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5 February/March 2012

ISSUE #100 FEB/MAR 2013

INSIDESOCCER e Magazin Publisher Emeritus

Alfons Rubbens - alfons@insidesoccer.ca

Publisher/Editor

Mark Miller - mark@insidesoccer.ca

Art Director

Steve Smiley, RGD - steve@the-carlisle-group.com

Director of New Business

Susan Elliott - susan@insidesoccer.ca

Director of Business Operations and National Accounts

Branden Clark - branden@insidesoccer.ca

Marketing and Special Event Coordinator

Justin Clark - justin@insidesoccer.ca

Senior Staff Writers

Dennis Fitter, Bob Koep, Kris Fernandes, Mike Toth

Website Operations

Alfons Rubbens: Marketing and Content Olga Demidova: Technical Saul Markowicz: Research Jeff Hamilton: Design

Contributing Writers Armen Bedakian, Richard Bucciarelli, Paul S. Hendren, Les Jones, Dave Kenny, Aldwyn McGill, Tokunbo Ojo, Steven Sandor, Vac Verikaitis

Contributing Photographers The Canadian Soccer Association, FC Edmonton, Les Jones – Covershots Inc., Jurgen Koehler, Montreal Impact, Steven Sandor, Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps INSIDESOCCER Magazine is published six times per year by INSIDEOUT Publishing and Marketing Services. ISM provides authoritative editorial coverage of Canada’s premier soccer community.

INSIDE... INSIDESOCCER MAGAZINE Welcome to the 100th issue of InsideSOCCER. Today we celebrate much more than a publication milestone; we celebrate a vision that has seen InsideSOCCER grow from its early days as a newsletter – published out of the basement of Publisher Emeritus Alfons Rubbens’ house -- to the well-regarded magazine it has become. In the 21 years since he founded InsideSOCCER, Alfons has developed, guided and ultimately made InsideSOCCER the unique voice that it is in the world of Canadian soccer. What makes InsideSOCCER unique is that vision Alfons forged in its nascent days and cultivated in the years since. The editorial direction he provided, the excellent writers he brought on board, the integrity he instilled in the magazine, and even how he button-holed potential advertisers until they saw that his vision could be a reality – all of it sustained the magazine on its journey to our celebratory 100th issue. Two years ago, Alfons and INSIDEOUT Publishing joined forces after some lengthy discussions and negotiations. To say we sized each other up would be inaccurate – although we certainly thought we were doing just that at the time. The truth is that Alfons sized us up. He wanted to make sure that we would be the worthy successors of what he had built – worthy and capable enough to let him take on his new role as publisher emeritus and concentrate on what he has loved best: being an ambassador for InsideSOCCER and promoting the beautiful game in Canada. What Alfons wanted to know was much more than whether we lived and breathed soccer. Instead, he wanted to know that we would always ensure that the writers and contributors of the magazine lived and breathed soccer. In essence, he wanted to know that we would be good stewards of his “labour of love” while enhancing its look and feel and expanding its scope and distribution – that we would bring more than our publishing and business expertise to the table… more than our ability to reach out to advertisers and generate new subscriptions… more than add gloss to the cover and heft to the magazine. Alfons wanted assurance that we would commit to his vision of nurturing and promoting Canadian soccer throughout the pages of InsideSOCCER. His goal has always been to enrich the lives of both young and old players, spectators, coaches, referees, parents and enthusiasts. With our expertise in publishing and publications, our promise is to continue to provide the compelling content for which InsideSOCCER has always been known. We look forward to all of the possibilities that the future holds. Alfons’ drive and commitment has rubbed off on us, and we are committed to taking InsideSOCCER to the next level. We’re also proud to say that in weathering Alfons’ scrutiny, we not only gained a partner, but a friend as well.

Information contained in ISM has been compiled from sources believed to be correct. ISM cannot be responsible for the accuracy of articles or other editorial matter. Articles in this magazine are intended to provide information rather than give legal or other professional advice. Articles being submitted for review should be e-mailed to branden@insidesoccer.ca Undeliverable copies, advertising space orders, copy, artwork, proofs, etc., should be sent to:

INSIDEOUT Publishing and Marketing Services P.O. Box 151, King City, Ontario L7B 1A5, Tel: 905.833.1973 Web site: www.insidesoccer.ca Printed in Canada. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without written permission of the publisher © Copyright InsideSOCCER Magazine

6 February/March 2012

WWW.INSIDESOCCER.CA

Mark Miller, Publisher & Editor

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IN THIS ISSUE... 10 RELENTLESS: OVERCOMING GREAT ODDS BY PAUL S. HENDREN

26 RYAN NELSEN: THE NEWEST COACH FOR TORONTO FC BY ARMEN BEDAKIAN

52 CARIBBEAN’S CANADIAN CONTENT BY ALDWYN McGILL

14 THE TOP 10 VOYAGEURS’ CUP/NUTRILITE CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP/AMWAY CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENTS BY STEVEN SANDOR

28 CANADA MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM: THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST BY STEVEN SANDOR

56 SOCCERMANIA AND MLS AT 17: STILL LOTS OF ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT BY TOKUNBO OJO

30 20 CANADIAN WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM MOMENTS BY VAC VERIKAITIS

58 TFC ACADEMY IN 2013 BY ARMEN BEDAKIAN

20 SOCCER: A MAJOR INDUSTRY BY BOB KOEP

23 INSIDESOCCER SUPER FAN QUIZ 24 TORONTO FC IN 2013: THE YOUNG, THE OLD, AND THOSE IN-BETWEEN BY ARMEN BEDAKIAN

36 20 MOMENTS IN TORONTO’S SOCCER HISTORY BY ARMEN BEDAKIAN 40 FC EDMONTON TOP 10 BY STEVEN SANDOR 44 MY FIRST SPORTS SCIENCE PRESENTATION BY RICHARD BUCCIARELLI 46 A SOCCER HODGE PODGE BY DAVE KENNY

60 INSIDESOCCER MARKETPLACE

64 21 YEARS… 100 ISSUES: INSIDESOCCER’S 21 MEMORABLE CANADIAN SOCCER MOMENTS BY VAC VERIKAITIS

73 HOW TO MAKE SOCCER EVEN BETTER?

THE TOP 10 VOYAGEURS’ CUP/NUTRILITE CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP/AMWAY CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP MOMENTS

Photograph By Les Jones – COVERSHOTS Inc.

8 February/March 2013

A Typical Day for InsideSOCCERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Publisher Emeritus, Alfons Rubbens, means doing what he loves most: Being an ambassador for InsideSOCCER and promoting the beautiful game in Canada (this time during the National Soccer Coaching Conference, held February 2nd at the University of Torontoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Varsity Centre Dome).

RELEN BY Paul S. Hendren 10 February/March 2013

GORMLEY ONTARIO: To make any analogy between the engine behind InsideSOCCER Magazine and some form of historical sporting event is simple. The comparisons need to be affiliated with the colour orange and married to a popular historical football term known as “Total Football.” In the heydays of European football, the orange-clad Dutch team adopted a formation that had every outfield player involved in the attack. It was relentless. So it’s no coincidence that InsideSOCCER Alfons Rubbens , a Dutch Canadian, has made Canada’s longest-serving soccer publication as relentless as his footballing heroes from yesteryear. While Holland is a nation that has overcome many hardships, situated as a small minnow among Euro giants, the same can be said of InsideSOCCER magazine. The naysayers barked: “How could a soccer publication survive in a land fixated on frozen discs?” While many Canadian sports publications are dead and buried after just a fortnight on the news stands, InsideSOCCER has maintained its course over 100 issues. From its first black-andwhite print addition, with Pele plastered on the cover, to today’s gloss-filled pages of Canadian content, the publication has evolved from a chrysylus into a butterfly.

Paul S. Hendren sat down with InsideSOCCER’s Publisher Emeritus Alfons Rubbens to unearth the personality of a publication that has grown to become a significant voice for the Canadian soccer community. Paul S. Hendren: Over the decades you have used Soccer America as the benchmark for a top-quality North American soccer publication. Has Inside SOCCER reached that level? Alfons Rubbens: InsideSOCCER has come a long way. That said, we continue to benchmark SA, but to be fair, it’s important to remember that InsideSOCCER and SA have different audiences – they’re primarily focused on the U.S., while we are focused on Canada. Whether we ever reach the level SA has is debatable, especially since Canada just doesn’t have the population nor a soccer culture.

TLESS: overcomING great odds InsideSOCCER 11

CANADA'S PREMIER SOCCER MAGAZINE | WWW.INSIDESOCCER.CA

Informing and Entertaining the Canadian Soccer Community Since 1986

The Next Challenge for MLS

PSH: You are often spotted around town with three or four copies of Inside SOCCER under your arm. Do you sell them door-to-door? AR: You have got to be kidding? I don’t think I have ever sold one copy to someone I met at a soccer event. If I had, I would be a rich man! But I do give copies to people I run into and who are interested in the magazine. PSH: Is Canada, a nation fixated on chasing a frozen disc on a frozen pond, ready for a soccer publication? AR: Ready or not, Canada is subscribing – in ever-increasing numbers – to InsideSOCCER. That’s not to say it isn’t difficult. Many have tried and failed. Even the Canadian soccer governing bodies – the CSA and the OSA - were not able to maintain their expensive publishing ventures. But we see changes on the horizon, as soccer becomes increasingly more popular, often driven by Canadian victories like the Women’s Team winning the Bronze. PSH: What is the secret to your longevity? AR: I think it’s because InsideSOCCER is more than just a magazine. From the beginning, I was motivated to support and nurture soccer in Canada, and – for me – it has always been a labour of love. Then, as I saw that the magazine was making a real difference beyond my early focus , when it was essentially a newsletter concentrating on the York Region Soccer Association, I explored ways to expand its scope and reach. In the last two years, I’ve been in a partnership with INSIDEOUT (Publishing and Marketing Services). My goal in bringing them on board was to take the magazine to a new level – both in terms of content and distribution. That 12 February/March 2013

also meant improving the look and feel of the magazine. At the same time, I was impressed with their business philosophy of protecting the integrity and vision of the books and magazines they publish. I think that commitment to continuously improving the magazine has paid off with both our readers and advertisers – new and old – alike. PSH: In Holland were you an avid reader of soccer books, newspapers, and magazines? AR: You guessed right. I collected books, magazines, and newspaper articles. Soccer and cycling are my two sports. I go from a spectacular Tour de France race day to a World Cup game. What a pleasure!! PSH: You (as a Dutch Canadian) and Bob Koep (as a German Canadian) represent the old school network at ISM. There is a special chemistry between the two of you. Given the history between European neighbours, both on and off the pitch, how did that happen? AR: How can you forget the era of Johann Cryuff? The Germany – Holland game. The Argentina – Holland game. I am sure Bob Koep too has many memories. PSH: Are there ever side bets come World Cup or Euro times? AR: I don’t know. I have never placed a bet! Maybe I am just too chicken to lose the bet? PSH: Over the years you have given

Alive in the Superunknown:

Discovering South Africa During the World Cup P12

colourful columnist Dennis Fitter a great deal of latitude in exposing the great Canadian soccer machine. Any regrets? AR: Dennis does a superb job. Although he is now back in InsideSOCCER beginning with this issue, he unfortunately disappeared from the newspaper and magazine publishing world for a bit, while he was in Mexico writing his recently published novel, City of Promises. Dennis is controversial, but that’s what makes him interesting, not to mention his excellent writing. His ISM back page is always a winner!

Bob Koep

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PSH: Has he taught you any Spanish or the merits of soccer in Latin America?

AR: No, but he strengthened my belief in Latin American soccer. I have tried to grasp the difference between South American and European soccer. In many ways the Dutch play like Brazilians. Their game is wonderful to watch. PSH: Where does soccer belong in our media? AR: The Canadian media is starting to get a good taste of our game. I am delighted to see more and more soccer coverage in all major Dennis Canadian newspapers. The Fitter soccer channels on TV are superb. Tremendous coverage. Just one point I’d like to make: I don’t understand why the Canadian players often play without their name on their shirts. Come on CSA, please promote and honour our hard working players. PSH: I understand that you have a special hidden perch at BMO Field.

PREMIER SOCCER MAGAZINE | WWW.INSIDESOCCER.CA

Magazine

and Entertaining the Soccer Community

Next lenge MLS

The First Canadian Referee

PSH: Describe to us the feeling when you are about to release a new magazine: AR: Tough question. Only a mother can provide the answer. The release of an issue is like seeing a newborn. Maybe I worry too much. People do make mistakes. Smelling the fresh printer’s ink is like tasting a sweet candy, and I do like candy…

ve in the perunknown:

in a World Cup Final

P42

tremendous amount of work. When I started publishing InsideSOCCER Magazine, I thought, maybe it would take 20 years before that happened. Now I am hoping maybe within another five years!

overing South Africa ng the World Cup P12

Tell us about that spot and why it is so special? AR: Paul you were the one who showed me where to stand and watch a game! Let’s hope the BMO guards approve in 2013! Standing on the perch watching a game is undeniably the place for maximum enjoyment. We have been very lucky the guards approved. PSH: The Canadian soccer community is so vast and splintered. Can a publication unify such a community? AR: It will take some time, and a

PSH: Do you have a favourite issue from the previous 99? If so, why? AR: Once again, it’s the mother thing. How do you pick a favourite? I love them all! Most issues are very good. PSH: Last year Canadian soccer had tales from two sides. The Canadian women winning Bronze at the Olympics and the Canadian men crashing out horribly from World Cup qualifying. What story is more newsworthy?

never forget Diana Matheson’s easy touch to give Canada a bronze medal. Unfortunately, like many sports, soccer in Canada – and the world for that matter -- is still too focused on what the men do. While I see an ever-growing interest in women’s soccer, it would take a major change in attitude and audience for our women to give us a Canadian soccer culture. Until that happens, only the men can do that. PSH: Any regrets? AR: No. No regrets. I have had – and I am still at it!! - a wonderful time. The long hours spent publishing ISM have provided unique opportunities. Traveling to foreign countries, like the soccer trip to St. Kitts, and the participation of my boys and girls team in many European youth tournaments. How can you forget the friendships made? I can’t. E-mails are still coming in and my phone keeps ringing. What more does one want?

AR: Many may not like my thinking. I was more than pleased to see our successful women’s team, and I will

www.collegesoccershowcase.ca info@collegesoccershowcase.ca Tel. 613.692.4179 ext. 111

August 2-5th ,2013 JUNIOR - U13, U14 SENIOR - U15, U16, U17

Where Canada’s Elite Teams Come to Prove Themselves InsideSOCCER 13

The Voyageurs’ Cup/Nutrilite Canadian Championship/ Amway Canadian Championship has existed in its current form since 2008. The Montreal Impact, then a second-division side, won the first championship. Since then, TFC has lifted the Voyageurs Cup each and every season. While the tournament is still finding its niche with soccer fans in Canada, it has produced some incredible incidents. Inside Soccer presents its Top 10 Canadian Championship moments.

10. Canada Day Upset

The 2008 Nutrilite Canadian Championship began very, very badly for the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Caps lost their first two games of the tournament, both by 2-0 scorelines to their USL rival, the Montreal Impact. And, the Whitecaps had to travel to BMO Field for a Canada Day match against the big boys from MLS, Toronto FC. But, the Whitecaps stunned the Toronto crowd who were expecting

holiday fireworks. Martin Nash converted a first-half penalty, and the Whitecaps endured a TFC siege in the second half. Caps keeper Jay Nolly saw an 86th-minute TFC chance smack the bar and stay out – and the Whitecaps had their upset. Meanwhile, TFC saw its inaugural Canadian Championship foray begin to go off the planned path. After two more draws, one in Vancouver and another at home to Montreal, the Reds blew their title hopes and the trophy was hoisted by the Impact.

are 9. Where the people?

The Canadian Championship, with midweek games, odd kickoff times in the West to suit Eastern TV and, frankly,

TOP10

THE

VOYAGEURS’ CUP / NUTRILITE CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP / AMWAY CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP BY STEVEN SANDOR

14 February/March 2013

MOMENTS

Toronto FC hoists the 2011 Nutrilite Canadian Championship trophy, a feat they have accomplished every year since losing to the Montreal Impact in 2008. Edmonton didn’t score. In their fourthever Voyageurs’ Cup match, the Eddies finally broke their duck. In 2012, after losing the first leg of their semifinal 2-0 at home to the Whitecaps, the Eddies traveled to BC Place with nothing to lose. And they responded with their best-ever performance in a Canadian Championship match. The Eddies narrowed the aggregate to 2-1 when a deft cross from Antonio Rago brushed off the body of striker Yashir Pinto and into the Vancouver goal. Late in the game, FCE keeper David Monsalve allowed a Sebastien Le Toux shot to get through him, and the Eddies’ rally was killed. Vancouver would add two more late goals to make the final score a deceptive 3-1.

