Rongen Joins TFC As Academy Director Former U.S. U-20 World Cup coach brings extensive experience. Toronto FC announced on Friday that the club has hired Thomas Rongen as the club’s new Academy Director. “We are very pleased to welcome Thomas Rongen to Toronto FC. He has both great coaching experience with youth and in the MLS,” said Toronto FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Aron Winter. “Thomas will be a welcomed addition to our club and an important asset for the continued development of our Academy program.” Rongen, 55, is a native of Amsterdam and joins Toronto FC after most recently serving as the head coach of the national team of America Samoa. Prior to his post at American Samoa, Rongen served his second term as the head coach of the Under-20 United States men’s national team. He led the team to two FIFA U-20 World Cups in 2007 and 2009 during his five year tenure. http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/01/rongen-joins-academy-director
TFC Agree To Terms With Joao Plata Ecuador international made 26 MLS appearances & scored eight goals in all competition. Toronto FC announced Wednesday that the club has agreed to terms on a multi-year deal with forward Joao Plata, keeping the Ecuadorian international at Toronto FC. As per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We are very happy to get this deal completed and keep Plata at our club,” said Toronto FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Aron Winter. “Plata had a great year with us in 2011. He made a strong contribution on the pitch http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/01/tfc-agree-terms-joao-plata
Moving On Iro & Marosevic decline contract offers, will not return in 2012. Toronto FC announced Friday that defender Andy Iro and forward Peri Marosevic will not be back with the club for the 2012 season. “Both Andy and Peri declined our contract extension offers and now the club is ready to move on,” said Toronto FC Head Coach & Technical Director Aron Winter. “We met with both players at the conclusion of the season and presented them with fair offers that they have declined. I’d like to thank them for their contributions to our club and wish them well in the future endevours.” http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/01/iro-marosevic-decline-offers
New Milestone Reds hit 35,000 mark for CCL match, more tickets released. Toronto FC announced Friday that an additional 1,000 tickets have been released for its CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal match against Los Angeles Galaxy at Rogers Centre. The new seats are located in the 200 Level at the North End of the Rogers Centre and are priced at $25.00. The lower bowl has sold out, however tickets as low as $12 remain in the upper bowl. As of Friday morning ticket sales had passed 35,000, with the total soccer capacity for the match being 45,000 http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/01/reds-sell-35000-seats-ccl
Reds Open Training Camp Players will be run through various tests before taking the pitch & facing the media Thursday. Toronto FC players reported to first day of training camp on Monday at BMO Field. In typical first time fashion, the day was tinged with nervous excitement and waiting. A lot of waiting. Before the small hand on the clock hit eight Monday morning, team administrator Corey Wray could be seen outside Gate Four of the stadium, exiting a car with three newcomers – SuperDraft pick selections Luis Silva, Aaron Maund and newly signed winger Reggie Lambe. All three players saw the digs on Princes’ Boulevard for the first time. http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/01/reds-open-training-camp
TFC Gears Up For Media Day Thursday's event will be broadcast live on TorontoFC.ca from 1 p.m. ET with a press conference. Preseason Update: With every MLS team now out of the gate in 2012 preseason, several questions surround Toronto FC. “Who and where are the new defenders?” “What other players are at camp?” “What’s the status of Richard Eckersley?” “How many tickets sold for the Champions League match on March 7 versus LA Galaxy?” Positively, these questions stem from anticipation this year rather than uncertainty like seasons past. The club will shed light on these and other matters Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET at the TFC Media Day, or #TFCMediaDay, if you are using Twitter and would like to be a part of the conversation. http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/01/tfc-gears-media-day
TFC sign right back Eckersley to permanent deal Former loanee completes move after parting ways with Burnley Toronto FC locked up another standout from their up-and-down 2011 campaign on Thursday. Two weeks after agreeing to a multi-year contract with diminutive attacker Joao Plata, Toronto announced they had completed the signing of right back Richard Eckersley (above, left), who was on loan from Burnley last season. Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/01/26/toronto-fc-sign-right-back-eckersley-permanent-deal
Toronto shore up porous defense with Caicedo to go with Eckersley Reds expect duo to compete for starting spots on back line TFC announced the signing of center back Geovanny Caicedo, an Ecuadorian international who played with LDU Quito last year. They also brought right back Richard Eckersley into the fold on a permanent basis after he’d proven to be a stalwart last season while on loan from English club Burnley. Caicedo, 30, is listed at 6-foot-2, 184 pounds, and has eight caps for Ecuador. He attracted Toronto’s attention when he played for Ecuador in a friendly at BMO Field last June, a 2-2 tie with Canada. “He has good skills, he has got a lot of experience and is a strong player,” head coach and technical director Aron Winter said on Thursday. “We thought he would be a good fit for our club.” http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/01/26/toronto-shore-porous-defense-caicedo-eckersley
2012 Canadian Championship Rivals to face each other on May 2 and 9 Amway Canada to return as title sponsor of Canadian Championship TFC will face its Canadian rival, The Montreal Impact , in the semi-final of the 2012 Amway Canadian Championship. The first game of the home and away aggregate goal series will be played at Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, May 2 while the return match will take place at BMO Field, the following week, on May 9. The four-team tournament, which includes the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Edmonton FC, will determine which club will lift the Voyageurs Cup and earn the right to represent Canada in the 2012-2013 CONCACAF Champions League.
