Beyond POV-FS – June Recap: TFC Injuries, Three Matches, Goalkeeping Situation, Jordan Hamilton, & a handful of WTR Mailbags

So, it appears as though with all the football action going on over the past month – UEFA Euros, Copa America Centenario, & MLS – it has been a while since one of these went up.

Thus, this edition is a long one, covering all the content that went up over that time frame, and it includes a return to Canadian Soccer News with a piece based off an interview with Carl Robinson.

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag: On the Value of Trophies

This version of the mailbag saw a slight tweak, using the preamble as a chance to editorialize about whatever happens to be going on at the moment. The topic, ahead of the second leg of the Voyageurs Cup semi-final in Montreal, was what benefit a side could derive from a trophy.

Conversation in the comment section largely revolved around what is needed from the various young players – Jordan Hamilton, Mo Babouli, Jay Chapman, etc. – in order for them to get more playing time.

MLSsoccer.com – No Bradley, no Altidore, but Giovinco back for TFC

Following a ten-day break between matches, Toronto FC may have been without two of their three designated players with the resumption of league play, but at least Sebastian Giovinco would be back in the fold.

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag: On the Dividing of Schedules & Rhythm

In this edition of the mailbag, the topic of breaking a schedule down into sections and the importance of finding rhythm as a means of navigating a long season were the points of emphasis.

While in the comment section, conversation involved the possibility of conceding points in the name of keeping depth players fresh, so they can perform when called upon, and an unfulfilled question on why Canada struggles to develop players.

That is a very large question – the mailbag has a way of bringing them up – and one that will be gotten to in time.

MLSsoccer.com – Gio vs. Gio: TFC eager for superstar showdown

Ahead of Toronto's clash with Los Angeles, a team against whom they have struggled historically, the prospect of a Giovinco vs. Giovani dos Santos duel was too appealing to ignore – even though in the end the LA star, and Steven Gerrard, did not make the trip.

MLSsoccer.com – Toronto FC vs. LA Galaxy

The post-match reactions from TFC's 1-0 win over LA: Toronto guided to victory by some veteran nous in Benoit Cheyrou and Drew Moor, who scored the game's only goal; while LA lament the late concession.

MLSsoccer.com – Toronto FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps – Voyageurs Cup

The post-match reactions from TFC's 1-0 win over Vancouver in the opening leg of the Voyageurs Cup Final: Toronto wonder if, given the lineup disparity, the narrow margin of victory would hold up with the second leg in Vancouver; while the Whitecaps are frustrated with the deflected goal conceded.

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag: On Being Hard to Beat & Finding Form at the Right Time

In this edition of the mailbag, Toronto's return to a solid defensive unit, and doing so at the perfect time, is the primary focus.

And in the comment section, myriad topics, including the absences of Damien Perquis and Mark Bloom, Herculez Gomez' ghost salary, MLS financial transparency, goalkeeping depth (a prescient issue), and the potential of summer transfer moves are all discussed.

Canadian Soccer News – On the Other Side: Carl Robinson on his time in Toronto and MLS Growth ahead of the Voyageurs Cup Final

In a long-intended return to the pages of Canadian Soccer News, an interview with Carl Robinson, head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps, about his time with Toronto FC, with whom his new side would be clashing in the closer of the cup, and the growth in MLS since his arrival in 2007 were discussed.

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag: On Frustration & Overcoming

In this edition of the mailbag, again, ahead of the Voyageurs Cup finale, the controversial last-minute penalty kick in Orlando is ignored, instead the focus is on how this TFC side, for all their frailties, is never out of a match – the concept of not losing, simply running out of time in a primary theme. An idea that was very much in play with the seconds ticking down later that night at BC Place.

In the comment section, once more the mysterious extended absences were discussed, as were the tendency towards slow starts from TFC and the state of refereeing in MLS.

MLSsoccer.com – As injuries mount, TFC reveal Altidore near return

With all the bad – Clint Irwin, Michael Bradley, and Will Johnson facing long injury lay-offs – there was some positive news emanating from the TFC ranks, as Jozy Altidore was nearing a return to full training of ahead of his return to the side.

MLSsoccer.com – Bono takes reins as TFC cope with Irwin's injury

That injury to Irwin has cast the club into an awkward position, without a true, experienced number two, they have only a pair of youngsters with minimal minutes. Both Alex Bono and Quillan Roberts are highly-touted, but are they ready to start?

MLSsoccer.com – Toronto FC vs. Seattle Sounders

Post-match reactions following the 1-1 draw between the two at BMO Field: a strong performance from a depleted TFC in their fifth match in fifteen days lacks finishing touch; while Jordan Morris' crucial strike helps build confidence for the floundering Sounders.

MLSsoccer.com – TFC's next big thing? Hamilton finds scoring touch

A feature on Jordan Hamilton, who has scored four goals in eight appearances over the past month or so on the back of some very solid performances after two seasons in the wilderness.

