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    Michael Mccoll
    [And if you want to catch up on last year's "Keep, Trade or Release" picks, here are the links - GOALKEEPERS / DEFENDERS / MIDFIELDERS / FORWARDS]
    GOALKEEPERS
    MARCO CARDUCCI
    AARON (KEEP - A) - Stepped up in big time games in the Amway Championship. Played his heart out and has a bright future in a Whitecaps kit.
    JAY (KEEP - B.) - Played well when called upon. Next season should be a big year with plenty of action in USL Pro, Voyageur’s Cup, and CCL.
    MICHAEL (KEEP - B-) - He was shaky at times against Toronto, but which keeper isn't at some point and he's still just 18. Solid season with U18s too. Whilst he will undoubtedly get the minutes in Vancouver's new USL Pro side, the big question for the Caps now is whether they make him the first choice back up to Ousted.
    STEVE (KEEP - B-) - He almost led the Caps to the Voyageurs Cup final if it wasn’t for a bad call in the second leg. Could challenge for the backup spot next year and will see plenty of minutes in USL Pro.
    DAVID OUSTED
    AARON (KEEP - B.) - Played well this season. Was amazing for runs at some great times.
    JAY (KEEP - B+) - Quietly postured himself into the category of one of the best keepers in the league. While he’s on a high salary, his consistency, leadership, and command of the box mean he should be back next year.
    MICHAEL (KEEP - B+) - Agree that he is up there with the best in MLS, but I still feel he needs to work on some aspects of his game to take him to the top echelons. Love his vocal presence but his positioning can definitely improve.
    STEVE (KEEP - B+) - Some people still questioned his abilities during the first part of the season but by the end he had made some huge saves and led the league in cleansheets.
    PAOLO TORNAGHI
    AARON (KEEP - Incomplete) - I was a big advocate for Tornaghi to get some MLS minutes and people went after me for it on the AFTN podcast.
    JAY (TRADE - Incomplete) - I don’t understand why Paulo would want to stay around. Unless Ousted gets injured, I don’t see him getting much more time next season either. May be best for both parties if Paulo finds somewhere he can challenge for a starting job.
    MICHAEL (RELEASE - Incomplete) - He seems too good a keeper to just sit on the bench. He may be happy being here and playing second fiddle to Ousted with no minutes, but that would surprise me. At $72,000 he's cheap but not cheapest out there. I think you have to let him go so he can fight for the number one somewhere, then bring in someone cheaper, move Carducci up or look at someone like Residency alumni Callum Irving, who has been lighting it up for Kentucky this season.
    STEVE (KEEP - C+) - While he didn’t get any minutes in MLS, Tornaghi didn’t complain and should be back as long as he doesn’t mind the backup role.
    DEFENDERS
    SAM ADEKUGBE
    AARON (KEEP - C+) - Injuries hurt him a bit this season but he filled in nicely when he had to. Could benefit from USL Pro the most of any young players.
    JAY (KEEP - B+) - Once again looked right at home in an MLS squad. Adekugbe is another player with a huge year ahead of him.
    MICHAEL (KEEP - B.) - We just didn't see as much of him as I would have liked, but understandable. What we did see was impressive. His composure at the top level is fantastic and he has to get those MLS minutes next year for his development.
    STEVE (KEEP - B-) - Never looked out of place when he was on the pitch and would have had more playing time if it wasn’t for badly timed injury. Will most likely split his time next year in MLS and USL Pro.
    STEVEN BEITASHOUR
    AARON (KEEP - B-) - Filled in really well for the hole left by YP Lee. Health was a concern after he returned from the World Cup.
    JAY (KEEP - C) - Steady defensively all year, but failed to really step up in the final third as advertised. Considering his fairly sizable salary, and the injuries towards the end of the year, Beitashour has plenty of room for improvement.
    MICHAEL (TRADE - C) - I was disappointed with what we got out of Beitashour. I expected more and for his value ($177,166) we need to get it. He had no real offensive impact tearing up the wings and team wasn't all that worse without him. I'd be fine with him moving on and getting someone new in if we got a good return. Maybe leave him unprotected in the expansion draft?
    STEVE (KEEP - C) - Didn’t fulfill what was promised in the preseason but how much of the lack of attack was due to tactics? Hopefully a full season without extended international duty will mean a return to better form.
    CHRISTIAN DEAN
    AARON (TRADE - C) - Should of been loaned during season to get quality minutes. Might have been a waste of a season for young Dean.
    JAY (KEEP - D) - Quite frankly I wasn’t impressed with Dean during his first team minutes. Granted, they were limited and out of position. However, he’s an off-cap player, and with all the extra playing time available, it could be a good development year for him, hopefully showing off in USL Pro.
    MICHAEL (KEEP - C) - I like Dean. Or rather I like the idea of what Dean can offer as we haven't really got to see it. I think he could form a monster partnership in the middle of the defence with Kendall Waston in time. But will he be prepared to wait? Lack of minutes did frustrate him this year and he may push to be traded. He certainly could be sought after by some clubs.
    STEVE (KEEP - C) - Looked a little shaky in his limited time. Still a lot of promise and should move a spot on depth chart will give him more opportunity with CCL and USL Pro.
    JORDAN HARVEY
    AARON (KEEP - B.) - Might be the best season he has had in MLS. Had some moments he probably wishes he could have back but overall a successful season.
    JAY (KEEP - B+) - While I think his replacement is MLS ready, Harvey had a fantastic year. Consistent, solid defensively, joined the attack well, and does all the stuff off the field.
    MICHAEL (KEEP - B.) - I'm a fan of Harvey, as much as for what he brings off the field as on it. He's a good veteran presence in the dressing room and Caps badly need some of those with the young squad. Had a great defensive season but didn't attack as much as I would have like. As Steve said for Beitashour, this might have been Robbo's tactics more than anything else.
    STEVE (KEEP - B.) - He might have not have been able to duplicate his scoring from the year before but Harvey improved immensely on the defensive side.
    JOHNNY LEVERON
    AARON (KEEP - C+) - Looked like he was going to fill Jay DeMerit's spot before Kendall Waston arrived on scene. Is a quality centreback to back up Andy O'Brien and Waston.
    JAY (KEEP - C+) - Had a hard time getting up to speed after DeMerit went down with injury, but found his feet and became very consistent. Will be a good partner for Waston long term.
    MICHAEL (KEEP but would consider TRADE - C) - I think it was a backward year for Leveron and he didn't look great at times when he was played. I think he has value for a trade if they look to develop Dean. BUT, him and Andy play well together. I just can't see him being happy staying here and not being a starter. Will hit his international aspirations. Is an interesting decision for Robbo, as he was his guy.
    STEVE (KEEP - B-) - Started 12 straight matches during the summer before leaving for international duty. He wasn’t able to get his regular spot back but should be the number one choice to start along Waston.
    CARLYLE MITCHELL
    AARON (RELEASE - D+) - Had some bad moments this season. The hand ball out of nowhere was a huge mistake.
    JAY (TRADE - C) - I’ve always liked Mitchell, but I think it’s clear his ceiling is not as high as the rest, and he can be prone to defensive mistakes. I do think he has value, though, so hopefully the Whitecaps can get a couple Garber bucks for him.
    MICHAEL (RELEASE - C) - A disappointing season for Mitchell and looks like being his last in Vancouver. Heard murmurs that he may head to Korea to link up with old boss Martin Rennie. Was too inconsistent in the minutes that he did get, and you just wait for the bookings to come.
    STEVE (TRADE - C) - Had a stretch of eight starts where he had ups and downs. Will most likely move on which will help him get more minutes.
    ANDY O'BRIEN
    AARON (KEEP - B-) - Don't sell O'Brien isn't just a chant, it should be a Whitecaps lifestyle. Hope he stays in a Caps kit for a few more seasons and helps coach the young USL kids.
    JAY (KEEP - B.) - It’s hard to criticize a 35 year old centre back for being injured, but it’s really the only thing that went wrong this season for O’Brien. He oozes class and leadership, and is the perfect partner for Kendall Waston.
    MICHAEL (KEEP - B.) - He was a rock most of the time and formed a great partnership with Kendall Waston down the stretch. There were games in the second half of the season though in which I thought he looked tired. Big fan of his, love talking to the guy and the young players can (and have) learn so much from him. Keep him Robbo!
    STEVE (KEEP - B.) - The veteran provided steady performances throughout the entire season no matter who his partner was. There is no doubt he should return to the Caps whether as a regular starter or the first option off the bench.
