Does anybody realise that our strikers for the Jamaica game have a combined total of 51 Caps and 4 Goals? THis is outrageous! Where is Pesch and Bunbury? We are going to be destroyed without them. Don't tell me that Osieck has trouble calling Bunbury up when Rad can't come! He calls DeRosario up instead? Pesch can't be too worried about his spot with Fulham, he just scored a goal and was named player of the game. We're toast.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 11:33 PM from IP address 161.184.218.206
I think it's better to call up DeRossario than Bunbary...remember 1995...if Lennurduzzi had called up some of the younger guns,in 1996 and 1997, Canada wouldn't be so short of players...
let these players get their chances...
Alex is a proven goalscorer...so is Pesch...let the younger guys get their chance....
Posted on Sep 1, 1999, 12:22 AM from IP address 129.128.153.50
Yeah, I also think that we will be thin up front vs. Jamaica. We may go goaless again unless we have a very good game. With Canada trying to gain respect and a better ranking it is not what we wanted. You also have to wonder when Holger is going to take the time to evaluate Bunbary. This is the bad news.
To make the most of an unfortunate situation I hope Xauxa will start up front with Corrazin. Staltari or DeRosario can be brought on in the 2nd half. I think Kusch has had plenty of opportunities and hasn't shown he deserves another.
I really hope we see SOMETHING positive in this game. Some evidence that Holger is improving team play other than by bringing in younger players. Other than the game against Ecuador Canada has shown very little to get excited about. It's time for Holger to show he IS tired of losing!
Posted on Sep 1, 1999, 7:42 AM from IP address 199.212.18.68
This has been under consideration for a while - a number of provinces have problems with their U-19 age division and wanted to change to U-18. However, it made sense to change all three youth age divisions. It was approved at the CSA AGM in Winnipeg this year.
National Club Championships will be U-14, U-16 and U-18 for 2001 (along with the Mens and Womens competition).
January 1st. is still the qualifying date (no change).
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 8:03 PM from IP address 205.250.146.79
Hopefully in Ontario we will see the implementation of Under 23 Divisions in Mens and Womens, with a finish date of August 15.
This would allow university players i.e. 18 to 23 a league to play in starting in early May.
I would hope Bill that with your influence we might see such league, maybe affliated with the CPSL.
Divisions could be regional i.e. East, Central, South West and North, with eight teams per division for each sex.
Game days Sundays, drive time 2 hours or less, and a knockout cup in three rounds.
P.S. Bill if you have CPSL do it, the entry fee should be kept low, under 250 per team with Referees assigned by each District Referee Co-ordinator.
Based on May, June, July and two weeks in August the league would have 14 weeks to schedule play on, with eight teams a 14 game schedule.
Posted on Sep 1, 1999, 12:17 AM from IP address 205.210.144.47
Thanks for the information. In Calgary we are just getting ready for our indoor season and this change needs to be looked at carefully. Most clubs look at the indoor as a training season for outdoor and thus we need to plan for an age group transition. As far as I am aware this change has not officially been posted by Calgary Minor Soccer Association so many clubs and communities will be surprised.
Posted on Sep 1, 1999, 9:57 AM from IP address 209.5.189.3
My understanding is that the age group changes in the CMSA will not be made until the 2001 outdoor season. So there's two more indoor and one more outdoor season with the current age groups.
As well the CMSA hired a "consultant" over the summer to look at the state of soccer in Calgary. He has just handed in a long report on what he thinks the program should look like. From what I hear (second hand) there are a lot of good changes proposed - including my personal beef that kids should not be playing 11 a side until they are much older. Although our community had a long (and tiring) session to provide feedback apparently only 7 of 64 communities and clubs bothered to respond. As well only half of the people invited to participate in meetings on the subject bothered to show up.
I fear that too many will want to protect their own little fiefdoms for much to come of this buit at least it's an effort.
Posted on Sep 2, 1999, 12:37 PM from IP address 161.19.64.5
My name was passed on to the consultant but he never phoned. As well, I'm an age group co-ordinator for one of the Zone Clubs and we did not hear of any meetings or of the survey (at least I didn't) so I take it that it was a closed shop for most of the soccer community in Calgary. I have written a number of proposals in the past and little if anything came out of them. That is not to say my ideas are right or wrong just that there was no discussion and little thanks!!
I hope that this study does have some good ideas but my Zone will be looking into making the age changes earlier than 2001. Last year for the indoor we had U18 and U16 girls teams and will look at that again. The 2000 outdoor season needs to be looked at now and plans drawn up to implement changes.
Posted on Sep 2, 1999, 1:09 PM from IP address 209.5.189.59
The new national level age groups at 14, 16, 18 offer a chance for the Regional Soccer Associations to take step forward towards reforming the soccer structure for youth.
First a foremost competitive divisions should only be allowed at the 14, 16, 18 group, no single year lock stepping. This is to begin to see a greater flow of talented players moving to play stronger, faster, more skilled players as soon as possible.
The second oppourtunity is to restrict 11 aside play to starting at U14 i.e. grade 7 and 8 in most of country. Having youth players play five a side futsall indoors in winter, or five a side or seven a side in summer outdoor would deliver players at U14 with ball skills, and mental age and capacity to learn the technical position of an 11 a side game.
