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    Guest

    Sober Second Thought: The lost season

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    The hell is over.
    For Toronto FC fans there isn't really a better way to describe the 2013 season. It started with fans bickering with each other, a front office doing pretty much nothing, no hope and nothing much to think that was going to change.
    It got worse.
    A year without hope. A year without joy. A year (hopefully) like no other and never to be repeated.
    Ironically, the best MLS season in memory played out around the train wreck at BMO. A season that ended Saturday with a MLS Cup final that was full of drama and ended with Kansas City finally finishing the job.
    Sporting Franchise of Kansas City are champions of Major League Soccer.
    Deserving champions (and I don't just say that because they were my preseason pick). Although there were prettier teams (Salt Lake), teams with bigger stars (New York) and more fancied story-lines (Portland) there likely wasn't a better, more consistent performance from March to December than KC.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    And, based on the balanced way KC is built (and retaining Graham Zusi), it's a team that could very well be there again next year.
    Watching KC can give TFC fans both hope and fill them with despair. It shows that teams in MLS can fairly quickly raise themselves from the outhouse to the penthouse. So, that's good. However, it also illustrates how important patience is in MLS.
    So, we're screwed.
    Well, unless the new management can fulfil its promise of finally doing things the right way. TFC has earned every bit of the cynicism that surrounds it.
    Every.
    Bit.
    But, it is new management. So, we'll try and dial our vitriol back a bit as the club starts its most important off-season of its short and painful history.
    No hyperbole there. It is. We only have to look back on the last season of 2013 to understand how important it is that TFC make itself at least relevant again.
    Forget specific goals like playoffs. Instead just focus on relevancy. TFC wasn't in 2013. It goes without saying that regaining that is the biggest and most important challenge the Reds have ever faced.
    Guest

