TFC II & TFC Academy 2017 Discussion

[notthesun]

May as well get this started now.

Shaan Hundal scored in the 4th minute as Canada's U-20s beat Panama U-20 1-0 tonight. Also starting from TFC II were Richie Ennin, Liam Fraser, and Luca Uccello, who captained the side. Aidan Daniels and Malik Johnson also came off the bench in the 2nd half. No video from the match unfortunately.

The U-20s go against Panama again on Saturday.

[notthesun]

U-20s lose the second friendly to Panama 2-1. Liam Fraser scored and all the TFC II players saw playing time.

[Rocket Robin]

TFC II sent out renewal e-mail notices for 2017 season. A SSH like I was last year gets 16 games x $6.00 = $96.00 (bonus a pair of tickets to the MLS team's Canadian Championship match). If you renew by Feb 6th.

[last year it was 15 games x $5.00 = $75.00
That's season tickets for the equivalent of one game of my TFC (MLS) SSH ticket.
Only risk here is the USL schedule hasn't been released yet.

[notthesun]

http://www.canadasoccer.com/select-group-of-u-20-players-ready-to-train-in-mexico-p160371-preview-1

U-20s are taking 15 players for a training camp in Mexico to play friendlies vs. Cruz Azul and Club America academies. Invited from TFC II are Fraser, Hundal, Daniels, Ennin, Uccello and Dante Campbell.

[Mateo1985]

Are they doing anything with that stadium? Or is it going to remain the way it is?

[Red CB Toronto]

Are they doing anything with that stadium? Or is it going to remain the way it is?

As far as I know , the answer is no. The stadium project up there is the OSA's and from what gather it has not progr seed as planned due to what it always is, money. I know after being told what the stadium was going to be in 2015 and showing up to what it ended up being was a disappointment for some.

So essentially they bring in a metal grandstand at the start of the year. For anyone that has been up there, the one they used in the first year in 2015 was much better than the one from last season. It was at ground level making the first few rows useless.

[kodiakTFC]

Any chance they'll play any games at BMO Field this season? Their field is a little far from downtown for those of us who don't drive. It'd be a nice change to have Ottawa play TFC2 at BMO.

[reggie]

that would be a great idea a tfc2 v ottawa on a saturday around 3 and tfc game at 7.

[Red CB Toronto]

that would be a great idea a tfc2 v ottawa on a saturday around 3 and tfc game at 7.

From what I gather a few TFC2 games will be played at BMO as part of double headers with the first team.

[Adamo23]

As far as I know , the answer is no. The stadium project up there is the OSA's and from what gather it has not progr seed as planned due to what it always is, money. I know after being told what the stadium was going to be in 2015 and showing up to what it ended up being was a disappointment for some.

So essentially they bring in a metal grandstand at the start of the year. For anyone that has been up there, the one they used in the first year in 2015 was much better than the one from last season. It was at ground level making the first few rows useless.

My soccer team used to train on that field and it was honestly one of the best fields I played on but it is in the wrong location. It should be on the grass fields infront of the osa. The walk from the dressing room to field is too far, when you hit a ball over the fence it always goes onto another field, and you can't build anything on the other side because of the hill and massive ravine behind the hill. Other than that it's a beautiful turf field that feels like grass

[ouderwien]

From what I gather a few TFC2 games will be played at BMO as part of double headers with the first team.

Looks like two games are at BMO

[notthesun]

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/01/31/toronto-fc-ii-2017-regular-season-schedule-announced

First game of the year for TFC II on March 25th, home opener on April 7th.

[molenshtain]

Looks like two games are at BMO

Which two?

[rydermike]

Which two?

The games will happen after the first team games. Saturday, May 13th and Saturday, September 9th

[molenshtain]

Thanks

[sn0re]

Does that mean TFC SSHs will be able to watch TFC2 on those double headers without charge?

[Brandino88]

Does that mean TFC SSHs will be able to watch TFC2 on those double headers without charge?

I was wondering the same thing. It would be a nice gesture from F.O.

[Cas87]

Does that mean TFC SSHs will be able to watch TFC2 on those double headers without charge?


I was wondering the same thing. It would be a nice gesture from F.O.

As far as I recall from the last time TFC2 had doubleheaders @ BMO, basically anyone who wanted to stay could. They just move you to the East or West stand.

[notthesun]

U-20 squad for CONCACAF U-20 Championship announced. (http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-announces-squad-for-concacaf-men-s-under-20-championship-p160421-preview-1) TFC representation includes Fraser, Uccello, Hundal, Campbell and Daniels (Vancouver has 2 players and Montreal 1). Malik Johnson and Richie Ennin miss out.

Group play begins February 17th vs. Honduras, then Mexico and Antigua & Barbuda. Top 4 teams in the tournament qualify for the U-20 World Cup.

[Shway]

Released Quilly (22)....but signed Angelo (24).

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/02/10/toronto-fc-ii-sign-angelo-cavalluzzo

[PopePouri]

Released Quilly (22)....but signed Angelo (24).

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/02/10/toronto-fc-ii-sign-angelo-cavalluzzo

Yeah weird signing. Seems to indicate that Q had a falling out.

[notthesun]

Cavalluzzo is just there to back up Di Bennardo. Quillan I'm sure left because he had no chance of breaking into the first team anymore with us re-signing Irwin and Bono being the clear #2. Better for him to find a more promising situation elsewhere.

[jloome]

Yeah weird signing. Seems to indicate that Q had a falling out.

I think they just didn't rate him as good enough in the end. He had two extended periods as first-choice keeper and both times started choking under pressure; when he was fighting as the number two he was great, when he had the number one job he wasn't.

[C.Ronaldo]

would love to see TFC2 travel around GTA for a few games

[Initial B]

^Well, they will be coming to see us in Ottawa...

[OgtheDim]

Which leads to an interesting question - is it possible to be TFC and still support an affiliate of the Impact? I don't think the answer is all that simple if people came to the team as the local option and then suddenly found themselves foisted upon.

[JamboAl]

Which leads to an interesting question - is it possible to be TFC and still support an affiliate of the Impact? I don't think the answer is all that simple if people came to the team as the local option and then suddenly found themselves foisted upon.

That is an excellent question! I had a very serious heart to heart with the Fury front office staff about this "affiliation". If the FO is to be believed, the affiliation is only meant to mean that the Fury have the first option to take on Impact players on loan. No players will be foisted onto the Fury unless the manager, Paul Dalglish, wants him. And no Impact badges will be on the Fury shirts either. I suppose the CSA had to have bought in as well seeing how they are letting Ottawa play in the Voyageurs Cup this season. I will give the team the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

[Initial B]

^ Same here. I had a long chat with my ticket rep before renewing my Fury Seasons. He said much the same thing as they said to JamboAl. Honestly, most of the main players are in place already. I think most of the players they would get from the Impact would be used for depth kind of like what Wilmington did with TFC's hand-me-downs.

[OgtheDim]

Thanks.

I find the whole destruction of Impact II kind of sad in a way - they didn't give those kids much notice or hope. That's not good for Canadian soccer.

Seems in keeping with Montreal's unwillingness to play anybody but veterans. As much as people admire Biello, that unwillingness to blood and get kids time in the first team is going to kill the Impact this season or the next one.

[Initial B]

Well, if the CPL starts up in 2018, that will be when Canadian Talent will get a chance to play. I imagine they will set it up a lot like MLS 2.0 - a $1.2-1.5 million salary cap covered by the league, 8 International slots (which would include Americans) and a DP type player whose salary will only partially count against the cap. Montreal will probably link-up with a team in Quebec City if they join.

[fergiejr]

I think most of the players they would get from the Impact would be used for depth kind of like what Wilmington did with TFC's hand-me-downs.

What about players going the other way? With the TFC/TFCII arrangement we have seen some of our twonies come up to the first team. They are on TFCII contract though.

Will be interesting to see how this plays out. It is really unfortunate about FC Montreal, the games were free to attend from what I remember. I don't know if anyone went though.

[Miss Jones]

We are going up to Ottawa April 22nd to watch TFCII vs Ottawa Fury. Last couple of years we have gone up to the Ottawa Fury Home opener (used to live in Ottawa) and so now we won't be able to sit with the Fury Supporters but we'll come over and say Hi!
See you there Al and Mark

[JamboAl]

We are going up to Ottawa April 22nd to watch TFCII vs Ottawa Fury. Last couple of years we have gone up to the Ottawa Fury Home opener (used to live in Ottawa) and so now we won't be able to sit with the Fury Supporters but we'll come over and say Hi!
See you there Al and Mark

You are more than welcome to join us, Moira. And I might be able to get you some cheap (or even free) tickets for you and Simon.

[Initial B]

Awesome! Can't wait for the Home opener. No offence, but I hope the Fury tear into TFCII. :)

They've moved the supporter's section behind the east goal, so it's a little further to walk to (and further away from the refreshments).

[Rocket Robin]

The PDL schedule was released at the beginning of the week and by not showing a listing for Toronto FC

it looks like the TFC PDL team is gone! K-W United is still in.

While the 50 or so fans might miss them, with USL adopting a three subs a game limit and no PDL team, it leaves

less playing time for such guys as midfielder Kota Sakurai who got into a lot of games and won League 1 Ontario

honours as 'Young Player of the Year' with TFC Academy.

[OgtheDim]

So we went from 3 teams, one PDL, a League1 Ontario team and a U21 Ontario League Elite down to just the one (TFCIII) in Ontario 1?

[Initial B]

I'm wondering if they felt that L1O was giving as good or better competition than PDL with less travel. If they can make the jump to Pro early then they should be playing with TFCII regardless of their age. What is the average entry age of players in the European First Divisions? It seems if you're not a starter by 22, then your unlikely to be developed further. TFC has a bunch of academy teams playing in the OPDL so I assume they've got their pipeline set up?

[notthesun]

Canada U20s vs. Honduras just got started. Live stream via facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/concacafcom

Uccello (#8) and Fraser (#6) starting.

edit: Hundal in for Zanatta in the 63rd minute.

[ag futbol]

^ Not quite the bad-old days but this team doesn't look particularly inspiring. Very little in the way of possession or a sustained attack in the 2nd half.

1-0 Honduras in the 76th.

[notthesun]

We looked a lot better in the 1st half. Not sure what's changed.

The time wasting tactics from Honduras are something else. They teach 'em young.

edit: Man that was a depressing end to the game. Their keeper grabbed a routine cross, faked an injury for 3 minutes, our keeper drops a cross conceding a corner, they waste 2 minutes off consecutive corners then the ref blows the final whistle at 93:10 even though there was supposed to be 4 minutes. Right.

Unfortunately that's pretty much it for their chances. Top 2 advance out of the group and we play Mexico next, then Antigua & Barbuda. They'll need a miracle, of either getting a result vs. Mexico or seeing Honduras drop points to Antigua.

[notthesun]

That's the tournament for the U20s, beat Antigua 2-0 and are knocked out in 3rd place of the group stage. Hundal looked good, hit the crossbar twice (first time leading to the 1st goal) and scored near the end of the match. Liam Fraser captained the side, showed some good passing range and also hit the post twice himself.

[notthesun]

That's the tournament for the U20s, beat Antigua 2-0 and are knocked out in 3rd place of the group stage. Hundal looked good, hit the crossbar twice (first time leading to the 1st goal) and scored near the end of the match. Liam Fraser captained the side, showed some good passing range and also hit the post twice himself.

The goals:

https://twitter.com/CONCACAF/status/834871726857039872

https://twitter.com/CONCACAF/status/834892701254344708

[Heepster]

The USL site
http://www.uslsoccer.com/toronto-fc-ii-schedule

now lists start times, still missing for some games on the TFC2.ca (http://www.torontofc.ca/tfcII/schedule) site when I last checked. For example, the July 1 (Canada Day) game in Vaughan would appear to be at 17:00 (5 pm).

Edit: And the schedule link on the tfc2.ca site now leads to the USL site.

[Areathrasher]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/837754529663881220

That Jay Chapman starting for TFCII today?

[reggie]

not a good sign for chapman..

[notthesun]

I find it odd that Chapman didn't make the trip to RSL, but given that he didn't, might as well play with TFC II. They have a pretty short roster still.

[reggie]

a lot of new names on tfc2,must be some trialist.

[OgtheDim]

Well there was no last 10 minutes melt down so that's already better.

[reggie]

2-1 TFC over ott.james with both goals and chapman missed a pk.

[Doucet3]

wouldn't read to much into Chapman staying behind, with TFCII bench really short they needed a leader out there and someone solid to take the field.

[Shway]

wonder who half these players are

[fergiejr]

I find it odd that Chapman didn't make the trip to RSL, but given that he didn't, might as well play with TFC II. They have a pretty short roster still.

Chapman gets minutes this way. This is one of the benefits of TFCII.

[Areathrasher]

The TFC III squad that's heading to Italy.

1. Robert BOSKOVIC – Defender
2. Danté CAMPBELL – Midfielder
3. Gianluca CATALANO – Goalkeeper
4. Kunle DADA-LUKE – Forward
5. Aidan DANIELS – Midfielder
6. Daniel DA SILVA – Forward
7. Andrew DIAS – Defender
8. Filippo DI BENNARDO – Goalkeeper
9. Julian DUNN – Defender
10. Liam FRASER – Midfielder
11. Steven FURLANO – Defender
12. Shaan HUNDAL – Forward
13. Malik JOHNSON – Forward
14. Marko MANDEKIC – Midfielder
15. Brandon ONKONY – Defender
16. Nicholas OSORIO – Midfielder
17. Luca PETRASSO – Midfielder
18. Rocco ROMEO – Defender
19. Kota SAKURAI – Midfielder
20. Matthew SRBELY – Midfielder
21. Nikola STAKIC – Defender
22. Luca UCCELLO – Midfielder

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCPR/status/839142362521694208

https://twitter.com/DanRiccio590/status/839143796558397442

[Shway]

The TFC III squad that's heading to Italy.

1.Robert BOSKOVIC – Defender
2.Danté CAMPBELL – Midfielder
3.Gianluca CATALANO – Goalkeeper
4.Kunle DADA-LUKE – Forward
5.Aidan DANIELS – Midfielder
6.Daniel DA SILVA – Forward
7.Andrew DIAS – Defender
8.Filippo DI BENNARDO – Goalkeeper
9.Julian DUNN – Defender
10.Liam FRASER – Midfielder
11.Steven FURLANO – Defender
12.Shaan HUNDAL – Forward
13.Malik JOHNSON – Forward
14.Marko MANDEKIC – Midfielder
15.Brandon ONKONY – Defender
16.Nicholas OSORIO – Midfielder
17.Luca PETRASSO – Midfielder
18.Rocco ROMEO – Defender
19.Kota SAKURAI – Midfielder
20.Matthew SRBELY – Midfielder
21.Nikola STAKIC – Defender
22.Luca UCCELLO – Midfielder

Pretty solid squad, by taking all available players from TFCII. Good way for thesse players to get some overseas exposure

[notthesun]

TFCII have signed GK Mark Pais.

