Seven games to go. Jeff Maehl Womens Jersey . Seven games to fight for their playoff lives. Nothing has come easy for Toronto FC, nor should it have been expected from the beginning. The only thing big money, flashy moves guarantees are a more expensive payroll. And theres nothing worse or more damning than expensive mistakes. Its time for Toronto FC to produce. Crunchtime has arrived. There is no doubt about it. And what better way to kick-off a crucial run of matches than by welcoming a wounded, lifeless opponent to BMO Field. Toronto FC (9-11-7), winless in their last six, begin a season-defining run of games against one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer, Chivas USA (6-16-6), in a bizarre Sunday 3pm kick-off. Sitting three points back of a playoff spot, seventh place in the Eastern Conference is hardly ideal. A game in hand on the competition and a soft opponent ahead makes the forecast much brighter than the dark clouds many are casting. A first managerial victory for head coach Greg Vanney is a virtual must. Anything short of three points this weekend would suggest turbulent times ahead. Simply playing out the stretch was never in the script nor should it be. Make no bone about it, Sunday is make or break for Toronto FC. Here are five thoughts ahead of this weekends match-up. 1) Central Issues a€“ A common denominator determining team success on the season has been superior midfield play that has created positive team results. When the middle of the park has played well, the team has picked up results. When it has struggled, the team has come apart at the seams. Superior cohesion and tactical direction is essential and Vanney has to get it right Sunday. Collen Warner has been ruled out (hamstring) which means a different look. Playing Michael Bradley alongside a player who can compliment his skill-set is paramount. With Bradley showing preference to drop back and facilitate from a deeper position (which is a necessity), Warner hasnt been the best match, preferring to play a similar role. A midfield diamond seems best for this group, with Bradley taking up a holding position. Jonathan Osorio (hamstring) returning from injury is an ideal partner, playing in an advanced role. The Canadian International has struggled with consistency playing outside left. Hes an inside player. All of his traits dictate as such. Paired with a stable Bradley, TFC would have two players in the middle comfortable on the ball with requisite athleticism. Balance would be achieved. The wing players then can play narrower, opening up space down the wings for the outside-backs to get forward, as Vanney prefers. This is the best shape for the team. Will Vanney and his newly named coaching staff make this prudent tactical change? 2) Welcome Back! a€“ Osorio isnt the only player set to return. Captain Steven Caldwell (quad) is in contention after battling a long-standing injury. The defensive line struggled without the centre-halfs communication, experience and overall superior standard of play. Established defensive help wasnt addressed before the MLS roster freeze, making Caldwells inclusion that much more important. A healthy Caldwell drastically improves the backline, and perhaps opens up the possibility for Doneil Henry to take up a wing-back position. It may not be ideal, but Henry played right-back for Canada earlier in the month and played well. For what he lacked going forward, Henry added a more solid defensive presence on the right side of the pitch. If youre going to play Oduro or another attack-minded player on the right wing, you better be sure you are secure defensively. TFC has been exposed on the wing far too easily. Henry would stabilize the position. While Caldwell represents stability, Jermain Defoe signifies the return of cutting edge that has been sorely lacking. Many believed it wouldnt happen, but Defoe will return to Toronto on Monday. According to Defoe, his rehab has gone well, but that doesnt mean hes close to match fitness. Two weeks from now in Los Angeles has been set as Defoes likely return date. If so, Toronto FC will have five games of Defoe to help save the season. The striker leads the team with 11 goals in 16 games, having only played twice in the last 60 days. General manager Tim Bezbatchenko elected not to sell Defoe at the transfer deadline in hopes he could be influential down the stretch. Were about to find out whether it was worth the risk. 3) I feel for Toronto FC a€“ It rarely happens in any sport: a league official admitting a referee got it wrong. MLS commissioner Don Garber did just that in a respectable move Thursday. Toronto FC was robbed of the full three points in Chicago on the weekend as match official David Gantar called back Gilbertos potential winner in time added on. The match ended 1-1 and crucial points were