Midfielder Lance Laing says that he’s hopeful that he can play in FC Edmonton’s NASL fall-season opener before he needs to report back to the Jamaican national side.

The analysis of FC Edmonton’s spring-season finale — a 3-0 loss on the road to the Indy Eleven — has to begin by looking at the decision to yank keeper John Smits at halftime.

FC Edmonton left winger Lance Laing will be heading to South America.

If Lance Laing enjoys an extended period with the Reggae Boyz, FC Edmonton will have to learn to play without him on the left wing.

Victor Montagliani: "From the technical side, there are a handful of players in MLS who could be part of the team that would be at the Gold Cup. And it would hurt if those players weren’t playing. But, when you look at all the countries in CONCACAF, we might be one of the ones least affected by an MLS work stoppage. Certainly, it would not affect us like it would the United States, where the majority of their players play in MLS.”

In a state-of-the-NASL conference call held Thursday morning, Peterson said he would be talking with CSA officials later in the day to discuss the organization’s long-term vision for the game in Canada. And he said the NASL would support the CSA’s vision, even if it includes the eventual launch of a Canadian Division “1A” league.

“I think that the days of excuses are over. For us, we have the ability to qualify for a spot, and we have to play for it."

Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda left a parting gift for the soccer fans in Toronto. Joao Plata, that is. Toronto FC confirmed today that Plata will not travel with his national team to New York City, where it faces Greece June 7.

Toronto FC’s won’t lose Joao Plata for quite as long as originally feared. The club announced before Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Colorado that the Ecuadorean rookie midfielder would only be available for two of his country’s three pre-Copa America friendlies in the coming weeks. He’ll be eligible to face Canada at BMO Field June 1 and Greece in New York June 7. But he won’t be released for the May 28 friendly against Mexico in Seattle.

Toronto FC fans could be looking at an extended spell without midfield sparkplug Joao Plata. His play has been so good, he’s received the call from Ecuador national coach Reinaldo Ruedo to report to the national team ahead of three friendlies that will be played in North America.