Bigger is Not necessarily better

TFC kicks-off 2016 playoff Journey

Toronto FC will travel to New York Red Bulls to open its 2016 MLS season on Sunday March 6. The Reds are hoping to extend its winning streak in season openers to three against New York to kick off its 2016 Playoff Journey.

The club will return home for its home opener on May 7th to face FC Dallas after its 8-game road trip at BMO Field.

Toronto FC clinch playoff spot

Toronto FC finally clinched its first ever MLS playoff spot on Wednesday, Oct. 15, with a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls at BMO Field Stadium in Toronto. The Reds focus turns to finishing in one of the top two spots in the Eastern Conference with games against Columbus Crew and away to Montreal Impact.

TFC blowout win against Orlando

Held scoreless in a first half that saw Orlando City SC playing with 10 players Toronto FC pulled away for a 5-0 win. It was a much needed win as the expansion Orlando City found out the hard way that they were facing a different TFC team in the second half.

The Reds systematically took Orlando apart to register a lopsided victory but quite frankly, no one knew what to expect until Orlando went down a player due to a red card.

The game opened at a fast pace with both team pushing forward but slowed considerably when TFC gained the man advantage. Under normal circumstances one would have thought that Orlando would have eventually been in trouble but there was nothing of note in the first half from the Reds that indicated that Orlando was ripe for the picking.

However, whatever was said in the change room seemed to work as Toronto FC was a handful for the shorthanded Orlando franchise right after break.  The breakthrough came when Reds captain Michael Bradley presented Marky Delgado with an open to score in the 46 minute.

Bradley did all the work after he sold a fake cross at the left edge of the area which enticed his defender to go to ground to prevent. The result was broken shutout when Delgado was faced with a wide open net and goalkeeper Tally Hall scrambling from out of the picture to recover.

The first goal opened the floodgates as Sebastian Giovinco scored with a well taken right-footed free kick for the second time in weeks. In is becoming common place that his free kicks go over the wall, into the left-edge of the arc, and off the right-post.

Toronto scored their third goal when Giovinco lead Bradley with a run on pass which he squared back for Morrow to finish with the inside of his favorite left-foot. Bradley leadership was on point in this game with two assist for tap-ins and allowing Jozy Altidore to kick the penalty.

It may turn out to be the best move in clinching a playoff spot since over the weeks Altidore was having a hard time finding the net and with Bradley’s gesture he ended his scoring drought with the penalty conversion.

Altidore also scored a second two minutes later on a cross ball from Robbie Findley. It was also refreshing to see Robbie Findley getting minutes and contributing to the Reds offense.

Findley drew a foul that gained the penalty and put over a cross ball which set up Jozy Altidore to score his second goal from a header

The tripping foul on Findley caused Orlando to go down to nine players when Winter was sent off for his second booking.

All in All it was a very productive day for Michael Bradley whi received the Player of the Match. It was Bradley who took the free kick that allowed Findley to set up Altidore’s header. On the flipside it was not the best of days for the expansion Orlando City SC which lost all three meetings with TFC’s this season.

Stay Tuned!

Reds in playoff spot mid season

Toronto FC defeated Philadelphia Union 2-1 to stay in third spot in the league standings and very much in the playoff race as one of the top six finishers. Delgado score in the 29th minute with Sebastian Giovinco scoring three minutes later for Toronto to hold on for the 2-1 win.

With a goal and the assist Giovinco takes his team leading tally to 12 goals and nine assists.

Toronto FC lose home opener

The Reds lost their home opener to the Houston Dynamo 2-1 at the newly renovated BMO Field Stadium. Unlike the previous season when everything was considered a Bloody Big deal it seems like it was business as usual under the leadership of USA midfielder Michael Bradley as captain and coach Greg Vanney.

With Bradley the newly assigned captain for the 2015 season the Bradley-Vanney leadership may just be the combination that will take Toronto to its first MLS playoff appearance. And why not?

Toronto FC has tried just about everything possible scenario beside the right team leadership combination which can utilize the right players.

