I know we all in an ideal world would love for the MLS to not play on official FIFA dates, we will never forget how many times members of the Reds were elsewhere, but in 2009 this issue will raise its ugly head big time.
There four periods in season for official competition matches, which I assume are for world cup qualifying: March 28th to April 1, June 6th to 10th, September 5th to 9th and October 10th through 14th, actually there is a fifth that could have an affect on playoffs, November 14th -18th.
The Gold Cup is being played next year from July 3rd through the 26th, also there is the U-20 World Cup, which is being played in the fall this time September 25th through October 16th. Also August 12th is an official friendly date.
TFC had a total of eight players split between the Canadian entries in the Gold Cup and U-20 World Cup. Should be an interesting year for TFC and the MLS in 2009.