Beyond POV-FS – Tsubasa Endoh, WTR Mailbag, Jozy Altidore's Hamstring, & Toronto FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

This week's roundup includes a piece on Tsubasa Endoh, the Mailbag, Jozy Altidore leaving the pitch injured and post-match content from Vancouver's visit to TFC.

MLSsoccer.com – Japanese FA contacts TFC's Endoh after his first goal

In a follow-up to his first MLS goal on Saturday against Dallas, Tsubasa Endoh reflected on the moment, as did several of his teammates, and he revealed an important call from his homeland.

Waking the Red – WTR Mailbag, Post-Dallas, Pre-Vancouver

This week's edition discussed the Kei Kamara situation in Columbus, Fraser Aird's role in Vancouver as a replacement for Steven Beitashour, and Victor Montagliani's ascension to the top role in CONCACAF.

MLSsoccer.com – Another hamstring injury for TFC's Altidore

A quick reaction to Altidore limping off the pitch against Vancouver, looking at how the injury occurred and his history of hamstrings getting in the way of him finding rhythm. The extent of it will only be revealed in the coming days.

MLSsoccer.com – Vanney furious at TFC's 'pathetic' start vs. Caps

Covering a lively post-match press conference from TFC boss Greg Vanney and several players who were dismayed by the woeful start and horrendous play that led to a seven-goal thriller.

MLSsoccer.com – Against all odds, 'Caps win at BMO Field

Carl Robinson was back at BMO Field on a night that honoured Danny Dichio, leading his side to a thrilling win, despite a number of factor weighted against them.

Bonus Quote from Robbo: “I was emotional, standing on the touchline. I've got good memories here. And to top it all off I see Danny Dichio at the start of the game, he made me smile.” And his celebration at the final Vancouver goal made that fact evident.

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Canadian Content, Round 01 at Canadian Soccer News

The first review of the Canadian performances in MLS this season went up over at Canadian Soccer News yesterday.

Pickings were rather slim, with only four candidates seeing the pitch throughout, while two of those players – Tesho Akindele and Steven Vitoria – have only the most tenuous of links to the National Team.

Top spot goes to Russell Teibert, who was lively in his hour-plus on the pitch; second spot to one of his opponents that match, Toronto's Jonathan Osorio.

Check it out

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Vancouver Whitecaps & How You Doin' at Waking the Red

A cornucopia of preview articles are up over at Waking the Red, previewing Toronto's start to the 2015 MLS season, which begins with a daunting trip to Vancouver on Saturday.

The two parts of Know Your Enemy should be familiar to most by now – this will be the third (maybe fourth – no time to check) season of those previews. Part One looks over Vancouver's lineup and form, while Part Two hits the tape room to review some of the scant game film available from preseason for strengths and weaknesses.

Added to those two, Waking the Red exchanged some questions with Eighty Six Forever, SB Nation's Vancouver site, to dig a little deeper before the evening kickoff. Jon Szekeres was kind enough to provide some answers on the 'Caps, while TFC responses can be found here.

After an off-season that passed as if in the blink of an eye, MLS is back for its twentieth season. Two new expansion clubs, a raft of new stars, and plenty of intrigue. Should be fun.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Vancouver Whitecaps at Waking the Red

Preview of Toronto FC’s match against Vancouver is up over at Waking the Red – check it out, Parts One and Two.

Toronto FC – The Voyageur's Cup: Another Chance to Injure the Opponent’s Centre-Back

    On the eve of the 2013 edition of the Voyageur’s Cup, it seemed a good time to bring up a peculiar development over the first two MLS clashes between the Canadian clubs.

    Toronto FC has been responsible for key personnel losses to their opposition.

    In the opening match against Vancouver, it was Jay DeMerit who went down a mere eight minutes into the contest with an Achilles injury. In Montreal, it was Alessandro Nesta who left the fray, lasting slightly long, after eleven minutes with a muscle concern.

    Neither injury was the result of dangerous or overly-aggressive play, DeMerit went up for an aerial challenge with Robert Earnshaw, landing awkwardly and rupturing the tendon. Nesta, lunged to get his head on the end of an Earnshaw cross in the first minute of play, hitting the turf-hardened ground knee first, presumably jarring his muscle in the process.

    Earnshaw, one of the newest members of the club, was the protagonist – antagonist? Suppose it depends from which side one observes – in both cases; not through foul play, but through a tenacity that has helped define the new reiteration of the club.

    In truth, DeMerit should never have been risked, having been troubled by tendonitis in the area throughout preseason. And Nesta, well, his ability to stay fit for an entire season – and his importance to the side – has been questioned repeatedly.

    Both injuries were eventualities, but curious that fate would strike when confronted by TFC.