    ETHEN SAMPSON
    AARON (KEEP - C+) - Best game of the season against Dallas in the playoffs. Wasn't big on him at beginning of season, didn't think he was adequate as a back up. Surprised me!
    JAY (KEEP - B.) - Lots of crow eating around the AFTN offices as Sampson impressed any time he was on the pitch. Given his performances versus a talented and athletic Dallas, Robinson shouldn’t hesitate next season to put Sampson in when Beitashour needs a rest.
    MICHAEL (KEEP - C+) - As regular readers and listeners will know, I've not been sold on Sampson, but he impressed me with his performance against Dallas and looked good at training. Would like to see another season from him as back up at the right back spot.
    STEVE (KEEP - C+) - Had low to no expectations for the converted central defender. However the right back put in some solid performances. He deserves an opportunity to return but should be provided with competition.
    KENDALL WASTON
    AARON (KEEP - A-) - Biggest middle of the season move in Whitecaps MLS history. Needs to work on reducing the yellow cards he picks up for next season.
    JAY (KEEP - A) - A key reason the Whitecaps were able to turn it around and make the playoffs. My only worry is if he can maintain the exceptional form over a long season.
    MICHAEL (KEEP - A) - Beast in both boxes. I don't mind his yellow card accumulation as he plays the kind of game I love. Will be interesting to see how other teams try and play against him next season.
    STEVE (KEEP - B+) - The big bad man is exactly the center back the Whitecaps needed and deserved. His ability to dominate in the air on both sides of pitch will be so valuable to the club next year.
    So there's our thoughts on the Whitecaps goalkeepers and defenders from the season past. Share your thoughts below.
    Part Two will be up soon and we'll have a look at the midfielders.
    Duane Rollins
    CSA response unedited:
    Ontario Human Rights Tribunal decides turf claim doesn’t merit early hearing
    The Ontario Human Rights Tribunal has refused to expedite the hearing of the claim about the use of turf in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015™. The Tribunal noted that the applicants themselves had failed to bring their claim in a timely manner, and that FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association should have an opportunity to fully respond to the applicants’ allegations. The decision recognized that the case raised serious questions about the jurisdiction of the Tribunal to deal with the matter, and whether the order sought by the applicants would be available in any event.
    View the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal's interim decision to the applicants' request for expedited hearing: http://www.canadasoccer.com/files/HRTO_No2014_18923_1_InterimDecision_20141107.pdf
    The Canadian Soccer Association is pleased with the Tribunal’s decision. “We continue to move forward with our preparations for what will be a world-class competition played on consistent, top quality FIFA 2-Star certified football turf surfaces,” remarked Victor Montagliani, President of the Canadian Soccer Association.
    The Tribunal indicated in its decision that it was prepared to offer the parties an opportunity for an early mediation. The Canadian Soccer Association has advised the Tribunal that it is not willing to participate in an early mediation in this matter.
    Duane Rollins
    The Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario has denied a request to hear the Turfgate case early.
    The decision is a major set-back for those that are hoping to force the 2015 Women's World Cup to change from artificial turf to grass.
    Although the ruling expressed sympathy towards the women's claim that an expedited case was needed to make the necessary change to grass in time for the tournament, that need was said to be insufficient to justify an expedited hearing.
    The primary reason for denial was due to the women not filing until 18 months after they reasonably would have known about the alleged discrimination.
    "As significant as this case may be for the (women), I do not find it appropriate to expedite an application where the applicants have not themselves acted expediently," adjudicator Jo-Anne Pickel wrote in her ruling.
    Additionally, Pickel suggested in her ruling that she felt that the complexity of the issue was such that it was unlikely that she would be able to make a ruling in time for the women to gain the remedy they seek -- namely the instillation of grass.
    Pickel did offer an expedited mediation process, if the parties were interested in it. The women's lawyer has indicated in media reports today that they are willing. The CSA has seven days to respond.
    If the CSA does not agree it would appear that any chance for grass to be installed will be eliminated.
    FIFA did not respond to the filing. They claim that the HRTO does not hold jurisdiction over the organization and that there are appropriate forums for the women to file a dispute with them with. Pickel wrote that she will rule on FIFA's position in the near future.
    Pickel also indicated that she would make a separate ruling on the women's claim that some players were being intimidated to remove themselves from the claim soon.
    Michael Mccoll
    Have a listen!
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    Or after all that, you could just listen on the player below!

    Guest

    2014 Ottawa Fury FC Players’ Notes

    By Guest, in OttCityFootie,

    Goalkeepers
    GK Romuald Peiser – Namu Yoon (NY): Can make spectacular saves, and can pull off a string of good saves. Could do better on 1-on-1 chances and breakaway chances. Blog Fury FC (BF): A strong leader that can make unbelievable saves; however, often gets flustered in a crowd.
    GK Devala Gorrick – NY: Great reflexes, and communicates strongly with his defenders. Could do better on aerial balls and crosses into the area. BF: Has a high competitive level and great positioning, but is lacklustre in air.
    Defenders
    LB/CB Ramon Soria – BF: A versatile, smart defender who can deliver great deep crosses into box, but should work on defending in space. NY: Good bursts up the field with the ball, and versatile on both the left flank and in centre. Sometimes beat for pace by faster wingers.
    LB/RB O’Brian Woodbine – BF: Quick, tough defender always a threat to join the attack but is sloppy at times and gives away too many fouls. NY: Confident in both attack and defense, and can match faster wingers for pace. Outmuscled by more physical wingers time to time.
    CB/LB Mason Trafford – BF: The team's workhorse is a tenacious defender. Is an average, not spectacular, all-around player. NY: Composed in central defense, and initiates a significant number of attacks with good passing. Needs to win more aerial duels on crosses and long balls from the opposition half.
    CB Omar Jarun – BF: Is physically unmatched on the field, and is an offensive threat on set-pieces. However, is often caught out of position by his lack of speed. NY: Very aggressive and physical, and leads the back four well with strong communication. Ball control could be better, with quicker passes out of the backline.
    CB/RB Drew Beckie – BF: The best slide-tackler on team has the ability to mark anyone on the field, but must work to avoid costly mistakes. NY: Hustles for the ball, and makes brave tackles and shots blocked. Needs to ensure that clearances get the ball out of the danger area.
    RB/CB Ryan Richter – BF: Strong on the ball and great in anticipating when to push forward in attack, but lacks focus sometimes and must work on being more team-first. NY: Very good with the ball while attacking on the right flank, and is physical on defense. Needs to ensure consistency, with fewer mistakes on the ball in our own half.
    Midfielders
    CM/CAM Sinisa Ubiparipovic – NY: Great imaginative passing, and fine technique on the ball. Should help out on defense more if playing in central midfield. BF: The best pure dibbler on the team who runs at defenders creating offensive opportunities, but lack of conditioning cost him down the stretch.
    DM Richie Ryan – NY: Wide and composed vision from central midfield, and makes strong tackles in midfield. Can not be allowed to get caught up field while playing as the only defensive midfielder. BF: Arguably the best passer in the league and the club’s vocal leader. However, his marking is poor for a DM, and he simply needs to run more.
    DM/CM Mauro Eustaquio – NY: Good passing on long balls to the wingers and fine tackling in centre mid. Must be careful not to get caught in possession holding on to the ball. BF: Plays the game like a veteran player and has great range and is an adept defender, but a bad mistake cost Fury final match of season.
    CM/RM Tony Donatelli – NY: Smooth link-up between midfield and offense, and always seems to find the open man. Must improve speed to help out on defense and to get into the opposing penalty area. BF: A physical presence in midfield with great vision and is patient under pressure, but lacks imagination and creativity in final third.
    CM/RM Nicki Paterson – NY: Good through passes and energetic in the midfield. Could improve on being more accurate with long-range shots and passing. BF: Not afraid to take a shot, and will track back and defend; unfortunately, he disappears in some matches and must work on making more medium to long passes.
    Attackers
    LW/RW/CAM Oliver Minatel – BF: Fury's leading scorer while playing limited minutes is a rare goal-poaching winger. Doesn't always bring his A-game and needs to improve an inconsistent work rate. NY: Great athleticism in the penalty area, and brave in the air. Could get more involved in the build-up play with the striker.
    LW P.R. Mayard – BF: Strong and quick with the ability to stretch opposing defenses down the flanks; however, his technique needs to be worked on for him to stand out. NY: Enthusiastic on the left flank, and can cross the ball well. Should attempt to pick out the right short passes when needed.