Commnets from anyone ?
Posted on Sep 2, 1999, 9:31 PM from IP address 205.210.144.46
I like your idea about the U10's & U12's playing a smaller sided game. I certainly notice the lack of individual skill when they come to the U14/U15 level. That is not to say that they don't have any skill but it is usually based on the coach's comittment to practise. I had the opportunity to evaluate the U12 Boys at the select tryouts and those boys who were enrolled in a private soccer school had all the skills but no game sense. The other boys from the communities could play the game but it was kick and chase so it made for an interesting case.
The age change will allow the higher age clubs to concentrate on fitness and tactics with better skilled playerscoming into the program at U13. Good thoughts!! Thanks
Posted on Sep 5, 1999, 10:38 AM from IP address 209.5.189.11
Sorry you were not one of those directly involved, but be assured that every zone, community and club was given the opportunity for input into the strategic plan for CMSA. It was definitely not a closed shop approach. I was involved and it was well done.
Posted on Sep 2, 1999, 11:58 PM from IP address 199.216.104.20
Out here in BC the second year of U19 became increasingly difficult because the players were old enough to be in University. They were basically adults and didn't really fit into the youth system. We have a very good women's program (I think . . .) and these girls fit better there. We aren't ditching them early.
It was implied that maybe some other regions were against it. I believe that Ont. and Que. wanted to go this season (screwing BC as we have already registered and formed teams!) Do other, maybe smaller, regions feel differently? Will this change hurt them?
Posted on Sep 1, 1999, 12:04 AM from IP address 216.66.154.190
I was curious as to our lineup in the last game where we lost 1-0 in Kingston in WC qualifying.
Here is our squad that drew 0-0 in the home leg of the HEX back in 97.
GK - Paul Dolan
DEF - Frank Yallop, Randy Samuel, Mark Watson, Iain Fraser
MF - Radzinski, Aunger, Aguiar, Nash (Kusch 52)
F - Bunbury, Corrazin
When Kusch came in, Corrazin went back into MF.
Anybody have the lineup for the second game?
Anybody care to comment on how our new lineup compares??????
Thanks.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 6:40 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
Not that I would want the 86ers to cough up a lung at this point and hand over anybody, but I wonder if they got a call first over DeRosario.
Thompson, Sulentic, Valente would seem ahead in line over DeRosario. Though I don't think I have seen him play(everyone says he is great!) I am thinking of whats on paper, not to mention the record books.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 5:05 PM from IP address 206.87.130.83
According to the Toronto Star, Holger Osieck has called up forward Dwayne DeRosario and goalkeeper Mike Franks to replace injured Tomas Radzinski and Craig Forrest.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 3:27 PM from IP address 209.20.16.35
Franks was the obvious choice in goal. With Forrest, Onstad and Hirschfield not available, Franks had to start in goal.
Derosario is a bit of a surprise. I thought we may see Alex, but it appears he is in Holger's doghouse. Hopefully Dwayne will make the most of this chance.
Canada will be underdogs in this game, and will have to have a solid game or the result could be a disaster.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 4:16 PM from IP address 205.200.28.46
I caught the last 30 minutes or so of the CTV Sportsnet Premier game last night which featured Frank Sinclair of Leicester City vs Micah Hyde of Watford. The announcer stated that Micah Hyde had a decision to make this week, as he had been invited to play for Jamaica in Toronto, but was also eligible to be capped for England. Sounds familiar doesn't it. Also, in the dying minutes a clearance by Frank Sinclair brought the crowd to its feet, as he had scored 2 own goals in injury time so far this season, also sounds familiar. ;)
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 11:44 AM from IP address 192.131.137.10
Hi Ed, thanks for the regular updates. What is your prediction for Thursdays game. I have to give the edge to Jamaica. It's basically a premier team with a sprinkling of first division players. They should be tougher than Northern Ireland. Let's hope that Holger calls up Alex, and Jazic.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 1:42 PM from IP address 205.200.28.46
Assuming the post below is correct, I think I would start Mike Franks in goal, as he had a good Olympic run didn't he? We would have a less than top lineup, but the Jamaicans have max 6 Premier players, 2 defenders (Sinclair & Moore), 2 MF (Powell & Hyde(?)) and 2 strikers (Burton & Gayle). The striker combo looks much stronger on paper than ours. I think we match up OK on defence with Menezes and Devos. In midfield, we should be alright. I will make an optimistic guess again for a 1-0 Canuck win, goal by Xausa. Do you want Kusch in there against the big physical Jam players or go with Stalteri and Corazzin (sub) DeRosario?
In news from Germany, Energie Cottbus sit atop the Bundeslige 2nd Div with a perfect 3-0 record. The amateurs have the reverse record, but neither McKenna nor Hirschfeld have played yet due to knee problems.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 3:53 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
I think that it will be a 2-0 Jamaica win in front of a vocal pro Jamaica crowd. Withou Pesch, Rad, Forrest, Onstad, and Bunbury we are toast. And what is with this 11pm telecast here in Alberta?
