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    Guest
    Long Balls spent enough time slinking around university pubs to know a thing or two about unfulfilled flirtations. So we start with a nod to imposing Canadian target man Olivier Occean, who has developed a habit of starting his European club seasons on a bit of a flier.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    No, Occean didn't score this weekend for his new club Greuther Fürth in the German second division, but he did provide an assist in a 2-1 victory over MSV Duisburg. He has so far banged in five goals in seven 2.Bundesliga matches, a return almost as impressive as his seven goals in his first seven matches of last season's 3.Bundesliga campaign with Kickers Offenbach.
    Come in the German lower divisions they may, but numbers like these stir the loins of Canada supporters, much in the same manner as the girls that may or may not have been smiling in Long Ball's direction many years ago. Unfortunately Occean has wrought more disappointment than payoff in a Canada jersey, with only 2 goals from 19 caps. This includes two displays of uninspired lumbering against Ukraine and Greece last winter.
    Stephen Hart must now decide whether to include Occean in the Canada squad that plays St. Lucia and Puerto Rico in October. In fairness to Occean, Canada's strike force is filled with players who raise expectations with their clubs only to falter with Canada, such as Rob Friend, Simeon Jackson and to some extent even Josh Simpson.
    Case in point. In Turkey, Simpson scored an 88th-minute equalizer for Manisaspor against Trabzonspor on the weekend, after coming on as a second-half sub. That's one appearance, one goal for Simpson this season. Teammate and fellow Canadian Mike Klukowski played 90 minutes at leftback.
    One appearance, one goal. Ditto for Rob Friend, who opened his 2.Bundesliga account with Eintracht Frankfurt in a 3-3 draw with Energie Cottbus. The same Energie Cottbus that employs Adam Straith, if you remember him. Straithy, as Long Balls has just chosen to nickname him, came on as a 62nd minute sub in the match for his third appearance of the season.
    Simeon Jackson sat on the bench as Norwich fell 1-0 to West Brom. He remains stuck at a lowly six Premier League minutes. However, the Canadian speedster did manage to earn mention in the Guardian under the “Five things we learned from the Premier League this weekend” section. One thing we apparently learned was that Norwich lacks pace and that it’s time to let Jackson do his thing. Also, Sky Sport hints (barely) at the fact Paul Lambert will have to rotate his Norwich squad eventually, and Jackson says he is happy to wait his turn.
    Marcel de Jong is still feeling the effects of a slight knee "knock" and didn’t play for Augsburg over the weekend.
    The really bad news concerns Atiba Hutchinson. Apparently he aggravated a previous knee injury while playing for Canada against St. Lucia earlier this month and will have to undergo surgery. PSV Eindhoven coach Fred Rutten is "...afraid [he'll] lose him for awhile," whatever the heck that means.
    It's not disastrous news from a strictly Canada perspective, considering the first round of qualifying is going well already and advancement should be secured easily without Hutchinson. However, Long Balls worries that at 28-years of age, a long-term injury layoff could send Hutchinson spiraling into the same kind of permanent funk that seems to have enveloped his midfield compatriot Julian de Guzman. The next round of World Cup qualifying doesn't begin until June, but Canada will need Hutchinson at his best, not with his best days trailing behind him.
    In better news, Canada's sudden new saviour at rightback David Edgar has started three of Burnley's five Championship matches. He was named player of the match for Saturday's 2-0 loss to Middlesbrough by the Clarets Mad supporters group, although as the website notes: such was the performance that the man of the match recorded its lowest number of votes this season, by far... Whatever, it's simply good news that Edgar is back to playing.
    And finally. It slipped us by so far, but Canadian keeper Haider Al-Shaibani has finally broken through with Nimes after wallowing on their bench for two seasons. The problem is that Nimes now plays in the French third division. Yes, the 27-year-old Al-Shaibani has six starts in six matches, but unfortunately for him he is no longer playing at the required level to be seriously considered part of the Canadian keeper pool. And that's saying something.
    Guest

    Sinclair resting, or Sinclair snub?