[flamehawk]

Odd, I think he was adopted by Americans; so, I presume he has American citizenship. I wonder what might the travel issue be.


https://twitter.com/TorontoFCPR/status/839142362521694208

https://twitter.com/DanRiccio590/status/839143796558397442

[notthesun]

TFC II signs Jordan McCrary. Fills the hole for them at RB.

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/03/09/toronto-fc-ii-signs-jordan-mccrary

[Heepster]

Odd, I think he was adopted by Americans; so, I presume he has American citizenship. I wonder what might the travel issue be.From last year:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/players-soccer-dream-becomes-an-immigration-nightmare-174603029.html
As far as I recall from the last time TFC2 had doubleheaders @ BMO, basically anyone who wanted to stay could. They just move you to the East or West stand.I would assume that would still be the case, although FWIW they are definitely allowing people to go to the BMO Field TFC II games only for a separate ($12 face value, general admission, lower east side stand) ticket, which I don't remember seeing the other times it happened.
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/TFC-II-tickets/artist/2220440

[fergiejr]

13-May
TFC vs Minnesota 15:00
TFC II vs Bethlehem Steel 18:00

09-Sep
TFC vs San Jose 17:00
TFC II vs NYRB II 20:00

[Areathrasher]

https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/841317015583375361

Liam Fraser had a brace

[reggie]

i really like fraser..i think he will play in the MLS.

[notthesun]

Game recap here: http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/03/13/viareggio-cup-journal-comeback-kids

Next game in a couple days vs. Juventus.

[Yohan]

Jason de Vos talks about youth development in Canada.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaCrdZnymRs

[Areathrasher]

They drew 1-1 with Juve. Cracking result! :pbjtime:

[Areathrasher]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6-2lgCXEAEHqpO.jpg:large

Front page news

[notthesun]

Recap of the draw vs. Juventus: http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/03/15/viareggio-cup-journal-tournament-match-day-2

Also, Liam Fraser could be in line for a Homegrown deal at some point this season: http://www.wakingthered.com/toronto-fc/2017/3/15/14927282/viareggio-cup-captain-liam-fraser-could-be-toronto-fc-next-homegrown-signing-mls

[SoccMan2]

Nice result, it's 2017 what no highlights of this game, nobody own a phone lol. Top two teams in division go through will need at least a tie to have a chance to go through, this Prague team has some good history at this tournament, hopefully the boys don't take them lightly thinking that if they were able to tie Juve then the next game should be a formality.

[gmacpheetfc]

do we know if there is an age gap between our team and the other youth teams? Most promising u20s in europe you would assume are part of the reserves vs a full youth setup.

[Areathrasher]

do we know if there is an age gap between our team and the other youth teams? Most promising u20s in europe you would assume are part of the reserves vs a full youth setup.

All the teams in the tournament have squads in the 16-20 age range.

TFC and Juve's squads stack up age wise

http://www.torontofc.ca/players/squad/u20
http://ca.soccerway.com/teams/italy/juventus-u19/25545/

[gmacpheetfc]

Sweet.

Also what is the knockout format with 10 groups?

[Sigma]

Dukla Prague does have a good history in the tournament but that was under communism. Dukla was the military club, and now they are not even close to the club they once were. The current U19 team doesn't even play in the top tier of U19 soccer. They play in a 2nd tier competition and they are currently in 5th place. Youth soccer in the Czech Republic is of a good standard, but I am not so sure about this current Dukla side. With all of that being said, Toronto FC should win, but Dukla has enough talent to surprise.

[notthesun]

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/03/16/toronto-fc-ii-signs-lars-eckenrode

TFC II signs defender Lars Eckenrode. 4th round pick this past draft. Not sure but I believe he is a CB.

[Reg_Sims]

Sweet.

Also what is the knockout format with 10 groups?

Top in each group, and best 6 2nd Place Finishers.

I believe the boys need to win and get a good +/-
There are 4 other groups that might have 5 points for 2nd place. It will most likely come to a tiebreaker

[notthesun]

Missed this earlier, academy midfielder Matthew Srbely has signed a sort of hybrid deal that will allow him to play in League1 Ontario with TFC III and USL with TFC II.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCIII/status/839514361542688769

[OgtheDim]

Well here's the answer to the PDL question

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/03/17/toronto-fc-and-kitchener-waterloo-united-announce-partnership

[Red CB Toronto]

Well here's the answer to the PDL question

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/03/17/toronto-fc-and-kitchener-waterloo-united-announce-partnership

Exactly what I expected. The Reds needed a place for their homegrown players who are currently on NCAA scholarships as they can't play with pros, which the academy now has in some cases. Believe four TFC3 players currently have signed some sort of pro deal.

The infonic thing is, look at who runs KW United, the infamous Barry McLean.

[SoccMan2]

Good old Barry McLean wasn't this guy the player agent guy in the early few years of TFC where it seemed every player TFC signed had this guy as their agent, any name associated with " the worst team in the world", still makes me nervous.

[SoccMan2]

Good old Barry McLean wasn't this guy the player agent guy in the early few years of TFC where it seemed every player TFC signed had this guy as their agent, any name associated with " the worst team in the world", team still makes me nervous.

[ag futbol]

Yeah, the stink of Barry hasn't completely left the club, from what I hear.

[denime]

Good old Barry McLean wasn't this guy the player agent guy in the early few years of TFC where it seemed every player TFC signed had this guy as their agent, any name associated with " the worst team in the world", still makes me nervous.

yes,that's the guy,scary part is that TFC is offering contracts to academy players mostly (and maybe only) trough him,don't want to sign with him,see you later.

[SoccMan2]

Well if I were to find out that this kind of shit is going on with the academy and this Maclean guy where if you don't want to sign with him than it's see you later, it's enough for me a season ticket holder since day one to cancel my season tickets, I'm serious this kind of crap if true is totally bullshit !

[A Stick]

Why has no one in the media looked into this shit and exposed it (i.e. Barry Maclean)? I have heard these stories for too many years!

[OgtheDim]

Why has no one in the media looked into this shit and exposed it (i.e. Barry Maclean)? I have heard these stories for too many years!

Paging a certain former sports journalist to weigh in on why sports journos don't cover sports corruption.

But, as shitty as this is, sports in North America is riddled with this sort of thing. Bball academies, minor hockey, prep schools - at the development level, influence and money are making decisions rather then talent.

[Red CB Toronto]

TFC2 fell 3-1 in pre-season action this afternoon at Rochester. Johan Brunel started. Brandon Aubrey was also a starter. There only score of the day was a Rhinos OG.

[Shway]

Brandon Aubrey was also a starter.

Hasn't signed a contract yet, but one would have to assume thats he's trialling for a contract with the reserves.
Far cry from the projected top 5 pick.

[SoccMan2]

Looks like TFC at the Viareggio Tournament fell 4-2 to the Czech team, after tying their first two group games and tying Juventus out they go out of the tournament was to be expected I guess.

[Red CB Toronto]

Hasn't signed a contract yet, but one would have to assume thats he's trialling for a contract with the reserves.
Far cry from the projected top 5 pick.

He does have a contract. He was one of a few college seniors the league signed to contracts prior to the draft.

[Shway]

He does have a contract. He was one of a few college seniors the league signed to contracts prior to the draft.

isn't having a contract with the league separate from having one with a team?

[Kamp Berg]

isn't having a contract with the league separate from having one with a team?

All contracts are with the league in MLS.

[Red CB Toronto]

isn't having a contract with the league separate from having one with a team?

No, they are one in the same. When the Reds selected him they assumed the contract.

[fergiejr]

Looks like TFCIII lost their final match.

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/03/20/viareggio-cup-journal-final-recap

[notthesun]

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/03/17/2017-tfc-ii-season-preview

Season preview from the team. Expect TFC II to line up in a 3-5-2 as they look to make the transition between them and the senior team easier.

[molenshtain]

any update on the contract situations for Spencer or Akinola?

[notthesun]

any update on the contract situations for Spencer or Akinola?

Still in negotiations with Spencer I assume as there's been no announcement, but Vanney said coming out of preseason he's made the senior team roster. I think he signs a reserve or supplemental level MLS deal and gets heavy minutes with TFC II.

Nothing on Akinola, but no news is bad news here. He seems to have at best delayed his decision on our Homegrown deal, at worst rejected it, and he'll be free to leave for Europe in a year. As Will Parchman tweeted recently:

https://twitter.com/WillParchman/status/843878723799588864

This is speculation on my part but I think he might indeed be waiting to play in the U17 World Cup with the States (assuming they qualify through CONCACAF, tournament starts a month from now). The U17 WC is in October and Akinola turns 18 in January, allowing him to move abroad during that winter transfer window. So he may be choosing to showcase himself in the U17 WC, see what offers he can attract, and then make his decision. This is where we would have to dip into the Jordan Morris fund, as, unless he really turned heads at the tournament, it's likely we could offer him a richer deal in a Homegrown contract than he would get as an 18 year old in Europe. Obviously, if his mind is set on Europe because he thinks it's a better long term career move then even a bigger contract with us might not be enough. Long story short, it's not looking good in my opinion.

[Shway]

Long story short, it's not looking good in my opinion.

I mean this was inevitable. The reality is, Ayo would have to be willing to play with TFC II from what I see...he would be too deep on the first team depth chart, and he's no Jordan Morrris.

So what I see is he shows out, and ends up on a European reserve or U-20 team.

[Adamo23]

Might be a bit off topic but does anyone know if they changed anything at the Ontario Soccer Centre?

[SirBobSaget]

Might be a bit off topic but does anyone know if they changed anything at the Ontario Soccer Centre?
Its only a matter of time before USL cracks down and demands a proper stadium, its embarasing. TFCII not the only guilty club, other reserve teams have similar basic facilities. It's a big contrast with the independent clubs who have really nice SS Stadiums.

[spe18]

Its only a matter of time before USL cracks down and demands a proper stadium, its embarasing. TFCII not the only guilty club, other reserve teams have similar basic facilities. It's a big contrast with the independent clubs who have really nice SS Stadiums.

Not really sure where the incentive is to have a “proper stadium” when USSF simply requires division 2 teams to have a stadium with a minimum of 5000 seats.

Also, if USL does require a “proper stadium” my guess is TFCII would be forced to play @ BMO Field :D

[notthesun]

All right, here's my own little preview for the upcoming TFCII season.

Bezbatchenko and TFC are on record as saying TFC II is still about player development first and foremost, but that they want to field a more competitive team this season than in years past. TFC II ended their 2015 inaugural season with 23 points from 28 games, and last year earned 26 points from 30 games. As with last year, the top 8 teams in the Eastern Conference will earn a playoff spot. For context, TFC II's 26 points were 9 points shy of the final playoff spot. There's 15 teams in the East this year compared to 14 last year, as the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Ottawa Fury have moved over from NASL, the latter having to serve as TFC's main rival now that FC Montreal is no more.

It remains to be seen exactly what a more competitive TFC II looks like, but I suspect we might see more minutes this year for loanees from the senior team and depth-level USL players, and less minutes given to players brought up from the academy that have not signed pro deals. TFC II held a lot of auditions for academy players last year; perhaps too many if you're looking to put together a stronger squad. I'll be keeping my eye on this as we'll have to see how things play out, especially given the number of guys on the senior team roster that will probably be starved for minutes this year and could use the extra game time at USL level.

In terms of schedule, TFC II kicks off the season this Saturday at 10:30pm vs. Phoenix Rising FC, with the home opener coming April 7th vs. Rochester. The early season schedule is frankly pretty brutal, with the home opener being the only home game in TFC II's first 7 games. Kicking off the season against Phoenix and then Tampa Bay is no easy task either, as both clubs have submitted expansion bids to MLS and will be looking to impress. Phoenix, managed by Frank Yallop, is hosting TFC II for the inaugural match in their new 5,000-seat stadium, and some of their most recent signings include Omar Bravo and Shaun Wright-Phillips, with the latest rumors being that they're chasing Didier Drogba (no, that's not a joke). TFC II will be missing Mitch Taintor for the opener, who's serving a suspension carried over from last season, and may be without some players that participated in the Viareggio Cup in Italy with TFC III recently.

As usual, all USL games are streamed free on Youtube. This will also be the first season for which Opta is providing full statistical coverage of USL games, so there will be new "match center" models available for every game in real time on the USL website, similar to MLS, and hopefully a database or two with which to track TFC II player performance.

On to the roster. Jason Bent is still managing the squad and it's expected he'll be using a 3-5-2 formation as TFC wants to make the transition between senior and reserve teams as smooth as possible. I've put together a rough depth chart:


http://i.imgur.com/ECKczHq.png


Note that this only includes USL-contracted and academy players. A real "game day" roster for TFC II will probably often feature several senior players being loaned down, as we have a fair few that will need the minutes. For example, I would expect to see Mo Babouli, Ben Spencer (assuming he signs), Sergio Camargo, Tsubasa Endoh, Johan Brunell and Brandon Aubrey - those latter two especially, as the current USL roster is very thin at CB - spending significant time with TFC II this year, with some cameo appearances from others at times as well. Note also that AM Aikim Andrews and DM Luis Pereira, who were both on trial with TFC II, are not included as they've yet to sign, and I'm unclear on their status or if they're even still training with the team. They may have been let go at this point.


My personal list of players to watch:

USL/Academy:
- Liam Fraser, CDM: The best of our prospects currently signed to a USL deal, Fraser, 19, is a deep-lying midfielder with good passing range and more the type to intercept passes than make hard tackles, though he can do both. Imagine Cheyrou when he was younger and more mobile. Other than captaining the Canadian side at the U-20 CONCACAF Championship, Fraser spent all of preseason with the senior squad and is the most likely candidate to earn the next TFC Homegrown deal. Fraser was highlighted as one of the top 5 U-20 players to watch in USL this season by the league website: http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/772685?referrer_id. Look for him to lead from midfield.

- Shaan Hundal, ST: Hundal was the biggest surprise on the team last year, with a team-leading (along with Raheem Edwards) 6 goals, and half of them scored while he was still 16 years old. Signing a USL deal midway through last season and now 17, over the offseason Hundal scored at the U-20 CONCACAF Championship for Canada, and scored twice at the Viareggio Cup with TFC III. Hundal is likely to get heavy minutes with TFC II this season as one of their first-choice strikers.

- Luca Uccello, CAM: A 19 year old attacking midfielder in the TFC academy system since the U12 level, Uccello also joined Canada at the U-20 CONCACAF Championship. Finishing last season with 3 goals and 2 assists, this is close to a make-or-break year for Uccello, who will have to improve his offensive output and show his development is poised to continue as he likely competes with Sergio Camargo for minutes with TFC II and in the minds of TFC's staff as a future first team attacking midfielder.

- Malik Johnson, ST/CAM: Soon to be 19 year old forward with blazing speed and quick feet, Johnson scored 4 goals last year in USL - a penalty and three solo run stunners. Johnson needs to find more consistency in his game, because his skill set makes him a real danger when he can put it together.

