Toronto MLS 2007 roster - Part II

[paladius]

Yesterday's opener between FC Dallas and Chicago Fire on ABC was quite entertaining and got me hyped for TO joining the league next season. I was initially skeptcial when we got the club, but after letting it sink in i'm confident we can have a quality team and it will develop players as much as Europe will...anyways, i still think alot of the depth will come from fringe Canadians in and out of USL/Scandanavian leagues. However, i think we will get more top end talent than initally forecast and will be an instant contender.

28 total players. 18-man Senior roster with a 10-man development roster.

Salary Cap is US$ 2.3ishM (development players don't count) with a marquee expection for 1 or 2 players making combined US$ 1M. Otherwise Max. salary is 300+K, sorry didn't bother researching exact figures. Plus the cap value in some instances is less than the actual compensation.

Transfers accounted for are deemed reasonable...

4 forwards, 6 midfielders, 6 defenders, 2 goalies = 18 players

Forwards
---------

Tomasz Radzinski: Turns 33 yrs. old in Dec. '06 and maybe on the outs at Fulham with his form this season. Possibly a reasonable buyout and we offer him a multi-year US$ 1M/yr. contract as a marquee player exception and only 300+K or so counts toward the cap. Still has top class talent and can teach the next generation of up and comers, possible player-coach scenario later on.
Cap Value: 350K

Senior International(1): Quality striker to partner Radz. Perhaps a Central or South american? Shifty, creative and dangerous goal scorer.
Cap Value: 100K

Jason Jordan: Proven goal scorer at the USL level, may want to try his luck in MLS. Decent target man, potential to better himself at a higher level.
Cap Value: 50-75K

Charles Gbeke: Another decent target guy. Has scored somewhat consistently at USL level and had hot streaks in Denmark.
Cap Value: 30-50K

Midfielders
----------

Dwayne DeRosario: Trade with Houston sends them 1st or 2nd pick overall plus a 2nd rounder for the MLS Super Draft '07 and 1st rounder next year in '08, as well as some sort of Expansion Draft agreement for both Dwayne and Adrian Serioux. DeRo, cornerstone player and marketing dream.
Cap Value: 350K

Adrian Serioux: Clydesdale to DeRo's thoroughbred in Central Mid. Quality holding midfielder with CCC experience and an uncannily long throw-in.
Cap Value: 120K

Senior International(2): Strong ball skills, quickness, vision and shooting ability.
Cap Value: 100-150K

Rhian Dodds/Josh Simpson: One of these talented youngsters is bound to get out of their situation (Dodds - playing time, Simpson - Injury and relegation).
Cap Value: 75-100K

Maycoll Canizales: Crafty left-footed winger with attacking instincts. Has had some injury concerns with Werder and Hannover Reserves and been displaced in lineup by veteran players. Change of scenery and first-team football could do him some good.
Cap Value: 50-75K

Alfredo Valente: Good USL right winger/mid, cheap and serviceable.
Cap Value: 30-50K

Defenders
---------

Marco Reda: Solid Central D who captained the Lynx, also has Norwegian and Danish league experience. Hails from nearby Woodbridge, ON and of Italian descent, could be fan favourite.
Cap Value: 75+K

Adam Braz: Solid USL right back. Excellent defensive ability and plays hard for 90. Not much offensive upside.
Cap Value: 50K

Ante Jazic: Trade with NY sends them Expansion Draft considerations. Good MLS left back.
Cap Value: 75K

Nevio Pizzolito: Quality USL central defender that will pair up nicely with Reda.
Cap Value: 50K

Andres Arango: Quality USL central/right defender that can pair up nicely with Reda.
Cap Value: 30-50K

Chris Pozniak: Local kid who can play at a higher level then he has been in Norway.
Cap Value:50K

Goalkeepers
-----------

Greg Sutton: Top GK in the USL, and Canadian National teamer. More than capable of being a top notch MLS keeper.
Cap Value: 150K

Theo Zagar: Decent USL keeper. Veteran who will be a player-assistant with Lynx this season.
Cap Value: 30-50K

Total Cap Value:

Forwards=550K approx.
Midfielders=800K approx.
Defenders=350K approx.
GoalKeepers=200K approx.