6. Delaying the game Photograph by Les Jones – Covershots Inc. poor promotion, has been plagued by poor crowds. But nowhere was the tournament’s failing to reach out to fans more prominent than at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium in 2012. Hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first leg of their semi, FC Edmonton was able to bring in just 2,777 fans for the match. And, there will be those who claim that number was inflated, as the players performed in front of a sea of empty orange seats. According to the City of Edmonton, which owns the stadium, Commonwealth holds 60,000 people.

wonder, pounced and got the Caps a 2-2 draw.

Eddie 7. The who scored

Through its first three Canadian Championship matches, NASL side FC

The 2010 tournament was probably the most forgettable edition to date; TFC won the title with games to spare. And the Reds weren’t even on the field when they won the trophy. The already-eliminated Montreal Impact held the Whitecaps to a 1-1 draw in a game that Vancouver needed to win in order to stay mathematically alive. The player of the game? Montreal keeper Srdjan Djekanovic. He was in because regular starter Matt Jordan was

8. Eddy nets two

After losing to the Whitecaps on Canada Day 2008, TFC looked good to gets its revenge at Swangard Stadium a few days later. Eddy Sebrango had scored for the Caps, but it didn’t look to be enough, as Maurice Edu and Rohan Ricketts had given TFC a 2-1 win. But, Edu, forced to play centre back due to an injury to starter Marco Velez, misjudged a long ball into the TFC penalty area in the 87th minute. Sebrango, the thirty-something

Photograph courtesy of FC Edmonton

Where are the people? Only 2,777 fans showed up at Commonwealth Stadium for the 2012 match between the Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Edmonton. InsideSOCCER 15

Eddy Sebrango scored 2 goals against TFC in 2008 to earn the Whitecaps a 2 – 2 draw. Vancouver’s backline switched off, and Gerba found himself alone in the box as a cross was floated towards him. With keeper Jay Nolly at his mercy, Gerba headed the ball past the keeper… and off the inside of the post. The ball stayed out – and Montreal was out.

4. Hassli magic

being rested. But Djekanovic was stellar, including a point-blank save on a shot from Cornelius Stewart. Djekanovic had previously played for TFC, and he did a lot to help his old club that evening. He even got a yellow card for time-wasting late in the game. Who does that in what’s supposed to be a meaningless match?

5. Ali hits the post

After winning the first leg of their 2011 semifinal 1-0 in Montreal, the Whitecaps knew they still had work to do when they went home for the second leg in Vancouver. The MLS Whitecaps badly outplayed and outchanced the NASL Impact, but Montreal keeper Bill Gaudette was the best player on the pitch, keeping his team alive with save after save. Then, in the 83rd minute, Ali Gerba – playing alone up front for the Impact – went down after the slightest touch from Whitecaps defender Alain Rochat. He converted the penalty. To the shock of everyone at Empire Field, extra time would be needed. But Vancouver got the lead back when Mouloud Akloul slammed home the rebound after Gaudette had made an acrobatic stop off a Terry Dunfield free kick. The Impact knew if it could get a second road goal, though, it would take the series. And, in the dying seconds,

16 February/March 2013

There’s no argument when it comes to the greatest goal in the history of the Voyageurs’ Cup. Even though TFC beat Vancouver in the two-legged final in 2012, Eric Hassli brought BC Place down with an audacious volley to draw the Whitecaps level at the end of the first match. Hassli measured a lofted cross and ripped a volley that went into the top right corner of the goal – TFC goalie Milos Kocic didn’t even move. How good was the goal? It was a finalist for FIFA Goal of the Year. And that goal certainly left an impression with the TFC front office. Just a couple of months after that goal, the Reds acquired Hassli from the Whitecaps.

The Cunningham 3. miss

If there is any one moment that epitomizes Jeff Cunningham’s time in Toronto, it came in the 89th minute of the deciding game of the 2008

championship. TFC needed a win to earn its first trophy ever against a seconddivision Montreal side. But a draw at BMO Field was good enough for the Impact. The home fans got a dream start; Rohan Ricketts’ nodded home a cross from Jim Brennan to give the Reds the lead. But, against the run of play, the Impact got a 25th-minute equalizer from Roberto Brown. As the clock ticked, the crowd got antsier. Surely, TFC, the big MLS side, would find the goal it needed to put the USL team out of its misery? In the 89th minute, the magic moment came. But instead of glory, it brought shame. Cunningham, a longtime MLS star, was already in Coach John Carver’s doghouse for a series of indifferent performances. But he got the golden chance to erase all the bad karma. A ball played in from Amado Guevara was headed off the post by Julius James. The ball sat teasingly near the goal line. All Cunningham had to do was stick it in the open goal. But he fluffed the chance, and defender Nevio Pizzolitto was able to scramble the ball away from danger. As Montreal celebrated, Carver made no attempt to hide his disgust. “I thought, how’s he (Cunningham) Eric Hassli scored without question the greatest goal in the history of the Voyageurs Cup in the 2012 final against TFC.

6 February/March 2012

scored 99 goals in this league?” Carver spat during the post-game presser. Cunningham was soon gone – and then rediscovered his scoring touch. He’d go on to become the all-time leading scorer in MLS history. But in one MLS city, Cunningham will never be forgiven.

2. The rain

FIFA is pretty open-ended when it comes to abandoned matches. FIFA also allows associations and leagues to come up with their own aborted-match rules that they can use, instead. As long as the rule is agreed to before kickoff, FIFA recognizes it. For example, in the NASL, a match is official if one minute is played into the second half. The Canadian Soccer Association rule for the Canadian Championship? “If the match is abandoned before the completion of normal playing time because of extreme weather or for reasons outside the control of the host team, the match shall be replayed in its entirety the following day, thus avoiding the considerable extra expense for the visiting team. If it is still impossible to play the match the next day for the same reasons, the match may be postponed by another day, provided both teams agree.” In 2011, referee Dave Gantar had to halt the second leg of the final in the 60th minute, as the BMO Field surface, subjected to a deluge, had become unplayable, with the ball stopping in standing water. Vancouver should have won the first leg at home; it badly outplayed TFC, but could only manage a 1-1 draw because of its

inability to finish chances. The rain began at the start of the second leg, but a deflected Eric Hassli strike gave the Whitecaps the lead in the rain. The Caps looked to have made up for all those missed chances. But, lightning strikes right before halftime forced officials to extend halftime by 20 minutes; by the time the teams came onto the pitch, the field was slow and sloppy — and the rain was falling harder than ever. By minute 60, the ball would no longer move, and the game was called. As per CSA rules, the teams came out the next morning for a replay — imagine that, playing again after having your energy sapped the night before (playing on waterlogged fields is like running in cement). But the field was ruined. The replay was finally played five weeks later. Camilo gave the Whitecaps a 1-0 lead (again) with a rocket of a free kick, but the game was turned on its ear in the 49th minute. Caps keeper Joe Cannon saved a Joao Plata penalty, but was ruled to have come off the line too early. Plata equalized with his re-take, and TFC seized the momentum. Little-used Mikael Yourassowsky then gave TFC the trophy when he tapped in pass from Plata, who was named MVP of the tournament.

Miracle in 1. The Montreal

It’s either the greatest moment in Voyageurs’ Cup history or the most dubious moment. It all depends on perspective. It was 2009, and the tournament was still decided using a round-robin format.

Vancouver was three points up on Toronto FC, while Montreal had been eliminated. TFC and the Impact still had to play each other, while Vancouver was done. With the Whitecaps in Montreal for an upcoming second-division game against the Impact, they were at Stade Saputo to watch the match. The Whitecaps knew they still had the odds in their favour. TFC had to not only beat the Impact to take the title, but win by four. But then the Impact did something that’s still talked about in Vancouver to this day. With nothing to play for, Montreal put out a starting lineup that didn’t resemble anything close to their normal USL squad. From starting keeper to striker, the team was littered with depth players and call-ups from the Trois-Rivieres Attak, the Impact’s farm team. After giving up an early goal, TFC rallied. Dwayne De Rosario scored three straight. Amado Guevara scored a pair. Chad Barrett headed home the goal to give TFC its four-goal lead. The final... 6-1. TFC won its first major trophy. And those outside of the Reds’ fans base questioned the legitimacy of the tournament. “Yes, we were disappointed,” said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi after the fact. “A lot of people around the country question how Montreal went about that game, including many within our club.” To rub salt in the wound, the Impact met the Whitecaps in the USL final, and Montreal took the series 6-3 on aggregate, winning both legs.

www.oakvillesoccer.ca | 905.849.4436 18 February/March 2013

SOCCER: A MAJOR INDUSTRY

BY BOB KOEP Big league soccer is no longer just a game. It has grown into a major industry and is now a money-spinning business unlike almost any other. A major industry means there are billions involved. Not just hundreds of millions… no, billions of dollars that come from advertisers, marketing, endorsements, sales of merchandize, and all sorts of activities connected to it, such as transportation, supplies , sub-contracts, security and more. And, yes, a smaller percentage of the revenue comes from ticket sales to people crowding the stadiums to watch the game. Of course most of the pie goes only to a handful of clubs on top of the ladder. And they are mostly located in Europe, where the money for soccer seems to flow endlessly. But lately there are several operators outside the usual avenues trying to get a foot in the door. Even China is getting into the act, although it may take a little while before that country leaves a mark; but at least a league is there and the money is, too. Russia has already entered the race, also because there are people with enormous bank accounts who are looking to establish themselves in the world of glamour. Thus it is quite obvious that Canada is just a poor sister in this game. It is not feasible that a major soccer industry will develop here, not in the near future, the distant future or ever. Canada is big in hockey, the Toronto Maple Leafs are perhaps the biggest money players in this game, but no American football, no soccer 20 February/March 2013

will ever climb above a second or third tier level in our land. We all know that clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern Munich, AC Milan and a few more are some of the richest corporations in the sport. In fact, Manchester United is now rated the richest sporting organization in the world, worth $2.23 billion, ahead of Real Madrid, baseball’s New York Yankees and football’s Dallas Cowboys.

Manchester United - The richest sporting organization in the world But the new operators are moving in, and we will have to see if they can leave a mark for themselves. Take for instance a club by the name of Anshi Makhachkala, located in the remote Dagestan section of Russia at the Caspian Sea. I suppose nobody has ever heard of that name in the past, but now that the great Cameroonian star Samuel Eto-O is

playing there, people are starting to ask questions. The story of Eto-O is unique. This man has made a fortune playing for Barcelona and Inter Milan but the owner of Anshi, an obscure local oligarch by the name of Suleyman Kerimov, has opened his pocket book and signed Eto-O to a threeyear, $87-million contract to come to the Russian hinterland to demonstrate his trade. That is double the amount one Christiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid makes. It is even more than the stipend for the legendary Lionel Messi; but it lifted the Russian club into the headlines. (We are talking salaries here, not endorsements.) Naturally, Eto-O has to leave an impact sooner than later as he is now 31 years of age and soon past his prime. Of course, one cannot expect such a star to live in such backwoods, so Mr. Kerimov decided to rent him a huge apartment in Moscow for $80,000 and fly him back and forth for the home games in Makhachkala. But since this wouldn’t be fair to the rest of the team, Kerimov arranged to house the entire team in Moscow and fly it back and forth for each game on a private jet. Eto-O has been with that team for a while now and has consistently led the scoring table, but so far the club has not yet left a lasting mark on the European scene. Obviously the star needs better The Galaxy sold 250,000 Beckham shirts before he even played his first game in Los Angeles.

Samuel Eto-O’s new contract is double the amount of one Christiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid. support on the field, even though there are four African and three Brazilian players on the roster. The club as such will not get into the true limelight unless it goes a fair distance in the European Champions League. Anshi missed the Russian title last year and never made it into Europe. It is currently running second by two points behind ZSKA Moscow. But let’s go over to China. Who has ever heard of soccer in China? Well, it has arrived. The country has a well-run, 16 team Super League and is attracting big name stars after scouts started shopping with an open wallet. The prominent Shanghai club of Shenshua last year signed the Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba from Chelsea to a two-and-a-half-year contract worth $40

million. But like several stars who moved to Major League Soccer in North America, Drogba too, at 35, is close to the end of his playing days. Next to Drogba, the same Shanghai club also inked a deal with Frenchman Nicolas Anelka, also a former Chelsea player, for a two-year deal worth $27.5 million. But at 33, Anelka also has seen better days. The reason such aging stars are worth the money is not necessarily their play on the field but their big name in the sport and world-wide recognition. Just think what David Beckham did for the American game and the Los Angeles Galaxy in particular. Beckham leads the North American scene in shirt sales. For one, The Galaxy sold 250,000 Beckham shirts before he even played his first game in Los Angeles. And while the sport doesn’t make the big money at the gate, the merchandising is often responsible for balancing the books. No wonder Beckham, now 37, did better in North America than he ever did in England or Spain. He didn’t leave all that much of a mark on the field, but due to his star image (meaning big time income from endorsements), he was able to retire recently with hundreds of millions in the bank. And compared to that, most of the other talented players on that team, or any other, are earning just a pittance. They are just needed to round out the roster, score the goals and keep their respective clubs in the race. Of course big name clubs need other clubs to play against, and outside of some four or five power clubs in most European leagues, there are others just to round out their domestic competition and, as a reward, get a slice of the pie. As it is, the top circuit of them all, the European Champions League, attracts so much attention on television that the rewards are unbelievable. UEFA, the European Soccer Body, for the first time was able to shell out $1 billion last season to the 32 clubs that reached the group stage. Tops on the list was champion Chelsea, which took home about $79 million from 10 games, followed by runner up Bayern Munich with $55 million. And those figures do not include home gate receipts and other side income like stadium advertising. Then these clubs are making easily twice that much from their home league activity, giving clubs like

Samuel Eto-O signed to a three year, $87 million contract to come to the Russian hinterland land to demonstrate his trade. Manchester United or Real Madrid annual incomes of close to $200 million. ManU only got $46 million from Europe, having been bumped out early, but it is right up there in overall income, reaching a total of $178 million last season. There is doom and gloom in many European countries where the economy is stuttering. Some countries like Spain have youth unemployment of some 50 percent. But yet the stadiums are filled to capacity for every game (100,000 in attendance is not an uncommon sight). No wonder the clubs are projecting bigger figures for next season, recession or not.

InsideSOCCER 21

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hers s i l b u tics P ach? e n i K an m ead Co u H H m a te from s tional a k N o s ’ o n b Wome ’s anada Herdman C s i o ir Wh A) Johnistine Sincla B) Chr olina Morace 2013? n i r h a c C oa C) Head C w e n to FC’s ner n o r o T i Who is A) Paul Mar ary O’le B) Frann Nelsen C) Rya oach? C d a e sH onton’ m d E FC us Who is A) Jeff Paul ller n Mi B) Coli Fath C) Tom

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TORONTO FC

TORONTO FC IN 2013 The Young, The Old, and Those In-Between BY ARMEN BEDAKIAN Photographs Courtesy of Toronto FC and Les Jones – COVERSHOTS Inc.

Toronto FC enters the 2013 season with a flurry of new signings and a healthy mix of young and old. While rookies such as Kyle Bekker, Emery Welshman, and Gale Agbossoumonde have joined the ranks, the club has also signed veteran midfielder Julio Cesar from Sporting Kansas City and defender Danny Califf, giving them a good combination of youth and experience.

