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    Guest
    If you’re scoring at home, the tally is now Toronto FC 1, Vancouver Whitecaps 1.
    The game, of course, is most-players-lobbed-out-of-games-for-excessive-goal-celebration. Eric Hassli, at home against New England for the ‘Caps, and now young Tony Tchani for the Reds, for doing a Lambeau Leap into the North End Elite after scoring his first goal for the club, whilst already under a yellow card.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]A dubious yellow, at that. Tchani got singled out after an impromptu round of shove-love with several of the Columbus Crew, on the sidelines in the 36th minute. Javier Martina seemed to be far more involved, but it was Tchani who stopped the card.
    I’m not all that seriously questioning the excessive celebration call. But there’s been some howling inconsistency. So far this year, I’ve seen several happy MLSers leap into the fans after scoring. The letter of the law certainly discourages such acts of transparent joy and fan-base building, but it would be very helpful all ‘round if we could have some consistency.
    It’s hard enough to score goals in this league, without having to guess about the post-goal rules.
    As for the match – a 1-1 draw against Columbus that has left many in the extended TFC camp feeling referee David Gantar played significantly too large a role in the proceedings. Toronto still never defeated the fan-hated Crew, and this – one of their better efforts of the season, overall – would have been a dandy place to start.
    Alan Gordon continues to be one of the more entertaining MLS players to watch. He didn’t exactly get stuck in at striker, but he served up two very nice balls early from the midfield to spring Martina on a brace of early chances.
    Gordon also set the table for Julian de Guzman’s neatly struck assist on Tchani’s goal. De Guzman had a few telling moments, and offered fine service going forward – something I feel has been lacking in his overall performance since he joined Toronto FC.
    The back four is still shaky. Interesting that Columbus has essentially used the same defensive line in all their games this season, while the Reds can’t seem to find four guys they can’t keep from breaking up.
    Dan Gargan remains under fire at right back. Yes, he made a nice running, sliding break-up in the second half, but the save was only needed because Gargan himself had served up a needless, noxious unforced cough-up about 40 yards out from his own goal.
    And while communication still seems to be a significant issue back there, I’m not sure it contributed that much to Columbus’s eventual tying goal. TFC centre back Adrian Cann certainly seemed to have good position on the Crew’s Emilio Renteria, standing right behind him, covering ground, ready to move whichever way the play would go.
    The ball from Sebastian Miranda came in head-high, but on a very flat trajectory. No real way for Cann to get a head on it himself, in other words. Cann had everything covered except exactly what happened next, Renteria twisting his body for an unlikely header, which amazingly soared past Stefan Frei and caught the twine just inside the left goalpost.
    Cann could have been more aggressive, perhaps, but that would have risked Renteria rolling off the contact, and having a clear look at goal.
    The ongoing pattern, this year, is that Toronto FC oh-eleven can find ways to draw, instead of lose. Yes, this could easily have been a win, but unending late collapses have seen former editions of the Reds exit many a match like this with nothing to show.
    A collective step forward, I think – but I’d still like to see Aron Winter select four at the back, and stay with them for a month.
    Onward!
    Guest
    Welcome to this week's Designated Player Roundup, taking a look at how the league's 15 DPs fared over the past week of MLS play. For some background on each of these fellows, check out the first edition of DP Roundup. Done? Good. Let's see how some of the league's ostensible marquee talents did this week.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Week 6 (April 18 - April 24)
    Archives: Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5
    David Beckham (LA): Becks, for the first time this season, went a whole week without being shown a yellow card. He did, however, pick up an assist, everyone's favourite: the "unremarkable second assist". Here's another stat, courtesy of the fine folks at Opta: As of the middle of the week, Becks was the most prolific crosser in the league, swinging a ball in every 7.5 minutes. Opta Jack calls him "Curler". Hurry hard?
    Juan Pablo Angel (LA): Clearly envious of his well-coiffed teammate's designation as a "curler", Angel put his own curling to the test after coming in as a second-half substitute in L.A.'s 3-0 win over Portland. A certain somebody managed to get their head on the end of one of those curls and turn it into the net. "Assister"? "Helper"? Not quite the same ring to it. Opta Jack is better at the pithy one-word synopsis than I am.
    Landon Donovan (LA): Landycakes is, in all of our hearts, a "certain somebody". In this context, he's the certain somebody who not only got his head on Angel's cross, but also converted a penalty kick against the Timbers. Oh, and he sprung Chad Barrett (my boy!) with a through ball that facilitated one of the finest tallies of his career. So that's two goals and an assist for Landycakes, and an assist for each of Angel and Beckham. Good recovery for L.A.'s DP trio after Week 5, I'd say.
    Julian de Guzman (Toronto): Jules played probably his best game of the season thus far, the brightest point of which was a beauty of a chip that set up Tony Tchani's goal in the Reds' 1-1 draw with Columbus. What does Opta Jack have to say about JDG? As of April 19, he led the league in fouls committed per 90 minutes, with 4.04. "Dogged". He only committed two fouls on Saturday, though. Puppied?
    Branko Boskovic (DC): Ready for the weekly trashing of Boskovic for being an utter albatross? Well, I hate to disappoint, but he actually kinda made an impact this week. Sure, he didn't start or anything... and his team still got decimated by four goals... but he came really really close to scoring, launching five shots in his 45 minutes of play and smacking the goal post twice (including on a pretty nice free kick). Now, I'm not sure if MLS's aim with the DP rule was to attract players who can come really really close to being useful, but for ol' BB, this week was a revelation.
    Thierry Henry (NY): Are you having problems? Got dumped? Lost your job? Need a boost? Well, if Thierry Henry's resurgence is any indication, all you need to turn things around is a gigantic, terrifying beard. After a well-publicized goal drought to begin the year, the handball-lovin' Frenchman scored a brace in the Red Bulls' midweek thumping of D.C. United. (For those looking for rejuvenation but unable to grow a beard, the backup plan is to get a Luke Rodgers of your own.)
    Rafael Marquez (NY): Opta Jack told us, earlier in the week, that Rafa averaged more passes (80.5) per 90 minutes than any other player in the league. But he didn't get carded this week, and that's where my interest begins and ends.
    Alvaro Fernandez (Seattle): Good news and bad news for the big goofball: He turned in an 81-minute performance, once of his longest of the season... but that elongated on-field stint was necessitated by the crippling of Steve Zakuani (courtesy of a Brian Mullan horror tackle) early in the first half. Fernandez did manage three shots (none on target) in his side's 1-0 win over Colorado, though, which I'm sure more than compensates for the loss of a former #1 overall draft pick, right?