- Ayo Akinola, ST: Considered by most to be TFC's best prospect full stop, and with good reason: if you've outscored fellow U.S. U-17 attacking stars Josh Sargent and recent Atlanta Homegrown signing Andrew Carleton in the last calendar year, you're probably pretty good. Unfortunately for us, it was reported that we'd offered him a Homegrown deal and with there still being no news on that end, you have to assume he didn't take it. As he figures to play a key role with the U.S. U-17 squad at the U-17 World Cup in October, he may be waiting to perform in front of the scouts at that tournament and turn that into a pro deal in Europe, where he'll be able to leave after turning 18 in January. Akinola scored 2 goals as a 16 year old with TFC II last year in a handful of games. He won't be available for a little while as he's currently in the last-ever U.S. residency camp for the recently-cancelled program, and from there will be heading to the U-17 CONCACAF Championship in order to help the U.S. qualify for the U-17 WC. On his return though, I'll be keeping an eye on two things: a) how good he really is, and b) how many minutes TFC is willing to give to a player that may be a lost cause in terms of their long-term plans.

First team loanees:
- Brandon Aubrey, CB: Aubrey, 22, was a fairly highly-touted CB heading into the MLS draft, but saw his stock drop considerably after what many considered a poor combine performance. Looking increasingly unlikely to break into the first team this year, especially with Jason Hernandez having just been signed, Aubrey has a great opportunity this season with TFC II. The squad and academy is weak in CB prospects ready for this level, so if Aubrey can establish himself as a reliable USL starter, he's looking at a ton of minutes this year and in the future.

- Sergio Camargo, CAM: Camargo, 22, spent several years with the TFC academy before heading to the NCAA, then the PDL, and now finally returning to sign a Homegrown deal with TFC this offseason. With pure CAMs in Vazquez and Chapman ahead of him in the senior roster, not to mention guys like Osorio and Cooper, expect to see a good deal of Camargo with TFC II this year. As a slightly older player with a bit more experience at higher levels, he may get more minutes against some of TFC II's tougher opposition.

- Ben Spencer, ST: A "project" player, Spencer is described as a tall target man with soft feet. I say "described" because no one has seen much of him recently: he's been injured for the better part of the last two and a half years. Finally healthy, Spencer has cracked the first team roster according to Vanney, but with Giovinco, Altidore, Ricketts and Hamilton ahead of him, he could certainly use the minutes that TFC II could give him. At 21 years old, it's not too late for Spencer, but he needs to start playing. When he's with TFC II he'll be competing against Ricardo John for the target man role up top. Besides Akinola, he's the only player mentioned here currently without an MLS or USL deal, but all indications are he will be signed shortly.

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/lauraarmy/status/845015791548424192

[Red CB Toronto]

https://twitter.com/lauraarmy/status/845015791548424192

Not surprised at all, fully expected with the Reds off this weekend more than a couple first teamers are making the trip with the USL squad.

[Shway]

All right, here's my own little preview for the upcoming TFCII season.


Nice write up....some anomalies with the lineup but your brave for trying.

Try again, knowing the players available this weekend.

TFCII will be looking to win this year, in the mould of NYRB.

[notthesun]

Yeah I didn't bother trying to include the senior team loanees because most of them are gonna be on and off with TFC II so I just considered USL and academy only since those players will always be available. Though I do expect Aubrey, Camargo and Spencer to essentially be full-time TFC II players this season (Camargo may be able to play his way into some first team minutes but I doubt it for the others).

I believe Daniels and Johnson are unavailable for this weekend as they played a friendly in Italy today with TFC II. Some academy players that could figure with TFC II are also still in Italy. Hundal and Fraser didn't seem to be involved so I assume they are back and with the team.

[notthesun]

TFC II signs ST Ryan Telfer, 23, and adds Brandon Onkony, still with the academy, to the player pool.

[notthesun]

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/01/05/generation-adidas-cup-feature-future-mls-and-international-stars

TFC academy will compete in the Generation Adidas Cup beginning April 7th. TFC is one of 8 MLS academies in the top division of the tournament. We have Estudiantes, Club Tijuana, and NYRB in our group. The tournament is U-17 (born January 1, 2000 or later). Live game streams will be available from MLS.

[Greatest Ripoff]

TFC also has 11 players called into a U17 camp ahead of the the CONCACAF u17 qualifiers in April.


CANADA U-17
GK- Gianluca Catalano | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
GK- Evan Ince | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency
GK- Sebastian Sgarbossa | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
CB- Julian Dunn-Johnson | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
CB- Yohan Le Bourhis | CAN / Académie Impact de Montréal
CB- Antonio Rocco Romeo | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
CB- Karifa Yao | CAN / Académie Impact de Montréal
FB- Gabriel Escobar | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency
FB- Émile Legault | FRA / AJ Auxerre
FB- Monti Mohsen | CAN / Ottawa Internationals SC
FB- Jake Ruby | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency
M- Michael Baldisimo | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
M- Olakunle Dada-Luke | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
M- Jordan Faria | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
M- Benson Fazili | CAN / Ottawa Internationals SC
M- Alessandro Hojabrpour | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency
M- Terique Mohammed | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
M- Noble Okello | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
M- Luca Petrasso | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
M- Steffen Yeates | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
F- Zakaria Abdi | CAN / Toronto FC Academy
F- Jonathan David | CAN / Ottawa Internationals SC
F- José Hernández | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency
F- Matthew Laic | CRO / GNK Dinamo Zagreb

[Areathrasher]

https://twitter.com/JohnMolinaro/status/846766457010733057

[Rocket Robin]

March 28, 2017 USL Toronto FC II--TFC II Season Seat Holder Ticket Pick-Up Event (by Rocket Robin)
Details of the Tuesday March 28, 2017 Toronto FC II Season Seat Holders ticket pickup held
at the KIA Training Centre between 6:00pm and 8:00pm in Downsview.

I wasn't planning on getting there right at the beginning but seemed to hit every green light
and found a shortcut roadway from the north that was still open from last year and found myself
at the entrance before anyone had been let in. The bubble was still up at this time of year
although I'd seen a tweeted photo of the MLS squad earlier today training outdoors which made
sense as they will be playing their season opener outside at BMO Field on Friday night so they
better get used to the cold weather. I didn't notice nor expect any of the first team
at tonight's event.

I was looking forward to, yet partially dreading writing up this event because I'm not good
with names. Even outside with fellow fans I've forgotten names but mentally refer to them
as 'autograph collector guy', 'photo taking guy',
'maintenance-guy-from-the-building-where-I-used-to-work'. Just say hello but don't say their name.

Ohoh! The players were all wearing red polo shirts but no name tags. Let's see how I do!
First check in by the entranceway. There is a bit of a hold up but it was caused by a group
of boys chatting with some of the players helping man the reception desk.
There's my TFC II rep Alex Adamo. The list is confined to one page—no more than 40 to 50 names.
"Not many season ticket holders!" I blurt out. Oops. Of course they could be one name per
pair/foursome/group of tickets I offer. Alex said that not every SSH would come here tonight.
I estimated later that there was constantly an average of 100 fans during the evening. Further
along the desk a player put his hand out to say hello. I had to ask who he was. "Mark Pais".
Oooh the goalie who earned the shutout for the team on Saturday in their season opener away
to Phoenix Rising. Now what did I want to ask him? "You played for Saint Louis last year
and you tweeted that you were glad you were coming to Toronto but some of your older tweets
thanked the St Louis fans--your hometown, why did you leave?" He answered that it was a change
of coaches and of the team's philosophy and he was happy that a new opportunity arose in Toronto.
I've read that this season TFC II defender Wesley Charpie plays for Saint Louis but that is not
related to Pais' move.

I was given an envelope which contained my season's ticket stuck together like linked saugages.
A smaller link of just two tickets were for the games at BMO Field because it is possible that
some TFC II fans are not going to the MLS game earlier in the day. No fan declaration letter
from the MLSE brass nor TFC II seat cushion like last year. Still a great deal at $96
for 16 games—that's less than the price of one of my 'premium' tickets for the MLS team.

I walked a gauntlet of players lining the staircase upstairs. Ok not so bad I do know about
half the players. I wanted to piece a roster together of TFC II and TFC III. TFC II has
actually started their season so there were eighteen plus news releases had announced signings
and a recent 'loan' of six players from their MLS roster.

Midfielder Liam Fraser! He played the full 90 minutes in all three games for the Canadian U-20
team in CONCACAF qualifying in Costa Rica. Soccer is a good way to see the world.

There's TFC II's assistant coach Chris Pozniak. There's no PDL team this year (also the USL
has reduced the number of subs per game from six to three) so it will be tougher to get playing
time for everybody. Fourteen less games to evaluate talent! I'd written down a roster
of TFC III players (last year known as TFC Academy) from the last League 1 Ontario game I saw
them play on October 2nd last season. I asked if he could check off who would NOT be back.
There's still a month before the L1O season begins so the roster is not finalized. Danny Dichio
is the TFC III coach this year taking over from Stuart Neely who left the organization to coach
in Delta BC. I told him I had a feeling MLSE Bill Manning said they are willing to help the
new CPL league as long as they don't operate in Toronto and offered up the TFC II roster.
That might mean one day he might announce that the entire roster has become FC Winnipeg!
No PDL team, no more operating TFC teams for players under the age of 14, maybe he'd jettison
the TFC II team operating up in Vaughan and their loyal 700 fans! Winnipeg could help with
player salaries. MLSE cost cutting?

TFC II head coach Jason Bent helped me check off another few names and also fill out the rest
of the TFC III coaching staff. Neither Pozniak nor Bent know which TFC players may play for
the still operating PDL K-W United team but Bent says that the coach is a scout for TFC.
Pozniak is also an assistant coach for TFC III so will be able to recommend players to move up.

They referred TFC III as their U-20 team. Last year their L1O team was referred to as U-17.

I sympathized with Bent for last year having to juggle his roster on short notice for such
things as to accommodate rehabbing MLS Clint Irwin in goal who allowed four then five goals
in his first TFC II games. I got to talking to him about the editor of one site I write for
deleting all my posts for the TFC PDL team as the team no longer exists. That's not the only
site that revises history. Bent himself didn't just become TFC II head coach in November 2014
but he was the assistant coach of the MLS team since 2011 and I'd get to games early and wave
to him after he'd arranged the pylons for the player warm up and I watched him as head coach
at the first ever TFC Academy game in 2008 in the CSL when they upset the previous year's champs
Toronto Croatia at Lamport Stadium. Pozniak I used to cheer for on Toronto Lynx starting
back in 1999. There's other sites that revise history. Raheem Edwards started L1O in 2014
on Internacional de Toronto (a team that folded before I had a chance to see them) and finished
the year with ANB Futbol (same TFC PDL editor deleted ANB history so you can't read about 14 year
old Adonijah Reid lighting up the league and who now was drafted by FC Dallas).

I told him of my scheduling in the last few years how I could squeeze in so many games
(TFC, TFC II, TFC PDL, Cdn Nat games when in Toronto, plus 41 L1O games) while on special
leave from work so I could become a caregiver for my father. "You're always coming
to our games!" he said.

I wanted to take a tour of the building so went back downstairs (yes I saw it as recently
as last year) but waited for the previous one to end. While I was waiting Bent came along
the hallway as there must have been a second stairway and put a TFC parka in my hands.
"For your years of support" he said. I of course thanked him. The parka I wore tonight
has certain stretches that have faded in the sun and there's duct tape on a sleeve to patch
a huge tear when I caught it on a door. Maybe not quite as bad as the Dolly Parton song.
Was it because I told him my father had died in October? No it doesn't matter. I asked him
on the way out if I could tell anyone or keep it a secret. No, he said it was fine.

Looks like two players are going to show me around. Yes midfielder Luca Uccello I recognized.
I said I remembered his father from the final home game of last season as a home-builder and one
of the sponsors of the team. They had a draw for a KIA car and the winner became the owner
of the car whereas the MLS team's grand prize was a two year LEASE of a KIA car! I had to ask
who the other player was. Matthew Srbely. Oh the first professional player in League 1 Ontario
I said. Yep. Yes I had been asking L1O chair Dino Rossi Jr each year if there were any pros
in their semi-pro league yet and he always said no. I knew there were a few players who made
some money teaching at some of their academy summer camps or doing office work but this was
the first player signing pro contract and staying with the league.

First stop the TFC (MLS) dressing room. Last year I couldn't step inside but this year it was OK.
A full size ping-pong table in the middle of the room. Next a room with a swimming pool
and jacuzzi. I told the guys I remembered this when it still had paint cans as the team offered
a tour of the facilities and the building wasn't finished in time. The gym/weight room.
These were being used as there were some Academy players training in here. I only could recognize
one person—one of MLS head coach Greg Vanney's red-headed kids watching the workout. I didn't
notice Vanney there tonight. Next the TFC II dressing room. Well it's only about one-third
the size of the MLS team. Interesting I opened up my notes so I could write three more TFC II
player names that were taped on to the change cubicles. Ryan Telfer also had a taped on name
as he's such a new signing. Next was to go inside the bubble. There was a full size turf field
where TFC III plays its games. There were a group of kids holding a practice there. Uccello
speculated they may the the U-12s. I heard at the President's Breakfast last month that they
will be keeping their spots it's just in future years TFC will not be operating with any teams
under 14. I also offered up a story of how the Centre was flooded one rainy fall night and three
inches of water was washing down the halls.

Ok well now the tour is over and I went upstairs to have something to eat. Players were in the
cafeteria along the hall to chat. Sausage rolls and swish-kabobs of pieces of fruit.
Coffee and cookies for dessert.

I asked which player was Ryan Telfer. He scored the only goal in the opening game win last week.
I read he played for York University and Vaughan Azzurri but I hadn't got to see him play in any
Vaughan games—the teams often played on the same weekend and some players were on both squads.
I told him I looked in my own records and found that I'd only watched him play one game and that
was for Mississauga Eagles of the CSL in 2012 when he came on as a sub against Niagara and
I honestly don't remember that game. My write-up of that game is linked on his Wikipedia page!
Well I'll see him this year and am glad to watch Canadians play.

Some messages on the message boards ranted about the lack of Canadians with TFC but that was
refuted by counter messages. I'd counted 11 Canadians on the USL site for TFC II. The lack
of any Canadian defenders so far is a concern for me. The count (done by other message board
members is about the same as last year). Expect more Canadians when they settle in from
returning from the national U-20 and U-23 teams.

Let's compile my roster lists from all the sources I have:

Toronto FC II
goalies Mark Pais, Angelo Cavalluzzo

defenders Lars Eckenrode, Brandon Onkony, Mitchell Taintor

midfielders Aidan Daniels, Liam Fraser, Brian James, Malike Johnson, Anthony Osorio,
Luca Uccello, Jordan McCrary, Matthew Srbely

forwards Shaan Hundal, Ricardo John, Ryan Telfer, Ben Spencer

plus loaned down from TFC: defenders Oyvind Alseth and Brandon Aubrey;
midfielders Tsubasa Endoh, Markey Delgado, Jay Chapman and Raheem Edwards

and names taped to cubicles in TFC II dressing room:
Luis Pereira midfielder from Panama
Jelani Peters midfielder from T & T
Aikim Andrew forward from T & T

Bubacarr Jobe midfielder has been loaned out to Skovde AIK in Sweden.

