Diaries of a Toronto FC Fan - Day 1

I've gotten a job writing now. I don't get paid for it, by any means, but it's still something. I write for www.RedNationOnline.ca now, which is a great gig for where I am in the world right now.

I was accepted to Ryerson a couple days ago, for its Journalism program, which is probably one of the harder courses to get into. I'm going to go for it. The thing is, I don't feel like I really need it. I've never felt like I needed professors or schooling to get the job I want. If I keep writing about Toronto FC, eventually someone will pick me up, no? Eventually. What a word. An unknown length of time until a dream is realized.

Toronto FC lost 4-2 to Vancouver Whitecaps FC today. I couldn't help but smile. I felt guilty about it, that's for sure, but in the end of the day, Vancouver walked out on the field, Canadian flag emblazoned on their arms, and for the first time in five years, I felt like I was finally proud of the Red and White flag I call my own. Vancouver's doing it right. A Designated Player who is directly impacting his team, and a squad that dismantled the one I love with all my heart. Don't get me wrong, I was heartbroken, but in the end of the day, Vancouver Whitecaps FC now has a special place in my heart. Call me a traitor, call me the enemy, I don't care. The white and blue of Vancouver has captivated me.

Dwayne De Rosario, if you're reading this, please pass more. Please? It's not hard. We all know you can score. We love it when you score. We'd love you even more if you passed too. Maybe then we'd back you up in your contract negotiations, which, less face it, we all agree you deserve. You deserve the money my man, you really do. Keep fighting for it. I know the chance that you're reading this is slim, but if you are, know that I think what you're doing is alright. Keep strong.

Vancouver's on my mind. Vancouver. Maybe if Toronto FC doesn't work out for me, if I can't write for them, Vancouver will hold something for me. I hear it's a lovely city. They're a new team...they could use a good, soccer-proficient writer.

Perhaps an interview with a Vancouver player would help my career out? I don't know. The one thing I'm happy about now is that my gig is for a Canadian soccer website and not a Toronto-based one. I feel like Vancouver is where my future lies. How can I whip out the red shirt of Toronto FC when my heart yearns for that navy blue now.

I feel like I'm cheating on a wife. We'll see what happens. All I know is, there's a sexy new team on the block, and all of a sudden, my eyes are popping hearts.

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Oh, De Rosario

     Toronto FC captain Dwayne De Rosario is clearly not happy with the current state of his contract. In yesterday’s game against San Jose Earthquakes, a critical game no less, Dwayne De Rosario scored to put Toronto back into the game at 2-1. However, instead of breaking into the traditional chicken dance that Toronto FC fans have grown accustomed to, De Rosario headed over towards the section where MLSE executives like to sit back and enjoy their money making machine. It was a clear sign of what De Rosario wants; more money. He mimed the signing of a cheque or a contract, sending a message that he wants a pay raise. Asked later about his celebration, De Rosario admitted that he wasn’t happy with the state of his contract.
 
     De Rosario’s celebration came at an inappropriate time for Toronto FC. Having dealt with Mo Johnston and signed a contract with him, De Rosario has spoken up after Johnston’s termination, at a time where Toronto FC’s front office is in shambles and has no real leader. Ryan Cochrane can’t be expected to give De Rosario his coveted Designated Player contract, even if he wanted to. On top of that, De Rosario, captain of the team, sent a very personal message out, looking to cover his own bases instead of focusing on his team. Yes, this is De Rosario’s team, and as captain, sending a message like that when you’re 2-0 down in a crucial game is incredibly poor timing. For someone who has the kind of experience Dwayne De Rosario has, the mistake he made is almost uncharacteristic. When you need to focus on the team and the first thing you do is look after your contract, it just doesn't leave a good taste.
 