    Fredy Montero (Seattle): SLUMPBUSTER! Finally, sweet relief for Montero, who found the back of the net after a very long goal-scoring drought. To put things in context, the last time Montero scored, Hosni Mubarak was comfortable in his spot as president for life, none of us had heard of Rebecca Black (I think she may not have even been born), and the world hadn't yet been exposed to the cinematic mastery of Machete.
    Omar Bravo (KC): Since Omar Bravo is out for a good number of weeks with a sports hernia, I'm going to fill this space with old quotes from Johnny Bravo instead. This week's gem: "Now remember, I do my best work when I'm being worshipped as a god."
    Alvaro Saborio (Salt Lake): In the most important game in MLS history (till the next one), Saborio got the start and played 82 minutes in RSL's 2-2 road draw with Monterrey in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final. Three shots (two on target) and four fouls committed... he was certainly in the middle of things. He'll need to step up in the second leg as well, with the talismanic Kyle Beckerman suspended due to yellow card accumulation.
    Eric Hassli (Vancouver): Once again, he survived the full 90 without being sent off, and didn't score. I just don't know who this guy is anymore. Sure, he was cautioned and took five shots at goal, but that's little consolation. And sure, Tony Tchani pulled the "score and get sent off" trick for a Canadian MLS team this week, but it's just not the same without Eric.
    Andres Mendoza (Columbus): The big Peruvian started at his favourite position (bench) and came on in the 74th minute against Toronto to perform his favourite function (doing nothing in particular). I've got nothin' else to say here.
    Fabian Castillo (Dallas): The 18-year-old (!!!) played only half of his side's 2-1 win in Vancouver, presumably because he and fellow prime-of-his-lifer Omar Salgado buggered off early to check out some of the nightlife on... hmm... I realize I can't finish this joke without insinuating they were going somewhere to score some crack. Also, Salgado came into the came as a late sub, which kinda takes the wind out of it. Sigh. The point is, my jealousy of Castillo's lot in life continues unabated. There, happy?
    Diego Chara (Portland): The league's newest DP made his MLS debut this week, coming on at halftime and feeling that smooth, smooth Home Depot Center grass beneath his feet for the first time. Nothing to report on the scoresheet, but Chara hasn't been brought on to be a massive goal-scorer, so his contributions won't necessarily always show up in "facts" and "figures". But no, Chara didn't
    into a metal pole, if that's what you were wondering (you surely weren't).DP Deathwatch 2011
    1. Andres Mendoza: In the second week of the Deathwatch, Mendoza jumps from third to first, based mostly on the fact that his two compadres were marginally less useless than him this week... and also since he's now got an angry McBain on his tail. Mendozaaaaaaa!
    2. Branko Boskovic: Yeah, this deathwatch is kinda like rearranging three very particular deck chairs on the Titanic. Boskovic actually made himself visible this week, but each passing week just brings management a week closer to finally taking a good, hard look at their ROI here.
    3. Alvaro Fernandez: Slips to third only due to Zakuani's injury, and the presumption that it'll mean more playing time for him in the weeks and months ahead. Of course, a thorough shitting of the bed in that playing time could land ol' Alvaro back up top lickety-split. Ew.
    .
    Guest
    Last Friday, I had an interesting conversation with a soccer blogger friend who had recently taken a plum editor job for a major soccer news website. The topic of discussion was a favourite of mine: what makes a truly great footy news site?
    There’ll be a certain element of subjectivity in your response. Some prefer Zonal Marking’s in-depth tactical analysis. Others enjoy the great irreverent wit of someone like Dirty Tackle’s Brooks Peck. And still others like to bathe in acid and so visit BigSoccer.com. Most of us however tend to enjoy all these sites and more, coasting from page to page, either bookmarked on browser tabs or collated in RSS readers.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    But what about your football “homepage,” the one place you visit when you want a brief snapshot of the days football’s happenings, and sometimes can’t stop yourself from visiting several times a day (or hour)? For myself and a lot of friends and fellow writers that site tends to be Guardian Football, edited by Sean Ingle and featuring well-known columnists like Jonathan Wilson, Rob Smyth, Sid Lowe, Paolo Bandini, Rafael Honigstein—the list goes on. And we’re not alone; the site enjoys a significant global online following, including many readers from the US and Canada. So why after all these years does this Anglo-centric, London-based site still manage to attract so many soccer fans the world round?
    The banal answer is they have great writers who cover a lot of ground, both within England and the rest of Europe. Yet there are talented soccer scribes at other websites, many who could write just as authoritatively on Serie A, the Bundesliga, or La Liga. However these tend to be scattered across a wide number of sites which the discerning reader must carefully comb through to discover. The Guardian features them all in one handy place.
    That’s part of it, but there’s another element to the Guardian’s success that gets little airplay, perhaps because we take it for granted: many of their football writers expect a heaping amount of foreknowledge on the part of their readers. Rafa Honigstein or Sid Lowe write about their respective leagues not with an eye for introducing the cloistered English football fan to the “continental” game, but on the assumption their reader is just as knowledgeable on—and as fascinated by—the subject as they are.
    The Guardian therefore bucks conventional English-language football writing wisdom, which holds it’s a good idea to exclusively about the top four English clubs, the more puff-piecey, the better (to be fair, the Guardian does provide this sort of thing on occasion). Many football editors think “average” fans would much rather see what amounts to their own opinions reflected back at them on the most popular teams or leagues of the day, rather than learn something new. The daily number of international visitors to the Guardian of course tells a different story.
