On Thursday, the Impact announced it had finalized a trade with the Houston Dynamo, sending veteran striker Brian Ching back to Texas. The Impact gets the conditional pick in return.

John Herdman and the Canadian national women’s team are expecting to see a lot of teams packing the back at the upcoming Olympic qualifiers in Vancouver.

It’s a nice problem to have — but Toronto FC’s success in the CONCACAF Champions League is already throwing a wrench into the planning of next season’s Nutrilite Canadian Championship. Why? This past year, the NCC began in the last week of April. But, the CCL final’s second leg is set for April 24-26, which would put it in direct conflict with a similar NCC start date in 2012.

On a night when TFC shone brighter than ever before, it was a five-foot-two Ecuadorean who was the power source. Joao Plata set up Danny Koevermans first-half opener, then buried FCD with two wonderful second-half strikes.

Those who watched the World Cup qualifier from Toronto's BMO Field cannot be faulted for perhaps falling asleep at some point or changing channels during the uneventful and disappointing 0-0 draw.

“I know it’s disappointing to media and fans that we are not scoring more goals,” said the forward, who plays in England with Preston North End. “But we’re there.”

After slipping up in their first two CONCACAF Champions League matches, Pumas UNAM flexed their muscles in Mexico City, battering Toronto FC 4-0. It could have been eight.

Hart said there are a “couple of areas” where Canada needs to improve, and he will make roster changes ahead of the next couple of qualifiers. But he won’t say exactly what the problem spots are.

If anyone can relate to the tough task that lies ahead for Canadian head coach Stephen Hart in qualifying for the World Cup, it’s Frank Yallop.

In a nearly empty stadium in Panama, TFC and Tauro FC put on what was a 90-minute comedy of errors. Toronto FC got a 2-1 victory, but the real stunner was that this game didn’t end with a much higher scoreline.