     The argument is that De Rosario was promised DP status when he signed with Toronto FC. Ultimately, the deal fell through when MLS said that De Rosario, being an MLS native player, and not a foreign European talent, could not qualify for DP. This, however, sent mixed messages; wasn’t Brian McBride an MLS native once? Landon Donovan was also given the status and he’s been in MLS for almost his entire career. LA Galaxy fought for Donovan to be given that status and so it was given. It is for this reason that De Rosario probably had no other choice but to display in public his dissatisfaction. If you are the best player on your team, you should be payed accordingly. If De Rosario has shown he is worthy of DP status, which, by looking at the 12 goals scored this season, he certainly has, then it is up to Toronto FC to call MLS and fight to give De Rosario that status, not just use the generic line MLS feeds players and exploit it. If Toronto FC wanted to show De Rosario how important he is, and feed an ego which needs feeding, then they should have called MLS and demanded De Rosario be given DP status. This would have made De Rosario happy from the get go, and if not immediately, then at least after a stellar year last season.
 
     It is true that, though De Rosario has been in this league since its early stages, he is not the kind of player the DP rule was created for; however, he has certainly proven he is deserving of a pay raise. If applying for DP is the way of getting it, then that’s the way it has to be. If not, De Rosario needs to work a bonus-type clause in his contract, or a retirement gig needs to come into effect where he’s compensated later for work now, much like Jimmy Brennan.
 
     Things honestly wouldn’t look so grim if Toronto FC were in fifth place, tied with the likes of FC Dallas and cruising their way into playoffs.  De Rosario would have his raise with minimal setbacks. It is the lack of playoff success again that adds insult to injury. De Rosario does more for this squad then DPs Julian de Guzman and Miguel Mista do combined. Julian de Guzman, in particular, looks like he just cannot handle the pressure he is under; such is the scrutiny he is put under. Perhaps it is because De Rosario does so much for much less that we look at de Guzman with tainted eyes. However, de Guzman has been slowly showing Toronto FC supporters and fans that what he can bring to the table is just not worthy of the kind of money he’s making. All of this comes at a time where Toronto FC attempt to make playoffs. Once again, the squad is plagued with off-the-field controversy, and as the “FOURTH SEASON” comes to a close, once again, Toronto FC have failed to make those coveted playoffs. 

In the Hands of the Soccer Gods Now

     It’s funny how a year of week-in, week-out soccer really doesn’t matter. Unless you’re DC United or Houston Dynamo, by this time of the year, every game played before pales in comparison to the final five games. Those last five games of the season, those last fifteen points possible, is essentially what makes this league an interesting watch. As Toronto FC attempt what many believe is the impossible, making those darn playoffs, everyone will be looking at statistics and numbers with a hopeful eye and maybe a little prayer. Toronto FC sits in an “okay” position right now. Surrounded by the likes of Kansas City Wizards and the Chicago Fire, who still have two games in hand, Toronto FC continues to chase the Sounders and the five point gap.

     Game day 26 against the San Jose Earthquakes, at home in BMO Field, will be crucial; but that was said of many games as of late. Thus is the reality of MLS, where you can truly be out of it with one bad result. That Toronto FC beat Houston away in the last minute kept a dwindling dream alive. Unfortunately for Houston, it means that any playoff hopes they had have been all but extinguished. Obviously Toronto FC is looking for a home win against San Jose. What Toronto FC needs to be looking for, however, is a comprehensive win. The team desperately needs a 3-0 showing, with goals coming from names that don’t end in “Rosario.” They need to dominate and control the game, defend properly when needed and show San Jose that Toronto is a team to be reckoned with. A total team effort will keep Dasovic’s boys confident and hungry.

     If, and this is a big if, Toronto FC can win all five remaining games, they will make the playoffs. However, things get a little more complicated when you exit dreamland stage left, and enter reality. Toronto FC will find it very difficult to win five games. A dismal road record (8 wins in 4 seasons away) and a tough home match against the Columbus Crew, who are fighting for the Supporters Shield, will ensure that these next few weeks are filled with drama and heartbreak. For Toronto FC to make the playoffs, they need to muster a miracle the likes of which haven’t been seen since that fateful evening in Montreal.