Every good club needs an even balance of young and old, to survive the long season fitness wise, and also to impart valuable experience during training. One supports the other, and vice versa. InsideSOCCER had a chance to catch up with some rookies and veterans,

Captain Torsten Frings arrives early for pre-season training at the Kia Training Grounds

24 February/March 2013

as Toronto FC gets set to kick off their 2013 season. When you think of veteran and Toronto FC, you think of Torsten Frings. The German midfielder has seen and done it all. A FIFA World Cup competitor with Champions League experience, Frings has also spent a few years in Major League Soccer (MLS), picking up valuable experience in this league. His 2012 season ended in injury, but Frings is back, after rehabbing in Germany. “I worked a lot for getting my fitness back after the surgery, and I think Germany’s the best thing for me because, yeah, I’m a German, and I’m really satisfied because I’m healthy now,” said Frings. Asked if he was looking forward to the 2013 season, Frings answered enthusiastically: “Of course I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “[The team has] changed a lot, a new president is here, a new coach, and everybody in the club knows we played a bad season last year and I’m pretty sure we’ll do it better this season.” At 36, Frings is actually older than his new head coach, Ryan Nelsen, but that won’t be a problem: “I know him as a coach,” said Frings. “As a player he’s played at a high level, and he knows how it is to be a soccer player. I’m looking forward to working with him and I’m pretty sure we can learn a lot from his experience.” It won’t just be Frings picking up valuable experience from Nelsen. Many young players have joined Toronto FC, including local forward Emery Welshman. A product of the Sigma FC Academy, Welshman was drafted sixteenth overall by Toronto FC in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. “The draft was a really nerve-wracking experience,” said Welshman, when InsideSOCCER asked him to reflect on his experience in Indianapolis. “I’ve never been through anything like that. Most players don’t ever go through anything like that, so I’m very fortunate, it’s a privilege.” “I lived one of my dreams out, to be honest, to be drafted, be on the stage with all the bright lights and everything,” he continued. Welshman was drafted alongside his

Canadian forward Emery Welshman kisses the badge after being selected 16th overall by Toronto FC in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft Sigma teammate Kyle Bekker, and he spoke about the chance to continue their journeys together at Toronto FC:

“I lived one of my dreams out, to be honest, to be drafted, be on the stage with all the bright lights and everything,” Emery Welshman “It’s great! Like everyone knows and says, I’ve known Kyle [Bekker] for like six years, played with him for six year at Sigma FC’s academy, so I’m just excited that we have the opportunity to play at the next level,” said Welshman. “The cherry on the top is that we’re playing at the same place, in our hometown. It’s just an ideal situation – things like this don’t really happen very often so we know we’re in a privileged situation that we have to make the most of.” Welshman also spoke about having chemistry with a teammate right off the bat as a rookie. “I feel like he knows what I’m going to be doing when I have the ball, when I don’t have the ball, and I know what he’s

going to be looking for when he has the ball, so definitely it helps. It will help make our transition to becoming professionals much smoother,” said Welshman. Amongst this mix of veterans and rookies, Luis Silva is preparing for his sophomore season in MLS, and his second season with Toronto FC. After an impressive debut season that saw him play more than 30 games in 2012, Silva returns to Toronto FC as a valuable asset in the team’s midfield, and he’s raring to go: “I’m very, very excited,” said Silva. “I got a taste of the league last year, and I think I did okay. I definitely will provide the team with more this year. I feel much better coming into this season knowing what to expect, so I’m really excited.” As to his personal goals for the season, Silva told InsideSOCCER that he wants to be a “smarter” player. “Just be a smarter player, you know, off and on the ball, just learn how to read the game more, and obviously I have personal goals: I want to score 12 goals and 12 assists,” he said. “Everything can fall into place if we play as a team.” As for playing as a team, no player embodies more qualities of technique and leadership than right fullback Richard Eckersley. In his third season with the team, Eckersley, 23, is about to enter into the prime of his career. He played much of the last season as a centerback but will slot back into his natural rightback role in 2013. InsideSOCCER caught up with Eckersley and asked him what lessons he picked up during his time playing centerback:

Kevin Payne – Toronto FC President and GM is playing to win in 2013 “Positional, really,” said Eckersley. “I think it’s important that I’ve had that stint at centre-half because I know as a fullback where to help my centrehalf out. It’s good for me, personally, because you can see from different perspectives.” Having come over from England, Eckersley has become a full-fledged MLS regular. He’s had a chance to play against every team in the league, and when asked which outfit is most difficult to defend against, Eckersley didn’t hesitate to point at Los Angeles. “I think it’s the LA Galaxy, away at the Home Depot [Center],” said Eckersley. “The runs from Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan were so clever, they’re off your shoulder, you always have to be checking. It’s kind of like a European game as well, especially at their ground.” Toronto FC has fresh faces, hardened warriors, sophomore studs and players in their prime – it’s the healthiest mix to have in a footballing outfit. Whatever happens in 2013, Toronto FC can say that the foundation for future success has been firmly set. Veterans and Rookies, Toronto FC has ‘em all.

Toronto FC selected Canadian midfielder Kyle Bekker 3rd overall in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft InsideSOCCER 25

RYAN NELSEN THE NEWEST COACH FOR TORONTO FC

BY Armen Bedakian Photograph Courtesy of Toronto FC

Fresh from the English Premier League, Ryan Nelsen lands in Toronto not as a player, but as the club’s new head coach. In what may be an unorthodox appointment, Toronto FC president Kevin Payne relieved former head coach Paul Mariner of his duties during the offseason, replacing him with the Queens Park Ranger defender Ryan Nelsen. The New Zealand international has taken over as the new head coach, overseeing the club’s Florida training camp, though initial reports had him delaying his Toronto welcoming until as late as May. Yes, Nelsen, who was still under contract to QPR up to the first week in February, told media during his unveiling press conference that he would be a player until his contract was up in May, but during the Toronto FC Media Day event, Nelsen corrected the message, saying he deliberately set that date in order to help his former club during the January transfer window. QPR would be shopping for his replacement throughout January. Nelsen didn’t want to put QPR in a bad position. “Prices would have gone up, and salaries would have gone up,” he explained, regarding the acquisition of potential replacements. So, now that the dust has settled, Nelsen is free to begin his coaching career with Toronto FC. InsideSOCCER had a chance to talk to Nelsen, regarding his involvement in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft: Nelsen was overseas in England during this year’s MLS SuperDraft, still suiting up for his Premier League outfit. 26 February/March 2013

When asked about his involvement, Nelsen was clear that he was as involved as he could be, but said Toronto FC was in safe hands under Kevin Payne. “Well, obviously when it happens it’s a bit up in the air,” said Nelsen. “I was contacted on it, but when you’ve got guys like Kevin [Payne], who, obviously, is kind of like the Yoda of the SuperDraft, you can kind of take his lead.” Toronto ended up selecting two Canadian kids in Kyle Bekker and Emery Welshman. Nelsen was happy with the selections and with the process that the club acquired the two. “We’ve had our eye on these two players for a long time,” he said. “I’ve watched them many times, we’ve all watched them, we all liked them, it was just when to get them and how much we could get first.” Toronto FC held the first and third overall pick, but converted the first pick into pick number 16 through various trades, that gave the club valuable allocation money along the way. They used the pick on Welshman, but the real prize was the influx of cash the club now has to spend on players from abroad. “In the end, what they did, to get allocation money and get the two players, I thought was a fantastic job,” said Nelsen. When asked exactly how much allocation money Toronto FC had to play with, Nelsen looked puzzled. “I’m not really even sure to tell you the

truth. I know it was a pretty good amount,” he said. “It’s public record though, isn’t it?” Major League Soccer does not disclose financial terms, a rule unique to North American sports, but when Nelsen was told of the rumours, putting the number anywhere from $250,000 to over half a million dollars, he smiled, and added: “Then those are pretty good rumours there!” Finally, Nelsen addressed the squad’s needs. Toronto FC just signed Brazilian midfielder Julio Cesar, and Nelsen, who plays with Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar, was asked if there was a possibility for the two Brazilians to meet up in Toronto: “Julio Cesar the goalkeeper is a fantastic goalkeeper,” said Nelsen, of his teammate. “He’s won everything, and any team in the whole world would love to have him, but the three goalkeepers we have at Toronto FC right now are extremely good players. It would take a lot for me to even think about it, because Stefan Frei [is a] fantastic goalkeeper. It’s one position that we’re really happy with.” There’s still plenty of work to do, but for now, Ryan Nelsen can be pleased that Toronto FC has not hit too many bumps on the road during his transition from player to coach. There have been eight coaches in seven years at Toronto FC. Ryan Nelsen, at 35, is the youngest. However, in Ryan Nelsen, Toronto FC may have finally found the answer they’ve been searching for.

THEREDSMaRcHIn.ca 2013.03.09

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE 2013 SEASON

To celebrate the 100th issue of InsideSOCCER, we asked past and present members of the Canadian men’s national team to recall their favourite moments while wearing the red-and-white.

Canada’s Men’s Na Their favourite times ranged from the Gold Cup to the World Cup, great goals to the chance just to sit on the bench. But these Canadian players all have one thing in common; they were proud to get the chance to represent their country.

BOB LENARDUZZI: September 14, 1985 – Canada 2, Honduras 1 On a chilly day in Newfoundland, the Canadian men’s national team did what it had never done before (and hasn’t done since). And that’s qualify for the World Cup. For Bob Lenarduzzi, the euphoria that heated up a blustery day in St. John’s was even more special than heading to Mexico. “Qualifying in St. John’s for the 1986 World Cup. Obviously, playing in the World Cup was very special, but that afternoon in St. John’s was a culmination of everything we’d worked for. It was cold, but the fans were right there, behind us, in that makeshift stadium. For a few of us, players like Bruce Wilson and myself, it was our last chance (to qualify); that was it for us.” PAUL DOLAN: WORLD CUP, June 1, 1986 – France 1, Canada 0 Canadian keeper Paul Dolan made 51 appearances for his country. But he’ll never forget a sweltering afternoon in 1986. “For me, no doubt, it was that first game in Mexico at the World Cup. At the age of 20, I had the experience of playing in the World Cup. And we started against what everyone thought was one of the best teams (France) in the world. It was a 4 p.m. start, and it was very hot. But I remember just being so calm before the game. Before the game, we had thought if we kept the game to 5-0 it would be a good result. But as the game went on, we were playing well. And I just relished the chance to be part of that. 28 February/March 2013

The Best and the Brightest

BY STEVEN SANDOR

Photographs Courtesy of Canadian Soccer Association

September 14, 1985 at King George V Park in Newfoundland. Top Row from left to right: Bob Lenarduzzi, Randy Ragan, Randy Samuel, Ian Bridge, Igor Vrablic, George Pakos. Bottom Row from left to right: Carl Valentine, Paul James, Tino Lettieri (with stuffed parrot Ozzie), Bruce Wilson, David Norman “I came up from the youth ranks to the senior team, and we did a tour of north Africa, and that was an eye-opener, and then we did a tour of the Caribbean, which was an eye-opener. And then we went to the World Cup. In that short space of time, it was a whirlwind of the best experiences of my life.” NICK DE SANTIS: October 1987 – FIFA World Youth Championship Nick De Santis played in the 1998 World Cup qualifiers. In 1988, he was part of a Canadian team tour of South America, and scored a free-kick goal in a 3-1 win over Peru in Lima. The Montreal Impact’s

sporting director also fondly recalls playing for Canada as a U-20 in 1987. “I took part in the U-20 World Cup in Chile. We were in a group in Concepcion with Italy, Nigeria and Brazil. Italy came back to tie us 2-2, then we tied Nigeria (22) and then Brazil beat us 1-0 in our final game on a free kick. If we had got just one point from that game we would have gone on the next round.” DWAYNE DE ROSARIO: January 26, 1995 – SkyDome Cup; Canada 1, Portugal 1 He’s the top goal-scorer in Canadian men’s national team history – but DeRo’s

tional Team favourite moment didn’t come in any of those matches where he found the net. It came with his first call-up. “(Canadian coach) Bob Lenarduzzi contacted me and told me to come meet the national team for games in Toronto and then, later, in Edmonton. Just being on the bench, to be around those guys, for me when I was 17-years-old, it was an unreal experience.” GREG SUTTON: July 9, 2005 – U.S. 2, Canada 0 Canadian keeper Greg Sutton has fond memories of this Gold Cup match in Seattle against the heavily favoured home side. Despite the loss, Sutton played well, as Canada was outshot 13-5. “If I was to pick one moment it was the game where I played my first Gold Cup game in Seattle against the U.S. We unfortunately were on the losing end, falling 2-0, but nevertheless an exciting game and experience to start my Gold Cup run.” PATRICE BERNIER: 2007 Gold Cup “The fact that the team was going well, that we gelled. We were finally playing the style wanted and were getting results, getting to the semifinal. And we were playing a style that suited the players talents on paper. We opened the eyes of a lot of people, the pessimists who said that Canadian soccer could not be played that way.” Of course, the Canadian team lost to the U.S. in the semifinal after the Mexican refereeing crew incorrectly ruled what should have been a late equalizer as offside. “Maybe the controversy added to the feeling of how good we were,” said Bernier. “If we had just a little bit more, if the goal would have counted, then what would have happened in extra time? What could have been? But that’s the story of the Canadian national team, isn’t it? What could have been?” TERRY DUNFIELD: June 1, 2011 – Canada 2, Ecuador 2 Terry Dunfield’s laser of a shot found the back of the net at BMO Field – and maybe even more famous than the goal itself was the celebration. The then-Whitecap was embraced by the fans on the south side of the stadium in a sort-of Canadian version of Lambeau leap. “It was my first game for Canada on Canadian soil. Scoring in front of the fans there was special. And scoring that goal also cemented my place in the Gold Cup squad, as well. And it probably helped me get traded to Toronto!”

Terry Dunfield’s now famous celebration after scoring his first goal for Canada on Canadian soil. InsideSOCCER 29

20MOMENTS canadian women’s national team

BY Vac Verikaitis

pro 20. Women’s league to start up in 2013

It has been tried twice before, but this time it is finally becoming a reality.

Photographs Courtesy of Canadian Soccer Association

outside the small world of women’s soccer fans.

Christine 19. 2012 Sinclair named Canada’s athlete of the year

It’s called the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), and U.S. Soccer has promised to pay the salaries of 24 players — three per team — who are on its full-time roster. The Canadian and Mexican soccer federations announced this week that they too will fund salaries of players who join the league from their national teams. The backing of these three foundations will give the new league a financial crutch the WPS (Women’s Professional Soccer 20072012) and the WUSA (Women’s United Soccer Association 2000-2003) never had, a significant break for a league that will need help attaining financial viability. Regardless of the challenges the league faces, this is a positive step for the women’s game. The absence of a professional league made it impossible for the game to take advantage of the enthusiasm brought on by the 2011 World Cup and 2012 Olympics, particularly in the United States and Canada, where players like Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, and Christine Sinclair blossomed into full-fledged stars 30 February/March 2013

Christine is the most honoured woman to play the game in Canada. She’s the all-time leading goal scorer, has won the most caps, and a nine-time winner of the Canadian Soccer Player of the Year award. At the 2012 London Olympics, she finished as the tournament’s top scorer to win the golden boot, broke the record for most goals scored by a woman

in the history of Olympic soccer, and was also given the honour of being Canada’s flag bearer in the closing ceremonies. In addition, her remarkable performances, particularly the three goal performance against the USA in the semi-final, earned her the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s outstanding athlete. She stands third overall for most goals by a woman in history, behind Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm of the USA.

London 18. 2012 Olympics Olympic bronze

Canada once again found themselves in a major tournament with a lead late in the match of a semi-final, mere minutes away from reaching a final, only to lose in heartbreaking fashion. And once again it was to the arch rivals USA who were the authors of Canada’s demise. A spectacular semi final in which captain Christine Sinclair virtually owned the game with a three goal performance of legendary status, still saw Canada lose 4-3. Canada had won the hearts of an entire nation with their performance, which propelled them to a 1-0 win over France for a bronze medal that shone like gold.

Canadian 17. 2011 women’s team wins Pan Am games in Mexico

Christine Sinclair - Canada’s Athlete of the Year and Captain of the Canadian Women’s National Team

Following a poor performance in the World Cup in Germany and the loss of their coach Carolina Morace, the national women’s team was at an all-time low. And so Canada’s performance at the Pan Am games in Mexico that same year was all the

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USA win Olympic Gold 11. 2008 in Beijing

more enthralling. They had a new coach in John Herdman and a new attitude that took them to the gold medal final. Christine Sinclair scored in the eightyeighth minute to tie Brazil at 1-1. It was still tied after extra time, so it was on to a shootout where Canada triumphed. Canada had been knocked down in Germany, but they showed their resolve by getting back up and beating one of the strongest sides in the world to take their first ever pan American games title.

Andrea Neil 2010 Canada wins 16. 2011 first female soccer 13. CONCACAF title player inducted in Mexico into Canadian Sports Hall of Fame

In soccer terms Andrea Neil is the ultimate pioneer and ambassador. Her relentless commitment to growing women’s soccer in Canada is second to none. Neil played her last game for Canada on September 15, 2007, against Ghana during the FIFA Women’s World Cup in China. At the time of her retirement, she was the most capped Canadian soccer player (men’s or women’s) of all time and fifth overall for goals. On June 2, 2012, she was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame.

15.

2011 Germany World Cup

It was Canada’s worst ever showing at a World Cup. In fact, the women were officially out of the running for advancement in their group stage after only their second game. Coming into the tournament, Canada had impressed with a 10-1-2 record in 2011 under head coach Carolina Morace. But 2-1 loss to the hosts Germany in their opening game followed by a humiliating 4-0 drubbing at the hands of France meant Canada was out. To add insult to injury, Nigeria beat Canada 1-0 in their last group game.

