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    Guest
    We know it's been an age, but the WCSW podcast is finally back, and it now stands for West Coast Soccer Whenever-we-feel-like-it.
    If you're going to be away, you want to come back with a bang and we feel we've done that in this episode with a very special guest this week - former Whitecap and Liverpool legend <b>Bruce Grobbelaar</b>.
    Bruce was goalkeeper for the Whitecaps for a season and a bit during the Club's NASL days in 1979 and 1980, and we have a chat around his memories of that time, what it was like being at the Caps when they won the 1979 Soccer Bowl and his debut as a Cap, when none other than Dutch legend Johann Cruyff scored against him.
    There's also a lot of chat about Liverpool FC - past, present and future. We look at the highs of winning the European Cup and being the most decorated goalkeeper in English football, to the lows of Heysel and Hillsborough, as Bruce shares his heartwrenching memories of that fateful day in Sheffield and the aftermath.
    And if that's not enough, we also talk about playing for the Zimbabwe national team, African football, the World Cup in South Africa, his stint in the UK version of Hells Kitchen, the famous wobbly legs, and touch briefly on the match fixing allegations and a lot more.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    He was such an interesting guest, we could have filled the whole hour talking to him alone, but as it's also been a busy time in Whitecapsland since we've been away, we have time to look at some of the talking points in tonight's show.
    You can listen to this week's podcast (and the previous ones) on iTunes <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/westcoastsoccerweekly/id491781299" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> or download it for your later listening delight <a href="http://westcoastsoccerweekly.podbean.com/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>. Can't wait? Have a listen on one of the players below:
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    Guest

    Garber speaks. Words come out

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Don Garber addressed the suggestion that MLS killed the Mellberg deal on national TV during the All Star game broadcast. See what he said below the jump.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]


    That's funny because CSN had heard from mutiple sources in TFC's front office that the league killed it.
    Don't believe us?
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Interesting because multiple sources told me TFC had a 2.5 year, $1.5 million a year deal in place w/Mellberg, but MLS killed the deal.</p>— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) <a href="
    " data-datetime="2012-07-26T01:59:59+00:00">July 26, 2012</a></blockquote><script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
    Draw your own conclusions.
    Guest
    Four points from two huge home games wasn’t a bad haul for Vancouver Whitecaps this past week.
    Every team wants to make the most of their home field advantage, especially against Conference opposition. The Whitecaps are doing just that, but it wasn’t only beating the League leaders and getting a draw against one of the strongest teams in MLS that impressed.
    With the overall team performances in the last two games, many in Major League Soccer will be starting to take a little bit more notice of the Caps.
    We asked Martin Rennie after Sunday's game whether beating the leading team in MLS gives out a message that the Whitecaps can compete with the best and are serious contenders?
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    <i>"Well I think we've still got a lot of work to do to get to the very top. We've always believed that if we play our best we've got a good chance against anybody, so I still believe that.
    And really it's up to our team to get the belief. It's not about whether we send out statements or messages about where we are or what we're doing, we've got a long way to go.
    But we need our belief to grow. We need our confidence to increase because we're right there with anybody and we must believe that and know that and expect to win whenever we step on the field."</i>
    That belief will come.
    There will be knocks along the way. We can’t afford to keep losing leads and late goals. It's something everyone connected with the Club is painfully aware of.
    Having suffered that fate once again against LA, the way the team bounced back, took the game to San Jose on Sunday and held on to secure the full three points does more to help boost team belief than just seeing positions in the table.
    The win against the Quakes was big from more than a morale point of view. It gave the Caps an important boost in the standings.
    A loss would have left Vancouver a massive fifteen points behind San Jose. Instead we sit nine behind. Still a huge margin but psychologically it's great to be closing the gap and keeping it to single figures.
    A loss would also have meant being level on points with a Seattle Sounders side who have two games in hand and only a point ahead of the resurgent LA Galaxy.
    Now though, the Caps sit third in the West, with the joint fifth best record in all of MLS. Most importantly, they have an eleven point gap over the first team outwith the playoff places.
    With two back to back games coming up against Real Salt Lake, Vancouver have a great chance of taking that second spot in the West, or at least getting very close to it.
    The new look team is starting to click.
    With all the upheaval and big name departures, there were many out there questioning Martin Rennie's sanity, never mind his ability.
    I've spoken enough to Rennie this year to know that he has a very clear vision of where he wants this club to be and there has been frustrations this year that they haven't got there quicker.
    He is not always going to make popular decisions and fan favourites will move on, but if it improves performances on the pitch then it's hard to argue with what he is doing.
    "In Rennie We Trust" is one of the supporters taglines we've been using after all.
    The additions of Barry Robson and Dane Richards are already seeing the fruits of their labours.
    Robson is becoming dominant in the middle of the park. A playmaker, a goalscoring threat and a leader. It's what we've been missing since Martin Nash hung up his boots, only with an even better player.
    The pace of Richards is just something else. I knew he was fast, but actually seeing him in person takes it up to the next level and the partnership he is going to have with Darren Mattocks is going to give defences nightmares.
    Mattocks has fallen off his game a little in the last two games, although he came roaring back in that second half on Sunday. We may find him rested, especially for away games, or even moved out to the left wing to allow Kenny Miller to adopt the main striker's role.
    I've watched Kenny Miller enough over the years to know what he will bring to the party.
    Having the Reggae Boyz tearing up the right and potentially the Flying Scotsmen on the left, it is going to give us an attack that can really do some damage in this League run in. The cross field balls from Robson to Richards is what is going to be our soon to be not so secret weapon.
    Camilo Sanvezzo has looked reborn out there too. He has to be really if he wants to keep his place in the team.
    All we need to do now is to shore up the back and have some strong defensive cover for injuries, suspensions and tiredness.
    We should see that in place by the end of the week, as we fully expect to see at least one, and maybe two, new signings by the close of the transfer window. Centrehalf/right back cover would be my thoughts, along with another holding midfielder (we're still also holding out hope for Adam Moffat!).
    The next couple of days are certainly going to be worth keeping an eye on.
    We'll leave you with this quote from Rennie:
    <i>"We’ve had a busy few weeks. We’ve had to evaluate all the players, some of which you would have enjoyed watching and become fans of. Unfortunately we need to add to the team and improve upon it, so some of those players aren’t going to be here next year.
    What I would say is that the players we’re bringing in, I think you’ll be really excited to see them and watch them play."</i>
    That was Martin Rennie talking to us <a href="http://www.aftncanada.blogspot.ca/2011/12/martin-rennie-impresses-fans-at.html" target="_blank">back in December</a>.
    Seven months later and it's still as relevant as it was then, and when Rennie says there's still a lot of work to be done to get the Club to where they want it to be, you know that the rebuilding certainly isn't over.
    <p>
    Guest

