These two guys would fill up the remaining two slots, and Koevermans will also need a slot when he comes off the IR, so someone will need to be moved at that point.

[KGH]

Does anyone remember the contract specifics that KP got into in regards to Ephrain? I would really send him and Russell away. i don't see how they fit into the team salary-wise and position wise.

Ephrain is on loan until July.

Why get rid of Russell? He has a green card and is a decent backup defender.

Our current list of Int players are:

1) Koev
2) Ecks
3) O'Dea
4) Bostock
5) Ephrain
6) T. Morgan
7) Earnshaw
8) Lambe

[Globetrotter]

I see Koevermans being mainly a bench option when he returns.


If he's healthy, not a chance.

Excluding Juan Pablo, nobody in the forward position has been such a natural goalscorer as him. (imo)

[Greatest Ripoff]

i don't see how they fit into the team salary-wise.

What do they make? I can't find this years numbers on the player union's website.

[Dreadlocks]

I'll hold off my enthusiasm for this deal until it's made official. We've been hearing for months that the deal is just about done.........

[notthesun]

If he's healthy, not a chance.

Excluding Juan Pablo, nobody in the forward position has been such a natural goalscorer as him. (imo)

Statistically he's way ahead of Angel.

I just think it might be hard for him to get many starts between a) Earnshaw & Urruti and b) our formation. If Earnshaw keeps up his form he'll obviously start every game when healthy. We'll see how Urruti does but I'm optimistic. And both are very mobile players which I think Nelsen will prefer.

Since Nelsen likes the 4-4-1-1, you have to consider what might happen if we sign these guys and Koef comes back. Silva plays best in the hole, behind Earnshaw. But if we want to make the best use of Urruti we might move Silva down to center mid (maybe even left mid as he has occasionally played) so that Urruti can take the CF position. Or maybe Urruti takes left mid/winger? Either way I don't see us regularly leaving one of those three guys on the bench.

As things stand I see Koevermans coming off the bench very often (better hold up play makes him a good replacement for Earnshaw if we're defending a lead, and his poaching ability obviously makes him a threat to nab a goal when we need one) but likely not a lock for a starting position.

[Red I]

... I'm just thinking how baddass it would be if that other midfielder was Maxi Rodriguez!

[David_Oliveira]

Ephrain is on loan until July.

Why get rid of Russell? He has a green card and is a decent backup defender.

Our current list of Int players are:

1) Koev
2) Ecks
3) O'Dea
4) Bostock
5) Ephrain
6) T. Morgan
7) Earnshaw
8) Lambe

It really depends on his Salary. of our defenders, who would you get rid of? Isn't Russell on loan anyways?

[David_Oliveira]

What do they make? I can't find this years numbers on the player union's website.

I'm guessing that there is a bigger salary considering their pedigree.

[Stryker]

------koev-----earnshaw----
------------urruti------------
ephraim-------------bostock
------------D/M-------------
morgan---odea--califf---ecks

Get a good defensive mid, bring Silva off the bench for any of the three forward mid positions and we're looking really good.

[ag futbol]

Just saw the news on Canadian Press (although it's all "unofficial" at this point).

Nice to get a deal done, I will be very interested to see where he slots in. With Earnshaw performing so well it may have changed their plans a little.

[ensco]

Something about this story does not compute.

It's been almost 3 weeks since Payne/Nelsen said they were 90% done on this (or something like this, I can't even remember what they said precisely). That it would be a couple of more weeks.

Now this new story says it could be 3 or 4 more weeks. But it's "done". I know Davidson has a decent track record. He has a real source, I'd wager. But does he have two sources? (That used to be the rule, but mostly isn't anymore.)

Meanwhile Urruti keeps playing. How can that be if it is "done"? Ives, the guy who is absolutely the axe on Latin American signings,(I wonder if he has the MLS fax machine in his office) .... is silent.

I am more than familiar with the weird ways of MLS and world football. I can't put my finger on it, but something is not right.

(Maybe it's just a hangover from listening to Gillis bloviate about all the offers he has for Luongo.)

[barticusz]

I really hope whoever the other midfielder is they are a solid central mid player with good defensive abilities and distribution. Basically a young Frings but with more finesse would be fantastic.

[FreekAce]

I really hope whoever the other midfielder is they are a solid central mid player with good defensive abilities and distribution. Basically a young Frings but with more finesse would be fantastic.

haha, a young frings with more finesse would definitely be an excellent addition. i doubt a player of that caliber would be joining us though.

[Richard]

Something about this story does not compute.

It's been almost 3 weeks since Payne/Nelsen said they were 90% done on this (or something like this, I can't even remember what they said precisely). That it would be a couple of more weeks.

Now this new story says it could be 3 or 4 more weeks. But it's "done". I know Davidson has a decent track record. He has a real source, I'd wager. But does he have two sources? (That used to be the rule, but mostly isn't anymore.)

