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    Guest

    TWU wins fourth women's title

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Trinity Western University (Langley, B.C.) captured its fourth national women's CIS championship Sunday with a 4-2 win over the defending champions, Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario).
    The two schools have combined to win the last four national titles.
    You can read the game report here.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Guest

    An early look at the 2013 Superdraft

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    The importance of the MLS SuperDraft is often overrated by fans.
    This is especially the case in Canada where many fans are familiar with the NHL, where draft picks are viewed as gold. There is good reason for that. In hockey, cap management requires a significant amount of young, cheap players and the increased speed of the game today has made the peak years of player’s performances trend younger.
    Basically, the team that wins the Stanley Cup is often the team that gets the most value for young players on their first contract.
    MLS is a different type of league. There, young is not a desired state to be. The three youngest teams in the league in 2012 were Toronto, Philadelphia and Portland. TFC finished 2012 19th of 19 teams, the Timbers 17th and the Union 15th.
    The only reason to go young in MLS is if you have a very long view and know that you will be granted enough time to implement that plan (you also have to be sure you have the right young players…). As we see in Toronto right now, the pressure brought upon by losing makes it difficult to stick with a youth plan – fans want to win now and you simply won’t with young players.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    So, the MLS draft is only a small part of how you build a successful team in the league. That’s especially the case when you consider that the chances of landing a player of worth beyond the first few picks is very low.
    The chance of getting a worthwhile player in the later rounds is so low that it might as well be a lottery.
    However, a top five pick should still yield a starter. Toronto, of course, is best positioned with the No 1 pick overall and Vancouver also has a top 5 pick, acquired from Philadelphia for the Caps second round selection and the top pick in the allocation order at the time of the trade.
    Montreal naturally picks 8th and Vancouver 10th. Of the four players selected in those two slots over the last two years only one, C. J. Sapong, is playing significant minutes now. So, Caps and Impact fans should go into the draft with that in mind – a one in four shot at getting a player from their natural selection is about right.
    Even the No 1 pick overall yields mixed results. The last four No 1 picks were Steve Zakuani, Danny Mwanga, Omar Salgado and Andrew Wenger. All four are solid players, but none would be considered stars at this point of their career.
    However, there generally is a star in each draft class.
    Darren Mattocks, C. J. Sapong and Omar Gonzalez are all players that would look very good at all three Canadian clubs. Gonzalez might be the most important player in the league right now, but gets overlooked because no one wants to say that a defender is the most important player.
    So, with that in mind CSN spoke to Top Drawer Soccer’s Travis Clark to help identify the top five NCAA seniors and potential Generation adidas players for the 2013 draft.
    Unfortunately for Toronto there is not a clear No 1 in this draft class.
    Seniors
    MF Dillon Powers, Notre Dame – Clark says: Injury plagued throughout his previous three seasons, but is healthy and looking like a player ready to jump in and play significant minutes in 2013.
    MF Machael David, UC Santa Barbara – Clark says: Battled some injuries this year and the Gauchos had a poor season, but he has the physical tools to contribute in MLS.
    F Ryan Finley, Notre Dame – Clark says: Questions about his temperament (he was kicked off the team at Duke) but he has a nose for goal and can certainly score at the next level if he keeps himself composed.
    MF Jose Gomez, Creighton – Clark says: Technically impressive attacking midfielder
    F Will Bates, Virginia – Clark says: Another player with the physical tools for the league, he didn't put up dominant numbers on a young UVA team, though he'll be able to contribute minutes next year.
    When it comes to GA candidates, Clark stresses that at this point it is “totally speculative” to predict what players will make the early jump to MLS. That said, he identified the following five players as most likely.
    GK Andre Blake, Connecticut – Blake is generally considered to be a once in a generation talent in goal, but to be a “problem child” that could be destructive in the dressing room.
    F Eriq Zavaleta, Indiana – He’s most often compared to Wenger in that he can play anywhere on the pitch, but may not ever be a true star. However, he is almost certainly going to be a regular in the league. There is some question as to whether he might be a homegrown player for Chivas USA.
    MF Mikey Lopez, North Carolina – Skilled, but a bit undersized. He might be the best flare player on the list. A member of the USA u-20 player pool.
    D Walker Zimmerman, Furman – Another member of the USA u-20 player pool a solid defender, but not seen as a sure-fire MLS starter just yet.
    F Patrick Mullins, Maryland – The ACC offensive player of the year, Mullins, a junior, seems likely to go the GA route. He has 12 goals thus far in the 2012 season playing for the No 2 nationally ranked University of Maryland.
    Guest
    With just two games remaining until the MLS Cup Final, and it increasingly looking like the last two seeds will be playing in it, debate about MLS’ season format continues.
    The hardcore football fan has always had trouble wrapping their head around the fact that the league names it champion through a playoff. Soccer fans rightfully point out that MLS is far from the only league in the world that uses a playoff and, in fact, the biggest and most popular club football competition – the UEFA Champions League -- in the world is, in fact, a playoff.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Still, the football fan is unconvinced. What better way to determine the best team in a league than a grueling 34 game schedule. The champion is the team that proves it can bring its game up to a high level most consistently.
    A playoff is a lottery, they argue. One bad call, one injury and eight months of hard work go out the drain.
    The soccer fan counters that a playoff forces teams to step their game up on a day. It’s the mark of a true champion to demonstrate that they can play their best when the game means the most.
    The truth is there is merit in both systems, which is why most leagues in the world play a combination of the two systems. The FA Cup may have less meaning to some fans today than it once did, but it still serves to allow a knock-out competition (which is all a playoff is) in England. There they have decided that it’s the second most important domestic competition to play for.
    Here the knock-out is the thing, with the round-robin competition (which is all a regular season is) secondary.
    Again, both are legitimate. The key is that it’s understood what is more important in the respective countries.
    It’s almost philosophical, but all that matters is that all teams are on the same page. In MLS every single player, manager, owner and media member understands that the MLS champions are the team standing in confetti after the MLS Cup Final. It’s only the most stubborn fan that argues the point.
    The hard truth for those fans is this: The Supporter’s Shield isn’t as important. It isn’t because no team has a goal of winning it. Sure, it’s a nice bonus, but not so much that clubs will sacrifice setting themselves up for the playoffs – players will be rested or not hurried back from injury as fast as they can be. Friendlies are scheduled in the season. Teams are always looking long-term, while occasionally making short-term sacrifices. Not to mention that in most single table leagues the clubs are competing for Champions League spots and to stay out of the drop zone. Very few games are meaningless in the way that they would be if first place were the only goal.
    That means that, in MLS, the regular season isn’t a pure competition – especially when, like this past year, the schedule isn’t balanced. So, it’s fiction to suggest that this year’s Supporter’s Shield winners, the San Jose Earthquakes, are somehow the “real” champions.
    There will be no Supporter’s Shield parade in the Bay Area.
    It does kind of suck for them though to go out in just two games and there are ways that MLS could better balance the season with the playoffs.
    With 10 of 19 teams making the post-season MLS does invite too many teams to the dance. And, it doesn’t do enough to give an advantage to the top teams in the regular season.
    As has been argued in this space in the past, a system that reduces the playoff teams to the very top (let’s say six) and gives a second chance to the top two sides would be preferred. Yes, anything that deviates from the norm would be bound to cause some to be confused (like the crossover games of the last couple years. Seriously people it wasn’t that complicated or confusing), but MLS should trust that its fans are smart enough to figure it out.
    The curling/A-League model remains my preferred playoff. In it the No 1 and No 2 teams play each other for a straight berth into the final, with the No 3 and No 4 playing each other for a berth in the semi-final against the loser of the No 1 v No 2 game. To reflect the larger size of MLS I’d add a round before between No 3 and No 6 and No 4 and No 5 with the two winners advancing to play in the quarterfina*l.
    Under that system the No 6 seed could win the MLS Cup, but it would need to win four games to do so. The No 1 seed might only need two games and it, along with the No 2 seed would have one mulligan. That puts a greater value on regular season games, but still keeps more teams in with a chance.
    *The A-League actually does go with the six team format proposed, whereas Canadian and world curling events use the four team "page playoff" format.
    Guest

    What Vancouver Whitecaps need is....