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    As the old adage says, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. Canadian women’s national team fans had best hope that’s the case with Christine Sinclair’s decision to skip this month’s friendly games with the United States.
    Sinclair tweeted that she needed the break after a long WPS season and three and out World Cup appearance in Germany. Notably, several other players that were involved in the long preparation camp in Italy did answer the call.
    No one should begrudge Sinclair the break, but it would be foolish to ignore the timing of the move. Having never turned down an invitation to the national team set-up before, she chose the first appearance by new coach John Herdman to stay away.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK] Sinclair was one of the most vocal supporter’s of former coach Carolina Morace and has been one of the loudest critics of the Canadian Soccer Association. Could her decision also be a quiet protest about how the Morace situation played out? There are crazier ideas.
    Regardless, Sinclair did say that she would be an eager participant in the Olympic qualifying tournament in Vancouver in January. With only two CONCACAF teams qualifying to London, that tournament likely represents the most important soccer Sinclair will play in until next summer.
    The full roster for the two game series with the USA is as follows:
    GK- Justine Bernier - University of Alabama
    GK- Stephanie Labbé - Piteå IF
    GK- Karina LeBlanc - magicJack
    GK- Erin McLeod - Dalsjöfors G.o.I.F.
    CB- Lexi Marton - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    CB- Emily Zurrer - Dalsjöfors G.o.I.F.
    FB- Melanie Booth - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    FB- Robyn Gayle - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    FB- Lauren Sesselmann - Atlanta Beat
    FB- Rhian Wilkinson - Lillestrøm SK Kvinner
    M- Kaylyn Kyle - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    M- Diana Matheson - Lillestrøm SK Kvinner
    M- Carmelina Moscato - Piteå IF
    M- Kelly Parker - Atlanta Beat
    M- Tina Romagnuolo - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    M- Jaclyn Sawicki - University of Victoria
    M- Sophie Schmidt - magicJack
    M- Desiree Scott - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    M- Diamond Simpson - Hamilton FC
    M- Chelsea Stewart - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    F- Christina Julien - Ottawa Fury
    F- Melissa Tancredi - Piteå IF. Diana Matheson will likely fill the role of captain in Sinclair’s absence.
    Guest

    Atiba Hutchinson may be out long term

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    SkySports is reporting that Canadian international and PSV Eindhoven midfielder Atiba Hutchinson might have to undergo knee surgery, his second operation since getting injured during last June's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
    Hutchinson went under the knife about three months ago, and just returned to action with PSV prior to the recent international break. The 28-year-old was a surprise inclusion in Stephen Hart's roster for Canada's first two World Cup qualifying matches, after Hart had stated numerous times that he expected to be without his star central midfielder for at least the beginning stages of the current round of WCQ.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    It seems as though Hutchinson was brought back into the national team fold too soon, as he re-aggravated the injury in Canada's match versus St. Lucia in Toronto in September 2, and did not participate in game at Puerto Rico four days later.
    It's safe to say that Hutchinson will not be called upon for the next two matches for Canada -- Oct. 7 at St. Lucia and Oct. 11 versus Puerto Rico at BMO Field -- and if he has to undergo another surgery, he likely won't be seen by Canadian supporters until next year.

