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    Guest
    (Alternate title: "Canada 4 Jamaica 2: We're going to Dubai! We're going to Dubai!")
    On the strength of a brace from Andrew Gordon, as well as goals from FC Edmonton's Hanson Boakai and Toronto FC Academy's Jordan Hamilton, Canada powered its way past Jamaica on Saturday night and claimed a spot in the 2013 U17 World Cup.
    This October's tournament in the United Arab Emirates will be the second straight trip to the U17 World Cup for Canada and head coach Sean Fleming; the last go-round in 2011 was highlighted by
    . Prior to 2011, Canada's last appearance in the tournament was in 1995.Getting to the 2013 tourney wasn't easy -- the Canadian boys needed to fight back from a pair of one-goal deficits against Jamaica on Saturday night, but ultimately showed the composure and technical skill that could (large asterisk attached to the "could") put them in a position to be the first Canadian team to ever earn a win at a U17 World Cup.
    Now, before we get ahead of ourselves, there's plenty separating us today from that potential outcome.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    First, of course, is the remainder of the CONCACAF championship tournament, which doubled as the World Cup qualifiers. Canada finds itself up against the host Panamanians in the semifinal on Wednesday night; and while World Cup qualification is already wrapped up, an appearance in the finals would be a nice feather in the lads' caps. (Plus as it stands right now, a Canada v. USA tournament final is a distinct possibility... and a tantalizing one, at that. [Update, Sunday 10 p.m. ET: It is no longer a possibility, as the USA has been knocked out of the tournament and has failed to qualify for the U17WC for the first time.])
    Against Jamaica, Boakai and Whitecaps prospect Marco Bustos once again showed their creative potential, while Gordon emerged as a solid finisher after earning a somewhat-surprising starting role ahead of Hamilton. But TFC prospect Hamilton was not to be denied, potting the dagger goal for the Canadian side late in the second half, making it all but inevitable that Fleming would earn the sports-drink* shower from his young charges shortly thereafter at the final whistle.
    It would be the perfectly Canadian thing to take a trio of encouraging results as a sign that the next generation has arrived. It would also be perfectly Canadian to do as some long-suffering Voyageurs did after the match, making dire predictions about the ways in which members of this squad would disappoint us as members of the senior national team eight years for now.
    But for once, it's worthwhile to just live in, and enjoy, the moment. These are kids, after all. Suffice to say this is a highlight of most of their lives to this point; and, as it will likely turn out, participation in a FIFA World Cup will end up being the all-time highlight of their footballing careers. Such is the nature of the youth game, after all.
    So, no hemming and hawing. No unrealistic expectations and no nihilistic projections. A group of teenagers went out on Saturday night, proudly represented the maple leaf and earned World Cup qualification -- and looked pretty damn good doing it.
    Whatever happens to this team from here on out, this is an accomplishment worthy of our praise and respect. So, congrats boys. Here's hoping the momentum keeps you going all the way to the UAE later this year.


    * While there's one brand of sports drink that's commonly associated with the post-game coach dunk, let's assume this particular dunk utilized Powerade, produced by a company that sponsors the Canadian Soccer Association. #supportlocalsoccer
    Guest
    Vancouver Whitecaps fought back to claim a point against Real Salt Lake at BC Place this afternoon thanks to a late Camilo Sanvezzo penalty.
    The Whitecaps were fortunate to get the call on a handball by Nat Borchers, but a draw was the least they deserved from a hard fought performance where again they created well but could not put away their chances.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Martin Rennie made one change from last week’s starting eleven, with Camilo Sanvezzo coming in on the left for Erik Hurtado.
    It was an entertaining game from the get go, with both sides playing attacking football and looking to make the early breakthrough.
    The Whitecaps had the first real chance of the game in the ninth minute when Russell Teibert showed some great vision on the wing to play a perfect ball into YP Lee and his shot was turned away by Nick Rimando in the Salt Lake goal.
    Camilo had two chances to find the net from the resulting corner, first with a header and then in a goalmouth scramble, but RSL defended strongly to keep the Caps at bay.
    The game was flowing back and forth but it was Vancouver who were carving out the clear cut chances and Rimando had to be at his best again in the 19th minute to tip away a curling Camilo free kick.
    Vancouver’s main goalscoring threat was coming from the little Brazilian and he forced Rimando into another sprawling save with a low long range shot out of nothing in the 25th minute.
    Joao Plata had the ball in the net for Salt Lake in the 34th minute, with a lovely little back flick finish from a Javier Morales cross, but he was offside.
    The Caps had a couple of half chances to round off the half, but as the teams went in goalless, you got the feeling that situation wasn’t going to remain for long.
    Vancouver continued to take the game to their visitors when the game resumed.
    Nigel Reo-Coker brought another great save out of Rimando ten minutes in, with a long range rocket after the ball broke out to him from a Teibert corner.
    Salt Lake still looked dangerous themselves and just past the hour mark, Joe Cannon was forced to parry away a close range shot from Olmes Garcia.
    The Salt Lake sub wasn’t to be denied however and he gave the visitors the lead five minutes later with a beautiful curling shot from the edge of the box that gave Cannon no chance as it nestled into the postage stamp corner.
    The Caps won a free kick in the 75th minute. Teibert whipped in a perfect ball right on the top of Rimando and the RSL keeper did well to punch away under pressure from Camilo. Vancouver kept the pressure on and the ball eventually broke to Rochat at the far post, but he was only able to hit the side netting from a tight angle.