    By Guest, in AFTN,

    Continuing our end of season Whitecaps review, we take a look at what we’d like to see added to the Caps squad over the offseason.
    We looked at <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?3905-Vancouver-Whitecaps-Who-should-stay-and-who-should-go" target="_blank">which Caps we’d like to stay and who we’d like to go</a> on Tuesday.
    From the 28 players that ended the season on the Whitecaps squad, Steve and myself both wanted to keep 13 – although not the same ones! I was undecided on five and Steve four, and I wanted shot of nine and Steve ten.
    Since then, the purge has begun, with the first three players – Etienne Barbara, Bryan Sylvestre, Tiago Ulisses - released yesterday. More releases to waivers are expected to be announced next week.
    TFC fan Michael Przybylowski did some number crunching for us on the players that I wanted moved on or was undecided about and you can see the results below:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

    Now obviously not all of the players I want to go, or am undecided about, are going to go.
    Jay DeMerit, for example, is unlikely to be let go unless a tremendous trade offer hits the table. The newly engaged Captain is likely to want to be with his fiancé here and may just take a pay cut to enable him to do that.
    Then there’s the whole GA situation to be sorted out. There are no hard and fast rules for when a player graduates. The League looks at playing time, production, years of service, position etc. If any of our current crop like Nanchoff or Mattocks are deemed to have graduated, that will then impact salaries and possibly futures.
    Looking at the salaries and impact of those players in the top 20 of the Caps wage bill, if all the farewells did do just that then we’re looking at freeing up $1,622,941.67 (based on their guaranteed compensation). The undecideds would add in another $1,092,540, freeing up a staggering total of $2,715,481.67. We'd just have no players!
    Look at how many Kenny Miller style players we could get for that!
    So who fills the gaps of those moving on? What types of players and with what attributes? Steve and myself outline our wish lists of what we’d like to see added to the 2013 Whitecaps, but we’re keen to hear yours too:
    <b>Goalkeepers:</b>
    Michael – Joe Cannon said on Team 1040 last night that the chance of him returning was around 30%. With Sylvestre now gone, that would leave the Caps with just one keeper on the books. Rennie is bound to be keen to try and bring in an experienced keeper to challenge Knighton for the starting spot. A good experienced keeper, at a reasonable price for possibly sitting on the bench, is going to be a toughie but a must.
    The third spot may go to a young Canadian, with our money being on former Cap Simon Thomas. Thomas has been training, and impressing, with Vancouver since returning from a spell with Huddersfield Town in England. With Callum Irving concentrating on his studies for another couple of years, this would be the sensible choice. It’s also possible that the Caps take a goalie from one of their draft picks, to at least evaluate him if nothing else.
    Steve – Do the Whitecaps feel comfortable with Knighton as the clear number one if Cannon moves on or retires as many expect? They could either bring in a clear number one, which would cost cap space, a keeper who could compete with Knighton or a cheap young one, who would be a backup they could develop for the future.
    <b>Defence:</b>
    Steve - The return of YP Lee would be huge, but even if he comes back they will need to add a capable backup who can give the vet a break once in a while. This season it seemed like Rennie had no faith in the young Klazura so it may be time to find someone else so Lee can be more rested and effective in the latter part of the season.
    If the Whitecaps are going to go into next season with Andy O’Brien and Jay DeMerit they will need a young CB to groom and eventually take over in a year or two. They currently have a couple of residency products under 20 but they are not MLS ready and Bonjour may be too pricy for the Whitecaps to keep as a backup.
    Michael – The main attribute for Klazura is that he can cover both left and right back positions, but we just don’t know just how capable he is as he didn’t get the minutes he should have got this year to try and develop. Although I want to keep him around, we definitely need to add an experienced right back and ideally a player that can cover possibly that position and centrehalf. We definitely need to bring in a capable back-up or two in the middle of the defence, or if DeMerit was to go, a starter alongside O'Brien.
    I’d like to see us make a play for Andre Hainault from Houston. We may have trade bait to interest them and with them being Eastern Conference, at least a chance of things happening. At the start of the year I’d have thought we had no chance of landing the Canadian but now I think we could have a shot. He’s only on a guaranteed $163,125 and would be a steal, even with the dangle of an increase for him.
    <b>Midfield:</b>
    Michael – We just need to be way more creative. Davide Chiumiento had his faults but after he left there wasn’t a player who could really add that spark and crosses on anywhere near that level or regularity. Richards did it a bit, but not enough. We have to bring in some midfielders than can be game changers (or get both Robson and Koffie to step up their assists and creative play big time).
    With Tiago going, the DM role is likely to see an addition. I just hope Rochat returns to left back where he can benefit us best. Davidson is fine, I'm a fan, but is let down with his lack of offensive moves. Lensky is in contract talks and should be signed if they can reach an agreement on salary. Not really sure where he will fit best, but he'll be cover.
    And of course I still want Adam Moffat - and now in a Dynamo double deal!
    Steve - Bob Lenarduzzi stated earlier in the week on the radio that the left side of the midfield would be manned by Omar Salgado and Russell Teibert. That leaves the right side open due to the departure of Dane Richards, who is off to England to play for Burnley. They may not be able to match the pace of Richards but if they could come close and add some crossing and scoring ability, the right side would be solidified.
    <b>Attack:</b>
    Michael - I want to see some height and some prolificness added, even though that's not even a word. A guy to score headers and lay knockdowns and flick-ons into the path of Mattocks. Our tallest striker is Salgado at 6'4", but he'll be out wide. Next comes Atiba Harris one inch shorter, but not only is he poor, he should also be away. We need a proven dangerman. Ideally someone who has done it before in MLS and not just abroad.
    We need a guy that can get us ten goals a season at least and if we really want to be playoff contenders, we need two of them. Mattocks should be one. His team leading seven goals ranked him 28th in MLS, although he did only play in 61% of the Caps' games. If only it was as easy as splashing the cash and grabbing Chris Wondolowski like you could do in other leagues. Not that many other clubs wouldn't have the same idea.
    Steve - The Whitecaps rarely score on headers, especially when it comes from the wide areas of the midfield in open play. Working the ball down the wing and then whip the ball into the box hoping a striker like Mattocks can convert with a header. In order to make this possible an addition of a striker with size who has the capability of climbing the ladder and can handle the physicality of the opposition’s best defender, would be great and would also give Mattocks more space.
    We badly need a striker who can not only finish but also can create his own shot, especially when in tight areas in the box. Too many times we built up through the field, but as soon as the ball was in the danger area, the opposition would win it back too easily and clear it away. A calm and cool striker who takes his time when in a scoring position and finishes the play instead of spraying the ball is my ideal man.
    <b>Add A Latin Flavour:</b>
    Steve - The Caps could do more with some additional Latin flavour on the roster, especially in the creative positions like attacking mid and wing. The Whitecaps currently have two players on their team of South American descent but the players are a centerback (Bonjour) and a striker (Camilo), who is not considered an unselfish player. A true number "10" from down south would definitely help in creating and scoring goals for the Caps.
    Michael - You've Central America too to tap, like so many others have successfully done, leaving us behind. Will be interesting to see if Carl Robinson's Honduran trip will reap any rewards. The Caps were close to adding a Honduran player before the summer transfer window closed but the deal just couldn't get done. For any Central or South American players added, let's just make sure that unlike Tiago, they can actually speak English this time.
    <b>Increased Pace and Athleticism:</b>
    Steve - Increase the pace and athleticism throughout the team but especially in the midfield. On multiple occasions this year when the Whitecaps would counter after causing a turnover, there would be no support coming from the midfield because of a combination of a lack of pace, athleticism and instinct.
    During the season when Mattocks was unavailable for selection, the other team’s players seemed to play the Caps tight as they did not respect the ability of them to mount a breakaway on goal. These additions don’t have to be starters but could be depth players who would give a change of pace off the bench.
    Michael - You do worry though that the more pace we add, the more likely we are to just lump the ball up the field and play kick and chase. Increasing the athleticism of the whole team though would also be key to preventing losing goals in players not tracking back, as we've seen from the likes of Robson this season. Too many players look goosed too early.
    <b>Improved Set Pieces:</b>
    Michael - Our set pieces have been dreadful for our two MLS seasons so far. Camilo and Robson are both very capable of drumming up some magic from nothing from free kicks, but we have to work on corners and indirect free-kicks. They should try out every single player to find some decent variety in the team, or bring in a sweet kicker from outside.
    One thing I would dearly love to see is bringing in a long throw expert. if we were to add a big striker and have Mattocks and O'Brien in the box as well, imagine the damage we could do with a string of those. Stoke, and others, have more than shown us over the years how effective that can be. Who cares about pretty?
    Steve - The Caps also need to send the ball into the box more often in open play in order to pick up those ‘garbage goals’ like the Earthquakes have scored this season. This season they have gone on the attack via the deck and through the centre of the midfield only to give it away to the opposition.
    Sending better balls in from set pieces would at least be a start and practice.
    <center>**********</center>
    So that's our thoughts. Always great to play armchair expert at the best of times, but even more so in the offseason. And we've released some cash to help make this happen, as our spreadsheet nicely illustrates.
    So what say you? What would you like to see added to the 2013 Caps and any players in particular from MLS (or elsewhere) that you'd realistically like to see Vancouver make a play for?
    <p>
    Guest
    The Impact is in Italy for a pair of post-season friendlies and we talk to Goal.com Canada's Nick Sabetti in Bologna. The MLS Playoffs are down to the Final Four and we discuss especially the aftermath of the DC United vs NYRB series with a guy who was on site for both legs, Jonathan Tannenwald. We project the Final Four results with Raphael Larocque-Cyr and we go back across the Atlantic to talk Champions League, Europa League and a tough sanction on young French international Yann M'Vila for partying on the eve of a U21 Euro qualifier.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    All this and more on the second show of the week.
    Click here to listen to our 43 minutes offering.
    Guest
    The advent of mobile technology and social media have transformed human communication in ways that would have been unthinkable only a few decades ago, from helping facilitate the overthrow of dictators during last year's Arab Spring to allowing people to stay informed (and in some cases, alive) during catastrophic natural disasters.