Opening the season on a tough seven-game road trip Toronto FC returned home riding a 2-game winning streak and with a record of three wins and 4 loses. However, the home opener loss is not a good sign since the Reds will have to protect home field to finish the season strong.

In their first home stand Houston took a 2-goal lead when Garcia scored the rebound of his penalty in the 44th minute after Chris Konopka saved his initial attempt and Will Bruin slammed home another that gave Houston the second.

Toronto FC made it interesting at the end after Jozy Altidore got a header past Dynamo ‘keeper Tyler Deric at the first post but it was a case of too little to late for the Reds.

TFC starts 2015 on good foot on the Road

Toronto FC kicked off its 2015 MLS season with a 3-1 win in Vancouver against the Whitecaps. While some may disagree, I think the heavy dosage of away games to start the season can turn out to be a blessing in disguise for Coach Greg Vanney and his Reds team.

Michael Bradley is now the captain of the team and seemed to have influenced his USA teammate Jozy Altidore to sign with the Reds.

Altidore scored two to open his account after Robbie Findley equalized for TFC.  It was the third time that the Canadian rivals battled to open the regular season but the first time that the Reds left with the upper hand and all three points.

Octavio Rivero gave Vancouver the lead but Altidore completed his brace with a penalty conversion to take the scenic route out of Vancouver.

Let’s not forget however, that many believed the hype surrounding the Bloody Big Deal signing of Jermaine Defoe and Michael Bradley that cultivated a false sense of superiority due to the club’s early success in 2014.

Hopefully there is a learning curve this time around and everyone recognize that a productive late run in September and October is what is needed to make the MLS playoffs.

Nevertheless, It is very encouraging to see that an opening day win on the road is beginning to be a habit for Toronto FC.

Stars Soccer Review magazine “TFC Playoff Journey” remains relevant because it gives a comprehensive view of the the Reds manyroller coaster rides to try and make what has been an extremely elusive MLS playoff since its inception in 2007. …..

New Coach for TFC 2014 playoff countdown

The big countdown for the playoffs began when Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko wasted no time in announcing that Greg Vanney was the new head coach of the club after the Reds 3-0 lost against New England Revolution.

Bezbatchenko brought out the broom and released Ryan Nelsen and the entire coaching staff.

The media seemed to be convince that it was based on words exchanges prior to and after the game but from where I sit there are two scenarios to take into consideration.

My take on the situation is that the release of Nelsen was based on the Reds performance over the season and gradual drop from playoff contention.

I had endorsed Nelsen heading into the season to see how he would develop after his first year of coaching.

                                              G.M.Tim Bezbatchenko introduces Greg Vanney as the new   

                                                    head coach for Toronto FC 08-31 (Photo Credit: TFC)

But, his limited progression in systems and analysis combined with what seemed like a bias in his team selection, and substitution made me believe that  Nelsen release on Sunday August 31st was inevitable

The good news however, is that the coaching change was done with the Reds still in position to make the playoffs, the bad news is that TFC fans are beginning to have their doubts in a franchise that has never made the playoffs.

To those who may think that new coach Greg Vanney’s hiring will affect the team I can only assume that they did not watch Toronto FC perform over the last 13 games under coach Nelsen. Toronto FC won just one of its last six games and three of its last 13.

So it goes without saying that if that trend continued for the final 10 games the team would have been out of the playoffs. There is no way that such a situation should have been allowed to occur after Nelsen was given every opportunity to succeed in terms of player personal, comfort and continuity.

Nelsen was also surrounded with some of the best minds in the sporting business in G.M Tim Bezbatchenko and Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) President and CEO Tim Leiweke who freed up money for Nelsen to practically walk his TFC team into Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs.                                                                                          

To the few who are upset with the firing, maybe you should also look into the way Dwayne De Rosario was treated by Nelsen. As the most accomplished Canadian player and one of the most accomplished in the MLS, Nelsen selected rookies and players who showed less ability and scope over Dwayne.

He took De Rosario off his 18-man roster against (2-2) Chicago Fire and because he felt the heat after Canada called up De Rosario as part of the roster for the upcoming International friendly against Jamaica on September 9 at BMO Field Nelsen became politically motivated.