    Last Man Standing: Week 4

    By Guest, in AFTN,

    34 entered. Only 6 remain.
    Who will be AFTN’s 2012 Last Man Standing?
    Here’s who is left in:
    Chris Withers
    Dirty Sanchez 3
    Footballcoachnl
    Michael McColl (yes, I am trying to win my own competition!)
    Number 4
    Russell Berrisford
    So just to confirm, no-one else can take part this season.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    <b><u>PRIZES:</u></b>
    Since we’re getting near the end of the competition, I thought I’d give you a little sneak peak of the prizes.
    The plan is to award prizes to the top two or three depending how the competition goes. I won’t be winning one of the prizes, just the glory! So there’s five of you battling it out for the goodies.
    We have a Whitecaps set of 2012 Upper Deck trading cards up for grabs, along with a very rare Whitecaps pin from the day that it was announced that the Caps were joining MLS.
    There’s a surprise rare item from the Caps NASL days and some collectors cards from NASL time too. The surprise item is linked to a new feature we’re going to be running next week, so until then we won’t give away what it is.
    There is likely to be a couple of other little things to throw in to the prize pot as well.
    The overall winner will get to pick at least two of the available prizes, then the second place person can pick, then the third will get whatever is left over.
    <b><u>COMPETITION RULES:</u></b>
    For those still in, here’s a recap of the basic rules….
    - Every week we will list the eligible fixtures and you pick one of the teams involved that you think will win.
    - If that team wins, you are through to the next round. If they lose or draw, then you are out of the competition.
    - You will only be able to pick a team once, until you have selected all 19 teams, so choose your weekly selection wisely. You don’t want to be left with the crappy teams playing the top ones if you can help it! He who dares, wins.
    - An exception to the "pick only once" rule will be when you only have a selection(s) left that have bye weeks. In such a scenario, you are free to pick a team you have already selected for that week only.
    - We will be keeping a running tally of who has picked what team.
    - You had to enter the competition in week one. Late entrants cannot join.
    - Selections must be made before the first game of that week kicks off. This time will be clearly laid out.
    - Anyone posting their entry after the first kick off time any week will automatically be knocked out.
    - The thread will be closed for new posts and amendments after the first game has kicked off.
    - Anyone selecting a team they have already selected in a previous week will be disqualified. If you notice you have selected a team you've already picked, you have until the first game kicks off to change it.
    - If you fail to make a selection in time one week, you are automatically eliminated.
    - The competition will run up to, and including, the last weekend of regular season action on October 27th/28th, unless we are down to a winner before then. If there is more than one person still in the competition at that time we may carry it on into the playoffs on a knockout basis. If there are only a handful remaining, we may give prizes to all. This will be entirely up to our discretion, but we will keep you posted. In the unlikelihood that there are loads of people remaining, we may have to carry it into next season.
    - The winner will be the last man/woman standing, who will then have the crown until next season. (Note – there is no actual crown, although if I end up winning I may end up buying myself one, just cos).
    - Prizes are football related memorabilia from over the years, mainly of a Whitecaps nature, so if you don’t want that either don’t enter or sell it on ebay!
    <center>**********</center>
    And here are this week’s nine eligible fixtures for this weekend:
    Real Salt Lake v Vancouver Whitecaps (Fri)
    Toronto v Houston Dynamo (Sat)
    Montreal Impact v New York Red Bulls (Sat)
    Dallas v Los Angeles Galaxy (Sat)
    Sporting KC v Columbus Crew (Sat)
    Colorado Rapids v Seattle Sounders (Sat)
    San Jose Earthquakes v Chicago Fire (Sat)
    Portland Timbers v Chivas USA (Sat)
    Philadelphia Union v New England Revolution (Sun)
    The first game kicks off on <b>Friday night at 6.00pm PDT</b>, so you have until then to enter the competition and make your next pick. Remember who you’ve selected so far!
    Good luck!
    <p>
    Guest
    It was a good result, even if it wasn't a good result.
    A good result would have been a point (or, as some foolishly dared to dream, three) against the reigning World Cup champions in Canada's Olympic opener. On the other hand, a bad result would have been a blowout, the sort of physical and psychological dissection Canada underwent at the hands of France at last summer's World Cup.
    In the end, there was no shame in a one-goal loss to a technically gifted team such as Japan, especially considering how important goal differential could be in the coming week.
    Still, the final score line presents an eerie parallel to the 2011 World Cup. Back then, Canada gave it their all in a valiant 2-1 loss to the host Germans -- but had nothing left for their subsequent games. Can we expect a similar fate to befall Big Red in this tournament?
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The dreamers would give a resounding "no!", while the cynics will surely snap back with an unrepentant "of course". And both sides would have a leg to stand on, after Wednesday's loss to Japan.
    The health of Candace Chapman will have a huge part to play in determining which side is proven correct. The veteran centreback had to be helped off the field late in the match after going down on her own. As of this writing, there's no official word on the nature or severity of Chapman's injury. But losing Chapman's poise and experience on the back line would be a massive blow, particularly with fellow centreback Emily Zurrer also nursing an injury.
    Head coach John Herdman also has a big decision to make in goal, after Erin McLeod got the somewhat-surprising nod against Japan, ahead of Herdman's presumed #1 Karina LeBlanc. A disastrous decision by McLeod -- needlessly coming off her line to play a cross, but missing it -- just before the half gifted Japan with its second goal. A third nearly followed shortly after the break; had Lauren Sesselmann not swooped in to clear off the goal line, we could indeed have seen a repeat of Canada's complete unraveling against France in 2011.
    Instead, we saw some fight from the Canadians. Decent strings of early possession descended into a lot of boot-and-chase once Japan took the lead, but one of the rare exceptions was a bursting run down the right side from Rhian Wilkinson, deftly finished by Melissa Tancredi. With teams knowing to triple-team Christine Sinclair the moment she's near the ball, Tancredi's form will be another massive determinant of Canada's fate, so her finish against Japan should serve as a boost for her and her teammates.
    Canada, unsurprisingly, demonstrated its size and strength advantage on Wednesday, as well as some good defensive organization and awareness, routinely breaking up potential Japanese attacks. Desiree Scott and Sophie Schmidt were, equally unsurprisingly, heavily involved here, while Kaylyn Kyle also put in a good performance. It was just that other part of the game -- y'know, actually getting the ball forward -- where Canada fell flat, either due to a lack of options or poorly played passes.
    Herdman could be forgiven, on the day, if he'd borrowed a well-worn instruction from his men's national team counterpart, Stephen Hart: "Ideas! Ideas!"
    Presumably, Canada will get the chance to showcase a bit more forward-moving flair against the lowly South African side on Saturday. At least, they'd better. If this tournament indeed mirrors last year's World Cup, and Big Red loses its second group-stage game 4-0, then it might be time to ban the sport of soccer in Canada entirely.
    Alright, that's a bit harsh. Maybe.
    But at some point, if this generation of Canadian players is to finally fully prove what they are capable of, good results must become good results. The likes of Sinclair, Tancredi, Wilkinson and Diana Matheson have only a few more years as the core of this squad. While a narrow loss to the world champs may count as a moral victory, moral victories don't win trophies (or medals). The overuse of the phrase "must-win" is a real irritant, but Saturday's showdown with South Africa sure feels like one.
    We believe, of course, that can could win. They can win. They should win. We've felt that way for years.
    By Saturday afternoon, let's hope we're saying they did win.
    And let's, for now, not even consider the alternative.
    .
    Guest