     Five games being tough enough, Toronto FC also have CONCACAF Champions League obligations as well. Hosting Arabe Unido and Real Salt Lake will be draining to say the least. It is for this reason that Dasovic needs to utilize the fullest squad possible. That means play the reserves, starting the kids, and letting Usanov and Hscanovics run their legs off, leaving the big boys to play important league matches. The Champions League is an unrealistic dream for Toronto FC, or any MLS team for that matter; The league, barring maybe Los Angeles Galaxy, is simply not there yet. Yes, you can have the FC Porto-type victory, a one-off win for one season great work, but most of the time, the Champions League falls in the hands of the "Real Madrids" of this continent. That’s the sad reality, and right now, Toronto FC needs to focus on reality. This is why Toronto FC needs to put the Champions League on the back burner and concentrate solely on the league; trying for both will yield nothing.

    Today also marks the return of Sam Cronin to BMO Field. He is the only player who I believe Toronto FC sold mistakenly. Rumour has it that he was a strong leader in the locker room, and that Preki couldn’t deal with someone like him. The same could probably have been said for Honduras captain Amado Guevara, but that is a different story altogether. Sam Cronin has had a good year for San Jose, but I say with all honesty that if Toronto FC can sign the young midfielder again, they should. He was someone that young Torontonians who aspired to play professional soccer could have looked up to. But that’s in the past now. Toronto FC will hold the friendly handshakes and buddy-buddy smiles until after the game, and pray that Cronin doesn’t punish them in-game like so many former players this year have.

    The season is coming to a close, and a loss or tie today won’t be the end of the world, but a lot of what occurs from this point on is external-result based. Toronto FC needs to mix good results with good luck if they are to make the playoffs this year. If the soccer gods are kind, we may be seeing winter soccer in Toronto. If they are truly pleased with the boys in red, Toronto FC could take the field at home on November 21st, and attempt to win that MLS Cup!

Double Leafs All The Way!

     The big news this weekend doesn't come from the win against Houston or the draw against Cruz Azul, no, the big news this weekend is that Toronto FC will wear double-embossed leaves on their 2011 home kits. Why? Because everyone knows two leaves are better then one. Le sigh... Anyways, Cruz Azul!

     Toronto FC battled to a 0-0 draw last night against Mexican outfit Cruz Azul, in a game that Toronto FC had no business taking point from. Certainly, Toronto FC’s performances against Cruz Azul both home and away were shocking results; a 2-1 win at home and a draw in a tough, hot Mexican climate coupled with altitude were unexpected to say the least. 4 points out of 6 possible against Cruz Azul is something the players and managers will be very pleased with. Cruz Azul is not an easy team to play; they are a dominant side, especially in the CONCACAF Champions League. Javier Orozco has proven that Cruz Azul know how to score and how to play. It is for this reason that the home-away performances that Toronto FC managed to pull are that much more impressive. However, Toronto FC are now at a crossroads, which was there the day that they advanced against Motagua but wasn’t apparent until now.

     Toronto FC has 5 league games left, against the likes of San Jose and DC, amongst others. Four wins and a draw, along with favourable results in other league games could see Toronto FC make their first playoff appearance. Yet, at the same time, Toronto FC plays host to both Real Salt Lake and Panama side Arabe Unido in Champions League action. Dasovic has clearly prioritized the Champions League as secondary to the MLS playoff push, starting almost the entire substitute line up which features such threats as Fuad Ibrahim and Joseph Nane. The choice to play the alternate line has an obvious motive, as injuries to key players could kiss the playoffs goodbye. Unfortunately, both Nane and Saric went down yesterday, perhaps due to poor fitness levels, and forced Captain Dwayne De Rosario into the mix. It’s clear that as of today, Toronto FC have put the Champions League on the backburner. Playoffs has now become the clear goal, something Toronto FC need to focus on if they plan on playing winter soccer in Canada.

