Yesterday was embarrassing. Thoroughly, as a matter of fact. I’ve spent the past year “pumping the tires” of Toronto FC to anyone that would listen, and yesterday took a friend that had been out of the country the entire time to his first game. Needless to say, he was impressed with the atmosphere, even though we weren’t in the supporter’s section, but I could tell after the first half that the play had failed to impress.

And he wasn’t alone.

It was a completely ineffective display on both a quality of play level, and also a results level. I know that the USL isn’t too far off from the lowest level of play in the MLS, and last year this result would be easier to swallow. But we’re not the team of last year, and therefore we should be celebrating a 3-0 victory instead of choking down a loss.

The aforementioned silver lining?

Two weeks the the transfer window, and according to Morgan Campbell Darren Huckerby was at the game yesterday. Readers of the this blog will know that I’m a huge supporter of Darren joining TFC (under the right terms) and I’m very much excited at the implications of him actually showing up here. We’ll have to watch training sessions over the next week to see if he slips in.

…work and studying has me super busy lately and I know I’ve been slacking on updates.

If any of you have somethign that you’d like to get off your chest, TFC reated of course, please feel free to pass it along.

I’ll be doing my best, in the mean time, to pump out a couple updates a week.

What an unbelievable game by our newest and smallest winger. He truly came out of his shell aand wowed just about everyone in the park last weekend with a great 2-goal performance in under 10 miutes. And both off the left foot, which just adds to the confidence building.

He was always knocked in England for his inability to finish, and admittedly I was beginning to question his finishing.

And, while it may have to do with his adding me as a friend on Facebook last Friday, I doubt it. But I’d love to know what clicked for him in the past month that has him playing out-of-his-mind.

Any ideas?

Now, I’m not one to start unsubstantiated rumours, but here’s one that I just couldn’t pass up.

Brian Edwards, illegitimate son of Greg Sutton? Think about it.

It’s too much fun not to believe, so I’m going to work this theory out a little more.

Had a sobering walk to BMO Field in the light rain of Wednesday night following the European glory that was earned by United and watched by myself and millions of others. I reminded myself that while the resultswere perfect thus far, Toronto was about to face a team that made them look like little boys playing in a Men’s league. It wasn’t that I didn’t expect a win, but rather that the day whad thus far gone so well that karma could play some catch-up.

Not the case. And adding to my delirium was a recently-infrequent goal by Danny “The Bald-Headed-Beauty” Dichio. He showed exactly why he’s still a threat when placed in the proper situation – he’ll created a goal through sheer will and force. In a lot of ways it was as pretty as goals come.

The rest of the game was a bit of a struggle against the weather, the opposition, and the limitations of our current squad. The weather made playing a game that could create face-paced chances for our midfield difficult. The exchange of play between the two teams was often sloppy. But most glaring was the limitations of our forwards and wings. Ricketts looked ineffective, to be kind. I’m hoping the warning stories aren’t true about the kid, ‘cause he should be showing a lot more class given his previously touted potential. Robert was playing well, as far as I could tell, and I think he should have seen a lot more of the ball.

Sutton was as solid as ever and is certainly making a case for Canada’s starting job. Marshall made more than a few key stops and blocks, Wynne was his tenacious self, and Brennan was dependable as always.

And, now, somewhat reluctantly, and admittedly embarrassingly, we come to a subject that I’ve been thinking of writing about for the past three games. It’s hard to admit, but Marco Velez has very suddenly turned from the worst defender I’d ever seen to a dependable, if not very-good, defender. I have no idea what happened either. He was absolutely lost until we came to Toronto, but since…Wow.

He’s been tough, accountable, and at times awesome. He’s shut down some very good players to the point that I no longer cringe when he’s neither the ball – I sometimes even get happy seeing that he’s the once back to make a play.

One of the tempting things about having your own blogs is the ability to revise the history that you wrote – deleting posts such as the one where I wrote a script for Mo to use when letting Velez go, would be one example of something I now wish I hadn’t written. But, I’ll stand by what I wrote as it’s a good testament to how I saw things back then (i.e. a month ago…)

Marco didn’t deserve to start then, but he does now and hopefully he continues to play at this level.

(that’s right, I’m a fan of that nickname!)

United v. Chelsea for the glory of the best team in Europe. I think this will be a fantastic game of pace and skill. Of course, it may end up being a slow and methodical game in the end, but I hope not.

If both teams are running and gunning, I think that United will come out on top. A defensive struggle could go either way but I don’t think Sir Alex is going to allow that to happen.

I’m predicting a 2-1 win for the good guys.