Total= $US 1.9M approx

Development Roster*
-------------------

GK Alim Karim/Simon Rayner (30K)
D Nana Attakora-Gyan (10K)
D Kevin Harmse (30K)
MF Tyler Rosenlund (20K)
MF Felix Brilliant (20K)
MF Sita-Taty Matondo (30K)
F Wyn Belotte (20K)
YI #1 (20K)
YI #2 (10K)
YI #3 (10K)

*Development slots pay between 10+K and 30+K do not count versus Cap

This team would have the makings of a pretty good MLS side and contender for MLS Cup. Quality attacking talent with some grit in the middle of the field. Decent defense and goalkeeping. Depends who the coach is though. What about Colin Miller?
What about Onstad?

[Moaca]

I don't see all that many Canadians in the league today that are MLS caliber. What I want to know is are there a lot of Canadian players in the college system or even in the other Amateur leagues in Canada who are equal or who can become at least competitive with the current level of play with the MLS?Far easier and much more lucrative $$$ for Canadians to play in Europe than in MLS (see Olivier Occean). Seems MLS teams would rather use international spots on more "glamourous/marketable" Latin/European players. Only real problem for Canadians in Europe is getting a working visa in England if the player does not have an EU passport (player's ancestry).

Canadians Playing Abroad
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8398285&postcount=140

Outdated list but you'll get the picture of the number of Canadians in US Colleges
http://www.canadian-soccer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4338&whichpage=1

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

Far easier and much more lucrative $$$ for Canadians to play in Europe than in MLS (see Olivier Occean).

The situation will change dramatically once a minimum of 16 domestic roster spots are opened up. Worth noting that Ante Jazic is already back from Europe with a view to 2007.

[falvo]

Far easier and much more lucrative $$$ for Canadians to play in Europe than in MLS (see Olivier Occean). Seems MLS teams would rather use international spots on more "glamourous/marketable" Latin/European players. Only real problem for Canadians in Europe is getting a working visa in England if the player does not have an EU passport (player's ancestry).

Canadians Playing Abroad
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8398285&postcount=140

Outdated list but you'll get the picture of the number of Canadians in US Colleges
http://www.canadian-soccer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4338&whichpage=1
Its an interesting list of College players. It seems that a lot of them are still playing or almost done with their college careers by now. The only soccer school I saw was maybe Hartwick. I didn't see anyone at Virginia, Santa Clara, Notre Dame, St. Louis, Stanford or UCLA. These are pretty much considered the big schools at least for soccer. This doesn't mean anything ,however. I mean maybe some of those players can develop into great MLS players. If you look to Brian Ching as an example or even Canadian DeRosario, they both took the small college route or the PDL/USL and then the MLS. Maybe with the proper scouting and coaching it can happen. This much is certain, I'm sure it will take a few years before Toronto becomes successful in the MLS. In 1998 Chicago an expansion team pulled in the MLS Cup but they used 3-4 Eastern Europeans along with some other MLS players. The league at that time was only 2 years old so it was easier to compete and assemble a team. As we have seen with Miami, RSL and Chivas, its no longer all that easy to buy a winner in the MLS .
As the league becomes stronger and the more teams play together and become more experienced , the more difficult it will be for expansion clubs to compete right off the bat. Its easier to change 4-5 starters into an already established team but its all that more difficult to use 11 different starters.

[Moaca]

Last I read Canada was a member of the British commonwealth and by EU rules(I'm not sure about Canadian law today) they can not refuse a work visa if anyone has worked under the Commonwealth government. I recall Australia and Canada having to export their troops to help out in WW2 under orders of the king.
I know times have changed but isn't it possible for anyone in Britain to go over to Canada and work and vice versa? If this is the case, does this mean Toronto FC can field a team of Brits and/or Canadians and not violate any law or rule and if MLS objects can it be contested?AFAIK UK is extremely unfriendly for Canadians trying to play there without an EU passport. Seeing as many Canadians do have European ancestry they are able to get the EU passports, but if you don't, playing in England under present regulations is damn near impossible. The Commonwealth stuff means squat.

Josh Simpson (who was just released from Millwall), I believe had a working holidaymaker visa that was running out and he was injured and it became difficult for Millwall to justify keeping him.

Off the mark on the WWII stuff. The Statute of Westminster (1931) basically marked the independence of Canada and we went to war on our own, a week after Britain declared war in September 1939.

