April
04/07 – Saturday @ Chivas USA 10:30 p.m.

04/14 – Saturday @ New England Revolution 7:30 p.m.

04/25 – Wednesday @ Kansas City Wizards 8:00 p.m.
04/28 – Saturday Kansas City Wizards 12:30 p.m
May
05/12 – Saturday Chicago Fire 3:30 p.m.
05/16 – Wednesday Houston Dynamo 7:00 p.m.
05/19 – Saturday D.C. United 3:30 p.m.
05/26 – Saturday @ Columbus Crew 7:30 p.m.

June
06/02 – Saturday Colorado Rapids 3:30 p.m.
06/06 – Wednesday New York Red Bulls 7:00 p.m.
06/17 – Sunday FC Dallas 1:00 p.m.
06/23 – Saturday @ New England Revolution 7:30 p.m.

July
07/01 – Sunday @ Kansas City Wizards 8:00 p.m.
07/04 – Wednesday @ Real Salt Lake 10:00 p.m.
07/07 – Saturday @ Chicago Fire 8:30 p.m.
07/15 – Sunday @ Houston Dynamo 8:30 p.m.
MLS All-Stars - Celtic FC 9:00 p.m.
07/22 – Sunday @ Columbus Crew 5:00 p.m.
07/29 – Sunday Chicago Fire 4:00 p.m.

August
08/05 – Sunday Los Angeles Galaxy 7:00 p.m.
08/11 – Saturday @ New York Red Bulls 7:30 p.m.
08/18 – Saturday Chivas USA 3:30 p.m.
08/25 – Saturday D.C. United 7:30 p.m.

September
09/08 – Saturday @ FC Dallas 8:30 p.m.
09/15 – Saturday Real Salt Lake 3:30 p.m.
09/22 – Saturday Columbus Crew 3:30 p.m.
09/29 – Saturday @ D.C. United 7:30 p.m.

October
10/04 – Thursday New York Red Bulls 7:00 p.m.
10/07 – Sunday @ Colorado Rapids 8:00 p.m.
10/13 – Saturday @ Los Angeles Galaxy 10:30 p.m.
10/20 – Saturday New England Revolution1 2:30 p.m.

November
11/18 – Sunday MLS Cup 2007 at RFK Stadium -
Washington, D.C. 12:00 p.m.

April
04/07 – Saturday @ Chivas USA 10:30 p.m.
04/14 – Saturday @ New England Revolution 7:30 p.m.
04/25 – Wednesday @ Kansas City Wizards 8:00 p.m.
04/28 – Saturday Kansas City Wizards 12:30 p.m.

May
05/12 – Saturday Chicago Fire 3:30 p.m.
05/16 – Wednesday Houston Dynamo 7:00 p.m.
05/19 – Saturday D.C. United 3:30 p.m.
05/26 – Saturday @ Columbus Crew 7:30 p.m.

June
06/02 – Saturday Colorado Rapids 3:30 p.m.
06/06 – Wednesday New York Red Bulls 7:00 p.m.
06/17 – Sunday FC Dallas 1:00 p.m.
06/23 – Saturday @ New England Revolution 7:30 p.m.

July
07/01 – Sunday @ Kansas City Wizards 8:00 p.m.
07/04 – Wednesday @ Real Salt Lake 10:00 p.m.
07/07 – Saturday @ Chicago Fire 8:30 p.m.
07/15 – Sunday @ Houston Dynamo 8:30 p.m.
MLS All-Stars - Celtic FC 9:00 p.m.
07/22 – Sunday @ Columbus Crew 5:00 p.m.
07/29 – Sunday Chicago Fire 4:00 p.m.

August
08/05 – Sunday Los Angeles Galaxy 7:00 p.m.
08/11 – Saturday @ New York Red Bulls 7:30 p.m.
08/18 – Saturday Chivas USA 3:30 p.m.
08/25 – Saturday D.C. United 7:30 p.m.