    Indeed, the likes of Facebook, Twitter and Skype allow all of us to maintain multimedia contact with virtually anyone, anywhere in the world, anytime we want. Global village and all that.
    So, considering how many once-thought-impossible heights these media tools have helped people reach, a Canadian soccer fan is left wondering whether another seemingly improbable obstacle can be surmounted in a similar way...
    Can social media, one day, help the Canadian men's national team get back to the World Cup?
    The short answer, of course, is no. But the longer, more abstract answer is... in a way, maybe.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Now, unless the FIFA Laws of the Game change drastically and players are suddenly allowed to carry mobile phones onto the field with them, of course social media will have no direct impact on what happens on the pitch. The Like button isn't going to score any goals for us, nor will a retweet help us draw a penalty kick.
    But what these tools might be able to do -- if used properly, and by the right people -- is help level the playing field between those representing Canada internationally, and those representing our opponents.
    There are many elements of the beautiful game that, while taken for granted in most other nations on earth, seem like novel concepts when applied in the Canadian context. Having a domestic league is, obviously, the most glaring example. That lack of a league (and concentrated geographic proximity for the members of our player pool) would also reasonably lead to a relative lack of familiarity and camaraderie between those who suit up for Canada.
    That's not to say current Canadian players don't get along with one another or can't work together -- but given how infrequently the team's starters find themselves all on the same continent as one another (never mind the same field), it's a wonder they're able to muster any cohesion at all once the whistle blows.
    Canada is, of course, not the only country that draws its starting lineup from a global footballing diaspora. And, it must be said, familiarity in and of itself does not produce results (Xavi and Iniesta are not amazing talents for Spain simply because they play together at Barcelona... though, it certainly can't hurt).
    So yeah, if Canada cannot produce players of sufficient quality to compete in CONCACAF, then it ultimately doesn't matter whether they're playing at clubs scattered across the globe, or if the entire starting XI lines up together on a weekly basis. In fact, with all due respect to Canada's MLS and NASL clubs, our national team is much better off if as many players are possible are competing with the global elite -- in Europe, South America or elsewhere -- throughout the year.
    This is where social media come into play.
    What Canadian players may lose in terms of familiarity and camaraderie due to circumstances, they can regain like never before through the use of social media. Again, yes, a player's ability to chat about nonsense on Skype or play an all-night session of Halo with a Canadian teammate halfway around the world isn't going to improve their soccer-playing abilities.
    But while ideas like "heart" and "grit" are nebulous, old-timey-sports-writing tropes, you'd have to imagine that a player is willing to exert themselves that little extra bit when they feel they're playing for something. Sure, the idealists among us would like to believe that playing for the abstract concept of a nation-state should be more than sufficient motivation, but realistically, having an established rapport with the players lined up beside you (and even some of the fans in the stands) is surely just as big of a motivator, if not a bigger one.
    And yes, I brought up the fans. Twitter specifically has allowed a level of player-fan interaction heretofore unimaginable. While a player slogging away in a Scandinavian second-division may have, in years past, felt entirely isolated not only from their Canadian teammates, but from any sense of why it mattered to represent the country in international play, now players can get real, tangible reminders that there are people who passionately care about what they're doing.
    Granted, these are all discrete moments, tiny bits of inspiration that could never be quantitatively proven to have much of an impact on in-game performance.
    But if we agree with the underlying assumption that within the battleground of Middle CONCACAF, Canada is (one catastrophic result last month notwithstanding) on relatively similar footing to its rivals -- Honduras, Panama, El Salvador, Jamaica, Costa Rica, etc. -- then we can agree that it's the small advantages (or lack thereof) that can make the biggest differences.
    Already we can see young national-team members and hopefuls -- Lucas Cavallini, Marcus Haber, Samuel Piette, Luca Gasparotto, just to name a few -- who are prolific Twitter users, regularly interacting with fellow Canadians (both players and fans). Others on the periphery of the national-team setup -- Kyle Porter, David Monsalve -- regularly check in to offer their support for the Canadian program. Each individual tweet is of course just an ephemeral blip on the seemingly infinite realm of the Internet. But taken together, holistically, these modes of interaction can only serve to strengthen the Canadian soccer community overall.
    Yeah, they've got all of these social media tools in every other CONCACAF country; and yeah, their players and fans are surely utilizing them in the same ways. And as I've said, if the Canadian team simply isn't good enough to compete, then no amount of status updates or Instagrammed images of their breakfasts can help them.
    But who knows... maybe one day, it'll be a photo of a World Cup stadium that we'll see popping up on the feeds of a few dozen Canadian players.
    And I think we'd all definitely "Like" that.
    Guest
    When I first sat down with Brad Knighton and Matt Watson, the season had not yet officially started and both of them were eager to prove themselves. Hungry for a place in the Whitecaps starting eleven, the season saw Knighton and Watson grow in confidence and skill, and emerge as standouts (and fan favourites) among the squad.
    As part of the first Canadian team to play in the MLS post-season, both Knighton and Watson started the game against LA, and while the result was not what we had hoped for, each put in a spectacular performance.
    With their first year in Vancouver under their belts, I sat down with Brad and Matt again to recap the season and find out how things had changed since our first meeting back in March.
    So, how was it?
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    <i>BK: It’s been a very long year.</i>
    <i>MW: …a very long year.</i>
    (To be fair, Brad had a less than stellar experience moving his young family up to Vancouver, and has had a bit of hard time adjusting to the Vancouver weather.)
    Care to elaborate?
    <i>BK: The three days of sun that we had in June was probably the most depressed I’ve ever been. But the summer was pretty fantastic. It’s definitely a different city when the sun’s out and you’re able to do everything. Whether it’s going out to Kits beach and playing beach volleyball, getting in the water, or going up to Whistler. You can do everything here, and we totally took advantage of the time we were here. It sucks that we were on the road for five weeks of it, but the ten weeks we had were spectacular.</i>
    And Matt, how about you? How are you feeling about Vancouver?
    <i>MW: Love it, love it, love every aspect of it. [brad’s] from the States, so I think it’s different for him because it’s a different culture here. This culture is way more like England, and the weather is a lot more like England. My wife loves it here because we can go out and about all the time.</i>
    (My favorite thing about talking with Watson and Knighton together is that they couldn’t be more different, yet they are clearly very good friends. Watson made a joke that “opposites attract” and it’s certainly true with these two. Knighton, the realist, and Watson, the optimist, are a great balance).
    So, as with before, let’s talk about your favourite Whitecaps. Since it’s the end of the season, you can each pick your top three.
    <i>BK: Greg Klazura, Michael Nanchoff and Barry Robson.</i>
    Why?
    <i>BK: Klazura is probably one of the funniest people I’ve ever met in my life. Nano is just very quirky, and he plays off of Greg Klazura which makes it even more hilarious.</i>
    And why Barry Robson?
    <i>BK: Because he’s the most angry person I’ve ever met in my life, and it’s funny.</i>
    [Watson laughs]
    And Matt, how about you?
    <i>MW: Before I name my three, I just want to say that I’m going to omit Brad, Jun [Marques Davidson] and Etienne [barbara], because I knew them previously and they would go on any list… any list of top people.
    I feel like I cannot say Nano without saying Klazura, they’re like a pair. So I’m going to say Nano/Klazura as a pair, then Koffie, and YP Lee.</i>
    So you’ve actually chosen four, but that’s ok. Why?
    <i>MW: YP is one of the wisest men I’ve ever met. He’s a great guy and he has helped me so much with soccer. Talking to me, giving me tips and pointers of what I can do better. I feel like a lot of me getting better this season has been due to him telling me tips and tactics and how to navigate myself out there. He’s just a great guy, he’s everything. He’s one of the greatest people on the planet. He’s like… what’s his name? The Dalai Lama – he’s like the Dalai Lama.</i>
    And Koffie?
    <i>MW: Koffie is awesome. He’s young, but he’s always positive. I get along with him well. People who are very laid back I tend to get along with more.
    And Greg and Nano for the comedy factor.</i>
    <i>BK: You need a group like those two in your locker room and on your team.</i>
    I’d say there’s no shortage of hilarious guys on the team this year, and everyone seems to get along really well. That being said, the season hasn’t always been a positive one. What would you say was the best game of the season, either personally, or as a team?
    <i>BK: I thought the best game that we played all year was either the 10 man game versus Colorado, where we came back and won, or when Hassli scored in stoppage time and we won against San Jose.
    My game of the year, even though we lost, was against Dallas. I felt like that was my best game that I played this year.</i>
    I’m impressed that you chose a game that we lost as your best game. Matt, how about you?
    <i>MW: Me personally, I don’t know if it was my best game, but the most important game, was Seattle at home. I was sitting around on the bench, hadn’t seen the field, and then I was thrust into the action so I was kind of unprepared. I think, at the time, the team wasn’t doing so well, so it was good to play against a big team and hold them to a draw. It would have been nice to have won. Personally, coming on in that game, gave me a lot of confidence and I think it gave the team a bit of a boost.
    For a team game, that I played in as well, was the Chivas game at Chivas. It was my very first MLS game, Brad came on, Etienne came on, Jun was playing. So all of the guys that I played with before were all on the field.
    BK: And Floyd [Franks] was playing.
    MW: And it was the team’s first away win ever.
    BK: And a shut out.
    MW: Yeah, Brad played fantastic.
    BK: And Joe [Cannon] played fantastic.
    MW: At the time, we started well and we were on a high. That was probably my favourite game of the year.</i>
    Ok, so on the flip-side, what was the worst game of the season?
    <i>MW: That’s easy for me. Portland.
    BK: I felt gutted after we lost that game.
    MW: We didn’t play well. Not from an actual performance stand-point, just for the fact of how much was on the line and we didn’t perform. They got a great goal, they won the Cascadia Cup, they were celebrating in our stadium.
    BK: That one hurt.
    MW: Honestly, we were better. We ARE better than Portland. We should have won that game. That was the worst game. Just that feeling afterwards. We’re giving out the jerseys off the players’ backs and they’re singing and celebrating.
    BK: Agreed.</i>
    It’s unanimous.
    <i>MW: The world is unanimous.</i>
    Well, except for the Portland fans… So, games aside, what would you say were your highlights from the time you spend on the road this year?
