denime
09-04-2008, 06:27 AM
Canada to face tough Hondurans
Victory essential if Canada wants to stay out of cellar in a group led by CONCACAF power Mexico
Morgan Campbell
When Canada's national team tied Jamaica last month at BMO Field, head coach Dale Mitchell and star midfielder Julian de Guzman couldn't seem to agree on how much the draw damaged Canada's World Cup hopes.
Mitchell opted for optimism, reasoning that a tie was better than a loss, and Canada still had several chances to claim points in the group stage of World Cup qualifying.
De Guzman chose realism. Though he wasn't deflated, he was deeply disappointed that his team couldn't claim three points. In a qualifying group that includes CONCACAF powers Mexico and Honduras, he said a home game against Jamaica was the closest this team would come to a guaranteed win.
Yesterday, though, de Guzman said everyone involved with Canada's national team realizes stakes are sky-high this weekend, as Canada hosts Honduras in Montreal.
A win would give Canada four points and keep it out of last place in a tough group.
And a loss?
He said nobody's thinking about a loss.
Read more (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Soccer/article/490313)
Stalteri focus on Canada, not club woes
THE CANADIAN PRESS
MONTREAL -- Paul Stalteri is the captain of Canada's men's soccer team and a key player in the team's bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
But his star is fading on his club side in the English Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur.
The right back from Toronto is among a group of Spurs players who've been relegated to the reserve squad. His No. 7 now appears under the name of midfielder Aaron Lennon.
Stalteri wants to move on to a new club, but so far, no deal has materialized.
"I was looking for a new club," he said Wednesday. "I'm not going to say much about what's going on behind the scenes right now. There are two or three different situations where I probably had a very good chance of moving on.
"It hasn't worked out for one thing or another. It's a bit frustrating at the moment, that's the most I'm prepared to say."
Read more (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/09/03/canada_stalteri/)
MLS must address conflicting schedules
by Frank Giase (fgiase@starledger.com)/The Star-Ledger
THIS WEEK IN MLS
One of the problems that Major League Soccer must deal with in the offseason is whether to suspend league play on weekends the national team plays a World Cup qualifier, like most leagues around the world do.
This weekend is a perfect example. There's a full slate of seven games ranging from Thursday to Sunday, but 32 players - including star players and a number of big gate attractions - will be with their respective national teams instead.
Toronto FC should be the team complaining loudest to league officials. The club is six points behind D.C. United and the Red Bulls for the final playoff berth and faces Chivas USA Saturday night at BMO Field in the second leg of a home-and-home series.
But Toronto will be missing nine players to national team duty, eight of whom started in Saturday's 2-1 loss at Chivas. And even though Toronto is averaging the second-highest home attendance in the league at 20,150 per game, who would pay to see a bunch of reserve players on the field, especially in a must-win game?
Read more (http://www.nj.com/sports/njsports/index.ssf/2008/09/giase_mls_must_address_conflic.html)
TFC extends Barrett years
Toronto FC announced Wednesday that the club has signed 23 year old American forward Chad Barrett to a four-year contract extension. Barrett was acquired from the Chicago Fire on July 27th, 2008 as part of the deal for forward Brian McBride. In that deal, Toronto also received a 2009 1st round MLS SuperDraft pick and conditional future considerations.
Now in his fourth MLS season, Barrett has 20 career goals, two of them coming in a Toronto FC uniform. He has also recorded 11 career assists.
"We are very happy to get this deal finished and get Chad in here for another four years," said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. "There were a number of other clubs that were interested in Chad, but we're pleased to say that he wants to be a member of this team for many years to come and we're delighted by that."
Read more (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/09/03/barrett_tfc_extension/)
Edwards up for the challenge
Goalkeeper determined to take his chance
With Greg Sutton away on international duty, Brian Edwards will be in goal for Toronto FC against Chivas USA on Saturday. Edwards was acquired by Toronto in the second round of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and will make his sixth start of the season. "I've been waiting a long time to get my chance again," said Edwards. "I had some games earlier in the season and since then I've been waiting my turn. We've got a lot of players away, but that means the opportunity presents itself for me and I am up for the challenge. I was happy with my performances earlier this season and think I was consistent. I've been working hard to improve my game and now I am excited to get back in the team."
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=185110&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
Gaudet ready for career debut
Midfielder excited by opportunity to play
Derek Gaudet is set to make his Toronto FC debut against Chivas USA on Saturday. It will also be Gaudet's first professional career appearance. "Without doubt it will be the highlight of my career so far," said Gaudet. "Making my professional debut will be very special for me. I hope the crowd will be supportive." The 19 year old Halifax native signed a developmental contract with Toronto last month after impressing during a trial at BMO Field. He has represented Canada at Under 17 and Under 20 levels.:canada:
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=185113&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
SUNSHINE (http://www.torontosun.com/SUNshineGirl/home.html)
Victory essential if Canada wants to stay out of cellar in a group led by CONCACAF power Mexico
Morgan Campbell
When Canada's national team tied Jamaica last month at BMO Field, head coach Dale Mitchell and star midfielder Julian de Guzman couldn't seem to agree on how much the draw damaged Canada's World Cup hopes.