Although we have the figurehead of the British monarchy as head of state, the majority of Canadians have no concept of the UK and (sorry ex pats) could care less. I doubt many Canadians (aside from vocal expats) would oppose turfing out the monarchy.

The apathetic rift between the countries became fully apparent for Canadians during the turbot fishing war when Britain supported fellow EU member Portugal overfishing Canadian waters. It had many Canadians (and some British) up in arms as twice in this century we went to their aid and when we needed them they didn't come to ours.

The only link between Canada and the UK is historical with little else.

[Moaca]

The situation will change dramatically once a minimum of 16 domestic roster spots are opened up. Worth noting that Ante Jazic is already back from Europe with a view to 2007.Yes, but Ante's hand is forced. I think he would rather play in Europe (Austria) as his first preference before having to "settle" for MLS. JMO

[falvo]

AFAIK UK is extremely unfriendly for Canadians trying to work there without an EU passport. Seeing as many Canadians do have European ancestry they are able to get the EU passports, but if you don't, playing in England under present regulations is damn near impossible. The Commonwealth stuff means squat.

Josh Simpson (who was just released from Millwall), I believe had a working holidaymaker visa that was running out and he was injured and it became difficult for Millwall to justify keeping him.

Off the mark on the WWII stuff. The Statute of Westminster (1931) basically marked the independence of Canada and we went to war on our own, a week after Britain declared war in September 1939.

Although we have the figurehead of the British monarchy as head of state, the majority of Canadians have no concept of the UK and (sorry ex pats) could care less. I doubt many Canadians (aside from vocal expats) would oppose turfing out the monarchy.

The apathetic rift between the countries became fully apparent for Canadians during the turbot fishing war when Britain supported fellow EU member Portugal overfishing Canadian waters. It had many Canadians (and some British) up in arms as twice in this century we went to their aid and when we needed them they didn't come to ours.

The only link between Canada and the UK is historical with little else.
Thanks for the history! Unfortunately, we ignorant Americans think the world stops in NY and San Francisco. Well maybe Seattle hahaha! I guess the tech boom has softened our brains. When I see the Canadian dollar I see Queen Elizabeth's picture but never understood why? I knew there were some loyalties to the Brits but never thought it was just historical. I guess the Commonwealth allows free trade which I guess has gained England or GB a great deal of money at least for the monarchy am I right?
Anyway, back to soccer, I would have like to see the Brits in the Toronto team. Does anyone remember Peter Lorimer?

[BringBackTheBlizzard]

The trade aspects of the Commonwealth ended when the UK joined the EEC (forerunner to the EU) in the mid-70s. It's now basically just a cultural thing and the monarchy is retained by Canada because it's not worth the effort to change it more than anything else given that Quebec has never formally signed on to the current constitution.

[Moaca]

I guess the Commonwealth allows free trade which I guess has gained England or GB a great deal of money at least for the monarchy am I right? Not sure what significant trade agreements Canada has with UK (if any truly large ones) but the North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the US (later Mexico) is the largest trading bloc in the world (larger than EU)

Few Americans realize Canada is the US' largest trading partner. In 2003, two-way trade in goods and services surpassed $441.5 billion, making the US – Canada trading relationship the largest in the world.

Back to the Blizzard. :)

[Moaca]

It's now basically just a cultural thing and the monarchy is retained by Canada because it's not worth the effort to change it more than anything else given that Quebec has never formally signed on to the current constitution.That's what I wanted to say and couldn't spit it out as readily as you did :)

[Toronto Red]

Thanks for the history! Unfortunately, we ignorant Americans think the world stops in NY and San Francisco. Well maybe Seattle hahaha! I guess the tech boom has softened our brains. When I see the Canadian dollar I see Queen Elizabeth's picture but never understood why? I knew there were some loyalties to the Brits but never thought it was just historical. I guess the Commonwealth allows free trade which I guess has gained England or GB a great deal of money at least for the monarchy am I right?
Anyway, back to soccer, I would have like to see the Brits in the Toronto team. Does anyone remember Peter Lorimer?