    What, I’m sure you’re asking now, does this have to do with Canadian soccer? I think part of the problem with a lot of mainstream press soccer writing in this country is that it’s too preoccupied with carefully introducing an outsider audience to the sport, rather than enjoying its own authoritative voice on the game. Smart writers like Stephen Brunt or Paul Attfield will resort to hyperbole to draw in the non-fan to a soccer story (Beckham saved MLS! RSL’s Morale’s goal was the most important in MLS history!), and even sports mad Sun Media will often provide milquetoast, paint-by-numbers analysis rather than truly challenging its readers.
    Some North American soccer blogs go too far the other way, cramming in the detail but failing to tell a story. Like their press equivalents, these writers tend to unconsciously split their audience between the “hardcore” and the “outsiders” (I’ve been as guilty as anyone on that front) and provide facts without a sufficient reason for the reader to care about them.
    I think what drives sports fans to sports writing, especially in this country, is a sense of inclusion. I can often get a better picture of what’s going on in the Bundesliga by reading one Rafa Honigstein piece than by watching an entire weekend’s slate of fixtures. In this country, one Benjamin Massey article is sufficient to fill me in on the mood among the Southsiders, better than all the Matchday Live repeats in the world. No one likes to be talked down to, and those in the know still need a reason to care.
    In my experience, there is no such thing as an “average” Canadian soccer fan. I’m often humbled (and frightened) by the knowledge of fans of the game in this country, whether cab drivers, doctors, sales people, whatever. If we’re interested in drawing these fans to the Canadian game, we shouldn’t attempt to shut them out either by patronizing them, or proving them nothing but dry detail. An editor once told me, when a writer is in love with their subject, it shows. It excites the reader, even though they may not be aware of all the details of the subject they’re covering. We need to write the pieces we want to write, and stop worrying about the expectations of our audience. They’re grown-ups (for the most part). They can take it.
    Guest
    There are plenty of interesting angles going into <a href="http://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2011/04/whitecaps-fc-wrap-home-stand-versus-fc-dallas-saturday">today's Vancouver Whitecaps - FC Dallas match</a> (4 p.m. Pacific, Sportsnet Pacific/Team 1410), but the most notable might not have anything to do with the opponent. As Marc Weber points out in <a href="http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Whitecaps+face+2010+league+Ferreira+Empire+Field+match+Dallas/4665569/story.html">his preview</a>, despite all the high drama and inspiring comebacks they've created, the Whitecaps haven't actually won a game since opening day against Toronto FC. A 1-2-3 record certainly isn't bad for an expansion team, and Vancouver remains undefeated at home (1-0-3), but they're going to need to start converting opportunities into wins at some point. Playing at home, coming off a full week of rest, receiving some players back from injuries and getting set to play seven matches in three weeks, this could be one of the Whitecaps' best chances to pick up three points for quite a while.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    It also helps that they're facing a side that hasn't exactly lit MLS on fire this year. Yes, Dallas went all the way to the MLS Cup final last season, but they're 1-3-1 on the year and eighth of nine teams in <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/standings">the Western Conference standings</a>. They also <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/soccer/Familiarity+breeds+respect/4663998/story.html">lost 3-2 to Portland last weekend</a>, so they're not in superb form at the moment. That 3-2 scoreline may have even been undeservedly close, as Dallas started extremely slowly and trailed 3-0 <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-preview/hungry-whitecaps-square-against-mercurial-fcd">as late as the 83rd minute</a>. Dallas is a capable team with plenty of talent, including reigning MLS MVP David Ferreira, but they haven't quite pulled it all together so far this year. That could lead to substantial opportunities for Vancouver, especially if they come out strong from the opening whistle.
    On the Whitecaps front, there are still plenty of notable injuries. The MLS <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter-preview/hungry-whitecaps-square-against-mercurial-fcd">injury report</a> has midfielder Michael Nanchoff listed definitely out, and central defenders Jay DeMerit and Greg Janicki both still classified as doubtful. Forward Atiba Harris and winger Russell Teibert also fall into the doubtful category, so (with DeMerit and Janicki), those are four potential starters who aren't likely available. Midfielders John Thorrington and Shea Salinas are also doubtful, so Vancouver doesn't have a huge amount of depth available in the middle of the park; their midfield hasn't been the best unit lately either, and it <a href="http://www.rednationonline.ca/TheWhitecapsmaturityandimmaturityondisplay.aspx">particularly struggled</a> against Chivas, as Even Pellerud pointed out over at <I>Red Nation Online</i>.
    What could we see as a starting lineup? Well, presuming the "doubtful" players aren't able to start (not necessarily a sure thing), I'd stick with the back lineup from the Chivas clash; Jay Nolly in goal, Jonathan Leathers and Blake Wagner at the wingback slots, Michael Boxall and Alain Rochat in the middle. Mouloud Akloul could slide in to the middle, allowing Rochat to move over to Wagner's wing spot (where he may be best), but I'm not sure Akloul is fully match-fit yet. In the middle of the park, I like what Wes Knight and Davide Chiumiento provided on the wings last match, even if the finishing wasn't quite there; Nizar Khalfan also remains an option. Centrally, I'd substitute Terry Dunfield (available for the first time in several weeks) in for Kevin Harmse and pair him with Jeb Brovsky. With Harris out, the strikers look to be Camilo and Eric Hassli, not a bad pairing; Omar Salgado should also be available off the bench. That's a pretty decent potential lineup despite all the injuries, with the biggest concerns in central defence and central midfield. We'll see if whichever players the Whitecaps do decide to start are able to pick up a long-awaited three-point result today.
    Guest

