Toronto FC Media Day has never been better.
Kenny Clark Chiefs Jersey . Seriously. Seven
years of losing has brought many different faces, players and management, to the
annual pre-season get-to-know-the-team round up. Unfortunately for those
player-media relationships initiated and cultivated, most of the interviewees
have been shipped out prematurely. Media Day became a meet-and-greet, followed
by a see you later. Tuesdays team time out for Torontos media throng had a much
different vibe at the Kia Training Grounds. A good mix of young up-and-comers
with a core of veteran leadership has been assembled after an off-season of
change, signings, spending and hype. First impressions are just that, but on
initial glance, it all felt right. Nothing has been accomplished yet. But
every ship needs a sail before heading out to sea. The good news is the mast is
up and the TFC ship is heading in the right direction. Hopefully. Finally.
Progress, alas. Stability and confidence go hand-in-hand. The revolving door
of players and personnel has been TFCs worst enemy. General Manager Tim
Bezbatchenko and Head Coach Ryan Nelsen have been busy in recent months filling
the gaps and adding genuine quality. Bezbatchenko, hired in September, likes
what he has in his group. "Im very comfortable with where we compare with other
teams right now," said Bezbatchenko. The roster has coming a long way since end
of season apologies and promises. On February 11th, comfortable will suffice.
More is to be done, at least one more player is coming in, and more will go
out. A work in progress. Here are eight notable notes from the eighth Media Day
in franchise history. 1) Brazil Head Coach Felipe Scolari confirmed the seeming
inevitable early Tuesday; that goalkeeper Julio Cesar, 34, has in fact joined
Toronto FC on loan. The club refused to confirm anything, "I havent spoken to
Julio for a couple days, but I think it would be really nice … I may have to
give Scolari a call," said Nelsen. Give that man a phone! All sources indicate
the deal for Cesar to join TFC on a short loan is done. Hes coming. The club
will save that announcement for another day, with the five-time Serie A and UEFA
Champions League winner in the flesh. Save that ink for another day. A lack of
confirmation didnt stop anyone not named Bezbatchenko from heaping praise on the
pending new arrival. Nelsen – "Hes a gentleman of a man, hes a quality guy, his
character is flawless, and hes great around the locker-room. When you see him
at work, theres a reason hes played nearly 80 times for Brazil and won
everything in the game." Michael Bradley -"Its amazing, speaks volumes for the
direction that this club is going. A week ago, if anybody had told us that now
another guy like Julio Cesar would come in, I dont think anyone would believe
them." Dwayne De Rosario – "Hes a winner. To have him here is a great
opportunity to learn from him." The excitement is palpable. Although
goalkeepers are often times interchangeable in MLS, the Cesar move to Toronto
not only adds quality but also further shows the symbolic shift in approach and
ambition of the franchise. 2) Last seasons number one goalkeeper Joe Bendik is
the potential short-term loser with Cesars arrival. Key word: potential. It
all depends on how Bendik takes the setback. Although Bendik wont play much, if
at all in the opening months, its his job for the taking long-term. How he
handles the situation will reveal whether his mind is on self or team. Cesars
arrival is an opportunity not wasted rather than a shot at Bendik. The
24-year-old signed a new contract in December and has to understand this.
Regardless, Bendik was noticeably uneasy about taking a back seat to Cesar. "It
motivates me. Obviously its a little shot and a bomb to swallow … but it cant
go badly because I can learn a lot from him and compete with him every day to
play. Its a win-win." Bendik has to keep the long-view in mind. He need
understand Bendik will be relied upon post World Cup as the team marches towards
a potential playoff spot; the time with least room for error. 3) Big money
signing Bradley didnt back away from my question regarding the sentiment amongst
many MLS analysts saying Toronto FC overpaid for the midfielder. "I think its
great, were now to the point with the growth of soccer in North America, a
decision like mine to come to Toronto and back to MLS can illicit such a wide
variety of responses and opinions … it doesnt bother me." Bradley remained
poised throughout his time with the media. His teammates glowed when speaking
about The Generals presence already in camp. De Rosario even spoke about
meeting with Bradley and captain Steven Caldwell about direction and
leadership. Bradley ticks all the boxes in terms of leadership and on-field
qualities of a winner. Money necessarily spent. 4) Many players believe TFC
have become the hunted after years of being the hunter. Caldwell is one of
them. "We are probably the team to beat in MLS and its going to be difficult
wherever we go." Teams will have undoubtedly taken notice the moves Toronto
has made. And its unlikely the Reds will be MLS doormat of previous years. But
it takes more than a team on paper to be the class of the league. Caldwell
acknowledges as much, that the work is still to be done. Still, the acceptance
of expectation is a healthy mindset and speaks to the newfound confidence in the
group. 5) The third, often times forgotten designated player, Brazilian Gilberto
has set lofty goals for himself for his inaugural MLS season. Through a
translator, the striker stated his aim to score 25 goals. Seriously. No
hesitation. Camilo Sanvezzo won MLS Golden Boot last season with 22 goals.