    Matheson > Sinclair in 2013

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    This article originally ran at The Equalizer. In an effort to fully stand behind my vote for player of the year, I'm re-running it here now.
    My men's vote went 1) Will Johnson, 2) Patrice Bernier, 3) Jonathon Osorio. I tend to put slightly more weight on club performance than country and my voting reflects that.
    Full women's article below the jump. Italics have been added to portions of the article new from original publish.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    For eight consecutive years the naming if the Canadian women's player of the year has been an exercise in acclimation.
    It's Christine Sinclair's award. Her brilliance has been so clear that there was a half serious discussion a couple years ago about whether it would make sense to give her a lifetime achievement award of some type and then award the player of the year to the second best performance.
    Last year was the peak of her glory. In addition to winning the soccer award she was also named the top Canadian athlete, period. It was the first time a soccer player had captured the top award and it was a proud moment for everyone associated with the game in Canada.
    Flash forward a year and we are once again in award season. Sinclair is not in the conversation for the overall award this time, but it is almost certain she will win her ninth consecutive award on the soccer side.
    She shouldn't. And, as a voter for the award, this writer did not include Sinclair on his ballot for the first time.
    The reason for the omission had a little but to do with a below par (by her standards) year, but it had much more to do with the emergence of other players in the national team set-up.
    Erin McLeod came into her own in 2013. After years of platooning, she clearly established herself as Canada's No 1, an accomplishment based as much on strong NWSL play as with the Nats. She was my No 3 selection. This is likely the one vote where I put more country weight in than club. McLeod was just OK at club level (although one should not ignore that she was a starter in one of the best women's leagues in the world). In the last two games Canada played, McLeod was simply unconscious.
    To be candid, I may have subconsciously voted McLeod over Sinclair out of a fear that Sinclair would get undeserved first place votes -- it was a strategic vote of sorts. Honestly, if I had to recast the vote a week later I might flip Sinclair into the third spot. Still, McLeod isn't without merit.
    The glue that holds Canada together and likely one of the biggest breakouts of the NWSL season was Desiree Scott. She plays a tough, fearless game and was my No 2 choice for player of the year.
    However, the No 1 pick was an easy selection. Those in Canada always knew her importance, but 2013 was the year that the rest of the WoSo world learned too. My vote for Canadian player of the year went to Washington midfielder Diana Matheson.
    She simply had the best year of any Canadian at both club and country level.
    Matheson's breakout didn't fully surprise John Herdman, but he still remains inspired by her at every camp.
    "She just keeps getting better," he said via email. "Her performances remain consistent and we hope she can start translating her NWSL goals to national team goals."
    However, Herdman went on to stress that Matheson's contributions go beyond the 90 minutes.
    (She's) a true leader in every way who sets a wonderful example to her teammates with an unshakeable performance focus."
    Those that followed the Spirit closely agree with Herdman's assessment.
    "Anyone who didn't know Diana Matheson before the NWSL season knows her now," journalist/author Beau Dure said. He was in a position to know, having written a book about the Spirit's first season.
    "Other teams did their best to stop her reasonably figuring that if they stopped here they would stop the Spirit."
    Dure speculates that if Washington had anyone to tie the offensive burden away from Matheson, who had eight goals, that the Spirit would have been far more competitive.
    Like Herdman, Dure said that Matheson's value goes beyond goals, however.
    "She became a fan favourite with her dry wit, her willingness to stand up to Alex Morgan and her embrace of living quarters in a nearby retirement home.
    "She simply exuded class all season."
    She's exuded class her whole career. This year it's time to recognize that officially by naming her the Canadian player of the year.
    Michael Mccoll
    Don't worry, it may be winter but we're still able to play here in Vancouver and bring you Episode 30 of "There's Still Time", AFTN's Whitecaps and MLS podcast.
    Despite it being the offseason there's still been a lot of talking points cropping up in Whitecapsland over the past week and there's going to be more to come before the year is out.
    Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, but will the Caps be goosed when it comes to landing the man they want to be their new manager? Bob Bradley is the man who might be named. Does he want it? Is he the right man for the job? Bobby Lenarduzzi says he hopes to have an announcement next week. We share our thoughts on the whole thing.
    The confirmed Whitecaps news is what players have been released. For the best or some mistakes in there? And do any of them still have the chance to be Caps when the new season starts? With 19 players now left on the MLS squad, the gaps are now very clear.
    Moving on to MLS matters, we pick over Don Garber's 'State of the League' address. Not as exciting for us as in some years gone by but there were a few key talking points to come out of it.
    The current MLS season just won't end it seems. With the MLS Cup finally taking place in a chilly Kansas City this weekend, what will we see? Don't worry, Predictapooch is back to let us all know.
    So sit back, let your googles hangout and share a pre-Christmas feast with us.
    For now, you can listen to this week's podcast on iTunes HERE.
    Or download it for your later listening delight HERE
    We also have an iPhone app, so you can now add our podcast to your phone as an app. Visit the podcast's mobile site HERE and then at the bottom of the screen just click the "Quick Launch" icon and the podcast will be added to your home screen and appear as an app.
    And if that's not enough, we've joined Stitcher Radio Network. Download the app and listen to the AFTN podcast on your device, along with over 15,000 shows HERE.
    Or after all that, you could just listen on the player below!
    Guest
    What were you doing back in 1998?
    Do you even remember? There are plenty of different stages of your life you could have been at, plenty of experiences you could have been having. Well, we know what the biggest event of that year was for the Fleming family: The birth of their daughter Jessie, who'd grow up to play soccer and hockey, and be a pretty good track and field athlete too.
    She'd also grow up to earn a call-up to the Canadian senior women's national team. And that would happen on Dec. 5, 2013 (hey look, that's today).
    Yes folks, we're all getting old. But as John Herdman searches for the mix of players who'll lead his team into the 2015 Women's World Cup on home soil, the CanWNT is getting younger.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    On Thursday, Herdman named a 20-player roster for the upcoming Torneio Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo in Brazil, a four-team tournament that will see Canada face Scotland (Dec. 11), Chile (Dec. 15), Brazil (Dec. 18) and, most likely, Brazil once more in the final (Dec. 22).
    Fleming -- who captained Canada at the CONCACAF U-17 Women's Championship a month ago -- is the only player earning her first senior call-up for this camp. The 15-year-old midfield engine scored twice for Canada, including a 30-yard screamer, as they qualified for next year's U-17 Women's World Cup. She was named Canada's player of the tournament, and has already earned plaudits from some experienced Canadian soccer voices, including Jason de Vos.
    Last month, Herdman mentioned Fleming as a possible candidate to jump from the U-17 team to the U-20 team in the next year, so clearly she was on his radar. Before we get ahead of ourselves, let's just assume this call-up does not mean Fleming's suddenly in the CanWNT mixer going forward; rather, Herdman's just taking the opportunity to get a closer look at a player that's full of potential.
    Then again, two other teenagers on the roster -- Sura Yekka and Kadeisha Buchanan -- seemed like one-offs when they earned their first call-ups earlier this year. But Yekka, 16, has impressed in Canada's last two games at the fullback position, while Buchanan has already established herself as one of Canada's centrebacks of the future at age 18.
    So really, the sky's the limit for the trio. The other notable name is Selenia Iacchelli, who was brought back into the CanWNT fold after a years-long absence against Mexico last month, and saw only a few minutes of playing time. But clearly Herdman saw enough of her to warrant another look (surely all of the media attention about the frozen yogurt truck she runs with teammate Emily Zurrer couldn't have hurt).
    Canada's roster for the Brazil tournament is below. No word on TV coverage (don't count on it), but the last time Canada played in this tournament -- in 2010 -- industrious Big Red fans still found a way to watch their heroes. *cough cough*
    GK- Stephanie Labbé | SWE / KIF Örebro DFF
    GK- Karina LeBlanc | USA / Portland Thorns FC
    GK- Erin McLeod | USA / Chicago Red Stars
    D- Kadeisha Buchanan | USA / West Virginia University
    D- Robyn Gayle | USA / Washington Spirit
    D- Carmelina Moscato | USA / Seattle Reign FC
    D- Marie-Eve Nault | SWE / KIF Örebro DFF
    D- Lauren Sesselmann | USA / FC Kansas City
    D- Rhian Wilkinson | USA / Boston Breakers
    D- Sura Yekka | CAN / Brams United
    D- Emily Zurrer | USA / Seattle Reign FC
    M- Selenia Iacchelli | CAN / Edmonton Victoria SC
    M- Jessie Fleming | CAN / Norwest Soccer Club
    M- Kaylyn Kyle | USA / Boston Breakers
    M- Diana Matheson | USA / Washington Spirit
    M- Sophie Schmidt | USA / Sky Blue FC
    M- Desiree Scott | USA / FC Kansas City
    M- Brittany Baxter (née Timko) | unattached
    F- Adriana Leon | USA / Chicago Red Stars
    F- Christine Sinclair | USA / Portland Thorns FC
    .
    Guest

    Are Bob Bradley's best days behind him?