    Vancouver pushed for the equaliser and they got it in the unlikeliest of circumstances with six minutes remaining.
    Caps substitute Kekuta Manneh had room and tried to find Darren Mattocks in the middle but delivered a weak cross. The ball came to Nat Borchers in the box, but the Real defender slipped trying to control it and caught the ball with his arm and the referee pointed to the spot.
    It was very harsh but that didn't bother Camilo, who stepped up and slotted the penalty home to tie the game up.
    Vancouver pushed hard for the winner in the closing stages and although they had some chances and caused some panic amongst the Salt Lake defence, they couldn’t find the second goal.
    And it was nearly the visitors who snatched the win when Alvaro Saborio pounced on a sloppy Rochat passback, rounded Cannon and tried to play a ball into the middle but Brad Rusin cleared for a corner. The danger wasn't over and Cannon became a late point saver once again when he tipped over Nat Borchers header.
    The Whitecaps play merited more than a point from this game, but they just seemed to lack that vital and telling final ball into the dangerous positions and bit more up front.
    Dropped points at home can often be the make or breaking factors in a season and Vancouver now head into back to back games with Western Conference leaders Dallas, knowing that they ideally need to be looking at coming away with four points if they want to keep in touch with those above them.
    Salt Lake now have seven of their next ten games at home, including their next three. You can be sure that they will make the most of those. The Whitecaps need to do that too.
    FINAL SCORE: Vancouver Whitecaps 1 - 1 Real Salt Lake
    ATT: 19,612
    VANCOUVER: Joe Cannon; Young-Pyo Lee, Brad Rusin, Andy O’Brien, Alain Rochat; Jun Marques Davidson, Nigel Reo-Coker, Russell Teibert, Daigo Kobayashi (Kekuta Manneh 73); Camilo Sanvezzo (Tommy Heinemann 88), Corey Hertzog (Darren Mattocks 62) [subs Not Used: Brad Knighton, Jordan Harvey, Gershon Koffie, Erik Hurtado]
    REAL SALT LAKE: Nick Rimando; Chris Schuler, Tony Beltran, Nat Borchers, Lovel Palmer; Ned Grabavoy, Luis Gil, Javier Morales (Khari Stephenson 79), Kyle Beckerman (Yordany Alvarez 31); Alvaro Saborio, Joao Plata (Olmes Garcia 56) [subs Not Used: Josh Saunders, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Devon Sandoval, Kenny Mansally]
    <p>
    Guest
    Trying to figure out Toronto FC has often been an exercise in frustration. The team may only be five games into their 2013 MLS season but a simple narrative of who they are or what they’ll be is failing to cohere. It sometimes seems like every piece of evidence is counterweighted by another that prevents definitive conclusion. Consider:
    The team has five points – five more than they had last year at this point; two or three more than was probably expected – against what has turned out to be a fairly difficult schedule of opponents but more of their games have been at home than away and they’ve only won once.
    Their one win saw them hanging on for most of the second half and draws could, maybe should, have been losses but they were minutes away from victory over LA and created enough chances in the last 10 minutes versus Dallas to make an improbable victory imaginable.
    They’ve largely failed to create good chances from open play with any consistency but have only been held scoreless once (and not since opening day).
    The defence is conceding less but they’re yet to actually keep a clean sheet.
    Finally, and most relevant ahead of the weekend’s trip to Philadelphia, they’ve not yet gained a point on the road but they haven’t been blown out either. Considering the club’s problems in that regard in the past such a record might well be considered a small sign of progress.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    So the game against the Union has become another important data point in fixing an understanding of what lies ahead for Toronto FC in 2013. If TFC is going to be better than expected and meaningfully challenge for a playoff spot they’ll have to start picking up points on the road and a game against a mid-table Eastern Conference opponent would be a good place to start.
    For their part, the Philadelphia Union also feel like something of a work in progress.
    Expectations were not particularly high for John Hackworth’s first full season in charge, after taking over for Peter Nowak, and a home loss to Sporting Kansas City to start the season seemed to fit that script. Since then however an away win in Colorado and a scrappy point last weekend in Columbus have raised the possibility that the Union can stay competitive this season.
    One reason the Union are improving has been the emergence of Jack McInerney as a regular starter and consistent goal scoring threat. Drafted during the club’s inaugural year “Jack Mack” is already in his fourth season with Philadelphia but still only 20 years old. While the focus around the rest of the league in preseason discussion had been on the return of Sebastien Le Toux and the acquisition of MLS veteran Conor Casey it has been McInerney’s three goals in five games that have lifted the Union up to fifth in the East.
    A large portion of the rest of the Union’s line-up is a continuation of the young core the club has grown around over the last couple years. One major addition of note however is former Seattle Sounder Jeff Parke in central defense. Parke has rarely been considered among the league’s elite defenders but he’s a steadying and reliable presence who has so far ably replaced the loaned out Carlos Valdes.
    For Toronto head coach Ryan Nelsen selection questions centre around injuries in defense and how to inject some life into the team’s misfiring attack.
    Fullback Richard Eckersley is expected to be unavailable after straining his hamstring and Gale Agbossoumonde did a reasonable job filling in for Danny Califf in the centre of defense against FC Dallas when the latter was sidelined by flu. Califf could be returned to the starting line-up and Agbossoumonde used to cover one of the fullback positions but some reshuffling of the defense will likely be necessary.