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 11:10 PM from IP address 161.184.218.206
Officially, he has two goals and five assists for nine points. He's played at least a dozen or so games. My guess is 15. But yuor point is taken. If he can't hit the twine on a consistent basis in the A-League, he's not going to do it at this level.
Posted on Sep 1, 1999, 8:03 PM from IP address 207.136.83.152
Having watched both Niall Thompson and Dwayne DeRossario, I personally prefer Dwayne over Niall. As for Sulentic, he is in my opinion way too young for the national team just yet, although it would be nice if he gets the call to the U-23 teams very soon...remember Dwayne is about 22, and Sulentic is 19....
Also, not scoring a lot of goals is not always necessarily a sign of a player not playing well..soccer is a team sport and the fact that Niall and Suelentic are having a good season, may very well have to do with the fact, that the whole Vancouver team is a solid team this year...On the other hand, maybe this Richmond team doesn't just have enough talent all around to produce lots of goals and as such, Dwayne is not as successful...
Posted on Sep 2, 1999, 12:06 AM from IP address 129.128.153.50
Although not being mentioned in the media, it is my understanding that the east side of the varsity stadium as well as the south side are closed for safety reasons. This brings the potential seating to around 7000.It is also expected there to be a big walk up crowd and if it appears that the stadium is sold out we can also expect to see numerous spectators to climb the fence to get in on the other side.I hope that those that are attending the game will support the canadian team.As i have said before we must find a variety of songs to support our team.Having been affiliated with the Dutch National team it became very evident that the dutch players need the singing of the Dutch fans and show their appriciation by waving to their supporters following their game.I spoke to Vandersar,Bergkamp and others and they said they need this support
"big time" I know it is to late to organize anything at all, but for the next time we must find some way to make the supporters the 12 th player on the field and motivate our players as much as the Dutch players need it!
Posted on Sep 2, 1999, 9:56 AM from IP address 209.82.41.65
With Forrest out with an injury, who do we go with for the Jamaica game? Now Onstad plays Wednesday for the Rhinos. Is it possible he'll be in action on Thursday in Toronto? If not, do we go with Mike Franks, Jim Larkin, or someone else? I assume Franks would be the choice. He backed up at the Canada Cup while Larkin wasn't even called up. Even though he was selected as backup, I don't think Holger wants Larkin to start that badly.
If Onstad and Franks aren't available, Larkin would start. Could Ceccerelli or Pete Pappas be called to back up Larkin?
Isn't Hirschfeld injured?
Jason
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 12:41 AM from IP address 207.148.140.97
Even though Craig is now injured, calling Pat up, with no notice, only a few days before a friendly and with his club team competing for a spot in the US championship would be immensely unfair to the man not to mention the team that pays his salary.
He's already being screwed out of a European contract. Let's not screw him out of the opportunity for a bit of glory south of the border.
Posted on Sep 2, 1999, 12:20 AM from IP address 216.154.29.232
Hi James,
Just thought I'd let you know that there's another way besides satellite dish to access Direct Kicks. Apparently, you can view recent shows directly from the website address listed above. You just have to scroll down a wee bit on the Direct Kicks homepage and download away.
Good luck,
Dave Carmichael
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 6:39 AM from IP address 206.172.238.11
Its Paul from Victoria. Did you have any luck making a copy of the Canada/ France game? I couldn't seem to organize anyone in Vancouver when you were there, sorry.
Email me if you wish: klebe@home.com
Thanks,
Paul
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 8:47 PM from IP address 24.64.223.4
He did not get called up for the game, and niether did Sulentic( I really want to see this kid). De Rossario has come nowhere near performance wise as Sulentic has. From match reports, he seems, especially lately, be an integral part of the Kickers offence, although they are really struggling of late. If I remember correctly, he had three assists in one game, three or four weeks back. He has only one goal this season though. He plays upfront as the Kickers, for the most part, go with a three pronged attack, rather than the traditional two striker tandem. He usually occupies a striker's role, but on occassion he drops back into the midfield. I'll post more info once it becomes available. I guess the thing we really want to stress hear is that he has come nowhere near Sulentic's tremendous rookie season.
Until next time, have a nice day
Christian Butzek
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 8:54 PM from IP address 209.148.137.170
The Richmond Kickers of the A-League won their last two matches in convincing form. First, they ousted Maryland 7-0, a game in which neither De Rossario nor Pizzolitto figured in the scoring. De Rossario played all 90 minutes, while Pizzolitto was substituted for at the half.
In the second game, the Kickers dfeated Jacksonville 4-2, again neither Canadian figured in the scoring. De Rossario played upfront in this one. Both players played all 90 minutes. The Kickerscan clinch a playoff spot if they win the next two games (I think their is only two games left).
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 9:08 PM from IP address 209.148.137.170
I was impressed with what I saw from Anfield this weekend. Liverpool looked amazing, Fowler seems back to form. They should only get better with the return of Michael Owen.