    <i>MW: Philly was good.
    BK: You had your first cheesesteak possibly; well, you stood in line for cheesesteak.</i>
    Why would you be eating cheesesteak? (FYI: Matt Watson is a vegan.)
    <i>MW: I wouldn’t be.
    BK: I tried to get him to eat one.
    MW: I went across the street to Starbucks… I got a bagel.
    BK: How about Boston? Boston was fun.
    MW: Boston WAS fun.
    BK: I took three guys to a Red Sox Game.
    MW: I didn’t go. He didn’t invite me.
    BK: He was invited but he didn’t go.
    MW: I was not invited.
    BK: Ok, he prefaced it by saying, “Baseball games are boring . The only baseball game I went to I walked out in the 4th inning.”
    MW: No, you got the story wrong. I fell asleep in the 3rd inning and woke up in the 8th inning.
    BK: See? Why would I take him to Fenway Park?
    MW: Ok, there was an invite, but I didn’t go. It was fine.
    BK: Would you have gone?
    MW: For you I would have gone.
    BK: That breaks my heart.
    MW: I’m just saying, I’d do a lot for Brad. </i>
    (These guys are hams…)
    <i>MW: I got to see Lee Nguyen and that was the highlight of my road trip experience. Can you add that in there? Lee’s my brother from another mother.</i>
    Ok, obvious bromancing and this tangent aside, let’s get back to the season. You started out not seeing a lot of playing time, but you both ended the season strongly. Everyone was really impressed with your performances in the game against LA. How do you feel about your performance this season?
    <i>MW: I’m disappointed that I didn’t contribute more over the season. I feel like I finished on a high-note, but I wish I could have contributed more. For me, it was just a matter of confidence. As I said, YP talked to me a lot about my game, and I found confidence at the end.
    At the start of the season I was kind of playing in fear, I have never played in front of so many people. In Carolina we were lucky to get 1,500 people. At first I was so all-over-the-place in my mind, just dribbling, fighting, and I didn’t get the flow of the game. Towards the end I just relaxed, and I find that if you relax and play your own game… it’s not “easy,” but it’s just soccer. It’s natural. I’ve been playing my whole life.
    I think I’m disappointed I didn’t do more during the season, it took me so long to find some sort of form. I feel like I could have done more. But that’s what I want to do next year. I want to start next year from where I am now.
    BK: Part of the credit goes to Ed, our equipment manager, for finding him leather shoes.
    MW: YES! Half the year I was playing with plastic shoes. I don’t want to blame the equipment, but I didn’t like my shoes. Thank you Ed!
    BK: See, I notice these things.</i>
    You’re a really good friend.
    <i>MW: If you watch my games, once I start playing with leather shoes, my game goes up.</i>
    So that’s a tip from the pros?
    <i>MW: Kids, wear leather shoes. Unless you’re a goalkeeper like Brad, then wear turquoise and green Umbros; do what you want. Brad’s a rock star; he does what he wants and just, performs. I would say that Brad does everything contrary to what you think an athlete should do, and performs better the more he does it.
    He’s a different species. He’s a role model.</i>
    Brad, would you agree? Do you feel like a rock star?
    <i>BK: It’s tough. Obviously, being in the league for four years and then going down a league and playing, and coming back up, I was very fortunate to have an opportunity to come back up. I realized once I was down in the lower leagues that you can be replaced and you have to work your way back up to being where you need to be.
    So I took it upon myself this year to do everything I could to have an opportunity to maximize my performance. Whereas the 4 years I was in the league before, I just kind of went with the flow; I was just happy to be there.
    Once you get back down and you go through the re-entry draft and no one picks you, you realize that people didn’t want you and that really hits home. You have a family to support, and everything. I think going to Carolina was the best thing for me to get games, to build my confidence and to show people that I deserved to be back in this league.
    So I took that on this year, as one of my main goals, to not be outworked, to train as hard as I could, to wait for my opportunity and make the most of it. In my position, only one person can play at a time, whereas with [Matt’s], multiple people can play that position, so he can come on for 15-20 minutes a game and get a spell, but I’m on the bench, waiting for my opportunity and being ready to be called on.
    Fortunately for me I got in this season and got a taste of what it was like, but Joe [Cannon] was the number one shirt this year and he was fantastic this year. It was nice to be under him, and learning from him how the league works, and learn from his 15 years of experience.
    It’s crazy how it comes to you; it’s just a matter of taking it when you can and making the most of it.
    The results didn’t go our way the last 10 games of the season, and that’s one thing that was frustrating to me. I was in goal and we weren’t winning enough games. We were in games, and we had shutouts, but we weren’t scoring enough goals.
    Defensively I think we were brilliant the last 6 or 8 games of the season. I was glad to be in there and be part of the team, but looking forward to next year, that’s one thing we need to get right, is scoring goals and keeping opponents from scoring goals against us.
    We weren’t winning games, but we weren’t letting in bad goals.
    The team and the players got behind me, and that helped build my confidence.</i>
    The fans were majorly in your corner – even if we couldn’t work out the cheer.
    <i>BK: That’s the one thing I think we need to work on next year if I’m back, is the cheer.</i>
    IF?!?!
    <i>BK: It’s not my option.
    MW: But do you want to be back here?
    BK: Yes. Absolutely. I think we have the best fans in the league, I really do. If I had my choice, I’d love to come back here next year. But it’s not my option.</i>
    So you don’t hate us?
    <i>MW: He’s so American at heart, and he has a real problem letting go of America. He wants to be in his homeland. He just wishes he was on American soil, that’s all.</i>
    But you’re happy? For a while there you didn’t seem happy.
    <i>BK: I was just frustrated. There were a lot of factors that played into it, but I want to play in Vancouver next year.</i>
    Ok good, because we want you here! So, with that settled, what’s the plan for the off season?
    <i>MK: I’m going to England, for three weeks.
    BK: He’s going across the pond, back to the shire. [*said in a pretty good English accent!]
    MW: Then coming back to beautiful Vancouver and just hanging out.
    BK: You said “beautiful Vancouver” - in January.
    MK: it’s still beautiful. Nature. Water.</i>
    Tourism Vancouver is going to hire you! Brad, how about you?
    <i>BK: I am going back to North Carolina. I have a sister in law that’s pregnant. Then I’m possibly going to train overseas. In the UK. I think it will help me for next year. Then settle down for a couple weeks at home, and then head back here.
    MW: He’s coming to see me in the UK.</i>
    You two just can’t be apart.
    <i>BK: It’ll be a fun off season. Last year was way too long, we finished in the second week of October.
    MW: I haven’t had any time off in 5 years. I’ve been playing indoor and outdoor which overlap at both ends, so this is my first time off where I’m actually getting paid.</i>
    So you’re excited then?
    <i>MW: I’m psyched.</i>
    Are you psyched about what’s coming up next year? Are we in a good place?
    <i>MW: The LA game was definitely a step forward in the right direction. Maybe not what we hoped for, but we did make the playoffs and we gave it a good shot. Martin has gained experience and that will be crucial for next year. He’s been dealing with bigger egos and a bigger squad. I think he’s going to come in more confident. I think whatever group of players he brings back, maybe make some shrewd acquisitions in the off season, and we’ll be flying next year.
    BK: “Shrewd Acquisitions”? That’s an SAT prep word.
    MW: I’m from England, we just use better words than you. We invented the language, that’s all I’m going to say.
    BK: This year was a big step forward from last year. They were at the bottom of the MLS, now we’re the first Canadian team to play a post-season game. I think it’s huge for the club, I think it’s huge for the city. A lot of people in Vancouver have latched on to us and the NHL lockout helped with media publicity and fan support.
    The results didn’t go our way, but we felt like everyone in the city was behind us, wanting us to win. Fans definitely have something to look forward to next season. Next year we’ll be leaps and bounds ahead of where we were even this year.
    Like Matt said, it’ll be exciting times with the players we’re bringing back and the new guys we’re going to bring in. We’ll have the support of our city to win out first Canadian Cup, get into the CONCACAF championships, win a playoff series, and be more consistent next year.
    And we’ll do that if we have the right players in place.</i>
    Do we have the right players now?
    <i>BK: I think we have the right players, but we need to figure out the direction we want to go with those players. Or if we want to change the direction, we need to get the players who are suitable for what we want to do. We got to a point where we bit off more than we could chew with the players that we brought in and it kind of bit us in the tail a little bit.
    MW: I think it’s good that the standards are so high for our club. We made the playoffs, and we didn’t do that well, but the fact that we’re disappointed is huge for us. It’s not enough that we just made the playoffs. We want more. And the fans want more. And that’s what they should want.
    That pushes us. We’re only here because of the fans. We’re pushing hard and the coaches are respecting us for wanting more.
    We could have said, “We made the playoffs, let’s have a party.” But we’re setting the bar too low. We made the playoffs but other teams are still playing and we’re packing up. And we’re disappointed, and that’s great.
    It’s not enough for us, we’re still hungry.
    BK: It takes years to build a brand and build a culture, and we have everything here. From the stadium, from our staff, from our technical staff, our youth academy, the fan support. Everything is here, it’s just waiting to be tapped into.
    We’ve got a vibe around the city, being the first team to make the playoffs, Toronto had several attempts and they just didn’t pull it off. We’ve got that going forward, and I think there are a lot of great things coming that people just aren’t aware of.
    MW: The future is so bright for Vancouver. The players coming through the youth system are amazing, and that only pushes the players that are already here further.
    BK: It’s definitely one of the best markets I’ve ever seen in this league. It’s just great.
    MW: There’s no way this franchise is going anywhere. I think when I’m finished playing, not just in Vancouver, but in my whole career, this franchise is going to be, if not THE best, one of the best.
    BK: One of the elite in North America.</i>
    It’s pretty hard to top that.
    I challenge anyone to not be inspired by the energy and drive of these guys, and their eagerness to start working towards the 2013 season, just days after ending 2012. If what Watson and Knighton say is true, and their passion is any indication, the future of soccer in Vancouver is a bright one, and next season is going to be a great time to be a Whitecaps fan.
    Expect big things from these two, and let’s dust ourselves off and get ready for 2013.
    <p>
    Guest
    After what has felt like an eternity, the 2012 US election is finally over.
    Barack is back, and like a TFC fan waiting until his team makes the MLS playoffs, it's four more years.
    Obama, the Chicago lad, was on fire when it mattered, even if his city's poorly named MLS side weren't. Mitt Romney on the other hand was more like Chivas USA, as he failed miserably to secure the Hispanic support.
    So how did the 12 US states and one federal district that currently house MLS teams vote in this election?
    Does MLS love the Democratic blue more than the Republican red?
    Have a look:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

