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    Guest

    Two Canadian clubs win Super Y titles

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    A great weekend for Canadian clubs at the North American Super Y championships in Tampa was capped off by an all-Canadian final in the u17 girls division.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The Ottawa Fury put the finishing touches on a perfect season by defeating fellow Ontario club London Gryphons 3-0.
    The Fury weren't the only Canadian champion. British Columbia's Coquitlam Metro-Ford Soccer Club won the u15 boys title by outlasting Tampa bay in kicks. The game ended 2-2.
    A fourth Canadian team made the finals. Burnaby, B.C.'s Mountain FC lost 2-1 to Newark, N.J.’s Ironbound FC in the u16 division.
    Guest
    The Guardian has a great piece today looking at the re-emergence of the five man back-line with a special look at Rangers use of a 5-1-3-1 in the Champions League. The tactic has evolved as a reaction to a couple of things. First of all the clear difference in talent between Rangers and the rest of its Champions League group, but also in a general way as a push back against what has been a nearly decade long preference for attacking football.
    As the article points out Jose Mourinho’s Inter’s win at the Nou Camp last year was perhaps the perfect employment of a five man back line and “reactive” tactic. Inter is the champions of Europe. Barca is pretty.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The sports world is a copycat place. We can expect more and more clubs to employ this type of style. Some will call it anti-football, others will call it smart but only one thing is sure – it is up to the next Special One to counter the current tactical trend.
    Rangers’ 5-1-3-1 dares teams to grow impatient and put near useless balls into the box. With five or more blue strips waiting the ball tends to zip straight back out. A couple times a game one of the few Rangers playing in an attacking position manage to run onto those clearances and a counter is born. God help the superior team if they score on one.
    It would seem to me that the way to beat a team playing five at the back is with crisp, directly piercing passing. None of this fancy stuff 40-yards from goal, but rather quick passes that attack the middle of the defensive line, whilst keeping the ball on the ground. When you pack the box you lack flexibility and if space is made between the central defenders the whole plan goes to hell.
    A question to those that coach: how would you go about breaking down Rangers’ 5-1-3-1 or similar tactics?
    It’s the tactics, stupid is a weekly column looking at the tactical side of the game. It appears every Wednesday and guest columnists are encouraged. Contact Duane Rollins or Ben Rycroft through this page if you are interested in contributing. Please indicate your involvement in the game and what you would like to write about.
    Guest
    Kickoff. Those weren't actually fireworks but government standardized weather control flares that made it feel warmer for about 5 minutes.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

    Still think Conor Casey deserved to get that penalty call? I counted three fouls before the call. Here are two of them.

    Why is Baldemero Toledo officiating the MLS Cup final? Because he is known for his strong decision making and calm, composed demeanor.

    One of the few times Pickens wasn't fouled blatantly in the box.
    _____
    All photos were taken by Chris Hazard. If you like his work you can contact him here.
    Guest
    Waves of Dallas attack couldn't net any results.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

    No matter how close to the line they came (Robbie Fowler would be jealous) they were turned away.

    In the end, it was the agony of defeat.

