A big thanks to all for the great response to TFC Republic.
The site is dedicated to in-depth coverage of
#TFCLive
, plus
#canWNT
&
#canMNT
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Amazing photo of Christine Sinclair consoling U.S. midfielder and Portland Thorns teammate Lindsay Horan. In one of the most joyous moments of her career, Sinclair takes the time to show compassion. This is what grace, class & dignity looks like.
#canWNT
Should Herdman have said that about Croatia? No. Did it serve as extra motivation for Croatia? I'm sure it did. But let's not make it into a bigger thing than it really is. It's not why
#canMNT
lost. They lost to a superior team with more quality & class. No shame in that.
Some personal news to share: I‘m employed again!
I have accepted a full-time position as director of content for the Canadian Premier League website.
#CanPL
@CPLsoccer
⚽️ 🇨🇦
If all goes to plan, Christine Sinclair will become the all-time leading scorer in international soccer today, for both men and women.
A Canadian.
#canWNT
Not a Brazilian, Italian, German, Argentinian, Spaniard.
A Canadian.
Let that sink in for a second.
I love this photo, because it is quintessentially Canadian.
Players of different races and cultures. Players born here. Players who have adopted this as their home. Players who are children of immigrants... One team.
This photo is who we are. This is 🇨🇦
Here's my question: Canada Soccer programs that Bontis mentioned (youth teams, paralympics, futsal, coaching, refs, etc) were going to continue even if
#canMNT
didn't qualify for Qatar. With WC money now coming in, how can they not afford those programs and also pay players more?
I started covering Canadian soccer in 1999. Never had the chance to write this about the men’s team until now: Canada is going to the FIFA World Cup!
#canMNT
@CanadaSoccerEN
19-year-old Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich is the first
#canMNT
to win the UEFA Champions League. Unreal. What a great time this is for Canadian soccer.
I've seen a lot of people dance around this, but let's call this spying/drone debacle what it is: Cheating. Certainly not by the players, who you have to feel sorry for during this mess. But it is cheating. Let's not sugarcoat it.
#canWNT
Buchanan and David will garner the headlines for
#canMNT
, which is understandable. But my word, what a performance by Atiba.
Also strong efforts from Borjan, Johnston, Hoilett, Fraser (that pass!) and Piette (before he went off injured).
A 6-point/2-game window, followed by a 9-point/3-game window. Wins over Costa Rica, U.S., Honduras and Mexico. 6 wins in a row. 3 clean sheets in a row. 25 points from 11 games. Unreal.
#canMNT
Some personal news: I've stepped down as director of content for the CPL website. Today is my last day.
This was my decision, & I've left
@CPLsoccer
on good terms.
More news: I'll be returning to the
#TFCLive
beat full-time. Watch for an announcement about my future on Monday.
Some personal news to share:
I’m returning to the
#TFCLive
beat on a full-time basis with the launch of TFC Republic.
It's my own paid-subscription website dedicated to in-depth coverage off all things Toronto FC,
#canMNT
&
#canWNT
, & Canadian soccer.
I start my new job at
@CPLsoccer
tomorrow.
Remember when you were in grade school, and a new student joined your class midway through the year after his/her family just moved to your school district? And remember when it was his/her first day of school?
Yeah, I'm that kid. :)
So, I have some very exciting career news to share. I'm just in the middle of getting the final okay to go public with it, but if all goes well I'll let you know tomorrow. :)
Me: "Doku was very dangerous. He gave Italy a hard time."
Dad: "Yeah, Juventus should sign him.. We could use him."
My dad always finds a way to make every soccer conversation I have with him about Juventus. :)
Here's a stat:
#TFCLive
only earned four road points in MLS last season. They've already equalled that mark through the first two games of the current campaign.
I was laid off in June. 4 weeks later, I had a new job.
For anybody on the downside of advantage or who is struggling, just know that it's possible to rebound. I'm living proof & if I can do it, U can do it. Ask for help if U need it - there's no shame in that.
Happy New Year.
Bonucci's comments should surprise me. But they don't. They are typical of the many ignorant attitudes regarding race and racism that are prevalent in Italy.
Bradley missed a penalty. But he also played a fantastic 90 minutes out of position, and he wass a big reason why
#TFC
got to the final.
The idea that this loss is somehow on him is, will all due respect, the most ridiculous of hot takes.
Just to make it clear to Alexi Lalas, Nancy Armour, Abby Wambach and many others who are conflating the issue & shifting the topic:
It was never about the goals. Never. Ever.
It was entirely about the celebrations. At a certain point, they became crass - i.e. Rapinoe at 9-0.
What does it matter that European writers and fans, many who probably don’t even watch MLS, are downplaying Ibrahimovic’s debut for LA because it’s an “inferior league”?
As people who cover and enjoy MLS, shouldn’t we be past the point where we care what these critics think?
#canWNT
are Olympic champions.
#canMNT
are going back to the World Cup. What a f--king time to be alive. Honestly, I never thought I'd live to see the day.
🚨⚫️🔵 Tajon Buchanan to Inter, here we go! Deal in place with Club Brugge on €7m fixed fee plus add-ons.