    The other expectation will be a first start for Luis Silva. Toronto has looked far more dangerous with him on the field in the second half of their last two games but whether Nelsen risks giving him defensive responsibilities in central midfield or plays him as a second forward underneath Robert Earnshaw is a tricky question.
    Complicating the answer is the impact that Justin Braun had on the game against Dallas. The Reds were a different, vastly more energetic team with him on the field. While it’s hard to imagine that he’ll be handed a start, keeping the athletic forward as an option off the bench in case he needs to change the game could be an ace up Nelsen’s sleeve.
    Toronto FC still has a long way to go but getting anything from Philadelphia would be a another indication that maybe their most recent rebuild is actually starting to take.
    Guest
    It's Episode 37 of your <i>West Coast Soccer</i> podcast, our regular look at what's been happening with Vancouver Whitecaps, and football in BC, Canada and throughout North America.
    Fresh from his first MLS start and goal, Whitecaps striker <b>Corey Hertzog</b> tells us about life in Vancouver, what the San Jose game meant for him personally and what playing alongside international strikers like Thierry Henry and Kenny Miller has meant to his game.
    We hear from Canadian U17 head coach <b>Sean Fleming</b> about the team's impressive performances at the CONCACAF World Cup qualification tournament, the important part that the five Whitecaps have played in the tournament, what the future holds in store for Caps keeper Marco Carducci and more.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    There's also your regular dose of Whitecaps chat, as we pick over the bones of the draw in San Jose and discuss just what kind of a challenge Real Salt Lake will pose to the Caps this weekend. A soft, half hearted one or a Nigel Reo-Coker bone cruncher?
    Have a listen.
    You can listen to this week's podcast (and the previous ones) on iTunes <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/westcoastsoccerweekly/id491781299" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> or download it for your later listening delight <a href="http://westcoastsoccerweekly.podbean.com/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> or have a listen on one of the players below.
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    Guest
    KEY PLAYERS
    Attacking
    Many questioned the starting of Corey Hertzog against the Earthquakes but the 2011 first rounder proved his worth scoring the equalizer. The former Generation Adidas player is pure poacher and has shown in reserve games, as well as in the lower leagues, that he can finish and is just needing to be given that opportunity as a starter or sub.
    There's been more pressure on designated player Alvaro Saborio to score this season since Espinola was shipped away in the off-season to New York and other veterans also moved on. While he has scored three goals so far this season, the chemistry between him and Robbie Findley has yet to be fully realized.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Defence
    It was a defining moment for the normally mild mannered Andy O'Brien when he pulled Steven Lenhart off the grass after he felt the striker went down too easily. It's that grit that is needed, especially with Demerit out, and will be a valuable addition to his already stellar defending on the backend.
    One of the best holding midfielders in MLS is Kyle Beckerman who as the field general for Real Salt Lake has the ability to clog the midfield and break down attacks. Beckerman is also great at getting the ball from his own backline or the opposition and quickly pushing the ball forward on the counter attack.
    WHO'S ON FORM
    The Caps need a performance from Nigel Reo-Coker similar to last week where he was involved throughout the 90 minutes. He attempted and completed a high number of passes and then there was his tackle of Cronin that made headlines across the pond.
    Real Salt Lake expected Luis Gil to replace the departing Johnson in the starting 11 but due to injury to Morales, he has been forced to play up top in a central attacking role. He has started all six matches so far this season at 19 years old has been the most consistent midfielder contributing a goal and an assist.
    PROJECTED LINEUP

    Vancouver Whitecaps
    (4-3-3) R to L - Joe Cannon; Y.P. Lee, Andy O’Brien, Brad Rusin, Alain Rochat; Jun Marques Davidson, Nigel Reo-Coker, Gershon Koffie; Erik Hurtado, Corey Hertzog, Daigo Kobayashi
    Real Salt Lake
    (4-4-2) R to L - Nick Rimando; Tony Beltran, Nat Borchers, Chris Schuler, Kenny Mansally; Kyle Beckerman, Sebastian Velasquez, Ned Grabavoy, Luis Gil; Devon Sandoval, Alvaro Saborio
    INJURED/MISSING
    (updated April 9)
    Vancouver Whitecaps -
    OUT: FW Omar Salgado (foot), DF Jay DeMerit (Achilles)
    QUESTIONABLE: FW Kenny Miller (hamstring)
    Real Salt Lake -
    OUT: FW Robbie Findley (adductor), MF Cole Grossman (concussion)
    QUESTIONABLE: MF Javier Morales (knee), MF Khari Stephenson (knee), DF Rich Balchan (groin), FW Alvaro Saborio (knee), DF Carlos Salcedo (concussion), MF Joao Plata (hamstring), MF David Viana (quad), DF Chris Wingert (knee)
    2013 RECORD
    Vancouver Whitecaps:
    2W-1D-2L-7P
    5th in Western Conference
    Last Match: 1-1 Draw at San Jose Earthquakes
    Real Salt Lake:
    2W-1D-3L-7P
    6th in Western Conference
    Last Match: 1-0 Loss at Colorado Rapids
    OVERVIEW
    After a long five weeks away, Vancouver Whitecaps finally return home to BC Place this Saturday and face one of the most consistent MLS franchises in Real Salt Lake. In their previous five MLS matches they have played against each other, the two teams have split the honours with two wins, two losses and a tie.