    By Guest, in AFTN,

    Christmas is coming. So is the announcement of Vancouver Whitecaps' new head coach. You'll just have to wait a little longer for both.
    Caps President Bobby Lenarduzzi was on Team 1040 radio this morning and talked about the search. He wouldn't comment specifically on rumours or individual names but did say: <i>"The people that we're talking to have commitments and don't have the ability to make that decision as quickly as we would like. Having said all that, I would hope that by next week we would be able to confirm who the next coach of the Whitecaps would be."</i>.
    We can rule out Santa Claus then. His commitments extend for a few weeks yet.
    On Sunday it was <a href="http://soccerly.com/article/soccerly/bob-bradley-offered-whitecaps-job" target="_blank"><u>reported</u></a> that the Whitecaps were set to break the bank to bring Bob Bradley to Vancouver as their new head coach and an offer had been made, but not accepted or declined.
    But would Bradley be the right man for the job? Does he even really want it and why are people excited by such a possible appointment?
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    He's certainly a name. One that resonates with football fans both sides of the border, a lot of that due to what he has achieved at international level. His appointment would certainly tick all the boxes in terms of MLS managerial experience, but it is experience garnered when Major League Soccer was a very different beast.
    Bradley has not coached at club level since 2006. He hasn't won any domestic silverware since 2000. Does he still have what it takes to manage a football club on a day to day basis or is he one of the older generation of American coaches living on past reputations and left behind a little by the modern game?
    Coming in from the college ranks, Bradley first made the move into Major League Soccer in 1996 where he was Bruce Arena's coach at DC United for two seasons before moving on to become head coach at new expansion team Chicago Fire, where he won the MLS Cup and US Open Cup double in his first season and picked up Coach of the Year honours.
    Bradley spent five seasons in Chicago before the New Jersey native headed home to manage the struggling MetroStars. His tenure there was to last nearly three years before he was sacked towards the end of the 2005 season after poor results.
    His last foray into club football came with Chivas USA in the 2006 season, where he guided the second year club to the playoffs for the first time.
    Nine seasons as a manager in MLS, one MLS Cup win, one MLS Cup loss, two Conference crowns and taking his teams to the playoffs in eight of his nine years in charge.
    It sounds impressive, but when you start to dig in behind the numbers, it's not so much.
    Here's a full breakdown of Bradley's record as a MLS head coach:
    [TABLE=class: grid, width: 90%, align: center]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    Year