September
09/08 – Saturday @ FC Dallas 8:30 p.m.
09/15 – Saturday Real Salt Lake 3:30 p.m.
09/22 – Saturday Columbus Crew 3:30 p.m.
09/29 – Saturday @ D.C. United 7:30 p.m.

October
10/04 – Thursday New York Red Bulls 7:00 p.m.
10/07 – Sunday @ Colorado Rapids 8:00 p.m.
10/13 – Saturday @ Los Angeles Galaxy 10:30 p.m.
10/20 – Saturday New England Revolution1 2:30 p.m.

November
11/18 – Sunday MLS Cup 2007 at RFK Stadium -
Washington, D.C. 12:00 p.m.

Toronto FC Executives win MLS 2007 Awards

Toronto FC is still kicking in the off season as their Director of Business Operations Paul Beirne received the prestigious “Doug Hamilton Executive of the Year” award, while Toronto FC’s Marketing Manager Cesar Velasco was honoured as the “MLS Marketing Executive of the Year."

 “Paul has done a terrific job launching Toronto FC from the ground up, building a business team around him and building a relationship with our fans and the community”, said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, and Alternate Governor, Major League Soccer. “Having worked with MLSE for 15 years in a variety of challenging management positions, Paul embraced his new role with Toronto FC and he and Cesar’s passion, and business savvy have been instrumental in the record breaking launch of the franchise,” added Anselmi.
“Our franchise being recognized by the league in this way, and to get this award really caps an unbelievable season,” said Beirne. “I am very lucky to be surrounded by a staff of people who also put their heart and souls into this past year, helping us all achieve what turned out to be a year to remember. Our supporters have been the difference makers in Toronto and I’d also like to take this opportunity to recognize the efforts of all our supporters groups for the devotion and atmosphere they bring to our games.”

Velasco joined Toronto FC from his native Mexico in 2006 and oversees the team’s marketing, communications, community relations and game operations departments. As a marketing executive in Mexico, and a former player, Velasco managed the innovative grassroots marketing campaign, advertising launch and P.R campaign that was the start of the record breaking season.
These initiatives all helped establish the environment at BMO Field, one in which the fans helped to define Toronto FC’s reputation as the best soccer environment in North America

Toronto FC Maurice Edu Win Rookie of the Year

TFC midfielder and Maurice Edu has been voted the 2007 Gatorade Rookie of the Year.  Edu was voted in by MLS general managers, coaches, players, referees and members of the media. He finished ahead of Adam Cristman of the New England Revolution, and Dane Richards of the New York Red Bulls.

The Gatorade Rookie of the Year award covered all first-year MLS players with no previous professional experience or or who had completed their college eligibility.

Edu, 21 finished his rookie season with Toronto FC with 4 goals, 1 assist, and recorded 24 shots in 25 games – all as a starter. His play this season also earned this promising midfielder the attention of U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley who selected Edu to play in the U.S. Friendly with Switzerland this past October. He earned his first cap with the National Team, playing the full 90 minutes in what was a first-class debut for the California native.                                              
Edu was selected 1st overall in the 2007 MLS Super Draft after enjoying a stellar college career at the University of Maryland where he was a first team NSCAA All-American and Hermann Trophy semifinalist in 2006. He missed the first 2 games of the season and spent the entire pre-season rehabbing a pelvis injury.

The midfielder had a tremendous rookie season and now holds the distinction of becoming the first No.1 pick overall in the MLS Super Draft to win Rookie of the Year honours. He was a main stay on Toronto FC team due to his tenacious and attacking midfield play.  Edu had a tremendous rookie season as his 2180 minutes ranked him third best on the team behind co-captains Jim Brennan and Carl Robinson.

