denime
09-05-2008, 06:31 AM
OMG, Very busy morning for me
Missing defence real nightmare for Toronto FC
'Every time I close my eyes I see one defender,' says TFC coach, minus nine players on Cup duty
MORGAN CAMPBELL
By now it's old news that World Cup qualifiers this weekend will deprive Toronto FC of nine of its top players, and have left the squad with just a lone defender – Marco Velez.
But TFC head coach John Carver says the scheduling conflict between MLS and FIFA has robbed him of something else.
His sleep.
"Every time I close my eyes I see one defender," Carver joked after yesterday's practices. "No left back ... no right back."
Hours later MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis delivered the news that help is on the way.
Just not this year.
Read more (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Soccer/article/491070)
MLS forced to review policy
Considering changes after Toronto FC and other teams plundered for international matches
By DEAN MCNULTY (dean.mcnulty@sunmedia.ca), SUN MEDIA
The mess that Major League Soccer finds itself in this weekend with a number of teams -- including Toronto FC -- playing with depleted rosters because of international call-ups for World Cup qualifying games has forced league bosses to look at changing the rules for 2009, Sun Media has learned.
Sources inside the MLS office in New York told Sun Media this week that the league's competition committee meeting scheduled for later this month has re-jigged its agenda to sort out how to keep such international matches from disrupting games again next season.
"That will be the No. 1 item on the agenda," the source said.
This comes after Tom Anselmi -- COO at TFC's parent Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. -- personally called MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis to seek a postponement of tomorrow's game against Chivas USA at BMO Stadium.
Read more (http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2008/09/05/6666966-sun.html)
De Guzman: Honduras match like a final
THE CANADIAN PRESS
MONTREAL -- Julian de Guzman versus Jonathan de Guzman at the World Cup?
It's unlikely that it will ever happen, but the brothers from Toronto have played for different countries since Jonathan took Dutch citizenship in January and saw action for the Netherlands at the Beijing Olympics.
Julian is a star midfielder for the Canadian team that is to play a key World Cup qualifying match against Honduras at Saputo Stadium on Saturday (Sportsnet, 8 p.m. ET).
"He ended up playing for Holland at the Olympics, it doesn't mean he's locked down with the national team, " the 27-year-old Julian said Thursday of his 20-year-old brother. "But it's something we're not focused on.
Read more (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/09/04/deguzman_canada_honduras/)
Whitecaps loan defender to depleted TFC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that defender Diaz Kambere has joined Major League Soccer side Toronto FC on a one-match loan deal.
Kambere, 22, will be available to play in Toronto FC's home game versus Chivas USA at BMO Field on Saturday afternoon. The Surrey, BC, resident - who was originally born in Kasese, Uganda – will return home following the MLS match in Toronto and be available for the Whitecaps USL First Division game versus Minnesota Thunder at Swangard Stadium on Sunday evening.
Read more (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/09/04/whitecaps_tfc_loan/)
Canada treating Honduras match as a must-win
SEAN GORDON
MONTREAL — Must-win, backs-to-the-wall, there-is-no-tomorrow – all the usual clichés apply to Canada's upcoming World Cup qualifying tilt against an experienced and attack-minded Honduras squad.
The stakes were evident during a spirited two-hour training session at Montreal's Stade Saputo in preparation for Saturday night's match.
“Every game is do-or-die, I think everyone believes this is a like a final for us. We're not in panic mode, but we know what has to be taken care of . . . we're going to have to go all out for 90 minutes,” said star midfielder Julian de Guzman, who plays his club football in Spain's top flight with Deportivo La Coruna.
Canada's national men's team has spent the bulk of this past week in Montreal training for the game, their second of six contests this fall that could move them a step closer to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The game will be broadcast on Rogers Sportsnet, kickoff is at 8 p.m.
In order to progress to the next stage of qualifying, Canada must finish in the top two of a four-team CONCACAF group that also includes Mexico and Jamaica.
De Guzman said he expects a swashbuckling contest given Honduras' fondness for going forward, and said the keys to the game will be controlling the midfield, which will pit de Guzman against Toronto FC's Amado Guevara, and involving imposing Canadian target-men Rob Friend and Ali Gerba early in the game.
Read more (http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080904.wsptwcup0904/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home)
Show us your support
Reds fans can play a big part
Toronto FC take on Chivas USA on Saturday at BMO Field. Kick Off is 4:00 p.m. live on CBC. With international duty and injuries leaving Toronto with a small squad, Reds coach John Carver has issued a rallying cry to supporters. "This game is no different for us; we want three points and we need the fans to get right behind the players and show support for them," said Carver. "These types of games give young players a chance to seize the day and challenge for more first team appearances. Every game at BMO Field has an atmosphere that energizes our players. This week will be no different!" The game provides an opportunity for younger players to get first team experience, and Canadians Tyler Rosenlund, Gabe Gala and Derek Gaudet will all be given an opportunity to shine. The Reds have been left short of players because of a combination of factors.