      TFC needs effective ball possession game 

Weather and field conditions can present difficulties for a team to deliver according to plan. But it does not negate the fact that the two teams play under the same conditions and has the same level of difficulty.

The Reds 1-0 home opener win at BMO Field against DC United under tough conditions showed that Toronto FC lacked team chemistry and the second in a 1-0 loss against Colorado with several starters out, looked like some players were looking for individual glory.

After signing a Bloody big deal with the marquee players contributing, Coach Nelsen had a perfect scenario when his bench players stepped up and added their contribution to the team’s 2-0 victory in Columbus, Ohio.

Inflated egos were an anticipated problem by all the attention that was paid to the TFC players heading into the season. From where I sat in the Colorado match it looked like the bench players may have to be brought back down to earth if they want extra playing time.

The disturbing part of this is that the team still has a lot of work to do since the visitors had the better of the ball possession in the two home games.

The only solution for coach Nelsen is for the players to continue to go down fighting on the road but start controlling the run of play at home. But that may be easier said than done with Michael Bradley out of the midfield due to injury.

Bradley has been a major contributor to TFC winning two of its three matches on the road and with the next game on the road at FC Dallas a win without ball possession is acceptable. But before the home fans the Reds has to improve to instill confidence in the fans.

Stay Tuned for the upcoming Toronto FC Exclusive magazine call “Finally”.!

Bradley delivers with bench help

Toronto FC defeated Columbus Crew 2-0 at Crew stadium to register it third win in four games.  TFC star midfielder Michael Bradley scored the first goal when he surprised goalkeeper Rodriguez with a scorcher from a tight angle at the first post that gave Toronto FC early lead in the 11th minute. Canadian international midfielder Issey Nakajima-Farran came off the bench to score with a neat deflection for the Reds to leave Columbus with a 2-0 win.

Missing from Toronto FC line up were Forward Jermain Defoe, Defender Doniel Henry, Alvaro Rey, and captain and central defender Steven Caldwell.

Defoe strikes again for TFC second win

Jermain Defoe scored his third goal in two games as Toronto Defeated DC United 1-0 in their Home Opener at BMO Field in Toronto. It was the first game for Brazilian forward Gilberto but unfortunately it seems like it was at the expense of home town boy Dwayne De Rosario. It was a noticeable omission since De Rosario holds the record as the only player in the MLS who have scored against all his previous teams. But player selection is coach Nelsen’s decision to make and he decided to sit De Rosario as his team won its second game in as many outings.

It is the best start the Toronto franchise has experienced although DC United was more comfortable on the ball and enjoyed the better of the ball possession. It is the second game that Toronto has won ugly but it takes a good team to accomplish an ugly win and start a winning streak.

Much have been said about the condition of the field but for me the more disruptive element has been the weather. It seemed like because of the snow Toronto could not practice at BMO Field as the team would have liked and as a result the field may have well be that of DC United for Toronto FC home opener.

But the two teams played on the same field and Toronto players movement off the ball is lacking. There is no flank penetration as TFC players are very hesitant to go flat-out to the end-line

Jermain Defoe scored his third goal in two games as Toronto Defeated DC United 1-0 in their Home Opener at BMO Field in Toronto. It was the first game for Brazilian forward Gilberto but unfortunately it seems like it was at the expense of home town boy Dwayne De Rosario. It was a noticeable omission since De Rosario holds the record as the only player in the MLS who have scored against all his previous teams. But player selection is coach Nelsen’s decision to make and he decided to sit De Rosario as his team won its second game in as many outings

Defoe Dazzles as TFC wins season opener

With fans clamouring for a change fortunes Toronto FC went out and signed English International and Tottenham Hotspurs forward Jermain Defoe. It’s a Bloody Big Deal was the headlines as the club kept up the momentum by signing US International Michael Bradley and Brazilian International goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

As Toronto FC major off season signing Jermain Defoe proved that he still has the scoring touch after scoring two goals in the Reds a 2-1 victory over Seattle Sounders for its first ever season opener win. Defoe debut was a delightful moment for Reds fans who have experienced more than their share of busted deals. Defoe has been voted MLS Player of the Week for his opening day performance

Michael Bradley was also impressive as he did his impersonation of the energizer bunny by putting relentless pressure on the ball to reset most of the Sounders offensive surges. He also came out on the better end of the battle of the US Internationals between himself and Clint Dempsey although Dempsey managed to score the Sounders’ lone goal.

