Toronto FC - Conquering The New World
Founded in 2006, Toronto FC have today announced the appointment of new manager Darren Porter, continuing the tradition of appointing a British head coach at the club, following in the footsteps of Mo Johnston, Jon Carver and Chris Cummins. Former youth coach at English football league club Shrewsbury, Porter is said to be very excited at the prospect of leading TFC into their third season in the MLS. It is widely thought that Porter will try and implement his experience at youth level in order to unearth and nurture the best Canadian talent with the club stating there are no plans to introduce a marquee player. Expected to struggle once again, there is little optimism around the BMO field as supporters expect to be languishing around the lower reaches of the Eastern Conference.
Transfers In
Guillem Bauza - Striker - £80,000 - Swansea City
Andrea Bovo - Attacking Midfielder - £9,000 - Padova
Celestine Babayaro - Full Back - Free Transfer
Rahmane Barry - Winger - Free Transfer
Ludovic Pancrate - Winger - Free Transfer
Celestine Babayaro - Full Back - Free Transfer
Rahmane Barry - Winger - Free Transfer
Ludovic Pancrate - Winger - Free Transfer
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With only three pre-season matches scheduled and only a relatively small squad with no reserve squad backup, it was imperative to give all players as much game time as possible with little emphasis on results whilst also trying to settle on the best tactic to accomodate the players.
Despite this, it went well although all three matches were against inferior opposition, we were very tight at the back, a good basis to build on. Naturally, the stand out result was the 3-0 victory at Cleveland City Stars but the other matches gave food for thought for the coming season with some of the younger players showing an impressive touch as well as the new signings equally playing their part and settling in well.
The stand out player was undoubtedly Dwayne De Rosario, a 30 year old attacking midfielder and Canadian international, ideally suited in my system to play just behind one lone striker. Also very adept at set pieces, Dwayne will be integral to the development of the club during the coming season as we look to battle against expected adversity near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
YouTube- Dwayne De Rosario World Class Free Kick
It's also worth noting that he isn't that bad in real life!
YouTube- Dwayne De Rosario World Class Free Kick
Of course, the hard work now starts, with a tough trip to Kansas City Wizards as our MLS opener. Realistically, I am unsure that we can be too competetive this season although one focusI have is to try and win the Canadian Champions Cup, a tri team tournament featuring ourselves, Vancouver and Montreal. This takes place in June/July with Montreal being regarded as strong favourites partly due to their success in the first ever tournament last year.
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