    Rudi Schuller contributes Toronto FC and Canadian national team content to the 24th Minute. He manages the Euro File here at Canadian Soccer News, and is MLSsoccer.com's beat writer for all things concerning Canada's men's national teams. Follow Rudi on Twitter, @RudiSchuller.
    Guest
    A year later and the smell is almost gone. As Ben Rycroft detailed earlier today, this is the one year anniversary of the firing of Mo Johnston and Preki.
    A lot has changed since that faithful and overdue day. Not including academy graduates, only four players remain – Stefan Frei, Julian de Guzman, Ty Harden and Milos Kocic – from Mo’s time with the club. It seems likely that number may drop further in the off-season.
    In a league that rewards teams that keep their core together for years, it’s a troubling statistic, but given Johnston’s spotty resume at talent evaluation and bizarre habit of paying players roughly ten times (give or take) what they were worth, it was likely required.
    The question on most TFC fans a year later is, is the club better off now though?
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Undoubtedly.
    And, that actually has little to do with the management team lead by Aron Winter. TFC is infinitely better off today because it no longer has a 210-ish lbs Scottish anchor hanging off it. Johnston might be the worst MLS manager of all time. No hyperbole. He lived off the reputation of one fluke draft pick - Jozy Altidore – with New York and that he didn’t screw up the first overall pick in the draft a couple times (when that pick was a consensus No 1). Combine that with his charm – he must have been an impressive figure for the soccer virgin MLSE management that hired him – and you can understand how he got hired in 2006.
    What makes no sense is that he wasn’t fired at the end of 2009. Keeping Johnston around for that extra ¾ of a season has harmed this team in ways that cannot be overstated. That’s on MLSE.
    That’s the biggest question of all. Has MLSE learned for the mistake of Johnston and put safeguards in place that will allow them to get rid of cancers before it’s too late? Who is evaluating Winter and what confidence do we have that they are qualified to do so?
    I’m not sure it’s possible to answer that question.
    So, maybe there is still some lingering odor after all.
    Guest

    Mourning MoJo

    By Guest, in It's Called Football,

    One year ago today, at approximately 1:12 pm, Toronto FC fans suffered a terrible loss when then General Manager Mo Johnston was taken from us suddenly.
    The shock sent ripples through the soccer community here and many struggled to come to grips with what life would be after the man they called 'MoJo.' Some other guy was also lost that day. I can't recall his name.
    Known for his quick decisions and willingness to give any player a try - there was a large number that he opened his heart and Toronto's paycheque too - he embodied what football's five year plan is all about. He gave generously and always had time for the media. His ability to spot talent on the pitch was only rivaled by his ability to spot talent at the bars.
    And so revered were his opinions by MLSE, it is said, that even after his sad departure, MLSE executive Tom Anselmni reached out (I have to assume by psychic means) to ask what Mo's opinions were of where they should go next. A fitting bookend to a man who given so much to this club.
    A quiet man, so much was never told about the Mo Johnston era.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Today, we encourage you to share your memories of the Scotsman and help us all get past the dark grief that has hung over this city for the last year.
    Guest
    In a long and trying season such as 2011, all associated with TFC need to enjoy every little victory and advantage they can get.
    Last Saturday, the Reds created history for themselves when they finally removed that massive monkey off their back and defeated the Columbus Crew. And they did so in style, thoroughly bossing the match in the opening 45 minutes and then holding on in the second half for arguably the most complete victory Toronto have ever put together outside of the Canadian Championship.
    Now, they look to take the momentum from that win and apply it to a crucial CONCACAF Champions League match in Mexico City against Pumas UNAM.
    Or rather, against their kids.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Pumas have decided that instead of taking the continental championship seriously, they're going to use the six matches as a training ground for some of their more promising teenagers and reserves. It's a strategy that MLS teams have been lambasted for in the past, yet the Mexican side are steadfast in their stance.
    It would almost be seen as an arrogant move if their results -- both in the CCL and in the early goings of the Mexican Apertura -- weren't so deplorable. Pumas are currently mired in a seven-game winless streak in all competitions, including a 4-0 drubbing at Queratéro over the weekend.
    Perhaps even more embarrassing for Pumas is the 0-0 draw versus Tauro FC they had to settle for in the previous CCL matchday, which allowed the Panamanian side to remain ahead of them on the Group C table.
    With all of the crappy results, one would think that Pumas would look to turn things around by bringing in some reinforcements from the 'A' squad* and putting the boots to the visiting Canadian team on Wednesday night, right?
    Not so, says Pumas coach Guillermo Vazquez. The Mexico City side will continue to use their youngsters, believing that they will gain valuable experience and much needed high-level match time from these games.
    This is nothing but good news for Toronto, who really have nothing else to play for than advancement from the CCL group. It's clear that Aron Winter's side are improving, and a berth in the knockout stages will help quantify that.
    That said, even a win against Pumas' kids is a tough ask, especially in Mexico. They gave a very good FC Dallas team a decent game in Matchday One of the competition, and will aim to do the same against TFC.
    The Pumas youngsters are very talented, but more importantly they are hungry and eager to show that they deserve a spot with the big squad. A win against the visitors would go a long way towards accomplishing that goal.
    Toronto, on the other hand, will have to use their experience advantage to make sure that doesn't happen.
    * Pumas can only add five more players to their CCL roster, as 25 spots have already been claimed in the list given to CONCACAF prior to the group stage kicking off.