    Contrasted by the joy of being able to go inside where it was warm again.
    _____
    All photos were taken by Chris Hazard. If you like his work you can contact him here.
    Guest
    In case you missed it, York Lions Head Coach Carmine Isacco dropped a bit of a bomb on Friday's show when he revealed that there are efforts underway by Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) to see Canadian university players participating in the MLS SuperDraft and MLS Combines in the near future.
    "I've been seeing some initiatives for CIS players to become draft eligible. Not sure where they're at but I know there has been a lot of data aimed and talked back and forth (between MLS and CIS). We are at that level now."
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    As it stands presently, there is no direct route into the MLS system for a Canadian player and the league and the USSF have resisted past inquires by Canadian representatives. Isacco, who was on Toronto FC's staff in 2007, thinks those who opposed Canadian draft entry in the past, don't have much of a leg to stand on any more.
    "There is credible evidence now to say that 'hey our programs can develop these types of MLS players and proper professionals'"Recent graduates from some of Canada's top soccer schools have included: Haidar Al-Shaibani of Nimes Olympique (French Ligue 2), who graduated from Western University; Nana Attakora of Toronto FC, who graduated from York University; Gabe Gala of Toronto FC, who graduated from U of T (University of Toronto); Srdan Dekanovic of the Montreal Impact, who graduated from UBC (University of British Columbia).
    And there are dozens more from the graduating class that could find their way on to teams if a direct route existed. They may not all be top-class, but they can play and compete at an MLS level.
    Isacco, who played at the University of Maryland himself, takes it a step further and asserts that any of the top teams in this country could compete against those the NCAA.
    "If you look at the UBC's, you look at the York's, you look at the U of T's, you look at Laval - those teams would compete with any of the the top 25 teams in NCAA - without a doubt."
    In fact, NCAA teams have been challenged by Isacco and other CIS coaches to friendlies in the past, only to be turned down on the appearance of what losing to a Canadian team might look like.
    So, what's next for the CIS? How far off are Canadian players from being MLS draft eligible?
    "The onus will be on the Vancouver's and the Montreal's and the Toronto FC's to actually make a commitment to it. ... These are going to be initiatives (that have to be) not only taken up by the CIS but Vancouver and Montreal and Toronto," Isacco said.
    My two cents?
    Having come under fire recently for allowing the Canadian MLS quotas to be diminished, if Vancouver and Toronto were to come out in support of the CIS' efforts, it would go a long way to re-establishing their reputations as clubs who are committed to developing Canadian talent.
    Guest
    Welcome to another edition of Long Balls: Canadians Abroad. A slightly rejigged version. In an effort to mix things up I've begun to include some Euro-based players from Canada's main Concacaf rivals.
    Obviously, the quality of players playing in Europe doesn't have everything to do with success in Concacaf World Cup qualifying (see Canada's 2010 campaign), but surely it has something to do with it. I think Long balls: Canadians abroad, with a minor focus on several Central American players is a bit unwieldy, so the current name stands. In a week where nobody really stood out, the Honduran contingent takes the inaugural prize.
    The only Canadian scorer I could find was Issey Nakajima-Farran in Denmark, who slotted in the 74th minute for Horsens in a 3-0 victory over SønderjyskE.
    Oh, and for anyone who's been following this regularly: I've given up on Puebla's Isidro Sánchez. At least for now.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Belgium
    Tomasz Radzinski made headlines again, but this time for getting into a training ground brouhaha with French teammate Benjamin Nicaise. Hat tip to Winnipeg-based Out of Touch for digging up this gem.
    England
    Canada maybe David Hoilett plays 64 minutes in Blackburn's 2-0 win over Aston Villa. Hondurans Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa each play the full 90 in a 2-0 loss to Manchester United. Countryman Wilson Palacios came on in the 88th minute in Tottenham's big 3-2 win over Arsenal.
    Netherlands
    Atiba Hutchinson plays 90 minutes again at right-back for PSV. He's played there a lot so far this year and beyond the 33-year-old Paul Stalteri, Canada doesn't have a lot of options in that position. Too bad Atiba is such a stellar central midfielder.
    Costa Rican forward Bryan Ruiz goes 90 minutes for Twente in a 2-1 loss against AZ. He's scored five goals in 15 appearances so far this year for the 2nd-place Dutch side.
    Turkey
    Josh Simpson went 90 minutes in Manisaspor's 2-0 loss to Buraspor in the Turkish top flight.
    Spain
    Canada maybe Jonathan de Guzman again goes 90 minutes in a central attacking midfield role in a spectacular 2-1 come from behind victory over Sevilla.
    I do hope that Long Balls becomes a more collaborative process as readers chime in with various performances and players that I'm missing. Yes, the focus remains on Canadians, but I hope that over the next season and a half we can also build an understanding of where are main Concacaf competitors are at, in terms of their players in Europe and South America. So far I'm calling MLS "domestic" for Canadians, but if any Hondurans, Costa Ricans, Jamaicans, Guatemalans, Salvadorians and/or Trinidadians start ripping it up there, then I'll include them too.
    I'm not going to track Mexicans or Americans because neither are Canada's primary competition.
    Guest
    Et oui, c'est redevenu cool d'aimer le Real Madrid. Sont-ils la meilleure équipe d'europe en ce moment? Probablement.
    Rafleront-ils plusieurs trophées ? Hmmm, ouais.
    Le club mythique a (enfin) retrouvé la forme d'antan en massacrant l'Ajax d'Amsterdam sur leur terrain. 4 buts : Benzema, Arbeloa, Cristiano Ronaldo (2)