Meanwhile Urruti keeps playing. How can that be if it is "done"? Ives, the guy who is absolutely the axe on Latin American signings,(I wonder if he has the MLS fax machine in his office) .... is silent.

I am more than familiar with the weird ways of MLS and world football. I can't put my finger on it, but something is not right.

(Maybe it's just a hangover from listening to Gillis bloviate about all the offers he has for Luongo.)

I know what you mean, I wonder what the hold up is. I

If another team essentially signs their player then he shouldnt be playing, even if there was handshake(understanding between TFC and the club) deal they shouldnt play him so if he becomes injured the deal ccollapses.

[ensco]

There is one possibility. Which is that Urruti is on an expiring contract and is already signed, but it's not disclosed. But that would be unprecedented.

I can only think of one similar case: Beckham, when with Madrid, was signed by the Galaxy before his contract expired. But it was announced when done. It was so unusual, such a violation of the code, that Capello blew his stack and banished Beckham (then brought him back when RM had injuries late that year).

I feel safe in saying that Urruti's situation is not comparable Beckham's

[jazzy]

Does anyone remember the contract specifics that KP got into in regards to Ephrain? I would really send him and Russell away. i don't see how they fit into the team salary-wise and position wise.

exactly...

[Skinn]

There is one possibility. Which is that Urruti is on an expiring contract and is already signed, but it's not disclosed. But that would be unprecedented.

I can only think of one similar case: Beckham, when with Madrid, was signed by the Galaxy before his contract expired. But it was announced when done. It was so unusual, such a violation of the code, that Capello blew his stack and banished Beckham (then brought him back when RM had injuries late that year).

I feel safe in saying that Urruti's situation is not comparable Beckham's

Doesn't happen all the time, but is common enough. Lewis Holtby had a deal to leave Germany for Tottenham next season; only weeks later did Spurs get him earlier in the January window for a fee.

[DOMIN8R]

Does anyone remember the contract specifics that KP got into in regards to Ephrain? I would really send him and Russell away. i don't see how they fit into the team salary-wise and position wise.

Unless the MF player is Ocation. If Al Ocation is finally coming in, we can probably afford him. But yeah, there must be some plans to change the formation or there is some anticipation that some players, who are presentably starting, aren't expected to be around by mid-summer.

[Greatest Ripoff]

I'm guessing that there is a bigger salary considering their pedigree.

Really? Russel was on a month to month contract with Portsmouth in League 1 who were under administration because they had no money. I'd be extremely surprised if he is getting paid that much

[Richard]

There is one possibility. Which is that Urruti is on an expiring contract and is already signed, but it's not disclosed. But that would be unprecedented.

I can only think of one similar case: Beckham, when with Madrid, was signed by the Galaxy before his contract expired. But it was announced when done. It was so unusual, such a violation of the code, that Capello blew his stack and banished Beckham (then brought him back when RM had injuries late that year).

I feel safe in saying that Urruti's situation is not comparable Beckham's


Are you not thinking of the bosman ruling? It happens, but not to high profile players because clubs would be screwed out of a large transfer fee.

"This ruling meant Bosman and every other EU footballer were free to negotiate deals to any other EU based team after their current contracts expired, they were also allowed to sign pre-contract deals with other clubs if they had six months remaining on their current deals"

http://www.lawteacher.net/sports-law/essays/the-bosman-ruling.php

[ensco]

^Yes. But that setup is exceedingly rare. Someone earlier called it "common enough" and cited Holtby and Spurs, but that's the only other example (besides Beckham) that anyone has found. That's against the literally thousands of signings that happen the traditional way (ie after the contract has expired).

Signing early like that is considered disrespectful, both on the part of the player, and on the part of the signing club.

I think it's highly unlikely. I just think MLS isn't anxious to stick a fork into the eye of the Argentine Leagues like that.

[Canary10]

Norwich signed RvW to a contract for next season while he is finishing his current season at Sporting. That's another example off the top off my head.

[Ajax TFC]

I'm pretty sure Sporting signed Labyad to a contract before his deal with PSV was done as well.

[OgtheDim]

If anybody is going out of the international slots, I suspect it would be Lambe and Morgan. Ephraim and Bostock have more value for Nelson, and probably more importantly, Payne.

[Canary10]

If anybody is going out of the international slots, I suspect it would be Lambe and Morgan. Ephraim and Bostock have more value for Nelson, and probably more importantly, Payne.

Ephraim won't stay. He's on loan anyway.

[Skinn]

I'm pretty sure Sporting signed Labyad to a contract before his deal with PSV was done as well.

And when Hunter Freeman was here he had a deal in place already in whatever Northern European league he went to. It is common enough.

[notthesun]

If this report is also correct about us going after an attacking midfielder in the summer I'd assume he'd take Ephraim's spot on the left anyways.

[ensco]

OK that's 4 or 5 examples. I'm sure there are others. Against the hundreds of signings (thousands) each year. It's rare. Also it's disclosed.

