INCOMING: Paul Dickov to Toronto FC Deal Details

According to a SoccerAmerica source, Dickov has signed an 18-month deal that will pay him approximately $500,000, which means he'll earn the maximum salary or close to it next year, and about half of that for the remainder of this season. His acquisition is expected to be announced Tuesday, or as soon as there is a roster slot available. TFC waived Andrea Lombardo last week but still needs to trim a player to make room for Dickov.

INCOMING: Hakan Sukur to Toronto FC for $4 Million?

According to this site and Lig TV the Turkish striker could be coming to BMO Field.

"According to Lig TV, the Turkish Super Lig's all-time leading scorer Hakan Sukur is close to signing a one year 4 million dollar deal with Toronto FC. Reports state that the veteran 37-year old, who has played for Galatasaray, Inter, Torino, Parma and Blackburn, has been offered a contract by the MLS club and looks warmly on closing out his career in North America."

EDIT: One of the people who sent us this rumor requested: "I would just hope that you can wish my mother a happy 48 as she is an avid reader of MLS-Runors if you post the story."

So happy 48th to Razcle's mom and welcome to the Sunglasses Masses of MLSR.

Here is video of Sukur in action:

NOTCOMING: Nuno Gomes to Toronto, INCOMING: Brian McBride to Chicago

Thanks for the tip off from our friends to the north.

According to this article:

TORONTO — Toronto FC's search for goal scoring went to Portugal as the Major League Soccer club made an attempt to sign Benfica striker Nuno Gomes.

But both sides of the negotiation that has taken place over the past month say there will be no deal.

Gomes, 32, scored seven goals in 25 league games for Benfica this past season and scored two more in 10 games in other competitions for the club.

One source said that Gomes rejected Toronto's offer on Saturday.

The player is represented by CDS Soccer Inc. Sports Management.

In other developments, look for the Brian McBride situation to be resolved by Monday or Tuesday.

McBride is returning to MLS from Fulham of the English Premier League and wants to play for his hometown team, the Chicago Fire. Toronto holds his MLS rights and has been negotiating with Chicago on a deal that would send McBride to the Fire.

Toronto FC plays the Fire Saturday night in Chicago.

McBride could not play in MLS until after Tuesday when the MLS transfers window opens.

REPORT: BLACKOUT! - Massive Toronto Fan Protest Expected at All Star Game

This Candadian Content courtesy of our friends to the north, North End Elite:

PRESS RELEASE July 10, 2008
For immediate release

TORONTO FC SUPPORTERS TO PROTEST DURING MLS ALL-STAR GAME

A coalition of Toronto FC supporters groups will stage a silent protest
during the upcoming Major League Soccer all-star game at BMO Field in
Toronto.

The groups are increasingly concerned about the possible expansion of BMO
Field to accommodate CFL football and specifically the Toronto Argonauts.
The groups feel strongly that this would ruin the unique experience that
has made Toronto FC such a successful franchise. It is not possible to fit
a CFL field into the stadium without major reconstruction.

Toronto FC's most rabid supporters will sit rather than stand during the
all-star game. There will be limited chanting and cheering. They will wear
black. Many of these supporters have pledged to boycott Toronto FC games
should the stadium be retrofitted for CFL football.

"This is not an anti-Argos protest," said Pedro Almeida, leader of the
North End Elite supporters group. "Many of our members are Argos fans. We
have nothing against the Argos or the CFL. We wish them the best of
success. But Toronto FC fans signed up in the thousands to support this
team based on the premise of it being a soccer-specific stadium with real
grass and an intimate setting. We didn't get the grass. We better get to
keep the intimate setting."

Fans around the world mock MLS soccer when they see highlights of games
being played in cavernous NFL stadiums decorated with football yardlines.

"The supporters groups are united on this," said Jack DePoe, president of
the Red Patch Boys. "The club, the players, the media, everyone has
acknowledged the contribution of the supporters groups in the club's
success. We want everyone to understand how upset we are about the
possibility of a CFL football retrofit. We won't stand for this kind of
expansion."

