Even before Torsten Frings stepped onto the pitch Wednesday night, it was understood that he would be an unquestionable leader for new-look Toronto FC. Now, with one game under his belt, the German midfielder feels that he can play the role of a leader in the dressing room as well as on the pitch to help guide his young teammates.

The rebuilding process isn't over yet. The new-look Toronto FC didn't find instant success as Brek Shea's rocket of a goal in the 48th minute proved the difference in a 1-0 result for FC Dallas on Wednesday at BMO Field.

Wednesday marks a new beginning for Toronto FC as the club debuts four new players in a revamped lineup. The club is returning from a 11-day break and will host FC Dallas at BMO Field. The feeling around the team is similar to the renewed optimism that exists during the preseason — everyone is positive and looking for a fresh start while its collective eyes are set squarely on making the playoffs.

With the MLS All-Star Game once again going head-to-head against the qualifying round of the CONCACAF Champions League (Toronto FC will face Real Esteli at the same time the All-Stars will take on Manchester United), two of the players selected in the First XI — Kasey Keller and Brek Shea — will be question marks for the game.

It’s OK if, until late Wednesday night, you had forgotten that Jeff Cunningham still played in MLS. After spending most of the first half of the season riding the pine, arguably the greatest villain in the history of the league is now tied with Jaime Moreno atop the MLS all-time scoring list. His 133rd career goal, his first for the Crew since he returned to the club in the off-season, gave Columbus a 1-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Empire Field.

Heck, Philadelphia had two multiple-goal scorers in the same game in its 6-2 romp over Toronto FC. And, Justin Mapp got the nod after the votes from the North American Soccer Reporters were tallied. Union teammate Danny Mwanga also had two goals, and helped set up Mapp’s opening goal of the game.

As Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps prepared for Wednesday night’s first leg of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship final, they learned who the winner will play in the CONCACAF Champions League qualifier. The draw was held Wednesday for the 2011-12 CCL, and the Canadian championship winner will play a Nicaraguan side, either Real Esteli or Walter Ferreti, for the right to advance to the group stage.

With time ticking down in the first half, a long free kick was lobbed into a giant scrum of players in the penalty area. Several went to ground. But, referee Yader Reyes signalled for a penalty kick, singling out TFC defender Adrian Cann for having a hold of George John. Daniel Hernandez, who took the initial free kick, buried the penalty.

Canada’s Will Johnson scored the winner on a goalmouth scramble to give Real Salt Lake a 1-0 win over Chivas USA on Saturday, but the talking point of the game — indeed, the weekend of MLS action at large — will be yet another serious injury to a star player. This time, it was Javier Morales, RSL’s midfield sparkplug, who will miss months because of a fracture and dislocation of the left ankle after he was brought down from behind on a red-card worthy challenge from Chivas’ Marcos Mondaini.

Major League Soccer has issued the longest suspension in league history. Colorado Rapid Brian Mullan is the new owner of this dubious mark, after MLS lengthened his red-card suspension to a total of 10 games after last weekend’s studs-up challenge that broke the leg of Seattle’s former No. 1 overall draft pick, Steve Zakuani, in two places.