    Pumas UNAM v. Toronto FC
    Wednesday, September 14, 2011. 8:00pm EDT.
    Estadio Olimpico Universitario. Mexico City, Mexico.
    Watch: GolTV Canada, CONCACAF TV (registration required)
    Listen: FAN590.com
    Rudi Schuller contributes Toronto FC and Canadian national team content to the 24th Minute. He manages the Euro File here at Canadian Soccer News, and is MLSsoccer.com's beat writer for all things concerning Canada's men's national teams. Follow Rudi on Twitter, @RudiSchuller.
    Guest
    John Herdman's first look at what he's got with the Canadian women's national team -- in a pair of friendlies against the U.S. on Sept. 17 and 22 -- will include some familiar faces, and some fresh ones. As noted on CSN on Monday, captain Christine Sinclair will be absent, resting up as she is for January's Olympic qualifiers, while veteran defender Candace Chapman will also voluntarily sit out.
    Still, the squad includes a pair of players with over 100 caps for Canada (Diana Matheson and Rhian Wilkinson), but also a number of relative newcomers, including 2010 U17 player of the year Diamond Simpson.
    Here is the full 22-woman roster for training camp:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    GK- Justine Bernier | USA / University of Alabama
    GK- Stephanie Labbé | SWE / Piteå IF
    GK- Karina LeBlanc | USA / magicJack
    GK- Erin McLeod | SWE / Dalsjöfors G.o.I.F.
    CB- Lexi Marton | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    CB- Emily Zurrer | SWE / Dalsjöfors G.o.I.F.
    FB- Melanie Booth | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    FB- Robyn Gayle | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    FB- Lauren Sesselmann | USA / Atlanta Beat
    FB- Rhian Wilkinson | NOR / Lillestrøm SK Kvinner
    M- Kaylyn Kyle | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    M- Diana Matheson | NOR / Lillestrøm SK Kvinner
    M- Carmelina Moscato | SWE / Piteå IF
    M- Kelly Parker | USA / Atlanta Beat
    M- Tina Romagnuolo | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    M- Jaclyn Sawicki | CAN / University of Victoria
    M- Sophie Schmidt | USA / magicJack
    M- Desiree Scott | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    M- Diamond Simpson | CAN / Hamilton FC
    M- Chelsea Stewart | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC
    F- Christina Julien | CAN / Ottawa Fury
    F- Melissa Tancredi | SWE / Piteå IF
    Romagnuolo, Sawicki and Sesselmann are making their first trips with the senior national team. Said Herdman in a release: "We will start to lay the foundation for a fresh start ... We will have a look at our pool of players as well as some of the young players."
    Some initial points of interest:

    Four keepers? Really? Surely this is simply so Herdman can get a look at them in training and assess who his #1 is going forward (and it's poised to be a fierce three-way battle between the two vets, McLeod and LeBlanc, and the upstart Labbe). Unless, of course, there's a plan for one of them to sacrifice themselves early by propelling their skull directly into Abby Wambach's nose.
    A bit surprised not to see Josee Belanger in the lineup. Her World Cup 2011 dreams were derailed by an injury, but she showed plenty of promise during last year's Gold Cup and could give Canada another good option up front or on the wings. (She's got a not-too-shabby strike rate of five goals in 11 games for her country.) Of course, there's the possibility that (unbeknownst to me) she is still injured or other issues have presented themselves.
    Though it's really just a ceremonial piece of fabric that has no significant influence on the game, I'm curious to see who wears the captain's armband in Sinclair's absence. If it's anyone other than Matheson, I'll be surprised. If it's anyone other than Matheson not named "Wilkinson", I'll be flabbergasted.
    Carmelina Moscato's inclusion just reminds me of something I never got to bring up during the tournament: At the World Cup, FIFA's on-screen roster always listed her simply as "MOSCATO", while everyone else got a first and last name. Perhaps she filed the Brazilian single-nickname paperwork without anyone knowing.
    As mentioned, Simpson is the reigning U17 women's player of the year, and featured at last year's U17 Women's World Cup... so she's probably the newest "young player bursting onto the women's national team scene" as was Kara Lang many moons ago, and as was, till recently...
    ... hey yeah, where's Jonelle Filigno? Hitting the books at Rutgers (it's back to school time, don't ya know) would be my guess.