"This was supposed to be our national soccer stadium," said Rudi Schuller,
one of the leaders of U Sector. "But the national team players have
already made it clear they prefer to play in other venues because of the
Field Turf. Rebuilding for the CFL would further take BMO Field away from
being the national soccer stadium."

Soccer-specific stadiums has long been a key part of the league's business
plan. Seven of the league's 14 teams currently play in SS stadiums. Two
others will move into SS stadiums within the next year. The rest have
plans to build one.

For more information please contact

Pedro Almeida at NEE
almeidapm@yahoo.ca
staff@thenorthendelite.com

---------

Several observations:

If the MLS All Stars are wearing Black and the protesters are wearing black........form your own conclusions.

If the protesters also protest the All Star Game Starting XI by chanting "United! United!" while wearing black.......could Monty Python come up with something funnier?

We at MLSR fully support this protest and wish our friends to the north a successful campaign against throwball.

INCOMING: Paul Dickov to Toronto FC (DONE DEAL)

According to this report Scottish striker Paul Dickov looks set to continue his career at Toronto FC. Meanwhileh another guest of the Canadian club, Darren Huckerby appears to be more interested in San Jose according to multiple sources. A source known to MLSR stated that Huckerby had reservations about the artificial Fieldturf at BMO Field.

11:10AM Edit: Huckerby's reservations about turf in Toronto have now been confirmed.

VIDEO: CF Pachuca on Toronto FC Friendly

Courtesy of the ever classy, Tuzos TV.



Of note, Pachuca is using this friendly as a warm up for SuperLiga, so we know they are taking SuperLiga seriously. Also of note is I believe he said that the friendly will be carried on Fox Sports en Espanol. If anyone can confirm that, we'd appreciate it.

INCOMING: Paul Dickov and Darren Huckerby to Toronto FC Deal Closer? (UPDATE)

Time once again for some Canadian Content:
Both Darren Huckerby and Paul Dickov are in Toronto.

The two players are in negotiations to seal a deal with TFC according to this report.

Here is an excerpt.



LARRY MILLSON

Globe and Mail Update

July 3, 2008 at 2:38 PM EDT

TORONTO — Paul Dickov trained Thursday with Toronto FC, while Darren Huckerby travelled to have a look at things with the San Jose Earthquakes.

But Toronto FC has first rights in Major League Soccer for both players, who have experience in the English Premier League, and general manager Mo Johnston will begin negotiations with them on Friday.

Both players have the offensive ability TFC needs and both are free agents.

Meanwhile, negotiations continue with the Chicago Fire for Brian McBride, who wants to return from England to play for his home-town team. TFC owns the first MLS rights for him as well.

Look for something to be worked out by July 15 when the MLS transfer period opens. It stands to reason that the Fire would not want to give up a player now when McBride cannot play for him until the second half of the month.

Dickov, 35, and Huckerby, 32, both attended Tuesday's 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps in a Canadian championship round-robin match and came away impressed with the atmosphere and the facilities at BMO Field."

INCOMING: Darren Huckerby and Paul Dickov to Toronto FC (Update)

This comes to us from a loyal Canadian member of the Sunglasses Crew:

"On CBC today they showed Darren Huckerby and Paul Dickov in the stands at BMO (Field). Apparently they are over here to check out the team and our match vs Vancouver in the Canada Cup which determines the Canadian representative in the CONCACAF Champions League."


EDITORS NOTE: If any one out there has pics or a screen capture of these two in the stands at BMO Field please send them to us.

TRADE: McBride-Ruiz-Conde Mega-Deal A Real Possibility?

It seems that our story yesterday, on the potential 3 way deal involving Wilman Conde, Carlos Ruiz and Brian McBride may have legs after all. And perhaps the motive, that being the locker room dust up between Blanco and Conde really was the catalyst.

According to the front page of Fox Sports en Espanol.....