Toronto FC III of League 1 Ontario: (so far)

goalies Brogan Engbers, Sunny Dhaliwal, (and Phil Di Bennardo?)

defenders Steven Furlano, and Jacob Maurulto-Robinson

midfielders Matthew Srbely, Nicholas Osorio, Cyrus Rollocks, Dante Campbell,
Malik Smith, Kota Sakurai, Glenn Muenkat, Armando Caracciolo, and Marko Mandekic.

Forwards Richie Ennin

Bent and Pozniak helped me check off that defenders Klaidi Cela and Marko Maletic
and forward Reshon Phillip would NOT be with TFC this year.

Bent listed this year's TFC III coaching staff as:
head coach Danny Dichio
assistant coach Chris Pozniak
goalkeeping coach Phil Boerger
physio Andy Choi
equipment manager Frank Russo
team administrator Jordan Custoreri

Well that list confirms that all three Osorio brothers are still in the TFC family.

Meanwhile on the other side of the world earlier today the Canadian U-23 team defeated
Qatar 2-0 with goals from TFC first team player Jordan Hamilton and former TFC Academy
player (2010 to 2012) Michael Petrasso.

Almost ready to leave and I asked Alex Adamo if TFC II media guy Adam Krueger was here.
Yes right near the exit. I told him I liked his game reports giving a complete listing
of the lineups. (a lot of teams don't list the rosters and even the USL website doesn't
list all the subs—ie if you didn't get in the game you weren't there!). I pointed out
that I was the guy who privately tweeted him that his TFC II preview had listed midfielder
'Brain James' which no spellchecker is going to catch. "He may be a smart midfielder but
he's still only 'B-R-I-A-N' James". I told him a short story of the early internet days
when someone started a fan site for the leader of the Beach Boys 'Brain Wilson' and didn't
get many hits.

Time to drive home and decompress before I go swimming tonight. I guess I was inside
for just over an hour. How much will I remember?

Later I realized I'd forgotten to look for their trophy case to see if I could see the
Voyageurs Cup. That would have been another boast as I could have said that I helped
pay for it when the Voyageurs fans were raising funds in 2002.

TFC II's first home game is Friday April 7th at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan
at 7:30pm against Rochester Rhinos although before that they still have two road games
against Tampa Bay Rowdies and Orlando City B.

Rocket Robin
robing@eol.ca
twitter @RocketRobin01

[Rocket Robin]

and it you like pictures see this at http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports17/17tfc241.htm and page down!

[OgtheDim]

Thanks. Not sure you get this enough but I really appreciate your reports and the obvious dedication to the game at a level most of us are only vaguely aware exists.

[Initial B]

Great summary Robin. You deserve more credit for all the work you put into this. I really appreciate your insight into the development levels and L1O. Maybe we'll see you in Ottawa some weekend!

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCMR/status/847825830113796096

[PopePouri]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCMR/status/847825830113796096

It's good that Camargo is fit now.

[Greatest Ripoff]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCMR/status/847825830113796096

Nice. Really excited to see Camargo play. I don't think I've seen him play since the CSL days of TFCA. Always enjoyed watching him play.

[notthesun]

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/04/03/toronto-fc-ii-sign-aikim-andrews

TFC II sign Aikim Andrews, 20 year old CAM from Trinidad & Tobago. He was on trial with TFC and TFC II throughout the preseason. Also bring in 23 year old Trinidadian defender Jelani Peters on loan, a 6"4 CB.

Quite a few options at CAM now with Uccello, Andrews and Camargo being regulars, maybe Chapman on occasion. Needed more CBs with Eckenrode getting hurt last game and it being a weaker position in general so Peters should be able to get minutes too.

[Shway]

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/04/03/toronto-fc-ii-sign-aikim-andrews

TFC II sign Aikim Andrews, 20 year old CAM from Trinidad & Tobago. He was on trial with TFC and TFC II throughout the preseason. Also bring in 23 year old Trinidadian defender Jelani Peters on loan, a 6"4 CB.

Quite a few options at CAM now with Uccello, Andrews and Camargo being regulars, maybe Chapman on occasion. Needed more CBs with Eckenrode getting hurt last game and it being a weaker position in general so Peters should be able to get minutes too.

I think Uccello will bite the bullet on playing time. IMO he looks a lot of the times like a boy playing amongst men, and his skill-set doesn't match his size and strength.

[notthesun]

TFC II go again tonight vs. Orlando City B at 7:30pm. Taintor has served his suspension and will start as one of the three CBs I'm sure. Probably still Aubrey and Hernandez with him as Eckenrode is injured from the last match. With Mark Pais joining TFC as insurance with Irwin hurt, Cavalluzzo could start in goal if Pais has already joined up with TFC.

[Red CB Toronto]

TFC II go again tonight vs. Orlando City B at 7:30pm. Taintor has served his suspension and will start as one of the three CBs I'm sure. Probably still Aubrey and Hernandez with him as Eckenrode is injured from the last match. With Mark Pais joining TFC as insurance with Irwin hurt, Cavalluzzo could start in goal if Pais has already joined up with TFC.

Pais is already here, signed his MLS contract in Toronto and will backup Alex this weekend.

[fergiejr]

With Pais in Toronto, I would guess they would go with Cavalluzzo.

[Shway]

Cavalluzzo will start.....Borgan Enbers will back him up.

Cavalluzzo wasn't that great when I seen him last year...but it's a new year.

[C.Ronaldo]

Cavalluzzo will start.....Borgan Enbers will back him up.

Cavalluzzo wasn't that great when I seen him last year...but it's a new year.

still didn't look good

[Shway]

still didn't look good

I just don't get it....we're not in Liga MX...being able to command/control your box is crucial in the MLS/USL/NASL game and he looks weaks, and it shows.

[Shway]

Found this ....Luis "Chino" Pereira...allegedly signed?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8LLnUhXkAAB6VM.jpg

[C.Ronaldo]

Found this ....Luis "Chino" Pereira...allegedly signed?



nick name is always a good sign

[notthesun]

Lars Eckenrode's injury is a broken leg. Ouch.

[Red CB Toronto]

Wonder who might be loaned down from the first team for tonight's TFC2 home opener. Assuming it will be at least Aubrey and Alseth, does anyone else who does not factor into tomorrow get a run out.

[fergiejr]

Found this ....Luis "Chino" Pereira...allegedly signed?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C8LLnUhXkAAB6VM.jpg

Not to derail this thread, but I NEED that jersey. :-) TFCII Logo and all.

[notthesun]

TFC II home opener vs. Rochester starting soon.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/850475777464389632

Best guess with that lineup: Cavalluzzo GK, Taintor/Aubrey/Peters CBs, Alseth/Endoh wing backs, James/Johnson CMs, Andrews CAM, Spencer/Telfer STs

[OgtheDim]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgdTPckrdaw

[Leedsoronto]

New striker for TFC and the return to Ontario for Jordon Dover for Rochester, previously Durham United player born in my town of Ajax :@)

[notthesun]

Looks like Telfer at LWB like last game. Andrews playing as a second striker and Endoh in the middle with Alseth RWB.

[Auzzy]

I've been watching most of the TFC II game so far. High press by both sides, coupled with fairly poor ball control and inaccurate passing (as expected for these lower-division teams), makes for really ugly footy...

[notthesun]

0-0 draw. Pretty uneventful game for the most part, rarely any quality play generated by either team.

[reggie]

what is with that stadium.its a embarrassment,i thought they were going to build a 2 to 4 k stadium.

[nonc]

How does Jason Bent not get fired? TFC II have been inexcusably bad under his watch. TFC III might be able to beat them.

[Rocket Robin]

Result and details from the Friday April 7, 2017 USL game between Toronto FC II
and Rochester Rhinos played at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan at 7:30pm.

Final Score:.....Toronto FC II.......0......Rochester Rhinos.......0....

Attendance was announced as 523 on this brutally cold and windy evening.
Temperature was only + 3 Celsius. Toronto had an inch of snow fall overnight
and although it had melted by the late afternoon, because they must have shoveled
the turf, there was a border of snow just a few feet from the sideline and each
end zone. I figured about 100 fans or more left at halftime especially the ones with
young kids. Thankfully TFC II head coach Jason Bent gifted me a full length TFC parka
at the TFC II SSH event a week and a half ago so I didn't even mind the aluminum
benches that make up the stands.

Man of the Match (who I assume is always a TFC II player) was named as T&T defender
Jelani Peters. He had a few key stops by diving headers and a magnificent block
at 69 minutes by doing the splits to poke the ball away from RR Ryan James who otherwise
was in alone at 20 yards. He injured himself on that play but returned to the game.

Fellow TFC II T&T forward Aikim Andrews was fed passes but was either checked off the ball
before shooting or rolled softies to the goalie or wide of the net.

Goalies Angelo Cavalluzzo of TFC II and Tomas Gomez of Rhinos earned shutouts
for their teams.

Other best non-scoring chances were at 19 minutes with RR Kennardo Forbes taking
his third cornerkick from the right side within two minutes had RR Wal Fall head at 10 yards
up the middle that the goalie jumped for but the ball hit the top of the bar for a goal kick.

43 minutes had RR Kennardo Forbes take a 35 yard freekick from the right and
RR Darius Madison headed a 7 yarder wide left of the post.

51 minutes had TFC Ben Spencer roll a pass to his left for the charging Ryan Telfer
at the 30 yard line. He rolled a cross from near the end line and the goalie beat
Aikim Andrews to dive on the ball at 3 yards even with the left post.

74 minutes had RR Kenardo Forbes take a cornerkick from the left and RR Ryan Felix
headed a 12 yarder down the middle and TFC Dyvind Alseth headed the ball away
at 3 yards on the right post.

90 minutes had RR Jordan Dover chip a ball from 20 yards on the right that goalie
Angelo Cavalluzzo caught on the left post a split second before RR Rayane Boukemia
got his head to it from 3 yards.


Ryan Telfer had an injury time shot that he rolled down the middle from 20 yards
just wide left of the post.


Referee David Barrie gave out three Yellow cards and all in the second half
in a game that wasn't rough at all. I don't think any players felt like going in for
sliding tackles on the hard turf tonight.


TFC II list 14 Canadians on their roster out of 28 players listed. Sounds good
except that tonight there were only three of them starting (goalie Angelo Cavalluzo,
and midfielders Ryan Telfer and Malik Johnson). Midfielder Sergio Camargo came
in at halftime just as Johnson left.


The Rhinos have two Canadians on their roster and used both for the full 90 minutes.
Jordan Dover played well in defence. I watched him play the last two years with
Durham United in League 1 Ontario. I watched midfielder Ryan James back in 2012
when he played for TFC Academy in the CSL and for TFC in the MLS Reserve League.


TFC Academy kids were paraded to the center circle at halftime. They looked about
age 12. From the MLSE Presidents Breakfast it was mentioned that TFC won't be running
an academy for players under age 14 starting this year (except for the kids already in their
program). Sounded like the last player introduced was Mason(?) Vanney—ohoh probably
the MLS head coach Greg Vanney's son. Greg is the uncle of TFC defender Eric Zavaleta.


So not enough Canadian players got on the field for my liking. This year there are only
three subs allowed in USL games so that limits their opportunities. TFC is not operating
a PDL team any longer so although PDL rosters are mostly stocked with NCAA players
on summer break, TFC got a lot of minutes for TFC II and TFC Academy players. MLSE president
Bill Manning said he wants to help the proposed new Canadian league as long as it doesn't
operate in Toronto so what would be easier for him than announcing that TFC II is now known
as Winnipeg FC and they can dump the production of entertaining 500 fans expecting the
bumpkins not in the GTA to think this is the big league?

Tsubasa Endoh seems to be the only player from the MLS dump- down remaining with TFC II.
He took all the corners and most of the freekicks tonight with mixed success. Kennardo Forbes
did the same for the Rhinos.

TFC II captain this year is returning defender Mitch Taintor. He was featured on the two-page
match program but was subbed at halftime.

There was no weather advantage for the home team as Rochester is just across Lake Ontario
on the American side. Maybe MLS Atlanta will be at a disadvantage in the city tomorrow
but then they beat Minnesota in a snowstorm a few weeks ago!

TFC II's #1 goalie Mark Pais was recently signed by the MLS team because of the long term
injury to Clint Irwin. TFC didn't let Irwin just sit around. He'd been promoted all week by TFC
as a reason to come to tonight's game. He was in the autograph tent in the south end.
How would he sign a near black picture postcard? With a silver coloured Sharpie! I gave him
a list of game reports I'd written in 2011 when he played for Capital City FC (Ottawa) in their
one season of existence in the CSL. Most interesting will be his game against TFC Academy
when Jordan Hamilton scored on him and the opposing goalie Angelo Cavalluzzo was
Red carded. He was tonight's TFC II goalie.

Rhinos have replaced their forwards this season. Steevan Dos Santos now plays for Ottawa Fury
(oh-oh that's TFC II's next game!) Christian Volesky now plays for Saint Louis FC and last week
was named USL Player of the Week. His teammate includes Wesley Charpie who was a TFC II
defender last season. Mark Pais played for Saint Louis last year (not a trade between clubs).
I wonder if in the back of his mind he thought he'd have the chance of moving up to play
in the MLS by moving to an MLS 'II' team?

Fans were given a soccer ball keychain on the way in and a fridge magnet (comparable to the
one we were given last week at the MLS team's game) on the way out. Home team players
each threw a mini ball into the crowd after the national anthems.

This was the home opener for TFC II. This was freakishly cold but it can't be unexpected at this
time of year. Of course better weather would be certain if the game was played in the
daytime—this weekend as the MLS TFC team is playing Saturday, Sunday afternoon would have
been better. TFC II opened with three games on the road to start the season—Arizona and
two games in Florida. They now go on another three game road trip and aren't back until
Saturday May 13th when they play Bethlehem Steel at BMO Field at 6:00pm--right after
the MLS game.

Rocket Robin
robing@eol.ca

[OgtheDim]

Thanks for the report.

Rochester looked nowhere near as good as they did last year.

[brucethemoose]

Pretty uneventful game. Cavaluzzo did make some good saves that I am hoping with help up his confidence. How many of you go to the TFC II games? It would be nice to see more supporters out

[SoccMan2]

TFC 3 is at the Dallas Cup play their first game versus Red Bull Brazil in the U19 Super Group 330 PM , the U19 Super Group which is made up of pro Academy teams from around the world, players born after Aug.1st. 1997 are eligible in this age division at this tournament, FC Dallas U19 is clobbering Everton's U19 at the moment 5-0 with still time on the clock. Sorry my bad looks like the TFC3 Red Bull Brazil game has already ended got my times mixed up, anyways good news 2-1 TFC3 over Red Bull Brazil good start to the tournament.