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=185362&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
Experienced players have key role
Carver looks toward Dichio, Velez and Harmse
Toronto FC coach John Carver is calling on his experienced players to lead by example in Saturday's clash against Chivas USA at BMO Field (kick off 4:00 p.m. live on CBC). The Reds are looking for revenge after last week's defeat at Chivas, and with players unavailable through international duty and injuries, Carver knows the experienced players have a key role to play supporting the younger members of the squad. "Danny Dichio has not had a great deal of playing time lately, but I'm expecting him to step up to the plate," said Carver. "Marco Velez has got a lot of experience and Kevin Harmse has played in the league a long time now. They are three players down the spine of the team who can help some of the other players through. You never know how kids will do until you throw them in at the deep end, but they're all part of this club so I would expect them to go out there and handle the situation."
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=185359&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
Barrett on contract extension
Striker wants to stay long term
Toronto FC striker Chad Barrett is looking forward to a long stay in Toronto after signing a four year contract extension Wednesday. Barrett has scored two goals since his move from Chicago Fire in July, and is loving life at BMO Field. "In my first month here everything has been good," said Barrett. "There's been a good impression left on me by the city, the team and the coaching staff and I know I can develop my career here. I felt it was the best thing for me to do right now. I'm very happy to be part of this organization. The players and coaching staff around me can help me develop. One pre-season with these guys will help me get into shape. It's great working with Paul Winsper and it has really helped me so far."
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=185458&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
TFC, Chivas ready to clash yet again
One week after match in Los Angeles, teams meet at BMO Field
TORONTO FC vs. CHIVAS USA
Sept. 6, 2008 | 4 p.m. ET (TeleFutura; CBC; FSN-PT)
Toronto FC and Chivas USA play the back end of their home-and-home series over two weekends when they meet at BMO Field, after a last-gasp goal gave Chivas a 2-1 victory last Saturday at The Home Depot Center. But the teams will look very different than a week ago. Toronto FC will see no fewer than nine absences to international duty, leaving John Carver in a real selection quandary. Chivas faces a couple of international absences as well as key injuries, with the three points vital for both teams in their playoff hopes.
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=185422&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
SUNSHINE (http://www.torontosun.com/SUNshineGirl/home.html)
Missing defence real nightmare for Toronto FC
'Every time I close my eyes I see one defender,' says TFC coach, minus nine players on Cup duty
MORGAN CAMPBELL
By now it's old news that World Cup qualifiers this weekend will deprive Toronto FC of nine of its top players, and have left the squad with just a lone defender – Marco Velez.
But TFC head coach John Carver says the scheduling conflict between MLS and FIFA has robbed him of something else.
His sleep.
"Every time I close my eyes I see one defender," Carver joked after yesterday's practices. "No left back ... no right back."
Hours later MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis delivered the news that help is on the way.
Just not this year.
Read more (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Soccer/article/491070)
MLS forced to review policy
Considering changes after Toronto FC and other teams plundered for international matches
By DEAN MCNULTY (dean.mcnulty@sunmedia.ca), SUN MEDIA
The mess that Major League Soccer finds itself in this weekend with a number of teams -- including Toronto FC -- playing with depleted rosters because of international call-ups for World Cup qualifying games has forced league bosses to look at changing the rules for 2009, Sun Media has learned.
Sources inside the MLS office in New York told Sun Media this week that the league's competition committee meeting scheduled for later this month has re-jigged its agenda to sort out how to keep such international matches from disrupting games again next season.
"That will be the No. 1 item on the agenda," the source said.
This comes after Tom Anselmi -- COO at TFC's parent Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. -- personally called MLS deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis to seek a postponement of tomorrow's game against Chivas USA at BMO Stadium.
Read more (http://www.torontosun.com/Sports/OtherSports/2008/09/05/6666966-sun.html)
De Guzman: Honduras match like a final
THE CANADIAN PRESS
MONTREAL -- Julian de Guzman versus Jonathan de Guzman at the World Cup?
It's unlikely that it will ever happen, but the brothers from Toronto have played for different countries since Jonathan took Dutch citizenship in January and saw action for the Netherlands at the Beijing Olympics.
Julian is a star midfielder for the Canadian team that is to play a key World Cup qualifying match against Honduras at Saputo Stadium on Saturday (Sportsnet, 8 p.m. ET).
"He ended up playing for Holland at the Olympics, it doesn't mean he's locked down with the national team, " the 27-year-old Julian said Thursday of his 20-year-old brother. "But it's something we're not focused on.
Read more (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/09/04/deguzman_canada_honduras/)
Whitecaps loan defender to depleted TFC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that defender Diaz Kambere has joined Major League Soccer side Toronto FC on a one-match loan deal.