TFC’s Brazilian International goalkeeper Julio Cesar also played a role in Toronto historic win. He made crucial stops when they were needed and as a welcome change from past seasons the Reds did not allow a late goal. As a result, Red fans are on a high going into the home opener against DC United at BMO Field in Toronto on March 22nd.

In 2014, every result will be a big deal in Toronto

Fasten your seat belts and prepare for Toronto FC  Bloody Big deal ride of 2014. The Reds are in a season where they are preparing to land into the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs for the very first time.

So that in itself is a big deal added to the fact that Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) as the parent company of the club has put out big dollars to secure marquee players for coach Ryan Nelsen to achieve the objective.

Tim Leiweke, as President and CEO of MLSE, and TFC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride in their first class seats since they have delivered on their promise by ensuring quality players are signed. At the end of last season they promised Reds fans that the club will recruit high profile players in the offseason to enable the Reds to make the elusive playoffs.

Three Designated Players (DP); English International and Tottenham Hotspur forward Jermain Defoe, US International and AS Roma midfielder Michael Bradley and Brazilian forward Gilberto Junior were signed, in addition to the acquisition of two experience winners in Dwayne De Rosario (Re-Entry Draft) and Brazilian International goalkeeper Júlio César on loan from Queens Park Rangers (QPR) of the Championship League in England.

Reds fans are still pinching themselves to make sure that it is not a dream, but barring injuries, the playoff is TFC spot to lose.  Having the privilege of covering the club from day one it is refreshing to experience the positive vibes and optimism in just about every area of the organization.

It all started last season with the hiring of new coach Ryan Nelsen and the impressive way he evaluated the games and assessed the players in relation to the level of competition in the League. Why this was not done sooner is anyone’s guess, but whatever the reason, it seems like the Reds may have finally latched onto a formula that should bring the desired results.

TFC supporters should not miss a moment of what seems to be a historic journey this season. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) deserves a lot of credit for bringing back Dero in a situation where he can now experience the twilight of his career in his hometown.

The pieces to TFC success have all been delivered at the doorsteps of TFC coach Ryan Nelsen  …Stay Tuned for the upcoming Toronto Exclusive Magazine right here on Caribbean Stars Soccer Review. “We’ve got it Covered”.

Toronto FC 2011 MLS Update 

Toronto FC bounce back to win home opener

Toronto FC rode the wave of two timely goals from Dutchman Javier Martina, to register a 2-0 win over the expansion Portland Timbers in front of 20,086 at BMO Field in downtown Toronto in sub-zero temperatures.
TFC fans supported their team throughout the match in spite of the temperatures which seems to indicate that they have seemingly gotten over their frustrations of last season end, when the team failed to make the playoffs and of their ticket price dispute with management.
While a victory in the first at home is usually a good start towards the healing process, it is no secret that the win was against the expansion Timbers and a loss would have had devastating affect on the fans that needs nothing less than a playoff berth.