stolen. Gantar spoiled the occasion. An improper call as such is intolerable at this level. Instead of backing the official, as per usual, Garber acknowledged the wrongdoing, saying That referee did not get it right in that game, and we shouldnt be ashamed of saying that. Refreshing stuff from Garber. Michael Bradley had a go at MLS officiating in an honest and emotional post-match rant. Its surprising the league hasnt taken any action (yet) against Bradley. If the league wants to continue doing the right thing, they will let Bradley off with a private warning. Extending the olive branch, developing goodwill with the club and one of the leagues top players can go a long way to coming to common understanding, taking progressive steps to rectifying the wrongs. I respect Bradley for coming to the defence of his team. He understood the possible repercussions and was willing to risk potential punishment, speaking on behalf of the group. Thats how you reinforce leadership and command respect within the room. 4) Ref-Factor a€“ The disallowed goal in Chicago Saturday isnt the only controversial decision made against Toronto FC this season, leading to points dropped. May 2 a€“ Tied 1-1 in the 82nd minute, referee makes New England retake a corner kick Toronto FC had already cleared away. It was a decision that then-head coach Ryan Nelsen claimed, Ive never seen it before. The decision was baffling. Toronto conceded a penalty on the retaken corner, which was then converted, giving the Revs a 2-1 lead and the three points. Harsh. July 2 - Luke Moore gets sent off in the 29th minute as Chicagos Chris Ritter jumped into the elbow of the TFC striker. There was no malice or intent in the aerial challenge. The referee merely reacted to the injury. Ten-man Toronto was superior to a very poor Fire team and played to a 1-1 draw. MLS later rescinded the red card. It was never a foul, nevermind a sending off. July 26 - In the 23rd minute, Aurelien Collin takes down Gilberto, who was in clear on a breakaway. No red card was shown to the Sporting Kansas City defender. Similar situation in the second half as Dominic Oduro was pulled down by last-man back Juliao. No sending off this occasion either. Toronto FC lost 2-1. A referees interpretation went against TFC. These, along with Gilbertos disallowed goal, are all game-changing decisions missed, or match-defining calls that went against Toronto FC. These dropped points as a result of referee error are the difference between sitting in a playoff spot and being on the outside looking in. 5) Poor Chivas - Toronto FC couldnt ask to play a better team Sunday. Chivas USA is in shambles and ripe for the picking. Never mind the fact the team may not even play in 2015 with the franchises future up in the air, the Goats are last place in the Western Conference and are a league worst in goals, assists and virtually every attacking category. Chivas has only scored 23 goals on the season, 14 by Erick Torres who is suspended for the trip to Toronto. If Toronto FC cannot pick up three points against Chivas, it begs the question who can they beat? With a game in hand and the Eastern Conference incredibly tight, chalk Sunday up to a must-win home game for the Reds. The season depends on it. Gareth Wheeler can be reached at: @WheelerTSN gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca Jeff Maehl Eagles Jersey . -- Anthony Gose ran all over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, and in doing so helped the Toronto Blue Jays steal a 3-2 victory to extend their spring training winning streak to 10 games. DeMarco Murray Youth Jersey . Dortmund started strongly only to go behind in the 13th minute when Karim Haggui scored with a header from the visitors only corner. But Sokratis equalized six minutes later in similar fashion, three minutes before Marco Reus made it 2-1 with a fine solo effort.LONDON -- Josh Kennedy, Dario Vidosic and Matt Leckie scored to give World Cup-bound Australia an easy 3-0 win over Canada in an international soccer friendly Tuesday. The Canadian defence was ripped apart on all three goals at Craven Cottage, the west London home to English Premier League side Fulham. The loss stretched Canadas winless streak to 12 games (0-9-3) during which time it has been outscored 24-2. The Canadian men havent scored in their last eight outings, a drought that now stands at 12 hours 32 minutes. The young Canadians showed signs of life in the first half, despite yielding a first-minute goal against experienced, motivated opposition. But the second half was all Australia. The Socceroos, meanwhile, snapped a four-game losing streak in their first match since Holger Osieck, a former Canadian national team manager, was fired as coach. "Its obviously tough when you give up an early goal like that," Canada captain Dwayne De Rosario said. But we