"La MLS vería uno de sus más grandes trueques"


Excerpts:

"CENTURY CITY, EE.UU.-- La MLS espera un enorme terremoto en los próximos días, que podría marcar ser uno de sus más grandes trueques de todos los tiempos, entre tres distintos equipos, tras el más reciente problema de camerino del Fire de Chicago, que vio como Cuauhtémoc Blanco se agarraba a golpes con el defensor colombiano Wilman Conde. Todos contentos.. Conde, ex jugador de Millonarios, llegaría a Los Ángeles a ayudar a una zaga, que ha permitido 28 goles en contra en este 2008, la peor de la liga en ese rubro. Ruiz en tanto, con cero goles en este 2008, llegaría con sobrepeso a un Toronto F.C. cuyo camerino es liderado por el hondureño Amado Guevara y que no carece de gol. McBride en tanto, formaría un dupla de ensueño con el mexicano Blanco en Chicago, equipo con la segunda mejor defensiva de la nación."


Google Translated....

Published: June 30, 2008, 8:31 PM ET print CENTURY CITY, USA - The MLS hopes a huge earthquake in the coming days, which could mark is one of its largest barter of all time, between three different teams, after the most recent issue of the dressing room of Fire Chicago, which saw Cuauhtemoc Blanco clinging to blows with Colombian defender Wilman Conde. All happy .. Conde, a former player Millonarios, would go to Los Angeles to help a pace that has allowed 28 goals against in this 2008, the worst in the league in that category. Ruiz while, with zero goals in this 2008, would go to an overweight Toronto FC whose clubhouse is led by the Honduran Amado Guevara and that is not devoid of scoring. McBride while, form a dream team with the Mexican Blanco in Chicago, with the second best team defense of the nation.
Mas aqui..

REPORT: Fire Fisticuffs? Medio Tiempo Mano Y Mano? Could a 3- way Toronto/Chicago/LA Trade Be In The Works?

This comes to us courtesy of a loyal Chicagoland reader as well as Luis Arroyave. And given the personalities involved, locker-room cancer vs larger than life ego, who wouldn't have predicted this?


"Blanco and William Conde came to blows in the locker room on Friday.

It was stopped by team mates.

This is also reported in The Red Card blog, a Fire blog by Luis Arroyave from the Chicago Tribune

Indeed.

"the two players got into a "fist fight" and needed to be separated. There is no word on what caused the fight."


Fire fans, any guess as to what started the whole thing to flare up?

One thing is sure, Conde's days at the Fire appear to be numbered. And when coupled with this rumor we received by email:


"I have it on good authority that there is now a three way trade in the works involving Toronto, Chicago and a Californian team to get the McBride deal done."

So let's use our imaginations:


According to Steve Goff at the Washington Post, Carlos Ruiz is trade bait....So who could use a striker who actually scores goals......Hmmmmmm Toronto!

But what would LA Galaxy get? Well their defenders utter collapse at the hands of DC United on Sunday means they could certainly use a hard-nosed experienced defender like Conde.

And what would would Chicago get from Galaxy? Why Brian McBride's rights of course which would be traded to LA in exchange for Ruiz.

See, everybody is happy.

PHOTO: Toronto Mayor Represents TFC in Gay Pride Parade

Photo by Sarah Veale (www.sarahveale.com)

Toronto FC and MLS were well represented in Toronto's Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Pride Parade thanks to Toronto Mayor David Miller. who was among other politicians and dignitaries from the Canadian governement and military. More in this story.

It is our opinion that the more exposure for MLS, the better. A diverse league visible in a large event which celebrates diversity is always a good thing. Well done Mayor Miller.

INCOMING: Shola Ameobi to Toronto FC as Designated Player? (UPDATE)

Rating: 5 (Very Good)

It would appear the Ameobi to Toronto FC rumors are heating up again.

Thanks to one of our Canadian friends for tipping us off to this story which appered in the Newcastle Chronicle today.