Kambere, 22, will be available to play in Toronto FC's home game versus Chivas USA at BMO Field on Saturday afternoon. The Surrey, BC, resident - who was originally born in Kasese, Uganda – will return home following the MLS match in Toronto and be available for the Whitecaps USL First Division game versus Minnesota Thunder at Swangard Stadium on Sunday evening.
Read more (http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/09/04/whitecaps_tfc_loan/)
Canada treating Honduras match as a must-win
SEAN GORDON
MONTREAL — Must-win, backs-to-the-wall, there-is-no-tomorrow – all the usual clichés apply to Canada's upcoming World Cup qualifying tilt against an experienced and attack-minded Honduras squad.
The stakes were evident during a spirited two-hour training session at Montreal's Stade Saputo in preparation for Saturday night's match.
“Every game is do-or-die, I think everyone believes this is a like a final for us. We're not in panic mode, but we know what has to be taken care of . . . we're going to have to go all out for 90 minutes,” said star midfielder Julian de Guzman, who plays his club football in Spain's top flight with Deportivo La Coruna.
Canada's national men's team has spent the bulk of this past week in Montreal training for the game, their second of six contests this fall that could move them a step closer to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The game will be broadcast on Rogers Sportsnet, kickoff is at 8 p.m.
In order to progress to the next stage of qualifying, Canada must finish in the top two of a four-team CONCACAF group that also includes Mexico and Jamaica.
De Guzman said he expects a swashbuckling contest given Honduras' fondness for going forward, and said the keys to the game will be controlling the midfield, which will pit de Guzman against Toronto FC's Amado Guevara, and involving imposing Canadian target-men Rob Friend and Ali Gerba early in the game.
Read more (http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080904.wsptwcup0904/GSStory/GlobeSportsSoccer/home)
Show us your support
Reds fans can play a big part
Toronto FC take on Chivas USA on Saturday at BMO Field. Kick Off is 4:00 p.m. live on CBC. With international duty and injuries leaving Toronto with a small squad, Reds coach John Carver has issued a rallying cry to supporters. "This game is no different for us; we want three points and we need the fans to get right behind the players and show support for them," said Carver. "These types of games give young players a chance to seize the day and challenge for more first team appearances. Every game at BMO Field has an atmosphere that energizes our players. This week will be no different!" The game provides an opportunity for younger players to get first team experience, and Canadians Tyler Rosenlund, Gabe Gala and Derek Gaudet will all be given an opportunity to shine. The Reds have been left short of players because of a combination of factors.
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=185362&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
Experienced players have key role
Carver looks toward Dichio, Velez and Harmse
Toronto FC coach John Carver is calling on his experienced players to lead by example in Saturday's clash against Chivas USA at BMO Field (kick off 4:00 p.m. live on CBC). The Reds are looking for revenge after last week's defeat at Chivas, and with players unavailable through international duty and injuries, Carver knows the experienced players have a key role to play supporting the younger members of the squad. "Danny Dichio has not had a great deal of playing time lately, but I'm expecting him to step up to the plate," said Carver. "Marco Velez has got a lot of experience and Kevin Harmse has played in the league a long time now. They are three players down the spine of the team who can help some of the other players through. You never know how kids will do until you throw them in at the deep end, but they're all part of this club so I would expect them to go out there and handle the situation."
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=185359&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
Barrett on contract extension
Striker wants to stay long term
Toronto FC striker Chad Barrett is looking forward to a long stay in Toronto after signing a four year contract extension Wednesday. Barrett has scored two goals since his move from Chicago Fire in July, and is loving life at BMO Field. "In my first month here everything has been good," said Barrett. "There's been a good impression left on me by the city, the team and the coaching staff and I know I can develop my career here. I felt it was the best thing for me to do right now. I'm very happy to be part of this organization. The players and coaching staff around me can help me develop. One pre-season with these guys will help me get into shape. It's great working with Paul Winsper and it has really helped me so far."
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=185458&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
TFC, Chivas ready to clash yet again
One week after match in Los Angeles, teams meet at BMO Field
TORONTO FC vs. CHIVAS USA
Sept. 6, 2008 | 4 p.m. ET (TeleFutura; CBC; FSN-PT)
Toronto FC and Chivas USA play the back end of their home-and-home series over two weekends when they meet at BMO Field, after a last-gasp goal gave Chivas a 2-1 victory last Saturday at The Home Depot Center. But the teams will look very different than a week ago. Toronto FC will see no fewer than nine absences to international duty, leaving John Carver in a real selection quandary. Chivas faces a couple of international absences as well as key injuries, with the three points vital for both teams in their playoff hopes.
Read more (http://toronto.fc.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20080904&content_id=185422&vkey=news_t280&fext=.jsp&team=t280)
SUNSHINE (http://www.torontosun.com/SUNshineGirl/home.html)