TFC's Frei happy to see familiar faces in camp For veteran 'keeper, this is the preseason he's been waiting for TORONTO – This is a different kind of preseason for Toronto FC goalkeeper Stefan Frei. The head coach is the same as the previous year, as Aron Winter has returned to the TFC bench. Beside him is Bob de Klerk, his lead assistant who retained his role from 2011. Frei even looks around the dressing room and sees familiar faces, lots of them. “I think it’s a good preseason because it’s the first one where we have over 10 players returning,” a grinning Frei told reporters on Thursday. “There’s a bit of consistency where you see familiar faces in the locker room, which is a nice thing. This is our job, but ultimately you have to have good relationships with your co-workers. And it’s good to have people here for longer than just a couple of months.” At 25, Frei is beginning his fourth season in Toronto, making him the club’s longest-tenured player. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/01/27/torontos-frei-happy-see-familiar-faces-camp
Toronto Takes 41 To Preseason Reds can carry 30 active players for first and reserve team duty in the 2012 season. Reds can carry 30 players for its first and reserve teams. Academy players not offered a contract can return to the TFC youth system. GK – Chad Bush (A), Stefan Frei, Milos Kocic, Quillan Roberts (A) DF – Mykell Bates (S), Nick Blake (S), Geovanny Caicedo, Adrian Cann, Richard Eckersley, Jeremy Hall, Ty Harden, Doneil Henry, Brandon John (A), Aaron Maund (SD), Ashtone Morgan, Tyler Pasher (A), Dicoy Williams MF – Eric Avila, Elbekay Bouchiba, Efrain Burgos, Jr. (SD), Sergio Camargo (A), Jay Chapman (A), Oscar Cordon, Julian de Guzman, Terry Dunfield, Torsten Frings, Michael Green (S), Arthur Ivo (S), Reggie Lambe, Nicholas Lindsay, Mike Mazzullo (S), Luis Silva (SD), Matt Stinson FW – Jordan Hamilton (A), Tristan Jackman (A), Ryan Johnson, Danny Koevermans, Keith Makubuya, Nick Soolsma, Joao Plata, Stefan Vukovic (A) A – Academy SD – SuperDraft pick S – Supplemental Draft pick Preseason schedule Jan. 23-Feb. 12: Training in Toronto Feb. 13-March 4: Training and matches in Orlando, Fla. Feb. 24-March 4: Disney Pro Soccer Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Fla. • Feb. 25: Match vs. Orlando City SC • Feb. 28: Match vs. BK Häcken (Sweden) • March 1: Match vs. FC Dallas • March 3: TBD - Consolation or Championship Game http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/01/toronto-takes-41-preseason
Aceval Arrives In Toronto Chilean defender latest addition to bolster Aron Winter's TFC backline. Toronto FC announced Monday that the club has signed defender Miguel Aceval, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. As per team and league policy terms of the deal were not disclosed. “Miguel is an experienced defender that has a lot of potential and can be very important for our club,” said Toronto FC head Coach & technical director, Aron Winter. “Our defence needed to be addressed during the offseason and this signing complements our recent activity from last week.” Miguel Aceval Position: Defender Height: 6’0 Weight: 210 lbs Birthdate: January 8, 1983 Hometown: Santiago, Chile Nationality: Chilean Last Club: C.D. Universidad de Concepcion How Acquired: Signed with Toronto FC on Monday, January 30, 2012 Pronunciation: “Me-gul Ah-say-vall” http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/01/aceval-arrives-toronto
Silva Stars In Toronto Triumph Rookie bags a brace and helps set up a pair in 5-1 victory over University of South Florida. ORLANDO – Toronto FC won its first 2012 preseason match 5-1 in a friendly against University of South Florida at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Friday night. Fourth overall 2012 MLS SuperDraft pick Luis Silva was the star of the evening with an early brace, then helping to set up two other goals – all in a five star first half. Silva opened the scoring for the Reds when he found himself all alone with the keeper at the fifth minute. The rookie midfielder didn't panic, calmly slotting home to give Toronto the 1-0 lead. http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/02/silva-stars-toronto-triumph