    Nine states and one district, and thus 12 teams, were Democrats. Three states and four teams went Republican, with no surprise that two of them were in Texas. Yeah you lost out again - Fuck You Dallas.
    So what does all this tell us?
    Well, like most of tonight's election coverage, absolutely nothing really! We were just bored and have far too much time on our hands.
    One of the reasons I think so many Whitecaps fans enjoy heading down to Portland, and to a slightly lesser extent Seattle, is because the people of Oregon and Washington are people like us here in Vancouver and BC.
    We share similar values and beliefs and that west coast, laid back outlook on life. Goddamn hippy liberals that we are. Although maybe some of tonight's voting in Oregon might dispute that theory.
    If you like to spend your travels in like minded places with like minded people, then this map may help you plan out your 2013 #CapsOnTour plans!
    But really it shouldn't.
    In football the only blue and red battle that matters is Vancouver Whitecaps v TFC.
    There is no political divides, just the one uniting factor for all of us - the love of football.
    When you see how these elections almost tear a country apart, don't just wish that everyone shared our love?
    <p>
    Guest

    SoccerPlus - Weekly Show (Nov. 6, 2012)

    By Guest, in SoccerPlus,

    The Montreal Impact parted ways with its first MLS head coach on the weekend and we consecrate the whole show to discuss the situation.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Our guest commentators include former Impact communications director and current Canadian Press reporter Marc Tougas, former Impact player and RDS analyst and La Presse columnist Patrick Leduc, former Impact head coach Marc Dos Santos, TSN Radio host Tony Marinaro and American soccer expert Jonathan Tannenwald.
    Click here to listen to our 65 minutes show.
    Guest
    The CSA announced today that it had appointed Tony Fonseca as its new technical director.
    Fonseca will be responsible for the overall management and direction of the technical growth and development of soccer in Canada
    Canadian Soccer News will reaction on the decision later in the day but what do you think of the decision?
    Read the full release after the jump
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    ----
    Canadian Soccer Association announces Fonseca as new Technical Director
    The Canadian Soccer Association is pleased to announce that Tony Fonseca has been selected as its new Technical Director.
    As Technical Director, Fonseca will be responsible for the overall management and direction of the technical growth and development of soccer in Canada. As such, he will be in charge of setting a vision for all aspects of the game, including coach education, long term player development (LTAD), elite player development, and all other technical-related or sport specific initiatives.
    “The Canadian Soccer Association is excited to have an individual with the experience, knowledge and respect in domestic and international soccer take on this crucial portfolio with the organization,” said Peter Montopoli, Canadian Soccer Association General Secretary. "We look forward to having him lead the development of our sport based on his long standing commitment to Canadian soccer.”
    "Having spent my whole life in the sport of soccer as a player, coach and administrator, becoming the Canadian Soccer Association's Technical Director provides me with an incredible opportunity to apply this experience to further grow and develop the sport in this country," stated Tony Fonseca. He added that "my priority will be to maximize the largest participation sport base in Canada by identifying current strengths as well as gaps and collaborating with the expanding network of soccer organizations in this country to create and enhance programs to ensure we are a successful soccer nation."
    A former Portuguese international with playing experience at the top levels of European soccer including participation in the UEFA Champions League, Fonseca began his youth career in 1978 with S.L. Olivais and moved on to famed club S.L. Benfica at both the youth and senior levels. He moved to Canada in 1999 to play for the Vancouver 86ers before starting his coaching career in 2000 following his retirement as a player. He became Head Coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2002 and took on the role of the organization's Technical Director in 2004. Fonseca holds a Canadian Soccer Association License A Coach certification.
    With Canada's National Teams, Fonseca served as Assistant Coach at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup (Canada reached the semi-final stage), the 2008 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualification Tournament (the team finished third), the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup (Canada reached the quarter-final stage) and most recently at the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup and Round 2 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Brazil. He has also served as Canada's Head Coach at the 2009 Jeux de la Francophonie in Beirut, LIB, the 2009 CONCACAF Men's U-20 Championship in Port of Spain, TRI, and the CONCACAF Olympic Qualification tournament (U-23) in 2011 where Canada was one win away from moving on to London 2012 losing to eventual Olympic gold medalist Mexico.
    Guest
    If it was easy to fix TFC someone would have by now. No one – not Paul Mariner, not Aron Winter, not Mo Johnston, not MLSE, not even M£$€ -- associated with TFC has ever wanted to lose.
    Losing is miserable, soul sucking, expensive and dangerous to employment prospects. Winning is in everyone’s best interest.
    So, let’s start with a basic understanding – there is no nefarious power at work within the front office of TFC with a goal of alienating fans and perpetuating a losing tradition.
    Beyond that there is no single individual that is 100 per cent to blame for the mess this club has become. Sure, an argument can be made that some individuals have demonstrated incompetence in their position, and that incompetence has created the issues, but it’s not as simple as saying if you get rid of X or hire Y that all will be better.
    As we argued in part three of the season review, the issue with TFC is systemic. Solving it will take an organizational-wide re-think. It’s understandable if you believe that isn’t possible. For the sake of this article, we’re going to assume it is. If you care about the club, you should hope that it is.
    The other assumption we are making in this article is that there will be no major changes in the leadership structure of TFC this off-season. It’s fine to argue that Toronto should hire a president with past MLS success to oversee the operation (CSN has made that very argument), but there is no indication that will happen.
    It is almost certain that if TFC is to turn things around in 2013 that Mariner and Earl Cochrane will be behind it. It’s understood that very few people believe that to be possible, so repeating that position again below this article isn’t necessary. We get it. Many people associated with CSN agree with that position. And my position of the issue isn’t nearly as black and white as many make it out to be. However, it’s intellectually pointless to debate what needs to be done in 2013 while ignoring a basic reality.
    No one is getting fired.
    With that in mind, we conclude our 2012 season review with part five: What now?
    Below the jump, five things TFC needs to do in 2013 to revitalize the club.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    1) - Get a plan and stick with it
    When Toronto hired Winter they talked a great deal about the need to establish a vision for the club. They wanted to have the Reds playing the same system from the youngest academy ages through to the senior team.
    It was a lovely thought. It still is. Despite unsubstantiated claims to the contrary, TFC is maintaining that vision at the youth levels.
    It isn’t at the senior level. There, the tactics and formation were simplified after Winter was fired, much to the lament of many fans. However, it was always too ambitious to try and force the possession-based vision Winter had onto a senior roster that wasn’t able to execute his vision. Getting to the point where TFC is a seamless, cradle-to-grave football club is going to take decades.
    In the meantime, TFC needs to make sure it remains competitive in MLS, while establishing the academy. That will involve tactical flexibility, always with an eye to evolving the game to something that more closely resembles the academy vision.
    However, there is another plan that needs to be followed. It’s a plan that has been articulated, but dismissed by many fans as being Front Office spin.
    Both Mariner and Cochrane have talked about the need to build a club around a young core. To that end, Toronto was the youngest club in MLS in 2012 by mean. It showed in their record (tellingly, the next two youngest teams were Philadelphia and Portland, both of which finished near the bottom of the table as well).
    TFC fans should hope that the young core vision talked about isn’t spin. The worst thing this team can do is to make widespread changes again. That’s exactly what they’ve done every year before this. Why would it suddenly work now?
    Obviously a player should not be kept around simply because he is young. That’s silly. Equally silly is assuming that a 22-year-old will always play at the same level as he did in 2012, and throwing him to the side based on that assumption. Some players that fans are low on right now need to be given more time.
    What players?
    The following 25 and younger players should absolutely be back: Richard Eckersley, Ashtone Morgan, Luis Silva, Darren O'Dea and Doneil Henry. He’s 26, but add Stefan Frei to the list of the young core.
    Those players should be untouchable. You have to believe in them and give them more time together to develop a familiarity and confidence in each other.
    Reggie Lambe, Logan Emory, Jeremy Hall, Aaron Maund and, if he’s willing to come back on a minimum salary, Eric Avila should be given another year to develop. Yes, many of those players were weak at times in 2012, but they are still very young players by MLS standards. At the very least, it’s worth seeing if they can bring something to camp.
    If Toronto is to breakthrough in 2013 they will need a couple players to step up their game and surprise. They can’t surprise if they are cut.
    2) - Stay healthy/get healthy
    Ignoring the role injuries played in 2012 is disingenuous. It’s also dishonest to ignore the possibility that the club wasn’t at least party responsible.
    TFC needs to evaluate its fitness staff and training methods. It needs to make sure that it is doing all that it can to keep its players healthy – especially the veteran core of Torsten Frings, Danny Koevermans and Terry Dunfield. If TFC is to once again have a large amount of young players, it will need some veteran leadership on the pitch to stabilize things and help them get through the inevitable low points.
    That can’t happen if they are in the press box injured.
    3) – Make full use of the resources available.
    This is common sense, but TFC absolutely needs to find two starters from the first SuperDraft pick and the first selection in the allocation order.
    They also have first go at the re-entry draft. Some teams, notably DC United, have done very well with that draft over its first two years. It might be time for Toronto to take a chance there, especially since they need established MLS players to support the young core.
    Ryan Johnson and Milos Kocic are two players that might bring some value back in trade. Toronto cannot afford to let any more players walk without a return. If it’s determined that a regular from 2012 isn’t going to be back, then the Reds need to find an asset for him.
    Lastly, Toronto needs to be much, much better with its discovery signings. They likely have the worst record in the league in that regard.
    4) - This is Our House Again
    There was a time when TFC had a home advantage. It doesn’t anymore. In many ways, BMO is becoming a hostile place for TFC to play now.
    Obviously, the best way to win back the fans is to win. However, it goes beyond that. Winning the goodwill of the fans back is going to take a sustained effort by everyone at the club.
    Rolling ticket prices back was a good start. More is needed.
    Concessions should be lowered. Incentives should be there to get people back into the stadium. Profits in 2013 need to be sacrificed with a longer goal in mind.
    2013 is a loss leader.
    Most importantly, the club needs to be cognizant of never taking the fans for granted again. The anger we see right now might have been blunted had we not gone through the ticket pricing fiasco of 2010.
    Here’s an idea: If TFC does somehow make the playoffs, price the tickets at a breakeven point as one more thanks for our patience.
    5) - Don’t make arbitrary goals
    This might be the most important one of all. We cannot afford to be drawn into arbitrary goal making. Would scraping into the playoffs (like, say, our Canadian cousins on the west coast) to bunker and hope against a much better team really be cause for celebration? If it represented legitimate growth and featured a young group of players still developing, sure it would.
    If it featured a bunch of past-their-prime players brought in to save face in the market it most certainly would not.
    If Toronto remained one of the younger teams in the league, but were competitive all year before just falling short of the playoffs would that be a failure? Not if the core remains in place and there is legitimate hope for the future.
    That, most of all, is what’s missing right now – hope.
    Bringing that back has to be TFC’s No 1 goal in 2013.
    Guest