Cmon you REDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 6:40 PM from IP address 204.19.166.56
I stumbled on something quite interesting the other day, so I thought I would share this tidbit with my soccer buddies. On the Energie Cottbus website, McKenna is listed as being English. I'm sure it's nothing; there's probably some mistake there somewhere. Ed or Klaus, you guys might want to go and check that out. Wouldn't that be a disaster? Another Canadian refusing to play for Canada. He's the young lad from Calgary if you've forgotten.
Also, cruising the web, it seems as though both Bottiglierri and Huggon are up with the big club, but neither has seen a minute of action.
Anyone know if Stalteri is making any progress at his club? (Is he a starter?)
If Hargreaves is doing as well as that recent article suggested, shouldn't he be given another phone call by Holger? I mean--from all accounts he's a starter with Bayern Reserves--at that level, even though it's not the big club, he's probably at the same skill level and competition as Bircham and Brennan are in the English Second Division.
This kid Dunfield sounds really good. Anyone hear anything from him lately? I suppose he's a lost cause. He seems determined to play for England. And that is to bad for us and maybe for him. He must be one heck of a player if he thinks he can beat out the likes of Beckham, Campbell and company for a starting spot in a few years. I hope he knows the decision he's making.
I also checked out the Richmond Kickers website, and there's good news for us guys, both Pizzolitto and De Rosario are starters. Nevio is going to have to calm down a little, he's been suspended for the last two games. De Rosario hasn't been lighting the league on fire like Sulentic has. From what I ascertained he has only one goal this year, but he has four or five assists and from what I read, he seems to be an intgral part of the Kickers offence, likewise for Nevio and the defence.
Until next time, have a nice day.
Christian Butzek
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 3:01 PM from IP address 209.148.142.173
I suspect the Energie Cottbus site is mistaken.
Kicker which covers all the German leagues has Kevin McKenna's nationality as Canadian. And, as he attended Bishop Grandin high school and played for Calgary Foothills, I would say he definitely looks like a Canuck to me.
Regarding Bottiglieri and Huggon, both are listed with the Hibs Premier squad and did tour with the club in the pre season. However, they have only played with the U21 side so far this season.
For some recent news on Owen H., check out an earlier post of mine from last week "News from Alberta", or check the bcsoccerweb for same story posted Wednesday or Thursday last week.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 3:31 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
Rad's impact on Anderlecht is quite amazing...if you check the number of games he has played for Anderlecht in the last season and this one, and the number of games they have won with him and without him, there is quite the contrast...
Off course, it's not all because of him, but it's definitely, partially because of Rad man...
How about calling Jazic or Bunbary to replace him? either beef up the mid or add a striker?
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 3:53 PM from IP address 199.45.77.36
A nice phone call to Alex could bring him back.
The lineup looks like it needs help at GK and striker right now. I think Onstad is available or is the US Open Cup semifinal this week????
I think they should call Alex (2 helpers this weekend in one of KCs rare wins). Niall Thompson looks pretty hot right now (didn't he score against Macedonia last year). Or, as it is a friendly and last opportunity for Holger to have a look, I would give DeRosario a shot.
Care to change your prediction Reza?
Let's go Canada, how about 2-0 for the Canucks, with surprise call up De Rosario getting both (the Reggae Boyz mistakenly pass him the ball twice for breakaway goals).
More realistically, Canada 1-0, rising star Xausa getting the goal.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 4:13 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
The Anderlecht site reported his ham string problem after the Thursday UEFA Cup game. And, as he missed the Belgian League game yesterday (where RSCA fell off the pace with a draw, now 3W-1D in their 4 games to Brugges perfect 4W), I would have to say its just bad luck on our part.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 6:43 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
I had a feeling he would pull something like this, and I'm not reffering to his Hamstring. The only way that he will convince me of his comittment to Canada, is that if he shows up regardless.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 6:44 PM from IP address 204.19.166.56
I have included the links to the news sections of the Anderlecht magazines in the news section...If you check out the news for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, it looks to me that he is indeed injured...
Apparently, he hurt himself during the UEFA cup qualifier match and was pulled out at half...he had a Eco on Saturday and not muchmore other than that...
check out www.canadian-soccer.com/voyageurs/news.htm
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 12:14 AM from IP address 129.128.153.50
Lets see if he shows up to cheer on his mates. Then I'll believe that he is committed to the national team. If he doesn't show up, its time for Canada to turn its back on him.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 12:51 PM from IP address 192.135.215.34
I'm not really one to defend Radzinski, but we're a cash-strapped federation, why would they fly in an injured player from Europe? Or are you advocating he pay his own way? I'm sure he could afford it, but why would he? He's got to rehab and doesn't really need a trip over and back for a nothing friendly against Jamaica.
If we see this motley crue of young kids nad ineffective vets come the hexagonal I'll freak out, for right now I don't mind. Radzinski seems legitimatly injured and it's a new team, new coach and a new situation. I hope his attitude has improved, but not showing up in tdotodot won't be an indication as far as I'm concerned.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Sep 1, 1999, 2:20 AM from IP address 142.3.88.3
The Cottbus site is wrong in that being English and Scottish are still very different things. Just ask any Englishman or a Scotsman about this and you'll get an earful. Don't confuse one for the other.They may both come from Britain and have many things in common but much like Canadians and Americans sharing this continent there are still definite differences between them.