knew that Australia was in a position that they had a lot to prove obviously with the recent sacking of their manager." After successive 6-0 losses to Brazil and France, a date with a green Canadian side was a welcome tonic for the Australians. Australia is ranked 53rd in the world, compared to No. 106 for Canada. Australia stroked the ball around in the first half, controlling close to 60 per cent possession with veteran midfielder Mark Bresciano pulling the strings for the Socceroos. Still Canada had several good chances on the counter-attack later in the half. The Canadians fell behind within the first 30 seconds when Kennedy headed in a chipped cross from Bresciano that left goalkeeper Milan Borjan rooted to the spot. The 33-year-old Australian midfielder, a veteran of Italys Serie A who now plays for Qatar Stars League side Al-Gharafa, got a break when the ball bounced off a Canadian straight to him. But Canadas central defence was flat-footed on the play. The six-foot-four Kennedy plays for Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan. Canada came close to equalizing in the sixth minute but Mitch Langerak made a fine reflex save to deny Simeon Jackson after David Edgar headed on a Marcel de Jong free kick across the goal. De Rosario also had a chance in the 15th minute after Edgar charged down the right flank, but his cross was slightly behind the D.C. United star and the shot did not find its target. Bresciano undressed the Canadian defence again in the 23rd minute but his one-two with Kennedy was ruled offside. Langerak had to be sharp in the 30th to palm a Tosaint Ricketts header over the bar. "I think we got the balls in some areas and (Langerak) made some good saves," De Rosario said. "It was a little unlucky but the main thing was we were starting to push and take some initiative and find some pokes at goal. Thats the positive we can take from that. A game like this is a good oppportunity for us as a national team to see where we are moving forward. Eric Rowe Youth Jersey. " De Rosario earned his 75th cap in captaining Canada, which started with a backline of Nik Ledgerwood, Doneil Henry, Adam Straith, and de Jong in front of Borjan. The centre back pairing featured 23-year-old Straith, who plays in Germany for Wehen Wiesbaden, and 20-year-old Henry, who plays for Toronto FC. The midfield featured Ricketts, Julian de Guzman, Edgar, and Jackson supporting forwards Iain Hume and De Rosario. Canadian coach Benito Floro was without influential midfielder Atiba Hutchinson, who returned to his Turkish club Besiktas late Saturday after arriving in camp with a minor injury. Floro moved up Edgar, a defender normally, into midfield. There were more midfield woes when de Guzman had to exit in the 25th minute with an injury. He was replaced by Kyle Bekker. Both coaches made changes in the second half with Floro bringing on youth in the form of Jonathan Osorio, Stefan Cebara, Russell Teibert, Ashtone Morgan and Samuel Piette. Canada mustered little offence, however, and Australia dominated as the game wore on. "In the second half the young players did not play well because the opponent was physically very powerful," Floro said. "They made a big press and we didnt have any chances at goal. Its necessary with the young players because we need to give them international experience. This is the problem for us." The only way to improve our level is to play a lot of matches and by training, not only with these players but also the younger ones to teach how we want them to play. Edgar took over as Canadian captain when De Rosario went off. Australia doubled its lead in the 52nd minute off a corner. Henrys clearing header went only as far as Rhys Williams, whose shot bounced off the turf before Vidosic redirected it in with his head just in front of Borjan. Substitute Leckie made it 3-0 in the 78th minute when he outjumped both Canadian central defenders to head home a Carney cross. It was Floros third game in charge. Canada played to a 0-0 draw and 1-0 loss to No. 150 Mauritania last month. Osieck was fired in the wake of Australias lopsided losses to Brazil and France. Interim coach Aurelio Vidmar was put in charge. "Great way 2bounce back from the team with a win over Canada," Australia forward Tim Cahill said on Twitter. "Youngsters were brilliant. Credit to Vidmar getting us back on track." Australia was captained by veteran defender Lucas Neill, who won his 95th cap. Canada last won in October 2012 when it defeated Cuba 3-0 in Toronto in October 2012. Canada has not scored since a Marcus Haber goal in a 2-1 loss to Japan in Doha on March 22. Australia wasnt much better coming into Tuesdays game, having lost four straightSeven games to go. Jeff Maehl Womens Jersey . Seven games to fight for their playoff lives. Nothing has come easy for Toronto FC, nor should it