    Dear Toronto FC season ticket holders:

    By Guest, in Onward Soccer,

    I’ve been dreading doing this, but the truth needs saying and no one else is saying it.
    It’s time to renew your annual financial commitment to Toronto FC.
    Please don’t.
    Here’s what you get, if you do:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    - Deeply dysfunctional ownership in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
    - A seventh failed season of Tom Anselmi in ultimate charge.
    - A loutish, inflammatory manager – Paul Mariner – who is currently the only person outside of MLSE head office who is convinced he is “very good” at what he does.
    - A corporate co-pilot – Earl Cochrane – who has already helped seven different TFC coaches not win.
    - Yes, you also get a significant drop in the price of your tickets (unless you sit in the north end), but with the other four factors unalterably in place, you are very likely still overpaying.
    Here’s what you get if you don’t renew:
    - Walk-up tickets to any game you want to see.
    - Fewer doomed, useless nights at the park when you don’t want to be there.
    The last thing I want to do is encourage thousands of loyal six-season survivors to cut Toronto FC’s most crucial financial lifeline. But the dysfunction at the top is so bad, there seems no other way of getting the point across than to threaten something MLSE understands vastly better than soccer – income.
    I understand the comfort and tradition of having a regular seat. I have favourite spots in pretty much every arena I’ve even been in. Financial investment deepens commitment, too. You feel like you actually helped build the team.
    That’s great:
    - Until the team has one of the all-time worst six-year starts of any professional sports franchise in North American history.
    - Until the team leaves the running of year seven to the same baffled, overmatched pilots who pancaked year six.
    - Until you start hearing overwhelming evidence of the depth of disrespect most of the rest of MLS has for TFC.
    - Until the only optimistic word is a luridly glowing pro-Mariner puff piece in the Toronto Star, written by a reporter I have never knowingly laid eyes on at BMO Field.
    If you don’t renew, you can always come back when (if!) things improve.
    What’s that? Worried about the lengthy waiting list?
    The Toronto FC waiting list is one of this sad situation’s more compelling urban myths. Yes, it once existed, and was thousands strong. But wave a gas spectrometer at it, and here are its component parts:
    - Large numbers of existing season ticket holders, looking for additional seats. These are dropping away.
    - Ticket resale brokerages, looking for a piece of what once appeared to be The Next Big Thing. These are dying of starvation.
    - Thousands of non-ticket holders, desperately wanting in. Most got it when the day-oners started drifting away.
    There are really only two possible solutions to the current raw, gaping disaster (other than Mariner actually turning out to be as really good at this job as he says he is):
    - Anselmi hires a real soccer man as TFC president, tosses him the keys and the bank-vault combination, and walks the hell away.
    - Some soccer-loving Dragon buys MLSE out.
    Absent of those, you are being asked to pay up all over again, to watch the same folks who screwed it all up try to unscrew it one more time without making any major changes at the top.
    I believe, were they on the outside looking in, as financially savvy a group as Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment would not advise you to bankroll those odds.
    It’s a very tough decision. I stood at a chilly curbside in a small city outside of Toronto this weekend, with a pair of sad-eyed season ticket holders who have pretty much decided not to renew. That same heartache is being felt in many places, by many dear people, this gray, drab, Great Lakes November day.
    Clearly, follow your own hearts, everyone. Make your own deals, and may the soccer gods smile on your good intentions.
    The ship is down. There are no lifeboats. Do you really want to buy a ticket for another cruise?
    Onward!
    Guest
    We continue our look at the Whitecaps’ 2012 MLS season today with a detailed evaluation of the players.
    How did they perform? Did they impress or did they disappoint? And should we keep them around for another season?
    Martin Rennie and the management team face some tough decisions in the next few weeks and months ahead. An evaluation camp will take place soon before some initial cuts are made.
    Steve Pandher and myself have looked at all 28 players on the Caps current MLS squad, along with the two main guys trying to win contracts, and rated whether we should ‘Keep’ them, should bid them ‘Fare Ye Well’ in fine Scottish fashion, or whether we’re still undecided about them for various reasons.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Let us know in the comments if you agree or disagree.

