Toronto FC coach takes players on team-building trip
Chance for new arrivals to get to know each other, explains coach
Morgan Campbell
Hoping to move his team forward, TFC head coach John Carver decided they needed to retreat.
To Collingwood.
That's where they'll spend the next two days practising, playing golf and bonding, away from the pressure of the city and the artificial turf at BMO Field.
"We're going to take them up to Blue Mountain resort, wherever that is," Carver said after yesterday's 90-minute practice. "It's a great opportunity to train on grass."
Carver said he and strength coach Paul Winsper came up with the idea earlier in the season but struggled to find the right time to make it happen.
Earlier this summer, the team's schedule was too hectic, and after next week too many regulars will be out of town playing for their national teams.
Wait later than that and the team's into the final few games of the regular season, so the coaching staff decided to make the move this week.
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Barrett eager to team with Ruiz
Former Fire forward looking forward to arrival of newest teammate
Toronto FC striker Chad Barrett is looking forward to the arrival of Carlos Ruiz. The Guatemalan striker is set to meet his new team for the first time on Tuesday and Barrett is likely to be paired with the 28 year old in attack. "He's a proven goalscorer," said Barrett. "In L.A. he lost his way a bit, but coming up here with a new team gives him the chance for a fresh start. He's still been playing at the highest level with his national team and he'll be in good shape. He will want to do the same thing that I did when I came here. I wanted to help the team as much as possible and make an impact. I'm sure he will have the same approach and do whatever he can to help the team make the playoffs."
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Reds heading on retreat
Toronto will train at Collingwood
Toronto FC coach John Carver is taking the team away to Collingwood this week. The Reds will head north on Tuesday to train and take part in team bonding activities.
"It was in the schedule to take the guys away when things settled down a bit," said Carver. "We're going to take them to Collingwood. It's a great opportunity for us to train on grass, there's a fantastic pitch up there. In the afternoon some of the guys will play golf and others will go out on canoes. We'll stay there overnight and head back on Wednesday."
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