    Due to turnover, injury and international duty, RSL has not had a consistent starting eleven this season, unlike the Caps who until last week made few changes. It is highly unlikely the backend for the Caps will change this week, with Cannon remaining in goal and he will have the same backline in front of him.
    Two of the three spots in the midfield have Reo-Coker and Davidson penciled in while the third will either go to Teibert or Koffie. Similarly, Kobayashi and Hurtado seem set to go on the wings with the striker position having three options with Rennie deciding between Miller, Hertzog or Mattocks.
    Whatever the starting eleven is, the return to their home pitch will be welcomed by the Caps and the players. The club has enjoyed a high rate of success at BC Place compared to the road which can be contributed to the support from the stands. Facts which Martin Rennie is fully aware of.
    <i>"It's nice because five weeks is a long time.
    We want to build on the last home game which was one of our best performances, against Columbus Crew. We really want to take it to Salk Lake and with our fans behind us, it always gives us a huge lift.
    I think we're all just excited to get the game going and I'm sure the fans are excited to see another game and everybody in Vancouver will be looking forward to seeing the team again."</i>
    Another advantage for the Caps at home is the turf, which RSL has never found it comfortable playing on. In fact it seems as though Jason Kreis and the players always point to the turf and complain every time they make the trip up north.
    Who plays at target striker could be the biggest dilemma for the staff when it comes to choosing the starting spots. Do they go with the veteran but hurt Miller who already has two goals to his name, the speedster Mattocks hoping to regain his form after getting benched or the poacher Hertzog having scored his first of MLS last week. Miller's injury is likely not to see him start, and he may even miss out on the match altogether, leaving the which of the inexperienced strikers the Caps should lead with.
    Once again the Whitecaps will need to take advantage of the wide areas. RSL's diamond midfield tends to suffocate the center of the pitch, leaving options on both wings. Both Lee and Rochat need to regain the form they displayed in the first two games of the season, both wins for the Whitecaps, and use the space on the wings to the max.
    The RSL midfield is the key for them in their attack as well as they look to create chances through the middle by controlling the possession battle. The Caps will need to disrupt their flow by constantly pressuring them, even if they have to drop one or two of their attackers into the midfield.
    The match this weekend will be a telltale sign of where they stand at this point of the season. A good performance will make most forget about the three previous road games but a negative result will see the questions continue as to whether the club has the right make up of players.
    <p>
    Guest

    2013 NWSL preview

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    For the third time in a little more than a decade, a North American professional women’s league will kick-off this weekend.
    You’ll be forgiven for wanting to take a wait and see an approach to the league. After all, it’s hard to ignore the ashes of the WUSA and WPS sitting on top of the fireplace.
    Still, many are cautiously optimistic that this time it might stick. There are two main reasons people are thinking that.
    First of all, the league is taking a much more modest approach to things. It is not deluding itself into thinking it will be immediately the best league in the world. The biggest European leagues can all afford to pay their top players more at this point, so the National Women’s Soccer League is trying to spread less money to more players rather than bringing in the biggest international stars.
    Most importantly, the NWSL has the support of the American, Mexican and Canadian federation. That support puts less financial burden on the league and immediately puts it on a stronger footing.
    Below the jump a brief primer on each of the league’s eight teams.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Chicago Red Stars
    Canadian content -- Carmelina Moscato, Erin McLeod
    Strengths – Youthful and athletic; Should employ a team concept
    Weakness – A total lack of star power; very inexperienced
    Outlook – On paper Chicago is the weakest team in the league
    Prediction – 8th
    Seattle Reign
    Canadian content -- Tiffany Cameron, Kaylyn Kyle, Emily Zurrer
    Strengths – The strengths will likely show up midseason when Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe return to the fold.
    Weakness – It’s a raw line-up with little depth to start the season.
    Outlook – It seems likely that Seattle will have to hope for near perfect health in first half of the season and that they are close enough to make a late season push once the US allocations return.
    Prediction – 7th
    Sky Blue
    Canadian content – Melanie Booth, Sophie Schmidt
    Strengths – There is a certain amount of grit to this team. They should prove uncomfortable to play against.
    Weakness – A lack of a vision going forward. Who will score for this team?
    Outlook – The strength at the back should keep this team in the hunt most games. If an offensive threat emerges they could be a sleeper.

    Prediction – 6th
    Washington Spirit
    Canadian content -- Robyn Gayle, Diana Matheson, Candace Chapman
    Strengths – Depth. Washington has one of the best 12-20s in the league
    Weakness – No real stars. Will rely on a team game
    Outlook – Washington appears to be one of the middling teams that will be competitive, but won’t stand out
    Prediction – 5th
    FC Kansas City
    Canadian content -- Lauren Sesselmann, Desiree Scott
    Strengths – A balanced line-up with no real weak points
    Weakness – Depth. Unlike similar Washington, KC’s reserves have question marks. However, if the starting XI stay healthy this is a decent side.
    Outlook – The starters, especially at the back, look strong enough for a top half finish
    Prediction – 4th
    Boston Breakers
    Canadian content -- Adriana Leon, Rhian Wilkinson
    Strengths – A very athletic team featuring one of the most explosive and athletic young strikers in the game. Canadian fans don’t want to know who that is.

    Weakness – Keeper. They don’t have a proven one.