[notthesun]

TFC III won 2-1 vs. Red Bulls academy in their first Dallas Cup game. Two goals from Hundal, one assist from Srbely and one from Fraser. This was their starting lineup: https://twitter.com/tfcacademy/status/851111907000016896

The U17 academy team is playing the U17 Red Bulls now in the Generation Adidas Cup. Second game for them, they lost their first 2-1 to Club Tijuana. There's a stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrObWJD2Mfk

[ag futbol]

I only watched a few minutes here but it looks like there is some gap in quality and organization between TFC and RBNY. We have a few good individual players but as a group we struggle to play out of the back and win most of the 2nd balls in midfield. We had a player sent off as well for what looked to be a purely accidental handball.

Honestly I've seen better from Sigma's Jr. teams.... the quality of RBNY notwithstanding.

Edit: for anyone watching the scoreboard is screwed. It says 2-1 TFC but it's actually 3-0 RBNY. Make that 5-0 now... this one will be a big learning experience for the boys I think.

[SoccMan2]

This U17 academy team is having a rough time of it at the Generation Adidas Cup , by the way as much as we can wonder about how good these players all the coach of this team needs to also take the blame, who coaches this team by the way, just because you have a fancy licence does not make you a good coach by the way, just like a Vanney can be left accountable for his coaching so can some of these academy age group coaches need to be held accountable as well, if I coach is out of his realm then he needs to be held accountable, like I said just because you have a fancy license does not make you a good coach , look around TFC there are plenty of good coaches even in the GTA that can do the job if some of these academy coaches are not doing the job.

[Initial B]

I just watched the stream for the TFC-NYRB game on the MLS website and I thought TFC was the better team through the first 55 minutes. Then inexplicably they allowed 3 goals in the space of 6 minutes. Two or three of the goals were directly on errors by the goalkeeper.

[Shway]

TFC III won 2-1 vs. Red Bulls academy in their first Dallas Cup game. Two goals from Hundal, one assist from Srbely and one from Fraser. This was their starting lineup: https://twitter.com/tfcacademy/status/851111907000016896


Exactly what I predicted. The top TFCII U-20 players are at this tournament. Wonder if Uccello, or Onkony are there too.

[ag futbol]

I just watched the stream for the TFC-NYRB game on the MLS website and I thought TFC was the better team through the first 55 minutes. Then inexplicably they allowed 3 goals in the space of 6 minutes. Two or three of the goals were directly on errors by the goalkeeper.
Not sure if we were watching the same game (as multiple RBNY-TFC games) I tuned in between the 30th-65th minute or so and thought we were roundly played off the park. This was the u17 I think. The red card didn't help but we were 2nd best by some distance even before that happened. We were rarely able to get the ball out of our 1/3rd of the field.

The cows were miles ahead in terms of Technical ability and organization. A small sample size, but disappointing I must say.

[denime]

This U17 academy team is having a rough time of it at the Generation Adidas Cup , by the way as much as we can wonder about how good these players all the coach of this team needs to also take the blame, who coaches this team by the way, just because you have a fancy licence does not make you a good coach by the way, just like a Vanney can be left accountable for his coaching so can some of these academy age group coaches need to be held accountable as well, if I coach is out of his realm then he needs to be held accountable, like I said just because you have a fancy license does not make you a good coach , look around TFC there are plenty of good coaches even in the GTA that can do the job if some of these academy coaches are not doing the job.


So what if U17 has rough time at GAC, you do realize that only 1st team must win,none of the Academy team has too. Academy coaches are developing players, coaches is responsible for development not useless youth trophies,what count is to be competitive,winning games at that level mean absolutely nothing for TFC,what they want to see is one or two players per generation to and up with TFC or TFC II,and that's is main prospective from every coach at TFC academy.

[Shway]

So what if U17 has rough time at GAC, you do realize that only 1st team must win,none of the Academy team has too. Academy coaches are developing players, coaches is responsible for development not useless youth trophies,what count is to be competitive,winning games at that level mean absolutely nothing for TFC,what they want to see is one or two players per generation to and up with TFC or TFC II,and that's is main prospective from every coach at TFC academy.

Hmmm....don't think I agree with the statement that "trophies don't matter".
How do you breed a winning mentality that will translate youth players mindsets if they make it to the first team? Losing has never developed players into winners. While I do understand that these levels are for development, I do know that FC Dallas' academy has been winning for years and they have been consistently reaping the benefits with homegrowns signings. I believe this has a direct correlation to the winning mentality that is/was seen from U16 to the first team.


All in all...don't undermine the breeding ground for a winning mentality.

[Shway]

To add....take a look at this article, and tell me that winning isn't a concern or a priority.
DALLAS CUP: FC Dallas U-18s Exact Revenge on Defending-Champion Everton Side that Eliminated Them in 2016 (http://www.fcdallas.com/post/2017/04/10/dallas-cup-fc-dallas-u-18s-exact-revenge-defending-champion-everton-side-eliminated)
or the highlights....

https://twitter.com/aqwack/status/851292484206563328

[notthesun]

Correction on my earlier post - TFC III beat Red Bulls Brasil academy in the Dallas Cup, not NYRB.

TFC III play their 2nd group game today vs Eintracht Frankfurt (no stream).

[denime]

Hmmm....don't think I agree with the statement that "trophies don't matter".
How do you breed a winning mentality that will translate youth players mindsets if they make it to the first team? Losing has never developed players into winners. While I do understand that these levels are for development, I do know that FC Dallas' academy has been winning for years and they have been consistently reaping the benefits with homegrowns signings. I believe this has a direct correlation to the winning mentality that is/was seen from U16 to the first team.


All in all...don't undermine the breeding ground for a winning mentality.

Sorry but that typical North American REP team mentality way of thinking,winning over development doesn't work,otherwise Canada would be on every WC since '86.

As a father from a boy who was part of TFC academy, I'm telling you that TFCA philosophy was adopted from Dutch football association.

This was adopted by TFC few years back and result are showing already. The idea of all teams playing same system so in case of call ups boys will know exactly what to do,results are secondary for all academy teams(except B team or TFC II),since academy purpose is to develop individual player not winning team,club has no use of winning teams if no good individual player comes out of it.

The prime objective of the academy is to create footballers, which leaves actual match results of lesser importance. With proper training and education the boys will win the matches, but only under the playing philosophy of the club.


and as you can see bellow not only Dutch work like that




At the Liverpool academy the emphasis focuses on technique, attitude, balance and speed; the same principles that shape the first-team squad. Part of The Liverpool Way is the constant reminder that teamwork is more of a priority than winning matches. Much like the world’s famed academies, the philosophy has to be about producing players of the competitive and creative ilk to be technically, physically, tactically, and mentally ready for the rigours of the professional game.



the German model of youth development. The philosophy of player-development at Bayern Munich, is “two each year for the first team, two for the league, and two for the rest of German football”. And you find similar aims across the top Bundesliga clubs.

[fergiejr]

Manning has indicated that he wants to see TFCII winning. I think that there has to be some success to have the boys keep playing to their potential. Getting blown out every game is not good for morale, and that doesn't help you develop. This is why I don't really mind the twonies signing guys from other countries - you learn from your peers as well as your coaches.

As for TFCIII, exposure and game minutes are what counts most. As a fan, though, I would love to see silverware to go along with that... :-)

[nonc]

The U17 academy team is playing the U17 Red Bulls now in the Generation Adidas Cup. Second game for them, they lost their first 2-1 to Club Tijuana. There's a stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrObWJD2Mfk

Whomever the kid was playing goal vs NYRB... ugly performance, hard to watch. Just crazy errors even at this level.

[notthesun]

TFC III play their 2nd group game today vs Eintracht Frankfurt (no stream).

Game moved to tomorrow due to crappy weather.

[notthesun]

http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-announces-squad-for-concacaf-men-s-under-17-championship-p160714-preview-1

11 Toronto FC academy players selected to Canada's 20-man squad for the U17 CONCACAF Championship.

[Areathrasher]

Hundal seems to have no problem scoring no matter the level of competition or opponent. Interesting one to watch.
https://twitter.com/tfcacademy/status/851891052273426436

[notthesun]

Hundal seems to have no problem scoring no matter the level of competition or opponent. Interesting one to watch.
https://twitter.com/tfcacademy/status/851891052273426436

And he's almost always doing it playing against older players. He's 17 yet scored with the U20s at the CONCACAF Championship, two goals at the Viareggio Cup which is U19, now 3 goals at the Dallas Cup which is also U19. And obviously six goals last year in USL, 3 of them while he was still 16.

He keeps this up and I won't even be that bummed if we do lose Akinola.

[notthesun]

TFC III tied 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Dallas Cup. They have 4 points now, as do Tigres, and they play each other tomorrow. Winner moves onto the knockout rounds, with a slight chance of the loser also moving on if they are the best 2nd place team out of the groups according to tiebreakers and whatnot.

In GA Cup, the U17s drew Estudiantes 3-3 before getting the win 5-4 on penalties.

[Greatest Ripoff]

http://www.canadasoccer.com/canada-announces-squad-for-concacaf-men-s-under-17-championship-p160714-preview-1

11 Toronto FC academy players selected to Canada's 20-man squad for the U17 CONCACAF Championship.

Are any of these guys at the GA Cup?

[reggie]

Are any of these guys at the GA Cup?
yes...most of them were in that shoot out win today,i think there is stream of the game on the mls page.

[notthesun]

Are any of these guys at the GA Cup?

Yup, every one of them I think.

[notthesun]

Academy teams roundup:

TFC III lost 2-0 to Tigres in their last group stage match and are out of the Dallas Cup. They'll play one more friendly before leaving.

U17s had one draw (winning on penalties) and two losses in their group of the GA Cup. They played an extra friendly against the Colorado Rapids academy and won 2-1.

The U12 team is also at the GA Cup. They lost their first group match to Orlando City 4-2, won the second 2-1 over Portland, and today won their third 3-0 over Colorado and the fourth 4-0 over D.C. United. I believe they will finish second in their group.

[notthesun]

Ayo Akinola included in the U.S. U17 squad for the U17 CONCACAF Championship, as expected.

Tournament begins on Friday. Top 4 teams qualify for the U17 World Cup. Canada last qualified in 2013.

[notthesun]

https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/04/18/toronto-fc-ii-sign-brandon-onkony

TFC II signs Brandon Onkony.

[notthesun]

TFC II at Ottawa Fury just started, stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rrY1qCtyVg

We have a Jordan Hamilton sighting:

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/855832408637288449

[SoccMan2]

Why no Akim Andrews not even on the bench, liked what I saw from him in preseason with the first team.

[notthesun]

TFC II tied Ottawa 0-0. Not too much created in attack by TFC II, but they defended reasonably well. Ottawa hit the post on a softly awarded penalty in the 82nd minute. Before the penalty was taken there was some shoving going on and one of the Ottawa players punched Taintor in the face and got a red card. We couldn't do anything with the man advantage though.

[notthesun]

U17s lose 2-1 to Costa Rica in their opener of the U17 CONCACAF Championship. Costa Rica went up 1-0, Rocco Romeo tied it 1-1 on a corner kick, but then he got a red card after lightly tapping a Costa Rica player on the cheek and that player going down and selling it for the ref. They scored the winner in the 94th minute. There's a learning experience...

Despite the loss, the U17s are in decent shape. Cuba and Suriname tied in their match, so if Canada beats them both they'll move on.

From a TFC perspective, 7 of the starting 11 were from TFC academy. The team's best players are probably Romeo and Luca Petrasso, both of TFC.

[OgtheDim]

Lightly tapping on the cheek is just stupid in a CONCACAF game. Don't do it.

[notthesun]

Here's the red card and the goal:

https://twitter.com/CONCACAF/status/855904698074767360

https://twitter.com/CONCACAF/status/855898448549117952

[notthesun]

Akinola with an assist and two goals in the opener for the U.S. U17s:

https://twitter.com/CONCACAF/status/856228131471974400

https://twitter.com/CONCACAF/status/856235478978224128

https://twitter.com/CONCACAF/status/856235602890465280

[reggie]

too bad he probs never signs with tfc?

[notthesun]

Indeed, but as long as he's with the club I'll keep updating on him.

[reggie]

tfc were to cute with him,they should of signed him to a 1st team contract when they the chance.

[notthesun]

tfc were to cute with him,they should of signed him to a 1st team contract when they the chance.

I don't think so, we offered him a Homegrown deal when he was still 16. Can't really try to lock him down any earlier than that. If he wants to go to Europe, he wants to go to Europe, not much you can do about it.

[C.Ronaldo]

I don't think so, we offered him a Homegrown deal when he was still 16. Can't really try to lock him down any earlier than that. If he wants to go to Europe, he wants to go to Europe, not much you can do about it.

if hes not playing for canada and not for tfc, then I hope his total failure :) Im petty like that

[notthesun]

As pointed out by Rollins on Twitter - TFC II is last in USL in average attendance: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-M-M9lWsAAevB7.jpg

As shown, pretty much all the MLS reserve clubs struggle, but we're especially bad. Move the team to Lamport? The field in Vaughan technically doesn't meet the stadium size requirements for Division 2 as set by the USSF (5000 seat capacity) but we pass because we have the option of playing at BMO Field, even though we usually don't. The bigger issue is Vaughan is just really out of the way.

[Areathrasher]

As pointed out by Rollins on Twitter - TFC II is last in USL in average attendance: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-M-M9lWsAAevB7.jpg

As shown, pretty much all the MLS reserve clubs struggle, but we're especially bad. Move the team to Lamport? The field in Vaughan technically doesn't meet the stadium size requirements for Division 2 as set by the USSF (5000 seat capacity) but we pass because we have the option of playing at BMO Field, even though we usually don't. The bigger issue is Vaughan is just really out of the way.


Yup.I don't drive so no way in hell am I spending 3-4hrs on transit there and back to see a game.

[C.Ronaldo]

My local children's park would be a better location

[OgtheDim]

In that podcast, Manning sounded less than enamoured when it came to TFCII and that particular stadium.

[notthesun]

lol. Canada U17s lose to Cuba 2-1 and are eliminated from U17 WC contention. Cuba's first win in the final stage of U17 qualifying since 2011.

[Initial B]

My son could have done a better job than Canada's keeper. Both those goals were from mishandling a shot and pushing the rebound in the wrong direction.

[notthesun]

Guess who. Akinola finishes a U.S. counter-attack, U.S. U17s ended up winning 4-3 over Mexico.

https://twitter.com/CONCACAF/status/857388238293483521

[notthesun]

http://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/04/27/toronto-fc-ii-acquire-luis-pereira-loan

TFC II signs Luis Pereira on loan from Arabe Unido. He's been on trial for a while.

21 year old left-footed defensive midfielder. I like this as Fraser was the only true DM on the squad.

[OgtheDim]

Hamilton sighting!

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/858450324906024960

[notthesun]

Hamilton sighting!


Underway now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEKx4syBnog
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEKx4syBnog)
Louisville is undefeated so far this year.

[Shway]

Cavaluzzo has been looking unbeatable. Making multiple massive saves....

Ive changed my stance on him.

His distribution is better than both Bono and Irwindale. ...makes me think that he was a player tured goalie.

