FC Edmonton left out in the cold by NCC schedulemaker 23 Mar 2011 The needs of television have outweighed the needs of Canada’s fledgling professional team. The Canadian Soccer Association and Rogers Sportsnet unveiled the broadcast schedule for the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, and the news was awful for FC Edmonton’s front office.
Garber: Empire Field sets example for other MLS suitors 20 Mar 2011 MLS commissioner Don Garber thinks the temporary arrangements that the Vancouver Whitecaps have at Empire Field can be translated into other potential MLS expansion markets. A sold-out throng of 22,592 electrified the stadium as the Whitecaps beat Toronto FC 4-2.
Whitecaps overwhelm Toronto FC at euphoric Empire Field 20 Mar 2011 In 2007, it took Toronto FC 23 minutes and 13 seconds its fifth MLS game before it could register a goal. It took the Vancouver Whitecaps only 15. Designated Player Eric Hassli got the party started at a sold-out Empire Field (22,592), slamming home a half volley — endearing himself as a new folk hero on the Vancouver sports scene, as the Whitecaps stormed past an overwhelmed Toronto FC 4-2 in the all-Canadian curtain-raiser for both clubs.
Whitecaps hope continuity gives them advantage 18 Mar 2011 Jay Nolly will start his first game in MLS since 2007, when he goes between the sticks for the Vancouver Whitecaps for Saturday’s season opener against Toronto FC. Like a lot of players on expansion clubs — no matter what the league — Nolly told media Friday at Empire Field that the Whitecaps can exceed the low expectations placed upon them by the pundits. After all, in MLS, there is a history of expansion teams walking into a league with a low salary cap and high roster turnovers and winning. Chicago won it all in an expansion season. The Seattle Sounders have been to the playoffs each of their first two years in the league, and have two U.S. Open Cups. Nolly believes the Whitecaps will benefit from consistency. “We’ve brought, 10, 11, 15 guys from last year along,” said Nolly.
Teibert: Canadian U-20s inspired by U-17 success 18 Mar 2011 ussell Teibert and his teammates on the Canadian U-20 will look to the recent success of our U-17 program for inspiration. Teibert will leave the Vancouver Whitecaps Sunday, the day after they open the MLS season against Toronto FC, to head to Florida for the national U-20 camp. The Canadian team will then head to Guatemala for the CONCACAF qualifiers for the U-20 World Cup.
Whitecap Teibert joins Generation Adidas class, TFC signs four 18 Mar 2011 Russell Teibert’s signing wasn’t a surprise. But his designation as a Generation Adidas prospect does represent a historic moment for Canadian soccer fans. Both Toronto FC and the Whitecaps signed trialists on Thursday, filling out their rosters ahead of the MLS opener. But Teibert was the biggest news of the lot.
Whitecaps hope for “Whiteout” in MLS opener 18 Mar 2011 The Vancouver Whitecaps are taking a page out of the Winnipeg Jets’ book. The Whitecaps are urging their fans to turn Empire Stadium into a sea of white seats for Saturday’s MLS opener against Toronto FC, similar to the “Whiteout” campaigns the Jets ran during their playoff runs before the NHL franchise moved to Phoenix. The Coyotes have also tried the Whiteout campaign, but it’s hard to pull off with all those pesky empty seats messing up your plans.
The super-duper MLS season preview 14 Mar 2011 It’s become obligatory for every sports journalist to provide season previews for the league he or she covers. It’s automatic, and a great space killer! In that vein, The 11 presents its “waited until the last possible second before the regular season” season preview! Why the wait? Because it’s hard to figure out the East. The West? Wow, a lot of power and depth there. As for the East? Last season, New York and Columbus and six other mediocre to bad to awful clubs were in the conference. New York and Columbus left them all in the dust.
Cann issues public apology; 10-man TFC draws D.C. United 13 Mar 2011 Playing with 10 men for the game’s final 53 minutes, Toronto FC managed a 2-2 tie with D.C. United Saturday evening at Blackbaud Stadium. The stalemate, on the third and final game day of the 2011 Carolina Challenge Cup, secured United’s second consecutive tournament title.
Toronto FC trades for Chivas USA striker Gordon 11 Mar 2011 Toronto FC has made a deal to try and get some more goals in the lineup. The Reds sent midfielder Nick LaBrocca, who they acquired in 2010 from the Colorado Rapids, to Chivas USA for American striker Alan Gordon.