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7qNlwnEHKo
    Alors, qu'est-ce qui s'est passé avec le Real pour qu'ils ne redeviennent une puissance européenne ?
    Jose Mourinho.
    Certes, CR7 a 18 buts en 19 matchs mais je pense que l'homme derrière la renaissance du Real, c'est Mou. Jusqu'à présent, l'entraîneur a su très bien gérer son équipe de superstars en choisissant les bons joueurs au bon moment. Et ceux-ci performent en marquant beaucoup de buts.
    En 19 matchs, ils ont marqué 49 buts en ayant un différentiel de + 40. En gros, ça donne un but à chaque 34 minutes de jeu. Pas si mal.
    Et combien de défaites depuis le début de la saison ? Zéro. Si l'on regarde plus loin, le Real n'a pas perdu en 25 matchs.
    Sa dernière défaite remonte au 10 avril 2010. Vous devinerez facilement l'équipe qui l'a battue.
    Les deux géants s'affronteront lundi prochain dans le Super Clasico.
    Believe the hype!
    (Ah, et je ne veux même pas parler des cartons rouges de Xabi Alonso et de Ramos. Tout pour gagner. Et c'est tout ce qui importe.)
    Guest

    A Real circumvention

    By Guest, in Euro File,

    Real Madrid are no doubt one of the top five teams in the world. Maybe even top two.
    They play a stellar brand of football, boasting an array of global superstars who could walk on to any other club on the face of the planet.
    This year - led by the insane run of form by Cristiano Ronaldo - Real are a treat to watch, a true testament to the attacking soccer preached by manager Jose Mourinho. The Spanish side's play in today's Champions League match was no different, a 4-0 dismantling of host Ajax to secure first place in Group G.
    There were no problems with the soccer being played by Real Madrid today. The problem was in the blatant disregard for the spirit of the competition when in the 87th and 90th minutes - well after the match was won - Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos got themselves intentionally red carded.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Both players were in yellow card trouble after having been penalized earlier in the match. Since neither were going to play in the next match anyway, they chose to get themselves suspended now rather than have the suspension carry over into the knockout stage.
    I'm of two minds about this.
    On one hand, the idealist in me hates when teams resort to this sort of subterfuge to skirt the rules (hence the "blatant disregard comment" above). The rules are there to ensure a level playing field, and to ensure that the integrity of the game is kept intact.
    What Mourinho had his players do in the dying minutes of a long-since-decided match completely flies in the face of that.
    Of course, the cynic in me sees the intelligence of such actions. The "purity" of football went away long ago, and with so much on the line in just about every match (especially a CL match), it's almost become commendable when teams figure out new, innovative ways to gain an advantage.
    Such is the duality of modern soccer these days. Many of us will adamantly condemn the actions of one player for bending the regulations in his team's favour, and in the next breath laud another player for his guile when doing exactly the same thing.
    I'm no different. I saw no problem with Thierry Henry's Handball Heard 'Round The World , and yet I was incensed with Luis Suarez's impromptu goalkeeper act in the World Cup.
    I'm still undecided about the Madrid players' actions today.
    *Update* Highlights of the goals are now available.
    (H/T to my colleague Yvan Delia-Lavictoire).