    5-Ring round up: day 0

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Today's Olympic links below the jump:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]Oh, Canada
    Although I’m usually a critic of the fluffy way the team is normally covered, this article is nice.
    It’s the Olympics, colour pieces about how wonderfully Canadian and nice our athletes are, and how they all possess an immeasurable team spirit, are what people want to read. And, the ceeb delivers.
    If you want a bitter take from a bitter man you can always read my theScore piece.
    Yankee watch
    There are many in the USA that are content with the status quo in women’s football. Why mess with what works?
    There are others that see the writing on the wall and realize that the USA cannot rely on physical dominance much longer. They need to step up their technical game or they will be left behind.
    For the latter group, today’s match against France represents a chance to watch the past (USA) of women’s football play the future (France), right at the moment that the two styles are equally as effective.
    The Christian Science Monitor breaks it down.
    Do yourself a favour and try and watch the USA v France game today. It very well could be a gold medal game preview.
    It’s not just about CONCACAF
    Since we know very little about Canada’s next opponent we may as well read a preview of South Africa heading into its game against Sweden
    What about the men?
    Spots and politics aren’t supposed to mix, but they do. To that end, one of the more interesting storylines in the men’s tournament has to be Eqypt.
    You can read a preview of the Egyptian team here.
    Even beyond the geopolitics, Egypt is an enigma – so strong at the African Cup of Nations, yet never having a breakthrough at a world level. Can London be that breakthrough?
    Guest