    Outlook – Boston will be strong, so long as they aren’t losing games from the keeper position. As much as many here won’t want to hear it, LeRoux is one of the best young players in the world.
    Prediction – 3rd
    Portland Thorns
    Canadian content – Christine Sinclair, Katrina LeBlanc
    Strengths – Attack and a deep starting XI. This is the best group of starters in the league by a distance
    Weakness – Next to no proven depth. An injury could really hurt this team.
    Outlook – They are a consensus favourite for a reason, the Thorns will be in the conversation for a title all year
    Prediction -- 2nd
    Western New York Flash
    Canadian content - Bryanna McCarthy, Jodi-Ann Robinson
    Strengths – Abby Wambach and a winning tradition
    Weakness – Depth, especially up front
    Outlook – Either the best or second best scorer in the world on an organization that only knows how to win? You tell me…
    Prediction -- Champions
    Guest
    Although details for specific players has yet to be released (and may not ever be), it was reported today that NWSL salaries are ranging between $6,000 and $30,000 this year.
    The league did not specify exactly where the Canadian players would fit in that, but those close to the league have suggested that the CSA is paying a salary just shy of $20,000 for the players. It's highly unlikely that that any Canadian, including Christine Sinclair, will come close to the $30,000.
    The Mexican women will be paid a similar amount as the Canadian women.
    It was suggested that the CSA attempted to keep all salaries relatively the same.
    In addition to the NWSL salary, the U.S. women also receive a salary for being on the national team.
    The Canadian women renegotiated their per diem rate two years ago. The amount they receive per game is unknown.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Guest
    Third time's the charm and Episode Three of <i>"There's Still Time"</i> has some charming men to try and entertain you, along with Steve and myself!
    Our main guest this week is <b>Russell Teibert</b>. The Whitecap's Canadian international chats about his start against San Jose on Saturday, the frustrations of being on the fringe of the first team these past two years, what may lie in store this season for the Caps, his international ambitions and, of course, we just had to ask him about his Canadian Soccer Jesus nickname.
    We also hear from <b>Nigel Reo-Coker</b> about that tackle on Sam Cronin and the furore it caused back in England, and <b>Martin Rennie</b> talks about how happy he is with the current squad and how important winning their home games will be for the Whitecaps this season in such a tightly competitive division.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    We continue with our 'Bucket List' topic, around which football stadiums we want to visit before we leave this mortal coil, with the thoughts of <a href="http://groundhoppingca.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><u>Groundhopping Canada's</u></a> <b>Devon Rowcliffe</b> on some local and international stadiums that he's visited and he highly recommends should be on your list. Don't worry, we'll have a new 'bucket list' topic next week!
    And there’s still time this week for Steve Pandher and myself to take a look back at Vancouver’s incident packed draw with San Jose and look ahead to the Real Salt Lake game at the weekend as the Whitecaps finally return to Vancouver.
    Going forward, <i>"There's Still Time"</i> will adopt a number of different formats for forthcoming episodes. Some will be just pure chat, there will be some interviews, some episodes will be a roundtable down the pub style and we're also planning on bringing you some post home game specials. We may even throw in the odd "after dark" episode for those not easily offended.
    So enough waffle, there's enough of that in the podcast. Have a listen, let us know what you think and what improvements we can make or new segments we can include.
    And don't forget to tell us your 'bucket list' suggestions below.
    You can listen to this week's podcast on iTunes <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/aftn/id628306235" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.
    We've also just launched our new iPhone app, so you can now add our podcast to your phone as an app. Visit the podcast's mobile site <a href="http://aftn.podbean.com/mobile/'>http://aftn.podbean.com/mobile/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> and then at the bottom of the screen just click the "Quick Launch" icon and the podcast will be added to your home screen and appear as an app. We'll be launching an Android app very shortly as well.
    Or download it for your later listening delight <a href="http://aftn.podbean.com/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.
    Or you could just listen on one of the players below!
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    Guest
    What have you done for me lately?
    That’s the question of the day amongst sports fans, especially fans in places as large as Toronto – when there are five million voices the loudest and most irrational are the ones that get heard.
    It’s probably a cliché, but, like most clichés, there is an element of truth to the characterization of a Toronto sports fan as being mostly irrational and impatient. Sadly, the management of the local sports clubs has often followed the lead of its fan base and has embarked in half-baked attempts to speed up rebuilds. The results have been what you’d expect.
    It’s way early in the sample size, and the seamhead stat-heads will burn with rage with the mere suggestion, but the early returns in Toronto’s latest fast-forward rebuild aren’t promising. Not with fans booing saviour in waiting R.A. Dickey off the mound in his second start of the year last weekend.
    To bring this around to soccer, the local side struggled to put 15,000 into the park last week. Whereas the loyal fans of Club Atlético Banfield
    , TFC fans were wearing paper bags on their head and calling for boycotts after less than six. Different times; different culture. It is what it is and it isn’t changing.
    However, this article isn’t about TFC, or Toronto (Toronto isn’t unique here, of course. All Canadians share the instinct to ride the bandwagon.) Rather, it’s about what to make of the fact that the Canadian women’s national team sold out BMO Field in less than a day for its “rematch” with the Americans on June 2.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Good for them and good for the CSA. Considering the women struggled to draw 12,000 the last time they were in Toronto and this is a friendly that number is incredibly impressive. It will be one of the largest crowds to watch a female team sport game in the world this year.