    They are so cute when they are young!

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Our friends in Vancouver are excited. And that's fine. It's exciting times. All of us in Toronto remember the rush of those first few games in 2007. Enjoy the moment.
    The Southsiders, who have been around a long time and have dealt with a lot of crap over the years, have their tails up too. Again, God speed. Their president, John Knox, even wrote an article in the Vancouver Sun today.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    An excerpt:

    This month has been absolutely monumental for Canada’s oldest soccer supporters group (we’ve been at this since 1999!). An incredible amount of growth in the past two months has reaffirmed my earlier declarations that Vancouver (the city) is the heart and soul of Canadian soccer, and Vancouver (the fans) would get behind their club in ways that would surpass anything that Toronto was capable of doing


    The highlight is mine.
    Upon reading this I was reminded of the final day I spent in B.C. last month. We drove up to Whistler to enjoy the stunning landscape our left coast friends have been blessed with. While walking through the village, our merry group of five Torontonians stumbled upon a t-shirt barring a familiar looking logo -- the blue maple leaf of our local hockey heroes. However, rather than having the words "Toronto Maple Leafs" contained in the logo, it simply said "Leafs suck."
    Now, there is no denying the accuracy of the statement (although it is worth pointing out that the Vancouver Canucks have been in existence for 40 years and have yet to win the Stanley Cup), but the t-shirt did beg a question: Did it come with the chip already on the shoulder or did one have to grow it?
    Despite having a hockey team that was in the middle of winning the President’s Trophy for most points in the regular season, there apparently was a market in B.C. for a shirt ripping on a club that was about 20 spots below them in the standings. It would be a bit like seeing a Stoke Sucks Donkeys t-shirt at Old Trafford.
    The point being, of course, that it's a bit puzzling that Knox feels it necessary to compare levels of support between Toronto and Vancouver. The truth is the Toronto fans accomplishments over the last four plus years should be applauded and rejoiced upon, just as we should be very, very happy that nearly 600 people have joined the Southsiders.
    The sport needs more dedicated fans everywhere in Canada, period.
    One last critique: The Voyageurs are older than the Southsiders.
    Note: I'm ripping the piss a bit guys...relax.





    Guest
    We received this from a non-supporter's group affiliated fan of TFC. We are publishing it to show that it's not just supporter's group members that are concerned about the security measures that have been put in place by TFC.
    It's worth noting that many fans have yet to learn of the changes and won't until they arrive at the stadium. Although most of the rules are focused on the supporter's sections, the pat downs will be stadium wide.
    Here is the letter. On request, indentifying names have been removed. There are no other edits.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Guest
    This:

    It's written by Rollins. What do you expect. What a tool


    Is what constitutes intelligent dialogue when Columbus plays Toronto. In case you are wondering the article the quote, as posted on the Crew board on BigSoccer, refers to is this look at the rivalry between the two teams.
    I set out this morning to answer the question of what makes a real, organic rivalry. Columbus and Toronto really have no history or connection that makes them a natural fit for a derby game. Sure, it's the closest MLS team to Toronto (for now), but it's not close. Yet, there is little doubt that there is more hate filled rhetoric thrown about during the lead up to Crew games than at any other time of the year.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    What's fascinating about it is the amount of fans that try and deny that there is a rivalry. We don't care about Columbus/Toronto is often heard in supporter's chatter. We care more about Montreal/Chicago is the other. Yet, the hate lives on.
    And it often is hate. Pure, irrational hate based on nothing more than what football team the other cheers for. TFC can and has gone to many other cities and shared drinks with opposing supporter's before and after games. It had tazers drawn in Columbus. In Chicago I walked straight past the Section 8 tailgate without incident. Sure there was a little back and forth, but no one was worried about their safety. Hell, I even had a fan call me by name and tell me he liked It's Called Football.
    There is literally no way in hell I would go near a Crew tailgate by myself. That's not a comment about the Crew fans as individuals. Rather, it's a reflection of the tension that can hang over this game. I'm sure the same thing would apply to a Crew fan going into Shoeless Joes or Maro. It's not a good idea because it only takes one.
    So, if you are trying to deny that today is a derby game...well, you’re in denial. Due to Easter the Crew aren't bringing big numbers, but if they were there would be a tension at the stadium that is rarely felt.
    It begs a couple questions: 1) Is that a good thing?; and 2) how did it happen.
    The first question is hard to answer without sounding like a lunatic. Clearly, no one wants violence to break out at a soccer game, but is tension really such a bad thing? I don't think it is. When there is an edge in the air it makes it feel as if what you’re watching really matters. On a logical level you understand that it doesn't, but football is not designed to operate on logical levels. It's an emotional pursuit and it needs heroes and villains.
    There is no cathartic benefit if there isn't some hate.
    Football is pure and very human -- it's tribal. It's made up of love and hate, anger and joy. On a personal level, I never feel more alive -- a part of something -- than when I'm a partisan at a football match.
    So, I have no problem with the hate. It's real and it's honest. I say embrace it. We are all responsible enough to understand where the line is that we must never cross, but we are not bad people for disliking a man for wearing the wrong colour strip.
    As to the question of how the hate evolved, it's a little easier to pinpoint. Yes, it was an artificial rivalry in the beginning, but circumstance created the conflict that in turn created the hatred.
    Simply put, TFC fans pissed off Columbus fans that in turn pissed off TFC fans.
    On the linked article there is a group of Crew fans that argue that the two big trips that TFC made to Columbus were irrelevant. That's a delusional idea. Without those trips and the fallout after there is no conflict -- at least no more than there is with any other MLS team.
    Let's be frank. TFC fans were far from angels in Columbus. Although there are a number of things that the Columbus front office did wrong, the Reds fans were loud, obnoxious and decidedly un-Canadian. If the roles were reversed the TFC fan would have pushed back just as hard as the Crew fans did. The resentment for crimes, both real and imagined, committed forms the core of Columbus' dislike of Toronto.
    In turn, TFC dislikes Columbus because of the way it pushed back against the TFC fans. It became personal and it remains that way.
    MLS is a league that does not have 100 years of history to fuel its rivalries. It comes down to the fans. And the fans of Columbus and Toronto have made this a rivalry.
    That's a good thing.
    Enjoy the game.
    Guest
    So, did you hear the Vancouver Whitecaps might sign Andriy Shevchenko?
    Oh, probably. It's up there with the rumour that the Whitecaps might sign Robbie Keane and the rumour that the Whitecaps might sign Robbie Savage and the rumour that the Whitecaps might sign... well, if he's an aging former high-profile Premier League player, it's safe to say there's been a rumour that the Whitecaps might sign him. That's life in Major League Soccer, where half the articles are about signing aging ex-Premier League players and the other half are decrying the concept.
    So let me join the decriers. It's not that I object to Shevchenko specifically (although I do). It's that I object to the whole concept of the Whitecaps serving as a retirement home for over-the-hill famous guys. Let's not take on an old man just because we've all heard of him. Instead, let's at least try to put the "Major League" in Major League Soccer.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Obviously, the Shevchenko rumour is just a rumour. But we know that the Whitecaps have been interested in the old men of England before. Remember that Robbie Savage, current captain of Derby County and one-time most-carded player in Premier League history, was chatting away merrily on his Twitter feed about the offer given to him by the Vancouver Whitecaps before announcing (again via Twitter) that he'd decided not to take the deal. The Whitecaps are willing to chase the old folks; unfortunately, we can't dismiss the Shevchenko rumour out-of-hand on those grounds.
    If the Whitecaps are interested in Shevchenko then, frankly, it's a little worrying. Shevchenko was once one of the world's better forwards but that was a long time ago. Now he's 34 and a solid but by no means elite scorer in the Ukrainian Premier League. He could help the Whitecaps score a few goals, but in a salary-capped league he'd represent poor value for the contract he'd demand. He could only provide a season or two of top-quality scoring even in the best-case scenario. And it's hard to imagine the best-case scenario unfolding: Shevchenko would be coming to Vancouver for a few more big paydays before finally retiring. He'll be flying commercial between mediocre MLS stadiums and working with teammates making a fraction of his salary. He's never exactly been the hardest worker even at Chelsea or Milan; you think he's going to play his blood out for the Vancouver Whitecaps?
    The oft-unspoken reason to bring in a big-name aging designated player, of course, is to sell tickets. But how many tickets is a decaying Andriy Shevchenko, or an utterly decayed Robbie Savage, going to sell in Vancouver? Nobody says that they refuse to go to Whitecaps because there aren't enough useless old men running around. If the Whitecaps had the opportunity to get a player of Beckham or Henry's calibre, then you can make the argument, but not for Andriy Shevchenko. Not for Robbie Keane. Not for anybody who's been seriously linked to the Whitecaps ever since the MLS expansion was announced. There are only a handful of players in the world who have that kind of impact and the Whitecaps aren't chasing any of them.
    Besides, if you haven't been to Empire Field lately, the Whitecaps are doing fine in terms of attendance. There's room to improve but not much. Not enough that the difference in ticket sales could possibly pay Shevchenko's salary. If he can't be worth it on the field, and he can't be worth it off the field, why sign him?
    This isn't just about Andriy Shevchenko, not really. The same problem applies to most of the aged former stars MLS has traditionally brought in. Notwithstanding his brace this week, Thierry Henry has been a waste on the field for the New York Red Bulls. David Beckham has been competent enough for the Galaxy when he plays, but what has he brought Los Angeles on the field that Will Johnson hasn't brought Real Salt Lake for a fraction of the price? Of the myriad old players who've come to MLS chasing one last paycheque, only a handful have ever been worth the salary: Blanco, almost certainly, and probably Guillermo Barros Schelotto in his day. If you're trying to win games, bringing in old famous guys clearly isn't the way to do it. If you're trying to pull new fans, well, how many die-hard AC Milan supporters in Vancouver are going to buy season tickets just to see a former hero well past his prime shambling around?