    CF Tom Heinemann – BF: Tremendous work-rate with an uncanny resilience to constant hard tackles/fouls; however, must do better to create scoring chances on his own. NY: Great physical presence up top, and can finish a variety of different chances. Could work on better positioning for the aerial duels.
    CF/CAM Vini Dantas – BF: An accomplished possession-type dribbler with incredible vision to create great goal-scoring opportunities; however, should work on becoming a more clinical finisher. NY: Really good play with the back to the goal, and can pick out nice chipped passes. Must provide a stronger presence in the penalty area.
    RW/LW Carl Haworth – BF: Is very quick with exceptional close-quarter ball control and isn't lacking confidence and skill to pull off the unbelievable. Needs to work on playing in space and crossing the ball. NY: Very energetic and aggressive and a good example to follow on the pitch. Could work on getting into and getting more involved inside the penalty area.
    RW/RB Philippe Davies – BF: The best crosser on the team who plays defense as well as he does wing. Needs to become more well-rounded to be a consistent starter. NY: Best crosser on the team, and nice technique on the flanks. Could look for more involvement in the offensive buildup and on defense.
    Other Fury FC Players
    GK Marcel DeBellis, GK Chad Bush, LB Maykon Araujo, CB Kenny Caceros, RB Andres Fresenga, CM Hamza Elias, CM Zakaria Messoudi
    You can follow Namu Yoon on Twitter at @BBSC_SeoulBro, and his blog on Ottawa Fury FC at OFFCReview.wordpress.com, and at @OFFCReview.
    You can follow Blog Smith on Twitter at @BlogFuryFC, and his blog on Ottawa Fury FC at BlogFuryFC.wordpress.com, and his contributions to the Ours is the Fury podcast at @OttawaFury.
    Michael Mccoll
    (10) I Still Know What You Did Last Season
    (9) Desperado
    (8) The Order Of The Phoenix (That Just Can't Quite Rise From The Ashes)
    (7) Catching Dire
    (6) A New Nightmare
    (5) Fail Hard With A Vengeance
    (4) Tim & Greg's Bogus Journey
    (3) Attack Of The Clowns
    (2) 2 Fat 2 Spurious
    (1) The Desolation Of Smug
    Or they could just go with - "Mission Impossible 9: The Quest For The Playoffs".
    Duane Rollins
    Toronto FC has two big name DP targets in mind to replace Jermain Defoe and, possibly, Gilberto.
    And, if the reports are true the Bloody Big Deal will be turned up a notch.
    Multiple sources have confirmed that TFC brass intends to target Wesley Sneijder and Steven Gerrard.
    Previously, Sjneider has been linked to MLS. The Gerrard rumour is new, but the Liverpool legend has recently told UK media that he'd be willing to move from Merseyside if not offered a new contract. His contract expires at the end of the 2014-15 Premier League season.
    Sources did not indicate whether the players had been approached in any way, nor did they handicap whether TFC would be able to land either target. However, they are confident that TFC's plan is to approach the players.
    Guest
    Team MVP
    Blog Smith: Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Runner-up: Oliver) - This was not an easy decision and could easily be 4-5 different players. Ubi was the most consistent midfielder all year and an offensive threat whenever he touched the ball. Showing incredible skill on the ball, he was catalyst for the possession game the Fury were able to maintain (and often dominate) in most matches.
    Namu Yoon: Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Runner-up: Tony Donatelli) – The Fury FC midfield was the strongest component in the team throughout the year, and Richie Ryan (my 3rd choice) provided the rock-solid stability and Donatelli provided the silky link-ups between defense and offense. However, Ubi was the magician that made the Fury offense possible, with his fantastic through balls to the strikers and the wingers, and the great technique to weave around the defenders when needed.
    Offensive Player of the Year
    Namu: Sinisa Ubiparipovic (Runner-up: Oliver) – As described above, he was the talisman that made the team function in its possession-oriented game, while he was also capable of the magic moments that broke open a game with his precise through passes. Oliver showed incredible athleticism in the penalty area, leading the team in goals scored, with the majority of his goals coming off his head while playing as a winger in a 4-3-3 formation. That’s just astounding. Honourable mentions to Tom Heinemann/Vini Dantas for their leading of the forward line and Carl Haworth for his non-stop running.
    Bloggy: Oliver (Runner-up: Vini Dantas) - The Fury's leading goal scorer and the only NASL Player of the Week winner from the club, Oliver was able to score some incredible goals from the wing, a position that produced almost no offence throughout the year. Seven goals and three assists in an injury-shortened season is undeniably incredible.
    Defensive Player of the Year
    Bloggy: Romuald Peiser/Devala Gorrick (Runner-up: Drew Beckie) - This may seem a bit like cheating, but it's hard to pick one without picking the other. In a year that had many defensive lapses, both Peiser and Gorrick were outstanding all season, with both making very few mistakes while often saving the team with highlight-reel saves. Ottawa finished 5th in the league in goals conceded.
    Namu: Romuald Peiser/Devala Gorrick (Runner-up: Drew Beckie) – Easily the hardest pick for me, personally. At the end of the day, when I thought about who were the players that helped keep Ottawa’s strong defensive record, it had to be the two keepers, who both displayed fantastic reflexes in net, and kept the team in the game for numerous occasions. Among the defenders, Beckie displayed a strong amount of grit and hustle that enabled him to win headers and block numerous shots, even taking in a concussion in the spring season as a result, while also helping start the passing game from the back. Honourable mention to O’Brian Woodbine for showing great 1-on-1 defensive skills in the games that he played after being picked up near the end of the season.
    Young Player of the Year
    Namu: Drew Beckie (Runner-up: Oliver) – Both Beckie and Oliver were integral to the side for their relative youth, but I felt Beckie’s all-around contribution when on the field was just that little bit better than Oliver’s, despite Beckie playing only about 75% of the league matches, due to both injury and team selection.
    Bloggy: Oliver (Runner-up: Drew Beckie) - At 22, the young Brazilian has many years ahead of him, and if he can build on an amazing 2014 season, he has the potential to be scary-good in this league, if he isn't already.
    Moment of the Year
    Bloggy: Oliver's last second equalizer against Carolina at TD Place that led the Fury out of the basement of the league table and into the best run of the year for the Fury, who would shortly find themselves in the thick of the playoff race (Runner-up: First Fury win 4-0 over Carolina).
    Namu: The home openers at Carleton and Lansdowne. The home opener at Carleton brought back a high-calibre professional footy side to Ottawa and was the culmination of a great amount of dedication by the OFFC staff, while the Lansdowne opener put Ottawa firmly on the North American footy landscape (Runner-up: The epic last-minute winner by Tommy Heinemann off the bench vs. FC Edmonton in the spring season).
    You can follow Namu Yoon on Twitter at @BBSC_SeoulBro, and his blog on Ottawa Fury FC at OFFCReview.wordpress.com, and at @OFFCReview.
    You can follow Blog Smith on Twitter at @BlogFuryFC, and his blog on Ottawa Fury FC at BlogFuryFC.wordpress.com, and his contributions to the Ours is the Fury podcast at @OttawaFury.
    Duane Rollins
    Steven Caldwell A-
    The Captain had a solid season that was best demonstrated when he wasn't on the pitch. More so than any other player, TFC depended on Caldwell. Considering he isn't getting any younger, that could be a problem.
    Justin Morrow A-
    Maybe TFC's most constantly good performer. Should be a core part of the Reds for years to come: Which means he'll likely be exposed in the expansion draft.
    Mark Bloom B+
    He's exactly the type of value signing that TFC rarely signs. He probably shouldn't be the third highest grade though.
    Joe Bendik B
    Good shot stopper. Distribution is improving. Is a replacement level keeper, paid an appropriate wage. So, ya: victory!
    Jermain Defoe B
    He'd be higher if he didn't take a midseason vacation to England. He did perform while he was on the pitch.
    Michael Bradley B
    Reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated. Still, needs to be better.
    Daniel Lovitz B-
    He overachieved and provided a decent wide option off the bench. Absolutely deserves to be considered part of core. Better than many, more expensive options in the midfield.
    Gilberto B-
    Consistently inconsistent. When he was on though he looked dangerous. When he was off he was way too invisible for a DP.
    Jonathan Osorio B-
    He didn't score as much in 2014 as in 2013 which led many to suggest he had a weaker season. Close examination suggests otherwise. Rarely playing in his best position, John-O had a solid second year.