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7qNlwnEHKo
    Guest
    It's not his fault: MLS Cup referee Baldomero Toledo -- who was widely excoriated for his lax officiating during Sunday's Colorado-Dallas clash -- has come out in defence of his performance in the league's showcase match.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    "I was told this was a very special game, we were in Canada for the final," Toledo said. "I figure, it's Canada, November, these fans don't want soccer. They want a fistfight. Like hockey. So I did what I could. I really thought Conor (Casey) and Ugo (Ihemelu) were going to go at it. They didn't. What, were they afraid of red cards? I never give out red cards."
    Added Toledo: "Also, it was damn cold. I didn't want to take my hands out of my pockets."
    * * *
    Quality over quantity, or something: Major League Soccer is hailing the overnight ratings for MLS Cup 2010 as a runaway success. The league sent out a press release Tuesday morning, reading in part:
    "MLS Cup 2010 was, without question, the most-watched championship game is league history according to a vast array of metrics, including:

    Games involving FC Dallas
    Games won by the Colorado Rapids
    Games played in Canada
    Games with which Matthew Good had anything to do whatsoever
    Games of which the Toronto sports media was actually aware
    Games played in a 16-team MLS
    Games decided by an own goal

    We look forward to setting a whole new variety of records next year at MLS Cup 2011, between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Sporting Kansas, in Tallahassee, Florida."
    * * *
    Stranger than fiction: The league's championship game was decided on a play in extra time in which a substitute striker's toe-poke took a deflection off of a defender and turned into an own goal. At the precise moment of the toe-poke, said striker injured himself and was forced to leave the game, bringing his team down to 10 men for the remainder of extra time. Then, with mere moments left in the game, the defender guilty of the own goal cleanly struck a shot at the opposing goal from 12 yards out, only to have it parried away at the last moment by a goalkeeper whose visage approximates the offspring of a member of System of a Down and a billy goat.
    Sometimes this stuff just writes itself.
    * * *
    Speaking of billy goats: Colorado goalkeeper Matt Pickens, upon hearing the final whistle, immediately turned to the traveling Rapids supporters behind him in the north stands at BMO Field, and let out a mighty, cathartic roar. Pickens spoke on Tuesday about his reaction.
    "I was actually trying to taunt the Dallas fans on the other side, but I lost my bearings," he said. "I apologize if there were any small children among our fans who got frightened."
    * * *
    Saving the best: After refusing to grant media access in the run-up to MLS Cup, FC Dallas striker Jeff Cunningham finally broke his silence on Tuesday, speaking about his team's agonizing fall-from-ahead defeat -- and his oh-so-close last-second attempt at goal that was cleared off the line by Colorado defender Drew Moor.
    "Being back in Toronto, and hearing that reception from the crowd, I wanted to remind the fans what I'm all about. And I think I did that."
    Cunningham says the loss won't be his final game, especially as he is only two goals short of the all-time lead in MLS scoring.
    "To make sure I have time to reach that record, I'm hoping for a new five-year contract... maybe six," said Cunningham.
    The Reserve Squad attempted to reach former Toronto FC coach John Carver for comment; however, all phone numbers provided had been disconnected.
    * * *

    Winter Wonderland: After suggesting on Sunday that the league would be looking at the possibility of a fall-winter-spring schedule, MLS commissioner Don Garber responded Tuesday to some of the criticisms of the plan -- specifically, the impracticality of playing in the winter months in Canada and the northern U.S.
    "Look," said Garber. "I understand the weather concerns. We're looking at a lot of different options. Perhaps the northern teams could play their winter games in southern climates. A split schedule of some kind. For instance, maybe Montreal could play half of their games in, I dunno, Puerto Rico or something"
    Minutes after Garber's comments, Montreal Impact fans could be seen burning an effigy of Garber on rue St-Catherine. Youppi was taken away in handcuffs, The Reserve Squad has been told.
    Guest