[notthesun]

TFC II ties 0-0 with Louisville. Good road result for TFC II. Did a fair bit of surviving but also had a strong last 15 minutes with some good chances to win it. Cavalluzzo was immense, had to have been his career best performance.

[Rocket Robin]

Well since not many read my League 1 thread in the other forum:

Result and details of the Sunday April 30, 2017 League 1 Ontario game
between Toronto FC III and FC London played at the KIA Training Centre
in Downsview at 1:00am.

32 min...TFC Ethan Beckford GOAL...Beckford is given pass for break-in
down center by TFC Dante Campbell and rolls 22 yarder past sliding
goalie into right side of net.

35 min...TFC Ethan Beckford GOAL...Beckford beats goalie Anthony Sokalski
to the ball at 40 yard line, rounds him and shoots low 28 yarder up middle into
open net. TFC Matthew Srbely had given Beckford a pass upfield that
convinced the goalie to come that far out of his net.

40 min...TFC Nicholas Osorio GOAL...TFC Marko Mandekic gives crossfield
short pass to Osorio at 22 yards and he blasts shot into top left corner.

61 min...TFC Nicholas Osorio GOAL...TFC Nikola Stakic feeds ball up the middle
at center line for TFC Dante Campbell to run up the middle and tap ball
around goalie at 15 yards for Osorio to shoot 15 yarder from left into
empty net.

64 min...TFC Dante Campbell rolls pass to TFC Nicholas Osorio who's tripped
up in the FCL box and referee Fabrizio Stasolla calls a Penalty kick.

65 min...TFC Ethan Beckford GOAL...Beckford blasts a Penalty kick to his left
which flying goalie gets a hand to but only pushes it to the left corner
of the net.

80 min...TFC Daniel DaSilva GOAL...TFC Steven Furlano taps pass at center line
as he's being upended and DaSilva races down the middle, dekes diving goalie
at 10 yards and taps ball into open net.

Final Score:....Toronto FC III.......6.......FC London........0.......

Attendance varied with the weather conditions but peaked at about 60. It was
overcast, very cold, and extremely windy. It also started to drizzle at halftime
but had stopped before the second half started. Parkas were worn by everyone
except the on-field players and officials. Tomorrow is the first day of May! I took
my pass off from around my neck as the wind caught it a few times and slapped
me in the face. No sound system was brought out today and the corner flags
were allowed to stay blown over.

For my notes, a play would have to be pretty special for me to pry my mitt
off to write it down so my more detailed notes are not going to be
a play-by-play.

Filippo Di Bennardo earned the shutout for TFC in a very easy game. An L1O
tweet revealed that FCL didn't have one shot on goal. The TFC defence was
solid with 2016 league-leading scorer Elvir Gigolaj and captain
Christian Devia being held to very few chances.

There wasn't too much to learn strategy wise on a day like today except
keep the ball low so it doesn't get caught in the wind. The wind was
strong and from the north which was cross-field so it didn't give either
team an advantage in either half. Both teams were caught offside
quite a few times.

A security guard answered me that it's been three weeks since the winter
bubble had been taken down leaving this field turf open to the elements.
The FCL players never adapted the entire afternoon while TFC settled down
after a few atomic crosses. TFC have changed their parka colours to gray
and black so their subs didn't need to wear pinnies while warming up.
I was wearing last year's red (thanks again Jason Bent!) so the ref
requested I put one on and I wrestled for a few minutes to get it
on in the wind.

Best non-scoring chances were at 5 minutes when TFC Marko Mandekic
took a 22 yard freekick from the right that had the goalie fly over to the
top left corner to get a hand to and a defender cleared behind the end
line. 43 minutes had FCL Mohammad Reza Nafar get tripped up in the
TFC box getting away a blocked shot but got up and tapped the ball
to FCL Sean Fawsitt who blasted a shot from 12 yards on the far right
well over the net. 53 minutes had the FCL goalie trapped by a bad
backpass with two TFC forwards on him in the box. TFC Ethan Beckford
stripped him off the ball and crossed to the center of the box but
a defender got back in time to head the ball away. 85 minutes had
TFC Glenn Muenkat roll a pass across the box and TFC Daniel DaSilva
with an open net blasted a 15 yard shot off the underside of the bar
but the ball stayed out and the goalie picked it up on the bounce.
89 minutes had FCL Zach Witt recover a poor TFC back pass but his
off balance shot from 18 yards was well wide right. Injury time had
TFC Dante Campbell have a long run up the right and center a pass
to Muenkat but the goalie slid out to the edge of the box
to grab the ball and Muenkat fell over him injuring himself.

TFC got off to a slow start last year before finishing strongly. This year
rather than being their U-17s, they are referred to as U-19s and so most
of the players I recognized from last year's roster. With TFC not operating
a PDL team this year and their USL team stacked with foreigners,
the Academy team is staying together at the T1O level. An FCL official
before the game was telling me how much their roster has changed from
last year by now being filled with U-21s but I didn't risk pulling the
game rosters out of my bag for fear they'd blow across the field.

The two teams' return match is Friday night August 25 at the German
Canadian FC Stadium Field. I've been to 'Cove Road' years ago and
maybe FCL can ensure an extra helping of mosquitoes for revenge
against today's game.

FC London captured the Western Conference title last season with
TFC Academy (their name last year) finishing third. Sigma FC
finished second.

Toronto FC III will be back here next Sunday at 1:00pm for a home
game against Sigma FC. Those two teams have a rivalry for who can
put the most grads into the MLS. Sigma's most famous grad Kyle Larin
is expected in town on Wednesday night for Orlando City's game
against Toronto FC at the MLS level.

Strange that in the parking lot at The Hangar and in then in my own
driveway right after the game the wind was only a third of the
speed of the KIA field.

Rocket Robin
robing@eol.ca
@RocketRobin01

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCMR/status/859475752282140673

One of the better players from TFC III.

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/CONCACAF/status/859890326533582848

Another for Akinola at the U17s.

[notthesun]

TFC II in action tonight half an hour earlier than the senior squad.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/859893020912693249

[notthesun]

TFC II lost 1-0. Defended fairly well but lost to a wonder strike. Still having trouble generating scoring chances.

[notthesun]

Akinola added an assist in the U.S. U17 game vs. Cuba (also played the pass that led to a Cuba own goal, but it was pretty lucky). U.S. has qualified for the U17 WC now, still to play Mexico for bragging rights in the CONCACAF final.

[Rocket Robin]

Result and details of the Sunday May 7, 2018 League 1 Ontario game between
Toronto FC III and Sigma FC played at KIA Training Centre in Downsview
at 1:00pm.

13 min...Sigma Duran Lee GOAL...Sigma Justin Stoddart cornerkick from right
is high and Lee leaps above defenders and heads 5 yarder forward into top
left corner of net.

31 min...Sigma Johnny Grant GOAL...Sigma player racing in on left cutting
in and passes to Sigma Mansoor Allazy who gives pass in clear and Grant
shoots 15 yarder down middle over sliding goalie Brogan Engbers.

36 min...TFC Malik Johnson GOAL...TFC Steven Furlano cross from 22 yards
on far right has Johnson in crowd of players shoot in low 10 yarder over
diving goalie Triston Henry.

49 min...Sigma Jordan Kalonji GOAL...Kalonji is given short low pass upfield
by Sigma Mansoor Allazy and his low 15 yard shot from right is into low
left corner of net.

83 min...Sigma Johnny Grant sends low cross from 15 yards near right end
line has Sigma Dominic Samuel upended by fallen goalie in box at 5 yards
while rushing forward for ball. Referee Timothy Wong calls a Penalty kick
and gives TFC goalie Brogen Engbers a Yellow card.

84 min...Sigma Johnny Grant blasts low Penalty kick has diving goalie save
on right post by pushing ball wide. The referee's assistant put his flag
up as the goalie had taken a step forward before the shot was taken.

85 min...Sigma Johnny Grant GOAL...Grant blasts retaken Penalty kick low
to right side of net with goalie diving left.

93 min...TFC Red card...Dante Campbell is given a straight Red on a delayed
call for flattening a Sigma player in the center circle as play moved
upfield. When the advantage ended after Sigma Arlick Nibana rolled a 20 yard
shot through a crowd of players that the goalie picked up, a multi player
dust-up broke out in the TFC box.

95 min...game ends.

Final Score:......Toronto FC III.......1.........Sigma FC......4......

Attendance was about 30. It was parka weather again but the sun came out
in the second half for the first time in about five days. We're not used
to this weather dragging on into May. The wind is exaggerated at this
location, the remnants of the old military Downsview Airport now down
to one runway which is still being used for commercial freight flights.
I wonder if the Avro Arrow reached Mach 1.9 at the end of the 1950s
because of the wind? Whichever team was playing in the south end found
it very hard to cross the center line. That was TFC in the first and
Sigma for the second half. There was no rain and the grounds crew did
set up a canopy for the scorers table and sound system. I think this
was partially for show as they were committed to Livestream the game
for internet watchers.

Sigma's goal at 49 minutes proved to be crucial as it was one of the
few times they were able to get out of their own end in the second half.

The injury time brawl was partially to do with the 'advantage' playing on.
I suspect that Sigma players thought that Aidan Daniels was going to get
away with the knockdown upfield. I saw a Sigma player down in the center
circle but at the time I moved my eyes away to see the Sigma rush. I looked
at the Livestream recording of that moment after I got home and the
commentator mentioned there was a man down at the time but the camera
had already moved downfield to follow the action. Referee Timothy Wong
gave out six Yellow cards (two to Sigma) plus the Red. Between 53 and
58 minutes he gave out four Yellow cards on four separate plays
(two to each team) and that mostly curbed the rough stuff until
the end of the game.

Ethan Beckford (three goals last game vs FC London) and Nicholas Osorio
(two goals last game) were kept off the score-sheet this week.

Both Triston Henry for Sigma and Brogan Engbers for TFC played well
in goal. I've been marking my notes for decades 'dive for save'
or 'flew for save' when the goalie leaves his feet depending on where
on net the shot is going. Today the word was 'flew for save' as there
were a lot of top corner shots by each team.

This was the time of year over the last few seasons of this league
when Sigma is at their best. Last season Sigma blasted off with a 9 win,
0 loss start by the end of June. They ended up fizzling out later in the
season when many of their players returned to NCAA schools before the
middle of summer. By the end of the season they are playing with their
high-schoolers. This is what I worry about with the League 1 Ontario
champions next year getting an entry into the Voyageurs Cup. Other L1O
teams have the same problem but not so heavily as Sigma. What time of year
would their qualifier be? Late Spring vs Fall will make a huge difference
in the caliber of competition the L1O teams can put out.

I'd still say Toronto FC III has a better chance of finishing the season
higher up the table based on past seasons when they grow in experience
and have other teams lose players to schools. Also this year the squad
is considered U19 or U20 rather than U17 and they won't burn out players
on the TFC PDL team which their organization folded the end of last year.

Johnny Grant is the veteran of Sigma. He played four years with them
in his development then went to play in Europe and with
MLS Montreal Impact. It's not unusual for a player to return to Sigma
for a brief stay. I saw Emery Welshman after his Toronto FC days come
back to stay sharp then move on to USL Real Monarchs and this season
NASL Puerto Rico. Leaford Allen had the Grant role last year although
he told me he didn't come through the Sigma system. I received a tweet
that Sigma grad and MLS 2017 SuperDraft first round selection
Kwame Awuah played his first game for MLS New York City FC today.
Details reveal he was an injury time sub but it's a 'start' to his
MLS career. Awuah also went to U of Connecticut as did Sigma's
most famous player, Cyle Larin!

Anthony Totera was here as a game production director for the league
to make sure things ran smoothly. I got to congratulate him on the
CanPL league launch announcement as he's been taking a lot of grief
over the last two years as the story moved from rumours to reality.
I did much the same last night when I saw Duane Rollins as game
director at the Masters vs OSUF game.

Rocket Robin
robing@eol.ca
twitter @RocketRobin01

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCMR/status/863022199292047361

Looks like Morgan will get minutes with TFC II this weekend as he returns from injury.

[Red CB Toronto]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCMR/status/863022199292047361

Looks like Morgan will get minutes with TFC II this weekend as he returns from injury.

Would be great to see a good amount of supporters stick around for TFC2 tomorrow. I know I am looking forward to the double header.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

What are Akinola's ties to TFC?
(I see you guys are talking about him, and I have no idea who he is.)

[notthesun]

What are Akinola's ties to TFC?
(I see you guys are talking about him, and I have no idea who he is.)

He's a 17 year old striker and the best prospect in TFC's academy. He led the U.S. U17 team in scoring last year and was also called up for 10 TFC II games last year, scoring a couple goals. It was reported over the off-season that we offered him a USL contract for this year which he rejected, and we then offered him a Homegrown Player MLS contract. There have been no updates since then so it's assumed that he also rejected that. The current speculation and my expectation is that he wants to go play in Europe, which he can do once he's 18. He's going to play in the U17 World Cup with the U.S., which is always a big scouting event for clubs, so I think he's waiting to play in that in November and then evaluate his options from there.

[PizzaEatingYeti]

He's a 17 year old striker and the best prospect in TFC's academy. He led the U.S. U17 team in scoring last year and was also called up for 10 TFC II games last year, scoring a couple goals. It was reported over the off-season that we offered him a USL contract for this year which he rejected, and we then offered him a Homegrown Player MLS contract. There have been no updates since then so it's assumed that he also rejected that. The current speculation and my expectation is that he wants to go play in Europe, which he can do once he's 18. He's going to play in the U17 World Cup with the U.S., which is always a big scouting event for clubs, so I think he's waiting to play in that in November and then evaluate his options from there.

Thanks! :)
Does anyone know what % of the TFC academy players is not Canadian?

[C.Ronaldo]

DID AKINOLA play for the academy

if he is from US, how did we find him first

[Yohan]

Born in US, grew up in Canada

[mcolvy]

Born in US, grew up in Canada

He is very much Canadian. Figure there is more opportunity for exposure and success on the US teams though...

He's one that we'll need to fight for when it comes time for senior caps

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/863501898686574592

TFC II vs. Bethlehem at BMO starting soon. Morgan starting and new signing Luis Pereira on the bench, first time on the game day roster.

edit: 1-0 loss, Bethlehem's goal coming on a penalty. TFC II were the far better side in the second half but they just couldn't create many good scoring chances.

[Rocket Robin]

Result and details of the Saturday May 13, 2017 USL game
between Toronto FC II and Bethlehem Steel FC played
at BMO Field in Toronto at 6:00pm.

7 min...BS Cory Burke turns and rolls pass forward from
50 yard line up right to BS Marcus Epps who receives
it at 25 yards and cuts into top of the box on right.
He slows down at 15 yards when facing TFC Brandon Aubrey
and TFC Mitch Taintor comes up behind him and trips him up.
Referee Pierre-Luc Lauzier awards BS a Penalty kick.

8 min...BS Cory Burke GOAL...Burke rolls Penalty kick
to right side of net as goalie Angelo Cavalluzzo dives
to left.

Final Score:....Toronto FC II......0......Bethlehem Steel FC.....1...