A' the best,
Dave Carmichael
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 4:38 PM from IP address 206.172.191.201
TD played for Manchester City reserves (yes, one level below the first team) vs Oldham reserves in the Manchester Senior Cup, and scored! No doubt he will be pushing for a first team spot sooner rather than later, and will probably choose England over Canada. For those interested, check out www.mancity.net for regular news of the true manchester club. "I am City till I die".
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 5:45 PM from IP address 129.100.116.44
Werder Bremen (A) vs. VfB Oldenburg 1:0 (0:0)
Paul Stalteri ( Bremen ) got one assist. He gave the pass to
Wojcik, who scored the 1:0 after 54 minutes.
Oberliga Nordost - Sued :
Bischofswerda 08 vs. Energie Cottbus (A) 6:1
Lars Hirschfeld and KevinMcKenna for Cottbus (A) ?
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 7:49 PM from IP address 206.172.90.26
Today, Paul Pesch returns to his old home at West Bromwich Albion....I remember when he left the club, he made a typical Pesch comment that ticked off the Albion fans...I think this is one match the Albion fans have been waiting for and so has Pesch...
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 12:54 PM from IP address 199.45.77.36
It seems like Nic Dasovic had a solid game against Aberdeen, setting up a pair of goals in their 3-0 away win....well, maybe he's back in my equation...have to wait and see...
Also, kind off topic....reading news, it looks like English fans now have found an equivalent...is it me or does it look like that every match in which Libya is playing, the game is ending in violence? can you imagine a Libya-England match?
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 8:28 PM from IP address 129.128.153.50
Anyone have any updates on the status of Nash or Kindel ? A few weeks ago we heard that Nash had left Bolton for trials with other English clubs.
Steve Kindel had a solid year with RAEC Mons, but burned his bridges with the club when he chose to play in an Olympic exhibition against the US instead of a Mons promotion match. I hope he isn't rotting in Vancouver waiting for the phone to ring. He should be able to secure employement with another Belgian third division side at the very least.
And how about Derosario ?
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 8:18 PM from IP address 205.200.28.46
Did anybody (particularly in the Toronto area) know that Holger Osieck was at last Sunday's (Aug. 22) CPSL match at Birchmount between the Toronto Olympians and London City.
Also on hand was Pinball Clemmons from the CFL Argos and the crowd size looked not bad, maybe even around 1 000 or so.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 6:42 PM from IP address 209.5.16.122
A thousand at the game sounds pretty good. Is that an above average crowd?
How much exposure do the Olympians get? Anything in the local papers or radio/TV?
I really hope the Olympians can start playing at a higher level. No offense to the CPSL, but with their talent level, it seems like they should be playing tougher competition.
I wonder if Holger was scouting anyone in particular? I realize there are some soccer vets on the Olympians (Berdusco among others) but are there any hot youngsters with them that have a future?
Jason
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 8:20 PM from IP address 207.148.137.163
My guess would be that Holger was scouting a talented youngster with London City. I can't remember his name (I think it starts with an M, and sounds Yugo), but he was recently invited to an exhibition game with the Canadian Olympic squad.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 8:40 PM from IP address 205.200.28.46
You probably mean Semir Mesanovic. I've heard in a previous game in the season he was being scouted.
I wasn't at the Olympians--London City game but the other end of the league.
North York Astros played St Catharines Roma Wolves in front of about 50 people. The start of the game was delayed when the officials finally noticed the groundskeeper had not installed the corner flags!!
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 10:41 PM from IP address 204.225.175.107
Heard that Holger was at the Olympians game again this past Sunday (August 29th.) amd rumour has it that he likes the Olympians goal scoring forwards - Eddy Berdusco, Elvis Thomas and Gus Kouzmanis.
Also heard that Berdusco and Thomas were invited to attend the Team Canada camp in Alliston this week but it doesn't sound like they've been added to the official squad. Anyone been up to Alliston to see them?
CPSL has some talented youngsters playing. Olympians have John Matas - next in scoring behind the top three - and Rocket Robin has mentioned Semir Mesanovic with London City.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 8:52 PM from IP address 205.250.146.79
I wasn't there...I saw clips of the game on an ethnic tv program with a feature on the Olympians and the stadium looked pretty packed to me but David Bailey was there and says there were about 350 so I guess I was way off! Even 350 is an above average crowd.
The Olympians/CPSL get absolutely no coverage (other then the standings published about once a week in the Toronto Sun) in the Toronto media.
Actually, the Olympians do get covered by the local Greek media (cause the team owner is Greek as are quite a few of the players) and they do run some advertising in the local Greek media. (Compared to the Lynx which get absolutely no coverage in the Greek media and do no advertising in the Greek media, not that they should advertise!)
When will they ever learn? It's not the 70's anymore. You won't have 10 000 people come to watch local teams representing Greece or Italy or Portugal or Croatia. Teams have to stop this dumb marketing. They have to focus on trying to get the whole community behind the team and forget this ethnic stuff.