    One comes the other way

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    With a keeper pool that can only be described as profoundly frightening, Canada is forced to look at pretty much anyone with a pair of gloves and a pulse.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    And so it is with Milan Borjan, a 23-year-old Serb that has decided to represent Canada internationally. His parents moved to Canada during the war. They remain in the country now, although Borjan has been in Serbia for some time. He currently plays for FK Rad in the Serbian SuperLiga.
    It's clearly a second choice for him. As much as that doesn't warm the heart, as stated, Canada badly needs keeping depth. Hopefully Stephen Hart has a look at him sooner rather than later.
    Guest

    Hope, love and football

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Season four of the TFC experience is over. It’s been over on the pitch for a while of course, but the closure didn’t happen until Marvell Wynne turned and raised the MLS Cup to BMO’s south end. It was a nice gesture. Even the most cynical had to smile a little then.
    It wasn’t much of a game – from what I recall, which admittedly wasn’t much (I wasn’t working and it might be the last time in a while I’m not during a game day so I treated it like I did my final days of university. Go hard, then go home) – but it was a great time out for those that got over themselves and got out to the park.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Just how many people did get out has been a subject of much debate in the time that has passed. Some have suggested that there was a massive walkout amongst supporters after the kick-off. If there was it was a failure. From my spot in the front row of section 113 I didn’t see anyone leave. Then again, I’m not sure I would have given it much thought if I did. I was too busy re-finding the joy.
    That’s what this past weekend was for me. It was about friendships, both real life and the Internet kind and saying good-bye to my game day friends for another four months. Like my university days, it has only taken four years for strangers to become people that I would walk in front of a train to protect. Wins and losses matter, but not more than the culture that I now live in. TFC and MLS has changed me and has made me acutely aware of the importance of personal connection. If that’s too sappy or dramatic for you, I’m sorry. I love the football, don’t get me wrong, but I’d rather lose 1,000 games standing beside my friends than win one alone.
    I’d especially like to win 1,000 games standing beside my friends though...
    So, if critics want to drag Toronto and the supporters of TFC down into the mud then there isn’t much I can do to stop them. I can only feel pity. It’s hard work to constantly find the negative in things.
    Prior to the game the U-Sector pre-game was invaded by close to 100 Colorado fans. They had a blast. We sang to each other. There wasn’t a single word spoken in anger. People posed for photos with one another. It was a nice way to spend the pre-game and it flies in the face of all those that want to paint Toronto fans in a negative light.
    Yes, some people stayed home. It was their loss. Yes, some Toronto fans refuse to let go of the anger surrounding ticket prices and four losing seasons. They’ll get over it or, maybe, they won’t. The rest of us will keep on hoping for better days on the pitch and sharing good times off.
    That’s the important stuff. I’ll see you at the park in 2011.
    Guest