If I had to put money on it, I’d also predict a 2-1 win for Toronto FC tonight against D.C., but what I actually want is a 5-0 thrashing. I was never embarrassed to be a TFC fan last year, but the loss to D.C. in the second game of the season was definitely something to be ashamed of. Make no mistake, however, both teams have shown themselves to be different from the second week squads. Toronto FC is much more strong team defensively and in the midfield. We should be able to contain DC tonight, and hopefully surprise them on the counter. Look for Cunnigham to start today giving TFC that quick attack that will be needed.

That’s it - I can’t wait for these games to start!

Darren Huckerby and Norwich City have officially parted ways. Darren had asked late last week that they settle on a new contract by the end of this week, but Norwich management have decided that one will not be offered.

It sounds like he’s limiting his options to an MLS side as he says he does not want to play against Norwich and he’s not likely to play up or down a level.

Could we see talk of a move to Toronto resume? I hope so…

Here’s a tribute video that City fans have already put together for him:

…I’ve been hearing a thing or two from people (indirectly) in the know about a possible opponent for an International Friendly…

Now, I’m going to tentatively go out on this limb, because should it turn out to be true I’d love to have reported it first, but I’m still sceptical.

Here’s my indirect way of saying it - we’re talking big four from the EPL. We’re not, however talking my other favourite team. Nor are we talking anyone Addidas sponsored (which I was assuming would be the case for promotional purposes.)

Now, I haven’t gone out and named names, but there’s one former Toronto FC blogger that’d be pumped if this team came.

(If you haven’t put it together yet, you’re just dim.)

So there you have it…take your best shot (get it yet?) at me if you like, but we’ll see.

My first live game of the season having finally gotten my hands on some season tickets. It was amazing as always and the result is one I’ll take everyday. We just looked good yesterday - very very good. Ricketts and Robert didn’t even have great games but their presence alone has elevated the expectations and confidence of the entire squad. Everyone is playing with more confidence - even Velez actually had a good game. Seriously.

We’re now one game over .500 for the first time ever - and in fifth place overall. That’s pretty great for a team that was written off before the season began and deemed hopeless after their second game. I dreaded another year of the fans being TFC’s greatest highlight, but that won’t be the case this year. Yesterday the team earned centre-stage with a gritty and even dominating, at times, performance. Guevara looked miles above anyone one else on the pitch in terms of quality. Other than Beckham, I don’t think there’ll be a scarier sight for MLS ‘keepers this year than Robert and Guevara lining up a free-kick at the same time.

Speaking of ‘keepers, Hartman still sucks. I developed a strong dislike for him last ear in the home opener and he still remains my least favourite player in the league. It’s not a totally rational dislike, but I’m going to stick with it. Judging from the heckles (mainly to do with his ‘98 Backstreet Boy hair) I don’t think I’m alone in this.

Some thoughts/observations:

• Matty Stajan is a beauty. He completed an the trifecta of sitting in the supporter’s section, wearing a Manchester United jersey, and drinking a big beer. Well played Stajan, now bring that level of awesome to the ice.
• Section 113 and half of 114 is amazing. Section 115 is pretty great too. But the half of section 114 that’s closer to 115 is WAY too quiet and, unfortunately, that’s where I’m sitting… We have to work on that - it was good, but could be way better. Until the second half, it was almost like a dead spot in the supporters section.
• I think Dichio is having some confidence problems. He skied a tap in yesterday, which happens to the best of players. Unfortunately it’s becoming a trend over the past few games. I think he’ll get over it though - gotta have faith in heroes.
• Beer being available at concession stands is much better than just at beer-only stands. Definitely helped cut down on lines. Didn’t eat yesterday, but I’m hearing good things about the revised menu.
• While sitting in the supporters’ section, girls are automatically a point and a half better looking. If they’re also wearing a TFC jersey, it’s plus two points. Good for them.
• Seriously though, Velez didn’t suck. I know, but I’m really not lying.
• Hartman definitely still does though.
• Sutton has two clean-sheets in a row. He’s great.
• Robert and Guevara both came with the warning that they tend to have a great game but follow it with a no-show. If they can keep this stagger up and alternate dominant performances, we’re sitting pretty.
• Thursday is the NY Red Bulls come to town. We hate them, so cheer/heckle accordingly.

I’m excited for this team’s possibilities. This is going to be fun!

There’s more to the story than just needing to free-up a roster spot for Olivier Tebily. That much I’m certain of because Hemming’s spot was not one that Tebily can occupy (Hemming was a Canadian under a developmental contract.)

He’s also been playing some solid soccer for the squad in both reserve games and when called upon to play with the senior team.

This leads me to believe that Hemming asked to be waived and Mo obliged. He’d been falling lower on the depth chart with the recent additions to the team but there’s no reason he couldn’t get more playing time somewhere else.. Hopefully, for the sake of his career and for the sake of Canadian soccer, he’s been offered some first team action somewhere.

Otherwise, not the happiest guy to see him go.