    Quillan Roberts C+
    He probably should be in incomplete, but strong play in Wilmington deserves to be recognized somehow.
    Jordan Hamilton C+
    See above.
    Luke Moore C+
    He worked well with Defoe, but not so much without. He's a decent third forward option if he's willing to accept third forward option money.
    Nick Hagglund C+
    A pleasant surprise, but we shouldn't get too carried away. He faded late in the year as well.
    Collen Warner C
    A back-up playing a starters role. He has a purpose, but if TFC is to be a contending team it needs an upgrade.
    Warren Creavalle C-
    Not sure he was ever played in the correct position. Also not sure why TFC traded for him. Was just meh.
    Jackson C-
    Some will rank him lower, but he has moments. Wildly inconsistent and, although he improved, the rage issues are always right there under the surface. I think he deserves to get a second act in T.O., but CSN understand why others may not.
    Doneil Henry C-
    The ultimate eye test versus stats test argument. He does things on the pitch -- good things. Those things show up in his performance metrics. He's near the top of MLS in many defensive categories. However, he makes big mistakes that stand out. As a defender those big mistakes can change games. Thus, he gets a tepid passing grade.
    Dominic Oduro C-
    He showed all the reasons why MLS teams acquire him. And all the reasons why they let him go.
    DeRo D
    Flashes, but kind of a sad (likely) end.
    Bradley Orr D
    I was more of a fan than most, but he clearly fell out of favour and wasn't given enough to do to raise his grade.
    Andrew Wiedeman D
    (Insert "greatest finisher of modern era" joke here)
    Ashton Morgan D-
    He looked good in his one chance...until a Nick Hagglund error forced him to take a red card. A move to NASL is probably best for everyone.
    Kyle Bekker F
    If there was such a thing as a designated set-piece taker then Bekker would have a role. As it is, he's demonstrating the perils of drafting four year NCAA players that never learned how to be defensively responsible.
    Jeramy Hall F
    Apparently he's still under contract. Huh.
    Manuel Aparicio Inc.
    Chris Konopka Inc.
    Chris Mannella Inc.
    Others --
    TFC Academy A
    Undefeated League1 Ontario champions. They are still criticized by some for allegedly ignoring other talent in region. Other than a few kids with Sigma -- Johnny Grant is the most glaring -- I'd love to know who these overlooked kids are...
    Ryan Nelsen C-
    The style was ugly but he did find a way to have TFC in playoff position early.
    Greg Vanney Inc.
    Too soon, people.
    Tim Bezbatchenko C
    The draft was excellent. He did add some useful pieces to a team that was an absolute disaster in 2013. Handling of Nelsen firing is troubling. His grade is in flux until we see how the next few months go.
    Tim Leiweke A+
    Because he got out.
    James Grossi
    In chronological order, up first is Kansas City’s
    , who finished off a quick counter thanks largely to a beautifully incisive pass from teammate Benny Feilhaber, laying him in behind Jamison Olave. The second nomination goes to New England’s , who once more displayed his dead-ball skill, bending a left-footer over the wall and into the top corner in Columbus. And finally, New York’s who continued his goal-scoring form into the post-season, bringing his tally to thirty on the year from Thierry Henry’s jaw-dropping back-heel setup.On to the results…
    Results in Brief

    The post-season began on Wednesday night with Dallas hosting Vancouver in the Western Conference Knockout Round. The odds were stacked against the Whitecaps, as the home side had not lost in the last seven encounters between the two, while Dallas had never lost at home in the all-time series.
    A tense and physical half-hour gave way to the opening goal in the 40th minute, when Vancouver’s centre-backs were both caught stepping to the ball high up the pitch, allowing fit-again Mauro Diaz, taking up his play-maker’s role, to slide a pass over to Tesho Akindele surging down the right. The rookie took the chance, sending a right-footed effort towards the far-side of goal. Fortunately for him, the shot took a slight deflection off the out-stretched leg of the recovering O’Brien to nestle inside the left-post and give the hosts the advantage.
    Vancouver refused to go down without a fight - Mauro Rosales rattling the crossbar with a free-kick shortly after the restart - despite their talisman, Pedro Morales, struggling to find his rhythm; he would be removed before the hour mark, to be replaced by Kekuta Manneh. Shortly thereafter, the Whitecaps would find their breakthrough, a Rosales free-kick into the box was partially cleared to Manneh deep, his low drive was blocked, falling kindly to Erik Hurtado, who saw his right-footed response deflect off the leg of Victor Ulloa to sneak its way past Chris Seitz in goal.
    But it would not be the visitor’s night and a controversial handball decision whistled on Kendall Waston in the 82nd minute would end their cup aspirations. A harmless ball into the area was missed by Gershon Koffie’s headed clearing attempt, falling onto the unsuspecting Waston, unarguably hitting his hand. Whether it was intentional, or any advantage was accrued, is a matter for debate, either way, the referee pointed to the spot, and after some lengthy protestations, Michel dispatched the attempt in the 84th minute, forcefully placing his left-footer to the keeper’s right, having sent David Ousted guessing the other way.
    Whitecap disappointment was palpable, and the remaining moments saw the tensions raised. Sebastian Fernandez, the most visibly aggrieved Vancouver player, got in the face of Andres Escobar after a foul, drawing Diaz, who had previously been substituted, back on to the pitch – an act the disciplinary committee would frown upon (he was forced to sit Dallas’ weekend fixture with a one game suspension) – and a trio of bookings to the two aggressors and Diaz.
    His protestations would continue after the final whistle, earning a red card for his troubles, while the 2-1 win would see Dallas moving on to the conference semifinals, with a Sunday date at home against Seattle.

    The Eastern bracket got underway the following day in New York, with the Red Bulls hosting defending MLS Cup champions, Sporting KC, who plummeted from the upper echelons of the conference to the final playoff spot as a long, injury-riddled season finally caught up with one of the opening day favourites. And the task would not get any easier.
    All season, New York had been dominant at home, having lost just three times, winning ten and drawing a further four; their seven-game home winning streak ended by a rampant Columbus side in their final home match of the regular season. Added to that, New York had stolen a 0-2 win in Kansas City in the final match of the schedule, winning a second-straight against Sporting and stretching their unbeaten run against KC to four. Small consolation to the visitors was that they had managed to take points from three of their last four trips to Harrison.
    The two combatants would exchange half-chances through the opening half, Tim Cahill ballooning a look at goal over the bar early and an Aurelien Collin goal-bound header cancelled out by the offside flag.
    It was the visitors who took the lead eight minutes after the restart, Benny Feilhaber picking the pocket of Eric Alexander in the centre-circle before surging towards goal and placing a wonderful ball into the path of Dom Dwyer, who struck a left-footer past Luis Robles to the left-side of goal.
    New York would nearly respond minutes later when Thierry Henry’s header needing tipping over the bar from Eric Kronberg. Kevin Ellis looked to pad the advantage in the 71st, tucking in a Paulo Nagamura pull-back, only for the officials to deem that the ball had trickled over the end-line before the final pass was made. And Henry would have another look, blazing a Cahill knock-down over the bar, as he could not quite get over the ball enough to keep his effort on goal.
    With the clock ticking down, New York would finally equalize in the 77th minute in a team-build that sliced open a tiring Kansas City. Dax McCarty collected a ball in the centre-circle, slotting a forward pass towards Peguy Luyindula, who alertly spotted the run of Henry, stabbing a ball down the left-side of the area for his friend and teammate. Henry then found Bradley Wright-Phillips with a pull-back, his right-footer deflected off of Matt Besler before trickling over the goal-line beyond the reach of a scrambling Kronberg.
    Both sides appeared braced for a session of extra time. That is until a miss-hit cross from Ambroise Oyongo fell menacingly into the KC box, catching their defenders napping by the absurdity of its threat. Luyindula again had plucked the strings, playing Oyongo down the right, but when his cross sailed bizarrely up, not a soul amongst the Sporting back-line reacted, allowing Wright-Phillips, the most dangerous goal-scorer on the pitch, to get on the end unchallenged, flicking his header on and down to the far-post, nestling inside for the winner.
    The 2-1 win would see the New York advance through a playoff round for the first time since 2011, having fallen out at the first hurdle the last two seasons, setting up a clash with Atlantic rivals DC United, while prematurely ending KC’s title defense.

    With the knockout rounds played, and the final eight sorted, the conference semifinals got under way on Saturday afternoon with an Eastern Conference match between Columbus and New England, third place hosting second.