    It’s also causing some of the biggest supporters of women’s football in Canada to make some bold statements. In the days that have passed, I have heard fans say that the women’s game “has arrived” in Canada and that it’s “more popular” than the men’s game.
    On the surface, such proclamations seem mostly harmless. Despite the fact that there is little evidence to back up either claim, who cares if a female-first fan wants to celebrate the sports recent success and imagine a better future.
    However, there is a concern as well. Namely, that supporters of the women’s game become complacent and stop with the grassroots support that’s needed to continue to build momentum in the days towards 2014 and 2015. It’s vital that Canada pack the stadiums in both tournaments if we want to host even more FIFA events in the future (and we do).
    There is a real danger to assume that the World Cups will sell-out without any grassroots push. Two 20,000 plus crowds in two years (The Olympic qualifying final in Vancouver and June 2) are nice, but they are still outliers.
    If we want to see evidence of this danger we can look no further than Canada’s opponents on June 2. In the gleeful days following the 1999 World Cup win for the US, which saw record crowds across the Great Republic, there were many voices that declared that women’s soccer was a sure-fire mainstream hit in the U.S.
    Two failed leagues later, and following a much more modest 2003 World Cup in the U.S, most of those same commentators were forced to admit that July 10, 1999 was end result of a summer fling with women’s soccer, not the beginning of a lifelong marriage.
    One of the biggest mistakes some supporters of the women’s game made in 1999 was to compare it with the men’s game and to assume that the masculine game was the enemy of the feminine. Famously, the WUSA turned away outreaches from MLS to partner in the forming of the pro women’s league. Some at the time suggested that the men were trying to leech onto the success of the women.
    You hear similar things today. Many supporters of the women’s game suggest that their game is somehow superior to the men’s. It’s well meaning, but ultimately condescending to the women’s game.
    It’s the same game. It’s exactly the same and it’s wonderful and beautiful in the exact same ways. That should be the message.
    The blunt truth is that women’s football has still not fully arrived. It’s a novelty in Canada right now based on the afterglow of a magical Olympic run. But, to suggest that it’s in the day-to-day consciousness of Canadians is foolhardy.
    It’s also foolish to suggest that the women’s game is more popular than the men’s. To give one example, readership of Canadian women’s team articles on CSN is roughly 40 percent less than readership for similar Canadian men’s team articles – and that’s now, after the bronze and after the 8-1.
    The first step for women’s soccer to make is to close that gap – we don’t need women’s soccer fans and male soccer fans in Canada. We need more soccer fans, period. And if you love the sport you should love and support it on both sides of the gender divide.
    As I said off the top of the article, we tend to only look at what teams have done for us lately. It's the same with the women. The Olympic bump likely ends on June 3. Then the real work begins as all Canadian soccer fans work to ensure that the tremendous opportunity of 2014-15 is not lost.
    Guest

    Canada U-17 advances to quarterfinals

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    A long range strike from Hanson Boakai was enough to move Canada past Costa Rica and to within one game of qualifying for the U-17 World Cup.
    The goal came at a crucial time, with Costa Rica already leading 1-0 and threatening for score another, Canada needed a win, draw or loss by no more than one to advance.
    They will next take on the second-place team from Group A in the tournament quarter-finals on Saturday. The winner of the quarter-final will, along with the three other quarter-final winners, qualify for the U-17 World Cup in October.
    Canada will face Jamaica next in the quarterfinals.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Match highlights:


    Guest

    SC Toronto leaves CSL

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Another local club has confirmed that they will not be playing in the Canadian Soccer League this year.
    A request has gone out to a number of teams rumoured to be leaving the embattled league.
    Today, SC Toronto responded to a general email request and it confirmed they are not playing in the league this year. No further comment was offered.
    There remain a number of clubs who are strongly rumoured to be leaving that have not confirmed their departure. CSN when update when and if they provide a response.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Not sure what this is about? Here are some previous stories:
    Response from Sport Resolution on CSL
    Windsor, Brantford leave CSL, at least one other team out as exodus continues
    CSL seeking dispute resolution
    A response to erroneous use of the word erroneous
    CSA cuts ties with CSL over matchfixing concerns
    Confronting matchfixing in Canada
    Watch the matchfixing documentary on the CSL
    Read the original article on CBC
    Guest
    Based on feedback and a re-think I'm adjusting how we look at the possession/dribbling numbers. I'll be back with these new calculations later this week, but, for now, the rest of the raw data through six weeks and five games for TFC.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Passing (Minimum of 75 touches for PTP eligibility)
    [TABLE=width: 500]
    [TR]
    [TD]Name[/TD]
    [TD]Total touches[/TD]
    [TD]Positive touches[/TD]
    [TD]Negative touches[/TD]
    [TD]Positive touch percentage[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]O'Dea[/TD]
    [TD]218[/TD]
    [TD]172[/TD]
    [TD]46[/TD]
    [TD]78.8[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Hall[/TD]
    [TD]240[/TD]
    [TD]189[/TD]
    [TD]51[/TD]
    [TD]78.7[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Dunfield[/TD]
    [TD]211[/TD]
    [TD]166[/TD]
    [TD]45[/TD]
    [TD]78.6[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Lambe[/TD]
    [TD]177[/TD]
    [TD]139[/TD]
    [TD]38[/TD]
    [TD]78.5[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Earnshaw[/TD]
    [TD]99[/TD]
    [TD]74[/TD]
    [TD]15[/TD]
    [TD]74.7[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Califf[/TD]
    [TD]132[/TD]
    [TD]98[/TD]
    [TD]34[/TD]
    [TD]74.2[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Eckersley[/TD]
    [TD]269[/TD]
    [TD]199[/TD]
    [TD]70[/TD]
    [TD]73.9[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Bekker[/TD]
    [TD]96[/TD]
    [TD]70[/TD]
    [TD]26[/TD]
    [TD]72.9[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Ephraim[/TD]