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Team


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Regular Season


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Playoffs


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Games Managed


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Won


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Drawn


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Lost


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Win %


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    1998


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Chicago


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    2nd in West


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Won MLS Cup


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    37


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    25


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    0


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    12


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    67.6%


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    1999


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Chicago


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    3rd in West


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Lost Conference semi


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    35


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    19


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    0


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    16


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    54.3%


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    2000


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Chicago


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    1st in Central


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Lost MLS Cup


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    39


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    21


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    6


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    12


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    53.8%


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    2001


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Chicago


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    1st in Central


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Lost semi


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    33


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    18


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    7


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    8


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    54.5%


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    2002


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Chicago


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    3rd in East


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Lost Conference semi


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    31


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    12


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    4


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    15


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    38.7%


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    2003


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    MetroStars


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    3rd in East


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Lost Conference semi


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    32


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    11


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    10


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    11


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    34.4%


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    2004


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    MetroStars


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    3rd in East


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Lost Conference semi


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    32


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    11


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    7


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    14


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    34.4%


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    2005


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    MetroStars


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    4th in East


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Was fired by then


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    29


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    10


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    10


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    9


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    34.5%


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    2006


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Chivas


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    3rd in West


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    Lost Conference semi


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    34


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    11


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    13


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    10


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    32.4%


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [TR]
    [TD]
    TOTAL


    [/TD]
    [TD][/TD]
    [TD][/TD]
    [TD][/TD]
    [TD]
    302


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    138


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    57


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    107


    [/TD]
    [TD]
    45.7%


    [/TD]
    [/TR]
    [/TABLE]
    His 45.7% win record is greatly helped by his first four years in charge in Chicago. From 2002, his win record is a decidedly uninspiring 34.8%.
    To put that into some context, Martin Rennie had a win record of 32.4% in his first season in charge in Vancouver and a 38.2% one this season just past. An upward trajectory and we'll never know in which direction his record would have continued.
    Rennie's record is a small sample size to hold up as a useful gauge of a modern MLS manager but before Bradley moved on to international football, his star was certainly starting to wane. Not that you can just look at something as basic as a winning percentage when evaluating the effectiveness of a coach.
    When Bradley left Chivas he became interim manager of the US national team towards the end of 2006. An appointment that became permanent five months later.
    He guided the US to a 2007 Gold Cup triumph and a comfortable qualifying campaign to reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they bowed out in the second round to Ghana.
    Just over a year later he was sacked but soon found himself back in charge at international level, making the move to Africa to manage Egypt, before Ghana were again to play a part in his downfall after a comprehensive World Cup playoff loss to them last month resulted in him looking for new employment.
    And Vancouver have seemingly come a calling for his services, offering up to $1 million for them in the process if the reports are to be believed.
    Frankly, I find it quite baffling and it smacks of a panic move to try and land a big name appointment to appease some of the fanbase and watching eyes.
    Now, if he were to accept Bradley may prove to be an excellent appointment, assembling a modern MLS backroom team and leading the Caps to the promised land and becoming the new MLS dynasty. We all hope for that.
    But there are already warning signs and concerns.
    The amount of time he has spent away from domestic football is certainly a major concern that needs to be raised. Seven years is a huge gap.
    There is a big difference between running an international team and the day to day running of a football club and all the work that goes with managing players and their sensitivities, egos and personal requirements on a daily basis.
    He'll have others around him to help do that of course, but you also don't want the players to feel he doesn't understand their "needs" or is out of touch.
    Many former international managers around the world have struggled to adapt to such a transition back to the domestic game and fail to find the winning formula they once had, bouncing around from club to club.
    That international experience will certainly earn him the respect of players, especially the senior ones, something which has been hinted as being lacking in some players' views of Rennie.
    Is he the best manager to bring on the Caps aspiring young talent though? He's obviously done well with his son and comes from a NCAA background, but he's more used to handling seasoned pros these days.
    As for the League itself, MLS isn't exactly unrecognisable since Bradley last managed in it but it's not far off it.
    He is a MLS Cup winner but that was 15 years ago now. His last domestic trophy won was the US Open Cup in 2000.
    I really struggle to see how this makes him some kind of MLS messiah and such a lucrative proposition at this point in time. He may be the biggest name on what was looking a frankly horrible shortlist of candidates, but that doesn't make him the best choice.
    Does he still have the necessary knowledge, skills and acumen to make it work? Is he cut out for modern day club football management?
    Bradley will obviously have help from his own coaching staff and the key will be to bring in guys with more recent knowledge of the League. He would certainly need a strong support team and Jesse Marsch is a name being bandied about as his possible assistant.
    Due to his Montreal connections and previous reputation as a player, some would not be too pleased with such a move, whilst others will feel it's the ideal scenario, with Bradley getting Marsch ready to take over the team if he moves on to bigger and better things. I fall into the former category.
    Appointing Bradley is a gamble, but yes, you can say the same about any manager. I do question though how much his heart would be in the role and is he holding out in the hope that something better comes along? How long do the Caps wait? If he isn't fully sold on the Vancouver job, do we even want him here?
    I'm not for one minute saying that he wouldn't give the job his all if he got it, but will there always be that lingering desire to go and manage in Europe or at international level again? And if an opportunity came along would he jump at it, leaving Vancouver in the hunt for a fifth coach in their short MLS tenure?
    He has been <a href="http://worldsoccertalk.com/2013/11/21/after-egypt-decides-not-to-renew-bob-bradleys-contract-bradleys-next-job-may-be-in-norway/" target="_blank"><u>linked</u></a> with a job in Norway. Apart from giving him the chance to manage in Europe, such a move would likely see him less in the spotlight of media scrutiny, which any return to MLS would bring in droves.
    Football's always a game of what ifs, but Vancouver Whitecaps are needing a little bit more certainty with their new manager.
    I'm not sure Bob Bradley gives them that at this moment in time.
    <p>
    Guest
    It's that time again -- time to determine Canada's top national-team performers over the last calendar year.
    The Canadian Soccer Association has released its list of nominees in six categories -- men's and women's senior national, U-20 and U-17 teams -- with the winners being announced over the course of next week, starting on Monday (Dec. 9).