    Both teams arrived in high spirits, the Crew had won their last six at home, ending the season on a run of three-straight victories, having lost just once in their final eight matches. The Revolution too were looking good, winners of their last two, unbeaten in five, and having taken points from their last three away fixtures.
    Sampling their first playoff action since 2011, the nerves were evident from the early action, as a poor clearance from usually-solid goalkeeper Steve Clark handed the visitors a golden chance inside of six minutes, but Charlie Davies could not steer Teal Bunbury’s ball towards goal with a dragged back-heel attempt.
    Clark would be called upon for a huge save in the 17th minute, denying Andrew Farrell’s drive after Lee Nguyen’s silky buildup set up the New England right-back.
    The tension was evident, some minor afters leading to a yellow card for centre-back Jose Goncalves, who first drew the ire of Tony Tchani, before exchanging words with a second Crew player, Ethan Finlay, having held up a restart by refusing to relinquish the ball.
    Justin Meram would miss out on giving the hosts the lead in the 29th minute when his right-footer rattled off the underside of the bar after Waylon Francis laid him in with a long pass, exposing a weakness in the New England defenses.
    But it was the Revolution who took the lead in the 34th minute when Davies made amends for his earlier miss, stretching out to get on the end of a right-sided Kelyn Rowe free-kick with a diving header at the back-post.
    Six minutes after the restart, the Crew hopes were further dashed, when New England nabbed a second away goal through Chris Tierney, stepping up to a dangerous free-kick, sending his left-footer curling over the wall and into the right-side of the goal from some 22 yards out.
    Meram would pull one back for the hosts in the 64th, right-footing in a powerful shot, pouncing on a loose ball in the box after Wil Trapp’s squared ball for Federico Higuain was redirected towards him by Scott Caldwell’s intervention.
    But Nguyen would add a third six minutes later and Davies a fourth, his second of the night, in the 78th minute. Nguyen broke towards goal from half and when not pressed, picked his spot, drifting towards the right on Tyson Wahl before sneaking a low, right-footed shot low to the left-side of goal. Similarly, Davies was allowed to run at the Crew defenses, slashing from left to right before smashing a right-footer in off the inside of the right-post.
    Having conceded four away goals, Columbus’ hopes of progressing to the conference finals looked dim, but a stoppage-time penalty kick converted by Higuain after Finlay’s cross had been handled by Goncalves gave them a life-line, needing a three-goal win to overturn the result next weekend.
    Despite the near-insurmountable ask, the confidence of Higuain, chipping his spot kick straight down the middle Panenka-style, was an indication that an offensive side like Columbus should never be discounted – they will have some wrongs to right come the second leg with their first home playoff match in five years having ended in such dispiriting fashion.
    With the 2-4 result, New England put themselves into a strong position to move on the face the winners of the DC-New York series for the Eastern crown, but no doubt Columbus will have other ideas

    A six-goal explosion can never be expected when the playoffs come around; teams are understandably reserved, knowing that each mistake is magnified with elimination a whisker away. Close fought matches and heroic defensive performances, on the other hand, are the order of the day, such as was put forth in the high-profile encounter in the West.
    Salt Lake, who were making their seventh-straight playoff appearance, entered in good form, unbeaten in their last three and having kept clean-sheets throughout, but it was their impressive home-form, having won the last six and not been beaten in ten, that they would need to overpower a familiar foe – the LA Galaxy, themselves making a sixth-straight playoff appearance.
    The two were meeting in the post-season for the third time in the last four seasons, but due to a quirk of the schedule, they had not met since playing twice in the opening month of the season.
    After a few questionable off-side decisions – at least one each way with Joao Plata whistled on a break and a Gyasi Zardes’ strike in the 37th ruled out with the raising of a linesman’s flag – the match settled into a pattern, with Salt Lake driving forward and LA doing all they could to stop them.
    In fact, were it not for a stunning performance from Jaime Penedo, the hosts would have taken an advantage into the second leg, drawing several fine saves from the Galaxy keeper, particularly in the second half where a strong arm blocked a deflected Plata strike, San Penedo then rushed out to quash another Plata look after Alvaro Saborio had played him in clear, before clawing a Javier Morales corner kick off the goal-line when nearly caught out straight from the delivery that was propelled by the fierce, swirling winds, and finally tipping a Morales effort over the bar in the final minute of regulation.
    But as it stood, the Galaxy were able to see out the score-less draw in a professional manner, ensuring they would return home next weekend with the series finely balanced.

    Sunday’s action began back in the East with a tasty Atlantic Cup matchup between New York and conference toppers DC United, looking to translate their strong rebound season into playoff success.
    DC had risen from the worst team in the league in 2013 to first in the East and though they closed the year with a six-match unbeaten run, their quality had lessened, dropping points to the likes of Chicago and Montreal.
    New York were facing a challenge of their own, playing a third match in eight days and facing a DC side that they had not progressed past in the last four playoff encounters, but secure in the knowledge that the home side had won the last four encounters between the two.
    The hosts would take the initiative, nearly opening the scoring after eighteen minutes, only for the offside flag to deny Bradley Wright-Phillips his third goal of the playoffs – that would have to wait until later. DC would pass up a glorious chance of their own when Nick DeLeon’s ball in from the left skipped past the attempted clearance of Jamison Olave towards Fabian Espindola, who could not react quickly enough to the unexpected opportunity, which bounced off him and into the hands of a relieved Luis Robles.
    The breakthrough would finally come in the 40th minute when Lloyd Sam played up to Thierry Henry on the right-side of the area. The Frenchman sagely put a back-heel back into the heart of the box, where it was left by Peguy Luyindula, falling to Wright-Phillips unmarked at the left post for a strong right-footed finish.
    Bill Hamid would be called upon to keep the match tight, making a spectacular double-save on Sam and then Wright-Phillips in the 67th minute and then blocking a rasping shot from Wright-Phillips in the 71st. But he could not come to his side’s rescue in the 73rd minute, when New York grabbed their second, putting a stranglehold on the series. Again Henry was involved in the build, laying a perfect ball down the right-channel for Luyindula, who slipped a right-footed finish under the sprawling keeper.
    Wright-Phillips would nearly add a third minute later when his deflected shot handcuffed Hamid, only to trickle mercifully wide of the right-post. United would have one final chance to close the gap in the 88th minute when a free-kick fell to DeLeon at the back-post, but his delay allowed Olave to come over to block the shot.
    The 2-0 win put the Red Bulls firmly in the driver’s seat – in the last ten seasons of MLS only two teams have returned home to overcome two-goal deficits from the opening leg – but if any side is capable of doing so, it is this season’s DC. The return of Chris Rolfe from his broken forearm and rumours of Luis Silva perhaps being available for the weekend will boost their spirits, while there is little likelihood that they will have two such quiet matches in a row.

    The weekend’s closer switched back to the West, where Supporters Shield winners, Seattle, opened their playoff campaign with an away fixture in Dallas.
    Fresh off their first playoff win since 2010 – the year they reached the MLS Cup Final in Toronto – Dallas were eager to continue that run. Having won three of their last four and secure in the knowledge that the home-side had won the last two encounters between the two. Dallas would miss the services of Mauro Diaz, who picked up a needless one-game suspension for entering the field of play to get involved in a minor fracas having been substituted against Vancouver on Wednesday.
    Despite the absence of their game-changer, Dallas would take the lead in the 34th minute from the penalty spot, after a wonderful, tricky run from Andres Escobar drew Marco Pappa into a rash challenge in the box, tripping up the Dallas attacker.
    Michel, as he had against Vancouver, calmly stepped to the spot, ignoring Seattle’s delaying-tactics, to slot his left-footer to the keeper’s left; Stefan Frei read it correctly, but was too late to reach the well-struck penalty.
    Dallas nearly doubled their advantage shortly after, catching Seattle out with a bit of set-piece trickery, but Escobar was flagged, incorrectly, for an offside – Frei made the save on Castillo regardless. Seattle had a chance of their own before the first half whistle blew, Obafemi Martins sending a drive on goal that Raul Fernandez could only push up in the air, requiring a goal-mouth clearance from Matt Hedges with Clint Dempsey lurking menacingly.
    The Sounders would find their goal shortly after the restart, Osvaldo Alonso getting on the end of a 54th minute free-kick from Marco Pappa. Deep on the right, Pappa sent a searching ball towards the back-post, where Alonso ran off the back of Castillo get a flick on the service, tucking it past Fernandez.