TFC was marketing a shutout streak that had lasted a full
three games until their last game in Pittsburgh where they
lost 1-0. Their goalie Angelo Cavalluzzo had won Save of the
Week and Goalie of the Month during that time. The other
way of looking at it was during the last five games TFC has
not scored! Since losing 3-1 in Orlando (against Orlando City 'B')
on April 4, they played 0-0 against Rochester (TFC's only
home game), Ottawa, and Louisville, before the
Pittsburgh game.

Today was not a clash of powerhouses. TFC had a record
of 1 win, 3 losses, 3 ties for fifteenth (last) place in the East
and Bethlehem were until today 2 wins, 4 losses, 0 ties for
da-da....fourteenth place! They are the affiliate of
Philadelphia Union who are mired in last place in the MLS
league so if their team can't stock move on the big team
who are looking for improvements, the pickings must
be pretty slim.

On the visitor's side I was cheering for Chris Nanco who
I watched as recently as last year playing for League 1
Ontario side Sigma FC. He had a good game which was
running up the wing and getting crosses into the box
but also getting a few shots in. He also earned the
only Yellow card of the game.

I didn't realize until I was home but Josh Heard is a Welsh
born Canadian who played for PDL Victoria Highlanders
a few years ago and was subbed on today at 77 minutes.
Nanco wasn't even Sigma's best USL player today
as Richie Laryea scored for Orlando City B in their road win
in front of 19301 in Cincinnati.

TFC II had been reinforced by MLS contract players,
defender Ashtone Morgan, goalie Mark Pais, and forward
Ben Spencer. It wasn't a surprise to followers as they've all
been on the TFC II roster earlier this season. Morgan played
only the first half but he's been recovering from an injury for
what seems like a year. He was playing today as a winger.
Ryan Telfer took his place for the second half and played almost
as a forward. Pais filled in for the MLS team when Clint Irwin
was injured but didn't see any action and he won't get to play
with the Canadian Cavalluzzo playing so well this last month.

Tsubasa Endoh played almost all the freekicks and cornerkicks.
With the MLS team being so deep, he may not get back on
the main roster. Ben Spencer was just given an MLS contract
within the last two weeks but hasn't seen any action.

There's a group of Ben Spencer critics on-line. They are not
going to be pleased that he won and expresso machine as Man
of the Match (always a TFC II player). Laughable plays included
at 53 minutes when he was given a through ball and rushed up
the middle on the slight left and rolled a 22 yard shot directly
to the goalie. 75 minutes had him take a low 20 yard shot from
the right that was into the outside webbing of the net. 84 minutes
had Spencer knock down a chipped pass at 20 yards but had
a defender check him off the ball without getting away a shot.

TFC had three Canadian starters and three on the bench getting
two of them into the game.

TFC head coach Greg Vanney was watching the game for the
West stands with one of his younger kids.

Bethlehem goalie Jake McGuire earned the shutout. He had
to make some key saves. He was sharp except on one play
at 85 minutes, Shaan Hundal blasted a shot from 15 yards that
he couldn't hang on to and a defender had to boot the rebound
behind the end line. Injury time had Hundal get to a cross and
pop a header from 15 yards on the right that bounced and the
goalie was able to catch it wide left of the post. Hundal only came
in at 59 minutes and he'd have been my 'Man of the Match'.
Last year he was the teams leading scorer and now it's hard for
the Canadian to find playing time.

Angelo Cavalluzzo played goal for TFC II. He didn't have much
to do which is good as having to make the 'save of the week'
means the defence is letting you down! Of course partly it's
on the visitors as #14 in the league tables until today.

Attendance was announced as 3033 which was certainly a season
best for this team although it's only their second home game
of the year and is likely not to be repeated as the team
usually plays at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan just
outside the city limits of Toronto. They were piggybacking
off the MLS game that had finished an hour earlier in which
Toronto FC beat Minnesota United 3-2 in front of 27,249.
Another quarter of the fans who stayed for beginning of the
USL game left by halftime.

The fans were corralled into the East stands except the
supporter groups who were allowed to stay in the South—probably
for the best as they don't mingle well with the families
watching in the East. I wasn't taking anything for granted
as I brought my TFC II ticket today too in case I ended
up out in the parking lot. We had to wait 'upstairs'
at the 200 level while the lower section was cleaned.
TFC alumi Dwayne De Rosario was signing autographs and
a DJ was playing songs. I didn't know that area was accessable
from the lower deck from inside. This extra level
in proportion looks like it has more washrooms than ours.
At about 5:30pm we were allowed back down—general admission
although my row hadn't been cleaned at all. The same beer
sellers who had called last call at 65 minutes of the first
game were back again selling until the end of the first half.

MLSE had really hit promoting this match hard. I heard about
it through e-mail, team websites and twitter, and announcements
today at the beginning, halftime, and end of the MSL game.

Production values were high with the same announcer as the
MLS game, highlights on the video board after the first
half of the game we were watching instead of another replay
of the MLS game.

No excuses of people saying they didn't know about it.
It will be interesting to see how the team uses these figures.
They could say retaining just over 11% of the fans proves
they should move the team to another city filling a roster
of some CanPL team once that gets going. They cover the
salaries of their players but don't have to cover stadium
rental and staffing. Even today's total (if it were true)
is triple last year's crowd in Vaughan for even 'good'
weather days. This game had the first 20 minutes played
in a light rain but fans were sheltered by the roof.

TFC II's next game is Friday May 19 at Ontario Soccer Centre
with a 5:00pm kickoff. This game might start off with very
low as most people are just getting off work at that time.
The Rowdies are second in the East as of last week's
standings and are aiming big trying to get an MLS franchise
and just had their city agree to a stadium proposal.

Rocket Robin
robing@eol.ca
twitter @RocketRobin01

[moralis]

Idiot comment. God forbid families get together with supporters and participate. Not just there to sit on their ass.

The fans were corralled into the East stands except the supporter groups who were allowed to stay in the South—probably for the best as they don't mingle well with the families watching in the East

[smww_steve]

If a European youngster wants to get a trial with TFC II, how does he go about it? Contact the Director of Scouting? When can they sign or 'not sign' players, local or foreign?

Appreciate the help and passion in this group. Special nod to Rocket Robin for the thorough work! Thank you!

How long is this scoring drought going to last? Seriously, get in there!!

[C.Ronaldo]

will be interest when CPL comes along and who gets poached or how tfc2 will adjust

[notthesun]

https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2017/05/19/toronto-fc-ii-sign-jelani-peters

TFC II signs Jelani Peters, who was previously on loan.

[notthesun]

Early game for TFC II tonight:

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/865661379402907648

[OgtheDim]

Hmm....likely Morgan & Spencer being tuned up to play Ottawa on Tuesday.

[notthesun]

Watched the whole game, TFC was up 1-0 but gave up three second half goals and lost 3-1. Rowdies pushed hard in the second half and once they got the tying goal the floodgates opened.

Spencer's hold up play is decent but he needs to show me more in front of goal. Wasted a few chances today.

Camargo and Fraser were both pretty good. Camargo played the through ball assist on Uccello's goal. Morgan also did well and went 60 minutes, after going 45 last week. He's getting back up to game speed and should play in the Voyageurs Cup. He had a big smile on his face when he was subbed off, it was great to see. I'm sure he's pleased to finally be playing again.

[Rocket Robin]

Result and details of the Friday May 19, 2017 USL game between
Toronto FC II and Tampa Bay Rowdies played at the Ontario Soccer
Centre in Vaughan at 5:00pm.

9 min...TFC Luca Uccello GOAL...TFC Sergio Camargo sends high
chipped pass from 60 yards down middle which finds Uccello all
alone at 30 yards and he dribbles forward and shoots low 18 yarder
to left corner of net with goalie Matt Pickens sprawling at 14 yards.

67 min...Rowdies Joe Cole GOAL...Rowdies Darwin Jones eludes
TFC Ryan Telfer to get away low cross from 22 yards along right
end line through two defenders and one Rowdies forward
in the 6 yard box and Cole shoot 6 yarder up middle into center
of net under diving goalie Angelo Cavalluzzo who'd been
guarding right post.

79 min...Rowdies Martin Paterson GOAL...Rowdies Michael
Nanchoff takes 33 yard freekick down middle which has
Rowdies Neill Collins head ball at 12 yards on right across
box for Paterson at 6 yards in middle to head ball into right
side of net.

81 min...Rowdies Darwin Jones GOAL...Rowdies Joe Cole
recovers TFC Brandon Aubrey's high popped up header
at 25 yards in middle and he one-touch rolls pass to right
for Jones who steps forward on right and blasts 20 yarder
into top right corner beyond flying goalie. The ball tipped
off TFC Liam Fraser stepping forward at 17 yards.

Final Score:.....Toronto FC II......1......Tampa Bay Rowdies......3....

Attendance was announced as 551 which probably started
at barely 100 when the game started. I thought when I saw
the schedule at the beginning of the season that the starting
time was a glitch but it took me until last week to realize
it was to let the fans get home to see the MLS team play
New York Red Bulls in New Jersey at 7:30pm. It did take
less time to get home than here as the rush hour was
over but the TFC game had already started. Giveaway
at the gate tonight was a TFC II fridge magnet but they
were probably left over because of the small crowd
in their season opener against Rochester.

Referee Carol Ann Chenard led an all female officiating
crew. She only gave out six Yellow cards that I counted
(three to each team) and waved off at least one Penalty
kick call to each team when TFC Luca Uccello
at 35 minutes and Rowdies Georgi Hristov at 41 minutes
fell over too easily in the box. She also called each team
for an offensive handball in the other team's box.

TFC's early goal stopped their scoreless drought
at 519 minutes. It was only their third goal of the
season in nine games. Scoring has obviously been
the team's major problem. Defensively they've been
respectable with only nine goals allowed until today.
Four of those were against Tampa Bay in the second
game of the season when TFC was also shut out.

TFC had six Canadian starters in their lineup—Angelo
Cavalluzzo in goal, Sergio Camargo, Ashtone Morgan,
Luca Uccello, Liam Fraser in the midfield, and Shaan
Hundal up front. Ryan Telfer came on at 60 minutes
to replace Ashtone Morgan. TFC made the same switch
last weekend at their game at BMO Field but that was
Telfer for Morgan at halftime. Morgan has been
recovering from injury stretching back into last year.
If he does come back it will be likely as a winger. His years
with TFC Academy and time in the MLS were as a defender.
Last weekend I said there were three Canadian starters
but it was four.

I keep looking for forward Jordan Hamilton to make
an appearance as he hasn't seen a minute of MLS action
so far this season but he's not with TFC II. [Oops. Just saw
him get into the TFC game at the very end].

T&T defender Jelani Peters was transferred to TFC II earlier
today. He had been on loan from W-Connection until now.
He played the second half and made one key clearance
while they still held the lead.

Rowdies head coach Stuart Campbell looked like a genius
as he brought in Martin Paterson during the stoppage in
play on the 79 minute freekick. Paterson took his place
then scored right after the kick was taken.

TFC II remains in fifteenth (last place) in the East with
a record of 1 win, 5 losses, 3 ties for 6 points.

The win moves the Rowdies into first place in the East
for now as it's the first game of the weekend. This is a
team that is putting a big effort into getting one of the
expansion franchises the MLS is offering over the next
few years. The Tampa Bay local government has just
approved a completely privately funded soccer specific
stadium which is a huge favourable point for the MLS
expansion committee.

Tampa's roster right now is a mix of MLS vets and
international pick ups. I could see them putting an
effort into going far in the US Open Cup to gather
more publicity. Captain Joe Cole is their most famous
player playing much of his career in England including
many internationals until 2010 and at the club level
until 2016 most recently with Coventry. Goalie Matt
Pickens played for MLS Colorado Rapids from 2009
to 2014.

TFC II's next home game starts at Noon
on Wednesday May 24 against Richmond Kickers
with what I expect will be a crowd of school kids.

Rocket Robin
robing@eol.ca
twitter @RocketRobin01

[Rocket Robin]

Result and details of the Saturday May 20, 2017 League 1 Ontario game between
Toronto FC III and North Mississauga Panthers held at KIA Training Centre
in Downsview at 1:00pm.

2 min...TFC Ethan Beckford GOAL...TFC Aidan Daniels on rush on left and
at 20 yards he feeds short cross to center for Beckford to shoot low and
past sliding goalie Anthony Whyte at 15 yards into left corner of net.

15 min...TFC Marko Mandekic GOAL...TFC Aidan Daniels sends low pass
from 30 yards on left over to Mandekic on right and he shoots low 20 yarder
to left corner of net.

74 min...N Miss Bradley Fenton GOAL...N Miss Anton Buretic sends
in throw-in that goes untouched over to Fenton who shoots in 10 yarder
past goalie Gianluca Catalano to top right corner of net.

Final Score:...Toronto FC III....2....North Mississauga Panthers.....1...

Attendance was about 40 on this mild but very windy day. Again something
about this location has the wind blow what seems like triple the speed
of the parking lot up the hill. This had an effect on crosses and freekicks
being flown or bounced out of play by both teams. The wind was from the
east so it did not give either team an advantage with the field's
north-south alignment.

When I saw TFC III rip open a 2-0 lead I thought the scoreline could
get ugly but those were the only goals they could muster. They had more
chances but couldn't put them away and Panthers got back into the game
for a very even contest and on the last kick of the game Mathew Monteiro
with a freekick from 35 yards had his shot fly just over the bar.

TFC almost put the game away at 63 minutes when Aidan Daniels took
a 22 yard shot up the middle that hit the bar. The rebound fell
to a TFC player who put in the rebound but who was at least five
yards offside.

Referee Tim Wong gave out two Yellow cards to each team. One of
them was to TFC Kota Sakurai at 85 minutes for a sliding tackle
at their 35 yard line. This brought one of the loudest reactions
from the N Miss bench as they wanted an advantage played as they
had a player get away on the right wing. The card could come later.
Interesting that it was Sakurai who was injured and had
to be subbed off before the freekick could be taken.

Ethan Beckford scored his fifth goal of the season in only
four games. He didn't look too pleased though being the first
TFC player subbed out today at 50 minutes. Five goals gives
him most in the league but the weekend's not over yet.

North Mississauga Panthers joined the league in 2016 but this
year I could also say they are an expansion team. Before the
game I was talking to head coach Sam Medeiros. He's replaced
Rick Titus this year. He said he replaced the entire team from
last year with 1998s and 1999s. I double checked after I got
home with the last time I saw the Panthers...October 2 last
year and that game was right here against TFC Academy and the
only player that was on that roster who is still here
is today's goalscorer Bradley Fenton. The game sheet checks
all the starting eleven as U 23s. (of course with the mandate
of TFC III, theirs is the same). The team was 1 win, 2 losses
coming into today's game.

I said I remembered Medeiros from the North York Astros. He was
a defender for them in 1999, assistant coach, head coach for
them and other CNSL/CPSL/CSL over the years and even
in League 1 Ontario he was an assistant coach for Woodbridge
Strikers in 2014.