Guys, it's a free country, so we'll agree to disagree.

[TFCAURORA]

wiki has urruti on loan with TFC

[ag futbol]

If anybody is going out of the international slots, I suspect it would be Lambe and Morgan. Ephraim and Bostock have more value for Nelson, and probably more importantly, Payne.
If I was venturing a guess... Morgan was probably told he'd be signed to a short term deal and would be given a bit of time to make something happen or just gain experience. Since TFC wasn't going to use the spot right away in any case it's no harm, no foul.

But he probably knows he's liable to get cut the second we need flexibility. You could call it cruel world, but it's actually fairly pragmatic of TFC and hey, they actually gave him a run-out when other clubs wouldn't.

[notthesun]

I think T. Morgan has something to offer this team but I don't think he'll get his chance, unfortunately. He looked a lot better than Braun in pre-season for instance, and Braun is a guy who'll probably find another MLS team to play for when (that's a when, not if) we get rid of him this year.

I hope Morgan can find another club if we do have to cut him loose.

[Yohan]

I think T. Morgan has something to offer this team but I don't think he'll get his chance, unfortunately. He looked a lot better than Braun in pre-season for instance, and Braun is a guy who'll probably find another MLS team to play for when (that's a when, not if) we get rid of him this year.

I hope Morgan can find another club if we do have to cut him loose.
T Morgan was the best striker coming out of pre season. KP had no idea who he would be able to sign in coming weeks, so he signed Morgan as a 'just in case' situation.
Turns out that Earnshaw is a stud and Morgan needs a loan badly.

I don't understand why TFC is not loaning young players to NASL/USL. Someone needs to ask KP about that

[JuliquE]

I don't understand why TFC is not loaning young players to NASL/USL. Someone needs to ask KP about that
Logic overload!

[Canary10]

OK that's 4 or 5 examples. I'm sure there are others. Against the hundreds of signings (thousands) each year. It's rare. Also it's disclosed.

Guys, it's a free country, so we'll agree to disagree.

It's certainly not the norm. I agree with you there. And don't disagree that this deal feels a bit weird somehow.

[Skinn]

OK that's 4 or 5 examples. I'm sure there are others. Against the hundreds of signings (thousands) each year. It's rare. Also it's disclosed.

Guys, it's a free country, so we'll agree to disagree.

We can agree to disagree. In fact I'll go so far to agree that it is rare, but it is not unusual, as you first suggested. A simple google search turns up more examples. Marco Pappa, Henry, Pepe.... The reaction to it on the part of Capello at Milan was what was unusual.

All that said, I don't know that this is necessarily the case here. Though, as you've pointed out, MLS and its clubs are not the best at disclosing anything.

[T-boy]

Logic overload!

Yup!

Morgan and Bennett are obvious loans to other clubs. These are guys for the future and need game time at almost any level. TFC might benefit in the long run by having these guys out on loan to a lower level team.

[TFC07]

Isn't Bennett like 24 years old now? He should be done with his development and start contributing to first team. I never understood why players like Bennett (limited upside) were signed to begin with.

[ag futbol]

Payne talked about loans earlier this year and he was among the first to actually use them within MLS at DCU. Not like he's unaware. Unfortunately, the prior mgt team didn't see much value in keeping relatiions with other clubs so we're starting this race from further back.

While I agree this is important to figure out, it wouldn't be top of my list of things that need fixing right now.

[Yohan]

Isn't Bennett like 24 years old now? He should be done with his development and start contributing to first team. I never understood why players like Bennett (limited upside) were signed to begin with.
cheap depth

[mowe]

I never understood why players like Bennett (limited upside) were signed to begin with.

You're forgetting the dire state of the roster at the beginning of the year. Bennett, T. Morgan, Russell, Ephraim, and Earnshaw were signed basically the day before the first match and Bostock was signed soon after. I think all these players were brought in because they needed to sign someone. It was the best Payne/Nelson could do on such short notice thanks to the previous regime's incompetence. Once they start bringing in players they've scouted these stopgaps can make room.

[TFC07]

cheap depth I understand with salary cap we need to sign some cheap depth players, but it wouldn't be better to sign someone younger who has more upside than some 24 year old rookie from NCAA?
You're forgetting the dire state of the roster at the beginning of the year. Bennett, T. Morgan, Russell, Ephraim, and Earnshaw were signed basically the day before the first match and Bostock was signed soon after. I think all these players were brought in because they needed to sign someone. It was the best Payne/Nelson could do on such short notice thanks to the previous regime's incompetence. Once they start bringing in players they've scouted these stopgaps can make room. I understand, but I think TFC FO panic a bit and made some bad signings (Braun and keeping couple of college including one who counts as an international player). Hopefully, end of the season we have a better roster and depth.