     Early on, it was obvious that the Champions League was a blessing and a curse. This isn’t a new observation; European clubs also struggle to fit players into games. A congested schedule for Toronto FC means that man management is crucial, and key players need to step up. It was obvious that Toronto FC was going for the draw against Cruz Azul. It was equally obvious who was in charge of securing that draw. Adrian Cann was an absolute beast in defense, the likes of which TFC have yet to employ. Cann went from an afterthought trialist signing to the most crucial piece in the defensive puzzle. Yesterdays match revealed however that Cann is not the only solid defender that Toronto FC has to utilize. Ty Harden and yes, even Nick Garcia, had solid games. Should Nana Attakora leave the squad and pursue the European dream, Toronto FC has a readymade replacement in Ty Harden.

     Ultimately, Adrian Cann and Ty Harden were the kind of players Preki was trying to build a squad with, and unfortunately it looks like Preki’s work was cut a little short. Another season under Preki may have solidified the defense and shored up the midfield with a plethora of utility players and journeymen, who can finally find themselves a home, like Dan Gargan and Ty Harden did. Yet, this is just ifs and buts. Under Dasovic, Toronto FC looks like they’ve found themselves again. Hopefully this time, they can keep themselves in check and make those playoffs!

      Just another note: Toronto FC as an organization has hopefully learned something about how a team is built. Notice Cruz Azul’s impressive, consistent wing play. We need wingers. There’s no more delaying this one necessity. Toronto FC needs to find its wings; otherwise we’ll once again have New York Red Bulls punishing us with theirs.

The Whirlwind

     So it’s finally over. The reign of terror Toronto FC have had to suffer under General Manager - make that ex-General Manager - Mo Johnston, has finally come to a close. Toronto FC fans can finally breathe that sigh of relief we’ve been holding in for years now. He’s gone, not on one of those fancy and fruitless scouting trips to Brazil, he’s legitimately gone! Take that in. The next time you step in through the gates of BMO Field, take a moment, look around, and smile. From this moment on, the Post-Mo era begins.

     With that being said, Mo’s departure during a crucial string of games could help but will probably hinder Toronto FC’s playoff hopes, as well as their now tattered Champions League ambitions. That the 4-1 loss to Real Salt Lake kicked off Nick Dasovic’s tenure as the head honcho is testament to how poorly Mo’s team was really assembled. Do not be fooled, this is Mo’s team; not Preki’s, not Cummin’s, not Carver’s, Mo Johnston’s team of misfits. Sure, it has Preki’s defensive outfit on, but Dasovic now inherits years of poor choices and horrible man management. It’s sad and almost embarrassing that Toronto FC have now had five managers in four years; Preki’s termination as head coach comes too early in the season and has its own ramifications, but now Toronto has to deal with rebuilding (again!) and trying to find that balance between a healthy-but-not-so-healthy defense and a struggling offense. That Toronto has one of the worst shots against tallies is a frightening thought, and losing Stefan Frei is even more so, but that’s beyond the point here; Toronto FC needs to figure out what kind of football they’re going to play and actually play it.

     Preki being let go came as a huge shock for me personally. He was doing better than a lot of other coaches in our little league; certainly being ninth place, one spot out of the playoffs, for a first year manager isn’t so bad. Unfortunately, Preki, being Mo Johnston’s man from Everton and Kansas City, took the proverbial MLSE banhammer and was exiled from Toronto FC. Preki leaving could bite the team in the ass, but then again, perhaps it won’t. Under Cummins, a player’s coach like Dasovic, Toronto FC barely missed out on playoffs and was possibly on the right track for next year. MLSE then caught Preki fever and the hard-nosed, hard-fouling mentality of the ex-Chivas man became Toronto FC’s newest fix. Now that MLSE and Toronto FC have shaken their hair out of their eyes and have finally seen the light, Toronto FC attempt what some may conceive as the impossible; six more games, very few points left, and a playoff spot with Seattle’s name on it that Toronto will attempt to pluck from underneath their feet. The test against the struggling Houston Dynamo will really show what Toronto FC is made of. Failure all but ensures Toronto FC do not have the skill required for a post-season berth.

