Amid the mayhem that is Dwayne De Rosario's arrival, many have forgotten that one of the most hotly discussed topics up until now was Mo Johnston's search for "the DP" (short for Designated Player). In fairness to Dwayne, he easily has the talent to be a DP, and in fact it can be argued his on-field play has been better than some of the league's few present and past DPs (notably Claudio Reyna of NY and Marcelo Gallardo of D.

It has been some 500 days since my last entry. It's probably been at least six months since I was last at this page, when I used to gaze through my old entries from time-to-time. Every aspect, from the senior roster, the coaching staff and management, the club setup and even the league rules have all changed considerably.

Here's the 17-man squad. Notable absences (injured players omitted) - Kevin McKenna, Tam Nsaliwa, Dwayne De Rosario, David Edgar, Jaime Peters. Surprised to see Tomasz Radzinski in the mix. My squad is pretty close.
Note: match kickoff is 6:05pm Icelandic time, or 2:05pm eastern next Wednesday. Sportsnet is rumoured to NOT be picking up this game, given there is also a Blue Jays game vs.

No comments this week really. Thought Joey Melo looked good into the midfield. Composed, didn't take many risks, no real errors. Kenny Stamatopoulos (finally beginning to remember the correct spelling of his name) looks solid between the posts. If he continues this way the club should purchase him from Tromso without a single doubt. That's something for next season - two more than capable goalkeepers at the MLS by the start of the season.

Newly appointed men's national team head coach Dale Mitchell, former U-20 men's coach, has called for a media conference call tomorrow @ 1:45pm et. It is expected that he will name the squad to face Iceland in a friendly a week from Wednesday.
Given the match is in Iceland expect a more European based squad. My guess is as good as yours regarding the possible appearance of one Tomasz Radzinski.

Tickets for the Canada-Costa Rica match a month from now (Wed, Sept 12th - 730pm @ Beemo) go on sale tomorrow to the general public. I bought my pair through the members pre-sale that ended today. Purchases can be made through Ticketmaster. Tickets go as low as $14 (slightly over $20 with Ticketmaster charges).
Comments regarding tonight's match will come later.

Rumours have emerged that Brazil may be interested in playing Canada, in Canada, on September 8th. The South-American powerhouse is in the States to play Mexico four days later. Canada plays rivals Costa Rica the same day.
Cheers,
Jesse

Great match, disappointing result. Pretty much sums it up. Thought all the players played well, especially Marco Reda and Adam Braz who re-appeared and manhandled Landon Donovan the entire night. Tyrone Marshall also had an amazing match at the back. Collin Samuel looked better in the midfield, with Edu suspended for the New York match I could see Samuel in an attacking mid position.

Despite two broken ribs, there are rumours from local media that defender and captain Jim Brennan may play against the Galaxy on Sunday. That's dedication for ya!
Cheers,
Jesse

Well, I was wrong about Mr. Begovic. It seems there are two Canadian goalkeepers being rumoured at this point. Greek-Canadian Kenny Stamatopoulos, a 29-year-old veteran playing in Norway, or 22-year-old up-and-comer Josh Wagenaar, currently playing in the Dutch Eredivisie. The latter of the two was supposed to play in Gold Cup before pulling out early with an injury.

Toronto Football Club vs. Chicago Fire
I've been disappointed before, and will in the future again no doubt. I think that speaks for all of us, so instead of complaining I'm just going to post my player ratings and hope for the best on Sunday.
Player Ratings
Brennan 5
Monsalve 4
Lombardo 4
Pozniak 3
Marshall 3
Dunivant 3
Melo 3
Edu 3
Robinson 3
Samuel 3
Boyens 2
Dichio 2
Welsh 2
Cheers,
Jesse

The Reds will add another goalkeeper, a likely starter to replace Greg Sutton. Our man plays in Europe. My bet - Asmir Begovic on loan from Portsmouth.
More to come about this tomorrow, as well as the "match" from today. Also injury updates, I heard a rumour that Cunningham's injury is more severe than originally thought and O'Brien will now require surgery.

Interesting article from the Star today, featuring Mo Johnston and goalkeeper Greg Sutton, which discusses the growing need for the CSA to hire a doctor for men's team. I had always assumed there was a doctor in place, so it comes as a major shock to me. The details are all inside the article, so I need not explain them.
I can't agree more.

Fire striker Chris Rolfe, who scored their lone goal against the Reds back on May 12th, has been ruled out for tomorrow's match. He has been cleared medically, but the the club plans on resting him one more match before he returns from injury. TFC dodges a bullet here.
Cheers,
Jesse

Toronto Football Club vs. Chicago Fire
Sunday, July 29th, 2007
Kickoff: 3pm eastern, 2pm central
MLS Match #110
TV: CBC
Internet: CBC.ca
Radio: none
Head-to-Head
Toronto
Record: 5-4-8, 19pts; 18gf, 26ga; -8 gd;
Recent Form: LDWDDL, 6pts;
Position: 2nd from bottom in east; 9th overall;
Chicago
Record: 4-4-8, 16pts; 13gf, 26ga; -13gd;
Recent Form: LLTLTL, 2pts;
Position: Last in east; 11th overall;
Hospital Ward
Toronto
Out - GK Greg Sutton (concussion), FW Jeff Cunningham (abdominal), DF Marvell Wynne (hamstring), MF Ronnie O'Brien (knee); Probable - MF Tyler Hemming (knee), FW Danny Dichio (back);
Chicago
Out - DF Jim Curtin (R shoulder labral tear), DF Mike Banner (R groin strain), DF Jordan Russolillo (back pain); Doubtful - MF Bakary Soumare (R ankle sprain), DF Osei Telesford (L groin strain), MF Justin Mapp (L groin strain); Probable - FW Chris Rolfe (L ankle sprain);
Weather
Sunday afternoon
Temperature: 27°C
P.