Eight months after the under 17 women’s team had taken the CONCACAF title, the national women’s team won the same championship, defeating hosts Mexico 1-0 in the final on a Christine Sinclair penalty kick. It was Canada’s second CONCACAF title and earned them their fifth consecutive World Cup berth.

2008 Randee Hermus 12. of sets record streak 46 consecutive games

Randee Hermus represented Canada more than 100 times, including winning a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan Am Games and playing for Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. She has stated that she was never the most talented player on the team, but she was always a hard worker and brought her best every game. Randee played in a career-high 46 consecutive Canada matches from 2005 to 2008, thus establishing a new national record.

2010 Christine 14. appearance SInclair breaks record

In 2010, Christine Sinclair made her 133rd appearance for Canada to pass Andrea Neil for the all-time national record. Sinclair also scored her 100th goal that year, making her the tenth international player to reach the century mark. Of course, as history now records, Sinclair was to reach even further heights just two years later at the 2012 London Olympics.

32 February/March 2013

Brazil was the oddsmakers’ favourite to take Gold in women’s football in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. But the USA defied everyone to win 1-0 in extra time and win the title of Olympic Champions. Brazil, the Olympic runners-up in Athens four years earlier and World Cup runners-up in 2007, had to settle for the silver yet again. Germany beat Japan to take the bronze. Canada had lost 2-1 to the Americans in the quarterfinals.

Women’s World 10. 2007 Cup in China

Canada was ranked 9th in the world when they started play in the 2007 Women’s World Cup in China. In their opening game they lost to Norway but rebounded to beat Ghana in their second group match. That left Canada needing a win against 15th ranked Australia to advance to the quarterfinals. With five minutes left in the match, Christine Sinclair scored to give Canada a 2-1 lead. But in injury time the Australians dashed Canadian hopes by scoring the tying goal, and Canada was out.

Charmaine 9. 2006 Hooper oldest Canadian international

Charmaine Hooper made 129 appearances and scored 71 goals for Canada, at one time both national records. Her international debut came on July 7, 1986, against the United States. She represented Canada at three FIFA Women’s World Cups (Sweden 1995, USA 1999 and USA 2003). Hooper last played for the Canadian National Team in 2006 at the age of 38, becoming the oldest player ever to suit up for Canada. In 2012, she was inducted into both the Canadian soccer Hall of Fame and the Sports Hall of Fame.

Kara Lang 8. 2002 youngest ever full international at 15 years of age

Kara Lang 2001 Algrave Cup

Kara Lang is the youngest woman to be named to the Canada National Women’s Team, making her National Team debut on March 1, 2002, at the Algarve Cup in Portugal at age 15 years and 132 days. Lang retired on January 5, 2011, at the

6 February/March 2012

1995 Canadian Women’s World Cup Team age of 24, due to recurring knee injuries and surgeries. She’s still the youngest person, male or female, to score in a full international – a FIFA record that will take some beating.

2001 Algarve Cup – the last time Canada beat The USA

The annual Algarve Cup in Portugal is a global invitational tournament and is one of the most prestigious of all women’s soccer events. A young U.S. Women’s National Team, sporting an average age of 19, got a lesson in the cruel nature of soccer as they dominated play, out-shot Canada 21-5, forced Canadian goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc into 13 saves, but lost 3-0 to open the 2001 Algarve Cup. Since then Canada has been winless in its last 26 matches against the U.S., going 0-22-4 since that win at the Algarve Cup in 2001. The all-time series tilts 43-3-5 in favour of the Americans.

2001 First woman inducted - Soccer Hall of Fame

She is widely regarded as the pioneer of women’s soccer in Canada. In 2001 Carrie Serwetnyk of Hamilton, Ontario, was inducted as the first woman in Canada’s soccer Hall of Fame. Before the women’s World Cup, Carrie was winning titles in the U.S. College system at the University of North Carolina. She played in 16 of the 25 games the Canadian national women’s team played between 1986 and 1991. She also played professionally in France and Japan.

Women’s World 5. 1999 Cup in the USA

The 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in the United States and won by the host country. This was a sporting event that has forever been etched into the minds of the American public for one simple moment of jubilation on the pitch. The final between the U.S. and China was held on July 10 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. It was the mostattended women’s sports event in history with an official attendance of 90,185. The scoreless final was won by the U.S. in a penalty shootout in extra time. After scoring the fifth kick in the penalty shootout to give the United States the

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win over China in the final game, Brandi Chastain celebrated by spontaneously whipping off her jersey and falling to her knees in a sports bra, her fists clenched. The image of her celebration has since been considered one of the most famous photographs of a woman celebrating an athletic victory.

when they fell 3-1 to their old rivals the U.S.A. 3-1. (However, the team felt good about its 4th place finish).

U20 Women’s 2. 2002 World Cup runners up

This was the second edition of the premier competition in women’s football, this time hosted by Sweden. Canada was one of twelve countries in the tournament, but this was not their best showing. They lost 3-2 to England, tied 3-3 with Nigeria, then got hammered 7-0 by Norway, the eventual winners. They failed to make it out of their group to the next round.

Canada hosted the first women’s world championship at the youth level. It was held as the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women’s World Championship, with an age limit of 19. The final, held at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, drew a surprisingly large crowd of 47,000 to watch the hosts play the United States. The U.S. defeated Canada 1–0 on a golden goal by Lindsay Tarpley. Canada’s Christine Sinclair was the Golden Ball recipient, as tournament MVP, and the Golden Shoe winner as well with ten goals.

- 4th place 3. 2003 at the Women’s World Cup

Women 1. 1998 win CONCACAF for first time

Women’s World 4. 1995 Cup in Sweden

China was scheduled to host the 2003 Women’s World Cup; however, the venue was quickly changed to the USA because of the SARS outbreak in China. The Canadian women had an excellent tournament, reaching the semi-final where they played Sweden. Canada was leading 1-0 on a goal by Kara Lang, but Sweden’s two goals in the last 10 minutes of the game saw them through to the Final. Canada lost a shot at a bronze medal

Canada won its first of two CONCACAF women’s championships on September 6, 1998, with a 1:0 win over Mexico in Toronto. Canada completed the competition with a perfect 5-0 record and brought home a new trophy for the showcase. The Canadian team had already qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup USA 1999 two days earlier.

Canada defeats Mexico to win the CONCACAF Championships

See how much FUN the game can be.

Soccer camps and clinics for boys and girls, ages 6-14 of all skill levels.

Limited spots available.

3 February/March 2012

MOMENTS IN TORONTO’S

20. The Lynx Produces

The Toronto Lynx has been a major asset to the city in the development of players before the likes of Toronto FC even existed. Many national team stars got their start at Toronto Lynx, including Dwayne De Rosario, Paul Stalteri and Pat Onstad. The Lynx’s history in Toronto has been enormously valuable to the national team.

SOCCER HISTORY BY ARMEN BEDAKIAN

Photographs by Les Jones – Covershots Inc. Toronto FC celebrates their 4th consecutive Canadian title!

19. Greener Grass

It took a few seasons and a few months of complaining, but when Toronto FC took their greying, torn turf field and replaced it with a multimilliondollar grass field (with built in draining and heating systems, no less!), players and fans alike rejoiced. Professional soccer is played on professional grass, something Toronto has, at last!

Kia Training 18. The Ground

Grass isn’t the only thing Toronto FC has spent money on – the Kia Training Ground is the crown jewel of facilities in North America. Its development cost over $20 million, but with more than a dozen acres of land, it’s the largest, most modern training facility possible, and gives Toronto an edge over every other team in MLS.

17. Four In a Row

It’s not often a team can claim they have won the local title four years in a row. Heck, even Barcelona conceded the title to Real Madrid before they could claim the same as Toronto FC, which picked up their fourth consecutive Canadian Championship in 2012.

36 February/March 2013

16.

The Academy Bears Fruit

The Toronto FC Academy was born early on and quickly produced topquality players for the club. In the four years it has existed, the Academy has

graduated Ashtone Morgan, Doneil Henry, Matt Stinson, Quillan Roberts, Oscar Cordon, Keith Makubuya and Nicholas Lindsay, with many more to come!

The New Toronto FC Kia Training Ground and Academy

city had seen in a long, long time. Players like Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, Alexandre Pato and Giovani dos Santos graced Canadian stadiums, showing the nation that soccer, too, could be quite entertaining.

11. Eusebio in Toronto

Before there was Danny Dichio, or Torsten Frings, there was Eusebio. A Portuguese international and a bit of a legend, Eusebio joined the Toronto Blizzard and dominated the NASL. He was the first soccer hero Toronto ever had, and will go down in the books as one of Toronto’s greatest.

the 10. Packing Rogers Centre

15. Semi-Finalists of the CCL

Few would have predicted that Toronto FC would down the LA Galaxy at the Rogers Centre and find a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League Semi-Finals, but that’s exactly what happened in 2012. The team took on Santos, but ultimately lost.

14.

The Merger of Metro and Croatia

Back in the 70s, there existed two powerhouse teams in Toronto – Toronto Metros and Toronto Croatia. The two combined in 1975 to form Toronto Metros-Croatia, which eventually became the Toronto Blizzard, an NASL winning side!

Aron Winter 13. The Project

Aron Winter, a Dutch international midfielder, came to Toronto FC with an idea: turn the club into the Ajax of North America. He envisioned a team built from the Academy, playing the traditional Dutch 4-3-3, taking on opponents and winning with beautiful football. The dream, unfortunately, never became a reality but for two years, Toronto FC was in love with Winter’s vision.

FIFA U20 12. The World Cup

FIFA’s U20 World Cup held in Canada was the first instance of superstar football the

Almost 50,000 people packed the Rogers Centre early in 2012 to watch Toronto FC take on the LA Galaxy (David Beckham et al.) in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. The largest crowd in the modern era of soccer came out to support Toronto FC, and a 2-2 draw eventually turned into a Toronto FC victory on the return leg.

Arrival of 9. The Torsten Frings

Eusebio may have been the hero of the past, but the arrival of Torsten Frings signalled a new era for soccer in Toronto. Frings is a legend in Germany, a midfield

Argentina wins 2007 FIFA U20 World Cup in Toronto

InsideSOCCER 37

A packed house of almost 50,000 fans at the Rogers Centre saw a 2-2 draw against the L.A. Galaxy.

general who, at his prime, could take on any player and come out on top. He is the next generation of all-star for soccer fans in the city to look up to.

Brennan 8. Jim Signs for TFC

The first professional soccer player for the first major league side Toronto has had in years was leftback Jim Brennan. He signed for the club, was made captain, and guided the young franchise through their first three years in Major League Soccer.

De Rosario 7. Dwayne Comes Home

When Toronto FC announced that Dwayne De Rosario, a Scarborough native, would be coming home from the Houston Dynamo, soccer fans in the city drooled. No single player could have brought more

hype and promise – and then deliver on it – than Dwayne De Rosario could. His stay in Toronto ended in unfortunate circumstances, but his legacy will survive for years.

– the Canadian Championship title was won by Toronto FC back in 2009. Hoisted by then-captain Jim Brennan, it was the first piece of silverware in Toronto FC’s history.

of the 4. Birth Beautiful Game

Building BMO Field

Every team needs a home, and Toronto FC found that home in BMO Field. Built for the FIFA U20 World Cup and then used by the national team, BMO Field became the home of Toronto FC, a field that the club played in that intimidated foes. The fans packed the stadium and made it a fortress – BMO Field was born!

Piece 5. First of Silverware

Toronto FC has picked up four of these titles in their career, but, as with most trophies, the first is always the sweetest

This one is actually rather interesting – Toronto was one of the first cities in the world to establish soccer. In 1859, a match was played in Toronto between St. George’s Society and an Irish outfit, and the first game under modern rules was played in 1876. Soccer in Canada was born in Toronto, a title that this city should be very proud of.

Dichio and 3. Danny the 24 Minute th

Toronto FC started their season with a

g n i d l i ...Bu utures F

Our professional coaches will take your game to the next level! E L

Bryst Football Academy

Top Dogs

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handful of losses and 0-0 draws. A goal had yet to grace the club. Fans were chanting for nothing more than to see the net ripple, and against Chicago, Danny Dichio would not disappoint. In the 24th minute, Dichio swept in and scored the club’s first ever goal, and the crowd went wild, throwing thousands of seat cushions onto the field – it was a spectacle unlike any other!

2. The ’76 Soccer Bowl

In 1976, Toronto Metros-Croatia bossed the North American Soccer League all the way to a cup final. Matched against the Minnesota Kicks in the NASL final, hosted in Seattle, Toronto trounced their neighbours to the south by a score of 2-0, picking up the title of NASL Champions! It was a defining moment in the history of soccer in Toronto.

FC in 1. Toronto Major League Soccer

Perhaps the best moment in Toronto’s history was the arrival of professional soccer through Major League Soccer (MLS) and Toronto FC. The club became the first Canadian outfit to join MLS, heralded a new era and set a new example for expansion franchises. With MLS looking strong and viable for years to come, Toronto FC’s birth will be remembered as the greatest moment for soccer in this city.

No single player could have brought more hype and promise to Toronto – and then deliver on it – than Dwayne De Rosario

BMO Field - home to Toronto FC opened in April, 2007 with a seating capacity of over 21,000.

7 February/March 2012

InsideSOCCER 39

FC EDMONTON

TOP 10 MOMENTS BY STEVEN SANDOR

Photographs Courtesy of FC Edmonton & Steven Sandor

FC Edmonton has played a season of friendlies, and two more campaigns in NASL. While the team’s history is short, it has had plenty of colourful moments already. Here, we count down the top 10 from the Alberta capital:

10.

JEF United swoops

FCE began its life as a club in 2010, with a series of friendlies against the likes of Portsmouth and Colo-Colo. Under the guidance of Canadian-born Dutch coach Dwight Lodeweges — the Eddies enjoyed some impressive performances, and stars included local product Matt Lam and Dutch veteran Sander van Gessel. Then, before the 2011 NASL season kicked off, Japanese side JEF United, recently relegated to the second division and hungry for a return to the top flight, made Lodeweges and assistant Hans Schrijver lucrative offers they couldn’t refuse. Before the Eddies played an NASL game, Lodeweges and Schrijver left the club, making a sort-of devil’s bargain with the Japanese side; they would either get JEF United promoted, or be fired. The coaching pair recommended countryman Harry Sinkgraven as the new FCE head coach. And, Lodeweges and Schrijver brought van Gessel to Japan with them and, just a few weeks later, brought Lam over on loan. But the plan backfired; Lam had shoulder issues that kept him out for significant periods of time, and the impatient ownership fired the Dutch

40 February/March 2013

coaches even though the team was merely three points out of a promotion spot with a month left to play. Lam was eventually returned to Edmonton, and Sinkgraven lasted two seasons as the Eddies’ manager. “When they fired us, we were still in the race,” recalled Schrijver, who returned to FCE as an assistant to Sinkgraven in 2012. “We were three points out of a promotion position. There was no reason to fire us.”

9. Saiko is recognized

Shaun Saiko is the best Canadian playing in a domestic league outside of the MLS. The former Middlesbrough youth prospect has been the face of FC Edmonton ever since he decided to return to his hometown, and it’s hard not to turn the FCE all-time top 10 into the Saiko show. But it’s not just Canadian fans who recognize Saiko’s talents. In 2011, he was named to the NASL Best XI, after a season in which he scored nine times and assisted on five additional goals.

Foote Field 8. The opener

FC Edmonton played the 2011 season at the University of Alberta’s Foote Field,

Shaun Saiko has been a star for FC Edmonton since returning to his hometown. where the players hated the surface, and the pitch made soccer purists shudder. Foote Field has artificial turf; not the synthetic grass we’re used to seeing in modern stadiums, but the hard turf we remember from the NASL of the, ahem, 1970s. And the soccer lines are hard to pick out in a sea of football and lacrosse lines. The soccer field is also much smaller than regulation, forcing coaches to abandon possession football because of the lack of room on the pitch. For the 2011 NASL home opener, the

Eddies found that learning their own field would be difficult. And, with big strikers Ali Gerba and Anthony LeGall up front, the Montreal Impact were better equipped to play soccer in the band box. Gerba scored twice, while Eddies’ keeper Rein Baart had a nightmare trying to judge the wild bounces on the turf, and watched helplessly as a long punt up the field ended up bouncing over his head and, luckily, just inches over the bar. If losing 3-0 wasn’t enough, it got worse when Baart was sent off for a double-footed karate kick on Montreal’s Luke Kreamalmeyer. And Eddies forward Chris Lemire was sent off for arguing the call. With just nine men on the pitch and no subs left, coach Harry Sinkgraven was forced to put forward Kyle Yamada in goal — and he allowed a penalty goal and a late marker to Idriss Ech Chergui. Final: Impact 5, Eddies 0. But the Eddies had the last laugh out of the Canadian teams. FCE made the playoffs, and the Impact didn’t. And, FCE earned a higher seed for the 2012 Amway Canadian Championship than the Impact.