 “There were 3 or 4 guys out there that were obviously challenging (for the rookie award) as there is every year,” said Head Coach Mo Johnston. “But Maurice held his own throughout the season, established himself, scoring goals from midfield, broke into the National team – and now, the hard part comes because the second year is always the hardest, and hopefully he can sustain it.” “He’s a wonderful kid to work with, he was always first on the field, and you can see the tools he has to work with, he’s strong, he’s quick, he’s aggressive.”  Maurice Edu was a fan favourite.

 Toronto FC Inaugural MLS season end with a tie

Toronto FC returned to the friendly confines of BMO Field and ended their inaugural season with a 2-2 tie against the New England Revolution on Saturday October 20.   TFC was coming off a devastating loss against LA Galaxy after the team tied the game playing with 10 men only to give up a late goal in the final minutes of the game. This time around the Reds turned the tables on the Revolution.  Toronto FC (Reds) saved the best for last as Danny Dichio scored the equalizer in injury time to tie the game 2-2 and send TFC fans in frenzy. The Reds rebound from a two goal deficit and continued to look for the winner until the final whistle signaled the end of their season.              

                                                                                                            The game ending dramatics was exactly what the doctor ordered for the Reds in a season of highs and lows as Dichio became the first and the last player to score for the TFC in their 2007 campaign. Following the game the TFC players paid respects to the appreciative crowd by circling BMO Field and as the players exit to the change room, the Toronto FC fans ran onto the BMO Field for a last lap of celebration to wind down their season of support for a franchise. TFC took Toronto, Canada, Major League (MLS), and to some extent the world of soccer by storm As FIFA officials and many future international soccer stars would attest after looking back at the city of Toronto, TFC, Canada’s national soccer specific Stadium BMO Field as a place of warmth, fun and excitement in 2007. 

Before their last game, TFC was coming off a devastating loss against LA Galaxy. After tying the game while playing with 10 men after defender Marco Reda was sent off in the 56 minute for pulling down sub Gavin Glinton from behind in the penalty area and giving up a penalty that Landon Donavan converted Collin Samuel scored to pull TFC level, but as is usually the case Edson Buddle burned his old team when he scored 10 minutes later to give LA Galaxy their fifth consecutive victory. 

Toronto FC like the Galaxy was an attraction on the road as they drew large crowds to their games. At Real Salt Lake they drew a crowd of 20,751 which happened to be their largest attendance of the season. At BMO Field, the Reds also average over 20,000 in attendance over the season, which was second only to LA Galaxy and the David Beckham hype.  

As a first year team it should have been expected that TFC would have had their share of ups and downs but no one thought that the team would have been a hit although TFC opened the season with a scoring drought of 4 games was the early story line. On May 12, Danny Dichio scored the franchise first goal at home against the Chicago Fire to break their 384 scoreless minutes of play. 

TFC won their next game and their first of the MLS franchise against the Houston Dynamo 1-0 (the defending MLS Cup champion) with home boy Dwayne De Rosario, and lost the following game to DC United. 

At the beginning of July TFC was enjoying a 4 game period without a lost, until the team was hit with a rash of injuries that resulted in a record 9 games and 824 minutes without scoring. The drought ended against Columbus Crew at BMO Field on September 22 as the team rallied to end the season with 1 win, 2 loses, and a spectacular season ending tie against New England Revolution. TFC Coach Mo Johnson has indicated that he will be announcing the players who services would be retained for the 2008 season in December.  

 The Revolution will travel to play the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium on Saturday for the first leg of their Eastern Conference Semifinal Series with the second leg scheduled for November 3 at Gillette Stadium.

TFC end winless Streak against Bulls

Oct-04-07 Toronto FC defeated New York Red Bulls 2-1 before a crowd of 20,274 at BMO Field to end their 12 game winless streak. Maurice Edu opened the scoring for TFC at the 18 minute mark from a cross from Marvell Wynne which made it the third consecutive game that TFC opened the scoring and had a 1-0 halftime lead. The two previous games against Columbus Crew and DC United  ended in 2-1 and 4-1 loses respectively. However this time around lady luck show at the 66 minute as TFC was the benefactor of a Red Bulls own goal  to increase their lead and secure a 2-1 victory.  The win was the first for TFC since their 2-1 win on the road on July 04 against Real Salt Lake. TFC coach Mo Johnson can finally breathe a sigh of relief due to the fact that his team scored in their last three games and persevere to finally gained a win after setting an MLS record scoreless streak of 824-minutes prior to those games.  The scoreless streak was broken on Sept. 22 against Columbus Crew.