have been expected from the beginning. The only thing big money, flashy moves guarantees are a more expensive payroll. And theres nothing worse or more damning than expensive mistakes. Its time for Toronto FC to produce. Crunchtime has arrived. There is no doubt about it. And what better way to kick-off a crucial run of matches than by welcoming a wounded, lifeless opponent to BMO Field. Toronto FC (9-11-7), winless in their last six, begin a season-defining run of games against one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer, Chivas USA (6-16-6), in a bizarre Sunday 3pm kick-off. Sitting three points back of a playoff spot, seventh place in the Eastern Conference is hardly ideal. A game in hand on the competition and a soft opponent ahead makes the forecast much brighter than the dark clouds many are casting. A first managerial victory for head coach Greg Vanney is a virtual must. Anything short of three points this weekend would suggest turbulent times ahead. Simply playing out the stretch was never in the script nor should it be. Make no bone about it, Sunday is make or break for Toronto FC. Here are five thoughts ahead of this weekends match-up. 1) Central Issues a€“ A common denominator determining team success on the season has been superior midfield play that has created positive team results. When the middle of the park has played well, the team has picked up results. When it has struggled, the team has come apart at the seams. Superior cohesion and tactical direction is essential and Vanney has to get it right Sunday. Collen Warner has been ruled out (hamstring) which means a different look. Playing Michael Bradley alongside a player who can compliment his skill-set is paramount. With Bradley showing preference to drop back and facilitate from a deeper position (which is a necessity), Warner hasnt been the best match, preferring to play a similar role. A midfield diamond seems best for this group, with Bradley taking up a holding position. Jonathan Osorio (hamstring) returning from injury is an ideal partner, playing in an advanced role. The Canadian International has struggled with consistency playing outside left. Hes an inside player. All of his traits dictate as such. Paired with a stable Bradley, TFC would have two players in the middle comfortable on the ball with requisite athleticism. Balance would be achieved. The wing players then can play narrower, opening up space down the wings for the outside-backs to get forward, as Vanney prefers. This is the best shape for the team. Will Vanney and his newly named coaching staff make this prudent tactical change? 2) Welcome Back! a€“ Osorio isnt the only player set to return. Captain Steven Caldwell (quad) is in contention after battling a long-standing injury. The defensive line struggled without the centre-halfs communication, experience and overall superior standard of play. Established defensive help wasnt addressed before the MLS roster freeze, making Caldwells inclusion that much more important. A healthy Caldwell drastically improves the backline, and perhaps opens up the possibility for Doneil Henry to take up a wing-back position. It may not be ideal, but Henry played right-back for Canada earlier in the month and played well. For what he lacked going forward, Henry added a more solid defensive presence on the right side of the pitch. If youre going to play Oduro or another attack-minded player on the right wing, you better be sure you are secure defensively. TFC has been exposed on the wing far too easily. Henry would stabilize the position. While Caldwell represents stability, Jermain Defoe signifies the return of cutting edge that has been sorely lacking. Many believed it wouldnt happen, but Defoe will return to Toronto on Monday. According to Defoe, his rehab has gone well, but that doesnt mean hes close to match fitness. Two weeks from now in Los Angeles has been set as Defoes likely return date. If so, Toronto FC will have five games of Defoe to help save the season. The striker leads the team with 11 goals in 16 games, having only played twice in the last 60 days. General manager Tim Bezbatchenko elected not to sell Defoe at the transfer deadline in hopes he could be influential down the stretch. Were about to find out whether it was worth the risk. 3) I feel for Toronto FC a€“ It rarely happens in any sport: a league official admitting a referee got it wrong. MLS commissioner Don Garber did just that in a respectable move Thursday. Toronto FC was robbed of the full three points in Chicago on the weekend as match official David Gantar called back Gilbertos potential winner in time added on. The match ended 1-1 and crucial points were stolen. Gantar spoiled the occasion. An improper call as such is intolerable at this level. Instead of backing the official, as per usual, Garber