Pre First Kick Wish List

The title says everything. Toronto FC supporters have been frustrated (to say the least) by the lack of significant signings this off season. On top of this, we've been frustrated by the rumoured signings that have not taken place, i.e. Kiki Musampa, Darren Huckerby, and Amado Guevara. With First Kick just on the horizon (1 day, 22 hours) I am looking ahead at what I would like done with the 800K we have in cap space. Every player below has a realistic chance of coming to TFC either through rumours or just the fact that he's already in MLS (though I do wish for Leo Messi to come). Anyhow, Here is my "Pre First Kick Wish List" for TFC.

1. Amado Guevara

The 2004 League MVP has been in negotiations to come back to Major League Soccer after a bust up last season with Chivas USA. Toronto FC, as we should be, are VERY interested. Steve Goff, in the Washington Post, said today that a deal right now appears to be dead. However, I emailed Ives Galarcep and he said "It's still in the works. It's not an easy process however the deal is not dead. That's the word I got at noon, at least." If we have to wait for the Honduran season to end he would be coming after May 5. Either way, if Guevara does end up in TFC colours he would potentially be the answer to our goalscoring woes as the attacking midfielder we need to badly.

2. Darren Huckerby

I am not counting this rumour as dead. The Norwich City star would fill a hole on either wing and at 32 years-old, he can still do the job for a few more years. Injuries may be a question, however. Chronic hip problems have caused him to need surgery and it may be a test on Huckerby to play on the field turf which is allegedly harder on the legs than real grass. If we sign him this season it would have to be in the summer window, which begins on June 15. If this is the case - Huckerby would still be around for 18 out of 30 games, which is plenty of time to do some damage.

3. Terry Cooke

There have been no distinct rumours linking Cooke with us. However, I can remember reading that he was complaining about the lack of fan support in Colorado. He is as effective a right winger as Ronnie O'Brien and would fill that gaping hole quite nicely. As well, he is known in Colorado for racking up the assists which would help us in the playmaking department as well. The best way to acquire Cooke would be through a trade. Given the Rapids' current defensive situation, we could possibly bait them with Tyrone Marshall as well as an allocation. Regardless if we make a move for him or not, Cooke would be a worthy replacement for Ronnie O.

4. Dave Van Den Bergh

The capped (albeit by Van Basten) Dutch left winger would be my second choice for the left side behind Huckerby. The Red Bulls are apparently desperate for a left back and a left midfielder. Though it may be a bit of a gamble, I would give up Todd Dunivant (given our defensive depth with Brennan and the versatility of Velez) to get a winger the quality of Van Den Bergh. Having a Dutch background, I am a bit biased, however I think this guy is a great playmaker in MLS. He was available in the 2006 expansion draft (yes, ours...) yet somehow we ended up with Andy Welsh. Either way, to get two of Huckerby, Cooke, and Van Den Bergh would answer many questions we have on the wings.

Take those four players above and we've answered a bunch of our questions. The one that still lingers in my mind? Goalscoring.

5. Kevin Gall

I don't know what the word is on this guy or if we've signed him already, but Kevin Gall, amidst a hysterically poor team performance, was a bright spot against Charleston. Granted, we only saw him for 90 minutes and he was given no service whatsoever, every time he did get the ball he was very quick, decisive, and in control. He reminded me of Taylor Twellman in a way, or maybe Chris Rolfe. Around the 90th minute he made an individual run up the field surrounded by Battery defenders. Though it amounted to nothing - it shows that he's a workhorse and that even after 90 minutes he'll put his head down and have a go at the opposition. Take any other forward on our team in that situation in a match and he would just lay it back to the defense to fiddle around with for a bit. You may say I'm looking into this WAY too much - but for some reason I have a good feeling about this guy.

So guys, what does Columbus have in store for us? We will find out in less than 48 hours. It became apparent that the cup between us and the Crew is called the "Trillium Cup," based of course on the official flowers of both Ontario and Ohio.

What about MLS fantasy? Here is my starting eleven for week one:


I know you are all jealous of my skills as an MLS manager. See you guys in Columbus for First Kick!