Antonio brings 7. San the thunder

Midsummer weather on the prairies can be unpredictable; weather systems can drop the temperature by 10o C in just a matter of minutes, and you can get some spectacularly active weather. The San Antonio Scorpions found this out when they came to Edmonton for a midweek match in early August 2012. Lightning flashed in the distance as the game crept towards halftime at 1-1. But the lightning came closer, and the thunderclaps rattled the windown of the Clarke Stadium press box. The game was delayed a half hour, then the teams came out for a warm-up. But, more thunder rattled, the deluge resumed, and the waiting game began. Under NASL rules, a game becomes official if one minute is played into the second half. With road trips in NASL being so expensive, upwards of $20,000 per team, it was unlikely the game would be rescheduled if it had to be called; both the Eddies and Scorpions would have finished the season with one less game played each than the rest of the league. Both teams wanted to get the game in. So, after a delay of two hours and 25

Lightning caused a two hour and 25 minute delay during a match between the San Antonio Scorpions and FC Edmonton in 2012. The match ended 1-1 and concluded near the stroke of midnight. can take a flyer on a NCAA prospect who may or may not pan out?

5. Saiko scores three minutes, the second half began — and sometime near midnight, the game ended 1-1, after Yashir Pinto missed a wide-open chance to win the game for Edmonton near the stroke of midnight.

one 6. Hamilton’s of the best

Paul Hamilton has never gotten his due as being one of the best Canadian centre backs around. Maybe it’s because he was a CIS player of the year, and we all know Canadian university players can’t play (cough, cough). And that’s why no one really scouted him while he was at Trinity Western University, even after he’d spent time with the Whitecaps Residency. In 2012, despite playing on a last-place side, Hamilton distinguished himself as one of the best two centre backs in NASL, as the Calgary native was named to the league’s Best XI. Hamilton is fearless, one of the best battlers the league has when it comes to defending crosses, and plays the ball well out of his own end. We all wait for Hamilton to get the chance to move up to MLS, but why would a Canadian team want a proven domestic pro when they

No FC Edmonton player has had a day quite like Shaun Saiko did at home to the Carolina RailHawks early in the 2012 season. The final score read, FCE 3, RailHawks 0 – but it could have been Saiko 3-0. With a huge wind at FCE’s back in the second half of the match, players were instructed by coach Harry Sinkgraven to fire at will towards RailHawks’ keeper Ray Burse. Saiko got that memo, for sure. He gave the Eddies the lead with a 32-yard drive that cleared Burse’s fingertips and crashed into the goal just underneath the bar. Then, deep from the right wing, Saiko curled a shot into the wind that banana hooked into the Carolina goal. Saiko rounded off the hat trick with a penalty, but we can still debate which of the first two goals was the nicest in FCE history.

4. The suspensions

Matt Lam and Shaun Saiko are close friends. They played youth soccer together. Their families are well-regarded in the Edmonton soccer community. So, it was a major shock when both players at separate times were suspended in 2012 by coach Harry Sinkgraven. Despite being the face of the team — and the squad’s leading scorer — Saiko was suspended before the club’s CBCtelevised home date with Minnesota. The reasons for the suspension weren’t clear, but at the time the match was vital to FCE’s playoff hopes. Saiko wasn’t even welcome to come to Clarke Stadium and was forced to watch the game from home. Lam, who began the season as a regular starter, was later moved to the fringes of the lineup, then news came he was suspended for disciplinary reasons. And, with more than a month to go in the season, came further news that Lam wasn’t welcome to even train with the team for the rest of the year. In 2012, Paul Hamilton was named to the NASL Best XI squad. InsideSOCCER 41

3. Hiring local

FC Edmonton is very public about its role in developing young Canadian players. Over two NASL seasons, the team has given starting jobs to CIS grads, overlooked Canadian prospects and local talent. But, in November 2012, the team finally added the final piece to its Canadian-first puzzle. And that was a Canadian head coach. The team will head into 2013 with Colin Miller the former Whitecaps’ assistant who had over 60 caps for Canada through the ‘80s and ‘90s at the helm. And Miller will head an allCanadian coaching staff, with Jeff Paulus and Angelo Sestito as his assistants. If Canada is to develop domestic players, it needs to develop domestic coaches — and that means giving them chances to take over pro clubs. And, the only other clear candidate for the FCE job was Canadian U-20 coach Nick Dasovic, so it wasn’t as if the foreign option was even considered. “Right from the beginning, we wanted to develop Canadian soccer,” said Eddies’ owner Tom Fath on the day Miller’s hiring was made official. “Today’s move is another step along the way.”

2. but a hometown hero. Trailing 1-0 in Fort Lauderdale in the 2011 NASL season opener, Saiko introduced the league to what he does best — score spectacular goals from long distances. Saiko’s picturesque blast from well outside the box drew Edmonton level, and Dan Antoniuk eventually gave the Eddies a 2-1 win with his late goal.

Making the 2. Saiko’s famous first 1. playoffs It’s fitting that FC Edmonton, a team that prides itself on its Canadian content, would have its first NASL goal ever scored by not only a domestic player,

Before FC Edmonton’s debut NASL season, the majority of pundits had them picked to finish dead last in the league.

Owner Tom Fath introduces Canadian Colin Miller as the new head coach of FC Edmonton.

After all, it was a team loaded with Canadians, many of them who had never been on the radar of any first- or seconddivision teams in North America. But, in early September 2011, despite falling behind 1-0 to the last-place Atlanta Silverbacks, the Eddies rallied late to win the game 2-1 and clinch a playoff spot. Paul Craig, a Canadian forward and CIS product, was able to track a corner through the crowd and head the winning goal that clinched the post-season.

Paul Craig, a Canadian forward and CIS product, celebrates his game winning goal that clinched the post-season for FC Edmonton.

42 February/March 2013

CSL RESPONDS TO ERRONEOUS CBC REPORT The Canadian Soccer League issues the following statement in response to an erroneous online CBC story and broadcast of Thursday, January 31 ‘CSA cuts ties with the Canadian Soccer League’, also described by the CBC as ‘Canadian Soccer League loses sanctioning after match-fixing report’. The Canadian Soccer League is still sanctioned by the Canadian Soccer Association and there has been no suggestion that the CSA is severing ties with the CSL. The national governing body advised the CSL in discussion only, that it is considering a new professional soccer structure that, if adopted, will accommodate professional leagues in four provinces and these leagues may be governed by their respective Provincial Associations. Presently, the CSL is the only league in Canada under the direct governance of the CSA. The proposed change follows the CSA’s consideration of the James Easton Report following a study of the viability of Division II professional soccer in Canada. A change of the professional soccer structure and a proposed change of governance for the CSL has nothing to do with the reported match fixing of a CSL game played at Trois-Rivieres, Quebec on September 12, 2009 and first reported in a German court in 2010. Nor does a proposed change of governance have anything to do with recent Interpol conference in New York attended by the CSA and the CSL, with soccer officials from FIFA, CONCACAF and others from throughout North America Vincent Ursini, president of the CSL, who attended the Interpol conference for his league, said the CSA has expressed to him that it is important for the CSL to continue its legacy of 85 years in soccer. Ursini said: “The CSL will continue to co-operate and work with the CSA and OSA towards a new structure aimed at the advancement of professional soccer in Canada.” The CSL takes exception also, to the report in the CBC story that several requests for a comment from the CSL went unreturned. Ursini said this has been investigated and it is clear no such enquiry by the writer of the erroneous report or any member of the CBC, has been received. Ursini explained the CSL is working hard toward the new season to kickoff late April, that it is business as usual and his hope that all teams, old and new, and fans will not be deterred by the unfortunate misleading story released by the CBC. Ursini reported that according to the Interpol conference about $185 million is bet each year on CSL games worldwide so the need for vigilance on the part of the CSL and a strategy by FIFA to prevent match fixing, are paramount. The CSL will continue to follow the direction of the CSA and FIFA with respect to the avoidance of match fixing, to be given high priority by the CSL.

Canadian Soccer League Ligue canadienne de soccer Message paid for by the Canadian Soccer League

FIT FACTS

MY FIRST

SPORTS SCIENCE PRESENTATION BY RICHARD BUCCIARELLI On May 14-16, 2008, in Liverpool, England, I (representing Soccer Fitness Inc.) and other representatives from both the ANB Futbol Academy and the University of Toronto Human Physiology Performance Lab attended and presented at the First World Conference on Science and Soccer. The world’s first ever research conference devoted entirely to the sport of soccer, this was a big event that featured keynote speeches from former Head of the Scottish FA, Craig Brown, as well as former Danish National Team, and Juventus FC Fitness Coach, Jens Bangsbo, among others. As a young sports scientist, to me this Conference represented my very first opportunity to present research and receive feedback (as well as criticism) from some of the best and most accomplished individuals in the industry. I spent my first two days attending as many presentations as I could, listening and fervently taking notes. Day three was poster presentation day – the day where I had to stand in a room full of students and researchers from all over the world and present my team’s poster and the findings from our study. I was definitely feeling the pressure when one of the Conference delegates approached me, introduced himself, and asked some questions about why I chose to use the 10-metre distance, and five total repetitions, for our repeated sprint tests. Without taking the time to read the business card he handed me, I proceeded to answer his question, simultaneously being as thorough as possible while also maintaining a rapid pace – I probably did not stop talking for two to three minutes! We ended up having

44 February/March 2013

Richard Bucciarelli at his first World Conference on Science and Soccer in 2008. a nice discussion about repeated sprint assessments, and he explained to me why, where he worked, they preferred to use a longer distance (25 or 30 metres) with more repetitions (8 to 10) for their tests. It was only later on, when I reached back into my pocket and looked at his card, that I realized who I had been talking to: Dr. Martin Buchheit, the Lead Exercise Physiologist at the Aspire Academy, one of the world’s largest and most advanced sports science research institutes, located in Qatar. This revelation had a very positive impact on my career as a soccer-specific fitness coach. Having thoughtful conversations with people like Dr. Buchheit at the conference in Liverpool encouraged me to get much more involved in my own research, eventually leading to my partnering with Paolo Pacione (former Head of Sports Science at the Ontario Soccer Association and currently Fitness Coach for the Montreal Impact in MLS) and Robert Rupf (PhD student at the University of Toronto, and Exercise Physiologist at the

Canadian Sports Centre Ontario) on several new research projects, some of which are still on-going today. I was also fortunate to attend and present some of this research at other large and internationally recognized soccer-specific conferences, including the Second World Conference on Science and Soccer in Port Elizabeth, South Africa (2010), and the 7th World Congress on Science and Football in Nagoya, Japan (2011). Looking back on this experience five years later, I have to express my sincere gratitude to all the Delegates at the First World Conference on Science and Soccer. They made me feel welcome and part of a great community of sports scientists, academics, doctors, rehabilitation specialists, fitness coaches, and a host of other individuals whose primary interest is the same as my own: to further our knowledge, understanding, and practical expertise in the science of sport as it relates to improving, maximizing and sustaining high performance in soccer.

Our Presentation:

Determining a Recommended Age of Using Repeated Sprint Tests on Canadian Youth Soccer Players:

1. Our Research:

Our research was conducted at the Country Day School in January, 2008. Richard Bucciarelli, soccer specific strength and conditioning coach, and ANB Futbol Academy staff coach, conducted fitness tests on all ANB Academy players from the U-12 to U-18 age group, with a total of 90 players’ test scores used for this project.

Players were evaluated on a number of performance measures, including: sit-andreach (flexibility) standing broad jump (power) 10-metre sprint (starting speed) 5 x 10-metre sprint (speed endurance) and the beep test (aerobic endurance). Once the testing was completed, the results were taken to the University of Toronto Human Physiology Performance Lab, where Robert Rupf, Master’s student in Exercise Physiology at U of T, analyzed the data from the tests. The findings from this analysis were displayed on our poster and were presented to delegates on Day 1 of the Conference.

2. Our Findings:

A typical score or result of a repeated sprint test for an adult professional player would be as follows: very fast first sprint (indicative of good starting speed), slower second - fifth sprints (indicating incomplete recovery from the explosive first sprint), similar times for the second - fifth sprints (indicating good anaerobic recovery between sprints). This is because we know that adult professional players have a high capacity for explosive starting speed, and in addition they are well trained to be able to recover between short sprints, so they should be able to sustain a good short sprint performance over multiple repetitions. When examining the results from players in the ANB U-16 and U-18 age groups, we found that they were very similar to the expected results listed above (fast first sprint, and slightly slower second - fifth sprints, that did not get markedly slower from second - fifth sprint). Thus, we found that repeated sprint tests are a useful tool to measure performance of elite youth players from the ages of 16-18 years. However, when we looked at players from the ANB U-12 to U-14 age groups, they showed no significant difference in their sprint times in the 5 x 10-metre repeated sprint test. This means that in many cases, these players were actually faster on the fifth sprint than on their first one. What this finding indicated is that repeated sprint testing is not useful for players under the age of 14, as it is not a good indicator of physical ability or performance in this age category. The most probable reason for this is that young players have not yet

         

 

     

     

           

      

          

 developed their anaerobic (speed and power) systems to be able to perform and recover from repeated short sprints.

3. Implications / Recommendations for Youth Coaches in Canada:

Our research has demonstrated that repeated sprint tests are not a useful tool to evaluate the physical abilities of players from the ages of 10-14. Coaches working with athletes in the 10-14 year old age groups should develop a program of fitness tests that focuses on assessing speed, power, and aerobic endurance, and they should not spend time testing anaerobic or speed endurance. We know from previous research studies that SPEED who COMPETITION players perform2well in soccer-specific

endurance tests (such as beep tests) are able to do more high intensity work during games. Through our study, we determined that players who performed well on our repeated sprint tests also performed well on the beep test. This means that players who are able to perform repeated short sprints at a high speed during training, as well as recover well between those short sprints, will be able to perform more high intensity work during games. Repeated sprint training, which involves performing repeated short sprints without full recovery, is a recommended method of training to improve players’ physical performance during games. Coaches should develop fitness training exercises that incorporate short sprints, with and without the ball, in realistic game situations.

InsideSOCCER 45

COACH DAVE: MY CORNER

A SOCCER HODGE PODGE BY DAVE KENNY

Photographs by Jurgen Koehler

Normally in this column, I write about a topic that addresses an item of concern to today`s youth soccer coach. In this issue, I am going to stray a bit from the norm and cover a few different topics. These are all subjects that have tested people’s judgments and, I believe, need to be discussed further. INDOOR SOCCER

In the last issue of InsideSoccer Magazine, I wrote about indoor soccer games and how I feel they hold back player development. I received reaction from some of my fellow coaches and some parents on the subject. The opinion was, as predicted, mixed. Some thought I was right, and others thought I was totally wrong. One parent told me that his son`s team was “blowing away the competition” in their indoor league, so they were “improving.” I argued that my team was improving 700 touches at a time during our training sessions. He said their team could not beat those teams last summer. I said my team will win this summer. In reality, I do not know if my team will win this summer, but I do know that my players will have better skills to compete in order to make sure they have an improved chance of winning this summer. My job as a youth coach is to provide my players with the knowledge for them to be successful. I do not measure success by trophies. I measure success by watching a player do something he could not do a week or a month ago. I measure success by seeing players succeed in making it onto district, regional or university teams. I know players (and some parents) like to win trophies. Awards may be the typical symbol of team success, but my 46 February/March 2013

commitment to player development results in the same promise to parents each year: “By the end of the season, I will make sure your son or daughter has improved and is a better player than he or she is today.”