TFC between a rock and a hard place

Toronto FC is having a hard time adjusting to life after the rash of injuries to some of the key players of the team.  TFC lost to DC United 1-0 in a game they could have easily won and with a 2-0 lost against FC Dallas the team tied with Real Salt Lake 0-0 after playing with a man advantage for the better part of a half. In this tough losing stretch the team has broken the record for number of games without scoring and the inept minutes are still counting.

Good teams and players have all gone through dry spells but it is imperative for TFC to start winning again, at least at home to keep their tremendous fan support going.

Although  coach Mo Johnson is under enormous pressure to get into the win column, I do not think putting Marvell Wynne in the midfield is going to help the team goal output or improve the team offensive play distribution drastically. The guys up front has to step up and be counted because at the end of the day it is their job to lose. TFC is scoreless in their last 9 MLS games and I can imagine what the guys up front are going through.

TFC tie with LA Galaxy Caribana Sunday August 5, 2007 was promoted as Beckham grand appearance at BMO Field in Toronto, but instead Toronto FC fans enjoyed the spirited play of their fired up TFC team which missed a golden opportunity to take home a win. Instead TFC tied 0-0 with LA Galaxy after missing several scoring chances in a game which they dominated play.

It was announced the day before the game that Beckham would not be dressed for the game as it was determined that his ankle injury was still a bother to him. However the disappointing news did not hinder the fans from coming out as they set a new BMO Field attendance record of 20,522.

In covering TFC games, this was the first time that the photographers were focused on the visiting team’s bench as Beckham stood at the Galaxy bench  before the start of the game.

Just before Beckham appeared, the supporters started their popular chant “This is our house” followed by “Who are you”? This in fact had nothing personally to do with David but the normal ritual for the supporters before a TFC game. David and his Galaxy team mates were getting a taste of Toronto FC hospitality at its best. The Tribal Rhythm Nation were also in full force with their steel pan and rhythm section and the season ticket holders and regular fans were joining in the chanting and stomping.

The rest was up to Toronto FC who could not have asked for better show of support to start a game to have an inspired performance. From the opening whistle the pace of the game favored TFC as they limit the time of possession of LA Galaxy by closing fast on the ball and contesting every play. As a result the run of play was mostly in the Galaxy defensive third as Collin Samuel rode his bicycle to take a header to register the first attempt on goal in the game. Unfortunately the header went straight to the Galaxy goalkeeper.

With the crowd enjoying the offensive display Andrea Lombardo got the second scoring opportunity when he tapped a bouncing ball over the shoulders of the oncoming keeper only to have a Galaxy defender clear the ball off the goal line. Minutes later with the pressure on the Galaxy, TFC striker Lombardo, controlled a deflected ball at the edge of the box and shot wide through a maze of defenders to the left upright.

Toronto had the momentum heading into the second half but could not buy a goal.  Galaxy never got started as their playmaker and leader Landon Donavan was shadowed on every play as it was quite clear that TFC coach Mo Johnson was not going to let the Donavan beat his team. No other Galaxy player stepped up besides their goalkeeper who made the save of the game on a deflection on Andy Welch break away to keep the final score at 0-0. TFC #14 Tyrone Marshall was named Carlsberg Man of the Match

TFC to play LA Galaxy & David Beckham

Toronto FC will be playing LA Galaxy and David Beckham on Sunday August 5 at BMO Field. TFC has improved their road record since the acquisitions of Soca Warriors Collin Samuel and Reggae Boyz Tyrone Marshall. Toronto is presently undefeated in their last four road games with one win and three ties. The team is scheduled to play Colombus Crew on Sunday July 22 before returning home to play Aston Villa in an International friendly match at BMO Field on Wednesday July 25, 2007.  Kick off for the Aston Villa game is  7pm                  

LAST CALL  FOR LA GALAXY TICKETS:  Tickets for the LA Galaxy game are available at 526-3436 or aldwyn@caribbeanstars.com while quantities last.