    While the voting for the CanMNT and CanWNT top players is split evenly between media and coaches across the country, the youth winners are selected exclusively by coaches (the national-team staff and other coaches across the country). Still, stuff like this is always good for debate, so why don't we take a look at who's up for the prizes in 2013...
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Canada #canMNT
    - Patrice Bernier | CAN / Impact Montréal | Brossard, QC
    - Julian de Guzman | GRE / Xanthi | Scarborough, ON
    - Marcus Haber | ENG / Notts County | Vancouver, BC
    - Atiba Hutchinson | TUR / Beşiktaş JK | Brampton, ON
    - Will Johnson | USA / Portland Timbers | Toronto, ON
    - Nik Ledgerwood | SWE / Hammarby Fotboll | Lethbridge, AB
    - Jonathan Osorio | CAN / Toronto FC | Brampton, ON
    - Tosaint Ricketts | TUR / Bucaspor Kulübü | Edmonton, AB
    - Russell Teibert | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Niagara Falls, ON
    My picks: Since I actually do get a vote in this category (CSA, what are you thinking?!), this pick is more than just idle musing. Media members are asked to rank their top three choices in the MNT and WNT categories, and while the inclination of a bitter fan might be to choose "nobody" for the men's team, given their record, there were some notable individual performances.
    I, like most voters, will likely be victims of the familiarity bias here, since we see the domestic players a heck of a lot more than the European-based ones. That notwithstanding, my #3 pick is Bernier for his critical work on an Impact team that found its way into the playoffs (albeit just barely) in its second year of MLS play, #2 is Hutchinson for continuing to be Canada's brightest shining light abroad, and #1 is Johnson for captaining the Timbers to a first-place finish in the Western Conference, based in one of the most soccer-mad environments on the continent.
    Notes: Dwayne DeRosario isn't on the official nomination list, but given that write-in votes are allowed, I guarantee he'll get a few nods anyway. And yes, Whitecaps fans, I know Will Johnson trolled you guys after he scored a goal and that makes him an evil man forever.
    Who'll win: Y'know, it might actually be Johnson. Or, hell, who am I kidding, it'll probably somehow be DeRo.
    Canada #canWNT
    - Kadeisha Buchanan | USA / West Virginia University | Mississauga, ON
    - Karina LeBlanc | USA / Portland Thorns | Maple Ridge, BC
    - Adriana Leon | USA / Chicago Red Stars | Maple, ON
    - Diana Matheson | USA / Washington Spirit | Oakville, ON
    - Erin McLeod | USA / Chicago Red Stars | Edmonton, AB & Calgary, AB
    - Sophie Schmidt | USA / Sky Blue FC | Abbotsford, BC
    - Desiree Scott | USA / FC Kansas City | Winnipeg, MB
    - Lauren Sesselmann | USA / FC Kansas City | Stephenville, NL
    - Christine Sinclair | USA / Portland Thorns FC | Burnaby, BC
    My picks: This would seem to be a slam-dunk, right? Sinclair's won this award nine straight years, and I've been encouraging people to vote for her to win some made-up ESPN "best athlete" list thingie for the past few weeks. Plus, I mean, it's Sincy, for goodness sakes! Could anyone really be more deserving of this award than her in any given year?
    Well, this year... yes. I think so.
    My #3 pick is a toss-up between McLeod (who firmly established herself as Canada's top choice) and Schmidt (who made a big impact in her first NWSL season), my #2 pick will go to Sinclair (even though she's clearly slowed down a bit, she's still one of the best) and my perhaps-controversial #1 pick goes to Matheson, whose attacking prowess has exploded in the past few years after a decade in a mostly holding role. She scored as many goals as Sinclair in the NWSL regular season, and has been Canada's most dangerous player going forward on several occasions in 2013 (in lineups that also included Sinclair).
    Who'll win: Well, Sinclair, of course.
    Canada #canm20 (born 1993 or later /nés en 1993 ou après)
    - Samuel Adekugbe | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Calgary, AB
    - Keven Aleman | ESP / Real Valladolid | Brampton, ON
    - Dylan Carreiro | ENG / Queens Park Rangers | Winnipeg, MB
    - Caleb Clarke | GER / FC Augsburg II (on loan from CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC) | Richmond, BC
    - Doneil Henry | CAN / Toronto FC | Brampton, ON
    - Michael Petrasso | ENG / Queens Park Rangers | Woodbridge, ON
    - Samuel Piette | GER / Fortuna Düsseldorf | Le Gardeur, QC
    My pick: I'm kind of glad I'm not voting here, since this is a pretty impressive crop of players, and tough to pick from. Three of these guys signed pro deals in Europe (Petrasso, Carreiro, Aleman), one is on a successful loan spell there (Clarke), one is a regular for his European club (Piette), one firmly entrenched himself as an MLS starter (Henry) and one signed a pro deal at the age of 18 (Adekugbe). Oh yeah, and all seven of them have spent time with the senior men's national team at some point in 2013.
    So, really, it's tough to go wrong with this group. Based pretty much on what he's done over the past two months, though, I'm going to go with Petrasso.
    Who'll win: If familiarity bias plays a part, which you know it will, this probably goes to Henry (who also won the award last year).
    Canada #canw20 (born 1994 or later / nées en 1994 ou après)
    - Kadeisha Buchanan | USA / West Virginia University | Mississauga, ON
    - Ashley Lawrence | USA / West Virginia University | Caledon East, ON
    - Kinley McNicoll | USA / University of Wisconsin | Oakville, ON
    - Nichelle Prince | USA / Ohio State University | Ajax, ON
    - Rebecca Quinn | USA / Duke University | Toronto, ON
    - Kailen Sheridan | USA / Clemson University | Whitby, ON
    My pick: This one seems pretty straightforward: Buchanan has already established herself as a crucial piece of the puzzle for the senior national team, so it's tough to imagine this award going to anyone else. Even so, Lawrence has won the U-17 award for the past two years, and Prince could also be a key piece for the program going forward -- so, recognizing Buchanan's ascent shouldn't take anything away from some other good players here.
    Who'll win: Hmm, lemme think... oh yeah, Buchanan.
    Canada #canm17 (born 1996 or later / nés en 1996 ou après)
    - Hanson Boakai | CAN / FC Edmonton | Edmonton, AB
    - Marco Bustos | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency | Winnipeg, MB
    - Marco Carducci | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency | Calgary, AB
    - Alex Comsia | North Vancouver, BC
    - Marco-Leonel Dominguez | CAN / Académie Impact Montréal | Montréal, QC
    - Jordan Hamilton | CAN / Toronto FC Academy | Scarborough, ON
    - Jordan Haynes | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency | Peterborough, ON
    My pick: The trio of Bustos, Boakai and Hamilton impressed mightily at the CONCACAF U-17 Championship, and Hamilton went on to score twice at the U-17 World Cup. Carducci has also impressed coaching staff and followers of the team, both with his on-field performances and off-field maturity. So, much like the U-20 group, some very decent choices here. For me, though, the one player that brings qualities that are so rare to any Canadian team is Boakai -- who, let's remember, signed with FC Edmonton's first team as a 16-year-old.
    Who'll win: I wanna say "Toronto media bias will give it to Hamilton", but since this vote is from coaches, I'm going to lean slightly towards Carducci. Hamilton winning wouldn't surprise me either.
    Canada #canw17 (born 1995 or later / nées en 1995 ou après)
    - Jessie Fleming | CAN / London NorWest SC | London, ON
    - Rachel Jones | CAN / Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite | North Vancouver, BC
    - Sarah Kinzner | CAN / Calgary Foothills | Calgary, AB
    - Marie-Mychèle Métivier | CAN / Armada Chaudière-Est | Lévis, QC
    - Bianca St-Georges | CAN / Laser de Joliette | St-Charles-Borommée, QC
    - Sura Yekka | CAN / Brams United SC | Mississauga, ON
    My pick: Métivier bagged plenty of goals in World Cup qualifying, Fleming was Canada's top player at that tournament, and Jones definitely looks like the sort of attack-minded fullback who'll fit into John Herdman's grander scheme. But as per Buchanan, above, it's tough to argue against a teenager that's already made an impact with the senior national team -- in this case, it's Yekka.
    Who'll win: Y'know, if coaches think the way I think they think, they may actually pick Fleming. But the more likely scenario is that they'll go with Yekka too.
    So, what do you think? Presuming the comments section is actually working today (fingers crossed), let's hear it:
    .
    Guest
    It's December - winter has fully taken its seat on our collective heads, and the omnipresent green/red colour scheme and Christmas-music-radio-loops are in full effect... so it's easy to assume that the Canadian national-team programs have more or less closed up shop for the year.
    Buuuuut... fans of the women's national team will be getting a special pre-Christmas treat, as <u><a href="http://canadasoccer.com/canada-wnt-heading-to-brazil-to-conclude-2013-p155603">the team is heading down to Brazil</a></u> to participate in the fifth annual Torneio Internacional Cidade de Sao Paulo, which runs Dec. 11 to 22.
    Canada has participated in the tournament once before, in 2010, and won thanks to <u><a href="
    ">a ridiculous golazo from (who else?) captain Christine Sinclair.</a></u> This time out, Canada will be joined by the host Brazilians as well as Chile and Scotland.But preparing for that competition isn't the only thing on head coach John Herdman's mind as we tick down to the end of 2013.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    He'll also need to decide which 16 players will receive CSA-funded allocation spots in the NWSL for 2014, a decision <u><a href="http://equalizersoccer.com/2013/11/27/canada-mexico-nwsl-allocation-december-deadlines-loom/">he'll reportedly need to make by Dec. 22</a></u>.
    Given that Herdman has already said he'd like to add Melissa Tancredi and Jonelle Filigno (who were both busy this year with school) to Canada's list for 2014, and that formerly-retired-but-now-apparently-part-of-the-national-team-plans Kara Lang and Josee Belanger will need a place to play, we could see a quarter of Canada's allocated players from 2013 on the outs for next season.
    Most of last year's lineup likely has nothing to worry about - the Sinclairs, Mathesons, Schmidts, Scotts and McLeods of the world aren't going anywhere.
    Young striker Adriana Leon is almost surely safe, as she's already made an impact for the national team. But a number of veterans - Carmelina Moscato and Robyn Gayle - may find themselves on the bubble, while Melanie Booth's recent retirement from national-team duty surely means she won't be receiving an allocation spot in 2014 (though she might remain in the league).
    Neither Bryanna McCarthy nor Jodi-Ann Robinson turned their NWSL allocations in 2013 into playing time with the national team (or very much playing time for their clubs, as luck would have it), so they're almost locks to be removed from the list.
    So the most likely shift would be Tancredi, Filigno and Lang in, with Booth, Robinson and McCarthy out. If Belanger needs a spot as well, though, Herdman will really have a difficult decision to make.
    Another tough call will be deciding what role Sinclair should play in Brazil. My colleague Duane Rollins recently suggested on Twitter that Canada's all-time leading scorer should be rested - and looking at things objectively, it's tough to disagree.
    While 2012 was one of the finest years of her illustrious career, Sinclair clearly lost a step in 2013 -- and if Herdman wants her in good form for the all-important Women's World Cup in 2015, her days as an automatic full-90 player may be coming to a close.
    One way or another, the year is far from done for the Big Red - no matter how much snow might be accumulating on sidewalks all around this nation.
    .
    Guest