FAIR PLAY

In a recent European Champions League match, Shakhtar Donetsk forward Luiz Adriano, was suspended for legally scoring a goal. Let me explain. Following an injury stoppage, the referee dropped the ball in the Shakhtar end to restart play. The defender played the ball, uncontested, and kicked a long pass toward the opponents’ goal. The defender was participating in FAIR PLAY by returning the ball to the opposition. Adriano ran on to the loose ball and deposited the ball into the net. The referee, correctly, ruled a goal. What ensued was a whole lot of confusion. There is nothing in the rulebook to deny the goal, so it had to count. Shakhtar coach, Mircea Lucescu, defended his player by saying “he didn’t see the ball cleared to the defender.”Adriano, however, received supplementary discipline. He was found guilty of “violation of the principles of conduct” and was given a one game suspension and required to serve one day of community service. Shakhtar owner, Rinat Akhmetov, took a

hard stance against Adriano, saying his behaviour was “unacceptable” and spoke to the team about their responsibility as role models. (I should mention that this so-called “incident” was similar to one involving Arsenal of England, about ten years ago. Arsene Wenger’s team scored a similar goal but in support of his own fair play policy, Wenger requested the FA to replay the game in its entirety. The FA agreed to his request). I am all for FAIR PLAY. I encourage my teams to play within the rules. But in some cases, the rules are a bit blurry. Take the following example. The blue team has been awarded a throw-in. Since no blue teammates are within throwing distance, Johnny, the thrower, bounces the ball off the back of a defender and continues play. Believe it or not, this is legal, provided the throw was not “in a reckless manner.” It does beg the question though, was it fair play? Compare that to the striker who hides behind the goalkeeper and heads the ball off the keeper’s outstretched hand or waits until the keeper puts the ball on the ground before shooting it into the net. The former is now against the rules (it used to be legal) and the latter is within the rules. In either case, does it violate the “principles of conduct?” The question that needs to be asked is: When do the “principles of conduct” supersede the rules of soccer? In the Shakhtar example, was it when Adriano touched the ball or was it when the ball crossed the line? I would argue that the issue here was the fact that he scored. If he had passed the ball to the opposing goalkeeper, nothing would have happened. So by scoring a legitimate goal, he committed a crime. That doesn’t seem fair to me. Would I want one of my players to chase

down a dropped ball for a goal? Absolutely not! My suggestion is, in the interest of Fair Play, the rule should be changed. If we are going to give the ball back to the other team after a stoppage, then the ball should be played by the “receiving” team before a second touch by the “giving” team. This simple rule change would result in “mandatory fair play” and would prevent the scenario that involved Shakhtar.

DIVING & FAKING INJURY

My biggest pet peeve in soccer is the diving that goes on with some players and teams. Ask non soccer fans why they don’t like soccer, and I guarantee the most frequent answer will be “too much diving and rolling around.” The men’s World Cup is a perfect display of diving and faking as much as it is a display of skill. Try comparing the amount of diving in the men’s game to that of the women’s World Cup. Better yet, compare it to the women’s Olympic Tournament, which captured the attention of all Canadians. There was no diving in that Women’s Tournament! I would like to see supplementary discipline for divers. A player can be disciplined for actions seen by officials

(or in some cases, seen only by television cameras). If we can sanction players for committing fouls, detected only by television cameras, or suspend players for off field activities, surely we should be able to sanction them for diving or faking injury on the field! If replays show players are guilty of diving, they should be punished. FIFA has altered the rules to allow for divers to receive cautions -- if they are caught. This has stopped some of the antics, but more needs to be done to satisfy me. Suspensions and fines would alter behaviour at the elite level and, as a result, would filter down to the youth level. Last season, my u13 team trailed our local rival by one goal with twenty minutes to go. Suddenly, every tackle resulted in an injury and the need for a trainer. One player went down five times within the remaining time, and the last resulted in the player removing his shin pad and shoe on the field. This was obviously a learned time wasting activity. It makes me wonder what else that coach was teaching. That is not my type of player development! Leagues need to implement rules

that players who need trainers should be removed from the game for a set period of time. The rule used at the elite level, where a player leaves until the referee waves him back into play, does not stop the faking. The referee always waves the player in as soon as the game restarts. If the player was forced to miss five minutes and his team played short, the faking would stop. Sounds pretty straight forward to me.

RACISM IN SOCCER

In recent years, much has been made over racism at the professional and international levels of soccer. Prince Boateng, of AC Milan, created a storm recently when he walked off the field during a friendly against a fourth division club. Fans had made racist gestures and calls directed at him. The entire Milan team followed Boateng off the field as a sign of support. In another incident, UEFA has charged Lazio for the conduct of racist fans during a game versus Tottenham. Lazio was also fined for a separate incident of racial abuse and was forced to play a game with an empty stadium. Continued on page 50

InsideSOCCER 47

DRILL OF THE MONTH “HIT THE MAT” This drill is ideal when you are forced to train in a gymnasium and only have one goalkeeper.

the other team becomes defenders. The new attacking team now tries to score on the goalkeeper by hitting the wall mat.

SET UP

Each game ends when a certain score has been achieved (3 goals) or a set time has expired (5 minutes)

• One goalkeeper, one ball.

limiting player touches; nobody allowed in “basketball key”; shots must be from outside a certain area (3 point arc) etc. I also like to use a “futsal” ball to eliminate the “bouncy ball” . Set up the drill as a competition by turning it into a tournament with 4 or more teams. I like to play a round-robin format and then finish with a “bronze medal” game and a “gold medal” game.

• Separate players into teams of 3 or 4 a side. The goalkeeper is not included on any team. • Use the gymnasium mats on the wall as the goal net. • Place additional mats on the gym floor to allow goalkeeper to dive without injuring himself on the floor.

Coaching Points

• Place cones or use a line in the floor to create a designated “neutral” zone at the other end of the gym opposite the goalkeeper.

• Emphasize quick transition from defend ing to attacking and vice versa.

• Make sure players communicate and “call” for the ball

Variations Restrictions can make the game easier or more difficult, depending on the skill set. Possible restrictions include

• Encourage players to pass and move and shoot • Encourage defenders to force attackers to the outside and away from goal attack quickly.

Why This Works START Have the goal keeper throw the ball to the opposite end neutral area. The first team to gain possession becomes the attacking team and tries to score by hitting the wall mats behind the goalkeeper. The other team acts as defenders and attempts to win the ball from the attackers. If the defenders win the ball by tackling, intercepting passes or collecting rebounds, they must take the ball (by passing or dribbling) into the neutral zone. Once the team has possession in the neutral zone, it immediately becomes the attackers and 48 February/March 2013

Players enjoy attacking and shooting on goal. This drill encourages players to shoot in tight conditions. Players learn to control the ball quickly and take advantage if defenders are out of position. It also creates a quick transition from defending to attacking.

Kevin-Prince Boateng of AC Milan

FIFA has punished Bulgaria and Hungary with fines and “empty stadium” games. The English FA has suspended Luis Suarez and John Terry for their actions. Where does it end? FIFA has been fighting racism for a number of years with its “Say No to Racism” campaign. Is it working? I really don’t know. Is racial abuse in soccer more frequent now than it was 20 years ago? Has the campaign worked, and we actually have less racism? Maybe we are just talking about it now rather than hiding it like a dirty family secret. I have lived in Canada for the majority of my life. I have played with what we now call “visible minorities” and have coached players who belong to a “visible minority.” I never once considered the players to be any different from their “nonminority” counterparts. They were teammates or children just playing a game. When I coached a high school team, the players called themselves “United” because our team was so ethnically diverse we were like the United Nations. I do not remember any incident of racism amongst the players. I am now wondering if I am naive to believe it did not exist, but I simply don’t remember seeing it. I do, however, remember one kid being teased because he had red hair. Does that count? When you watch kids play together, they are racially blind. Racism, therefore, must be a learned behaviour, and people often learn or alter their mindset when they are assembled in groups. There is strength in numbers where you can hide behind somebody else. Twenty years ago, we had a problem with fans fighting each other. That seems 50 February/March 2013

to have pretty much been eliminated. Now apparently the fans’ attention is directed at opposing players. Let’s be very clear. It was a small percentage of people who were involved in fan riots in the past, and it is small percentages who are involved in racist activities now. Either way, it needs to be stopped. I do not believe that forcing teams to play one game in an empty stadium is the answer. It hurts the income of the club or association in the short term, and does nothing to stop the fans’ behaviour in the long run. I like the idea of banning guilty fans for life. I also like what Boateng and his teammates did. They, as a team, made a statement. An Italian sporting judge did not punish AC Milan for its actions, but did say that teams cannot keep walking off the field in protest. AC Milan made a point, and people paid attention.

When you watch kids play together, they are racially blind. Racism, therefore, must be a learned behaviour. FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, while praising Boateng for making a stand, said it “cannot be the solution in the long run.” Blatter is correct, (something I don’t often say). Another solution needs to be found. It is now time for the governing bodies to react. FIFA, UEFA and the individual leagues do have the power to start putting an end to racist behaviour in fans. The leaders of the game need to start deducting points or awarding games to the “non-offending” team. A fear of losing games will result in fans policing themselves. A group of true fans will not let racist acts be the reason their team is given a loss. Further sanctions, including suspensions from competitions, need to be enacted to ensure a change of behaviour. It helped to get the hooligans out of the game 20 years ago, so why wouldn’t it work again to get racism out of the game today? Rather than make a team play in an empty stadium, throw them out of the competition altogether. If FIFA or UEFA want to cure the game of racism, they need to get serious with the penalties.

DAVID BECKHAM

I was sitting at my favourite watering hole when the topic of David Beckham came up. One of my friends stated that Beckham had little impact on soccer in North America. My response, “Are you kidding?” Then I started quoting some facts to support my argument. Right off the start, Beckham created a buzz about the MLS. I was attending the NSCAA conference in Indianapolis when Beckham’s arrival was first announced. MLS was hoping to make the announcement during its Superdraft, but Beckham made the announcement in Spain. The entire mood of the convention changed. Everybody was talking Galaxy, MLS and Beckham. MLS teams, including the expansion Toronto FC, had an immediate spike in season ticket subscribers, and “non-soccer” people were suddenly taking an interest in MLS. Even though his debut was delayed by injury, Beckham’s first MLS game in Washington attracted 47,000 fans. Tell me how that doesn’t influence the sport!! By the time Beckham finished with MLS in 2012, average league attendance had reached 18,000 fans. That, by the way, would rank MLS in the top five averages of European leagues. Additionally, Beckham made the MLS fashionable for other star European players to come to North America. He also attracted celebrity owners such as Steve Nash and Drew Carey. Six teams (San Jose, Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, Philadelphia and Montreal) all joined MLS following Beckham’s arrival. The greatest legacy left by Beckham is he got youth following MLS. Now young players know as much about MLS as they do about European Leagues. Hearing young players discussing teams and individual MLS players proves that the league has a future following and a visible destination that young players can aspire to reach.

FINALLY

Congratulations to Alfons Rubbens and InsideSoccer Magazine for its 100th edition!!! From a newsletter style beginning in 1992 to the quality magazine it is today... you’ve come a long way baby!

Caribbean’s Canadian Content BY ALDWYN MCGILL Caribbean Football has been relevant not only to the region of CONCACAF but to Canadian Soccer as well. Cuba and Haiti have participated in the FIFA World Cup in 1938 and1974 respectively, and Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago have participated in two of the last four FIFA World Cups. After missing the last two Gold Cup editions, Trinidad and Tobago marks its return to prime time at the 2013 Gold Cup, while Jamaica is in the final (Hexagonal) round of the 2014 CONCACAF qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Due to their countries’ success at International tournaments, Caribbean players have been scouted and signed by big clubs to improve their chances of winning. Toronto FC is certainly no different in that regard. With the largest Caribbean population in Canada, part of TFC’s marketing strategy was to include Caribbean players.

Soccer Salute is on record as one of the biggest soccer events ever organized in Toronto’s Caribbean community, and as a direct result, Section 118 at BMO Field, was reserved for the Tribal Rhythm Nations (TRN) supporters group to help create an atmosphere at Toronto FC games through the use of drums and chanting.

Adrian Serioux acquired from FC Dallas

Collin Samuel from Trinidad & Tobago

The organization appreciated the community’s passion for soccer and decided to contribute towards the Caribbean Soccer Salute festival at Lamport Stadium in August of 2006. 52 February/March 2013

The Reds signed Collin Samuel from the Trinidad and Tobago team, which had participated at the 2006 WC in Germany, and Jamaica International Tyrone Marshall in a trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy in exchange for Edson Buddle and allocation Money. The Caribbean connection was a valuable asset to the Reds. While Samuel did not score as regularly as many would have liked, he worked tirelessly down both the left and right flanks, while Tyrone Marshall was the enforcer at the center back position. Toronto finished with the best record of any first year MLS franchise in the history of the league. TFC selected Trinidad and Tobago

youth international Julius James in the first round of the 2008 MLS Super Draft and Jamaica’s youth International O’Brien White, as the fourth overall pick in the 2009 Super Draft. Sadly, the Reds traded Julius James to the Houston Dynamo, but it was in exchange for hometown boy Dwayne De Rosario in the most popular and productive player acquisition in TFC’s history thus far. Toronto FC also signed Adrian Serioux from FC Dallas in exchange for a draft pick and allocation money. But Manager Mo Johnson and coach John Carver in their wisdom traded away Tyrone Marshall to the expansion Seattle Sounders FC in a move that I thought had terrible consequences.

TFC Caribbean content

In September 2009 the Reds made Julian De Guzman its Designated Player. De Guzman played for Deportivo La Coruna in Spain’s La Liga before signing with the Reds. It was a bold move, but the TFC management and the Reds faithful were convinced that De Guzman was the missing piece in the TFC playoffs puzzle. But TFC continued to miss the playoffs, and the Reds fans felt that De Guzman was not living up to expectations with his play as the club’s DP. But I think the Reds signing Mista (De Guzman’s teammate in Deportivo) as the club’s second DP, while neglecting Dwayne De Rosario’s request for DP consideration, placed an added burden on De Guzman to perform, and he did not handle the pressure well. It is important to remember however, that there was also a change in coaching philosophy, and not only did De Guzman have to adjust to changes, but the entire Reds organization had to as well, after the purchase and launching of the TFC Academy facility at Downsview. The show went on, and Toronto FC

Julian De Guzman

signed Jamaica Internationals Dicoy Williams at the end of March 2011 and Ryan Johnson in mid-July 2011. Dicoy sustained a knee injury while on International duty shortly afterwards and never regained his status as a starter until he was released in mid-November 2012, when the TFC did not exercise its option. As the MVP of the 2012 Canadian Championships, Ryan Johnson helped the Reds win their fourth consecutive Canadian Championship and also scored some important goals at the CONCACAF Champions League. But another change in the way forward occurred with the hiring in November of former D.C. United general manager Kevin Payne as the Reds’ President and General Manager, and by mid-December Ryan Johnson was traded to the Portland Timbers. In January, the TFC announced they had hired Ryan Nelsen as the Reds head coach and Fran O’Leary as his assistant. The only hitch was that Nelsen was still under contract with the Queens Park Rangers (QPR) of the English Premier League until mid-May. But all is well that ends well, and Coach Nelsen is now fully committed to the Reds.

Caribbean prospects under new coach Ryan Nelsen The Toronto FC still has some young Caribbean talent in stock. They are defender Ashtone Morgan, midfielder Reggie Lambe and the Reds 2013 Super Draft pick Ashton Bennett. Morgan is from Toronto and was one of the few bright spots in the Reds 2012 season. Born on February 9, 1991, Morgan is a product of the Reds Academy program and signed his first professional contract with the club on March 17, 2011. He is the 2011 Canadian U-20 Player of the Year and is the first graduate of the TFC Academy to make the Canadian National team. On July 5, Morgan was re-signed, but details of his long-term deal were not released due to club policy. Reggie Lambe is from Hamilton, Bermuda, but he had spent his formative years with the Ipswich Town youth team before signing with the club’s senior team in the English Championship league. Lambe signed with the Toronto FC as a free agent on December 7, 2011, after being on loan to Bristol Rovers. He made his International debut with Bermuda at the age of 16 and has earned 12 caps.