    Fleeting memories from MLS Cup oh-ten

    By Guest, in Onward Soccer,

    Didn’t even join the party until late Saturday afternoon.
    (In Peterborough on personal business, you see. Not exactly a “marriage” marriage, but an exchange of rings to symbolize deep and lasting commitment, on one knee, on the sidewalk, on Hunter Street across from Karma’s if you know the town.)
    Next thing I can figure out, I’m in Toronto at a “Blogger’s Summit” in a swanky downtown pillow-stop, face-to-face – and off the record – with Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    No, I didn’t meet Bill Archer. Didn’t see anyone from Big Soccer at all, now that it comes up. (Maybe they’ve been torching bridges south of the border, as well?) (Hush now. Remember that no one wants to hear from a mouth-breathing twatwaffle from beyond the ice curtain.) (Wink.)
    As the home team and new kids on the block, Canadian Soccer News was given a warm reception. We had three seats at a table which included Beckham Experiment author Grant Wahl, Ives Galarcep, Steven Goff, Fake Sigi and many others.
    The chat focused mainly on the business of blogging, and what writers and the league can do to help each other out. Apparently, the days of slobbing around in your undies, writing on your home computer, have come and gone. Two years after reclaiming my amateur status, I discover soccer blogging is becoming an actual industry.
    (Fear not, slob fans. I realize no one needs to think of me and underwear in the same sentence, but your normal level of casual-attire service shall be proudly maintained!)
    Refereeing did come up, and while Garber’s exact words are off the record, I can report he feels frustration over not having a greater say in who does – and doesn’t – officiate MLS games. His remarks were general. No specific names were mentioned.
    Next thing after that, Duane and I are getting bursts of pressurized air shot at us from multiple directions as we pass through security for a ride up to media happy hour atop the CN Tower. (Happy to report that no American writer within my earshot called the thing the “CNN Tower.”) (That happens a lot.)
    Settled comfortably in over Lake Ontario, we all got to gasbagging on about the Toronto-Columbus “rivalry” and how much everyone hates “Sporting Kansas City” as a new name for the KC Wizards. Would have been handy to find someone from Big Soccer to join in the Columbus conversation, given how much they have done to create the controversy. Again, no sign.
    MLS throws media events in pretty much the same way it stages soccer games: low-key and functional. Nice hors-d’oeuvres, a few drinks, they gave away a couple of custom-fitted suits. I’m normally an alien stranger to schmooze-fests, but this proved to be a useful exercise. Geography is a huge barrier to face-to-face communication in MLS. Good to have the occasional night where the barriers fall.
    Next morning came a surreal stroll through downtown with nine forest princesses and a marching band.
    This would be my annual gig as a marshal in Toronto’s Santa Claus Parade. We strolled past along about half a million people, which is relevant only in that I saw one and only one Toronto FC hat, and no sign whatsoever of either FC Dallas or the Colorado Rapids. More tellingly, I saw no promotion at all for the MLS Cup.
    Off to Maro, then, where U-Sector were hosting the travelling Colorado support.
    Three hours to kickoff, and the stone floor outside the downstairs bathrooms was already well-coated in regurgitate. Finally, some clear enthusiasm for the event!
    For all of Toronto’s reputation for invading other MLS cities, we have hardly ever seen visiting fans come to town in real numbers. There were at least a hundred Rapid-Ralliers present, and they were in terrific voice.
    U-Sector responded by running through a few standard South End set-pieces, before both groups exploded into a spontaneous singing salute to ex-TFC Colorado defender Marvell Wynne.
    Very real joy and admiration on both sides, going both ways. TFC management must find a way to make a full section in the North End available to visiting fans, when needed.
    Northward through the warehouse district, up to Shoeless Joe’s. Leaders of the Red Patch Boys were helping prepare several hundred FC Dallas fans for their march to BMO Field. Lots of flags and drums … but strangely quiet.
    When the mob squeezed into the tunnel under the rail tracks, Red Patchers were hollering at them to sing. It’s a tunnel! Ya gotta sing! They didn’t. But, half way through, they did let off a heckuva lotta drums. Battering sound levels were – at last – achieved.
    Part two – the actual match – tomorrow.
    Onward!
    Guest

    Mock expansion draft

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Having had a good look at the players available to Portland and Vancouver, I've come up with my mock draft 1.0*
    * please note that there will only be one mock draft**
    ** Also note that it's possible that none of these picks will actually happen.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Portland
    1. Dax McCarty (Dal)
    3. Arturo Alvarez (SJ)
    5. Alejandro Moreno (Phi)
    7. Dasan Robinson (Chi)
    9. Nathan Sturgis (Seat)
    11. Joe Cannon (SJ)
    13. Robbie Russell (SLC)
    15. Khel Dube (NER)
    17. Corey Ashe (Hou)
    19. Robbie Findley (SLC)
    Vancouver
    2. Sanna Nyassi (Seat)
    4. Jimmy Conrad (KC)
    6. Atiba Harris (Dal)
    8. Fuad Ibrahim (TFC)
    10. Anthony Wallace (Col)
    12. Sinisa Ubiparipovic (NYRB)
    14. Amadou Sanyang (TFC)
    16. Chance Myers (KC)
    18. Alan Gordon (Chivas)
    20. Chris Seitz (Phi)
    Clearly it's a bit of guess work, but I did default to younger players for Vancouver with Portland opting slightly more experienced. I expect the Whitecaps will go outside the box on more than one pick tomorrow with an eye to getting that player into their development system.
    That is why I added the two young Toronto players to their list -- both are raw, but Vancouver will have seen a lot of them and might be interested in developing.
    On exception to the go young philosophy is Conrad. The thinking there is that with Jay DeMerit already signed that the 'Caps may be looking to build from a very strong back-line out. One caveat: It might make sense to wait on Conrad (or any of the older players) until the re-entry draft.
    With Portland, McCarty is a no brainer. As stated, I went a little older with the Timbers picks. The thinking is that they have a less developed academy system (yes, I know Timbers fans the u23s won a championship. An u23 team is not a development system). You'll note that I selected Findley with the final selection. Yes, he's said he's going overseas, but it might be worth a flyer in case he comes back (or better yet, comes back a better player in a few years).
    Guest
    This is a bit out of left field, but reports surfaced this morning that Bas Ent, a 23-year-old prospect that trialed with TFC earlier this year and played in the Bolton games, has agreed to a three year term with the Reds.
    There has yet to be confirmation from the club.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Ent played in the PDL last year and also trialed with Columbus.
    He's a right sided midfielder that could add some needed width to the Toronto attack.
    We'll update as we get more info.
    Guest