    <b>Bryce Alderson:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. Disappointing that he didn't get minutes this season, especially in the Voyageurs Cup games. Showed pre-season that he isn't out of place against MLS opposition and if he works hard again this pre-season, it won't be long before he gets his chance. He has an aggression and composure that has been missing in the Caps midfield at times this year.
    Steve – KEEP. This year’s Phil Davies, Alderson couldn’t get onto the pitch for any minutes and while it is a disappointment it is understandable considering he was the youngest player on the roster. While he is a definite to return to the club next year, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the teenage midfielder to consider loan opportunities in Europe.
    <b>Etienne Barbara:</b>
    Michael – UNDECIDED. A frustrating year for the Malteser. We never got to see what he could offer, but he never showed too much in the Reserve outings he had. Could he have been the player to get more goals? We may never know, but probably not. With his previous goalscoring record, I feel it would be worth giving him the pre-season camp to see if he can shake off the injuries and be beneficial to the team, especially on his reasonable $87,500 salary. If he doesn’t shine though, then he has to be cut loose.
    Steve – FARE YE WELL. Of all the Railhawks that came with Rennie, Barbara was the most exciting addition considering the type of season he had in the NASL. However, it was an injury riddled season for the Maltese international as he dealt with groin and back issues. Because he is of international status, I don’t see how they could bring the striker back unless the training staff feels they can resolve any of his issues.
    <b>Martin Bonjour:</b>
    Michael – UNDECIDED. I was firmly in the ‘Keep’ camp up until the playoff game. I love what Bonjour brings to the team. The aggression and fire. Can that style of play thrive in MLS with the refs we have? I do feel that Bonjour has been one of our strongest performers at the back and I probably would like to see what kind of partnership he could form with Andy O’Brien. I do worry that the fouls and cards that he picks up could see him become a liability. You can't have $276,987 sitting on the bench regularly.
    Steve – UNDECIDED. It was an up and down first season for the Argentine defender who started the season strong as part of the backline that continually posted up cleansheets. There were struggles as the year progressed which eventually led to him being replaced by summer acquisition Andy O’Brien. The only way I can see Bonjour being moved on is if the Caps feel they can’t afford three central defenders at their price points.
    <b>Joe Cannon:</b>
    Michael - FARE YE WELL. Joe Cannon was my Whitecaps 'Player of the Year' yesterday and also won our 3-2-1 vote. I don't really want to see him leave Vancouver but if he wants to play another year, he has earned the right to be more than just a back up and he has clearly lost the starter spot here. He also doesn't strike me as the kind of player that would be happy with such a role. If he wanted to take a pay cut from $175,666, or was given some kind of coaching role here, then he'd be a great guy to have in the dressing room.
    Steve – FARE YE WELL. A strong start by Cannon earned the veteran eight cleansheets as he made a number of spectacular saves to keep his side in the games. He lost his spot late in the season when it looked like he was wearing down and giving up easy goals. Unless Cannon is willing to take a pay cut and a backup role I don’t see him returning to Vancouver.
    <b>Caleb Clarke:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. Caleb is clearly only going to get better and better. He's made his first MLS starts, although I don't think he actually touched the ball in his last one. He needs to be playing regularly to maintain his development. Could he become a regular bench guy next season? I'd like to think so but the way Rennie has gone, maybe not likely, so he could be loaned out. If he stays, he will get more minutes than this year, but how many?
    Steve – KEEP. After an impressive season with the residency team, Clarke was signed by the Caps by the end of April. After a brief stint in Germany he made his debut in August and did not look out of place. Another young player who may be loaned out to a European side, Clarke will return to the Caps and will definitely improve on his 15 minutes this year.
    <b>Jun Marques Davidson:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. I'm still not entirely sure that the experiment that saw him lose his starting spot was worthwhile. Jun had a great first half of the season and his defensive coverage played a key role in the Whitecaps early season success. He's definitely a guy to keep around for both starts and cover, and at $71,136 he is great value, even as a back up guy.
    Steve – KEEP. It was a dream start for Davidson who earned a few MOTM honours which eventually led to him winning the unsung player at the end of the season. For some reason he lost his spot at the end of the season as he wasn’t played in the last six games. With his domestic status and reasonable salary I can’t see why Davidson doesn’t return next year.
    <b>Jay DeMerit:</b>
    Michael - FARE YE WELL. I know this is going to be controversial to many, but I think Jay should be moved on. For as good as he is in the air, he can be a liability on the ground when people run at him. He is not as voal or as organised at the back as he needs to be and should. Still held in high regard by many south of the border, he should be excellent trade bait. I don't feel he's worth $350,000. There are better and cheaper options out there. As the Captain and the face of the team, it may be hard to move him on, but Rennie hasn't let that stop him in the past.
    Steve – UNDECIDED. A bounce back season for the captain as returned to the form that earned him a starting spot in the 2010 World Cup. His aggressive nature, which can be a positive at times and a negative, has become more effective since his partnership with O’Brien. DeMerit is the face of the franchise but can become available if another team comes with an offer that is too rich for Vancouver to refuse.
    <b>Atiba Harris:</b>
    Michael - FARE YE WELL. How he even made the cut to get onto this year's squad baffles me. He squanders far too many chances and is just too injury prone. Rennie has said he is the player he gets the most enquiries about. Excellent. He should be pretty easy to get shot off then and get a staggering $158,275 off the books. The sooner the better.
    Steve – FARE YE WELL. It was another season where Harris was unable to recover full fitness and make a contribution to the squad. At this point he makes too much money for the Whitecaps to keep on the roster. Expect him to be either waived or traded despite his non-import status in MLS.
    <b>Jordan Harvey:</b>
    Michael - UNDECIDED. I do like the idea of keeping Harvey around as experienced cover for both left back and midfield. But only that. He's a pretty cheap option at $100,000 and I mostly want to keep him in Vancouver. However, if we could get a good trade deal out of him, then I'm all for listening.
    Steve – KEEP. Rennie initially used Harvey as a defensive sub but injuries to Rochat gave him a stretch of starts at left back including the last seven games of the season. He is very effective defending but can’t be asked to contribute much in the final third. If Harvey returns in 2013 it should be as a key backup and not as a full time starter.
    <b>Greg Klazura:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. Another player that we simply haven't seen enough of in meaningful games to make a proper call, but I liked what I saw of him in pre-season training to convince me to give him another season to develop. He's a better left back than right back in my eyes, and has made some mistakes in the Reserve games, but he's a cheap option that can provide cover at a few positions. Rennie initially described him as "a work in progress" and he still is and is still young. He deserves at least another year.
    Steve – FARE YE WELL. The other player who spent all season without playing a minute in MLS, Klazura was able to get some minutes in two legs against FC Edmonton. A converted left back he is still learning the transition to the right side of the backline. While there is potential, Klazura is a fringe player who could be let go if there is a roster spot required.
    <b>Brad Knighton:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. He's now established himself as the Whitecaps number one, unless they can do some good business to bring in an experienced veteran to challenge him pre-season. He's been great though and instils confidence amongst his team-mates and the fans and that's what you need back there. I think we'll only see him grow even further next season. If he was still back up, I'm not sure how keen he'd be to stay around. He's too good to be kept sitting on a bench.
    Steve – KEEP. After spending a season as a starter under Rennie with Carolina, Knighton started the season as a backup to Cannon. He took over at the beginning of September and never let go allowing 7 goals in 8 starts. It is a given that Knighton will return next year and the only question is whether he will be handed the starting role or face competition.
    <b>Gershon Koffie:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. One of the no need to ask the question guys. He is still nowhere near his full potential and I feel he drifts out of games far too much. Really benefits when he's playing alongside experienced guys. He worked on his shooting this year and it's nowhere near as wild. The best is yet to come from the Ghanaian.
    Steve – KEEP. The youngest regular in the starting eleven, Koffie continues to progress by leaps and bounds in his ability to command the midfield. Like most young players he still needs to work on his consistency as he tends to disappear for stretches on the pitch. There are people who feel that Koffie is on his way out in a transfer move but I feel that he stays on for at least another season.
    <b>Young-Pyo Lee:</b>
    Michael - Got to keep the guy around if we can. I do get the feeling that he may hang his boots up though. The intense travelling around MLS at his age could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. He tired as the season went on and we missed the attacking runs he made earlier in the season. If he stays, we have to find a more than adequate back up for him.
    Steve – KEEP. Many questioned the Whitecaps signing of Lee in the offseason citing that he was too old and could not hold up for a full season. He started and played 90 minutes in 33 of 34 matches and was named the team’s MVP. The Caps need to do whatever they can to retain Lee including finding a decent backup so they could provide him more rest during the season.
    <b>Darren Mattocks:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. He has everything he needs to make him a star, but unfortunately he also has things which can make that star burn up pretty quickly. He should be a certainty to return and lead the frontline next season, but he has to work on his discipline. He is no use to us sitting in the stands so much. He also needs help up front. He may have scored a lot for us but he also went some long spells without hitting the net and there will be more pressure on him now to perform in his second season in MLS.
    Steve – KEEP. It was a rough start to the year for Mattocks who burned his arm in fire incident that sidelined him for a number of weeks. Once he started the rookie proved he belonged scoring a number of goals that made him the top scorer. Mattocks is a definite returnee but will need to work on his finish and the discipline he displays on the pitch.
    <b>Kenny Miller:</b>
    Michael - FARE YE WELL. I like Kenny Miller. I like what he brings to a game off the ball. He finds positions his team-mates can't find him in and works so hard, a fact that is missed by many of his critics. Unfortunately, his $1.24 million salary and DP status are giant weights around his neck and people only care about goals. What he brings to the team, we can get cheaper, and if he is left playing a support role, then you can't have that salary on the bench. I believe he will go and the Caps won't need to buy him out like Jarju.
    Steve – UNDECIDED. Brought in during the summer window, Miller was expected to be a veteran target striker who was more clinical in finishing. Since his arrival he was only able to score twice in 13 appearances and became a target for fans during the slide. Miller may benefit from a full preseason with the club but could also be shopped to a side in Europe.
    <b>Carlyle Mitchell:</b>
    Michael - FARE YE WELL. Long time readers and listeners to our podcast will know how much we like Carlyle. He brings an attacking danger in the opposition's penalty box that our other centrehalfs don't have. Unfortunately, he also brings a danger in his own one. He's very cheap at $44,000 and that could be what saves him, even with an international spot. He just hasn't developed enough or instilled confidence this season and I think the time has come to move on.