acknowledged the wrongdoing, saying That referee did not get it right in that game, and we shouldnt be ashamed of saying that. Refreshing stuff from Garber. Michael Bradley had a go at MLS officiating in an honest and emotional post-match rant. Its surprising the league hasnt taken any action (yet) against Bradley. If the league wants to continue doing the right thing, they will let Bradley off with a private warning. Extending the olive branch, developing goodwill with the club and one of the leagues top players can go a long way to coming to common understanding, taking progressive steps to rectifying the wrongs. I respect Bradley for coming to the defence of his team. He understood the possible repercussions and was willing to risk potential punishment, speaking on behalf of the group. Thats how you reinforce leadership and command respect within the room. 4) Ref-Factor a€“ The disallowed goal in Chicago Saturday isnt the only controversial decision made against Toronto FC this season, leading to points dropped. May 2 a€“ Tied 1-1 in the 82nd minute, referee makes New England retake a corner kick Toronto FC had already cleared away. It was a decision that then-head coach Ryan Nelsen claimed, Ive never seen it before. The decision was baffling. Toronto conceded a penalty on the retaken corner, which was then converted, giving the Revs a 2-1 lead and the three points. Harsh. July 2 - Luke Moore gets sent off in the 29th minute as Chicagos Chris Ritter jumped into the elbow of the TFC striker. There was no malice or intent in the aerial challenge. The referee merely reacted to the injury. Ten-man Toronto was superior to a very poor Fire team and played to a 1-1 draw. MLS later rescinded the red card. It was never a foul, nevermind a sending off. July 26 - In the 23rd minute, Aurelien Collin takes down Gilberto, who was in clear on a breakaway. No red card was shown to the Sporting Kansas City defender. Similar situation in the second half as Dominic Oduro was pulled down by last-man back Juliao. No sending off this occasion either. Toronto FC lost 2-1. A referees interpretation went against TFC. These, along with Gilbertos disallowed goal, are all game-changing decisions missed, or match-defining calls that went against Toronto FC. These dropped points as a result of referee error are the difference between sitting in a playoff spot and being on the outside looking in. 5) Poor Chivas - Toronto FC couldnt ask to play a better team Sunday. Chivas USA is in shambles and ripe for the picking. Never mind the fact the team may not even play in 2015 with the franchises future up in the air, the Goats are last place in the Western Conference and are a league worst in goals, assists and virtually every attacking category. Chivas has only scored 23 goals on the season, 14 by Erick Torres who is suspended for the trip to Toronto. If Toronto FC cannot pick up three points against Chivas, it begs the question who can they beat? With a game in hand and the Eastern Conference incredibly tight, chalk Sunday up to a must-win home game for the Reds. The season depends on it. Gareth Wheeler can be reached at: @WheelerTSN gareth.wheeler@bellmedia.ca Jeff Maehl Eagles Jersey . -- Anthony Gose ran all over the Boston Red Sox on Thursday, and in doing so helped the Toronto Blue Jays steal a 3-2 victory to extend their spring training winning streak to 10 games. DeMarco Murray Youth Jersey . Dortmund started strongly only to go behind in the 13th minute when Karim Haggui scored with a header from the visitors only corner. But Sokratis equalized six minutes later in similar fashion, three minutes before Marco Reus made it 2-1 with a fine solo effort.LONDON -- Josh Kennedy, Dario Vidosic and Matt Leckie scored to give World Cup-bound Australia an easy 3-0 win over Canada in an international soccer friendly Tuesday. The Canadian defence was ripped apart on all three goals at Craven Cottage, the west London home to English Premier League side Fulham. The loss stretched Canadas winless streak to 12 games (0-9-3) during which time it has been outscored 24-2. The Canadian men havent scored in their last eight outings, a drought that now stands at 12 hours 32 minutes. The young Canadians showed signs of life in the first half, despite yielding a first-minute goal against experienced, motivated opposition. But the second half was all Australia. The Socceroos, meanwhile, snapped a four-game losing streak in their first match since Holger Osieck, a former Canadian national team manager, was fired as coach. "Its obviously tough when you give up an early goal like that," Canada captain Dwayne De Rosario said. But we knew that Australia was in a position that they had a lot to prove obviously with the recent sacking of their manager." After successive 6-0 losses to Brazil and France, a date with a green Canadian