    Knowing full well that now was the time to put Seattle behind, before returning to the Pacific Northwest for the second leg, Dallas pressed their advantage, testing Frei repeatedly – most notably when Michel attempted to bend in a look straight from a corner kick, but the Seattle keeper was alert to the danger – but a second goal would not come.
    After the 1-1 draw, the series switches to Seattle, where the Sounders will look to press their home advantage to become the first Supporters Shield winner to advance past the first round in the last three seasons.
    CanCon
    With just Tesho Akindele representing Canada in the playoffs – Russell Teibert and Sam Adekugbe were unused substitutes on the bench for Vancouver – there will be no separate Canadian Content post.
    Akindele returned to the Dallas starting lineup for the knockout round against Vancouver, taking up the right-side of the midfield, though regularly swapping with Fabian Castillo on the left. He scored the game’s opening goal,
    , which took a fortunate redirection off Andy O’Brien to tuck inside the far-post.Come Sunday, the Calgary, Alberta-native retained his spot in the starting eleven, swapping over the left as Castillo moved centrally and Andres Escobar took up the right, at least nominally, as the three were very fluid in their positioning.
    Offensively, Akindele was more than a match for DeAndre Yedlin in the physical department, regularly getting the better of the Seattle right-back, but could not seem to make the final play that was required. He tried to square a ball for Castillo in the 7th minute on a break, but could not; he was then unable to latch onto a loose ball to break in down the middle and saw his run down the left onto a Moises Hernandez ball cut out by Zach Scott; Seattle’s defensive core were thick and stingy on the night.
    On the other side of the ball, Akindele put in a solid shift, tracking deep to prevent Brad Evans from getting in a potential troublesome cross on one occasion.
    Overheard
    A selection of the best quips of the week, starting with referee Mark Geiger’s written response to the pool reporter’s question regarding the handball call on Kendall Waston: “Waston deliberately handled the ball, hence the PK was called.”
    Thereby proving why it is that sporting bodies are so reticent to allow officials to speak for themselves. There is no way that that handball can be called ‘deliberate’ or ‘intentional’; that is a bold declaration, the sort of mind-reading witchcraft that frustrates the uneducated (in the laws of the game) masses. If he wants to say regardless of intent an advantage was accrued by the handball or something to that effect then fine, so be it. But to double down on his already controversial call with such a bald-faced slap is verging on offensive.
    For his part, Waston released this tweet after Vancouver’s elimination, a classy move from the defender, who had he not joined so late in the season would be in the running for newcomer of the year – what a difference he has made to the Whitecaps.
    Mike Petke is tired of fielding the will-he, won’t-he talk of Thierry Henry’s retirement plans: “I have to get it tattooed on my head. I have no clue what Thierry’s going to do. I’m not thinking about… No, I’m not thinking about that at all. I’ve said it enough already. Thierry, I think, could play for two more years, whether it be here, whether it be back in England, wherever he decides to play. His contract is up, but I don’t know what he’s going to do. Having said that, I guess if I looked deep down inside myself, in a quiet room in yoga class, and I meditate, and I say “wow, I guess this could be Thierry’s last game” then yes, I’m very happy for him.”
    Petke’s half-time interview on the weekend was pretty spectacular as well, pausing to shout “It’s got to be better” at the ref as he walked by and then responding to a question with a laugh before storming off – classic stuff there.
    Luis Robles had some thoughts of his own on the subject: “I have a good idea. I think everyone here has a good idea. Ultimately he’s the one that’s going to make the decision, so he could just be bluffing.”
    Bruce Arena with a rather zen approach to referees: “[Officiating] is what it is. It’s been like that all year. It’s not going to change in the playoffs.”
    Salt Lake’s Jeff Cassar took another, slightly more positive angle: “Listen it was a tough game out there. The conditions were tough, everyone was extremely aggressive. Of course I can say that there were a few different calls that I wanted. But at the end of the day, he didn’t give any penalty kicks, he didn’t give any red cards and let the guys on the field at least dictate that.”
    See It Live
    Some of the more entertaining sights of the round included Mauro Diaz re-entering the field of play after being substituted to get involved in a spat of handbags against Vancouver; a tifo in New York heralding Bradley Wright-Phillips’ accomplishments this season; while Jamison Olave’s defensive presence was immense in both Red Bull matches, coming up with this huge goal-saving block on Dom Dwyer and engaging in a series heavy-weight battles with Eddie Johnson against DC on the weekend.
    A flurry of brilliant saves this round from Eric Kronberg on Thierry Henry; Steve Clark on Andrew Farrell; San Penedo coming up big for LA on Joao Plata, twice, and Javier Morales late; and finally, Bill Hamid’s superb double-save against New York.
    Controversy
    On the whole the officials were rather reserved, managing the match well.
    But the handball call on Kendall Waston will go down in the Vancouver annals as a travesty. There was little doubt about Jose Goncalves’ handball, or Marco Pappa’s senseless tackle.
    Several close off-side calls were also a factor – Joao Plata’s break was cut short by a flag, while Gyasi Zardes unjustly saw his goal ruled out for an offside. Dallas too suffered that same fate, a flag robbing them of a rather spectacular training ground set-piece – though Stefan Frei ultimately made the save anyways.
    Sebastian Fernandez got the only red card, for getting in the face of the official post-match, but there were a few crunching tackles that may have seen further punishment were it not the post-season. Tim Cahill’s tackle on Benny Feilhaber was nasty – he didn’t even get a yellow for his efforts, while Ambroise Oyongo did get booked for this tackle on Sean Franklin.
    Upcoming Fixtures
    The Conference Semifinals (or MLS Cup Quarterfinals, depending on one’s point of view) resume on Saturday with the conclusion of the DC-New York series. Sunday sees New England-Columbus and LA-Salt Lake come to an end, while fans will have to wait until Monday for the Seattle-Dallas decider. Don’t forget, extra time and penalty kicks are a possibility, so be sure to allow a little more time on the PVR, just in case.
    Attendance was a little disappointing this round, especially in Columbus where only nine-thousand attended their loss against New England – it is always tricky to mobilize spectators on such short notice – but the atmospheres were generally very good; hopefully the return legs ramp it up a bit.
    Saturday: DC-New York. Sunday: New England-Columbus; Los Angeles-Salt Lake. Monday: Seattle-Dallas.
    All video & quotes courtesy of MLSsoccer.com
    Each week James takes a look at the league as a whole.
    You can follow James on twitter @grawsee or read more of his writing at Partially Obstructed View
    Guest
    Ottawa took the lead in the 16th minute off a curled effort from outside the box from M Nicki Paterson, who took captain duties due to a suspended Richie Ryan, as the team looked strong throughout the 1st half. However, a dangerous tackle from DM Mauro Eustaquio, who was filling in for Ryan, in his attempt to nullify a quick counter-attack from the Strikers resulted in a straight red card in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half, and resulted in a desperate push by Fort Lauderdale for the equalizer that would give them a near-certain probability of qualifying for the playoffs.
    The precious goal for the home side came in the 86th minute from a well-struck half-volley on the turn from a left-flank cross by local product Aly Alberto Hassan, and the moment sent the entire team and Fort Lauderdale supporters into near delirium, as Ottawa could only watch on at what might have been in their maiden season in the 2nd tier of North American soccer.
    The draw snapped a 3-game losing streak for Ottawa, and gives the Fury supporters a sense of relief heading into the off-season, as the club and the fans look back at a strong season on and off the pitch in the NASL. Highlights such as the last-gasp home win over FC Edmonton and the record-breaking attendance in the Landsdowne opener will be well-cherished, and we will conclude the regular season with a season review this week, while continuing to report on major off-season moves from the nation’s capital.
    Starting Lineup
    There were numerous changes to the lineup, to account for the suspension of Ryan and the injury of F Tom Heinemann, as well as reflecting the desire of manager Marc Dos Santos to assess his players one final time before the off-season.
    Ironman CB Mason Trafford was rested for this game after a long season in which he played every minute possible, allowing Ramon Soria to start at LCB next to Drew Beckie. Romuald Peiser, O’Brian Woodbine and Ryan Richter kept their spots otherwise in the defense.
    Eustaquio has been the man to fill in whenever Ryan misses a game, after the failed experiment of playing Tony Donatelli in the DM position for Ryan in the spring season, and Eustaquio started next to Paterson and Donatelli. Playmaker Sinisa Ubiparipovic started the game on the bench after being subbed out at halftime last week, in what was a bit of a bad omen for the talisman heading into the off-season.