[Abou Sky]

I understand with salary cap we need to sign some cheap depth players, but it wouldn't be better to sign someone younger who has more upside than some 24 year old rookie from NCAA? I understand, but I think TFC FO panic a bit and made some bad signings (Braun and keeping couple of college including one who counts as an international player). Hopefully, end of the season we have a better roster and depth.

Part of the problem for us is that MLS rules protect players from being thrown out onto their asses (this is a good thing overall)

We weren't able to liquidate the team so KP did his best, I would venture a guess that 12 months from now we have nearly none of the players from 2012.

[Skinn]

I understand, but I think TFC FO panic a bit and made some bad signings (Braun and keeping couple of college including one who counts as an international player). Hopefully, end of the season we have a better roster and depth.

Panic? Need, yes. Payne and Nelson did the best with their contacts to augment the shit squad they inherited without burdening the squad or the budget with the long-term inflated prices and egos that come with panic. Short term solutions that may work into something or not, yes, but I wouldn't point to any of the signings as evidence of panic.

[jloome]

Part of the problem for us is that MLS rules protect players from being thrown out onto their asses (this is a good thing overall)

We weren't able to liquidate the team so KP did his best, I would venture a guess that 12 months from now we have nearly none of the players from 2012.

Unless something has changed, most MLS players are on non-guaranteed contracts and can be waived at any time, assuming the team wants to eat the cap hit. If he clears waivers he can be released outright.

It wasn't until the last CBA, I believe, that some players started receiving guaranteed contracts. I believe Braun is on one, strangely enough, and Eckersley too.

[tfcleeds]

Urruti on the bench for Newell's in their Libertadores match right now.

[jloome]

OK that's 4 or 5 examples. I'm sure there are others. Against the hundreds of signings (thousands) each year. It's rare. Also it's disclosed.

Guys, it's a free country, so we'll agree to disagree.

I rarely disagree with you, but this happens all the time. But the disrespect thing is an issue, which is why it's always involving guys who are out of contract and it's already been publicized that they won't be returning. Those are almost never first team players, so it never gets much publicity.

But lots of people agree terms with their new club as soon as the Bosman window opens to negotiate, and that's in the January window, six months before most deals expire. A lot of backup players or players who've been transfer listed for a while (keeping in mind the depth in the top leagues) know they're not going to be playing anyway. One of the reasons you see low-fee transfers in the European January window is because teams will take the decreased fee knowing that if they don't, they're going to lose the player anyway, or release him. So a lot of backups and cast-offs sign deals months before moving, and it's openly known, as is required.

[ensco]

^jloome, I will stand aside. You and others appear to know more about this.

But if as you say it's always disclosed, much of my point stands.

[Abou Sky]

Unless something has changed, most MLS players are on non-guaranteed contracts and can be waived at any time, assuming the team wants to eat the cap hit. If he clears waivers he can be released outright.

It wasn't until the last CBA, I believe, that some players started receiving guaranteed contracts. I believe Braun is on one, strangely enough, and Eckersley too.

IIRC all players over 23 or 24 are on guaranteed contact unless they are specifically on loan or on a set short term contract with options.

KP uses the loans and short term contracts with options, as I understand it, TFC did not before.

If you released the entire squad you would have had $1m of cap left.

[ag futbol]

IIRC all players over 23 or 24 are on guaranteed contact unless they are specifically on loan or on a set short term contract with options.

KP uses the loans and short term contracts with options, as I understand it, TFC did not before.

If you released the entire squad you would have had $1m of cap left.
There's a second conditional attached: you need at least 3 years MLS experience AND need to be at least 24 years of age.

[Chinatownchef]

wiki has urruti on loan with TFC

Ok, we know Urruti is coming at the end of April, and no name has been released for the Argentine midfielder, this is my speculation. Mauro Formica 22, on loan from Newell's Old Boys as been with Blackburn (Nelsen's connection) through to 2014. Perhaps it is this guy and not Urruti that is the DP since Urruti is coming in under loan. He would be a bigger name than Urruti.

[notthesun]

They're both probably coming in on loans initially, Payne has already talked multiple times about not wanting the club to become "married" to players. It's smart.

[West220Side]

Ok, we know Urruti is coming at the end of April, and no name has been released for the Argentine midfielder, this is my speculation. Mauro Formica 22, on loan from Newell's Old Boys as been with Blackburn (Nelsen's connection) through to 2014. Perhaps it is this guy and not Urruti that is the DP since Urruti is coming in under loan. He would be a bigger name than Urruti.

Don't think so. Little bit of research shows Mauro Formica is twenty five not twenty two. Also he's on loan from Blackburn with Palermo (5 apps 1 goal) so I don't see how he would be coming here with Urruti. Urruti will be the young DP, along with a probably $100,000 - $200,000 midfielder. I don't think the guy will be cheap.

Do we know if both the players coming from Argentina are from the same team? Are we assuming they're two separately attached players?