    Steve – FARE YE WELL. A depth player he made only starts this season in games where the Caps allowed six goals combined. Rennie made it perfectly clear that he has no confidence in Mitchell and will most likely be released during the offseason.
    <b>Michael Nanchoff:</b>
    Michael - FARE YE WELL. One of my biggest disappointments of the season. I expected so much more from him from glimpses I'd seen of him in non MLS games. Unfortunately he has struggled in the MLS games he has played and I just don't think he has what it takes yet to play at this level. He needs to drop down to D2, get some regular games under his belt, then give it another shot in a few year's time. If other clubs see his potential though then I could see a trade, especially to someone like Columbus. I just don't see what he adds to the Caps right now.
    Steve – UNDECIDED. There was quite a bit expected from the second year man from Akron considering how well he played in the preseason. However, he was slowed down with an injury and was ineffective when he did get on the pitch. It may work out better for Nanchoff if he moves on to another club, maybe Columbus, but the Caps could still keep him if they see the potential.
    <b>Andy O'Brien:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. The guy is an absolute gem of a pick up. Love him! We should be building our defence around him. He's a true leader at the back, very vocal and excellent at organising, and I would also have no objections to him being made Captain. Hopefully he can steer clear of injuries though.
    Steve – KEEP. When he was signed it seemed that O’Brien was brought in for depth purposes but it was clear early on that the Irish international was more. His value was clear in the final four games when he led the backline to three cleansheets and the playoffs. There should be no doubt that the Caps will want him to return and O’Brien could quickly become one of the better defenders in MLS.
    <b>Dane Richards:</b>
    Michael - TRANSFERRED. He's been patchy, but mostly impressive in his time here. I liked the attitude he brought after being dropped, by going out there and showing why he deserved a starting spot, yet he still didn't get one. Shame he's going as I think he could have been a key player for us next season.
    Steve – TRANSFERRED. The Whitecaps knew they needed pace on the wings and made the trade to acquire Richards for Le Toux knowing he was in the final year of his contract. It was announced in September that he had signed with English side Burnley and would be joining them in January.
    <b>Barry Robson:</b>
    Michael - UNDECIDED. I still like Robson. I still think the Caps can build a midfield around him. But I do have doubts that MLS is the League for his style of play. He needs to have players around him on the same wavelength and he needs to stop the theatrics, which I don't mind, but it's causing some sections of the support to turn on him. Like Miller, salary and DP tag is a weight around his neck. If a Championship side was to come in for him, I think he could go.
    Steve – FARE YE WELL. Robson was signed before the season started to provide veteran leadership and attacking from the midfield. It was clear early on that the culture shock was getting to him on and off the pitch. I feel there are better options available for the attacking mid spot but Rennie may stick with Robson for another season.
    <b>Alain Rochat:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. Much more effective to the Caps cause as a left back than a defensive mid. He has to stay. It's another no brainer. As long as he is happy to, which on the whole I think he is.
    Steve – KEEP. It was another superb season for Rochat despite being pulled out of his normal position of left back to holding mid. The Caps missed his attacking ability down the left channel and need him to return to that spot. Unless there some type of conflict, I don’t see how the Caps can afford to part ways with Rochat.
    <b>Omar Salgado:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. I'd have said no until his wonderful switch to the wing. So sad to see his injury cut short what could have been a break out season for last year's number one draft pick. If he can re-find that form for the start of next season, then he could be one of our stars of 2013. Good to see he kept a good attitude through the injury.
    Steve – KEEP. It looked like Salgado was going to struggle to find time on the pitch until he was switched to the left wing. It was there that skill shone through but didn’t last long as a foot injury while with the U.S. U20 team ended the momentum. Salgado will return next year and be counted on to provide his attacking ability on a full time basis.
    <b>Camilo Sanvezzo:</b>
    Michael - FARE YE WELL. I'm a big fan of the Brazilian but he also leaves me frustrated and exasperated more often than not. I still maintain he is the most technically talented of our strikers, but he just can't seem to play a team game when it's needed. He gets away with it when it comes off, but when it doesn't, anger rises. Rennie doesn't seem to know how to get the best out of him and I think the best thing for both club and player is for him to seek pastures new.
    Steve – FARE YE WELL. Last season’s leading scorer had a difficult time finding his consistency this season going from 12 to 5 goals. He spent most of the season as a left sided player and was unable to provide effective attacking form. Camilo doesn’t seem to fit the style that Rennie wants to employ and proof of that is when he was left on the bench down one goal to the Galaxy.
    <b>Brian Sylvestre:</b>
    Michael - FARE YE WELL. He can be a bombscare at times between the sticks. He's cheap, he's homegrown but I don't care. Cut him loose. Just don't rate the guy at all and would much rather see Callum Irving (preferably), Simon Thomas or some other Canadian talent fill that spot.
    Steve – FARE YE WELL. The third keeper and homegrown product Sylvestre looked he was finally getting over his knee issues. While he didn’t get in any MLS games, he did start a few reserve matches in which he struggled. I don’t see a future for him with the Caps but he may kept for another season because of his homegrown status.
    <b>Russell Teibert:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. You want to keep him at the club but will he want to stay? He has the talent and skills the Caps have been crying out for at times this year, and seemed to become a gameday regular towards the end of the season, but still wasn't getting proper chances to strut his stuff. He must be frustrated and I could see him decide to try a new challenge and wouldn't be surprised to see him head to Toronto. He needs to be playing regularly.
    Steve – KEEP. It seemed like Rennie was impressed with Teibert in the preseason but the young Canadian couldn’t get into a game until August. Including reserve games, it was obvious that Teibert was more effective than fellow left sided midfielder Michael Nanchoff. I don’t see how he won’t return to the club and become a more influential player on the pitch.
    <b>John Thorrington:</b>
    Michael - FARE YE WELL. Ah, good old Sicknote. Only time I've thought he was worth the money was when he was compere at the launch of the brown kit. I wouldn't have brought him on for this season, but he has to go now. He adds very little to the team that other squad members don't bring for a lot less money. Pretty sure we could also find a better replacement for that salary who wouldn't miss so much of the season through injury.
    Steve – FARE YE WELL. Considering last season, it was a relatively injury free season for John Thorrington as he played the most minutes since 2009. He was used to provide energy and grit in the midfield but was unable to provide much in the attack. I can’t see how the Caps can bring back an injury waiting to happen especially at the rate of $170,000.
    <b>Tiago Ulisses:</b>
    Michael - UNDECIDED. We haven't seen a lot of him, but what we have seen hasn't really impressed. I'm prepared to give him the pre-season training camp but not sure he is a good piece for the Caps jigsaw. I think he has the potential to be a card magnet in MLS, doesn't seem to be any better than what we've got and takes up an international spot. The language barrier is also problematic.
    Steve – FARE YE WELL. One of the last signings in summer transfer window, Tiago was brought in to provide depth in the midfield. He only appeared in reserve matches and at this point hasn’t shown much to be excited about. Because of his international spot and high salary, he would only be kept if there were no other options available.
    <b>Matt Watson:</b>
    Michael - KEEP. If any player used the season run in to stake a claim for next year it was Watson. Not always appreciated by some of the fans, who feel he is too defensive, I feel he has just the right mix for this league. He should get a good few minutes next season, but not sure he will be the starter.
    Steve – KEEP. It was an excellent bookend of a season for Watson who got all his starts in the first two and last two months of the year. For some reason he was lost on the roster during the middle of the season and didn’t see any action. He is a definite to stay with the Caps and after his performance in the playoffs, Watson will be more of a contributor next season.
    <b>Ben Fisk:</b>
    Michael - SIGN. times 100. Fisky has done enough to earn a MLS contract and if they don't offer him one this year then I think he should just cut his losses and make a permanent move to Europe. He's a known quantity now to the Caps, something the draftees aren't. Get him signed.
    Steve – SIGN. A successful season in the residency season led to a MVP award in finals week and an extended trial in Germany. He returned to Vancouver late in the season and should be signed as a homegrown player going into next season.
    <b>Jacob Lensky:</b>
    Michael - UNDECIDED. He's impressed in training but that's very different from actual MLS action. Hasn't overly stood out in the Reserve games and been posted missing in many. Can he add what we need to the current Whitecaps team to take us to the next level? I'm not sure he can, but he does have skills. He is likely to get a contract soon though, but I think it would have been better holding off and seeing him in pre-season camp.
    Steve – UNDECIDED. Lensky started training with the club in the spring and it was rumoured that they had acquired his rights. Considering his off pitch issues the Whitecaps have taken their time before signing him but if bringing him on means Rochat moves back to left back then I’m all for it.
    <center>**********</center>
    So that’s our thoughts on who should stay and who should go.
    What say you?
    <p>
    Guest
    Our <b>3-2-1 Award</b> is AFTN's 'Player of the Year' trophy.
    After every Whitecaps game we give three points to who we feel was the best Whitecaps player of the match, two for the second best, and then one for the third (you can usually find them in our <i>"In The Cold Light Of Day"</i> pieces when we do those).
    With the season over following the loss in LA, we now have our winner.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Step forward <b>Joe Cannon</b>.
    The 3-2-1 voting system does create some anomalies. Players who maybe have a few outstanding games score highly, despite many people not thinking of them as being players of the season (Camilo). Others who do hard work every game, but maybe don't stand out suffer a little (Davidson).
    The cream usually does rise to the top and overall, we feel that Joe is a very worthy winner.
    If it hadn't have been for all his clean sheets and game/point winning saves earlier in the season, the Whitecaps would not have a been a playoff team.
    He was the AFTN 3-2-1 runner up in 2011 to Camilo, but this year, with the positions reversed, he's very deserving. It's just a shame he never got to see the season out as the starter, although we can't fault Brad Knighton's performances and he will surely be up amongst the challengers in 2013.
    If he'd joined earlier, or the season still had time to run, then Andy O'Brien may have caught Joe, as the big Irishman put in a late surge with points galore. Another one to watch for next season.
    So congratulations Joe and here's the final standings....
    <b>Winner: Joe Cannon - 30 points</b>
    <b>Runner-up:</b> Camilo Sanvezzo - 25
    <b>3rd:</b> Young-Pyo Lee - 21
    Gershon Koffie - 18
    Davide Chiumiento - 16
    Andy O'Brien - 15
    Alain Rochat - 15
    Brad Knighton - 11
    Barry Robson - 10
    Jun Marques Davidson - 9
    Jay DeMerit - 8
    Darren Mattocks - 8
    Martin Bonjour - 7
    Sebastien Le Toux - 7
    Dane Richards - 6
    Matt Watson - 6
    Jordan Harvey - 5
    Omar Salgado - 5
    Eric Hassli - 4
    John Thorrington - 4
    Russell Teibert - 2
    Caleb Clarke - 1
    Greg Klazura - 1
    A staggering 23 Whitecaps players earned mentions over the course of the season.
    Will Joe be around to defend his trophy next season? Unlikely, but I wouldn't write him off just yet.
    <p>
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