Toronto FC signed two Caribbean Players

Toronto FC brought in their Caribbean Connection after signing Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warrior, Collin Samuel and Jamaica Reggae Boyz Tyrone Marshall to the team. STAY TUNED

Toronto FC Shut out #1 Team in MLS

 TFC found the offense that was missing at the start of the season as the team continue to improved on defense, shutting out FC Dallas 4-0 before their largest home crowd of the season. Dallas is the top team in the MLS with 22 points and TFC is 4-2-1 in their last 7 games.

Toronto FC on a Roll after first road point

Toronto FC return home to play the Colorado Rapids on Saturday at 3:30 pm at the friendly confines of BMO Field. The team returned after a 2-2 tie with Columbus Crew last Saturday.  It was the first point for TFC away from home and the first appearance of their new acquisition Jeff Cunningham a 30-year-old striker from Real Salt Lake for forward Alecko Eskandarian and a first-round pick in the 2008 MLS Super Draft.

 Cunningham has 93 goals which puts him fourth on the all-time MLS list and has 10 year MLS experience. With his speed Cunningham can turn half of an opening into daylight and scoring opportunities. In his first game for the TFC against Columbus Crew without a practice, Cunningham presence drew extra attention from the Crew defenders which created space for his fellow striker Dichio to score. TFC first goal was on a give and go combination between the two strikers which is a welcome change for the team. Before the arrival of Cunningham Dichio seemed to be more comfortable with a post up type of game and with his 6:3 size he was giving up more fouls than he was creating.

With Cunningham TFC now has a one two punch up front and although he did not score against Columbus (without a practice) he had three golden opportunities to do so. It will be very interesting to see how the crowd will respond to the new offensive game of the TFC as scoring chances will be plentiful. From TFC fan turnout thus far, and as long as long as Cunningham does what he does best and striker Danny Dichio maintains his composure and stay out of card trouble it seems like their home games will be filled with excitement. 

TFC has improved their play and has gain confidence after splitting their last four games at home with 2 wins and two losses as they collected their first point on the road with the tie.  However my concern is the fact that in their last game TFC gave up an early goal in the 2^nd minute of play which was reminiscent of the way the team started the season. The good thing was the team bounced back on two occasions to tie the game with goals from Dichio in the 25^th minute and captain Brennan in the 49^th minute.  

With the team now capable of scoring to sustain the offense coach Mo Johnson will have to control and contain his wing backs a lot more, so that they will not give up their defensive position as often as they were in previous games. Granted TFC right wing back Marvell Wynne is probably the fastest player in the league but that could only be an asset if he gets the balls through or over the opposing defense instead of having to travel with the ball which is not one of his strong point.   Wynne the typical team player will have to be told to refrain from lunging into tackles when the offensive player facing him, has control of the ball.  

Coach Johnson will also have to get his central backs (stoppers) to utilize the midfielders more frequently to help improve on the team ball possession which usually begins with the back four and ends with a long ball to the strikers. TFC has not dominated the run of play of any of its games due to ball possession and that area of their game needs to be addressed.  

However the team future looks bright with the anticipation of the team improve scoring personnel and the onus will be on coach Johnson this asset to get his team to play a more patient brand of soccer with the more ball possession to secure leads and win games. TFC has a 2-5-1 record after losing their first four games, so at this point it is safe to say that the team has done it all in the statistics category, after losing winning, scoring, gaining a shutout and tying their last game. Toronto FC is on a three game home stand from 2, 9, and 16 of June before going on the road to play New England Revolution. 