    The friendlies are on Saturday at Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City at 6 p.m. CT, (4 p.m. PT, 7 p.m. ET) and next Thursday at Jeld-Wen Field in Portland at 8 p.m. PT (11 p.m. ET). No word yet on any broadcast of the game, but I'd advise you not to hold your breath on that one.
    Any thoughts on the roster, you fine people?
    .
    Guest

    Latest MLS player salaries

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    The MLS Players Union quietly released the league's player salaries recently, and there are some surprising numberrs in there for Canadian fans who care about such things.
    Firstly, it appears that -- for 2011, at least -- Torsten Frings will pull in less than fellow Toronto FC newcomer Danny Koevermans. Both are still below Julian de Guzman, who continues to lead all TFC players (and all Canadian MLSers) with just under $2 million in guaranteed compensation.
    On the Vancouver front, Gambian DP Mustapha Jarju makes a little less than half of Eric Hassli's paycheque (and less than DC's non-DP Dwayne De Rosario), while long-ago-released defender Mouloud Akloul is still somehow listed in the most recent salary publication.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Below are the salaries (guaranteed compensation) of the new players (since the previous MLSPU list) on each of the two Canadian MLS teams, as well as a listing of all Canadians elsewhere in the league.
    For the full MLSPU list, click here.
    New Toronto FC player salaries:
    Eric Avila - $133,000.00
    Torsten Frings - $1,113,662.67
    Leandre Griffit - $55,000.00
    Andy Iro - $87,346.00
    Ryan Johnson - $131,250.00
    Danny Koevermans - $1,413,319.33
    Peri Marosevic - $129,000.00
    Dasan Robinson - $100,000.00
    Eddy Viator - $101,875.00
    New Vancouver Whitecaps player salaries:
    Mustapha Jarju - $426,883.00
    Peter Vagenas - $48,000.00
    Other Canadian MLSers salaries:
    Ante Jazic (CHV) - $123,500.00
    Josh Janniere (COL) - $32,604.00
    Edson Edward (DAL) - $42,000.00
    Dwayne De Rosario (DC) - $493,750.00
    Dejan Jakovic (DC) - $201,643.00
    André Hainault (HOU) - $148,125.00
    Will Johnson (RSL) - $225,000.00
    Nana Attakora (SJ) - $45,000.00