If they're both from Newell I don't expect the midfielder to be high of quality. Probably a "You want Urruti you'll have to pay more then that." "Okay we'll pay a little extra. But you gotta sweeten the deal for us." and they threw in some boy.

If they're from seperate clubs AND the club the midfielder is coming from is one of "Nelsens Connections" as we've been happily referring to these transfers as (Ephraim, Bostock, etc) then i'm a bit more optimistic.

Either way, anything that gets Jeremy Hall out of that starting slot is welcome, am'i'rite? g:D


They're both probably coming in on loans initially, Payne has already talked multiple times about not wanting the club to become "married" to players. It's smart.

Payne is very smart taking the boys on loan, with the option to permanently own them at the end of the loan. For example Bostock hasn't had a bad game yet, playing against LAG he had to defend a little to hard so he wasn't as effective going forward, and during the end of the game when we were pushing to win it 3-2 you could tell how exhausted he was in the corner. I've heard his contract expires in the summer, and he can become a Toronto player, isn't that amazing? Good deal that is.

It's like an extended trial with the ability to actually play them in games that count. I'm not a football manager so I have no clue how you can judge how good a player is from just training with the first team, I would think its still a bit of a gamble signing them on. But if they come in without that option to take them at the end of the loan, we're screwing ourselves over.

Remember Plata & Eckersley from the old regimes. We had them, then when the off season came there was clearly no deal in place to keep them and one player grew unhappy (to be fair: mainly with Mariners style of play.) and the other is on a gigantic contract (to be fair: My father & I both feel Eckersley is one of the best players on the team.)

[Lucky Strike]

John Molinaro ‏@JohnMolinaro 8m (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/JohnMolinaro/status/320208168250654720) No new trialists at #TFC (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/search?q=%23TFC&src=hash) training today. A few academy players training with the team today.


Toronto FC ‏@torontofc 10m (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/torontofc/status/320207706742980608) “@tfcacademy (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/tfcacademy): @torontofc (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/torontofc) 5 Kia TFC Academy players at training - M. Aparicio, M.A. Kaye, M. Wagenknecht, C. Mannella, J. Gayle” #TFClive (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/search?q=%23TFClive&src=hash)

[Richard]

Do not look at the wiki, the club hasnt confirmed anything yet.

[notthesun]

If they're from seperate clubs AND the club the midfielder is coming from is one of "Nelsens Connections" as we've been happily referring to these transfers as (Ephraim, Bostock, etc) then i'm a bit more optimistic.

I wouldn't bet on the midfielder having any sort of ties to Nelsen, nor do I think it's of any real concern. As others have pointed out previously, the signings of Ephraim, Bostock and Russell were made mostly because we needed the bodies as a short term solution, and as Nelsen has said in interviews since, the club had done nothing in terms of scouting for Payne to use once he arrived at the club. So Payne turned to Nelsen so that we could bring in some players who could at least get the job done in the interim, before Payne starts fashioning the team himself.

These first two signings are Payne beginning that process. We'll see what happens, but I expect both to be week in and week out starters, some of the core guys on this club going forward.

[West220Side]

On another note. Screw the additional midfielder, bring in Joey Barton ;) C'mon Nelsen, you know the boy. Ring him up.
He called Thiaga Silva a "overweight ladyboy" the other day. Could you imagine O'Dea, Califf, Dunfield, and Barton in a XI. I've never seen four men on the same team get red cards before.

[Pint]

Davos has said he knows who the 2nd player is but is waiting for confirmation from a second source before he puts it out publicly.

Jason deVos ‏@jasondevos (https://twitter.com/jasondevos) 4h (https://twitter.com/jasondevos/status/320246926387838977) I have a very good idea. RT @gdg_9 (https://twitter.com/gdg_9): @jasondevos (https://twitter.com/jasondevos) Any word on who the second one is? Or even what type of MF?

Collapse (https://twitter.com/jasondevos/status/320246926387838977)

Reply (https://twitter.com/jasondevos#)
Retweet (https://twitter.com/jasondevos#)
Favorite (https://twitter.com/jasondevos#)






11:49 AM - 5 Apr 13 · Details (https://twitter.com/jasondevos/status/320246926387838977)




https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/3443915541/f52e3c7e90d36c41b2f69d9eb91ce84a_normal.jpeg Andrew Kimber ‏@AndrewKimber (https://twitter.com/AndrewKimber) 4h (https://twitter.com/AndrewKimber/status/320247556900794369)
@jasondevos (https://twitter.com/jasondevos) Are you going to tell us?
Expand (https://twitter.com/AndrewKimber/status/320247556900794369)




https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/670561051/Oakley1_normal.jpeg Gordon Glendinning ‏@gdg_9 (https://twitter.com/gdg_9) 4h (https://twitter.com/gdg_9/status/320249426172076033)
@jasondevos (https://twitter.com/jasondevos) Care to share???
Expand (https://twitter.com/gdg_9/status/320249426172076033)




https://twimg0-a.akamaihd.net/profile_images/363909656/Jason_DeVos_216_normal.jpg Jason deVos ‏@jasondevos (https://twitter.com/jasondevos) 4h (https://twitter.com/jasondevos/status/320253058049265665)
@gdg_9 (https://twitter.com/gdg_9) Need to get a second source to confirm it. Club says they are very high on this player.