Perhaps the proclamation was somewhat lost in translation, as the Brazilian says
his biggest challenge right now is learning the language. After I wished him
luck at learning English, he wished me luck learning Portuguese. Gilberto is a
really friendly guy. He will be easy to cheer for, especially if he scores 25.
6) I couldnt resist asking Nelsen what he learned about MLS officiating last
season. Nelsen, like many others, grew frustrated by the inconsistency and
downright inferior refereeing performances on a regular basis. "They are really
good guys, but for me, (they) just need experience at the very top level. In my
humble opinion, theyve come to the top rather quickly without the pressure
soaked experience. Its tough for them." It will be tougher for Nelsen to bite
his lip when officiating goes against them this year. The stakes have been
raised. How Nelsen grows from year one to year two in composure and approach
will be a test. The manager sets the tone. Consistency will be key and a
massive challenge for a manager with questions to be answered. 7) An ongoing
worry among the media and diehards is the salary cap situation. Its a rather
nerdy habit to worry about a GMs bookkeeping. Bezbatchenko tried to alleviate
worries on potential limited financial flexibility. "You can always make room
on your team for new players. We do have some space left. We always have
space." This is a much different tactic than previous regimes, which overspent
on players and used the cap ceiling as an excuse for lackluster play and lack of
positive player movement. Bezbatchenkos experience with MLS puts him and the
team in good stead in cap management. So dont lose sleep, moves can be made.
8) The clock is ticking on Toronto FCs efforts to resolve Matias Labas future.
A loan move within or outside MLS is the most logical step. Laba is in Toronto
and the club continues to consult with the player on whats best for the
Argentines future. Bezbatchenko is clearly aware of the messy, borderline
deceitful break-ups between club and player that have contributed to a negative
perception of TFC among agents and power brokers. "Were trying to treat our
players a little differently than in the past," said Bezbatchenko. This isnt a
shot at past management. Its the truth. Good on him and the front office to
right this long-standing wrong. The Laba situation will continue to be handled
with kid gloves. Reputations and the future of a good young player caught in
the middle of a rebuild are on the line.
Frankie Hammond Jersey . LOUIS --
Valtteri Filppula assisted on three of Tampa Bays four goals, and the Lightning
beat the St.
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif Chiefs Jersey .
Neymar curled home a free kick from just outside the area to put the 2014 World
Cup host ahead in the 44th minute. Three minutes after the break, a simple
through pass from Paulinho freed Oscar and the Chelsea star rounded goalkeeper
Jung Sung-ryong to extend Brazils lead.
http://www.chiefsteamprostore.com/Youth-Dontari-Poe-Elite-Jersey/
. Jon Montgomerys gold medal in skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Centre and his
subsequent auctioning off of a pitcher of beer in the village square elevated
him to folk-hero status.ST. JOHNS, N.L. - Brodie Reid scored the shootout winner
to lead the Worcester Sharks to a 2-1 win over the St. Johns IceCaps on Saturday
in American Hockey League action. Travis Oleksuk also scored for the Sharks
(5-7-1) in the shootout, while Eric ODell got one for the IceCaps. Jerome Samson
opened the scoring for St. Johns (7-7-3) with a power play goal 3:25 into the
game,, beating Sharks goalie Harri Sateri high blocker on a wrist shot.
Jared Cook Chiefs Jersey. Oleksuk tied the
game for the Sharks at 7:45 of the third, off a perfect feed from Sebastien
Stalberg, when he hit top corner on a wrist shot from the slot to beat IceCaps
goalie Jussi Olkinuora high glove. Olkinuora made 32 saves for St. Johns, and
Sateri stopped 24 for Worcester.
Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China
Cheap Jerseys From
China Cheap NFL
Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys
China Cheap NFL Jerseys
China NFL Cheap
Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys
' ' '