    [TD]231[/TD]
    [TD]163[/TD]
    [TD]68[/TD]
    [TD]70.5[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Bostock[/TD]
    [TD]218[/TD]
    [TD]147[/TD]
    [TD]71[/TD]
    [TD]67.4[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Russell[/TD]
    [TD]165[/TD]
    [TD]111[/TD]
    [TD]54[/TD]
    [TD]67.2[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]A Morgan[/TD]
    [TD]126[/TD]
    [TD]77[/TD]
    [TD]49[/TD]
    [TD]61.1[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Bendik[/TD]
    [TD]148[/TD]
    [TD]58[/TD]
    [TD]90[/TD]
    [TD]39.1[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]"Boss"[/TD]
    [TD]71[/TD]
    [TD]61[/TD]
    [TD]10[/TD]
    [TD]N/E[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Osorio[/TD]
    [TD]61[/TD]
    [TD]47[/TD]
    [TD]14[/TD]
    [TD]N/E[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Silva[/TD]
    [TD]39[/TD]
    [TD]26[/TD]
    [TD]13[/TD]
    [TD]N/E[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Braun[/TD]
    [TD]8[/TD]
    [TD]6[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]N/E[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]T Morgan[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]N/E[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Welshman[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]N/E[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [/TABLE]
    Shooting
    [TABLE=width: 500]
    [TR]
    [TD]Name[/TD]
    [TD]Attempts[/TD]
    [TD]On goal[/TD]
    [TD]Missed[/TD]
    [TD]OG %[/TD]
    [TD]Goals[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Earnshaw[/TD]
    [TD]11[/TD]
    [TD]6[/TD]
    [TD]5[/TD]
    [TD]54.5[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]O'Dea[/TD]
    [TD]5[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]20[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Dunfield[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Bostock[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]100[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Lambe[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Ephraim[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Russell[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]100[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Osorio[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]100[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Eckersley[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]100[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]A Morgan[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Silva[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]100[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Braun[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]100[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD][/TD]
    [TD][/TD]
    [TD][/TD]
    [TD][/TD]
    [TD][/TD]
    [TD][/TD]
    [/TR]
    [/TABLE]
    Defensive
    [TABLE=width: 500]
    [TR]
    [TD]Name[/TD]
    [TD]Tackles[/TD]
    [TD]Blocks[/TD]
    [TD]Interceptions[/TD]
    [TD]Clearances[/TD]
    [TD]Recoveries[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Russel[/TD]
    [TD]9[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]10[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]O'Dea[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]5[/TD]
    [TD]13[/TD]
    [TD]48[/TD]
    [TD]25[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Boss[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]5[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Eckersley[/TD]
    [TD]25[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]12[/TD]
    [TD]24[/TD]
    [TD]20[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]A Morgan[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]9[/TD]
    [TD]9[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Bostock[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]5[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]15[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Hall[/TD]
    [TD]10[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]10[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]37[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Lambe[/TD]
    [TD]12[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]8[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]29[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Osorio[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]5[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Silva[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Ephraim[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]24[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Earnshaw[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]10[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Braun[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Califf[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [TD]4[/TD]
    [TD]6[/TD]
    [TD]35[/TD]
    [TD]8[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]Dunfield[/TD]
    [TD]5[/TD]
    [TD]2[/TD]
    [TD]6[/TD]
    [TD]9[/TD]
    [TD]10[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]T Morgan[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]1[/TD]
    [TD]0[/TD]
    [TD]3[/TD]
    [/TR]
    [/TABLE]
    This week I will be attempting to develop a formula that expresses an overall "defensive effectiveness value." That formula will be made up of the stats listed above.
    Not all the values recorded are equal. A recovery is as much a reflection of effort and luck as it is skill. A tackle can be as much about a last ditch desperation move as it is a great play that needed to be made.
    My initial thought is that interceptions and blocks are the two values that most reflect a skill play and therefore should be valued higher. Conversely, clearances are last ditch efforts that prevent immediate danger, but give up possession. Therefore they should have a lower value.
    Tackles and recoveries are neutral values in that there are positive aspects to them, but that they only happen because of a negative (a tackle happens as a last ditch defensive effort and a recovery is dependent on someone losing the ball).
    Therefore, the starting point for my formula is:
    (Tackles + Recoveries) + (clearances /2) + ([interceptions + blocks] *1.5) / games played = Defensive effectiveness value.
    Put in real numbers: Eckersley = (25+20) + (24/2) + ([4+12] *1.5) / 5 =
    45+12+24=81/5 = 16.2
    However, I'm open to feedback.
    Thoughts?
    Guest
    The Impact is back to work after a bye week and the grass of Saputo Stadium is one important talking point in town before the first match played there this season.
    Hear the club's VP Richard Legendre and grass specialist Roch Poulin give a seven-out-of-ten mark to the natural surface ahead of the game against the Columbus Crew on Saturday.