    Champions League This Week (Nov. 23/24)

    By Guest, in Euro File,

    The penultimate matchday of the group stage is upon us, and there is still much to be decided.
    As is usual by this point of the competition, the cream has risen to the top and teams are largely battling it out for seeding in the knockout round.
    Just about every group has progressed as most would have expected.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Group A has provided arguably the biggest surprises thus far, with Tottenham holding the top spot in the group over defending champion Inter, by virtue of a dominant home performance by Spurs against the Milan side. With both teams sitting on seven points, we could see a shuffling in the table following Wednesday's set of matches. Of course, Twente could leapfrog both of them with a victory, but it's tough to see that happening at the San Siro.
    In Group B, Lyon can book a spot in the next round with a draw against hosts Schalke on Wednesday. A loss by the French side could blow the group wide open, as second and third-place Schalke and Benfica are still very much in contention, with the Portuguese club visiting group punching bag Hapoel Tel Aviv and looking likely to grab the full three points.
    Manchester United sits atop Group C with 10 points, and could win the group at Ibrox against third-place Rangers. The Scottish champs have five points and will be desperate to improve on their 0-0 group stage opening draw at Old Trafford, although Alex Ferguson will be eager to secure the group on Wednesday and leave Valencia and Rangers to fight it out for second place.
    Group D sees Barcelona cruising along to yet another place in the knockout round, with the Catalan side holding eight points to Copenhagen's seven. Those two teams should be the ones moving on to the next phase, barring a miracle.
    Bayern Munich have already wrapped up a berth in the knockout stage, and Tuesday's round of games could see AS Roma joining them. The Italians will have the benefit of playing a Munich team that is so far out in front of the rest of Group E that it'll likely rest at least a few starters on the road in Rome. CFR Cluj and FC Basel could still catch Roma for second place, although making up a three-point deficit in two games may be tough for either side.
    In Group F, Chelsea have run roughshod over their opponents, having accumulated four wins and a goal differential of +10. The Londoners' league form has been abysmal of late, but a Tuesday meeting with lowly Zilina should be the cure for what ails them. Spartak Moscow and Marseille are tied for second and will meet up in a match that could determine who follows Chelsea into the next round, with Spartak holding the decided advantage of getting to play Zilina on the final matchday.
    Like their Spanish rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid are coasting to a first place finish in their group. Cristiano's side heads Group G with 10 points, five more than second place AC Milan. Madrid travels to Amsterdam on Tuesday to face an Ajax side that is one point out of second, and one point ahead of basement-dwelling Auxerre.
    Finally, Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk continue to battle it out in Group H, with the sides exchanging home victories earlier in the competition. Both clubs are currently on nine points, with the Gunners holding a clear advantage in goal differential. On Tuesday, Arsenal travels to Portugal to face third place Braga, while Shakhtar will visit already-eliminated Partizan Belgrade.
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