    5 questions: Canada v Japan

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    CSN looks at five pressing questions heading into Canada v Japan
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]1. Can Sinclair be stopped?
    This is really the only question that Japan has heading into the match. Christine Sinclair is Canada. There is likely no player in the world game more valuable to her team than she is. Bluntly, if Sinclair were to go down with an injury Canada would be touch and go to hold onto its position in the so-called tier 2 teams. Luckily for Canada she’s healthy and on a bit of a roll. Japan, with its smaller sized players, represents the type of team Sinclair can be effective against as well. If Japan does not shut down the big Canadian, they could be ripe for the upset.
    2. Can Canada get the ball?
    Japan plays a highly technical, possession game. Although Canada has evolved a bit from its bad old days of pure boot and chase you can bet that Big Red’s possession stats are going to look like my Grade 12 calculus mark (hint: I’m a writer). Possession can be overrated – if Canada can play a smart counter game it will give itself a chance to win – but it will be imperative for the midfield to step up and stop Japan from getting penetration inside. As well, the wide players need to get themselves into good attacking position quickly to have a chance of getting that elusive ball onto Sinclair’s feet/head.
    3. HOLD THE LINES!
    If Canada is to win today it’s likely going to be a 1-0 score line. They need to be tight at the back and force Japan into wide positions. Unfortunately the team that most plays like Japan in the world is France and we all remember the pure panic Canada played with when they met in Germany. Being solid at the back is more than stopping the initial attack, it’s also about how you deal with the ball after you make the stop. Too often Canada resorts to “icing the puck.” Eventually, you get scored on when you repeatedly give the ball away and wait to be attacked again.
    4. Will someone surprise?
    We all know about Sinclair. The whole world knows about her. If Canada is to be successful it needs a secondary star to break out. Diana Matheson has been a very good player through the years, but it would be a mistake to call her a superstar – here is an opportunity for her to change that. We’ve long heard about the possibility of Jonelle Filigno breaking out – no better time than now. Regardless, someone has to take the pressure off Sinclair because as good as she is she can be stopped by Japan.
    5. Is the head shrunk yet?
    Canada has continued to demonstrate that it is mentally weak. That may be harsh to say, but the evidence is there. When the pressure of a big even is upon them, of late they’ve wilted. John Herdman has had them working with a psychologist. Today we find out if it is working. How they react to the first bit of pressure will be a hint – if they retain shape and play out of the trouble (as they’ve been taught) we have a game on our hands. If they panic and BOOT IT TO HELL OUTTA THERE…bet the over.
    Guest
    You never want to get too ahead of yourself, but Vancouver Whitecaps playoff hopes are looking pretty good right now.
    That will mean extra games, more minutes for players and some squad management may need to come in to play if we want to have our best players in prime post-season shape.
    If that happens, or when injuries or suspensions kick in, the Caps need the fringe players to be able to come in and perform at the level of the player they are replacing.
    But if these players haven’t seen regular playing time at any level, how can they be expected to be fully competitive from the off? Training and adrenalin can only do so much.
    And what of the younger talent? The guys who have stepped up, and who are looking to step up, from the Residency and PDL teams? They’re performing well, but need more development.
    It’s been a key question for a while now and one we’ve discussed before on AFTN.
    We caught up with Whitecaps assistant coach Paul Ritchie after yesterday’s 3-1 Reserve League defeat to Chivas to see how the Club are faring in trying to find a way around the obstacles faced in this regard.
    We spoke to Paul after the first Reserve game of the season about the Whitecaps fringe and young players <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?2993-Caps-Need-More-Games-For-Player-Development" target="_blank">needing more games for their development</a> and it's been hard to make this happen.
    With the PDL and USSDA seasons now over, are there plans for any more games apart from the couple of remaining Reserve outings? If not this year, what about next season?
    <i>"That's something that we've got to look at as an organization and the whole set up in American football, because, for me, it's frustrating because these kids have come here today and they've done well. They didn't look out of place.
    I thought that young Kianz and the rest of them were fantastic.
    It's frustrating that there's not any more games. I don't know where we can get more games. We're trying to arrange friendlies with college teams but they're limited in what they can provide at this time of year because they're on holidays.
    It's something that needs to be addressed. The Reserve League, ten games a season isn't enough. PDL season isn't long enough. And it's hindering the development of these players.
    We need to find something that we can get these boys 25-30 games in a season. I know a few of them played a few games in the PDL. They maybe got up to about 15-16 games, they're not going to play every Reserve League game, so they are struggling to find the games that we need them to do to develop into a player for MLS.
    It's something that we'll continue to look in to and try and do something about over the next 6 or 7 months, because these players have got ability, they've got promise and it's now trying to find an avenue, a pathway for these players to progress as well."</i>
    With players like Russell Teibert, Bryce Alderson and Greg Klazura being on the MLS squad, it's a little bit easier for the Caps to keep tabs on their progress in training.
    It's not ideal, but at least it's something for them.
    The same is true with the top Residency talent that train with the first team and can be seen in a long season of USSDA action.