Here is an excerpt:

"The Chronicle revealed on May 21 that Toronto FC boss John Carver wanted to sign Ameobi and, despite the player’s agent Steven Denos ruling out a move to the MLS, the word from across the Atlantic is that the Canadian club are keeping tabs on the recently-married player’s situation.

And talk that Toronto couldn’t afford Shola’s wages has been dismissed by the club.

Mega-bucks Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment group are ready to back a move for the player.

And TFC could exercise their designated player card, which allows teams to have one player earning more than the MLS’s salary cap of $400,000."


(Correction for Newcastle - The MLS salary cap is around 2.3 million.)

INCOMING: Darren Huckerby to San Jose? Toronto? (UPDATE)

More fuel to the fire for the Huckerby to MLS rumors courtesy of the San Jose Mercury-News.



Rating: 3 (Possible)

"The Earthquakes haven't given up hopes of snagging Norwich City's Darren Huckerby.

Although Toronto FC has the discovery rights to the English star, Huckerby plans to visit the Quakes' facilities next week. He also is going to Toronto, San Jose General Manager John Doyle said.

The Quakes can't move to obtain the player who once played for Coventry City and Manchester City until it learns what Toronto plans to do.

"If Toronto truly wants to sign him they will be able to sign him," Doyle said. "It's out of my control."


Previously Huckeryby had been linked with LA Galaxy, Toronto FC, and DC United.

PHOTOS: Toronto FC Goes All Gangsta, DC United Moves Closer To the Dark Side

Two interesting photos today.

More proof that Toronto FC is MASSIVE.

It seems 50 Cent (pronounced "fitty cen") has taken a liking to the beautiful game. Specifically Toronto FC.

Was it the sublime skill of Laurent Robert, the explosive creativity of Amado Guevara? Or perhaps it was the gangsta style of DJ Danny Dichio?

Nah. It was none of those things. It was cause his homie, Rohan Ricketts was wearing a TFC jersey and 50 liked it so he asked him for it.

That is MORE than enough to land, 50 in our Celebrity MLS Fan Gallery.


So that begs the question now: If (in the unlikely event that) Toronto FC and Chivas USA make the MLS Cup this year, will there be gun play between Snoop Dog and 50 in Carson, CA?


It ain't far from Compton kids...Ain't nothing but a G(-unit) Thing Baby...



In other news and rumorland, for most of the league, DC United is considered evil.They won nearly everything there was to win by the time the league was only 3 years old. That brings out a lot of haters for sure.

Well Dan Steinberg over on his Sports Bog (no that is not a misspelling, and we apologize to our readers in the UK if you just spit the breakfast out of your mouth due to laughter.) has a story on DC United's newest supporter's group: The Dark Cyde.

VIDEO: TFC-TV - Toronto FC Shows Off Stats Tracking Software

Time for some Canadian Content courtesy of TFC TV.

REPORT: Toronto FC's BMO Field to Expand to 30,000

We now have official confirmation in the form of this report that one of our rumors from last year is in fact true.

Although still in the exploratory phase, the idea is to boost capacity at the $72-million stadium by 50 per cent to 30,000 seats from 20,000, officials confirmed yesterday.

A final decision, not expected until later this year, will hinge on how to pay for the expansion and how to retain the intimate atmosphere of the stadium for soccer fans.


MLSR FLASHBACK:


BMO Field To Expand?

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Usually when we start an expansion entry we have a story of a city's plan to enter MLS. This story is different in that it does not deal with a city but a stadium. An MLSR source close to Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects, the firm which designed BMO Field states that the firm was hired to draw up plans for expanding the newly complete BMO Field facilities, home of Toronto FC. This request came from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and is said to consist of two plans or phases. Phase one would consist of two parts (a and b) which would see BMO Field's 20,200 capacity increased by 5,000 to each time to reach a total capacity of 30,500. Phase two would see the addition of a partial canopy roof as seen above many stadiums around the world. When asked when these changes might take place our source said that if ticket demand remained high next season then we could see phase one construction in the 2009 and 2010 off seasons and phase two sometime around 2012-2013.