Personal terms agreed weeks ago and Tajon’s set to travel to Milano tomorrow — medical tests on Thursday.
🇨🇦 Agreement completed, set to be sealed.
@TurkishAirlines
✈️
Herdman on deciding where January's home game might be: "I think everyone has to realize the travel realities. … This isn’t about touring the country and having a celebration."
#canMNT
Jozy: "This city means a lot to me. I came here & I didn’t know what to expect. I’m sure a lot of people didn’t know what to expect from me. It’s a beautiful love story, because I fell in love with this city, & I think the fans have fallen in love with me."
#TFC
If you can't afford
@onesoccer
, fair enough.
If you don't think it offers value for $, I strongly disagree, but ok.
But if don't subscribe because you don't want to pay for content, you lose the right to complain about growing the Cdn game & lack of media coverage of Cdn soccer
For the third game in a row, Alistair Johnston wins the "Gigi Buffon National Anthem Singing" award for
#canMNT
. Honourable mention to Stephen Eustáquio.
This was Sophie Schmidt’s last game for
#canWNT
as she previously said she planned to retire from the national team after the World Cup. Schmidt is 2nd in caps for Canada (224). Only Christine Sinclair has more (326).
What a loyal servant she's been over the years. What a player
Osorio: "I think in this [coming break] it’s very crucial that the club now takes the steps to address these problems. And again, as players we gotta look at ourselves first… [But] I think the responsibility as well is on the club and on those higher up."
#TFCLive
Bill Manning to me:
"The best thing about this is that this team isn’t done. We’re going to be really good next year. The next step is [winning] the CONCACAF Champions League, & we’ve already been talking about it. We’re set up for long-term success. This isn’t a one-off."
#TFC
The 2022 Concacaf Women's Championship (which serves as the qualifiers for the 2023 FIFA World Cup) is scheduled for next July. A host nation has yet to be announced. Given
#canWNT
's recent success, it'd be great if Concacaf picked Canada as the tournament host.
You don't like it when athletes take a knee during the anthem. You don't like it when they wear BLM shirts or rainbow armbands. You don't like it when they speak out. You don't like it when they decide not to play.
Tell me, what exactly would you be okay with them doing?
Alphonso Davies is keeping receipts on Bayern teammates who joke about Canadian soccer &
#canMNT
“It's all jokes, I understand that, but for me, sometimes I take it personally. ... For me, the goal is to make it to a World Cup and hopefully face some of my (Bayern) teammates."
Breaking news: John Herdman has replaced Octavio Zambrano as coach of the Canadian men’s team with immediate effect,
@Sportsnet
has learned. I spoke with John Herdman and CSA's Steve Reed tonight. My story to follow very shortly on Sportsnet.ca.
#canMNT
#canWNT
@CanadaSoccerEN
The bad news: I missed my connecting flight, and now I have a 7 hour layover in Mexico City.
The good news: Aeromexico bumped me up to first class, and I get to wait in the VIP lounge, where it’s tacos and cervezas as far as the eye can see.
Tweeps.
Now that the
#TFC
season is over, I want to say thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed the coverage I provided this year.
I start a month’s holiday today. I'll check in on Twitter occasionally, but basically I’ll be off the grid until I’m back at work on Jan. 16.
John
Luke Singh going on a season’s loan to Pacific FC as part of transfer that sees Lukas MacNaughton come
#TFCLive
is a done deal, I’m told. Should be announced in the next few days.
PERSONAL NEWS TO SHARE:
I’ll be covering
#canWNT
for CBC Sports during
#Tokyo2020
@cbcsports
@CBCOlympics
Although I’ll be focusing on Canada, I’ll be covering the entire tournament through to final (regardless of how far Canada goes).
Lots of features/analysis pieces coming
End of an era as today as
@Sportsnet
's coverage of the Premier League comes to a close after 21 years.
Congrats to
@jamessharman
@DannyDichio
@craigforrest1
Gerry Dobson for their exemplary work over the years.
Saturday mornings won't be the same next season.
Qatar is eliminated. They're the worst-performing host team in the 92-year history of the World Cup. South Africa was eliminated in the group stage of 2010, but only after their third game. No team host team has ever been eliminated after two games.
Cavalry FC's Aribim Pepple being sold to Luton Town FC of the English Championship, from what I've been told. Big move for the youngster. Deal should be announced very soon.
So, my old employee
@Sportsnet
reached out to me and asked if I could write a piece on Greg Vanney's legacy and what he meant for
#TFCLive
Here's what I wrote:
“Don’t let anybody tell you America isn’t a soccer nation… I think this shows there is a passion for this game.”
Alexi Lalas has a history of having so many bad takes. But this is his worst. My God, buddy. How clueless and tone deaf are you?
"Not a good look for the US less than two years out of the World Cup."
@AlexiLalas
on the situation at Hard Rock Stadium ahead of the 2024 Copa América Final between Argentina and Colombia
When my mom and dad immigrated from Italy, this is where they came through. Pier 21 in Halifax. It’s a museum now, but this was the gateway for millions of immigrants into Canada. I get so emotional every time I visit this special place and remember the stories my parents told me
I can confirm that HFX Wanderers FC have acquired
#TFCLive
forward Jordan Perruzza on loan for the remainder of the 2023 CPL season. Good move for Jordan as he'll get plenty of playing time in the CPL.
