Boy, you get the feeling that the drawn out pursuit of Argentine forward Maximiliano Urruti was a Kevin Payne pet project, don’t you?

Toronto FC began the post-Kevin Payne era with a resonating 4-0 loss to the host Portland Timbers. Yes, Whitecaps supporters will be unhappy to see a Cascadia and conference rival pick up maximum points and also pad the vital goals-for column. But, if this game was any indication of how Toronto FC will play out the string, the Whitecaps have to be hopeful that they can maximize their draft position in 2014.

Speaking to media Thursday morning in the wake of the news that Kevin Payne had been relieved of his duties as TFC’s general manager and president, Leiweke said that MLSE will make sure it finds the right person to take over the club. But, at the same time, the organization needs to begin preparing for the next transfer window, which opens in January.

“Everything is under consideration, nothing has been decided,” said Leiweke.

Payne, fresh from D.C. United, made the daring moves to stockpile allocation money on draft day, and then supporters were frustrated when that cash wasn't splashed.

"I think it was the wrong decision by the ref. It certainly wasn't a foul," Caldwell said. "It was a good ball by Bob… and I scored. I was in the area first and held my ground, and it was very disappointing that I didn't get a goal."

But, make no mistake, while Convey got the goal — the Reds’ man of the match was clearly Joe Bendik. It was the TFC keeper who gave the chance for the Reds to get a point.

For an athlete, there isn’t an injury that’s more frustrating than a broken big toe.

“I think all the boys would probably say it, there weren’t very many that played well today,” added Nelsen. “We are not good enough where we can have an off day and get away with it. Hopefully, we’ll be in a situation where we will be one day. But when we’re not all guns blazing, it can get a bit ugly.”

It’s hard to imagine a signing of any athlete in MLS history which has more of a “whew, it’s finally done” feel than Toronto’s FC’s announcement that Argentine forward Maximiliano Urruti is finally a Red.