The Reds was coming off a 4-2 lost to the Vancouver Whitecaps in a game which the Reds played fairly well offensively, but could not make heads or tails of what was required in their defensive coverage.
But the Reds were welcome the team back home with supportive banners which read, “Loyal we started, loyal we remain”.
Toronto will be playing 4 of its first 6 games at home and with the fan support would need positive results. Thanks to some nifty clean up work by Dutchman Javier Martina, the Reds got on track last Saturday with its first win.
It was also Coach Aron Winter first career win as a manager before a festive crowd at BMO Field. The celebrations started as early as the 14th minute, when De Rosario poked a pass backwards to an incoming Martina who drove the ball low pass the keeper and into the Timbers net.
But Toronto’s has been in a giving mood this season with generous turnovers in dangerous position. This is a problem that Coach Winters will have to sort out since it’s beginning to look like his players may lack confidence on the ball and a reshuffled back line does not help.
Whatever the case, coach Winter had a full week’s practice to sort out the problem which was evident the previous game in Vancouver. With his starting central back Nana Attakora missing this game and expected to return next Saturday, he needs to address the problem head on.
It is obvious that coach Winter wants to maintain his offensive 4-3-3 formation to which I am a supporter, but that also goes with the players having to move away from formations which they have played for most of their careers and keep more possession of the ball.
While Rome was not built in a day, I must admit that Toronto FC has had a potent offensive base on the formation. De Rosario’s scored in transition against Vancouver and Martina’s second goal is also a tribute to the extra attacker available in the formation.
It was on a counter attack in the 70th minute that Javier Martina was able to put the game out of reach of the Portland Timbers. Martina received a 60-yard pass straight from goalkeeper Stefan Frei, which he ran unto and scored with only one touch over and beyond the ‘keepers reach.
However, in order for the Reds to win decisively they will have to at least reduce the giveaways in the middle area of the field that is the most direct path to the TFC goal. This should not be difficult since Coach Winter made his living as a defensive midfielder.
Granted Julian De Guzman is on the injured list and has not played in the two matches. But even De Guzman with his customary high percentage of ball possession cannot control when his team mate decides to turn the ball over.
What De Guzman can help and control is the central area of the field where these turnovers are allowed and are the most dangerous. But until De Guzman returns coach Winter will have to find a band-aid solution which can stop the bleeding and to maintain possession of the ball.
The Reds effectiveness of defending against opposing strikers should be another area of concern for coach Winter. Timbers forward Kenny Cooper created havoc with TFC’s back line throughout the game and so did Eric Hassli up front for the Whitecaps last week.
But jump high or jump low you can’t beat the atmosphere at Toronto’s BMO Field where the Reds fans are determine to maintain their status as the best fans in the MLS league. Toronto plays Chivas USA this Saturday at BMO Field at 1pm (TSN).
….Stay Tuned for pictures!.

Whitecaps mobilize its 12th man to defeat Toronto

Vancouver Whitecaps win MLS debut over Toronto

Vancouver BC:: Vancouver Whitecaps made an impressive start to its inaugural MLS season with a decisive 4-2 victory over Toronto FC. The game was played before a sold out crowd of 22,592 here at Empire Field last Saturday.
The Whitecaps rode the rhythm of an energetic home crowd in a highly entertaining match in which the partisan crowd got its money worth in thrills and chills, after it was realized that their Whitecaps four-goal offensive outburst, did not make them a clear cut winner.
The spotted Toronto FC supporters on hand also had a few joyous moments, but unfortunately those moments were half as much as the Whitecaps fans enjoyed. The historic game was yet another bench mark in the winning tradition of the Vancouver Whitecaps franchise history as Designated Player Eric Hassli registered the first Vancouver Whitecaps goal while Dwayne De Rosario’s scoring mastery continues as he put a halt to the Whitecaps extended celebration which also included a stoppage in play.

But captain cook did spoil their fun somewhat as TFC Captain De Rosario broke free down the right side to score the Reds equalizer to silence the crowd. Then it was announced that De Rosario’s goal was the 8,000 goal in MLS history.

The stoppage in play occurred when Whitecaps FC fans threw their packages of white ponchos which they had received from the team onto the pitch as part Eric Hassli historic first goal celebration. It was a break which I am sure worked well into the Whitecaps player’s game plan.
It was also a moment in which the Whitecaps management could have reflected on their years of investment and the positive way in which the city and the team had reacted from their two years wait to play in the MLS after acceptance. Though the stats sheet shows De Rosario’s goal as being scored five minutes after the Whitecaps historic first goal, the time which had elapsed was much shorter due to the celebration stoppage of the Whitecaps as the clock continued to tick.

Vancouver capitalized on Toronto questionable flank coverage to regain the lead, when Chiumiento was allowed to dribble through the TFC left side to set up Terry Dunfield’s who in turn beat Frei with a low shot to the last post for a 2-1 lead.