    For the top guys from the PDL team, it's a little bit more difficult as they will be playing all over the place now that the season is over.
    Three of the standout players for the Whitecaps U23s were James Farenhorst, Cam Hundal and captain Gagan Dosanjh.
    Farenhorst played the whole of yesterday's Reserve game in the centre of defence alongside Carlyle Mitchell and impressed again. Dosanjh came on as a second half sub, and although he only saw eighteen minutes, had some nice touches.
    As the players get set to return to University, are the Whitecaps planning to still keep a close eye on their progress?
    <i>"We have to, and that's the frustrating thing because the way the MLS roster is set up, it's not like back home in Europe where you've got a reserve squad. You're limited to the number of players you can bring in.
    But we will definitely. They were fantastic in PDL. James came in today and was excellent, did not look out of place one bit, and it's difficult because we've got the roster filled at the moment.
    We will keep an eye on them and we will continue to watch their progress. They're part of the Club.
    Hopefully next year they'll do something with the PDL that makes it a slightly longer season because we need to make sure that we keep the local talent involved with the Club.
    I think that's the only way forward.
    The Residency's done great this year. To get to the finals in Houston this week was great. And the PDL have done well too.
    To see them today in the Reserve League, that was a good Chivas team. There was a few first team regulars in there. And the boys didn't look out of place. They competed well and contributed to a good game.
    So we've got to keep an eye on them and hopefully we can find a pathway that allows them to continue with the Whitecaps."</i>
    With a couple of rosters spots remaining open, our hope is that Ben Fisk can be given one of them.
    His stand out week at the USSDA Finals, saw him score seven goals, with two hat-tricks.
    We didn't want to put Paul on the spot too much, but is there a chance that Ben can find his way on to the Whitecaps MLS squad this season or will he have to wait until next year for his shot?
    <i>"That's a difficult one. Ben's done fantastic this year for the Residency. It's one of these ones where he's coming along great,. He's still very, very young and that's the problem we've got is finding the pathway for these players.
    Ben is very much in our thoughts. He's a regular in the Reserves before he went away with the Residency.
    It's something we're thinking about, but we've got to be careful because of the roster spots with locals, and GA's. It's a strange one to know who we're allowed to add.
    Our first priority is the first team and at this moment in time I don't think Ben Fisk would feature in the first team, but at this Reserve team level, and for the future of the Club, he's someone that we've got big hopes for."</i>
    And this makes sense. Adding Ben now wouldn't do anything for the MLS team's playoff hopes per se, and with monetary compensation available for not filling some of the spots, along with what salary he can be offered this season, it may be better to wait.
    All we can hope for is that the Whitecaps can do enough lobbying with both MLS and the USL to have increased Reserves and PDL seasons, and hopefully change the rules around how many homegrown GA's can be added to a squad, for two does not benefit the growth of the game throughout North America and certainly doesn’t do anything for keep the best rising talent here.
    Not every player develops at the same rate of course, and with the limited opportunities for remaining fully within the Whitecaps programs, what does Paul see as the best options for the young guys just now who aren’t quite ready?
    <i>"If you look at the Residency program we've got, and what we're producing, it's right up there with the best in Europe. I got no doubts about that.
    For me, I think you look at college. There's some great programs out there in NCAA. Is that the way for them to go? Some of them yes.
    This year we've took Bryce and we've took Caleb out of the Residency and put them straight onto MLS contracts. If we can get one or two every year, I think the Residency is doing their job.
    And for those that don't make the MLS roster then I think their next stage is to go to college and to continue, football plus education. Then we'll have first rights of refusal on them anyway, so if they progress the way we're hoping they do then they'll come back as a Whitecaps player anyway.
    As I said, it's different from Europe because the college thing plays such a massive part of a kids education here and I still think that's the right thing to do for some of them.
    Not everyone will make the grade. For these kids to have an education is the most important thing for me."</i>
    The college route is still thought of by many as a way to stunt a player’s growth and not aid it.
    But if you don’t want to look overseas, the options are limited and with the general employment market so tough these days, getting an education behind you is the sensible thing to do.
    Something has to change and soon or we risk losing a whole batch of top quality players to the domestic game throughout North America.
    Even worse, we could lose some of them to the game altogether.
    <p>
    Guest
    The Impact's chances of making the playoffs are melting like an ice cream snack at the BBVA Compass Stadium, following a 3-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo.
    Mission impossible? We think so as the team is now seven points late of a playoff date with Chicago holding three games in hand on Jesse Marsch's bunch.
    The drop happens at the coming of a media eclipse with the Olympics followed by the Habs' training camp taking over the front and center scene of Montreal's media in the coming days.
    This week we go to Philly to talk All-Star-Game festivities, transfers and possible trouble for the New York Cosmos. Marc Tougas drops his wish list for the Impact before leaving for the London Olympics and Sophie Drolet tells us how Canada's women can make it to the podium.
    This and more on this week's 45 minute show.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Click here to listen or you can subscribe directly on the Canadian iTunes Store or on Stitcher Radio (www.stitcher.com).
    Guest