    Carl Haworth made a welcome return to the starting XI after a long period in which he was forced out of the starting lineup after an injury coincided with a good stretch of form for the Fury. He was joined up top by Oliver and Vini Dantas.
    CSN OFFC MotM
    CB Drew Beckie for his fine marshalling of the back four and some crucial defensive interventions.
    Lineups and Stats
    Ottawa (4-3-3) – Peiser; Woodbine, Soria, Beckie, Richter; Paterson ©, Eustaquio, Donatelli (Ubiparipovic 89’); Oliver, Dantas (Davies 73’), Haworth (Trafford 82’)
    Ft. Lauderdale (4-5-1) – Contofalsky; Guerrero ©, Antonijevic (Hassan 78’), Alves, King; Pecka (Chavez 58’), Nunez (Jenison 55’), Marcelin, Anderson, Chin; Picault
    Ottawa Goal: Paterson (16′); Assist: Donatelli (16′)
    Ft. Lauderdale Goal: Hassan (86′)
    Ottawa Red Card: Eustaquio (54′)
    Ottawa Injuries and Suspensions and Absences: Ryan (suspension), Heinemann (injury)
    Ottawa Stats Leaders: Shots – Dantas (3); Challenges Won – Dantas (10)
    Ottawa NASL Overall Record: 8th; 7-6-14; 27 points
    Ft. Lauderdale NASL Overall Record: 4th; 11-7-9; 40 points
    You can follow Namu Yoon on Twitter at @BBSC_SeoulBro, and his blog on Ottawa Fury FC at OFFCReview.wordpress.com, and at @OFFCReview.
    Grant
    It was a crude yet effective way of explaining to a foreigner that while soccer dominates in Costa Rica, the populace had yet to care deeply about women playing it. Fast forward six months, and the possibility of that gender gap narrowing looks more realistic. The Costa Rican women’s team recently qualified for its first-ever World Cup, the one being held in Canada next year.
    The news led sports dailies in the Central American nation throughout last week, something the man from the above anecdote has never seen in years of combing through online soccer reports from the region. The coverage culminated with stories of the women’s team returning home to adoring fans at the San Jose airport and starring at pre-planned parties in the nation’s urban centres. One doesn't have to live in Costa Rica to know it would be silly to suggest the women’s team enjoys anything close to the popularity of the men’s side, or is capable of generating anything close to the hysteria that accompanied this summer’s men's World Cup. At least not yet.
    The historic success of the women’s team coincided with some stellar performances by Costa Rican club sides in the Concacaf Champions League. For the first time since group stages were introduced in 2008, Costa Rica is sending three representatives to the quarterfinals. One more than either the U.S. or Mexico. That might just help prevent yet another boring Mexico versus Mexico final.
    Big Three?
    Any half-conscious journalism grad could tell you three make a trend. So considering the stunning romp to the World Cup quarterfinals the Costa Rican men enjoyed this summer, the surprising success of the Costa Rican club sides internationally and the Costa Rican women's historic accomplishment (beating Mexico in the qualifying process to boot) is it time we talk about a Big Three in Concacaf?
    Others certainly are. This author recently listened to an entire episode of ESPN Deportes ‘Futbol Centroamericano’ program in which grown men from across the U.S. phoned in to argue loudly with the hosts about whether Costa Rica can be referred to as the “Papi de Concacaf.” And hey, for whatever the Fifa rankings are worth, Costa Rica currently sits 16th in the world, ahead of Mexico (17) and the U.S. (23).
    Is it ludicrous to assert that Costa Rica and it’s four and a half million inhabitants could sustain a challenge to the U.S.-Mexico hegemony in Concacaf? Probably. You'd also have to ignore several things: the 6-0 thumping the Costa Rican women eventually suffered in the Concacaf Championship at the hands of the U.S., or the healthy dose of luck the Costa Rican men enjoyed alongside their tactical sturdiness during the World Cup. Countries certainly rise and fall with any particular ‘Golden Generation’ of players. And with Costa Rica’s Real Madrid starlet Keylor Navas recently being named the best keeper in Spain it’s quite clear Costa Rica has such a generation right now.
    More like Big Two and a half
    Costa Rica certainly won’t unseat either of the Big Two, but it might sort of join them; collectively speaking, taking into account men's and women's football, as well as the strength of its domestic league. In terms of economic development and soccer infrastructure, the country certainly has an advantage over any other Central American aspirants. And the implications for both Canada’s men’s and women’s programs are not insignificant.
    For the men, a perennially strong Costa Rica means an ever tighter squeeze in terms of World Cup qualifying. It's particularly unsettling in the context of (totally as of yet unfounded) rumours in the South American press about Fifa wanting to nick the half-spots Concacaf and Conmebol are allotted in the men's tournament. For the women, the threat is less serious in the short term. Improved levels of competition in Concacaf would make for more enjoyable games, and would seemingly only raise the level of the team’s play when it comes to the money matches against global powerhouses. The local soccer community focuses a lot of concern around Canada's relative slippage on the women's global stage, but maybe a day comes where the Canadian women are not automatic World Cup qualifiers?
    Perhaps Costa Rica will fade in the coming years. Perhaps the messy, public divorce with manager Jorge Luis Pinto after this summer's World Cup signals disorder at the executive level. Perhaps the women will be trounced in Canada. Perhaps the men's Golden Generation will be followed by a barren one. What seems certain is that 2014 will be remembered fondly for years to come, as either a historic high point or a historic turning point.
    What also seems certain is that Costa Rican bars will be busy during next summer's World Cup.
    Duane Rollins
    Ryan Nelsen vs Tim Bezbatchenko.
    Now, to be clear, I'm not suggesting that Nelsen or Bezbatchenko alone were to blame for everything. Rather, I'm saying that what the power struggle between them represented was the biggest problem.
    And it all started with Nelsen being retained as manager.
    Let's start at the end of 2013. Or, more specifically, a month or so before that when Tim Leiweke was culling the entire organization. The long overdue reset was 98% effective in ridding TFC 2.0 from everything associated with TFC 1.0. Oddly and insanely Leiweke didn't flush everything down the toilet. He left one, um, thing floating.
    Nelsen should never have been hired--at least not as a manager. He might have had a good role to play as an assistant coach working with defenders or even as a GM. His greatest accomplishment was in working his connections back in the Premier League. He helped bring Defoe to Toronto. He helped bring Julio Cesar to Toronto.
    He also helped bring Hogan Ephraim to Toronto, so let's not overstate the talent identification abilities.
    However, it was likely those connections that appealed to Leiweke and allowed him to convince himself that he could keep one aspect of the failed 1.0 Reds around. Leiweke likes shiny things and Nelsen could introduce him to them.
    The problem with that is he hired a guy in Tim Bezbatchenko to be his GM. A guy that clearly had a different vision on how to build a MLS club than the Nelsen/Leiweke strategy of parking iconic British images outside overpriced sports bars.
    Leiweke either should have kept Nelsen and expanded his role, or he should have hired Bezbatchenko and allowed him to build his own team, including a new manager.
    Instead he tried to play it down the middle and created a disastrous power battle that eventually and predictably blew over at the first hint of trouble.
    Now, we don't know whether the roster weaknesses were the fault of a clueless manager that refused to work with his GM, or the work of a clueless GM that refused to build the team his manager wanted.
    It's probably a little bit from column A and a little bit from column B. A team that had stressed the need for having a common vision throughout the organization at every turn in the off season was once again exposed as clueless.
    Despite that the club was plugging along in the middle of the pack for most of the season. Then the injuries started and the depth was exposed. That slump corresponded with the implosion of the MLSE board room.
    Leiweke was out, news that was met with a shrug by Raptors fans, a parade by Leafs fans and a Bloody Big Panic in TFC circles. See, for a brief moment under Leiweke TFC was the equal of the other two. Now, it was back to normal.
    It was here that Bezbatchenko pounced. Apparently sick of being overruled by a guy from a lower rung of the flow chart, Bez engaged Nelsen in a brief and very public pissing contest. Then he showed him who was boss.
    Since Leiweke no longer cared about MLSE, and MLSE has never cared much about TFC beyond the SUM cheques it gets to cash, there was no one to oversee what was going on with the dysfunctional soccer team.
    So, Bezbatchenko's rash temper tantrum drastically changed the team's direction over an all-too-familiar 72-hour period of prime TFCing.