    TFC makes roster decisions

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Toronto released the names of the players that had their contracts extended to 2014.
    From the release:
    Toronto FC has picked up the contract options on goalkeepers Joe Bendik, Chris Konopka, Quillan Roberts; defenders Gale Agbossoumonde, Mark Bloom, Ryan Ricther; midfielders Kyle Bekker, Reggie Lambe, Jeremy Hall; forwards Bright Dike, Emery Welshman, and Andrew Wiedeman.
    The nine players already under contract for the 2014 season are: defenders Jonas Elmer, Ashtone Morgan, Doneil Henry, Richard Eckersley, and Steven Caldwell; midfielders Matias Laba, Jonathan Osorio, Manuel Aparicio, and Alvaro Rey.
    Toronto FC has declined options on midfielders Bobby Convey, Darel Russell, Michael Thomas and forward Robert Earnshaw.
    The three players that are now out of contract are forwards Danny Koevermans and Justin Braun along with goalkeeper Stefan Frei.
    Guest

    Sources: Vanney to lead TFC Academy

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Tim Leiweke may be prepared to further shake things up at TFC. A well placed source in the Ontario soccer community is suggesting that a change at the TFC academy could happen as early as today.
    It's suggested that the Reds have made an offer to former US international Greg Vanney to lead the academy forward.
    What that means for current academy head Thomas Rongen is unknown, but the feeling is that he will be forced out by the move. Other coaches would likely stay for now, but Vanney would likely be reviewing all positions.
    Vanney was an assistant with Chivas USA until the end of 2012. Prior to that he launched the Salt Lake residential academy in Arizona. He currently is the technical director at LA Galaxy South Bay academy.
    CSN reached out to Rongen for comment. We will update if he responds.

    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Guest
    Denials, delusions, dead ends and now the destroying of records?
    The latest twist in the matchfixing saga that surrounded the Canadian Soccer League has now truly taken a turn for the bizarre.
    For the last year, CSN has been applying to the RCMP through the Access to Information Act, to get our hands on what the federal police force knew about the Croatian matchfixers who had infiltrated the small league and when they knew it.
    The Access to Information Act has established the right of applicants to access federally maintained records. It's a way for journalists and citizens to peak behind the scenes of what goes on in the corridors of power.
    That process - which involves a lot of hand-written requests, accompanied by cheques to cover fees, snail mailed and then huge swaths of waiting by the applicant – came to a strange sort of conclusion this week.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]In a letter of response, the RCMP admitted that they had ‘likely destroyed’ any material they had on the fixers and the Canadian Soccer League and suggested the applicant complain to the Information Commissioner concerning our request.
    It goes on to say that, “It is the policy of the RCMP and other federal government departments to dispose of records in accordance,” with an established schedule.
    CSN's first request was filed in April 3, 2013. The Access to Information Act declares a government body must comply with any request within 60 days. CSN received its response Nov. 25, 2013.
    CSN's access request included: any information pertaining to matchfixing in Canada, any information pertaining to links between the CSL and Croatian matchfixers, and any information pertaining to links between the CSL and Serbian matchfixers. The time period for request we gave ran between Feb. 2009 and 2013.
    Last October, through a Canadian Soccer Association source, CSN became aware of a police investigation that was underway concerning the CSL and overseas matchfixers. At the time, because of jurisdictional issues (the fixes took place here but the betting was overseas) the investigation was delayed as the local police consulted with the Crown on what crime had actually been committed. The argument made then by the complainant was that fraud had been committed on Canadian soil against a number of players, owners and their respective livelihoods.
    Despite information that came directly from the CSA, which off the record confirmed a police action was underway, the RCMP declined any comment and denied there was any investigation.
    CSN will file an official complaint with the Information Commissioner.
    Additionally, CSN have several more Access to Information requests concerning matchfixing in Canada pending before different police and government organizations.
    Guest