This is the "Dear Canada" letter released by Canada's national men's team players.
Asking for a review of Canada Soccer's broadcast & sponsorship contracts, 40% of World Cup qualification money, and a joint contract with the women's team with equal compensation for match fees.
I've heard so many times in the past when racists chants occurred in the stands during a European soccer game that players can't just walk off the field. They Milwaukee Bucks are showing that, in fact, players can walk off and take a stand.
No
@CanadaSoccerEN
player, man or woman, has had as much European club success as
#canWNT
's Kadeisha Buchanan. Today, she can win her 5th UEFA Champions League title.
My story for
@cbcsports
#TFCLive
coach John Herdman: "I’m just angry. I’m really angry. Frustrated. Angry."
He later added: “I’m emotional. I’m really emotional about this one. I’ve never been this disappointed in 30 years of my coaching career… This one sucks.”
Interesting post-game comments from Bernardeschi, who said he was proud of how
#TFCLive
competed tonight, but also said: "I think maybe we need to change something. We need a little bit more tactics. We need an idea [of] how we play because this is the real problem for me."
Nashville exercised its option on Lukas MacNaugthon.
#TFCLive
declined its option on C.J. Sapong. More evidence that this was 1 of the worst trades in recent history by Toronto who also gave Nashville a guaranteed $125,000 in GAM in '24 and up to $75,000 in conditional GAM in '25
Hey gang, this is one of ‘those’ tweets... I can confirm I am no longer at Sportsnet. Just a great chapter, a real page turner where I had the privilege to work with some brilliant and talented people. Up next? Can’t wait to find out. Sportsworld anyone? Cheers for watching.
#TFCLive
GM Jason Hernandez today says club is looking to bring a player in and send a player out before transfer deadline tomorrow. Described incoming target as being of a good age with good pedigree and would be a "core starter."
Just an FYI: My final article for
@Sportsnet
is going to be published tomorrow. And it’s a doozy of a long-form feature on the
@CPLsoccer
. I’ll tweet out the link when it’s up. Really excited to share it with everyone.
#CanPL
#TFCLive
newcomer Franco Ibarra. When speaking to reporters today he apologized for his previous comments about not wanting to come here. Said he spoke out frustration and during an uncertain and stressful time.
It's a minor point in the
#canWNT
situation, but the
#canMNT
letter's reference to the CPL as a "minor league" was unfortunate and unneccesary. 2 players who just earned their 1st caps got their break in the CPL. Other players (MAK, Johnson, Larin) played in League1 Ontario.
I'm happy for a lot of people at
#TFC
today.
But I'm most happy for Mike Masaro, the club's PR guy. Started with the team in 2011. Wasn't always easy and he's been through a lot. I love it when good things happen to good people, and Mike is a great guy.
#MLSCup
@torontofc
In post-match scrums, Jozy called out Bill Manning. Said the trainer associated with Seba and who also helped Jozy deal with muscle problems was let go when Seba was sold. Altidore also accused Manning of letting his ego get in the way of this. Jaw-dropping stuff.
#TFCLive
So, just looking at Sportsnet's TV schedule on its website, and apparently they will be airing
#canMNT
's games vs Honduras and El Salvador. TSN will air Canada vs USA. So all 3 games will air live on major Canadian TV networks.
#TFCLive
& Rapids confirm that Drew Moor has signed with Colorado.
Drew is a classy guy. Always very generous with his time in dealing with media during his stay in Toronto.
It's a toss up between him & Mark Bloom for the honour of nicest/most polite TFC player of all time. :)
A very good and much-needed result for
#TFCLive
. Bradley will earn the majority of the plaudits for his brace, and rightly so. But I thought DeLeon and Mavinga were fantastic.
Breaking News: Prior to the league's transfer deadline, the
#CanPL
was able to complete the signing of veteran soccer writer
@JohnMolinaro
📝
John has covered soccer for over 20 years and will be joining the league as the Director of Content. Welcome to the team John!
Quite possibly the greatest plate of tagliatelle I’ve ever made. Only 5 ingredients: grape tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, chilli flakes. It took 20 minutes from the time I put to water on to boil to taking my first bite. Don’t tell me you don’t have time to cook.
Michael Bradley has meant a lot to
#TFCLive
both on and off the field. He’s been an important figure, playing a major role in changing the culture of the club since his arrival. But I wanted to take a minute to talk about Michael Bradley the person, rather than the footballer.
I would like to thank everyone
@Sportsnet
for 17 amazing years.
@jamessharman
,
@DannyDichio
, Gerry Dobson. The talented group behind us making us look good or as good as you can 😀
@TSN_Sports
for my start 98 Thank you for watching I’ve managed to do what I love for a long time.
In the pressbox at BMO Field, watching Giovinco score one of the best goals in MLS history that also sent
#TFCLive
through to the playoffs for the 1st time in franchise history.