What little ponchos were left was thrown onto the field for Dunfield’s goal and a very exciting first half of soccer ended with 5 minutes of extra time added on. The first MLS game in Vancouver was providing a high level of soccer and excellent weather.

After two days of rain and overcast condition prior to the game, the sun appeared two hours before kick off. This set the stage for an electrifying atmosphere at Empire Field Stadium where the city came out in white to support its new MLS franchise. The fact that the Whitecaps never trailed in the contest made life a lot easier for the Whitecaps faithful but they were aware that Toronto was pushing forward in search of the equalizer before the half.

However, Toronto lack of confidence on the ball was Vancouver’s gain. Harris opened up a 3-1 lead in the 63rd minute when he converted on a Russell Teibert corner kick which found its way to the steady midfielder.

Toronto struggled to get into a rhythm, and while swiveling the ball beautifully across its back four there was no movement in the central midfield position to create alternative plays. Hence the Reds flank plays were predictable and getting the ball to the byline was extremely difficult.

Vancouver went ahead 4-1 in the 72nd minute when Hassli scored his second of the game to set up an embarrassing situation for Toronto FC to be blown out. The fact that Hassli scored in an empty net from a 2 and 1 breakaway on goalkeeper Frei did not help the situation either.

But give Toronto FC credit. At a time when many teams would have folded, the Reds responded with a Maicon Santos scored in the 74^th minute. Maicon’s goal was a bullet from the left side just outside the area.

His left footed cannon whisk passed goalkeeper Joy Nolly who did not even have time to think far less move. It was undoubtedly the goal of the game, but Vancouver four goals were enough as the ‘Caps rode the momentum of their home crowd to win their debut game in the MLS 4-2.

Vancouver travels to play Philadelphia while the Reds will have to make defensive adjustment to face the expansion Portland Timbers at BMO this Saturday at 2pm.

Whitecaps coach cautiously      optimistic against Toronto FC

 In what will be Major League Soccer (MLS) first ever all Canadian clash, Vancouver Whitecaps FC Coach Teitur Thordarson’s has been cautiously optimistic when talking about his team’s chances against the restructured Toronto FC at Empire Field on Saturday afternoon. Under new head coach and Technical Director Aron Winter, Toronto’s 4-year franchise will be severely tested by their arch rivals. If Whitecaps has an edge it will be in its team chemistry from building around its USSL Division 2 team of last season before its home crowd.  Stay Tuned!

MLS opens with TFC vs Vancouver

On Saturday March 19, 2011, Vancouver Whitecaps will face Toronto FC to open their inaugural season in Major League Soccer (MLS), and will have the luxury of playing in front of their energetic home crowd at Empire Stadium in Downtown Vancouver

Though the Whitecaps may have a few nervous energies to start their first match in the MLS, it may be safe to say that Toronto FC under new coach Aron Winter will have their share of anxieties depending on the run of play and final score of the game.

Toronto FC has a front loaded 2011 MLS schedule and will be playing at BMO Field regularly towards the early part of the season. With 4 years seniority advantage over the Whitecaps in the MLS, Toronto FC is favored to gain a positive result on Saturday.

However, Toronto preseason record is 2-5-2 while Vancouver is 4-5-2. Vancouver has nothing to lose besides in a mere opening match of its first MLS season, and is in the driver’s seat, while Toronto FC has a lot to lose especially as the defending Nutrilite Canadian champions.

Whitecaps FC can suffice its home fans with a close final score and a good competitive performance while the Reds and coach Winter may have to win on Saturday to show that the organization has made the right choices after making full scale changes in the off season.

After accepting Toronto FC as the first Canadian franchise in 2007, the American run MLS league has opened its doors to its northern neighbours by including Vancouver for its 2011 season and allowing Montreal Impact to debut as the third Canadian team in 2012.

Toronto FC has made the MLS and Canada proud through its ability to market the sport of soccer in Toronto and Canada, while Vancouver Whitecaps is a safe bet to be a successful Canadian franchises in the MLS based on its experience as a soccer city.