Canada is a still a very close partner with the UK. The constitution and the political set up is almost a mirror image. Practically everthing, particularly in Ontario, relates to Britain and the British colonization! Even suprises me and I come from Britain. The remainder comes from pioneering, much like the US. Canada is actually quite a lot different from the USA as well. That also surprised me! Is only really economic efficencies that tie the two countries together.

[Moaca]

Canada is a still a very close partner with the UK.Can't think of how aside from the historical aspect.

[Toronto Red]

Can't think of how aside from the historical aspect.

One other point to note is that the Canadian legal system is also based on the principle of common law as used in the British system.

I remember PM Blair addressed the Canadian House of Commons less than 3 years ago to cement the "special relationship between our two countries".

This being something like the second time ever that an outside politician was allowed such a priviledge.

I am not saying that there is any governing or influence. simply a strong bond through shared business, trade and common understanding. :)

Maybe I see the connection more because I have lived in both places and see the parallels. The monarchy has nothing to do with it now though. They are simply symbolic, even in Britain now. The Queen does not govern but I'm sure you knew that.

[Blizzard]

The trade aspects of the Commonwealth ended when the UK joined the EEC (forerunner to the EU) in the mid-70s. It's now basically just a cultural thing and the monarchy is retained by Canada because it's not worth the effort to change it more than anything else given that Quebec has never formally signed on to the current constitution.

I think the prevailing opinion of the PTB's is that in regards to the Monarchy, while it isn't a huge necessity for most Canadians, it doesn't offend most Canadians either.

In others words "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

If it really did come down to a referendum on the subject, I think we'd end up with a fairly even split and that being the case, why bring it up.

We've got other more pressing things to worry about and I think most Canadians do have some affection for Queen E.

B

[Blizzard]

One other point to note is that the Canadian legal system is also based on the principle of common law as used in the British system.

I remember PM Blair addressed the Canadian House of Commons less than 3 years ago to cement the "special relationship between our two countries".

This being something like the second time ever that an outside politician was allowed such a priviledge.

The first was probably Churchill with his "Some Chicken, Some Neck" speech during WW II.



I am not saying that there is any governing or influence. simply a strong bond through shared business, trade and common understanding. :)

Maybe I see the connection more because I have lived in both places and see the parallels. The monarchy has nothing to do with it now though. They are simply symbolic, even in Britain now. The Queen does not govern but I'm sure you knew that.

I'm not sure if was mentioned prior to me "tuning in" but there is also the parallel of "Parliamentary Democracy". I'd hate to see that change. I don't like the Presidential / Republic system.

I'd really miss watching Question Period and seeing the PM grilled by the opposition. Bush never has to go through that.

I think most American politicans would be apoplectic about a daily one hour session of abuse at the hands of the opposition.

B

[HTownSoccerGuy]

Um just because yall are in canada doesnt neccessarily mean your gonna get all the canadian players. and i doubt Houston is gonna give up 3 star players that easy. dont they allow some of the players to be protected?

[Toronto Red]

Um just because yall are in canada doesnt neccessarily mean your gonna get all the canadian players. and i doubt Houston is gonna give up 3 star players that easy. dont they allow some of the players to be protected?

I feel your pain mate, but its likely to boost the expansion that DeRo will be a coming.:) Serioux and Onstad you can keep for now!

MLS seems to have rules but they oftne change them to suit themselves.

I for one am quite excited about DeRo playing for the Reds! Hes a quality player.

For the record, I have been very impressed with the Houston Dynamo and the attitude of your supporters. Good luck down there!

[HTownSoccerGuy]

Yeah, i know they gonna take a run at Dero but i doubt they get all three like some people are suggesting.

[falvo]

How about some Italo-Canadesi playing in Serie B or C? Does anyone know of any born in Canada that they may have cousins, parents and/or grandparents who lived and worked in Canada at one point (alla all the "oriundi" from Argentina playing in Italy) and obtaining a Canadian visa coming back to play in Toronto? I remember Paul Peschisolido but I think he may be retired.

[Blizzard]

How about some Italo-Canadesi playing in Serie B or C? Does anyone know of any born in Canada that they may have cousins, parents and/or grandparents who lived and worked in Canada at one point (alla all the "oriundi" from Argentina playing in Italy) and obtaining a Canadian visa coming back to play in Toronto? I remember Paul Peschisolido but I think he may be retired.

No, Pesch is still playing with Derby County.

B