    In general, bringing in old men for big money just isn't worth it. Most of them can't pack the stands and even fewer of them can earn their salaries on the field. So far, almost in spite of themselves, the Whitecaps have managed to build a relatively young team of talented players, there on merit rather than for the sake of ticket sales, who are hopefully in it for the long haul. When the team loses 2-1 on the road but keeps on trying and a few young players get some valuable experience, it's much more meaningful than a 2-1 loss where some 34-year-old is thinking about how much he's getting paid.
    The Whitecaps shouldn't sign Andriy Shevchenko. But more to the point, they shouldn't sign anybody like Andriy Shevchenko. Don't get a player because he's famous; get him because he's good.
    Guest
    All that's left for Canadian defender Mike Klukowski now is to sign a DP contract with a Canadian Major League Soccer team and perform below expectations throughout his first season.
    Klukowski finds himself on career path similar to that blazed by TFC midfielder Julian de Guzman, who admittedly shone a smidge brighter in Europe before standing up to Spanish club Deportivo over unpaid wages and making a much-heralded return to Toronto.
    This report seems to confirm that Mike Klukowski has left Turkish club Ankaragucu following a dispute over three months of missing paycheques. It's perfectly understandable. Most people (excluding perhaps those who write about Canadian soccer), strike a fairly simple bargain throughout their working lives by exchanging their services in the form of labour for some form of remuneration. In other words, show me the money.
    So for Klukowski, where to now?
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    It sounds like Ankaragucu president Ahmet Gokcek was happy to wash his hands of the meddlesome Polish-Canadian anyway, telling reporters via Google Translate that, "We need players who are at the heart of our club. Without those who have departed, the team will function better." So there you have it.
    The fact Canada's best leftback is floundering around without a club the season before World Cup qualifying truly kicks in is not ideal, but it's preferable to having him floundering this time next year. Kluks, one of Canada's best performers at the last Gold Cup in 2009, will be 28 years old in May. His 2010-11 season was a mixed bag, featuring one goal in 19 starts with Ankaragucu and a long absence from any matches with the Canadian national team due to personal matters. He's in the prime of his career, and assuming the experience in Turkey leaves an unpleasant aftertaste it's likely he'll search for another club in Europe, the clunky intro to this article aside.
    His European club career includes stints in the French second division as well as five years with one of the biggest clubs in Belgium, Club Brugge. Any thoughts on where Canada's first-choice leftback will play club football next season?
    Other notable Canadian matters over the past week.
    Simeon Jackson, Norwich City (English second division)
    Canada's mainstay striker appears firmly back in his scoring saddle. He played 90 minutes a week ago against Nottingham Forest and scored a crucial goal in a 2-2 draw against Watford midweek as the Canaries clutch desperately to an automatic promotion spot in the Championship. I for one, sincerely hope that Norwich does win promotion and that Jackson stays with the club in the Premiership, even at the risk of spending most of his time on the subs bench. Perhaps he'll bloom into something of a Simon Kalou? Not necessarily a first-choice striker (or even a particularly good one, based on the example I'm using) but one who still gets plenty of appearances in big matches.
    Atiba Hutchinson, PSV Eindoven (Dutch first division)
    The Incredible Hutch turned in another solid 90 minutes on the weekend in a 2-0 win over Heracles. The Eredivisie remains bunged up tighter than a Canadian tourist after a week of Cuban resort food, as PSV is tied for first place with Twente on 65 points, one ahead of Ajax.
    Milan Borjan , FK Rad (Serbian first division)
    Mee-lan notched yet another clean sheet in a 0-0 midweek draw with Borac Čačak, his fifth since the season resumed in February. Sadly, Rad has fallen off the pace for the last Europa League spot, 12 points behind third place Vojvodina.
    Kevin McKenna , Köln (German first division)
    The burly Canadian defender continues his struggle to secure playing time. He hasn't been named to the lineup the club's past two matches and had played only 200 minutes on four appearances in the Bundesliga this season.
    Guest
    That question was posed by Jerrad Peters of the Winnipeg Free Press last night on Twitter, and it's a decent one. After all, we've seen coaches at all levels get sacked for much less.
    In this case, it depends on exactly what you would define as "failure" in this year's Gold Cup, as well as what your expectations are for Hart and the men's national team ahead of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.
    So, from where I sit, does Hart stick around after the Gold Cup? Abso-bloody-lutely.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    My vehemence here reflects not only my personal opinion, but what I perceive as the reality of the situation. Since getting the full-time gig as Canada gaffer at the end of '09, Hart's said the same thing any time a microphone has been stuck in his face: It's all about qualifying for the 2014 World Cup. He was no stranger to the CSA prior to his appointment (having served as Canada's interim head coach twice) so his singular focus surely has the support of his bosses.
    Anything and everything till 2014, then, is about picking a squad, building chemistry and demonstrating on-field development. The surprising 2-2 draw with Ukraine last winter and last month's 1-0 win over Belarus were nice results, sure; but for Hart, the emphasis was the same: pick, build, develop.
    As for the Gold Cup? It's going to fall under the same umbrella. Wins would be nice, but building towards 2014 is the real goal.
    Those already sharpening their knives are, perhaps, deluding themselves into believing this is a tournament Canada has a realistic chance of winning. To recap, Les Rouges find themselves drawn into a group with the U.S., Panama and Guadeloupe.
    Even the most optimistic Canada supporters aren't banking on a result against the Yanks on American soil. Panama is right about at Canada's level, and should provide a stern test. As for Guadeloupe? Yeah, they're a non-FIFA-ranked French protectorate... but they did beat us at the 2007 Gold Cup (didn't stop us from nearly making the final, though).
    Even if Canada does sneak out of its group, it will most likely find itself in a quarter-final showdown with Mexico or Honduras. Mexico is Mexico and Honduras... well... yeah. They're Honduras.
    "But Canada beat Mexico in the quarter-final in 2000, when we won the whole thing!" you may be saying. Sure. But there's a reason games like that are called "huge upsets" -- it's because more often than not, they don't happen. (Plus, Craig Forrest has been retired for a number of years now.)
    Considering the transitional mode the team is in, I'm honestly expecting right about the same result as 2009; a quarter-final loss (though dear God, not to Honduras on a dodgy penalty, please). Does that qualify as a "failure"? Again, if you're delusional enough to think this is Canada's tournament to win, then maybe.
    But is it enough to thrust the team into full-on, fire-the-coach panic mode? Not a chance.
    See, I'm of this weird mindset that people -- coaches, players, executives -- need time to grow into not only their individual roles, but into the team they find themselves a part of. That's an anomaly in our A.D.D.-riddled, instant-gratification universe, I know. Yet when coaches get the axe not because of gross incompetence, but because of a supposed need to "shake things up", I can only shake my head and sigh.
    Barring the highly unlikely scenario wherein Canada gets trounced 5-0 in all three Gold Cup round-robin games, there's absolutely nothing to be gained by turfing Hart.
    There is, rather, plenty to be lost:

    All of the goodwill built up amongst the team's young players, who Hart is widely regarded as having excellent relationships with? Out the window.
    Any sense of cohesion and system-adherence the team has built up under Hart? Gone.
    Any recent gains made at the CSA's executive level in terms of compromise and productivity? Done like dinner, as the hunt for a new men's national team head coach would surely plunge the national body into another intractable, bitter dispute at a time when, frankly, there's plenty else to think about (good and bad) in Canadian soccer.

    Don't get me wrong; if Jose Mourinho or Guus Hiddink or someone of a similar pedigree suddenly said "hey, what the hell" and decided to give the Canadian men's national team a chance, it'd be very difficult to turn them down. But they ain't coming, kids. The Canadian men's team is not high on the list of glamorous pet projects for globe-trotting dilettantes.
    Yes, Carolina Morace was a terrific "get" for the CSA, and has done marvelous things with the women's national team. But anyone with a passing interest in Canadian soccer knows full well that comparing the men's and women's program isn't apples and oranges, it's apples and tractor-trailers. Or cacti. Or... the point is, they're quite different.
    There's no men's team equivalent of Morace hiding out in the global soccer foliage somewhere, waiting to pounce on the opportunity to guide our team -- which has just shit the bed in the Gold Cup, remember -- into World Cup qualifying.
    So, fire Hart? Sure, if you believe the best way to head into World Cup qualifying is with a disenchanted, disjointed squad playing under a new manager who only got the job due to a power vacuum created by his predecessor's involuntary departure.
    Yeah, that does describe Hart's ascent to a tee, I know. But that was 2009, not mid-2011. If you believe Hart never should have gotten the full-time job in the first place, that's certainly a point that can be argued.
    But he's had over two years to grow into his role, and barring something catastrophic (much more catastrophic than a few less-than-ideal results at the Gold Cup) he's the man to lead Canada into qualifying for Brazil 2014.
    .
    Guest
    Today, we're joined by Andrew Ornoch, the newest signing at Erin Mills in the CSL, to talk about his return to Canada, what happened at Toronto FC and what his plans for the future are.
    We'll also set up the Toronto v Columbus game, talk about the security crackdown at BMO Field and discuss how Real Salt Lake transformed itself from a perpetual stumbler into an annual success.
    This show was recorded Thursday for today, so if Drogba was spotted in little Jamaica eating jerk chicken don't jump all over us for not mentioning it.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    <embed src="http://itscalledfootball.podhoster.com/FlowPlayerLight.swf?config={embedded:true,videoFile:%27http://itscalledfootball.podhoster.com/download/2540/22821/apr222011final.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>
    Guest

    What's in a name?

    By Guest, in Euro File,

    It was announced yesterday that Spanish club Getafe would be purchased by a group based out of Dubai, theoretically putting an end to the club's ongoing financial struggles.
    The news on its own is nothing out of the ordinary, as Middle Eastern businessmen have been gobbling up European football clubs with voracity in recent times, for the most part injecting cash-strapped teams with a dose of much-needed funds to be able to keep up with the Joneses of the club soccer world.
    This transaction is different than, say, Manchester City's takeover, in that the traditions of the club are being tweaked. The club will put an addendum smack dab in the middle of its name, and will henceforth be known to the world as Getafe Team Dubai Club de Fútbol.
    That's just awful.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The first question that came to my mind when I saw the new name was, "what the hell does Dubai have to do with Getafe?" The obvious answer is that the owners are from there, and will presumably pour obscene amounts of cash into the team.
    Fair enough.
    But my counterargument to that is if any potential owner calls himself enough of a football fan that he is willing to blow through billions of dollars just to be a part of the game at the highest levels - and that's essentially what's going to happen here, no one makes money in these kinds of deals any more - then he should respect the traditions of the club, and the region it's in, to keep the name as is.
    What's the point of buying a (relatively) prestigious club in La Liga if the first thing you do is shit on its most visible identifier just to appease your own massive ego?
    Hell, they could have at least used a Spanish term instead of the anglicized "Team Dubai." And perhaps they could, nay should, have made the "Getafe" part of the logo the bigger of the two?
    Teams have gone through name changes before, of course, but most of those were generally from mergers of clubs within the same area. The lion's share of those took place decades ago. How often do clubs merge nowadays?
    Getafe Team Dubai Club de Fútbol just reeks of the "Red Bull-fication" of the modern game, in which a wealthy benefactor comes in, buys an established side, and makes a mockery of it by giving it a name that has zero to do with anything but the ownership itself.
    And that sucks.
    Guest