[Marc"2L"]

Ugh, second sources. Why doesnt anybody want to be first anymore, only correct? :p I can wait for the name, no rush but it's exciting to know we'll be looking him up on YouTube shortly!

[Manager87]

Jason devos knows as much soccer as does a new born baby-just listen to him een hes commentator and my point will be proven

[Marc"2L"]

Jason devos knows as much soccer as does a new born baby-just listen to him een hes commentator and my point will be proven

Ok.
.

[Ultra & Proud]

I've never seen four men on the same team get red cards before.
Not since Hscanovics, Usanov, Saric, Serioux, & Joseph Nane were out there weekly.

[Ajax TFC]

Toronto FC ‏@torontofc10m (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/torontofc/status/320207706742980608)“@tfcacademy (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/tfcacademy): @torontofc (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/torontofc) 5 Kia TFC Academy players at training - M. Aparicio, M.A. Kaye, M. Wagenknecht, C. Mannella, J. Gayle” #TFClive (http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/search?q=%23TFClive&src=hash)
I'm guessing these players will feature at some point in the reserve game today.

[jloome]

Jason devos knows as much soccer as does a new born baby-just listen to him een hes commentator and my point will be proven

You know he's the former captain of Ipswich and of our National team, right?

Was there copious drinking involved in this statement?

[gate7]

You know he's the former captain of Ipswich and of our National team, right?

Was there copious drinking involved in this statement?

I think in reference to the mystery MF?

[jimiv]

Regardless of his history, his pro-Montreal commentary during TFC games irritates the piss out of me.

[ArmenJBX]

Technically they're Montreal games too... ;)

[West220Side]

Technically they're Montreal games too... ;)

Oy! C'mon lets get 'em lads! g:Dg:D

[burlington Red]

Regardless of his history, his pro-Montreal commentary during TFC games irritates the piss out of me.

bingo, if I am not mistaken he played for them back in the day. The other thing Canadians forget about this guy is he played low level english/scottish football, there seems to be some consensus on here that he gets credit as he played at a high level, nonsense, the level TFC players are at now is as good as or better then he played at it. No time for him, he's a TFC hater

[OgtheDim]

Fine. You ignore him.

Most of the rest of us won't.

[moralis]

Seems Honduran Arnold Peralta will be signing with Scottish side Rangers:

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/leaguedivision3/4876752/Per-Ill-be-Ger.html

[Joe Kool]

Seems Honduran Arnold Peralta will be signing with Scottish side Rangers:

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/sport/leaguedivision3/4876752/Per-Ill-be-Ger.html

"Perlata, 23, revealed: “I have 90 per cent agreed to sign for Rangers." Until he pulls the chute....just thinking of what happened with Toronto. Pretty sure he said just needed to finalize little details with us too. LOL

[Richard]

"Perlata, 23, revealed: “I have 90 per cent agreed to sign for Rangers." Until he pulls the chute....just thinking of what happened with Toronto. Pretty sure he said just needed to finalize little details with us too. LOL

“Every player from Honduras dreams of playing in Europe. I am going to play for Rangers which is a massive club"

LOL. Once he figures out they play 3rd division he has "A change of heart".

[PopePouri]

Hope he enjoys his 3rd division football. I'm going out on a limb and saying he very much in it for the cash.

[SirBobSaget]

I get the feeling this is a ploy to get notice from other European clubs. Haven't the rangers already blown through a good chunk of their ipo cash? They can't be offering much wage wise, not even tfc level.

[moralis]

Maxi Urruti is starting today for Newell's Old Boys vs Colon in Argentinian League:

http://espnfc.com/us/en/gamecast/statistics/id/361110/statistics.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901

http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/179525/1/watch-newells-old-boys-vs-colon-de-santa-fe.html

Just find it strange that if TFC has signed Urruti then why is he still playing and even in starting 11 for Newell's. Hope he doesn't get injured.

Don't understand it myself, but what are you thoughts?

[PopePouri]

Maxi Urruti is starting today for Newell's Old Boys vs Colon in Argentinian League:

http://espnfc.com/us/en/gamecast/statistics/id/361110/statistics.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901

http://www.firstrow1.eu/watch/179525/1/watch-newells-old-boys-vs-colon-de-santa-fe.html

Just find it strange that if TFC has signed Urruti then why is he still playing and even in starting 11 for Newell's. Hope he doesn't get injured.

Don't understand it myself, but what are you thoughts?

Game time isn't a bad thing.

[gate7]

Just find it strange that if TFC has signed Urruti then why is he still playing and even in starting 11 for Newell's. Hope he doesn't get injured.

