Random Results
Maybe you know, but perhaps not. The Carolina Challenge Cup is taking place this weekend. It usually consists of three MLS teams, and the Charleston Battery, a USL team. This year the Battery are joined by MLS Cup Winners Houston Dynamo, the New York Redbulls, and of course new boys Toronto FC (why else would I be telling you this?) Anyway, Toronto lost to Houston on Saturday by a scoreline of two - nil. Not too bad considering it was the first real game against an MLS team, and a championship side that’s been playing competitively in the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup. Their second match was today against the New York Redbulls. Toronto won two - one. Apparently the game could be watched online, unfortunately I was at class, and couldn’t catch it, but Jesse could. Check out his player ratings. Or you can read it on the MLS site. All I can say is look at those spiffy new kits. The grey one’s have to look good. Toronto wrap up the CCC on Saturday when they play the hosts, they then play Chivas in LA on April seventh in their first ever MLS match.
As it was International week in the world of football, there’s nothing to report on the Whites. Well, not directly. Idan Tal did score for Israel in their four - nil stomping of Estonia. Israel continues to keep the pressure on England at this point. After starting in Greece’s four - one loss to Turkey Stelios sound himself on the bench while Greece went on to a one - nil win over lowly Malta. Michalík who wasn’t evne called up for Slovakia’s three - one win over Cyprus had a spot on the bench for Slovakia in their one - nil defeat by Ireland. Jääskeläinen started in net as the Fins lost to Azerbaijan. Méïté and the Ivory Coast picked up a three - nil win over Madagascar keeping them atop their group with six points in two games. El-Hadji Diouf and Abdoulaye Faye picked up a win with Senegal four - nil over Tanzania. Diouf contributed two assists. Jamaica picked up a draw in their friendly.
Unfortunately I didn’t get to see Pumas this weekend, but they took on Atlante, and as form would have it. They drew. Four draws in a row. DT has the report, and a good one at that.
The US also had a couple of friendlies this week. The first against Ecuador. The second was today against Guatemala. I missed the first half, but managed to pick up the second. It was a game that didn’t really impress me too much. Dempsey didn’t look like much, and Donovan was a shadow of himself against Ecuador, which I guess is to be expected. The US kept forcing and trying to work in through the middle, when it clearly wasn’t working. Guatemala was packing bodies in the box making it difficult for the US to get any close passing down. That’s when it comes time to rip long range shots and hope rebounds land at the feet of teammates, and this was something they failed to do. Overall I wasn’t all that impressed. The US will play China next in June, and then on to the Copa America and Gold Cup.
There wasn’t much revealing to be done. There was early speculation as to whose corporate name would be spattered across the front of Toronto’s Jerseys. Carlsberg was probably the favorite, but something tells me the name of a beer across the front of a football uniform wouldn’t be appreciated. Even if it is good beer. There was some more speculation, but the speculation ended when they announced in a press release that the new uniforms would be unveiled at BMO (Bank of Montreal.) It’s BMO Field, so why not BMO on the Jerseys as well? Well, that’s what they did. Now we can feel a little bit like Wigan as they have JJB (their stadium) across their jerseys, of course, this probably isn’t a good thing.
During the January transfer window there was speculation of Chelsea looking to purchase Israeli stand-out Tal Ben Haim for a mere three million pounds or so. As it was, the Whites had little depth in the back and really couldn’t afford to essentially give away an all star for crumbs. Now, instead of giving away an all star for crumbs, we’re giving him away, period. Gone. For free. No more Tal Ben Haim. It has been understood for some time that Ben Haim wanted out. It came down to a matter of a paycheck, and as Big Sam said “We can’t afford Tal anymore.” I guess you can’t blame him, but it’s still frustrating to see a top class defender like Ben Haim walk away because our chairman won’t throw down some more cash. But we can still be bitter about his money grubbing desire. It is assumed that Ben Haim will be picked up by one of the Big Four as he has the quality to play for them, and they have the funds to pay for him. 
Due to weather conditions the 