     De Rosario and de Guzman’s reactions tell a deeper, darker story. Hinting that Preki had lost the room, De Rosario’s character has now been called into question; certainly he is no longer the do-no-wrong kinda guy Toronto FC fans have been enjoying. His lack of goals and pace has been coupled with new revelations that De Rosario may not be happy at Toronto or may not be a good team player. Selfish play is an obvious characteristic of the Toronto FC skipper. Hopefully he can pull his head out of his behind and lead this team to something great, otherwise, Vancouver is just a phone call and a couple draft picks away. Selling the aging Canadian is becoming an increasingly popular idea. Preki had supposedly attempted at getting rid of the “untouchable” De Rosario and de Guzman. This is probably the reason he is gone, and a club run by its players is a scary thought, and certainly not one that will work. Toronto FC need to find someone the players will listen to, or else this club will crumble from within.

     Meanwhile, MLSE has all hands on the proverbial deck, trying to straighten a ship that has been rocking for the last six or seven games. Damage control at this stage is crucial and building hope during ticket renewals is Anselmi’s true motives behind these changes. Expanding BMO Field to 30,000 will only distract supporters groups with the dream of a massive designated section; the reality will disappoint everyone or will cater to a culture of doing just enough to put as much bums in as much seats for as much money as possible. I say to MLSE now, thirty thousand people will not come day in and day out if the team performs poorly. Dasovic and the new GM will need to make Toronto truly competitive. Now we are at a true crossroads. Toronto FC begins its post-Mo era now. Let’s all hope they do it right this time.

Consequences Will Never Be The Same.

     Toronto FC’s loss to DC United once again showed its loyal fans just how woefully inconsistent our little red club really is. Reminiscent to last year’s 5-0 thumping by last places New York Red Bulls, Toronto FC’s underperformance against a weak and limping DC United squad just shows that when push comes to shove, Toronto gets knocked down to the floor. It was a crucial game for the Reds playoff hopes, and three points were a must. They were a must against Chicago to be honest and now anything less than three points in five games will see Toronto FC’s playoff aspirations dissipate. It’s sad that after four years of existence, Toronto has yet to make playoffs, but, being a sports franchise in Toronto is never easy anyways. Certainly it doesn’t help being run by the same corporation that is in charge of “successful” franchises like the Leafs and the Raptors. But, Mo Johnston and upper management weren’t playing against DC United; Toronto FC’s players were, if you can ever call it playing.

     Now, Toronto FC sit outside the playoff spot, worse off than last year under Cummins and looking more and more tired every game. Blame it on scheduling or congestion or whatever you want, it doesn’t matter; in my opinion, professional athletes should be able to run a full 90, no matter where they play. If you can’t play the full match you make yourself a bush-league player. Many may disagree but to see players paid upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars and not having the stamina to play the full match is poor player choice. Coming off injury is understandable, but how can an entire squad look so beat just by standing on the field past the 70^th minute. Excuses are what Preki doesn’t want to give but seems to be dishing more and more lately. That Nick Dasovic is missing in action is no surprise at this point. Toronto is just one disastrous 8-0 loss away from complete chaos. The playoff push is essentially over and now Toronto takes on Real Salt Lake in a champions league match.

     The CONCACAF Champions League, Toronto FC’s first, is second priority to some and first priority to others. Though league play has been poor, Toronto has had some success in the champion’s league. A win over Real Salt Lake would put Toronto in a good position for passage to the next round. Hopefully Toronto doesn’t display the same kind of soccer they put up against DC. If Toronto FC, with Julian de Guzman, can control the midfield and stop the likes of Beckerman, Johnson and Findley, then a 1-0 win may be enough to secure the win. If Toronto fail to go through to either playoffs or the next round, the season will end fruitless, and Mo Johnston has to be held accountable. However, that's another story for another day.

     I’ll close today with a final thought. Miguel Mista, who praised the league for being very well organized, has had rumoured spats with Toronto FC’s upper management, particularly with Coach Preki. Though it may just be conjecture, I’ll leave you with this; Has Preki lost the room, and will Mista be back next season? Leave a comment and thanks for reading!