Daivid Beckham and the La Galaxy will play the Toronto FC on Caribana Sunday August 5 and tickets are on sale righrt here while quantities last. For LA Galaxy tickets call Caribbean Stars @ 416-526-3436 or the Caribbean Camera @ 416-412-2905. For information email aldwyn@caribbeanstars.com or aldwyn@sympatico.ca      

TFC register first shutout win over Houston Dynamo

 Toronto FC defeated the defending MLS champion Houston Dynamo 1-0 at the sold out BMO Stadium to record their first shutout of the season and their second win in as many games. The goal was scored on a perfect in swinging free kick taken by midfielder Ronnie O'Brien  from the left side of the field, that was redirected from a glancing header by midfielder Andy Welsh into the first post. The free kick deserves as much credit as the goal in that Houston Dynamo goalkeeper was stranded by the turn and velocity of the cross.

Toronto FC win first MLS Game at Home

Toronto FC won their first game of their inaugural MLS season when the team defeated Chicago Fire 3-1 before a sold out crowd at the BMO Stadium in Toronto. TFC open the scoring in the 24 minute on a goal scored by striker Danny Dichio and the historic goal put Dichio in TFC's record books as the first player to score. Dichio’s goal is also up for the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week award

The game was the second home game for Toronto FC and unlike the first game the team made full use of their impressive 12th man advantage by scoring first. The reaction to the first goal was similar to a team winning goal at a big final with no time left. The sold out BMO crowd went into a frenzy and celebrated the goal by throwing soccer ball-shaped seat cover cushions onto the field. The cushions were given out before the game as a promotion.

The goal was not spectacular but most big goals are not. The fact that the ball went into the net and counted was all that really mattered. It was scored from a grounder of a cross from striker Edson Buddle from just outside right of the 18 yard line that Dichio seemed to overrun but stretch out enough to put ball into the back of the net.

Scoring the elusive first goal of the season was the confidence builder that TFC needed as they kept their defensive mistakes to a minimum. Chicago scored at the 35 minute mark to tie the game 1-1 and TFC responded at the 51 minute when striker Edson Buddle toed an errand ball to his oncoming defender Kevin Goldthwaite, who made no mistake with a neat placement into the far post. The goal gave Toronto a 2-1 lead and created another prolonged celebration and stoppage of the game by the fans.
At the 75th minute Maurice Edu TFC’s 2007 MLS first round draft choice, scored to secure the victory. The central midfielder, chess trapped a cross from substitute striker Andrea Lombardo at the last post at the edge of the six yard box and drilled a volley past the Chicago keeper to register his first professional goal. The celebration was on again with the win in sight.

The atmosphere at the BMO stadium was unbelievable. Just before the end of the game the supporters on the south eastern side of the stadium was working their large Toronto FC flag overhead across the stadium. They looked like ants coming together and carrying an object. The fans on the eastern side were having fun trying to get a wave going all game and the supporters that threw their seat cushions were trying to retrieve them after the game.

The atmosphere at the two TFC home games thus far was that of a European game as the TFC supporters incorporated sessions of stomping, and chanting, with the occasional booing of the referee calls against Toronto FC.
On Wednesday May16 (at press time) Toronto may not have as much to celebrate when defending MLS Cup champion Houston, make their first visit BMO Field. Toronto will have to be sharp defensively against a potent Dynamo offense lead by Scarborough’s and Canada’s national player Dwayne De Rosario. If Toronto FC keeps the game close, their 12th man advantage is capable of picking up the offense.

Toronto has been reported as having the best fans in the MLS and the team will be playing their last home game next Saturday 19 May against DC United at BMO Stadium at 3pm before leaving for Ohio to play the Columbus Crew on Sat 26 May. The team will return for a three game home stand that starts on June 2, 6 and 17.

