My Canadian Targets

Back in 2006 when Toronto FC was founded, one of its main purposes was to provide Canadian players with a local professional club. In the club's early stages, we signed numerous Canadian players, such as Jimmy Brennan, Greg Sutton, Chris Pozniak, Marco Reda, Adam Braz, and Miguel Canizales. Only Brennan and Sutton remain and with only Kevin Harmse added, Mo Johnston has come under quite a lot of criticism for the lack of Canadian content on Toronto FC.

There are many Canadian players that would not only play in MLS, but succeed in it. We all know about Julian De Guzman, Atiba Hutchinson, and Rob Friend. We can be realistic and acknowledge that all three of them have flourishing European careers at the moment and would not come to MLS right now. Aside from those three, there are players both within MLS and abroad that I would like to see feature for Toronto FC. Here are my Canadian targets.

Dwayne De Rosario
Current Club: Houston Dynamo (USA)
Position: Attacking Midfield

Image courtesy of NY Times

This one is obvious. The Scarborough native is a proven MLS star, having lead Houston to the past two MLS Cup championships. With Mo Johnston's comments about wanting a Canadian DP for us, DeRo tops the shortlist. It is no doubt that he would be a fan favourite in Toronto. He is under contract with Houston for one more season after this one, so to acquire him we would likely need to offer Houston quite the deal. Can it get done? I certainly hope so. If Mo doesn't bring DeRo home this off season, I'm sure many more supporters will have his head on the chopping block.

Adrian Serioux
Current Club: FC Dallas (USA)
Position: Right Back, Centre Half, Holding Midfield

Image courtesy of Daylife

Serioux has been solid at centre back for Canada in the midst of dismal World Cup Qualifying displays by our country. John Carver has mentioned that he is looking to add two centre backs this season, and adding Serioux would not only add talent to our defense, but enhance our Canadian content. He may have had his issues with TFC supporters in the past, but I'm sure a couple solid performances would win over the hearts of many diehards.

Lars Hirschfeld
Current Club: CFR Cluj (Romania)
Position: Goalkeeper

Image courtesy of Daylife

Many people would argue that Greg Sutton has been our MVP this season. He has been solid in goal for us, but his consistency still remains a question. He tends to make near-impossible saves but then will allow a howler. Hirschfeld, who has started Canada's last two World Cup Qualifiers, is the back up keeper at Romanian club CFR Cluj and could be tempted with a potential move home. He would increase competition for the job of starting keeper and would likely emerge as one of the league's best in goal.

Paul Stalteri
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Position: Right Back

Image courtesy of Daylife

Stalteri hates the turf and he would probably demand a lot of money. It may be worth the gamble though, seeing as Marvell Wynne will likely jump ship to Europe soon. Stalteri is a regular fixture in Tottenham's reserves these days and is finding first team appearances few and far between. He has vocally admitted he is looking for a new club, and he is a quality defender who would do well in Major League Soccer. The Canadian national team captain would be a hit in Toronto, but what would it take to get him here?

Jaime Peters
Current Club: Ipswich Town (England)
Position: Wing Midfield

Image courtesy of Daylife

Jaime Peters is another Toronto native. He is only 21 years old and currently on the fringe of the first team at Ipswich Town in the Coca Cola League Championship. A move back home to play for us would likely ensure he gets more time in the first team, and he would definitely be one for the future. He has incredible pace and would be a welcome addition on either side of our midfield, competing with Johann Smith and Rohan Ricketts for playing time. It might take a bit to convince him to return from treading European waters, but if he does come, he could become one of Major League Soccer's brightest young talents.

Here are some others that I think we should target:

Ali Gerba
Current Club: Milton Keynes Dons (England)
Position: Striker

Richard Hastings
Current Club: Inverness CT (Scotland)
Position: Centre Half

André Hainault
Current Club: FK SIAD Most (Czech Republic)
Position: Centre Half

Tomasz Radzinski
Current Club: Skoda Xanthi (Greece)
Position: Striker, Wing Midfield

Olivier Occean
Current Club: Lillestrom SK (Norway)
Position: Striker

There you have it. Five Canadians that I think Toronto FC has the potential to sign this off season, plus some others we might want to take a look at as well. What do you guys think of my targets? Am I way off? Which Canadians would you like to see on Toronto FC?