    Rudi Schuller contributes Toronto FC and Canadian national team content to the 24th Minute. He manages the Euro File here at Canadian Soccer News, and is MLSsoccer.com's beat writer for all things concerning Canada's men's national teams. Follow Rudi on Twitter, @RudiSchuller.
    Guest
    Today, we're joined by an Englishman who has tossed aside his interest in league football there, to dive headlong into becoming an MLS supporter. Oddly enough, he’s chosen Toronto. We’ll talk to Jimmy Stone about that and his observations on our little league.
    We'll also get into NYRB's massive ticket price increase and what it could mean for the rest of the league, MLS looking to sell off its stake in SUM and how the Trillium Cup is suddenly the most important trophy in the history of all trophies...
    The archived show is now up.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    <embed src="http://itscalledfootball.podhoster.com/FlowPlayerLight.swf?config={embedded:true,videoFile:'http://itscalledfootball.podhoster.com/download/2540/25744/sept132011final.mp3',initialScale:'scale',controlBarBackgroundColor:'0x778899',autoBuffering:false,loop:false,autoPlay:false}" width="400" height="25" scale="fit" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>
    Follow Jimmy Stone on Twitter
    Guest
    With Canada’s first two World Cup qualifying matches safely in the bag, armchair managers from coast to coast can throw up their legs and rehash the proceedings in their minds’ eyes. Manager Stephen Hart has already indicated there will be roster changes ahead but was unsurprisingly reluctant to say exactly which ones.
    So who plays where when Canada reconvenes on October 7 to face Saint Lucia? For a squad lacking quality depth at almost every position it is bizarre that one of the most difficult selection choices may involve how best to fit the guy who's regularly playing club football at the highest level.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Where and how does Marcel de Jong fit back into the lineup if he's available? Mike Klukowski has fallen somewhat from the pedestal he occupied when he was named to the all-tournament team at the 2009 Gold Cup. He’s since moved from Belgium to Turkey, where he plays with Josh Simpson at Manisaspor, but many supporters still view him as Canada’s best leftback going forward.
    Yes, leftback. The position Marcel de Jong plays with his Bundesliga outfit Augsburg. The eternal argument about whether a manager should make the players fit the system or vice versa aside, can Canada really afford to omit a guy playing every week in the German top flight from its starting eleven?
    I can offer two obvious solutions. Play de Jong at leftback and move Klukowski over to to the right of defence. But this requires deploying Klukowski out of position, and besides, David Edgar played pretty well out on the right against Puerto Rico last week.
    There’s also the option of using de Jong in a defensive midfield role. He’s played there for Canada in the past (as well as out on the left of midfield). A solid midfield base made up of some combination of Julian de Guzman, Will Johnson, Terry Dunfied and de Jong frees up Atiba Hutchinson to become more involved in the attack, where many Canada supporters want to see him anyway.
    Two possible solutions, neither perfect, to fit de Jong most effectively back into the lineup. Wouldn't it be nice if Canada's regular Bundesliger were a keeper? Or a target man that actually scores? A false nine? A bona-fide wideman?
    Of course, like all problems the issue of where to stick de Jong may simply end up solving itself. A quick check of the records shows that the last time Hart was forced to incorporate both players in the same lineup was in a couple of friendlies at the end of 2009. And it was de Jong who played in midfield at that time.
    Throughout 2010 and the early part of this year one of the two was always out of the Canada picture due to injury or family commitments. When Hart finally had both players again available for selection against the U.S. at the Gold Cup this June he started de Jong at leftback where he performed less-than-stellarly and suffered a serious injury. Thus Klukowski was called in to service for the final two games of that ill-fated tournament.
    Time to channel your inner Stephen Hart. Do Klukowski's abilities on offensive and the natural link-up play he should offer with clubmate Josh Simpson on the left make him Canada's starter in that position? Would sticking de Jong in the centre of midfield where he can utilize his defensive strengths solve the problem adequately?
    Guest
    Like the popular snack mix, I'm going to break down these news hits into the flavoured Shreddie (the best part), the Cheerio (you never see it coming), the pretzel (you've got to acknowledge it, like it or not) and that cheese-stick thing (what the hell is it?).
    The Shreddie: Goals, goals and additional goals!
    After the men's national team scored seven goals in two games in its first two World Cup qualifiers (the level of competition was as stiff as an overcooked bowl of spaghetti, but beggars can't be choosers), Canadians continued bulging the ol' onion bag over the weekend for their clubs. Many saw Julian de Guzman's marker for Toronto FC (how nice it is that the "he'll never score for Toronto" era is disappearing in the rear view mirror, eh?), but you may not yet have seen Josh Simpson's dramatic final-minutes equalizer for Manisaspor:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhtcOof4LUc#t=1m13s
    Not only that, Rob Friend bagged his first goal for Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2.Bundesliga and former Whitecap Randy Edwini-Bonsu (21 years old, 1 national-team cap)
    in the Finnish league, bringing his total to 10 goals in 15 games for the club. For those curious about the Finnish league, newly anointed Canadian super-sub Tosaint Ricketts was a member of MyPa in Finland up until 2010, while current FC Edmonton goalkeeper David Monsalve (22 years old, 1 national-team cap) won the Finnish title with Inter Turku in 2009.
    The Cheerio: Bundle up with a nice bowl of Canadian soccer
    After having been perpetually peppered with the same question from reporters, time after time ("What do you think of the crowds? Why don't more people come to watch Canada play? How can you get them to do it?"), men's national team head coach Stephen Hart decided to just say something different on a media call last week, simply because he'd run out of answers (as he admitted to Nigel Reed on The Soccer Show).
    Hence, the "taste the soup" meme was born.
    Members of the Voyageurs capitalized on the saying, with long-time member strobe_z unveiling a special design:

    Plans are also in the works for a banner to be displayed at the next Canada home game on Oct. 11 to confirm -- as if there were any doubt -- that the most fervent supporters of Canadian soccer are wholeheartedly offbeat.
    Of course, the meaning of "taste the soup" is getting people out to fill the stands and support the national team. So if you haven't done so yet, nab your tickets and bring an armload of friends.
    The Pretzel: She's not taking a break, she's... uh, oh wait, she is. #ChristineSinclair
    Women's national team captain -- and future medical mask spokesperson -- Christine Sinclair confirmed via Twitter on Monday that she will be skipping Big Red's two upcoming friendlies against the United States (the first of which is this Saturday in Kansas City).
    Can't argue with the logic, I suppose, when it comes to someone with 162 caps and 117 goals. No need to risk injury when the Pan Am Games* and Olympic qualifiers are coming up in the next few months. Plus, it will give newly-minted head coach John Herdman a chance to take a look at an array of players, to see exactly what he has at his disposal. As for Sinclair, methinks he's already got a pretty good idea of what to expect.
    For those looking to "taste the soup" out west, grab your tickets to the Olympic qualifying tournament in January at B.C. Place in Vancouver, being sold through the Southsiders.
    *"What are the Pan Am Games, you ask?" Oh, just the splendid international sporting tournament that Toronto will host in 2015, a large reason why there won't (barring some unexpected change) be any Women's World Cup matches contested at our "national soccer stadium". Yeah, that one.
    The Cheese Stick: Where can I buy one?!
    You'll recall that the description of this portion of Bits and Bites is "what the hell is it?" With that in mind, occasionally I plunk "Canada soccer" or some similar phrase into Google image search to see what comes up. Mostly the results are what you'd expect: players, game action, fans, flags. But then you sometimes get a result like this:

    If you can get the "Taste The Soup" pic embroidered on the back, I think we have our new warmup gear.
    .
    Guest

    Sober Second Thoughts: TFC wins the double

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    It’s not about the silly cup. It’s not even really about the three points. Yesterday’s historic 4-2 win over Columbus was about something far more precious than either of those things. For many TFC fans it was a respite from the frustration, a slice of joy in an otherwise bleak season.
    For 90 minutes it felt like old times (sad that a 5-year-old team already has “old times” but it’s the case). TFC mattered and, more importantly, there was something that you could look at and find hope. Before the game Aron Winter said that the game would be a bit of a preview of what to expect from the Reds in 2012 – a subtle acknowledgment to the painfully obvious fact that there will not be playoffs at BMO Field for a fifth straight year – and the early returns are....alright.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Just alright – the back is still a train wreck -- but they were full measure for the win. In the first half especially the Reds were truly bossing the game against a team that is allegedly the best in the east. The rest of the conference isn’t going to become world beaters overnight so it’s not unreasonable to suggest that a couple tweaks are all that TFC needs to be competitive.
    But, those discussions are for another day. Today is time to reflect on a game that made Reds fans smile, sing and generally rediscover the reasons why they care. At the Duke of Gloucester pub in downtown Toronto a group of about 50 TFC fans stood up and sang for the last 10 minutes of the game. That was the norm back in 2007-2008, but has been rare in recent days. I’m sure there were similar scenes at other TFC pubs in the city.
    Happiness matters and last night TFC fans were happy – not because they won a tin trophy or beat a team they had never beaten before but rather because their team made them feel good.
    Toronto fans can be a cynical bunch. No one was cynical last night. No one should be. I mean, after all, we just won a double.
    Guest