TFC III's record climbs to 2 wins, 2 losses this season with
their next league game Sunday the 28th away in Monarch Park against
Sanjaxx Lions. That field was windy last week too. Before that
they play near here at the Downsview Dome right beside here
on Wednesday night against Sigma FC in a L1O Cup match at 8:00pm.
Reason for that? The KIA facility (well the one that artificial
turf that their Academy teams play on) has no stadium lights!
Their deep roster should get them through next week.

Rocket Robin
robing@eol.ca
twitter @RocketRobin01

[notthesun]

TFC II goes again in a few minutes. Luis Pereira's first action since signing on loan.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/867399980478279680

[notthesun]

Apparently Silviu Petrescu is reffing USL now.

[C.Ronaldo]

what an odd start time, for school kids?




TFC II goes again in a few minutes. Luis Pereira's first action since signing on loan.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/867399980478279680

[Initial B]

what an odd start time, for school kids?
The Ottawa Fury are doing the same thing with a game in June with an 11am start time on a school day. Some of the Fury supporters aren't too happy about it, but we can understand the team wanting to snare the young future fanbase.

[Rocket Robin]

Result and details of the Wednesday May 24, 2017 USL game between
Toronto FC II and Richmond Kickers played at the Ontario Soccer
Centre in Vaughan at 12:00pm.

59 min...TFC II RED card...Anthony Osorio earns a direct ejection at RK 40 yard
line from referee Sylviu Petrescu. TFC Robert Boskovic makes a sliding tackle
which upends RK Oliver and rolls ball forward to Osorio who'd already fallen
on previous play. Osario pulls RK Alex Lee over him so he's out of way and
Boskovic can make run down line. The play carries on but Lee uses his hands
on ground to boost himself and puts foot on the back of Osorio. Osorio swings
like he was going to elbow Lee but misses as Lee is only on his knees but
Osorio also uses his foot to stamp on Lee's calf. The referee had turned
around to see this.

Final Score:.....Toronto FC II.......0......Richmond Kickers......0....

Attendance was announced as 1074 which was the largest crowd of the season
at Ontario Soccer Centre. The crowd was made up of school kids mostly
at the Grade 7 and 8 age group. They were given thunder-sticks to bang
together but mostly only screamed "TFC, TFC" when some game crew staff
member stood on the sideline to threw t-shirts.

Something deja-vu about this game. I double checked after I got home and
found it was the Kickers who were the matinee game opponent last May.
Since-released Sal Bernal scored the TFC 1-0 winner late in that game.
They didn't have the Freestylers doing ball tricks who stole the show
last year and earned cheers louder than the players. They did have
a motivational speaker and ex TFC defender/now broadcaster Steven Caldwell
doing a pregame talk about exercise and nutrition with unseen to them
behind the stands a 100 kids were lined up for the ice cream truck and
barbecue tent. There was a respectful moment of silence for the victims
of Monday's Manchester bombing. The kids here today would have been among
the age of the fan base for Ariana Grande.

Anthony Osorio was subbed on at 58 minutes, had enough time to sprint
to the opposite side of the field to wait for play to restart then take
the Red card all within a minute. TFC II had struggled with getting
scoring chances with eleven men and they only got worse. Kickers now could
be a little more relaxed at the back and look to tee up chances in the
scoring zone.

Mark Pais earned the shutout for TFC II and had to make only a few saves.
He had been squeezed for playing time as he got the call-up to the MLS
team to fill in for the injured Clint Irwin but didn't see any action.
By the time he came back Angelo Cavalluzzo had taken his spot and was
irremovable with 'save of the week' and 'stop of the month' adding
to his resume. The TFC PA department has glossed this game over
as 'another shutout to earn a point at home'.

Matt Turner earned the shutout for Richmond with not much work to do.
Kickers defender Mallan Roberts has played every minute of the season.
He is a Canadian from age 9 and played for FC Edmonton from 2012 to 2016
and was on loan to Ottawa Fury for some of 2016. He'd be the caliber
of player that the new CanPL league will be looking for.

Man of the Match (who is always a TFC II player) was named as defender
Brandon Aubrey who commanded the backline. Things got tougher for him
as not only were they a man down the last half hour, soon after the
sending off, defender Robert Boskovic was replaced by forward Malik Johnson
to try to give TFC a little more bite up front.

Referee Sylviu Petrescu gave out three Yellow cards (two to TFC II) and
the Red in a game that wasn't rough except for that one moment. He must
have found time in his schedule for today as he's one of the regular
MLS referees.

Best scoring chances were at 27 minutes when RK Raul Gonzalez took
a 45 yard freekick from the right that had RK Mikey Minutillo head
the ball on a jump at 18 yards and the goalie dove to block near the line.
29 minutes had TFC Luca Uccello take a 35 yard freekick from the left
that had the goalie punch away at 10 yards in a crowd of players. 40 minutes
had RK Christopher Durkin get a shot through a crowd of players and the
goalie and pushed wide left of the post. 52 minutes had TFC Uccello
backheel a pass on the edge of the box and TFC Shaan Hundal blasted
a shot well over the net. 77 minutes had Hundal rush on the right and
he was tripped up but tapped a pass to Uccello who flubbed a shot
from 12 yards and the ball was cleared. Kickers had more shots on net
but they were often from 25 yards or more out which meant easy catches
for the goalie if they were even on target or a defender didn't clear away.

Toronto FC II had a makeshift lineup today as they supplied players
to their MLS team to play in the Canadian Championship semi-final
in Ottawa last night. They had some starters in that
game...defender/captain Mitchell Taintor, midfielders Tsubasa Endoh,
Jay Chapman, and Raheem Edwards played the whole ninety (Edwards was
ejected in injury time), and forward Jordan Hamilton. Subs included
defender Ashtone Morgan and Jason Hernandez. Even bench players who
didn't see the field were defender Oyvind Alseth, and midfielders
Ben Spencer and Sergio Camargo couldn't play today because some team
officials were saying the MLS team didn't get back to Toronto until
4:00am. (yes I realize Chapman, Edwards, Hernandez and Morgan have
really transitioned to the MLS team). Also Hamilton hadn't played
for neither TFC or TFC II until this last weekend.

To fill the roster, they brought some players up from their
League 1 Ontario team. Robert Boskovic was a starter on defence and
looked good. Midfielder Malik Johnson came into the game at 63 minutes.
Matthew Srbely was not used today. The reason I mention them
is Toronto FC III has a first round League 1 Ontario Cup game
at 8:00pm tonight against rival Sigma FC. It's one game, straight
to Penalty kicks if a tie to decide who moves on to the quarter finals.
With almost a month between which dates teams picked to play their
Cup game, and them 'hosting' the game in Downsview (not the KIA Centre
because their turf field has no stadium lights) at an indoor
stadium I wonder why they chose tonight to play.

This was not a game of league powerhouses. Richmond have now
scored only 5 goals in 10 games and TFC II have scored 3 goals
in 10 games. These are the two worst goals for records in the
Eastern Conference. I think the game could have gone on another
hour without any goals.

Kickers with that one point now have a record of 2 wins, 4 losses,
and 4 ties for 10 points and actually move up to ninth place for
now but have played more games than the teams behind them.

TFC II with their point move to a record of 1 win, 4 ties, 5 losses
for 7 points and stay in fifteenth (last) place.

TFC II now go on the road for two games and will not be back
until Saturday June 10 at 7:30pm against Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Rocket Robin
robing@eol.ca
twitter RocketRobin01

[notthesun]

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/870786653966782464

[OgtheDim]

Some of the B team getting a game out tonight.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/873670578653343745

[C.Ronaldo]

Spencer gettn the minutes again....i dont see what they see in him. Much to slow and he is awkward in his movements.

Hamilton needs to get moved to a team that will give him minutes. CPL cant come fast enough

[Rocket Robin]

TFC II 1 Pittsburgh Riverhounds 1
my take on the game at: http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports17/17tfc334.htm

[notthesun]

TFC II wins 1-0 at home vs. Orlando City B, Jordan Hamilton with the goal. One of TFC II's better performances, they created a bunch of good chances (including a rocket of a long distance shot from Fraser that rang off the post) and probably should have scored 2 or 3.

[Rocket Robin]

June 14th TFC II 1 Orlando City B 0
my take on the game at: http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports17/17tfc345.htm

[OgtheDim]

All you need to know about TFCII tonight.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/878778946657165312

Somebody on that coaching staff is going to get fired soon, I think.

[Leedsoronto]

All you need to know about TFCII tonight.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/878778946657165312

Somebody on that coaching staff is going to get fired soon, I think.

It's usually the kit guy or a physio:@)

Does anyone even watch this shit anymore, other than R Robin ?

[ag futbol]

All you need to know about TFCII tonight.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/878778946657165312

Somebody on that coaching staff is going to get fired soon, I think.
House cleaning at the end of the season perhaps? It's been a meddling outfit for some time now.

Foreign/ older players they insisted they needed to compete appear to have accomplished little. The coaching staff is running out of scapegoats.

[Yohan]

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/04/04/meet-man-behind-major-league-soccers-push-produce-next-big-star

Interesting article about how FFF EFCL course is changing youth programs in MLS

[notthesun]

TFC II is falling short of the mandated minutes that must be given to Canadians in USL: https://the11.ca/falling-short-tfcii-wfc2-need-to-boost-canadian-content-in-order-to-meet-mandated-quotas/

[OgtheDim]

This is beginning to sound all too familiar.

https://twitter.com/TorontoFCII/status/881280578024349696

[Rocket Robin]

July 1, 2017 Toronto FC II 3 vs Harrisburg City Islanders 4
my take on the game at: http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports17/17tfc361.htm

bet ya weren't there as attendance was announced as only 156.

[SirBobSaget]

The potential is there, get the team into a proper venue and let them be competitive. Whatever model they are following right now is terrible. Tear it down and try again. I had season tickets for the first season but it was so disappointing didn't bother to go back. High school sports have better atmosphere and stadiums! Its really hard to believe they are in the same league as Cincinnati.

[Heepster]

... bet ya weren't there as attendance was announced as only 156.
I was -- and I got there about 15 minutes early and I didn't get any cake. Not that I need it. And maybe it was intended to be only for kids but they started giving it to everyone when it became apparent how few were showing up.
Easier than usual to find yourself in the crowd on the YouTube video.
Not sure how long the agreement is to have them in Vaughan, but with crowds that size they might as well do something similar at the training ground in Downsview, where the new subway station is opening just to north by early next year.

[ironcub14]

I was -- and I got there about 15 minutes early and I didn't get any cake. Not that I need it. And maybe it was intended to be only for kids but they started giving it to everyone when it became apparent how few were showing up.
Easier than usual to find yourself in the crowd on the YouTube video.
Not sure how long the agreement is to have them in Vaughan, but with crowds that size they might as well do something similar at the training ground in Downsview, where the new subway station is opening just to north by early next year.

Downsview would actually be a great idea, the subway access would help quite a bit for supporters from downtown or those used to going to BMO taking public transit who would be more likely to support TFCII. I remember a lot of southsiders who want to support TFC II, but find it way too tiring to trek up to Vaughan.

Lamport would be another option as well. I mean, I'm sure the MLSE staff knows this, since the Academy's played out of Lamport and playing out of Downsview right now. The OSC has really not worked out at all, and it's been a bit embarrassing the last 3 seasons, both on and off the pitch.

Will be at the Ottawa match this Saturday, hoping there's a better turnout for this one.

[notthesun]

TFC II with a big 1-0 home victory over Ottawa Fury, Luca Uccello with the very nice winning goal.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abB5Pr-Egyw

[Leedsoronto]

I caught the second half, unsure why I decided to watch but it was 0-0 at HT so what the hell

Lucas goal was amazing, not only was his shot perfect but the pass across field to his feet was pin point perfect.

Let's hope this leads to better things

[Rocket Robin]

July 8, 2017 USL Toronto FC II vs Ottawa Fury
my take on the game at: http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports17/17tfc372.htm

[ironcub14]

That was a very fun game in the stands vs Ottawa, big props to Inebriatti for bringing the atmosphere.

[molenshtain]

so anyone in the know want to give a sort of power rankings for tfc 2/ academy kids who are next up to be signed by the first team? the team has talked about signing Fraser as Cheyrou's replacement at the end of the season but other than that there's been very little indication of who they're high on.

[mcolvy]

so anyone in the know want to give a sort of power rankings for tfc 2/ academy kids who are next up to be signed by the first team? the team has talked about signing Fraser as Cheyrou's replacement at the end of the season but other than that there's been very little indication of who they're high on.

Yeah whatever happened to Malik Johnson and those insane goals last year. Seems to be getting only substitute appearances...

[reggie]

whats going on with hundal and ayo?

[notthesun]

I have no idea where Akinola is playing. Hundal might be nursing an injury because he's been out of the last few lineups. Hard to get injury news on TFC II.

[sn0re]

Here's a great vid done by the club showcasing their academy


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s95EIWH_Lu8&t=

[Initial B]

I was at the TFCII game vs the Fury yesterday and I was shocked at how poorly they played. Most of the game was played in the Toronto ends with 60-40 possession split at the half. I didn't even recognize half the players beyond Paix, Camargo, and Aubrey. What's going on with this team?

[JohnnyEnglish]

I was at the TFCII game vs the Fury yesterday and I was shocked at how poorly they played. Most of the game was played in the Toronto ends with 60-40 possession split at the half. I didn't even recognize half the players beyond Paix, Camargo, and Aubrey. What's going on with this team?

That was TFCII 's Third road games in nine days. Ottawa hadn't played in two weeks, with a far older and more physically developed squad.

[molenshtain]

Honestly I couldn't give a crap about the performance of this team so long as they continue to churn out serviceable players for the first team. Just this season we've been rewarded with Bono, Edwards, Spencer, Alseth after they plied their trade with TFC 2. Uccello, Fraser, and maybe a few others like Taintor or Johnson have lined up first team opportunities next year.

This team is there to be of service to the first team. Any success they may have is based on curating young talent and getting them ready for the first team. everything else is secondary.

[ironcub14]

Believe that the unnamed East team quoted in this article below as refusing to invest or move down to USLD3 is highly likely TFCII/MLSE.

I've seen a number of TFC fans, myself included, argue here, FB or twitter that MLSE needs to move the team from Vaughan/OSC to North York/Downsview.

There's no "facility" there, but hell there's more potential than OSC, and with the Line 1 extension and Downsview Park station opening later this year, we've now got both TTC and GO Barrie Line access from Union to the park.

By far the biggest complaint by TFC fans about TFCII is the fact that there's zero public transit access to the Ontario Soccer Centre, correct? Here's to hoping MLSE sees the light and can terminate whatever contract it has with OSA/OSC.

http://newsok.com/article/5558393

[Areathrasher]

Well there is public transit access but if you live in say High Park/Junction area you'll be spending 3-4 hrs commuting up and back.

[ironcub14]

Well there is public transit access but if you live in say High Park/Junction area you'll be spending 3-4 hrs commuting up and back.

Line 2 and then Line 1.

It's better than getting to 7 and Martin Grove.