Broadcast Schedule Unveiled Release of the long-awaited details also includes changes to the Reds' 2012 MLS regular season. Photo: Reds' bid to retain the Trillium Cup versus Columbus will be split between GOL TV Canada & TSN. Toronto FC released its 2012 broadcast schedule on Friday, along with changes to the original schedule that was released last month. There have been five time changes and one date change. They include: • Saturday, April 7 at Montreal will now kick-off at 12 p.m. E.T. • Saturday, May 5 against D.C. United will now kick-off at 4 p.m. ET. • Sunday, July 8 at Philadelphia will now kick-off at 4 p.m. ET. • Wednesday, August 15 against Portland will now begin at 7:30 p.m. ET. • Saturday, October 20 against Montreal, now at 1:30 p.m. ET. The match against Chicago originally scheduled for Saturday, July 21 at BMO Field will now take place on Wednesday September 12 at 7 p.m. ET http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/02/broadcast-schedule-unveiled
Toronto & Orlando Play To A Draw Reds get goals from Miguel Aceval and Torsten Frings to open Disney tourney 2-2. Toronto FC started the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic with a 2-2 draw against Orlando City Soccer Club. The Reds fell behind once in each half, only to go level first thanks to a Miguel Aceval free kick and later a Torsten Frings equalizer. Orlando took a 17th minute lead on a penalty kick from John Rooney, converted after Maxwell Griffin was fouled inside the area by Geovanny Caicedo. The 1-0 lead was received enthusiastically by a raucous crowd that largely believes their city is worthy of a Major League Soccer franchise http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/02/toronto-orlando-play-draw
Toronto Triumphs At Disney Reds beat BK Hacken 3-1 Tuesday to advance to the next round of the preseason tournament. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWjb2KjKgEU&feature=youtu.be
Reds Rout Hoops Silva strikes a brace, Johnson scores as TFC wins 3-0 over Dallas Photo: Luis Silva (front) mobbed by teammates (via MLS) Toronto FC rookie Luis Silva roared loud and clear on Thursday night, netting a first-half brace against FC Dallas to lead his side to a 3-0 victory, ensuring an all-Canadian final in the Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic in Orlando, Fla. http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/03/reds-rout-hoops
LA fall 2-1 to TFC in CCL TFC move on to represent MLS in tournament http://www.lagalaxy.com/content/mar...-league-quarterfinal-second-leg-la-vs-toronto http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/03/reds-rocket-ccl-semifinals
Reds Can't Cope With Estrada Striker's hat-trick defeats Toronto 3-1 away to Seattle in opening match of 2012 MLS season. SEATTLE — David Estrada celebrated his first career MLS goal by scoring two more, leading Seattle to a 3-1 victory over visiting Toronto FC at CenturyLink Field on Saturday night. Including his tally in the CONCACAF Champions League, the unheralded youngster now accounted for four of Seattle’s five goals in 2012. For Toronto, Ryan Johnson scored an astonishing goal in the 62nd minute to bring TFC back to 2-1, but Estrada immediately answered with his third less than a minute later. The Reds’ defensive issues were exacerbated by the early loss of Torsten Frings to a hamstring injury, suffered while making a superb last-ditch tackle on the lively Estrada, when clean through on goal. While the Canadian side advanced to the semifinals of the CCL, the Reds were a clear second-best Saturday night to an eager Seattle side. Toronto FC rested a handful of starters from the midweek clash against LA as Danny Koevermans, Joao Plata, Ashtone Morgan and Julian de Guzman started the match on Aron Winter’s bench. In goal, Milos Kocic was preferred to Stefan Frei. http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2012/03/reds-cant-cope-estrada
Frings injury leaves Toronto scrambling for solution The loss of Designated Player Torsten Frings has Toronto FC suddenly scrambling for an answer – one that hopefully includes plugging the huge hole on their back line for at least a month. The team learned Tuesday that their German captain will miss four to six weeks with a hamstring strain suffered while making a tackle on David Estrada in the 23rd minute of this past Saturday’s 3-1 loss in Seattle. It was both teams’ regular-season opener, and took the air out of Toronto's balloon after an historic CONCACAF Champions League win over LA last week. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/03/20/frings-injury-leaves-toronto-scrambling-solution