With regards to the Olympians playing at a higher level, well there can really only be 1 Toronto team in the A-League or a new top level CSL. So basically, hopefully the owners of the Lynx and Olympians (hello OSA, where are you?), could come together and merge the two operations to create a strong top level soccer club for Toronto.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 1:19 PM from IP address 209.103.48.119
The CSL days had two Toronto area teams in it's day even when it shrank to 8 teams.
There would usually be at least one of the teams in town for the weekend.
The biggest games were for the derbies between Toronto Blizzard and North York Rockets which might draw 2500 people each.
There would be some overlap of the same fans came to both stadiums.
So it's a long way off Europe but think of the dozens of great matchups between same city teams.
Maybe Toronto and North York are too close together but there should be some consideration of more than one team within say 100 kms.
Travel costs could be saved because a team could do a Friday to Sunday swing through the Toronto region.
You'd also keep the league in the headlines in this big city as one team would be playing.
The population base is 10 times that of some of those Prairie towns people have been mentioning. Also the player base is greater around here which may be an attraction if this new league starts off just semi-pro.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 1:30 PM from IP address 204.225.175.105
You're absolutely right about creating a local rivalry, the number of local players, the league will be constantly in the media, travel costs will be lower, etc.
But hopefully a new league could be across Canada including some of those prairie towns. To have two teams in Toronto you would need at least 12 teams (so they can be spread across the country).
Toronto could easily handle 2 teams (at any level either pro or semi-pro) but then everybody on the left coast will think it's some sort of hogtown conspiracy if great soccer cities like Edmonton and Moose Jaw and Vancouver only have 1 team :)
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 1:39 PM from IP address 209.103.48.119
I agree with Robin on this one. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal NEED to support more than one team each. The media in these centres need to be overdosed with a new league. Local rivalry works in Europe and other sports (baseball interleague).
Most of my dream models for a new CSL include at least two teams in each city. Whether they are in the top division or not depends on the strength of the club.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 1:45 PM from IP address 154.11.83.186
I agree that the Metro Toronto area should have at least 2 (maybe 3) clubs and Vancouver should have 2 teams. These are the biggest soccer (and population) centres of the country, and it only makes sense. Most cities of that size can certainly support more than one club. Besides, you could fit Edmonton, Calgary, and Winnipeg in the Toronto metro area with room to spare!
Back to the Olympians, does anyone think there's a possibility they'll apply for a D3 Pro club? If they did, what do you think the chance are that they'll be accepted? I think this is the next logical step for them at this time.
Jason
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 12:33 AM from IP address 207.148.140.97
Going to D3 would be a step backwards. They're already as good or better than many A-League clubs.
It is my hope that they will stay in the CPSL until they know where pro soccer is going in this country and whether or not the Lynx will continue to exist beyond next season. If a new CSL is considered feasible, maybe that is where they will go (along with the Lynx perhaps). Perhaps they'll end up in the A-League.
In my opinion, the CPSL and D3 on average, are equivalent. Let's not weaken our soccer structure any further by amalgamating with US leagues.
We must be able to stand on our own. If the CPSL fails, then join up with the Yanks as a last resort.
D3 is no panacea.
The Olympians are one of the three top soccer teams in this country. I think they would consider the thought of D3 to be an insult.
I'm still disappointed that the 86'ers went that route.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 1:43 AM from IP address 216.154.31.157
I didn't realize that the CPSL was as high quality as D3 Pro. If that's the case, I completely agree with your plans for the Olympians' future.
My concern is I'd like to see both teams thrive on and off the field. There's clearly room for two clubs on a talent basis and the Olympians' owner seems to have the cash.
We need every successful pro team we can get.
Jason
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 2:18 AM from IP address 207.148.138.82
D3 is really quite good, but I also suspect that it is not consistent like the A-League. Remember that is where all the 'Arristodemos' play becuase it does not violate their scholarships. D3 teams were knocking out MLS teams in the US Open cup.
Do you really think the Olympians are better than the A-League or that they could compete in it? I have no idea, never seen them play, don't know who's on the team. Toronto may not be a good comparison for the rest of the A-Leauge.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 4:57 PM from IP address 206.87.130.83
I would agree with you in that D3 is probably very inconsistant as is the CPSL.
That said, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind whatsover regarding the ability of the Olympians to be competitive in the A-League. They have a strong roster with probably half a dozen players that either left of their own accord or were dropped by the Lynx plus Eddy Berdusco who has nowhere else to play and would be a strong A-League player. Elvis Thomas and Gus Kouzmanis are also with the side.
I'm not saying they'd be champions or anything like that but they would certainly fit in and would probably be better than the early season Lynx and roughly equivalent to the current Lynx.
Check out the new Inside Soccer for my article on the current on-field state of the Lynx.
I almost forgot, Alan's article on the 86'ers is on the facing page but you can skip that one.
db
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 8:50 PM from IP address 216.154.37.13
Holger was an invited guest. Chris Bellamy is making a strong effort to bring attention to the league and so he invited Holger and Pinball Clemons to conduct the ceremonial kick-offs and to conduct the draw at half-time.
BTW, there was no more than 300/350 at the park.
I was sitting with Chris when he estimated 350.