Mitchell opted for optimism, reasoning that a tie was better than a loss, and Canada still had several chances to claim points in the group stage of World Cup qualifying.
De Guzman chose realism. Though he wasn't deflated, he was deeply disappointed that his team couldn't claim three points. In a qualifying group that includes CONCACAF powers Mexico and Honduras, he said a home game against Jamaica was the closest this team would come to a guaranteed win.
Yesterday, though, de Guzman said everyone involved with Canada's national team realizes stakes are sky-high this weekend, as Canada hosts Honduras in Montreal.
A win would give Canada four points and keep it out of last place in a tough group.
And a loss?
He said nobody's thinking about a loss.
Read more (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Soccer/article/490313)
Stalteri focus on Canada, not club woes
THE CANADIAN PRESS
MONTREAL -- Paul Stalteri is the captain of Canada's men's soccer team and a key player in the team's bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
But his star is fading on his club side in the English Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur.
The right back from Toronto is among a group of Spurs players who've been relegated to the reserve squad. His No. 7 now appears under the name of midfielder Aaron Lennon.
Stalteri wants to move on to a new club, but so far, no deal has materialized.
"I was looking for a new club," he said Wednesday. "I'm not going to say much about what's going on behind the scenes right now. There are two or three different situations where I probably had a very good chance of moving on.
"It hasn't worked out for one thing or another. It's a bit frustrating at the moment, that's the most I'm prepared to say."
Read more (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/09/03/canada_stalteri/)
MLS must address conflicting schedules
by Frank Giase (fgiase@starledger.com)/The Star-Ledger
THIS WEEK IN MLS
One of the problems that Major League Soccer must deal with in the offseason is whether to suspend league play on weekends the national team plays a World Cup qualifier, like most leagues around the world do.
This weekend is a perfect example. There's a full slate of seven games ranging from Thursday to Sunday, but 32 players - including star players and a number of big gate attractions - will be with their respective national teams instead.
Toronto FC should be the team complaining loudest to league officials. The club is six points behind D.C. United and the Red Bulls for the final playoff berth and faces Chivas USA Saturday night at BMO Field in the second leg of a home-and-home series.
But Toronto will be missing nine players to national team duty, eight of whom started in Saturday's 2-1 loss at Chivas. And even though Toronto is averaging the second-highest home attendance in the league at 20,150 per game, who would pay to see a bunch of reserve players on the field, especially in a must-win game?
Read more (http://www.nj.com/sports/njsports/index.ssf/2008/09/giase_mls_must_address_conflic.html)
TFC extends Barrett years
Toronto FC announced Wednesday that the club has signed 23 year old American forward Chad Barrett to a four-year contract extension. Barrett was acquired from the Chicago Fire on July 27th, 2008 as part of the deal for forward Brian McBride. In that deal, Toronto also received a 2009 1st round MLS SuperDraft pick and conditional future considerations.
Now in his fourth MLS season, Barrett has 20 career goals, two of them coming in a Toronto FC uniform. He has also recorded 11 career assists.
"We are very happy to get this deal finished and get Chad in here for another four years," said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. "There were a number of other clubs that were interested in Chad, but we're pleased to say that he wants to be a member of this team for many years to come and we're delighted by that."
Read more (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/09/03/barrett_tfc_extension/)
Edwards up for the challenge
Goalkeeper determined to take his chance
With Greg Sutton away on international duty, Brian Edwards will be in goal for Toronto FC against Chivas USA on Saturday. Edwards was acquired by Toronto in the second round of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft and will make his sixth start of the season. "I've been waiting a long time to get my chance again," said Edwards. "I had some games earlier in the season and since then I've been waiting my turn. We've got a lot of players away, but that means the opportunity presents itself for me and I am up for the challenge. I was happy with my performances earlier this season and think I was consistent. I've been working hard to improve my game and now I am excited to get back in the team."
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=185110&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
Gaudet ready for career debut
Midfielder excited by opportunity to play
Derek Gaudet is set to make his Toronto FC debut against Chivas USA on Saturday. It will also be Gaudet's first professional career appearance. "Without doubt it will be the highlight of my career so far," said Gaudet. "Making my professional debut will be very special for me. I hope the crowd will be supportive." The 19 year old Halifax native signed a developmental contract with Toronto last month after impressing during a trial at BMO Field. He has represented Canada at Under 17 and Under 20 levels.:canada:
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080903&content_id=185113&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
SUNSHINE (http://www.torontosun.com/SUNshineGirl/home.html)