    Rules, rumours and the Reds

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    This morning a rumour started filtering through TFC channels on Twitter that a couple under used players were released. Since there is no confirmation, CSN's not going to report the rumour (although it's pretty easy to deduct who is being suggested).
    What we are going to do, however, is use the opportunity to explain what the rules are for releasing players.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Essentially, a team can release any player it wishes by placing them on waivers. That allows other MLS clubs an opportunity to claim them. If claimed, that club then has the rights to that player and takes on his salary.
    If the player is not claimed in 48-hours he's released, but the club that released him maintains his rights unless he qualifies for the MLS re-entry draft.
    However, if the release happens after July 1, the club that releases the player gets NO CAP RELIEF. That player's salary remains on the books for the rest of the year.
    There are only three ways a team can get cap relief by getting rid of a player after July 1. They can release him ON HIS REQUEST (that usually happens when the player has found another club outside of MLS he wants to join), they trade the player to another MLS team, or they can hope the player is claimed off the waiver wire.
    So, TFC fans should be careful in assuming that moving out certain players will help the club sign another player. It's possible, but the circumstances will have to be perfect.
    If they aren't getting cap relief there is very little reason to release a player, even if they aren't playing.
    Guest

    5-Ring round-up: Day -1

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Your first edition of the daily Olympic round-up below the jump:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Oh, Canada...
    “Many of the faces are, by now, familiar. So, too, the increasingly-hollow pre-kickoff voices of burnished optimism”
    A good place to start your morning reading on the Canadian side is the Postmedia profile on John Herdman. For those familiar with the group think of the Carolina Morace era you may find Candace Chapman’s comments jarring.
    "I feel much more prepared than ever before.”
    Apparently the Italian wasn’t the only coach in the world able to lead Canada to better times then. Herdman’s only been in charge 10-months, but those 10-months are more and more illustrating just how toxic Morace was. If you want to point to one solid reason why Canada has a chance to improve on the disaster of Germany it’s right there – they cut off the infected limb.
    (And those that still want to blame the CSA over Morace...how come she isn’t coaching somewhere else yet if she’s so valuable?)
    Yankee watch
    God, Americans are obsessed with college soccer.
    Today’s Yankee Watch looks at the evolution of the USWNT’s roster away from what was nearly an extension of the North Carolina Tar Heels back in the early days.
    It’s an interested illustration if just how popular the game is now in all parts of the U.S. – the only country in the western world where you can make the argument that the women’s national team is more popular and has more influence than the men’s
    It’s not just about CONCACAF!
    It’s not England’s Games, it’s Great Britain’s!
    Cardiff gets the privilege of kicking off the games and the Welsh are very excited. The beer will be flowing on St. Mary Street (it is Wednesday, after all)!
    What about the men?
    In lieu of a link today, my fearless picks for the men’s tournament, which kicks off Thursday.
    Group A
    1. Uruguay
    2. Team GB
    3. Senegal
    4. U.A.E.
    Group B
    1. Switzerland
    2. Mexico
    3. South Korea
    4. Gabon
    Group C
    1. Brazil
    2. Egypt
    3. New Zealand
    4. Belarus
    Group D
    1. Spain
    2. Morocco
    3. Japan
    4. Honduras
    A1 v B2 – Uruguay v Mexico -- Uruguay
    C1 v D2 – Brazil v Morocco -- Brazil
    B1 v A2 – Switzerland v Team GB -- Switzerland
    D1 v C2 – Spain v Egypt – Spain
    Uruguay v Brazil – Uruguay
    Switzerland v Spain – Spain
    Bronze – Brazil v Switzerland – Brazil
    Gold – Spain v Uruguay -- Spain
    Guest
    It is being reported by the De Telegraaph in Holland that Toronto FC has inquried about Dario Cvitanich's services from Ajax.
    In terms of rumours this is as bottom of the barrel as they come. Not only is it mentioned in conjuction with a number of other teams, it is also another one of those 'Dutch connections.'
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Which, unless you've been living under a rock for the past month, you know aren't exactly in a position of power any more in Toronto.
    But, there is only three days left in the transfer window and with the Olof Mellberg deal on life support (and that's being generous) this is what's left out there to speculate about. And, uh, Kevin McKenna is a Canadian and wants to play for a Canadian team still apparently. Allegedly. Almost.
    So, what do you think? Does Toronto make a signing (this or otherwise) by Friday? Or is Mariner's makeover done for now?
    Guest

    Olympic preview: The predictions

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Daniel Squizzato and I have fearlessly (and, perhaps, stupidly) predicted the outcome of the the women’s Olympic tournament. Please do not bookmark this page!
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Squizz
    Group E
    1 - Brazil
    2 - G.B.
    3 - N.Z.
    4 - Cameroon
    Group F
    1 - Japan
    2 - Canada
    3 - Sweden