Vancouver has the experience, expertise and a history of winning championships, while Toronto FC has proven that one can also be a very quick learner with savvy business skills to survive in the soccer industry.

While TFC has been promoted as the blue print for soccer franchises in North America, the Reds has found it extremely difficult to facilitate the number one fans in the league by making the MLS playoffs since its inception.

In trying to change the tides for the 2011 season, the Reds organization has made household changes in the off season and hired former German soccer star and now business consultant Jurgen Klinsmann who in turn brought in Dutchman Aron Winter as the coach.

The Reds much publicized problem of the past is an area in which Vancouver is miles ahead. TFC set up its operation based on a 1-man show with Mo Johnson holding all the cards on all important soccer decisions.

During his TFC tenure Mo Johnson was the Coach, Technical Director, General Manager, and Director of

Soccer Operations in an inexperience franchise to soccer. In contrast, Vancouver Whitecaps has been in existence since 1974 and played in the USSF Division II League in 2010.

Combined with a rich soccer history, winning is also part of the Whitecaps tradition. Whitecaps FC won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship IN 1979 and from 1987 to 1992, won 4 straight CSL titles as a member of the Canadian Soccer League.

Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won 2 United Soccer Leagues 1st Division championships and two USL W-League championships. The Whitecaps has playing facilities, and will be moving from Empire Field where they will open the season to the new BC Place Stadium in early October.

However, not to be totally overlooked, Toronto FC has won back to back Nutrilite Canadian Championships in 2009-2010 over the likes of Montreal Impact and these same Vancouver Whitecaps and should not be taken lightly, in spite of its growing pains.

With a big difference in the history of these two franchises, there is no doubt that both coaches Aron Winter and Teitur Thordarson of the Whitecaps will be going to win the game on Saturday. Tune in on Saturday on TSN at 6:30PM, to watch Canada’s biggest soccer cities do battle.

Whitecap experience in the business should be its biggest asset, but watching at the two team’s off season player acquisition and requirement preference I think only Saturday will tell which tale of the tapes holds the advantage.

Stay Tuned right here, for more updates on the Whitecaps and Toronto FC clash direct from Vancouver.

Caribbean Stars  SR to Release 4-REAL Magazine

 Stars Soccer Review (SSR) upcoming magazine is called 4-REAL and it features Portuguese captain and Real Madrid’s star forward Cristiano (CR7) Ronaldo on the cover.

SSR magazine has covered David Beckham (Back to Basics), Thierry Henry (Accomplished) and Lionel Messi (Unstoppable) football assets in our earlier volumes. In this Volume 12 we will be featuring Cristiano Ronaldo physical attributes which is the best football fans have seen in a top footballer since the sport has been revolutionized. Over the better part of a highly competitive six years of football there is a concensus that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo is the two best players in the world.

has been

Over what has been reported as the most highly competitive last six years in soccer/football there has been a consensus that the two best footballers in the world are both playing in Spain’s La Liga. Beyond the biases it  should come as no surprise that the two players are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Here at Stars Soccer Review magazine we have established that Lionel Messi is an unstoppable player based on his quickness, low sense of gravity and creativity. There was no debate to Thierry Henry’s accomplished world cup record and signature first move.

We we did do not agree with the terminology of anyone being the best ever since as mentioned it is a disrespect to past and future players and virtually impossible to determine over-time. Even while we may all agree on the two best players at present, the emergence of Brazil’s star players and Barcelona leading scorer Neymar could make for a completely different conclussion in the next year or two.

However, what is for certain is that beyond the biases, beyond the crests,  beyond the numbers you’ll find the player with the best physical attributes in Cristiano Ronaldo. For anyone to question such an obvious and compelling visual observation is to try to defy logic.

With a big difference in the history of these two franchises, there is no doubt that both coaches Aron Winter and Teitur Thordarson of the Whitecaps will be going to win the game on Saturday. Tune in on Saturday on TSN at 6:30PM, to watch Canada’s biggest soccer cities do battle….Stay Tuned!