Reggie Lambe

Ashtone Morgan

The Toronto FC has recently added another Caribbean promise, selecting Jamaican born forward Ashton Bennett from Coastal Carolina as the Reds first pick in the second round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Bennett, 24, was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, and like Mattocks, is scouted as a goal scorer. Toronto FC travels to Vancouver to open the season and returns for its home opener against Sporting Kansas City at BMO Field on March 9th.

friends, would be speed. You either have it or you don’t.” It is a cliché, but the difference is that the Whitecaps seem to be having success with it. Their amazing turn around, after finishing in last place in the Western Conference in its inaugural season in 2011, was no easy task. The team made the MLS playoffs in its second season by showing that they are staying true to their beliefs. Lots has been made of Vancouver’s winning tradition, but it usually goes without saying that their soccer establishment has an eye for talent. And it seems like the man with the eagle eye is Whitecaps President and Canada 1986 World Cup player, Bob Lenarduzzi. As a player, coach, manager, Director of Operations and President, Lenarduzzi has always been a part of championship teams. Under his leadership, the Whitecaps hired Coach Martin Rennie before the end of their inaugural season and relied on the scoring ability of 21-year-old Darren Mattocks, who had no major league experience. Mattocks was the University of Akron standout with impressive college stats and a Jamaica youth International. His speed impressed Coach Martin Rennie Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi and Club Ambassador Carl Valentine

Vancouver’s eye for talent

Carl Valentine of the Vancouver Whitecaps may have had a valid point in his philosophy for soccer talent when he wrote: “There is one thing that you can never coach or develop. That, my InsideSOCCER 53

three goals for the Whitecaps exactly one week after his acquisition. The Whitecaps also have 25-year-old, Trinidad & Tobago International defender Carlyle Mitchell on their roster. Mitchell was acquired from Joe Public of the T&T Pro League on September 15, 2011, and his attributes are stated as speed and athleticism. Mitchell has earned 15 caps for his country. The Vancouver Whitecaps home and season opener is against Toronto FC on March 2nd. Darren Mattocks

and Lenarduzzi to the point where the Whitecaps spent a second pick overall at the 2012 MLS Super Draft to get Mattocks, and the move paid instant dividends. The Whitecaps not only made the playoffs, but Mattocks scored the Whitecaps first-ever playoff goal against the L.A. Galaxy and finished the season as the club’s leading goal scorer. After watching Mattocks score a header against Toronto at BMO Field, it is evident that he has other scoring attributes, and if he works hard, he can become the most potent striker in the MLS one day. For a person of his statue, it was mind boggling how he out-jumped TFC goalkeeper, Milos Kocic, at the last post by such a far margin to score. It is no secret that speed seems to be the operative word in the Whitecaps search for talent. The club went after Reggae Boyz speedster Dane Richards from New York Red Bulls in exchange for Sébastien Le Toux and allocation money. Richards is well known for creating havoc down the opposing team’s flank from the right midfield position. When he left New York, Richards was second on the club’s MLS alltime list in games played, games started, and minutes played, and third in assists. Richards’s acquisition was a calculated move by the Whitecaps to make a push for the playoffs, since Richards was going to join Burnley of the English Championship League at the end of the MLS season. Even Richards admitted that he knew of the Burnley move before going to Vancouver (the official announcement was made by Vancouver on August 26th, a little over a month later); Richards scored his first of 54 February/March 2013

Montreal Caribbean Content

As a first year MLS Franchise, the Montreal Impact did better than many expected. Playing out of the Eastern Conference, the Impact were in the playoff picture right down to the later part of the season. With Montreal having the second largest Caribbean population in Canada, it’s no wonder that Impact owner Joey Saputo was quite aware of the talented play that comes with Caribbean players. He had firsthand experience with the brilliance of Jamaica superstar and 1998 World Cup player, Onandi Lowe, when he

Shavar Thomas & Donovan Ricketts played for the Montreal Impact in 1996. Saputo wanted to have a good mixture of youth and experience to ensure that his team was competitive from the opening whistle, so he signed Jamaica goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts. Coach Jesse Marsch

signed Shavar Thomas, the Reggae Boyz captain at the time, and a player who had played for him previously. But caught up in the heat of the playoff race, the Montreal Impact traded the 35-year-old goalkeeper, Donovan Ricketts, to the Portland Timbers in a goalkeeper swap (it was in exchange for 31-year-old Troy Perkins, who was having a good spell). Ricketts played 24 games with the expansion Impact and recorded nine wins with three shutouts. Ironically his last shutout came against the Philadelphia Union during his last match with the Impact. Perkins, on the other hand, helped set a Timbers team record of 377 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal and played 22 games with the Portland Timbers. Shavar Thomas played out the rest of the 2012 season, but the Impact did not exercise their option, and his present status shows him as unattached. Montreal has no other player of Caribbean background at present, but looking at their 2013 roster, I can honestly say that they seem dead serious in trying to be part of the 2013 MLS playoffs picture at the end of the regular season. Saputo has been praised by players and staff alike for providing everything they ask for to get the job done. It will be hard not to like the Impact’s chances when everything comes together. Throughout the years, the Montreal Impact has become one of the most decorated teams in the United Soccer League (USL), having won championship titles in 1994, 2004 and 2009, and leaving its mark on the national and international scenes. For the past 30 years, the Saputo family has been instrumental in the development of soccer in not only Montreal but in Canada as a whole. So while some were surprised by Montreal’s run at a playoff spot last season (2012) – in what was their first year in the MLS – the Impact has been known to create a stir with its underdog label. The Impact reached the quarter finals of the CONCACAF Champions’ League from the lower level USL competition and attracted record crowds along the way. The club posted an attendance record last season, opens their regular season against the Seattle Sounders on March 2nd, and has its home opener against Toronto on March 16th.

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Soccermania and MLS at 17: Still lotS of room for IMPROVEMENT BY TOKUNBO OJO

From its humble beginning in 1996 with 10 teams, to 19 teams last season, Major League Soccer (MLS) has come far from its first season. From shore-to-shore, MLS’ popularity in North America is growing. And with the growing expansion of participating teams, it is attracting wide media coverage across Canada and the U.S. In Canada, soccer is now part of the news that is fit to print in major metropolitan newspapers such as the Toronto Star and Montreal Gazette. Sportsnet and TSN are providing extensive live TV coverage of MLS matches, while the Canadian Press has at least two roving reporters that cover the league regularly. This is unprecedented when it comes to soccer in Canada, the “hockey nation.” In the U.S., it’s the same story: soccermania and the media. Last season, NBC committed to the soccer world with a vengeance by signing a three-year deal to broadcast MLS matches. It aims to give ESPN and other American-Spanish TV networks that regularly televise MLS matches in the U.S. and across North America a run for their money. Up till around 2009, there was relative little coverage of MLS matches by these major media networks in both countries. But the trend changed due to the improved standard of play and top-notch players such as David Beckham, Thierry 56 February/March 2013

Henry and Torsten Frings who play in the league. As a result of them, more fans are flocking to the stadiums, and MLS has been transformed into a tightly-knit niche market that is far too important for TV networks, advertisers and other media outlets to ignore. However, for every gain that MLS has made in its 17 years of existence, there is still more to be done to ensure that it does not die prematurely like its predecessor, the North American Soccer League (NASL) of old, which took the proverbial dirt nap in 1985 after about 17 years of operation. To win, the old ways of doing things will need to change. The salary cap restriction that rewards celebrity status, instead of competency and performance, is a good example. It needs to go if MLS is truly interested in seeing the free flow of

top players and the rewards that come with excellence. The present structure limits the clubs’ spending power to attract top players who can add value to their teams’ overall performance in the league and the CONCACAF Champions League. On top of that, it’s really an exploitative system that punishes young promising talent and hard-working players. Just look at Nana Attakora and Dwayne De Rosario during their time at Toronto FC if you want proof. Despite being a top talent and high performer on the field, Attakora was paid peanuts for his service. For instance, in the 2010 season, he made $40,000 per year, while lesser performing players such as Mista and Julian de Guzman made $987, 337 and $1.7 million respectively. Interestingly enough, Mista only played nine matches throughout the season, while Attakora played 25 of the team’s total 30 matches in the league. It is the same case with De Rosario Although De Rosario’s salary was less than half of Mista’s salary, he played more matches and scored more goals as an attacking midfielder than Mista did as a designated player and striker throughout the season. When he asked for a pay increase, he was turned down. Consequently, he was forced out of the team, in spite of his consistent excellent performance on the field from 2009 until 2011. Attakora got the same sentence for demanding a pay increase. MLS’ unfair pay structure is not encouraging and might even discourage young talented players from considering a professional soccer career. After all, what good is joining the ranks of professional soccer when your annual wage is almost tantamount to minimum wage, especially considering that many of the young players being drafted to play in the league have university degrees or college diplomas? The much-celebrated SuperDraft event is another old established order of North America’s sports culture that must go.

It limits the pool of talent that can make it to the professional ranks. By this token, several players in the inner-city league who could not handle the rigor of academic work coupled with the demands of soccer might be overlooked because the focus is on the SuperDraft, as opposed to scouting the grass-roots soccer and lower leagues for promising young talent. More importantly, it is a hit-or-miss system that does not add extra significant incentives to the MLS teams’ competitive edge. For every Darren Mattock that comes through the SuperDraft system and instantly makes it big in the league, there are two or more Omar Salgados who either become big flops or simply struggle to make it in MLS. The reason is that many of the drafted players do not have the pedigree, experience and psychological conditioning needed to make a smooth transition to the professional cadre from college or university level soccer. At the college and university levels, the seasons are usually about three months long. The MLS season is 10 months long. Psychologically, some of the drafted players are not ready or mature enough for such a long and demanding season in

which they have to compete with more experienced players for playing time. If they cannot make the bench, their work ethic and confidence level drop quickly. One way of widening the pool of talent and adding more direct value to the teams’

competitive edge is through the clubs’ youth academies, where young players are groomed and gradually integrated into the professional cadre. But the ideal way to go, with an eye toward rewarding today’s talented young players and enhancing

MLS’ unfair pay structure is not encouraging and might even discourage young talented players from considering a professional soccer career. their potential (and not past glories and status under the guise of designated players), is to give clubs free reign to recruit players from anywhere, without any salary or spending restriction. It could also free MLS from the taint of elitism and inequality. By and large, MLS management needs to step up and ensure that they do not extinguish the fans’ burning passion for the beautiful game, which is here to stay in North America.

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The TORONTO FC

ACADEMY IN 2013

BY ARMEN BEDAKIAN

Photographs Courtesy of Toronto FC

While Toronto FC is busy preparing for another season, the TFC Academy is looking forward to the 2013 campaign in the Canadian Soccer League! There has been plenty to talk about Division champs, going undefeated, for the TFC Academy and its graduates winning 13 games and drawing three. in 2012: Ashtone Morgan established The junior side featured two awardhimself for both club and country; Doneil winning players, Mark Rogal picking up Henry, whom we recently spoke to, has CSL Division II Goalkeeper of the Year and begun to do the same; Matt Stinson Mark Wadid taking home the Division II didn’t see much time, while Oscar Rookie of the Year prize – Wadid managed Cordon, Keith Makubuya and Nicolas to score 16 goals this season. Lindsay were cut from the senior team, Though both the senior and the junior the first instance of an academy graduate sides had success on the field, neither being released. Meanwhile, goalkeeper side progressed to a playoff final berth. Quillan Roberts graduated to the first team, and, with the departure of Milos Kocic and Freddy Hall, moves up to third in the depth chart behind Joe Bendik and starter Stefan Frei. The Academy also gained an incredibly valuable commodity in the Kia Training Ground facility at Downsview Park. The multimillion-dollar training complex is one of the elite facilities in North American soccer. The Toronto FC Academy’s Division I and II sides both made strides in CSL, and Captain Torsten Frings arrives early for pre-season did manage to pick up a few accolades training at the Kia Training Grounds during the Canadian Soccer League’s annual awards show: The junior academy team picked up the crown for CSL Second 58 February/March 2013

For TFC’s Academy, 2013 is promising, and if both sides can build off their 2012 form, the road to silverware in CSL certainly looks likely. It’s something that Toronto FC assistant coach Jim Brennan thinks can happen. InsideSOCCER asked Brennan about the goals and expectations for the TFC Academy this season, and he said, simply “to continue progress and to get as many young kids as we can into Toronto FC’s first team.” “The good thing is that all the young boys out there in the TFC Academy are TFC fans, and they want to play for this club,” said Brennan. “We’re gonna start seeing a lot more kids coming through.” Toronto FC drafted two TFC fans of their own in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft – Kyle Bekker and Emery Welshman are local players, and Brennan cannot be more pleased with the team’s draft: “They’ve trained here before, they know the club, they’re local boys, they’re wonderful for Toronto FC, so we had a great draft,” said Brennan. While the senior team continues to add local Canadians to their ranks, the

Academy graduate Ashtone Morgan had a stellar 2012, as he established himself for both club and country. TFC Academy has a very, very tough rival to contend with in 2013 in Toronto Croatia – the winners of the CSL Championships boast league MVP Marin VucemilovicGrgic, a forward who scored 16 goals this season himself. Meanwhile, Toronto Croatia’s goalkeeper Antonio Ilic is no joke, either; he’s a very competent keeper who conceded only 13 goals throughout the 22-game season. Toronto FC and Toronto Croatia may both employ 16-goal goalscorers, but neither holds a candle to a striker playing at SC Waterloo, Dražen Vukovic – at 30 years of age, Vukovic isn’t a realistic or eligible target for Toronto FC’s Academy to poach, and the same can be said of VucemilovicGrgic, who is 25 himself. This speaks, really, of the challenges that the TFC Academy faces in CSL – the concept of an Academy outfit is to raise young footballers from U-21 downward, but the senior outfit is playing against teams that boast older, more experienced players, too. It can only be healthy when a young striker like Toronto FC’s Mark Wadid is exposed to players such as Vukovic and Vucemilovic-Grgic, that’s for sure! One must wonder, however, why certain award winners don’t play for Toronto FC’s academy outfit. For example, Gino

Berardi, winner of the Division II MVP award, is young enough to qualify for Toronto FC’s senior outfit, but plays, instead, with Windsor Stars. It’s something that Academy director Thomas Rongen must balance. Finding adequate players within the age limit that want to play for Toronto FC doesn’t come easy. There are a variety of factors to consider, outside of talent alone – a players’ accessibility to training locations, accommodations, and even the parents’

wishes all come into play when looking at young players. Now, Toronto FC’s Academy has their own criteria for acquiring players, which includes potential for growth and, ultimately, potential for first-team graduation. In their current crop, head coach Danny Dichio, alongside Rongen, should feel like they have the correct pieces to succeed not only at the CSLlevel, but to succeed in graduating players ready for action in Major League Soccer. These players, these potential future Toronto FC starters, include the likes of Jordan Hamilton, Sergio Camargo, Stephen Almeida, and Nikola Paunic. Toronto FC fans were exposed to some of these players during the midseason friendly against Liverpool at the Rogers Centre, and these young stars did not fail to impress. However, their future at the club is not set in stone. There have been standout academy players who have left Toronto and pursued options elsewhere, most notably Stefan Vukovic who switched over to Montreal. Players like Camargo, Almeida and Paunic have options available to them – they can follow the path paved by their predecessors in Morgan, Henry and Stinson, or they can forge their own path and attempt to find footing in clubs around the world or even around Major League Soccer. We asked Brennan about the potential graduation of some of these players, and

“The good thing is that all the young boys out there in the TFC Academy are TFC fans, and they want to play for this club”

he was optimistic of their chances: “Yeah. I can see a couple kids coming through,” he said. “More than likely, we’ll end up taking a few on tour with us down south for preseason.” Goalkeeper Quillan Roberts graduated to the first team, and is 3rd in the depth chart.

While some graduate, others will continue to work for their chance at the first team. That’s the reality of the TFC Academy. Players come, players go, some grow to become stars and starters while others fade away. Some find glory elsewhere. The key with any academy system is in securing talent early, instilling good football habits (both on the field and off it) and sparking a love for the badge they sport. Toronto FC’s Academy has the talent. They have the facilities. They have the right staff. Now it’s time to light the spark.

InsideSOCCER 59

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21100

YEARS... ISSUES:

2012 - London 21. InsideSOCCER’s 21 Memorable Olympics

Canadian Soccer Moments.

BY VAC VERIKAITIS Since 1992, InsideSOCCER Magazine has had the privilege of providing the Canadian soccer community with information and stories that have helped shape the beautiful game across our country.

For many Canadians, the enduring moment of the 2012 London Olympics will always be the heartbreaking loss by the Women’s national team to the U.S.A. A spectacular hat trick by captain Christine Sinclair wasn’t enough to stop the Americans from advancing to the Gold medal game 4-3. And while many might point out questionable refereeing as the culprit, in the end it seemed the nation’s hearts swelled with pride for a performance that epitomized all that Canadians believe themselves to be: tenacious… competitive... hard working… and talented. It was a pleasure to watch the women ply their trade and, in soccer terms, it was certainly a tournament – and a game – that won’t soon be forgotten.

- Blizzard v 20. 1992 Benfica

It was a good try but in the end the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) in its first iteration (it would come back in 2006 as a new, reconstituted league) went belly up. Formed in the wake of Canada’s involvement in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, the idea was to bring the best Canadian players “home.” Canada was the only country in 1986 to have players without their own domestic league, as most of the players were either unattached or played indoors for a living. One of the best-organized teams of the CSL era was the Toronto Blizzard. In their

Melissa Tancredi of the Canadian Women’s Olympic Team vs. Japan at the 2012 Olympics. 64 February/March 2013

Sonia Denoncourt referees at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

17.

days as a force in the North American Soccer League, the Blizzard had hosted international powerhouses such as Juventus of Italy, Nottingham Forest of England and Benfica of Portugal. There were near capacity crowds for those friendlies and the 1992 Blizzard, featuring players like David Byrne, Paul Peschisolido, Pat Onstad, Lyndon Hooper and Branko Segota, just to name a few, played what would turn out to be the last match with Benfica at Toronto’s Varsity stadium.