Probably the Olympians best crowd of the season though.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 10:21 PM from IP address 216.154.28.149
The Greek program (Sundays at 12 noon) on CFMT (Channel 47, Cable 4 in Toronto) once in a while does features on the Olympians (cause the owner is Greek and so are quite a few of the players).
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 1:25 PM from IP address 209.103.48.119
They had a new host this week that appeared to know less that Dobson. He was professional, but could have asked some obvious questions to his two guests, Neil Davidson and Norm Dacosta. The obvious question regarding the national team and Canada's upcoming match against Jamaica is where is Alex Bunbury ? Regardless whether he is too old for the next World Cup he remains one of our top two strikers and would make a fantastic role model for our young players.
The fact they had Neil Davidson and Norm Dacosta was a good move. No ties to the CSA, and both are well knomn by Canada's soccer faithful. Unfortunetly the questions were so general that it wasn't nearly as good as it should have been. Dacosta sounded like he was having trouble breathing ?!
Coverage of both the Lynx and 86'ers, which is always good to see.
Alf De Blasis is a natural on TV, and at the very least should be approached about co-hosting Soccer Central. Dobson and the new guy are alright but don't know enough about Canadian soccer. Alf could provide the substance and really help who ever ultimately hosts Soccer Central. Am I the only one that thinks Alf is a natural on TV ?
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 1:07 PM from IP address 205.200.28.46
You make good points however I will disagree about Mark McAllister. I thought he was amateurish at best. His lack of preparation was obvious. You needed a pocket calculator to count the number of pronunciation mistakes he made.
If CTVSN wants their soccer coverage to have credibility, they can't think that the soccer public will find this calibre of proficiency to be acceptable.
I don't want anybody saying "well, it was his first time". It doesn't matter. He wasn't prepared and was over his head. Whoever assigned him to the show should feel embarassed as should Mark.
As much as I find Dobson to be weak, McAllister had me thinking fondly of Jamie.
As for Alf, it's a no brainer. He knows the sport and is a fine broadcaster. Why he isn't hosting that show and calling the play-by-play on their Canada matches is hard to fathom.
CTVSN is only hurting themselves by not utilizing him more appropriately.
BTW, Norm was nervous I think thus his laboured breathing.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 2:06 PM from IP address 216.154.31.212
Who were the announcer/hosts for soccer central? I must have been saying the names wrong all along, that is what I am confused about, and why I was asking about the name.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 11:23 PM from IP address 209.52.51.3
That we do not always get the same telecasts out here as you do there. I was wondering if there was a different host, perhaps a soccer host of some kind that lurks about in Ontario that I have never heard of.
No one in BC would ever know who Alf De Blasis is. Maybe it was something like that.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 1:55 AM from IP address 207.194.147.71
Alf was a high profile soccer guy there back before the World Cup. He left the station to work at CFMT during the World Cup and has since gone on to become editor of Inside Soccer.
He is rejoining TLN very shortly to work on their soccer coverage, this time in Italian.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 8:44 PM from IP address 216.154.37.13
Vic wasn't the most smooth talking broadcaster, but he had a base knowledge in Canadian soccer through his broadcasting of the CSL games and national/olympic games.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 8:31 AM from IP address 205.200.28.46
I didn't get to watch this week's show, but you should let CTVSN know...a few weeks ago, somebody did some bitching over CTVSN announcing it would show a game on tap delay on Wednesday instead of monday....I am not sure if it worked, but soccer fans have to be more vocal if they want anything....I'll post their e-mail here, if you are not already on the list..
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 8:19 PM from IP address 129.128.153.50
If we were going to the World Cup tomorrow that might be my roster. If it were a 22, I'd add DeRosa, Stalteri, Nash and Franks. But it's tough to argue with that. I think Corrazin and Aguiar are on the bubble, but all in all pretty tough to argue with. Seeing that Jazic scored makes me even more annoyed that he isn't coming home for the Jamaican friendly.
cheers,
matthew
p.s. What no Kusch?! :o)>
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 8:05 PM from IP address 142.165.112.102
It was tough not putting Kusch on the squad, but his lack of goal production keeps him off. I think he might make a good partner for any of the other strikers since he is so dominant in the air, I was quite impressed with him at the Canada Cup. Still, No goals, No play.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 1:14 PM from IP address 207.229.35.53
Leaving Bent off was a tough decision. We really do think he has a role to play, he could easily replace Dasovic. There would be no problem having Bent play. But, with guys like Jajic and Parker playing so well it makes the midfield very crowded with starting players. Somebody has to be left out. We picked Bent, but it could easily be Dasovic.
Yah, I know some of you like Kusch. But who can really justify putting him in ahead of Corazzin or Bunbury?
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 1:36 PM from IP address 161.184.219.66
I think the purpose of the list was to look at who are best line-up would be today with no injuries, no perilous club commitments and not looking as far ahead as 2002 etc. Bent and Fenwick are both inured I think and I don't mind a little experimentation for Jamaica. But I must say like you I worry about the judgement of some of the selections. We'll see. But Bent starts on any side I'd field. With his versitility, speed and skill I think he's got to fit into the scheme somewhere.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 2:50 AM from IP address 142.3.88.33
Wake-up you guys there is good talent east of Toronto too. You guys seem to appreciate only players born from west of Toronto; we are still a country from sea to sea and Canada should have players from across the country. This was a problem before lets not make the same mistake again.