    4 - S. Africa
    Group G
    1 - U.S.A.
    2 - France
    3. - N. Korea
    4. - Colombia
    QF
    Brazil (E1) def. N. Korea (G3)
    U.S.A. (G1) def. Sweden (F3)
    Japan (F1) def. France (G2)
    Canada (F2) def. G.B. (E2)
    SF
    U.S.A. def. Brazil
    Japan def. Canada
    Bronze
    Canada def. Brazil
    Gold/silver
    Japan def. U.S.A.
    Duane
    Group E
    1 - G.B.
    2 - Brazil
    3 - N.Z.
    4 - Cameroon
    Group F
    1 - Sweden
    2 - Japan
    3 - Canada
    4 - S. Africa
    Group G
    1 - France
    2 - U.S.A.
    3. - N. Korea
    4. - Colombia
    QF
    G.B. (E1) def. N. Korea (G3)
    France. (G1) def. Canada (F3)
    U.S.A (G2) def. Sweden (F1)
    Brazil. (E2) def. Japan (F2)
    SF
    France. def. G.B.
    U.S.A def. Brazil
    Bronze
    G.B. def Brazil
    Gold/silver
    France def. U.S.A.
    Share your predictions in the comments.
    Guest

    Olympic preview: The women's field

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    In Vancouver at the Olympic qualifying tournament the Canadian women talked a great deal about redemption.
    The idea was that beating up on CONCACAF minnows would absolve them of a shocking performance in Germany at the World Cup. It was a nice narrative, but it was premature.
    Doing what they were supposed to do – and that’s all Canada accomplished in Vancouver – does not redeem the national team for the World Cup. Only a good result at the Olympics can.
    The women have two more days to wait before they can start down the path of redemption. In women’s football the Olympic tournament is clearly the second most important event on their calendar. It’s not quite the World Cup, but it’s damn close.
    Canadian Soccer News will provide exhaustive coverage of the tournament. Daniel Squizzato, likely the most informed soccer journalist in Canada on the Canadian women’s team, will be using his talents to cover each of Canada’s games. He’ll have reaction and analysis in his unique and spectacularly partisan voice.
    I will turn my attention to the rest of the field, with particular attention given to our southern neighbours (who make up about 25% of our readership). I will also provide previews of each of Canada’s games and some peripheral coverage of the men’s tournament.
    If you read our coverage during the Olympic qualifying tournament this will look similar.
    If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to read Squizz’ excellent preview of Canada, which was published earlier today. Then come back and read my summary of the rest of the field.
    You’ll find that below the jump:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Group E
    Great Britain
    The hosts are mostly England with the addition of two Scots -- Ifeoma Dieke and Kim Little. Like England, Team GB are perennial dark horses that sit just outside the elite. Some will say that they are the best bet of the tier 2 teams to break into the medals because of the home advantage.
    They will be playing in front of big crowds – 40,000 are expected for their opener against New Zealand – and there will likely never be a better opportunity for the women to break into the public conversation of Britain, a country that still does tend to dismiss the women’s game.
    The biggest question facing the hosts will be the fitness of Kelly Smith. The 33-year-old battled an injury all winter and was touch and go to make the squad. If she’s fit, Team GB has an outside shot at a medal. If not, the hosts will likely be solid, but off the podium.
    New Zealand
    New Zealand is a young and scrappy team that performed above expectations in Germany. Their performance there helped coach John Herdman nail down a bigger job here in Canada – and a 3-0 loss to Canada in the build up demonstrates that it was a promotion – but his legacy continues. This is Herdman’s program, having led it from the fringes to...
    That’s the question. What is New Zealand? Depending on the day they are either the best tier 3 side, or the worst tier 2. Regardless, a medal is not close to being on the cards, but if Team GB or Brazil doesn’t show up on the day the Kiwis can nick a result.
    Realistically, one of the best third place finishers is New Zealand’s best hope.
    Cameroon
    They are there for experience. They are only in the tournament because Equatorial Guinea fielded an ineligible player in its qualifying tie against Cameroon. On the pitch the EQ won 2-0. In the boardroom Cameroon advanced to the final round of qualifying where it defeated Nigeria on penalties.
    Nigeria is a traditional power in Africa women’s football so you’d be foolish to dismiss them outright, but any result at the Games will be considered a success for Cameroon.
    Brazil
    Maybe the biggest enigma in the women’s game, Brazil looks to have all the talent but has yet to capture a major event.
    Reports of Marta being the best women’s player in the world are likely slightly exaggerated (or, at least, slightly less definitive), but she is very good. Along with Christine, Brazil has a great offensive punch and is always dangerous.
    However, they are also a cultural stereotype – all Latin flare, less stuck-in-ness. Without a great deal of support from the federation, Brazil plays an occasionally naive tactical game and relies on street (beach?) learned instincts.
    Canadian fans saw the best and worst of Brazil within seconds of each other last week, when the two teams exchanged stoppage time goals. Sloppy at the back; dangerous going forward.
    A gold medal isn’t out of the question, but going home empty handed isn’t either.
    Group F