    Hope and TFC

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Toronto FC fans are understandably cynical. Seven years of frustration and coming off of the worst two-year stretch in MLS history will do that to you.
    So, they are reluctant to believe the rumours that Jermaine Defoe and Alberto Gilardino are on their way. The truth is that Defoe is almost certainly coming and, despite the reluctance previously reported on CSN, Gilardino is coming around to the idea too--Defoe's signing would play no small role in his decision.
    So, dream away. God knows dreaming has been hard to do with this team since at least 2011.
    The question then is: Would it matter? Even with two players of that caliber would TFC actually improve.
    The party line of nearly everyone is that the signings alone wouldn't solve anything. It's true. TFC needs to improve in more than its attack. However, improving the front-line is the single most important thing they need to do.
    Let's take a look at a potential starting line-up:
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]

    That line-up makes the playoffs. It probably adds 20 goals to the ledger and 20 more goals, without question, puts TFC into the playoff hunt.
    At this point you are likely screaming at your screen. Who's that in the left mid, you are probably asking.
    Yes, I added DeRo to the line-up. Adding another creative force in the midfield is necessary. And, there are a lot reasons to believe that TFC is legitimately looking at bringing the chicken dance back to BMO.
    There are rumblings that they've already spoke, that DeRo is willing to come back at a greatly reduced number (he has business interests in the city that he wants to spend more time on) and, critically, understands that he would be a supporting player at TFC this time around.
    The odds are very good he'll be back. Regardless, getting a player like DeRo is critical to TFC's success next year.
    Taking a look at the rest of the line-up, the next problem area is at the back. Henry needs to be better, but the fullbacks are the bigger issue. Look for TFC to bring in at least one MLS veteran at fullback and, ideally, another centreback to allow Henry to be spot started (Nelsen is high on Henry -- he's his pet project -- so Henry will see good minutes next year).
    People laugh when it's suggested that the Reds are only 4-5 players away from being a playoff team, but it's always been true. They just have to be the right players.
    Defoe and Gilardino would be. Based on his movement for Canada last month, it looks like DeRo might have another season or two in the legs and has always been most effective in MLS when he wasn't the main focus.
    Add two more names and you're in business. There wouldn't be enough depth to likely win a championship, but the low hanging fruit of a playoff berth?
    Absolutely.
    While CSN improves the comments section you can comment on 24th Minute articles at this temporary site.
    Guest

    Moving day in Vancouver as Whitecaps clear house

    By Guest, in AFTN,

    It was moving day for the Vancouver Whitecaps as they announced a number of roster moves. In total the club picked up options on eleven players while declining ones on eight.
    In addition to Golden Boot winner Camilo, the Caps will be bringing back regular contributors Nigel Reo-Coker, Russell Teibert, Gershon Koffie, Jordan Harvey, Carlyle Mitchell and Matt Watson. Also included in the returning players are Bryce Alderson, Erik Hurtado, Omar Salgado and Aminu Abdallah.
    In a statement club president Bob Lenarduzzi stated, <i>"We’re very excited about the core we have in place and the opportunity to build around these players."
    "With the combination of young and veteran players in the fold, our 2014 roster is heading in the right direction and we will attempt to strengthen it even further this off-season."</i>
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    There were eight players whose options were declined. Four will be available for the MLS re-entry draft (Joe Cannon, Tommy Heinemann, Corey Hertzog and Brad Knighton), with Jun Marques Davidson, Daigo Kobayashi, Brad Rusin and Simon Thomas available now to talk to other teams and join Greg Klazura who was released a few days ago for the waiver draft.
    There is a chance that some of the players released could be brought back at a lower salary as Lenarduzzi confirmed.
    <i>"Some degree of roster turnover is expected at this time of year and although we have declined options on certain players, we will continue to have conversations with a couple players about opportunities moving forward."</i>
    Of the players that were retained the one that is looking at a significant raise is Nigel Reo-Coker, who was initially rumoured to be a potential future DP player after playing his first season at a reduced salary. His option guarantees him an increase and even if it is not to that level his charge against the cap will most likely be the biggest.
    Because of the cap number there are only three players that the Caps could likely to bring back at lower numbers.
    Keeper Joe Cannon could be brought back as a backup, coupled with a front office role, while Brad Rusin and Daigo Kobayashi are other options at lower salaries. Both are also likely to have suitors elsewhere, but likely not on their current salary levels.
    The other players have little wiggle room to be brought back with pay cuts.
    Matt Watson is now the only one of Martin Rennie’s former Carolina RailHawks to be retained by the club, with the four others being part of the release list.
    Jun Marques Davidson has been a polarizing figure and that may have played a part in his release. He was certainly good value at a guaranteed $78,019 and could find himself heading to Chicago where Frank Yallop is a fan of his. His release should see opportunities for Johnny Leveron, Gershon Koffie or Bryce Alderson to add something in that holding midfield role.
    The biggest surprise of the players released was goalkeeper Simon Thomas who was being touted by some as the potential backup to David Ousted.
    The Canadian international was on a low salary ($35,125), had domestic status and came through the Whitecaps Residency system. Both Joe Cannon and Marius Røvde had spoken highly of the young Canadian and indicated that they saw him as the future of the club.
    When we <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?5033-Simon-Thomas-always-looking-to-be-the-number-one" target="_blank"><u>spoke with him</u></a> a few weeks back, a release wasn't really something we expected to happen.
    With no coach officially confirmed, there are questions as to who made these decisions for the club. How much input did the assistants, who are still under contract, and interviewees have or was this decided by Lenarduzzi and Greg Anderson to clear space under the cap to entice a potential candidate?
    With Y.P. Lee’s retirement and the players released today the Whitecaps have just under one million in cap space. This obviously doesn’t include any raises for players like Reo-Coker and allocation money which can buy down a cap number.
    Kenny Miller's large contract and whether he returns to Vancouver is another significant figure to potentially factor in for availability of funds.
    That number could also increase when the status of captain Jay DeMerit is decided. He could be brought back at a lower number or not brought back at all. He has made it clear that he feels he knows what he is worth and is looking for that value.
    At $375,000 guaranteed right now, and with a lot of centreback cover and the likes of Jackson Farmer coming through the Residency, it could still be that both parties remain far apart in their valuations.
    The next step for the Whitecaps will be signing the new coach so he can make that decision as well as having enough time to fill the holes currently on the roster.
    It's going to continue to be a busy and interesting offseason.
    <p>
    Guest