    Site update

    By Guest, in It's Called Football,

    Canadian Soccer News underwent a serious attack yesterday. No permanent damage was done. We have identified the problems that were being exposed but we have had to change some of the priorities and permissions regarding comments while we close the holes.
    If you are having trouble commenting, please bear with us as this is a short term inconvenience and regular permissions will return shortly.
    Thank you,
    Ben Rycroft
    Canadian Soccer News
    Editor in Chief
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    Guest
    Today, we're joined by Adrian Cann to discuss about his long road to recovery, talk about how he's thought the club has done this year and to look at what his future is in Toronto.
    We'll also setup the storylines for Toronto v Columbus, talk about what BC Place will do for the Whitecaps experience and ponder the philosophical implications of 'Taste the Soup.'
    The archived show is now up.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    <embed src="http://itscalledfootball.podhoster.com/FlowPlayerLight.swf?config={embedded:true,videoFile:%27http://itscalledfootball.podhoster.com/download/2540/25685/sept92011final.mp3%27,initialScale:%27scale%27,controlBarBackgroundColor:%270x778899%27,autoBuffering:false,loop:false,autoPlay:false}" width="400" height="25" scale="fit" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>

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    Guest

    The Crew! (Yawn…)

    By Guest, in Onward Soccer,

    Today’s Onward! is directed mostly to those very-smart MLS fans in the States, who are hyped, hopped and ever-so-curious about how out-of-our-skulls excited us reckless, ravenous TFC fans must be over Saturday’s imminent renewal of the Great Greater Great Lakes frenetic footballing fiesta that is Toronto FC's rivalry with Your! Columbus! CREW!!!!
    So, in friendly interest of fanning the flames of such fond, fluffy fol-di-rol, I would like to offer two timely, heart-felt utterances:
    What rivalry?
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Sure, it started well. Over 3000 red nutters made an epic trek to the Ohio capital for the 2008 opener. A big crowd went in ’09, as well, but after one of them tore up a railing in the south end of Crew stadium, the city of Columbus sent twenty squad cars tearing down, tasering and arresting a grand total of – one Toronto fan.
    Since then, no TFC fan group has organized another trip down there. It’s unlikely they will, until it’s a playoff game – and when has Toronto FC ever been in the playoffs?
    Things can seem like rivalries, when really they aren’t. Yeah, the fans have it in for each other – bloggers, too. But what really makes a rivalry cook is the actual game on the pitch. And here, well, it’s all been pretty drab and bland, hasn’t it?
    The simple fact is, Toronto FC have never defeated the Columbus Crew. It’s been nothing but draws and defeats, and really after a while, that gets kind of numbing. Deadening, even.
    The Crew is seen as a tepid little squad with yellow shirts and a Village-People logo that can never, ever lose to Toronto. And things aren’t a whole lot of fun if you’re actually down there wearing a red shirt, so honestly why go?
    Some will, certainly. There’ll almost always be a couple of hundred die-hard Toronto road warriors who make the effort. But the days of organized passion up here having anything to do with the United States between Pennsylvania and Michigan are done.
    I understand this will come as a bit of a head-scratcher Stateside. How can this now be a rivalry? There’s even a nice little trophy presented every season to the head-to-head winner.
    You know how bleacher creatures at Chicago’s Wrigley Field throw back home-run balls hit against their beloved Cubs? I’m pretty sure that’s how TFC fans would react, if Our Reds ever actually beat Columbus a couple of times, and tried to pass that meaningless mug to the die-hard regulars in the South End.
    This may shock you, America, but the Houston Dynamo are a better TFC rival than Columbus. Houston usually has at least one Canadian international in the line-up, and there have been some cracking matches along the way – a couple of which Toronto has actually won.
    Late in season five of the Toronto FC adventure, Columbus away feels more like a dreary obligation than a Match Of The Season!!!!!!!
    So, excuse us if we’re a little quiet on the subject. Never question the passion and commitment of the few Toronto fans who will make the trip on Saturday. But neither underestimate the indifference and apathy to the whole Ohio experience of a significant number of the rest.
    Onward!
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