    Japan
    The defending World Cup champions. It says it all.
    Or does it?
    It’s pretty much the same team – including Golden Ball winner Homare Sawa – that got hot at the right time and played above expectations in Germany. Heading into Germany, Japan was a borderline tier 1 side that tier 2 teams could step up and beat from time to time. Some seem to forget that.
    Can they repeat the performance of Germany? Lightening rarely strikes twice, but, obviously, a medal favourite.
    Canada
    Squizz has already talked in more detail about the Canucks. I’ll just add that that how Canada reacts psychologically to the Japan game – especially if it doesn’t go well – will tell us a hundred times more than any preview will. This team has struggled with the mental side of the game in the past. Until they get past that they will never truly break through.
    Sweden
    The third place finishers in Germany, Sweden is going through a bit of a re-build. Several stars of last summer are off the roster now, with the team working some new talent through.
    They still have some damn good old talent though. Lotta Schelin and Caroline Seger most notably, which provide a great 1-2 attacking punch.
    Sweden is one of those teams that is always right there. Likely not a gold medal favourite (although it wouldn’t be fall-down-on-the-floor shocking if they did win), they will be in the lesser medal mix.
    South Africa
    Very little is known about South Africa. The team is in its first major tournament and is fielding an almost entirely domestic-based squad.
    They didn’t exactly get by powers to qualify either. Tunisia on penalties and Ethiopia in the final round.
    You have to play the games, but this appears to be, by far, the weakest team in the tournament. With the No 3, No 4 and No 7 ranked teams in its groups -- and all needing to pile on goals to make sure they have a shot at the best third place finish -- it could get ugly.
    Group G
    United States
    They’ve won it three of four times. It’s silly to call the Americans anything other than favourites.
    There are questions though. The collapse of the WPS has likely hurt the Americans more than any other team. Will the lack of club football hurt this team?
    Age? This is a veteran team. Traditionally the American program has relied on older players with a sparkling in of the next generation. This is no difference, with London likely a last chance at glory for warrior Christie Rampone. Is it one tournament too many, or will the emergence of Alex Morgan and former Canadian youth star Sydney Leroux be enough of a counter to that?
    The biggest loss Ali Krieger, who blew out her knee in January. The Americans have the best depth in the competition, but Krieger’s leadership is not replaceable.
    Anything less than gold will be a major disappointment.
    France
    The sexiest darkhorse pick at the tournament.
    For good reason. France plays a pretty game that’s highly technical. Most of the squad plays for the Barcelona of women’s club football, Olympique Lyonnais.
    They are arguably the best team in the world in the middle and up front. Eugenie Le Sommer and Camille Abily are probably the best 1-2 scoring pair in the tournament. This is a very, very dangerous team.
    Except at the back. As much excitement as there is up top, there are questions at the back.
    If France can step up its defensive game then they are a legitimate gold medal contender. They are already a podium contender.
    Colombia
    There is a big drop in quality in South America between Brazil and the rest. Colombia is the best of that rest.
    They lost to Brazil 5-0 in qualifying.
    Still, they have shown that they can play competitively with some of the tier 2 sides – notably they held Canada to just a 1-0 win earlier this month.
    Still, this is a team that is playing for a single result and not much more.
    North Korea
    Who the hell knows? The most secretive country in the world has thrown a lot of money at women’s football and the result has been success at the youth ranks. Canadian fans will find out first hand just how strong they are at the youth events next month in the FIFA u-20s when the two teams share a group.
    That success has not yet translated to the senior side. It seems likely that it will in time.
    Based on the results in Germany (which is about all we can go on) it seems like Canada 2015 is the more likely breakout.
    Guest
    Get your coffees, energy drinks and mugs of yerba mate iced tea ready, because it's nearly that time again. Yes, the Olympic Games are upon us. That special time, every few years, when people around the world unite to express their ephemeral devotion to -- and supposed expertise in -- a wide range of quasi-obscure sporting events, all in the name of nationalism! Yippee!
    And while women's soccer is hardly quasi-obscure in the same way as, say, the modern pentathlon or men's individual epee, most general Canadian sports fans know little about what to expect from our national team beyond a vague notion that "they're pretty good" and have that one who scored even with the mask on, what's her name, Christy something?
    So while much of the following preview won't be especially ground-breaking to those of you who, like me, get up at strange hours and troll through dubious German web feeds to watch Canada play in a perpetual loop of four-nation tournaments, hopefully it's a useful primer for folks looking to hop on board the Big Red bandwagon before London 2012 gets officially underway.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    I've heard we're pretty good. Are we really pretty good?
    Well, yeah, though words like "pretty" and "good" are always subjective. Still, being ranked #7 in the world (which Canada is) doesn't happen by accident, though the pool of nations that devote significant resources and attention to the women's game is relatively quite small. That ranking sits us comfortably among what the Canadian coaches and players refer to as the group of "Tier 2" teams -- strong in the global game, but not quite at the pinnacle.
    Alright, so what kind of competition are we up against at the Olympics?
    Funny you should ask, what with all this talk of tiers. First up, on Wednesday, is Japan -- reigning World Cup champions, ranked #3 in the world and definitely among what we'd call the "Tier 1" squads. On Saturday, a bit of a reprieve, against a largely-unknown South African team (ranked #61). Then, next Tuesday, the likely make-or-break match against the #4-ranked Swedes. We'll leave the detailed breakdowns of those sides for another day, but suffice to say, Canada will need to work very hard to get into the knockout stage.
    So we're not going to cakewalk to a medal, are we?
    No, we're not. Whatever the shiny TV ads may say, whatever you may have heard or vaguely remember, please, do yourself a favour: Don't operate under the assumption that a medal is a sure thing. Or even a very likely thing. Is a semifinal berth achievable? Yes, if things fall nicely into place. But Canada's only been at the Olympics in women's soccer once before, in 2008. The team went out in the quarter-finals.
    How have we been doing lately?
    Canada's played five international friendlies (in addition to matches against local competition during an extended training camp in Vancouver) in the last few months to prepare. A last-minute goal gave them a 1-0 win over China in Moncton on May 30, they fell 2-1 to the #1-ranked U.S.A. in Salt Lake City on June 30, then rattled off wins over Colombia and New Zealand at a warm-up tournament in Switzerland before losing the final match, at the very last moment, to the Brazilians.
    Do you think it's appropriate to be referring to the team as "we"? Isn't that homerism?
    Yup, completely. Welcome to CSN. We don't pretend to be dispassionate observers.
    OK then. So, the team itself. Who are we keeping our eyes on? Does that one player still wear the mask?
    No, except at masquerade parties, I imagine. That's captain Christine Sinclair, who's got 137 career goals for Canada, and will likely retire (one day) as the most prolific goal-scorer in the history of international soccer. Safe to say that most of Canada's offence runs through her -- even when she's not scoring, she's creating chances for teammates, either by drawing defenders or providing assists.
    Sinclair is, far and away, the most important element of any potential success Canada will have. But every team in this competition, and the world, knows this -- and they'll be making adjustments accordingly. What, then, of Canada's secondary offensive options?
    Well, since injuries forced Kara Lang to retire last year, Canada has lacked a consistent scoring threat aside from Sinclair. Melissa Tancredi would be the first choice to step up, and will likely be partnered with Sinclair. Young Jonelle Filigno, long touted as Canada's next big goal-scorer, is still not 100% recovered from an operation on her ankle, although head coach John Herdman said that in recent weeks, she's shown her resilience and competitive fire. Watch for her as a potential game-changer.
    On the other end of the field, thankfully Canada is well-covered with their 1 and 1A options in goal, Karina LeBlanc and Erin McLeod, a pair of long-time national-team veterans. Herdman prefers LeBlanc as his go-to option, although she also picked up a minor ankle injury earlier this year. Expect her to be your starter, though you can also expect McLeod to perform swimmingly if and when she's called upon.
    The back line is anchored by one of Canada's true stalwarts, Candace Chapman. With over 100 caps for the national team, and experience at the 2008 Olympics (including a goal against Argentina), Chapman will be one of the players relied upon for stability. She'll be paired with either Carmelina Moscato or Emily Zurrer, both of whom have more than 50 caps under their belts. Zurrer was left off the roster for the Olympic qualification tournament in January, but has worked her way back into the squad -- she, too, represented Canada at Beijing 2008.
    Herdman has said, and shown, that he prefers fullbacks who are willing to get involved on the attacking side of things. To that end, he's brought Lauren Sesselmann into the Canadian program and made her a regular starter, though a nagging knee injury she picked up at the qualification tournament is an ongoing concern. Her counterpart on the other side of the pitch is likely to be Rhian Wilkinson, another Canadian veteran who -- like Sesselmann -- has played several different positions during her career.
    The midfield will, barring any surprises, consist of Diana Matheson, Sophie Schmidt, Desiree Scott and Kaylyn Kyle. Schmidt and Scott have both emerged as rugged, determined ball-winners, giving Matheson the freedom to distribute and create on the offensive side of things. Schmidt and Matheson are Canada's providers on set pieces, though Matheson is also still recovering from surgery, and has deferred much of that set-piece responsibility to Schmidt in recent games.
    Seems like a pretty experienced squad.
    Indeed, the vast majority of the team has experience from the 2008 Olympics -- and perhaps that's what needed in a tournament of this magnitude. Herdman has brought in a sports psychologist to work with players on the mental side of the game, while also creating a formalized leadership structure within the team, empowering some of the veteran players to take control (and responsibility) within the side.
    That sounds well and good, but what will it actually mean for the team, once they get out there and play?
    The only way to find out is to wait and see. It all gets going on Wednesday. As they say in the TV biz, check local listings.
    .
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