Don't understand it myself, but what are you thoughts?[/QUOTE]

just cause wiki says its so doesnt mean it is.. ill believe it when hes wearing the tfc kit. btw its been 5 weeks since it was a 'done deal'. im not holding my breath anymore on Urruti

[moralis]

I'm not basing it on what Wikipedia says, but I believe Neil Davidson when he writes that Max Urruti and another Argentinian midfielder are signed and will join TFC by the end of the month. He wouldn't write it if it wasn't accurate.

Neil Davidson ‏@NeilMDavidson (https://twitter.com/NeilMDavidson) 3 Apr (https://twitter.com/NeilMDavidson/status/319516388903510016) #TorontoFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TorontoFC&src=hash) lands Argentine striker Maximiliano Urruti and an Argentine midfielder. Both expected by end of month.

http://metronews.ca/sports/619747/toronto-fc-lands-a-pair-of-argentines/

[Blizzard]

I'm not basing it on what Wikipedia says, but I believe Neil Davidson when he writes that Max Urruti and another Argentinian midfielder are signed and will join TFC by the end of the month. He wouldn't write it if it wasn't accurate.

Neil Davidson ‏@NeilMDavidson (https://twitter.com/NeilMDavidson) 3 Apr (https://twitter.com/NeilMDavidson/status/319516388903510016) #TorontoFC (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TorontoFC&src=hash) lands Argentine striker Maximiliano Urruti and an Argentine midfielder. Both expected by end of month.

http://metronews.ca/sports/619747/toronto-fc-lands-a-pair-of-argentines/

Neil is one of the best!

[gate7]

yes, ive read the link and i hope that its true........but these done deals that seem to carry on for weeks have disappointed us before... hence i wont hold my breath.

[Stryker]

During the game DeVos mentioned Urruti was signed and described the the other argentinian as a very talented (cant remember exact words)... "box to box midfielder".
Lets hope the deal gets done and hes right.

[Derko]

During the game DeVos mentioned Urruti was signed and described the the other argentinian as a very talented (cant remember exact words)... "box to box midfielder".
Lets hope the deal gets done and hes right.

This will be nice

[moralis]

It's amazing that the Urruti to TFC move is only talked about here. I'm Argentina nobody knows that he's signing with TFC.

https://twitter.com/search/realtime?q=urruti&src=typd

[jazzy]

“Every player from Honduras dreams of playing in Europe. I am going to play for Rangers which is a massive club"

LOL. Once he figures out they play 3rd division he has "A change of heart".

somebody spod him a bill of goods .................ahahahaaha.....after a few Scottish rough games perhaps he'll beg to leave....so sad

[notthesun]

KP should give the Red Bulls a call about Frei after that collapse against Chicago... horrible, horrible goalkeeping from Robles.

[jazzy]

During the game DeVos mentioned Urruti was signed and described the the other argentinian as a very talented (cant remember exact words)... "box to box midfielder".
Lets hope the deal gets done and hes right.

watched Urruti play today and he was nowhere involved , finally taken off.......not impressed ,...be careful what we wish for.....I'm more interested in the mid......give me Earnshaw , Braun and healthy Koev's .....not a striker who is a maybe.

[West220Side]

KP should give the Red Bulls a call about Frei after that collapse against Chicago... horrible, horrible goalkeeping from Robles.

Dax McCarty swap deal g:D It's to good to even dream about.

[dantdot]

It's amazing that the Urruti to TFC move is only talked about here. I'm Argentina nobody knows that he's signing with TFC.

https://twitter.com/search/realtime?q=urruti&src=typd

I think Newell's wants to keep it on the down low. Nelsen said the club we were dealing was in administration, that was exaggerated I think, they must just have financial issues and are in sell mode. That's my take on it at least.

It's pretty amazing there are no Argentinian sources on this though(I looked, too) considering it was reported in a CP article, not a random blog post.

[moralis]

The Newell's Old Boys fans are riping him on twitter. They didn't like his performance and now want him out of the team. He will have a better work environment at TFC. Hope it means he comes sooner and not at the end of the month.

[Stryker]

Can you guys who watched the game comment on anything positive about Urruti? Short passing, dribbling runs etc.

[T-boy]

watched Urruti play today and he was nowhere involved , finally taken off.......not impressed ,...be careful what we wish for.....I'm more interested in the mid......give me Earnshaw , Braun and healthy Koev's .....not a striker who is a maybe.

If he already knows he's leaving the team, why would he put in maximum effort? There could be a number of things affecting his play if he knows he is just about to leave.

[Huyton]

According to Wikipedia:

Maximiliano Nicolás Urruti Mussa (born 22 February 1991) is an Argentinian footballer who currently plays for Toronto FC of Major League Soccer on loan from Newell's Old Boys of the Argentine Primera División.