    La Presse's Patrick Leduc and Pascal Milano give us their "tops and flops" of the first month of activity with the Impact and whether or not the incredible start for Les Bleus changed their minds in terms of Montreal making or not the MLS playoffs this fall.
    Marc Tougas (CP) stops by to talk about a much talk-about national TV appearance for Marco Di Vaio and Patrice Bernier last Sunday.
    Jonathan Tannenwald (Philly.com) tells us why he believes Seattle and LA won't be playing the CONCACAF Champions League final.
    Raphael Larocque-Cyr followed Canada's WNT and U17 MNT in action these last few days.
    Canadian coach Marc Dos Santos talks about his latest trip to Switzerland and a possible change of scenery for his career.
    His brother Philippe Dos Santos, assistant coach with Canada's U20 MNT tells us who are the players to keep on our radar on the U17 squad currently battling for a U17 WC spot in Panama.
    We also go to Paris where PSG fans are completely nuts ahead of their CL QF clash with Barcelona. We talk with our correspondent Cedric Ferreira.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]All this and more in our 50 minutes show: Click here to listen.
    Guest
    It’s hard to process what happened on Saturday.
    On one hand, there was the first 80 minutes of TFC’s game against FC Dallas. There, we saw a sluggish, seemingly uninterested Reds fall behind 2-0.
    Then, there was the last 10 minutes, which saw a frantic, desperate team claw back to tie the game.
    Sometimes draws feel like losses and sometimes they feel like wins. Saturday was the latter. It’s rare that TFC has shown the mental fortitude to overcome adversity. Any adversity – two goal deficits, bad weather, hangnails, you name it and TFC struggles to overcome it.
    So, it was incredible to see on Saturday.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Thus, it feels a bit awkward to bring up the elephant in the room. They dropped two points at home. They’ve now dropped four of a possible nine points at home in their first three games. This has been TFC’s pattern through each of their first six seasons.
    MLS hands the Reds a bunch of spring home dates (because TFC has a bigger season ticket base than most teams and therefore the league saves summer home dates for clubs that need a bigger walk-up crowd – ain’t single entity grand) and Toronto proceeds to effectively eliminate themselves from the playoff race before the first day of summer by dropping too many home points.
    After the disaster of 2012 it is natural to get excited about a come back. Certainly there is something to be said about the need for TFC to claw itself back to merely being bad, as opposed to the pathetic of last year. They were merely bad Saturday.
    Still, the fans of Toronto have lost patience. The vast amount of empty seats – I thought I was in Columbus at times – is a testament to that. Those that are still there will put up with another rebuilding year, but the base has shrunk to borderline irrelevant levels within the overall context of Toronto sports.
    For the crowds to return, Toronto needs to actually start winning at home.
    But, does it matter if the crowds hover around 17-18,000 all year? Does it matter if Joey and Jane Bandwagon are drinking overpriced beer at Blue Jays games this year rather than at BMO Field?
    Yes and no. It matters in the sense that, unlike more traditional Toronto sports, the soccer team probably does need to show a profit to get the attention of the suits at Bell/Rogers. Eventually, TFC might want to bring in another bigger name DP. Possibly, they might even need to. Beyond the on-the-pitch costs there are other hidden expenses (infrastructure, coaching, scouting, training, etc) that MLSE’s money can give the club an advantage in. If no one is coming to the games, then maybe the incentive to spend those extra nickels and dimes goes away.
    Then again, it goes without saying that the No 1 way that the club can bring in fans is to start winning. If the suits have enough long-term vision to realize that a little pain now might mean some gain later then a few empty seats in 2013 aren’t the worst thing in the world.
    We just have to trust that MLSE has that long-term vision. Past history doesn't give one confidence. Hopefully the new leadership at MLSE can help change our perspective of the ownership.
    Guest

    Edmonton: Canada's team

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    With a club that features 14 Canadians for the spring season of NASL, FC Edmonton can truly lay claim to being the most Canadian of Canadian pro teams.
    It is a claim that they have held since 2011, when they debuted and surprised everyone by making a playoff appearance in their first season. The 2012 season was a step back – both on the pitch where they struggled and in regards to the amount of Canucks that saw action – but the new season brings with it all the clichéd hope that all new seasons bring.
    In 2012, many close to Edmonton criticized the club for taking a step away from their Canadian-first approach of 2011. The thinking of the club was that foreign talent could pace the Eddies to a better season, but that proved to be false.
    Expect Edmonton, under Canadian head coach Colin Miller, to once again embrace the Maple Leaf in 2013.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Things got off to a cautiously promising start, with Edmonton drawing the Fort Lauderdale Strikers 1-1 on the road. Steven Sandor of the11.ca has a good review of the game.
    Three Canadians -- Edson Edward, Adrian LeRoy, and Antonio Rago – played the full 90 for the Eddies. Three other Canucks -- Shaun Saiko (subbed at 87 min), Michael Cox (subbed at 79 minutes) and Massimo Mirabelli (87th minute sub) also played.
    Two other Canadians played minutes in NASL action last weekend. Former TFC midfielder Kevin Harmse went the full 90 for San Antonio and Paul Hamilton started and went 90 minutes before getting sent off for a second yellow card.
    If anyone in Edmonton is interested in assisting with Eddies coverage this year please send a writing sample to duanegrollins@gmail.com.
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