    U20 Women's World Cup tickets go on sale

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    The first stage of the public on-sale for FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup tickets began Thursday, with group packs being made available for each of the four host cities in 2014 (Montreal, Edmonton, Toronto, Moncton).
    At this point, tickets can only be purchased in packs of either seven, eight or 10 games (depending on the venue), with group sales and individual ticket sales opening up in the coming months (all of the ticket-sale details are on the official tournament website).
    If you can't wait, and want to get your tickets for Canada 2014 right now, they're available to be purchased online.
    But.... if you're wondering about Canada supporters' sections, you may want to hold off. A set number of tickets have been put aside for the Voyageurs, with more details to become available in the coming weeks.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The 2014 U20 WWC runs from Aug. 5 to 24, with the final being played at Montreal's Olympic Stadium. Canada's group-stage games will be in Toronto (Aug. 5 and 8) and Montreal (Aug. 12), with the team potentially playing in Edmonton or Moncton in the knockout stages, depending on seeding and results.
    Guest

    Andy O'Brien: Should he stay or should he go?

    By Guest, in AFTN,

    With a new coach coming in shortly, and with Greg Klazura currently confirmed as the only player no longer a Vancouver Whitecap, the new man at the helm will need to quickly evaluate all of the remaining players to see if they will be a part of this club moving forward.
    Whilst some will be secure, there are certainly big question marks surrounding others and the new coach will face something of an immediate defensive dilemma as soon as he takes over.
    With Jay DeMerit's contract ending and Andy O'Brien confirmed to a one year extension till the end of 2014 as recently as August, the question many are asking is will the next manager keep both of the ageing centrebacks around or just one of them. And if it's the latter, who will survive the chop?
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    Here are my concerns around keeping Andy O.
    <b>The Good If He Stays</b>
    - Added depth at the CB position
    With all the injuries last season we saw how much depth can be a factor in the gruelling MLS season. Even though last year was a freakish season for all the bad luck the Whitecaps centrebacks had, it can easily happen again.
    - Leadership
    With the retirement of YP Lee the only current defenders with a lot of experience at a high soccer level are Andy and Jay. Leveron, Mitchell and Rusin are still young and haven't played at any level higher then MLS. Harvey has a few more years in the MLS but not as much overall experience as DeMerit and O'Brien.
    <b>The Bad If He Stays</b>
    - His salary
    He is signed for the next year but at what price? We wouldn't know the hard number and how it may have affected other signing efforts until next May (I still don't see why it takes so long to release these numbers. I believe it is so someone can have more time to hide a real salary number of a certain Sounder!). You have to think it is in the $200,000 to $275,000 range. That's a lot of money for a player that barely played in the last two months of the season.
    - Chemistry
    In the last few games of last season we saw DeMerit and Mitchell play really well together. Is this something a new gaffer wants to have continue to develop? They played well off one another and were starting to gel as a solid centreback unit. With those two starting and a young player who got a lot of MLS experience last season, Johnny Leveron, waiting on the bench, I believe that is a good rotation moving forward.
    - Leveron or O'Brien
    Who is the first sub off the bench when the injuries, suspensions or poor form hit? With a 12 year age gap and Leveron showing all the promise filling in last season, who do you give more minutes to? At Leveron's age he needs good minutes to develop. They need to get these younger players minutes to continue moving forward.
    <b>If He Leaves</b>
    - Value
    With him being under contract for another year it might make him easier to trade within the MLS. There are plenty of teams that would give up a SuperDraft pick or allocation money for an experienced player they can use during a playoff run.
    They also might be able to get a decent MLS level transfer amount from a European team. The money could be put towards bringing in a young midfield Designated Player.
    - His Salary Won't Count
    One of the most silly things in MLS is not having a long term injury list where the salaries are automatically not counted against the cap. When DeMerit went down last season that was $375,000 on the books for 80% of the season that handcuffed the team. With Andy's age and the wear and tear he showed last season. We could be one hamstring pull away of what happened to DeMerit happening to him. Sure it could happen to anyone, any age and anytime. But with all the games, minutes and miles he has on his body he does have a greater chance of being injured.
    Only Time Will Tell
    Whatever happens this upcoming season with all the players and what a new manager will do with them is going to make next year interesting to say the least.
    There are a lot of decisions to be made. And the sooner the Whitecaps get the right person in to start making them, the better.
    <p>
    Guest

    TFC gets their man?

    By Guest, in 24th Minute,

    Jermain Defoe is coming to Toronto. Maybe.
    According to a report on Mirror.co.uk, TFC has finally landed the English international. There are no other reports that the deal is done, nor is TFC commenting on the matter.
    [PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
    The numbers are massive. Toronto would pay Spurs $10.2-million Canadian for the transfer and Defoe would be paid $8-million a year.
    Those numbers would back-up Tim Leiweke's claim last week that the club was about to make the biggest signing in MLS history. It would be from a financial perspective.
    Toronto has been aggressively selling Defoe on the merits of coming to TFC so the rumours do have some merit.
    Still, TFC fans understand all to well that no transfer is complete until the player is holding up a strip with his name on it at a press conference.
    While CSN upgrades its comments section you can comment on 24thminute articles at this temporary site
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