    Matteo Ferrari, Montreal’s other high-profile, experienced centre-back, had the good sense to get himself injured, meaning he will likely miss the series.

    But what odds on the fit-again Nesta, should he feature in either match, not lasting the full match, let alone the first half?

    Heading into the Voyageur’s Cup, Toronto has some additional voodoo over their Canadian rivals. To many it is baffling that a club that has struggled so mightily throughout its existence has maintained their run of four straight national titles against seemingly superior opposition - opposition perhaps better constructed and more eager for a chance at regional glory, well, regional play.

    As stated before, this year’s rendition of the four-team tournament looks set to be the best ever, with all three MLS teams seriously contesting the championship – Edmonton is unfortunately an afterthought at this point, though an upset of Vancouver in the first round - ahem, semifinals - would provide some much-needed drama on the Western side of the country.

    While this may be one of the smaller national cup competitions in the world and one of the newer ones, as well, it always manages to provide some drama and more than a few talking points to those who take the time to follow its, albeit, brief progress.

    It all kicks off tomorrow night (Wednesday, April 24th) with Toronto hosting Montreal and Edmonton welcoming Vancouver with the return legs to be played a week later (Wednesday, May 1st).

    If possible, get out to a match, if not, be sure to tune in on television. In the future, these years will be the basis of a grander competition and a part of national heritage and pride. May as well get in on the ground floor, eh?

    Sportsnet will be airing both matches on their regional channels; with Toronto-Montreal kicking off at 7:30 pm EST and Edmonton-Vancouver at 9:30 pm EST.

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review – Round 6 at Canadian Soccer News

    Review of Round Six of MLS play is up over at Canadian Soccer News, featuring video highlights, goal of the round, results in brief, Canadian content, and a few other juicy tidbits.
   
    All one needs to keep up with the weekly goings on.

    Check it out.

Beyond POV-FS – MLS Week in Review – Round 4 at Canadian Soccer News

    Review of the fourth weekend of MLS action is up over at Canadian Soccer News.

    Check it out.

Beyond POV-FS: What Just Happened? Dropping Behind the Line at Waking the Red

    A new feature at Waking the Red, post-Toronto FC matches, where a single moment is analyzed in depth.

    This week, we have a look at the play that created Gershon Koffie’s strike in the 1-0 losing effort in Vancouver.

    Check it out.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Vancouver Whitecaps at Waking the Red

    Well folks, it’s that time of year again; being the eve of the start of the 2013 season, now seems as good a time as any to beginning the task of previewing Toronto FC upcoming MLS opponents.

    First up, as Ryan Nelsen and Kevin Payne seek to instill a little bit of pride into the rag that has become the butt of jokes around the league, are the Vancouver Whitecaps.

    The preview is up over at Waking the Red, do check it out.

A Quick Glimpse – Canadian Notes on Will Johnson, Gershon Koffie, TFC Kit Launch and the U-20’s

Notes on Will Johnson, Gershon Koffie, the TFC Kit Launch and the U-20 Loss to the USA

So You've Graduated; Now What?

    With the end of season roster cull due and yet another rebuilding project on the cards, the next month will be an important time for several of the Toronto FC Academy Graduates waiting to discover their fate.

On the Race to Be the First Canadian Team in the MLS Playoffs, Measuring Success, & Long-Term Planning

    The Vancouver Whitecaps, should they make the playoffs this season, will become the first Canadian club to gain entry to the MLS postseason, much to the chagrin of Toronto FC and their fans, who have long used the playoffs as their stated goal, or as a measuring stick of success.

Foresight – MLS Round 22 Weekend Preview

    Four questions to be answered in this the twenty-second round proper of MLS weekend action.

Foresight - MLS Round 21 Weekend Preview

    Four questions to be answered in this the twenty-first round proper of MLS weekend action.

First Person View – Carl Robinson Retires. Wait, What?

    A few months ago I wrote about Montreal Impact trying to steal the spotlight away from the finale of the Voyageur’s Cup between the other two Canadian MLS Clubs – Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps – by announcing the acquisition of Marco Di Vaio the very morning after the match in Toronto, choking the airways, not with talk of the match, but of the Italian striker.

Rennie More Conciliatory This Time Around

    Having raised a fuss about his post-match comments last time around, it is only fair to recognize Vancouver Coach Martin Rennie’s more responsible approach this time around.

Beyond POV-FS – Know Your Enemy: Vancouver Whitecaps – Meeting the Third at Waking the Red

    Preview of tonight’s match between Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps at BMO Field is up over at Waking the Red.

Foresight – MLS Round 12 Weekend Preview

Four questions to be answered in this the twelfth weekend of MLS action.

Bringing the Game into Disrepute

    Martin Rennie’s post-match comments moments after last night’s second leg of the Voyageur’s Cup Final ended, those insinuating something sinister behind the selection of an Ontario-based referee for the match, were unseemly to say the least.