    Stunningly, the eight annual coaching change worked as well as the previous seven did.
    So, here we are. Essentially TFC is back to the type of oversight it had in the early days under Mo Johnston. Now, as then, the board of directors of MLSE is too busy running its hockey team into the ground to give much thought to the soccer team. With it they are happy to let the weird soccer guys run it. And Bez is easier to understand than that Scottish guy was.
    For better or worse this is Bezbatchenko's team now. That might not be any better than if it was Nelsen's team, but either way we needed that clarity that last January.
    And, because we didn't get that clarification TFC is still very much, well, TFC.
    Michael Mccoll
    Carl Robinson made three changes from the team that started Saturday's crucial win over Colorado. Gershon Koffie returned to the starting line up for the first time in weeks, to play alongside Matias Laba in the two man defensive shield, with Russell Teibert dropping to the bench. Erik Hurtado also returned after feeling ill on the morning of the Rapids match and seeing Darren Mattocks get the start.
    The big change came in the defence, with Steven Beitashour's hamstring injury forcing Robinson to choose which young full back he wanted to go with, and Ethen Sampson got the nod on the right.
    Vancouver started with their tails up and enjoyed some early possession but Dallas soon started to look the more dominant side in the middle of the park, with the Whitecaps not looking their usual cohesive selves and passes were going astray.
    There was also very little offensive presence by either team. A lot of huffing but very little puffing, particularly from Vancouver, who were reduced to long range shots, some of which were giving Chris Seitz a seemingly problem to handle.
    Just as it was looking like the teams would go in scoreless, which would certainly have been part of Vancouver's gameplan, Dallas took the lead in the 40th minute after a mix up between the usually reliable Andy O'Brien and Kendall Waston allowed Mauro Diaz to nip the ball past them and head towards goal on a two on one break. Diaz played the ball outside to Tesho Akindele, who took a touch before burying low past David Ousted for the opening goal.
    A costly mistake that ended Vancouver's 432 minutes without conceding a goal and saw the hosts go in with a vital one goal advantage. The Whitecaps also had the added headache of having both Pedro Morales and Koffie pick up first half bookings and walking a tightrope in such a volatile atmosphere.
    The pressure was now on Vancouver to perform and show their playoff metal.
    The Whitecaps came out for the second half in a much higher tempo and Sebastian Fernandez won a free kick in the opening minute when he was barged to the ground by Walker Zimmerman. Mauro Rosales stepped up and crashed the free kick off the Dallas bar from nearly 30 yards out.
    Vancouver were forced to replace their talismanic captain Pedro Morales just before the hour mark, and the switch for Kekuta Manneh proved to be a game changer.
    The young Gambian immediately caused problems for the Dallas defence and his run into the box won a corner for the Caps just past the hour mark. Morales' kick was flicked on, leading to a mad scramble in the home side's box before the ball broke to Manneh and his low shot squirmed under Seitz and hit the post and out for another corner.
    The Caps' were definitely in the ascendency now, and they got the reward their pressure and play deserved in the 64th minute.
    Manneh was in the thick of things again when his shot from outside the box deflected into the path of Hurtado and the young striker make room and saw his own shot take a slight deflection as it beat Seitz and nestled into the bottom right corner of the net to tie things up.
    Vancouver now sensed blood and Manneh was showing what a big game player he is, and he curled an effort inches wide in the 70th minute.
    But just as it looked liked the Whitecaps had the game for the taking, Dallas won a penalty with eight minutes remaining when Kendall Waston was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, although the big Costa Rican knew little about it.
    Michel stepped and the Brazilian sent Ousted the wrong way to give Dallas back the lead.
    The game then threatened to boil over in the closing minutes as the hatred between the teams came to the fore.
    The Whitecaps pushed hard for those final moments but without creating any clear cut chances and as Vancouver pushed forward, Fabian Castillo saw a late effort saved, although referee Geiger gave a goal kick.
    Dallas held on for the win after six minutes of stoppage time and as the final whistle blew, Sebastian Fernandez made a beeline for Geiger and was shown a red card, as several Vancouver players gathered around the ref.
    It was a tough way to end their season, but the Whitecaps can hold their heads up high after a season that saw them produce much more than many expected.
    In the end, it was both their first half performance and the referee that saw their playoff hopes ended. How they bounce back from this next season will be interesting to watch. March can't come quick enough.
    FINAL SCORE: FC Dallas 2 - 1 Vancouver Whitecaps
    ATT:10,279
    DALLAS: Chris Seitz; Zach Loyd, Matt Hedges, Walker Zimmerman, Je-Vaughn Watson; Fabian Castillo, Michel, Victor Ulloa (Kellyn Acosta 76), Mauro Diaz (Andres Escobar); Tesho Akindele, Blas Perez (Ryan Hollingshead 90) [subs Not Used: Jesse Gonzalez, Moises Hernandez, Jair Benitez, David Texeira]
    VANCOUVER: David Ousted; Ethen Sampson, Andy O’Brien, Kendall Waston, Jordan Harvey; Matias Laba, Gershon Koffie (Nicolas Mezquida 87); Mauro Rosales, Pedro Morales (Kekuta Manneh 58), Sebastian Fernández; Erik Hurtado (Darren Mattocks 78) [subs Not Used: Paolo Tornaghi, Sam Adekugbe, Johnny Leveron, Russell Teibert]
    [Postgame reaction to follow Thursday]
    Duane Rollins
    The instinct with TFC is to just say "everything" and move on. However, as suggested yesterday that's not the most helpful approach. Rather, if we truly do care about TFC -- and if you no longer do no one could blame you -- you should aspire to find more detail in criticism.
    It's one thing to say "TFC sucks." It's quite another to say "TFC sucks because..."
    With that in mind, part II of the TFC season review looks at What went wrong? We'll look at What went really wrong tomorrow.
    Let's start with the stupid bus.
    After seven years of struggles and three years of absurd incompetence one can understand the instinct of management to hype everything through the roof. After all interest was dwindling and the evil masters of Bell and Rogers have to eat. Tickets needed to be sold and everyone likes double decker buses!
    So a Bloody Big Deal was born. Fans were invited to Real Sports and everyone pretended that the seven years that had passed simply hadn't happened.
    The simple truth is management had taken a rotting corpse and given it a nose job. Sure it looked a bit better on the surface but it was still dead on the inside. Bringing it back to life was going to take more than one surgery.
    Even when the surgery is successful. And, despite what happened later, the Bloody part of the Big Deal -- Jermain Defoe -- was a decent signing. Toronto wasn't a team that could afford to be be picky about what world class striker came to town. Getting Defoe was a good piece of business and when he was healthy he earned his money.
    Adding Michael Bradley made a good deal even better.
    Hindsight tells us that Defoe threw a hissy fit and Bradley was never fully healthy. However, the mistake was never in signing them. No, it was in telling people that signing them solved TFC's problems.
    What were TFC's problems?
    Well, a terrible lack of depth was likely the biggest. When the injuries started to happen the back half of TFC's roster was exposed.
    It was particularity a problem at the back where Steven Caldwell's injury almost single handedly crippled the season. The green centreback pairing of Nick Hagglund and Doneil Henry was exposed and TFC started to leak goals.
    That issue was exaggerated because TFC never had a true No 6. Bradley often fell into the role, but it was not his best position. Others were tried, but the lack of a stopper in the midfield was disastrous and it likely informed much of the problems down the stretch.
    That lack of a DMC was caused by the signing of striker Gilberto. That signing forced TFC to rid itself of one of the best stoppers in the league, Matías Laba. Now, Gilberto may one day be a game changing star in MLS. That day didn't come this year, however, and Gilberto never seemed to work with Defoe.
    Then Defoe got hurt, the team stopped scoring, fired the coach and got down to TFCing.
    But, before all that was the stupid damn bus.
    If TFC had not parked the bus in front of Real Sports and just went about the business of signing the two players then fan's expectations would have been tempered. The club could have said what we all should have understood -- that there were still holes and depth was a major concern. They should have said that it might be enough for a playoff spot, but it would still be touch and go. They could have stressed that TFC had fallen so far behind that it was unrealistic to fully recover in one season.
    If the club had said that then there would be far, far less anger now. The front office would feel far, far, far less pressure to do something rash and I'd have far, far, far, far more hope that 2015 would represent another step forward.
    Instead I worry that management is going to feel the need to get another bus. And that ownership will then thrown them under it when (once again) the home run swing fails to instantly fix things.
    No more buses. That should be the season nine slogan.
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