side was a welcome tonic for the Australians. Australia is ranked 53rd in the world, compared to No. 106 for Canada. Australia stroked the ball around in the first half, controlling close to 60 per cent possession with veteran midfielder Mark Bresciano pulling the strings for the Socceroos. Still Canada had several good chances on the counter-attack later in the half. The Canadians fell behind within the first 30 seconds when Kennedy headed in a chipped cross from Bresciano that left goalkeeper Milan Borjan rooted to the spot. The 33-year-old Australian midfielder, a veteran of Italys Serie A who now plays for Qatar Stars League side Al-Gharafa, got a break when the ball bounced off a Canadian straight to him. But Canadas central defence was flat-footed on the play. The six-foot-four Kennedy plays for Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan. Canada came close to equalizing in the sixth minute but Mitch Langerak made a fine reflex save to deny Simeon Jackson after David Edgar headed on a Marcel de Jong free kick across the goal. De Rosario also had a chance in the 15th minute after Edgar charged down the right flank, but his cross was slightly behind the D.C. United star and the shot did not find its target. Bresciano undressed the Canadian defence again in the 23rd minute but his one-two with Kennedy was ruled offside. Langerak had to be sharp in the 30th to palm a Tosaint Ricketts header over the bar. "I think we got the balls in some areas and (Langerak) made some good saves," De Rosario said. "It was a little unlucky but the main thing was we were starting to push and take some initiative and find some pokes at goal. Thats the positive we can take from that. A game like this is a good oppportunity for us as a national team to see where we are moving forward. Eric Rowe Youth Jersey. " De Rosario earned his 75th cap in captaining Canada, which started with a backline of Nik Ledgerwood, Doneil Henry, Adam Straith, and de Jong in front of Borjan. The centre back pairing featured 23-year-old Straith, who plays in Germany for Wehen Wiesbaden, and 20-year-old Henry, who plays for Toronto FC. The midfield featured Ricketts, Julian de Guzman, Edgar, and Jackson supporting forwards Iain Hume and De Rosario. Canadian coach Benito Floro was without influential midfielder Atiba Hutchinson, who returned to his Turkish club Besiktas late Saturday after arriving in camp with a minor injury. Floro moved up Edgar, a defender normally, into midfield. There were more midfield woes when de Guzman had to exit in the 25th minute with an injury. He was replaced by Kyle Bekker. Both coaches made changes in the second half with Floro bringing on youth in the form of Jonathan Osorio, Stefan Cebara, Russell Teibert, Ashtone Morgan and Samuel Piette. Canada mustered little offence, however, and Australia dominated as the game wore on. "In the second half the young players did not play well because the opponent was physically very powerful," Floro said. "They made a big press and we didnt have any chances at goal. Its necessary with the young players because we need to give them international experience. This is the problem for us." The only way to improve our level is to play a lot of matches and by training, not only with these players but also the younger ones to teach how we want them to play. Edgar took over as Canadian captain when De Rosario went off. Australia doubled its lead in the 52nd minute off a corner. Henrys clearing header went only as far as Rhys Williams, whose shot bounced off the turf before Vidosic redirected it in with his head just in front of Borjan. Substitute Leckie made it 3-0 in the 78th minute when he outjumped both Canadian central defenders to head home a Carney cross. It was Floros third game in charge. Canada played to a 0-0 draw and 1-0 loss to No. 150 Mauritania last month. Osieck was fired in the wake of Australias lopsided losses to Brazil and France. Interim coach Aurelio Vidmar was put in charge. "Great way 2bounce back from the team with a win over Canada," Australia forward Tim Cahill said on Twitter. "Youngsters were brilliant. Credit to Vidmar getting us back on track." Australia was captained by veteran defender Lucas Neill, who won his 95th cap. Canada last won in October 2012 when it defeated Cuba 3-0 in Toronto in October 2012. Canada has not scored since a Marcus Haber goal in a 2-1 loss to Japan in Doha on March 22. Australia wasnt much better coming into Tuesdays game, having lost four straight and gone winless in its last five matches -- during which it was outscored 19-5. wholesale jerseys cheap jerseys cheap jerseys cheap nfl jerseys cheap nfl jerseys ' ' ' and gone winless in its last five matches -- during which it was outscored 19-5. wholesale jerseys cheap jerseys cheap jerseys cheap nfl jerseys cheap nfl jerseys ' ' '