Urruti was part of Newell's youth team until he was transferred to the senior squad in 2011. Urruti did not see consistent first-team action for the club, particularly after the return of Ignacio Scocco. In late 2012 and early 2013, several clubs including: Palermo, Levante, Valencia, Helsingsborg, and Toronto expressed interest in the player.


As for other players they have, I see Maxi Rodriguez, former Liverpool FC player, is back with them. He doesn't fit in with Paynes stated Youth Policy, but then again, neither does Robert Earnshaw. I'd like to see him play at BMO Field.

[Auzzy]

Well, that Wiki edit was likely from a TFC fan, so it's meaningless. It's happened before.

[denime]

According to Wikipedia:

Maximiliano Nicolás Urruti Mussa (born 22 February 1991) is an Argentinian footballer who currently plays for Toronto FC of Major League Soccer on loan from Newell's Old Boys of the Argentine Primera División.

Urruti was part of Newell's youth team until he was transferred to the senior squad in 2011. Urruti did not see consistent first-team action for the club, particularly after the return of Ignacio Scocco. In late 2012 and early 2013, several clubs including: Palermo, Levante, Valencia, Helsingsborg, and Toronto expressed interest in the player.


As for other players they have, I see Maxi Rodriguez, former Liverpool FC player, is back with them. He doesn't fit in with Paynes stated Youth Policy, but then again, neither does Robert Earnshaw. I'd like to see him play at BMO Field.

Urruti started today for his club after being on the bench for the most of the season.

[Morlesio14]

Really anxious to find out whether this midfielder is from the same team as max.

[ensco]

This is reminding me of Huckerby. I wonder if Urruti is just another player who is willing to sign with MLS but won't come to Toronto, and the delay is working out where he is going. (We got a lot for Huckerby's rights, btw)

[Skinn]

Stop quoting Wikipedia; it's not a source. Any asshole can post whatever they want there.

[Stryker]

My guess at the other argentinian:

Urruti's teammate Marcos Perez. Midfielder who turns 20 next month.

[KGH]

The Newell's Old Boys fans are riping him on twitter. They didn't like his performance and now want him out of the team. He will have a better work environment at TFC. Hope it means he comes sooner and not at the end of the month.

Sounds awfully familiar. Kinda like some people on here.

[moralis]

Finally found the name of the mystery Argentinian midfielder signing with TFC. It's Matias Laba of Argentinos Juniors. He's joining TFC by end of April. I think it's April 29.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mat%C3%ADas_Laba

https://twitter.com/alanyajia

https://twitter.com/PabloCabrales10

https://twitter.com/search/realtime?q=Matias%20Laba&src=typd

http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/mls/story/?id=420204

[Pint]

Did that Alan Yajia say that we are paying a 1.5 million dollar fee for Laba?

Also good work finding out who the player is...

[SirBobSaget]

Claiming Matias Laba will be sold for around "1.5 million dollars". Hopefully talking Argentina Pesos which is in USD would mean a transfer fee of 300,000$

[moralis]

That's right. Seems like it's a 1.5 million dollar transfer. Don't think it's Argentinian pesos. Wondering who will be the young DP. $200,000 against the cap.

http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/roster-rules-and-regulations

[Pint]

Any indication other than "by the end of the month" when Urruti will be showing up? could use another striker with 3 games in 8 days at home to end the month (20th, 24th, 27th)

[Detroit_TFC]

Transfermarkt.de pegs Laba value at €500K, for what it's worth. Doesn't seem to have gotten much playing time in last 2 yrs. This makes me nervous. Has all the marks of a "recommendation" signing rather than a full scouted one, irregardless of whether Onstad saw him play or not.

http://www.transfermarkt.de/de/matias-laba/profil/spieler_147496.html

[Abou Sky]

IIRC transfers come out of your allocation as an amortized amount over the length of the contract correct?

Would the following be possible?

-If you were to say sign him for a 20 year contract with $1.5m transfer fee with a declining pay scale, could you only use $75k a year of allocation?

I know everything has to get past MLS but I thought that is why we got KP, so we could skirt those kinds of rules.

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Edit to add note:

I am with the crowd of 'let's see what he looks like here'

That said, I like that neither of them are small, 5'9.5" and 6' for Urruti is nice. People can say what they like but this league is better suited to players who are just a little bigger. I don't think we need to look like Portland, but Plata was a perfect example of someone who couldn't defend to save his life because he just got bowled over by 90% of players.

[notthesun]

Payne must be extremely high on this guy if he's willing to transfer rather than loan him in, with a fee to boot.

He can't get here soon enough.

[Stress]

That's right. Seems like it's a 1.5 million dollar transfer. Don't think it's Argentinian pesos. Wondering who will be the young DP. $200,000 against the cap.

http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/roster-rules-and-regulations


Thanks for finding the info!

My guess is Laba is the YDP especially if Urruti is now being confirmed as a loan with an option to buy. I guess we'll find out before the week is done.