    Security crackdown at TFC

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Supporter's groups at TFC have been told of new rules that will be in effect from the Columbus game forward. The club reaction is likely as a result of a smoke bomb and several flares being lit during the DC United game last Saturday.
    DC United striker Charlie Davies also had several cups of beers tossed at him as he was inciting the supporter's section during a goal celebration. Davies was not punished. He clearly should have been.
    The rules are:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    - In the past seasons, we talked about the need to receive from your groups any items (banners, flags, drums, bags, etc) that you wanted to bring to your sections, which are not yet under our care at the stadium - before gates open. This will now be enforced, we will receive your items at gate 3B up to 45 minutes before gates open (or the day before a game if it works best for you) and we'll ask that you inform to us what you will be bringing to ensure we have the proper personnel to receive and bring to your sections.
    - At all gates, as of this Saturday, you can expect searches and pat downs, which will be taking place every game going forward.
    - No streamers, novelty ribbon or any items in general will be permitted under any circumstances (including goal celebrations) in the supporters sections. Anyone found throwing any item will be ejected.
    - Supporter Group Capos will continue to be allowed but we'll need to hear from you the day before a game the name of the person that will be acting as the leader on field for us to produce an accreditation, which will need to be picked up at gate 4 (with a photo ID).
    - We will also reinforce the security around your sections to better ensure the safety of all patrons.
    Reaction amongst the supporter's has been nearly universally negative. It's felt that the club is punishing everyone for the actions of a few. There is particular concern over the pat downs as the last time the club implemented a pat down policy people were delayed up to 30 minutes in getting into the stadium.
    There is no indication that any protests are planned, but it would not be surprising if some did occur.
    We will be watching this closely.
    Guest

    Big shake-up at OSA

    By Guest, in Onward Soccer,

    The Ontario Soccer Association announced today that Guy Bradbury -- CEO since 2004 -- is no longer with the organization.
    The official announcement is here.
    OSA president Ron Smale will now take on additional duties as interim CEO.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    I'm working my contacts, and will have a more complete story as soon as I hear more from those around us.
    Canadian Soccer News will have more in the days ahead.
    Onward!
    Guest
    When Canadian media outlets cover the rise of soccer’s popularity they generally frame the issue as a battle versus hockey, implying that one sport can only gain ground at the expense of the other. This angle makes sense, given how hockey pulls at many Canadians’ heartstrings.
    In the U.S., however, soccer and hockey occupy different places on the sporting landscape. South of the border they often ask when, not if, soccer will dislodge hockey from its coveted spot in the “Big Four” professional leagues along with basketball, baseball, and the NFL.
    Those hoping for such an outcome may have to wait a little longer.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The NHL remains a poor cousin to the Big Three, in terms of revenue, fan interest and media coverage, but it received a big boost yesterday from reports the league has signed a 10-year U.S. broadcast agreement with Comcast and NBC, worth about $2 billion over 10 years.
    That $200 million per year pales compared to the billions the Big Three earn from television partners, but it is far and above what MLS gets from ESPN and Fox. In addition, television now represents another major fault-line separating these two sports. The NHL has thrown its hat in with the new NBC/Comcast cable sports venture, which will battle ESPN, a well-publicized backer of soccer both at the MLS level and internationally.
    Demographics are certainly on soccer's side, or so says conventional wisdom. Based on the players, the fans in attendance and the geographical areas hockey enjoys popularity - the Northeast and the Midwest - it is obvious the NHL is primarily marketed to and enjoyed by white people. A demographic shrinking rapidly in terms of its overall percentage of the U.S. population.
    Conversely, MLS has long identified the exploding Hispanic demographic as a massive growth area. Yet the franchises in situations and/or locations best suited to attract Hispanic supporters are some of the league’s worst performing. The MLS ratings on ESPN Deportes are abysmal - about 80,000 people watched the MLS season opener - compared to the millions that will tune in on Univision to watch Mexico in the Gold Cup this June. And while its purely anecdotal, on a recent road trip through central California I noticed that any football being discussed on Spanish radio was football that was taking place in Mexico.
    So if Mexican and Central American immigrants aren’t warming to MLS, the question remains whether their U.S.-born children will, or whether they will become enamoured by the NBA or the NFL, which itself has seen a huge surge in popularity in Mexico.
    There is a finite amount of fan eyeballs, advertising dollars and collective attention any one market has to offer its pro sports leagues, which is why perceptions are so important. The NBC/NHL deal will do a great deal to cement hockey's place as a Big Four sport for several years to come. Overall awareness of soccer as a game, especially at the international level, has made tremendous strides over the past decade throughout North America. But the domestic game has a ways to go before it surpasses its ice-puck-and-stick based counterpart in the United States, nevermind in Canada.
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