MLS at Home in Toronto

History was created in Toronto on Saturday when Major League Soccer kicked off in the city as Toronto FC played Kansas City Wizards. The game was played before a sold out crowd at the BMO Stadium in downtown Toronto as a rematch of the teams after TFC suffered a 3-0 loss to KC four days earlier. 

The crowd announced at 20,148 enjoyed a very close and exciting game that was filled with anxious moments both offensively and defensively as TFC squandered their limited scoring opportunities, as KC pressed forward in an attempt to get the first goal against a surprisingly stubborn TFC defense.

  This was the first game of the young season that TFC kept their opponent off the score sheet beyond the first half and that turn of events was beginning to frustrate KC as they attempt to break the shutout.  However by his play there was no doubt which KC player was determine to rain on the TFC fans parade. It was the ever dangerous striker, Eddie Johnson who found a way to scored the lone goal of the game at the 81^st minute mark to give  Kansas City a 1-0 win.

In retrospect, Toronto FC could not have asked for a better environment to register their first shutout, or get their first goal or even sneak out their first win of the season. They had the 12^th man advantage all day in the form of the TFC supporter’s Clubs on the southern end of the BMO stadium with their European style of signing and chanting on the south-east corner of the stands and the Caribbean style “Tribal Rhythm Nation” club on the western corner that kept up the tempo with their drums, steel pan and iron beating all the while singing “TFC we want a goal”.  Needless to say their request was not answered.

The atmosphere at the TFC game was truly that of a European nature and the availability of hotdogs, Hamburgers, Pizza and Beer at the Carlsberg’s tents would entice fans to return or attend a TFC game for an enjoyable evening.

Toronto FC’s level of play needs to pick up a bit, but one should not forget that the TFC is a first year franchise in a competitive MLS. The team showed definite improvements from their last game, especially in the defensive department and the goal scoring would come eventually. The team chemistry would take some time to materialize due to the player’s lack of stability and familiarity with each other and the different styles and tendencies of their opposition.

Coach Mo Johnson response to the fans turnout and support? “I felt our fans were magnificent.  For the first time in a long time, I had goose bumps for a game, and I felt they were wonderful.  I felt really bad sending them home losing 1-0”.  Kansas City Eddie Johnson (goal scorer) explained “These are the games you get pumped up for, from the moment we walked out, it was an environment where this is what we live, eat, breathe and sleep for.”

Toronto FC will be playing their next three games at home on May 12, 16, and 19 against Chicago Fire, Houston Dynamo (Dwayne De Rosario) and DC United respectively. Tickets are available at 416-526-3436 or email your request to aldwyn@caribbeanstars.com . 

TFC at home for first MLS game ever

Toronto FC faced the challenge of coming up with their best defensive effort of the season at home. After losing their third straight game of the season to Kansas City Wizards 3-0 last Wednesday, TFC needs to improve their play before what is suppose to be a sold out BMO Stadium in downtown Toronto. After last Wednesday's practice run of the new stadium's facilities with staff and some fans in attendance, it is safe to say that TFC first home game of their inaugural MLS season, is going to be played in a festive atmosphere.

Equally as important is the fact that TFC coach Johnson will have to come up with a tactical game plan to prevent his team from giving up an early goal. TFC gave up early goals in their previous games and allowed an average of 3 goals per game in the three games. TFC had to keep this game close to gain the much needed 12th man advantage.

However to do that, TFC would have to shut out their opponent for at least the first half of play or score first, which would give coach Johnson the luxury of making the necessary adjustments to gain their first shutout or give the team their first win.

TFC lack of defense was only half of coach Mo Johnson problems. His team had not scored a goal over three games, and their best scoring opportunities were created in their season opener against Chivas USA. Granted it is much too early to look at the talent level of the TFC team, but if the team overall performance does not improve on defense or offense, one would have to assume that changes could be expected.