-Sonia Denoncourt 19. 1996 referees in

the Olympics

Women’s football made its debut at the Summer Olympics in 1996 in Atlanta, and Sherbrooke Quebec’s Sonia Denoncourt was selected as one of four female referees to officiate in the tournament. She was the referee in the first-ever women’s

football match in the Olympics, where she took charge of a match between Germany and Japan. She also officiated a semi-final match between Norway and the United States and was the fourth official in the final.

- Montreal 18. 2009 Impact win the USL title in all Canadian Final

The Montreal Impact won the third championship of its history on Saturday, October 17, 2009, in front of a sellout crowd of 13,034 at Saputo Stadium, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 6-3 on aggregate in the First Division USL final championship, which was the first all Canadian First Division USL Final. (All three of Montreal’s championships have been won at home.) Montreal had an upand-down year that involved firing their coach and struggling early on, so winning the championship was a pleasant surprise to their fans. All the players agreed this championship was more special than their first two, because they were expected to win those ones, while the 2009 edition was a surprise finalist, that most experts thought wouldn’t advance out of the quarterfinals. Montreal Impact celebrating their winning of the 2009 USL Title.

2000 – First Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame induction ceremony

2000 was a very special year. The world celebrated the start of the new millennium, and there were two significant events that heralded a new era for soccer in Canada: 1) On the field, Canada took an impressive victory in The Gold Cup. 2) Off the field – and just as an important development -- was the opening of the Soccer Hall of Fame & Museum and the first Induction Banquet. Soccer had lagged other major sports in recognizing the importance of the past, but now the achievements of past players, teams and officials are being showcased. With typical Canadian modesty, our Canadian achievements have not been promoted, yet we boast many ”firsts.” The Hall of Fame is a place to honour our greats and celebrate our successes.

- Diego Maradona plays 16. 1996 in Toronto

It was the last day of the Labour Day weekend in 1996, and Birchmount stadium was filled to capacity for a match between Toronto Italia of the Canadian National Soccer League and the select side made up of the top players from the rest of the league. At the start of that season, Toronto Italia had signed Lalo, Diego Maradona’s brother, and for this game the great Argentina star also suited up for Italia. The 6,500 fans seemed to enjoy the spectacle, and Diego provided the winning goal direct from a corner kick in a 2-1 win.

- Vancouver 15. 2012 Whitecaps first Canadian team to

make MLS playoffs

The Vancouver Whitecaps made history by becoming the first Canadian team to make it to the MLS playoffs. It wasn’t pretty. They sort of backed into the playoffs when they lost 1-0 to the Portland Timbers. But when Seattle beat Dallas 3-1, the Texans were eliminated and the Whitecaps were in. In the one game playoff at Los Angeles, Vancouver lost 2-1 and were eliminated. InsideSOCCER 65

The LA Galaxy and David Beckham in the quarter final match against Toronto FC in 2012. first goal in franchise history was scored by Shaun Saiko. They are currently coached by former Canadian national team defender, Colin Miller.

Diego Maradona plays in Toronto in 1996 But at least they got to the playoffs. Something TFC, hasn’t managed in any of their six years in the league.

– David Beckham has a 14. 2012 beer can thrown

at him in Toronto

Almost 48,000 fans showed up at Toronto’s Rogers Centre for the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarter final match between the hometown TFC and David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy. Just a year earlier the city had been deep in the throes of Beckham mania,

and even though he couldn’t play because of an injury, he was sighted at various Toronto locales, with hundreds of admirers always close by snapping photos on their cell phones. But in this match, as Beckham lined up for a corner kick, a beer can came flying at him from the stands. Beckham, none too pleased, picked up the can and showed it to match officials. The former English International had the last laugh though, as his corner was converted by Landon Donovan and the Galaxy left Toronto with two away goals in a 2-2 draw.

– FC 13. 2011 Edmonton Get Their First Win

in the NASL

In February of 2010 Edmonton FC was formed, joining the North American Soccer League, the second tier in the American Soccer pyramid behind the MLS. The team’s first game was a 2-1 win in April of 2011 against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. The The Vancouver Whitecaps become the first Canadian team to reach the MLS playoffs in 2012. 66 February/March 2013

– Real Madrid 12. 2009 Play in Toronto

A record crowd of 22,089 people at BMO Field in Toronto spent a glorious Friday night in August watching the nine time European champions, Real Madrid, totally dismantle local favorites TFC 5-1. It was only a friendly, but it was Real Madrid, and the local boys wanted to show that they could play the game too. But with Spanish Internationals Iker, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso and, of course, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo in the lineup, TFC was just simply outclassed. But none of the fans seemed bothered by the result. After all, how many times do you get to see Real Madrid play in Toronto?

11.

2008 - Montreal Impact win Cup for Seventh Consecutive Time

There are not many teams that can boast of winning a national championship seven consecutive times. The Impact de Montreal can, having won the The Voyageurs Cup, emblematic of the Championship of Canada, in its inaugural year 2002 and in each of the following six years. Quite an achievement! Initially the cup was decided between the Montreal Impact, Toronto Lynx,

Calgary Storm and Vancouver Whitecaps, all members of the second tier pro soccer A-League. Selected league games between these teams were designated as ”cup” games, the overall winner, as compiled by the Voyageurs, winning the trophy. The format changed in 2008 and became the Nutrilite, and now the Amway Canadian championship. The Montreal Impact enjoyed a monopoly on the trophy for the first seven years, even beating their ”senior” rivals, Toronto FC, in 2008. However TFC won it in 2009, claiming their first ever trophy in the process, and repeated in 2010, 2011 and 2012, each time beating the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final.

2007 – Robbie 10. Soccer Tournament

Celebrates 40th Anniversary

The Robbie is the world’s largest annual charitable youth soccer tournament. Since 1967, The Robbie has donated over $1.5 million dollars to help fund Cystic Fibrosis research. Youth teams from around the

Over 22,000 fans watch as visiting nine time European Champs, Real Madrid, easily defeat local favourites TFC 5-1.

www.COLLEGESOCCERSHOWCASE.ca

SHOWCASE OF

CHAMPIONS

Where Canada’s Elite Teams Come to Prove Themselves

SHOWCASE OF CHAMPIONS Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

August 2-5th ,2013

JUNIOR - U13, U14 - 80 Minute Games SENIOR - U15, U16, U17 - 90 Minute Games Tournament Features: 1 Game Per Day Format Plus Finals University Coaches from The United States & Canada College Seminar Presentation and Combine InsideSOCCER 67

globe come to the annual tournament in what has become widely known as one of the most competitive competitions in the world. A short history of the Robbie reveals that many former participants went on to professional careers and to be capped by their national teams.

– FIFA Under 9. 2007 20 World Cup in Canada

It is FIFA’s second biggest tournament next to the World Cup and a showcase for fans to see the best of the world’s up-andcoming stars. Canada hosted the 2007 Under 20 World Cup; not only was it an organizational success, it was attended by 1.2 million people spread out over six locations across Canada. Canada’s representatives once again failed to score a single goal in a major tournament, a pattern that has repeated itself all too often in the country’s soccer history. A last place finish in their group and the host nation were out. The quality of soccer on display was outstanding, and Argentina was the bestin-class of the tournament, beating the Czech republic 2-1 in the Final. The star of the tournament was Sergio Aguero, the son-in-law of Diego Maradona and

a fan favourite at his current club team, Manchester City.

– Open Canada Cup Won 8. 2006 by Amateurs

The great thing about Cup competitions is that they can be utterly unpredictable. The Open Canada Cup was a Canadian soccer competition, similar in concept to tournaments such as the English FA Cup. It doesn’t exist anymore, with the advent of the Amway Canadian Championship (currently held by TFC). But in 2006, a regional amateur club from Ottawa, the St. Anthony Italia soccer club, won the Open Canada Cup and became national champions when they beat the Toronto Lynx, a professional team from the USL. It was as improbable as it was fantastic and will probably never be equaled again.

– First 7. 2006 Toronto FC Goal

It had to happen eventually, if only by the sheer force of will that emanated from the stands at BMO Field as the loyal and very vocal TFC supporters cheered their club on. And on May 12, 2006 against the Chicago Fire it came. Danny Dichio, a fan favorite from the moment

he stepped on the pitch for his very first game, sent the crowd wild with the first goal in franchise history. Goals were in short supply that season, but anyone who was at the match won’t soon forget the celebrations both on the pitch and in the stands.

– The Canadian 6. 2006 Soccer League (CSL) is Formed The CSL was formed in 2006, taking over from the Canadian Professional Soccer League. The league’s roots date to 1926, when the National Soccer League was born. The first division of the CSL has eight teams in the Greater Toronto Area, as well as teams in London, Brantford, St. Catharines, Ottawa, Montreal and Windsor. Toronto FC, and the Montreal Impact have teams from their respective player academies in the CSL. At its peak, the old NSL attracted substantial crowds and fielded teams with experienced professionals from Europe and South America. In its current version, the CSL is sanctioned by the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) and also runs a reserve division, regarded as the top reserve league in Canada. Toronto Croatia - 2011 CSL Champions

68 February/March 2013

8 February/March 2012

Holger Osieck and his Gold Cup moment

– Canada Wins the Gold Cup 5. 2000 Tournament

It still remains Canada’s greatest international achievement. The men’s national team, under head coach Holger Osieck, managed to ride the wave of a little luck, a hot goalkeeper in Craig Forrest and a career performance by Carlo Corrazin to beat Colombia 2-0 in the Final and hoist the trophy emblematic of the CONCACAF Championship. Canada tied its two group games: 2-2 against Costa Rica and 0-0 against South Korea (invited to the tournament as a guest team). The other group game finished 2-2, so all three teams were level on two points each. The tie breaking formula saw the Costa Ricans top the group on goals scored, but there was a coin toss to determine who would advance in second place, as Canada was tied with South Korea on every other criterion. Luck was with the Canadians as they won the coin toss. In the quarterfinal against a powerful Mexican team, Richard Hastings scored a golden goal winner in extra time, and

Canada won 2-1. The semifinal produced a brilliant display of goalkeeping by Craig Forrest as, Canada beat Trinidad and Tobago 1-0. The Final saw Canada run out fairly easy winners against Colombia. Forrest was named tournament MVP and Carlo Corrazin the tournament’s top scorer. Hard work and team unity, some individual heroics and strong self belief were the keys to victory.

4. 1995 - SkyDome Cup

Indoor soccer, but on a fullsized field, was featured in Toronto when the SkyDome was the venue for a three-nation tournament. Canada faced Denmark and Portugal before the European nations concluded the competition on January 29th. Canada used the opportunity and fielded a full strength squad while Denmark brought a team composed of home-based players. That meant the Laudrup brothers, Brian and Michael, goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and other European-based Danes were not in the traveling party. Portugal chose an experimental

CONGRATULATIONS INSIDESOCCER MAGAZINE! YOU’RE A STAR!

When we consider the growth and success of Canadian soccer over the years – for a long time now the most-played team sport in the country – we think of the teams, the players, coaches, administrators, match officials, the fans, the leagues and soccer’s governance.

and none stands out more than InsideSoccer Magazine which has been publishing with regularity for more than 20 years and has now reached a milestone with this spectacular 100th issue. We salute its founder – Alfons Rubbens – a Dutch immigrant with a passion for the game and a vision that one day football in Canada will be something we can all be proud of.

The Canadian Soccer League is a proud, regular reader of InsideSoccer, we congratulate the publication for beThere are, of course, others who have made an important ing the star that it is and we salute its contribution to the game in Canada, including the news media Publisher Emeritus.

70 February/March 2013

squad that included Porto prospects Folha and Jorge Costa and Sporting’s Sa Pinto, Nelson and Felipe. For the record, Canada lost 1-0 to Denmark but tied Portugal 1-1, with Alex Bunbury scoring the goal for Canada.

1994 – World Cup USA

Although Canada didn’t qualify for the World Cup in the U.S.A. in 1994, there were several legacies from that tournament that helped develop Canadian soccer players. First and foremost was the birth of MLS (Major League Soccer). As a condition of being granted the World Cup, FIFA insisted that the organizers had to also create a domestic professional league. World Cup director Alan Rothenberg used his extensive business and sports acumen to gather together many influential businessmen who decided that the league would make business sense only if it controlled everything, including players contracts, marketing and television. It began in 1996 and has become a success. There are now three Canadian teams in the league, Toronto,

Montreal and Vancouver. These clubs have established youth academies and are strong on future player development, which can only bode well for the future Canadian national team talent pool.

1994 – Canada Ties Brazil 1 – 1

In 1994 the U.S.A. was embarking on a new chapter in its soccer history by hosting the World Cup. The legacy of that tournament was the astounding progress that even propelled the U.S.A. into the top 10 in FIFA’s world rankings at one point. Canada didn’t qualify for that tournament, but on June 5 at Commonwealth stadium in Edmonton, they showed Goalkeeper Craig Forrest

enormous quality when they held Brazil to a 1-1 draw. That same Brazilian team went on to win the World Cup that year. Eddy Berdusco got the goal that tied the game, and with a little luck Canada might even have pulled off a win. It is still regarded as one of the most important achievements in national team history.

- Craig Forrest Plays on Opening 1. 1992 Day of the English Premier League

Just 13 non-British players started for their teams when the Premier League kicked off in August 1992. Nowadays, the Premiership is extremely cosmopolitan, with most teams fielding players from all over the world. In 1992, two Canadians — Craig Forrest and Frank Yallop — suited up for Ipswich Town. Since then, only another seven Canadians have plied their trade in the EPL. Forrest also holds an unenviable Premiership record: most goals conceded (nine) in one game. Against Manchester United. At Old Trafford. Ooops.

InsideSOCCER 71

BLAINE, MINNESOTA International youth soccer tournament apply at usacup.org • facebook.com/usacup Contact Bert Lobo, USA CUP Ambassador to Canada • 416.846.4866 tournament@rogers.com

How Can We Make

SOCCER EVEN BETTER? We threw the question out to soccer fans, asking them what they would do to improve the game, and what a response we received! Printed below are the first of many of those answers – in this case, from a couple of big names in the soccer community, Dennis Fitter and Bob Lenarduzzi. We will continue this discussion in future issues, until everyone is heard. Tell us what you think…do you agree? What would you do to improve the beautiful game here in Canada? We want to hear from you. Write to us. alfons@insidesoccer.ca or susan@insidesoccer.ca Congratulations to ISM and everyone associated with this magazine on this the 100th issue. InsideSOCCER Magazine has improved in quality and grown in stature with every issue. That’s quite a feat, considering soccer in this country has not fared as well. It has not. There is one measure and one measure only when it comes to measuring the success of Canadian soccer. Sorry ladies, but it is not the Women’s National Team. Sorry all you thousands of volunteers who have grown recreational soccer to tremendous levels of participation. Kudos to the municipalities and soccer associations that have provided our youth with some of the finest training and match play facilities in the world, but it is not you. The only yardstick that counts is the achievement of the Men’s National Team. That’s how it is around the world. So if this article is asking how to make soccer even better, then we have to make the Men’s

National Team better. Now, isn’t that an empty statement. Truth is, it isn’t as empty as a tweet I saw from a CSA MNT rep prior to the Denmark friendly in January. It said, “Today marks the beginning of a new era.” I winced, and that was before our team was totally dreadful in a 0 – 4 loss. What’s new about that? What’s new about another low priced interim coach? What’s new about running another low priced training camp? What’s new about statements like that stupid tweet? This is the same-old, same-old we’ve seen since before ISM published issue number one. So that led me to think and consider that the question to pose is more like, “What would make soccer better?” It is there for those who are expert in finding it. Of that, I am certain. More money.

Dennis Fitter

The CSA has acknowledged the need for a more collaborative approach with the elite soccer stakeholders in the country, and now there needs to be a commitment to establish a plan with respect to elite player development. This, coupled with the fact that the CSA must act in the best interest of the game by transitioning to a skill-based and policy-driven board, will be essential for the growth of our sport. This approach will require leadership, planning and patience at the Board level. Something we’ve been lacking up to now.

Bob Lenarduzzi Bob Lenarduzzi, a Vancouver sports icon for more than two decades, has been involved in soccer as a player, coach, and general manager, as well as representing Canada at World Cup and Olympic levels. Lenarduzzi has been inducted into the Soccer Hall of Fame, United Soccer League’s Hall of Fame, the North American Soccer Hall of Fame and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Now president of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the seventeenth club in Major League Soccer, Lenarduzzi is also a recipient of the Order of British Columbia. Dennis Fitter has covered and written about soccer for more than 16 years, keeping fans informed about Canada’s national teams and their competition. Currently, Dennis is a columnist here at InsideSOCCER, Canada’s premiere soccer magazine. His work has also appeared in many of North America’s best-known soccer magazines and numerous metropolitan newspapers. Dennis recently published “City of Promises”, a dramatic novel set in the 1940s in Mexico City, when it was at its freewheeling best. InsideSOCCER 73

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