If TFC does not win this game their next best scenario would be to pitch a shutout or to limit Kansas City Wizards to 1 goal. This will give the team the confidence that is vital to be competitive at the MLS level. Stay Tune for game report.

Toronto FC Lose second game                                                                                                         Toronto FC lost their second game of the season 4-0  to the New England Revolution at the Gillette Stadium in Foxboro. The game was the Revolution first at home, and as such TFC was greeted with an aggressive style of play from a quality team that was looking for their first win.

 The Revolution was businesslike from the opening whistle as they kept TFC on their heels. New England offensive game plan caused  some confusion in TFC defensive coverage which resulted in numerous scoring opportunities for the home team.

TFC  surrendered two goals to striker Taylor Twellman in the 12th and 18th minute of play which set the tone for the evening. Shalrie Joseph (penalty) and Andy Dorman scored in the 59th and 72nd minute of the second half to give the New England Revolution the decisive 4-0 win.

 TFC has now allowed six goals in two games while coach Mo Johnson team is still in search of their first goal. At this early stage of the season TFC should have no reason for concern, but taking the lopsided loss to New England into consideration, combined with four yellow cards in the same game it would be advisable for coach Johnson to review the situation before things deteriorates in a hurry.

 TFC coach Johnston gave a vote of confidence to his starters before the game by using the same starting line up that lost the previous game against Chivas USA game in Califonia. On the flip side, Revolution manager Steve Nicol made two changes to his losing lineup of the previous game by inserting Joseph and Smith after they given medical clearance to play.

Toronto FC next game is against Kansas City Wizards on April 25 in KC in a home and away series to open the BMO Stadium on April 28.

Toronto FC Lose Season Opener 2-0  2007-04-08

I Toronto FC lost 2-0 to Chivas USA in their first game of their inaugural MLS season at the Home Depot Centre in Los Angeles, California.  

After giving up a couple of early chances TFC settled down and played remarkably well in the first half of play. They had the better of the scoring chances at the end of the half and had it not been for Chivas goalkeeper Guzan, TFC would have been in the lead  by at least a goal at the intermission.

Guzan made several brilliant saves from close up range. A couple in the 16th minute  were on Toronto’s Paulo Nagamura and Buddle, both in quick succession and with TFC still taking the play to Chivas goalkeeper Guzan was the man of the moment again, as he pushed a hard shot from Alecko Eskandarian  over the cross bar.

As is usually the case TFC paid the price for not hitting the net when shortly after  Chivas made use of their opportunity  and scored their first goal at the 35^th minute. On the goal TFC defense was caught out of position from a through pass that forced TFC goalkeeper Greg Sutton to advance out of his net which created an empty net for Chivas striker Ante Razov to tuck in.

The second half was completely different as Chivas dominated the run of play forcing TFC to chase them around the field. When TFC gained possession of the ball it was only for short spells because their players were too far apart to develop any sustain offense. As a result TFC resorted to long balls and that strategy created more problems as it isolated striker Buddle in the middle of the field.

Chivas second goal was scored at the 88^th minute when TFC tiring defense allowed and advancing Kliestan, the time and space to rocket a shot from the edge of the penalty area that left goalkeeper Sutton stranded. Chivas turned in a good performance with their crisp, short combinations that sustained their offensive drives and maintain their ball possession. 

 At the late part of the game TFC players were reacting slowly to developing plays both in defense and offense which equates to the team lack of conditioning. Lets the record show that  inexperience is understandable for a first year franchise but TFC coach Mo Johnson will have to get his team better conditioned.

CARIBBEAN STARS & TFC TICKET OFFER             

Join in and show your  support as you watch Toronto FC play at the new BMO Stadium in their inaugural season. For  tickets call 416-526-3436 or info@caribbeanstars.com . Tickets are also available for Caribana Sunday's game featuring David Beckham and the La Galaxy

For ticket information  aldwyn@caribbeanstars.com 

TFC 2007 Results