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 11:14 PM from IP address 205.151.225.201
I see. You want us to drop good players to ensure that all regions of Canada are represented on the national side.
If that is really what you believe, I would think that the next step is to ensure that all racial and religous groups are also represented on the national team of Canada.
Stop being so stupid. The players listed on the posted list are probably our best. Let's not quibble over where they are from. Once we start, where do we stop.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 1:27 AM from IP address 216.154.33.47
It's easy to call people names and make outlandish statements if you don't have to support them. Champ> name names. Who's our best line-up? I like what we've got there (add Bent though, I didn't realize he was absent). And if you include Bent those players breakdown as: 9 from BC, 7 from Ontario and 1 from ecah of Montreal, Halifax and London, England. Not outrageously western biased. It's just a reality that most of our top players are from BC and Ontario.
So who's being excluded in the name of regional bias?
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 11:54 AM from IP address 142.165.112.106
Considering that the original post in this thread came from Edmonton, I considered your criticism of the line-up as not being Western enough, to be rather silly thus my silly response.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 1:49 PM from IP address 216.154.31.212
Good solid line-up you have there. For once Cnada has enough talent where fans can have decent arguments about team selections.
I'd like to see room made for players such as Sulentic who is currently ripping up the "A" League, DeRosario-tricky hard-running striker, Pizzolitto- a hard nosed defender with a bit of a mean streak, and Biello at some point. With players like thses added in, I think Canada has a decent chance at contending for aWorld Cup spot.
All the best,
Dave Carmichael
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 1:51 PM from IP address 206.172.238.97
I am very dissapointed that the nats aren't playing Jamaica in Edmonton. We have the best stadium in the country and the best support. When I drive past Commonwealth Stadium it says "Home of Canada's National Soccer Team" yet they are playing in Toronto instead. Sure the support for the Canada Cup wasn't great, but the teams participating were crap. We must play in Edmonton on an consistent in order to build support. If we had 6-8 games throughout the summer in Edmonton we could build solid support. It would be the same as going to Eskimo games in the summer.
Also, the prices were a little silly. People should be able to take a family for about $10-15 each. The Drillers, who are crap, draw nearly 7000 a game with good ticket prices. I know that Edmonton could get about 20 000 plus to all Nat games if they committed to the city and built support.
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 7:14 PM from IP address 161.184.220.182
Just because Gary Sampling decides to put a sign up outside of Commonwealth Stadium doesn't mean that we have to play all our bloody games there.
Who cares if you've got the best park (which it is). For Jamaica, Toronto is the place to play the match.
Stop being so pathetically greedy.
BTW, the teams at the Canada Cup were not crap.
I guess you missed the matches. They were very entertaining.
Also, if you want to see big league teams, be prepared to pay the freight. Big teams cost big money.
Let's face it. Edmonton failed Canadian soccer. Sure, perhaps more money could have spent on advertising but nobody is going to convince me that only a total of 19,000 people knew the tournament was going on.
The CSA has made a commitment to Edmonton. Now the soccer fans of Edmonton have to make a commitment to Canadian soccer. The CSA has already made a commitment for some sort of tournament in the year 2000.
The reality is that Edmonton has the only decent stadium and that the CSA had no choice but to turn to Edmonton. Their future commitment is based on the stadium factor. If it were to be based on the pathetic fan support and if there were somewhere else to play, believe me, Edmonton would be hosting very few games in the future, Jim Flemming or no Jim Flemming.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 1:21 AM from IP address 216.154.33.47
Of course I was at all the Canada Cup games and can comment on soccer in Edmonton. Playing 3 games a year in this city is not enough to develop a solid backing. Besides, the Jamiaca game in Toronto will be an embarrassment for Canadian soccer which will leave Holger fuming. I guess the crowd will be about 75% Jamaican with the amount of noise produced being much greater. It will be very sad indeed.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 1:22 PM from IP address 207.229.35.53
Holger is already on the record as saying that he doesn't care who is at the games, as long as their is a good crowd. He wants the atmosphere and the revenue.
Besides, the crowd in Toronto will be double what it would be in Edmonton and the CSA definitely needs the bucks.
As for three games not being enough to build a fan base, that's more than any other city in the country is getting this year.
Does Edmonton merit special treatment in this regard? After the lousy crowds at the CC, the CSA would have to be crazy to put another match into Edmonton this year.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 8:11 PM from IP address 216.154.29.47
holger not interested in funeral procession crowd behaviour in Edmonton
by red card
holger wants a good football atmosphere. he has stated publicly a couple of times he doesn't care who the crowd is cheering for as long they show up and don't sit on their hands.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 8:18 PM from IP address 209.90.133.232
Just out of curiosity, is there anybody outside of Metro, Durham, Peel-Halton regions or even out of province that will be make the pilgrimage to Varsity and take in the Can of Jam game?
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 3:24 PM from IP address 199.71.188.22
I would be.. I usually come down from Ottawa for the games.. but I am out of the country..
Is the game going to be on real audio?? I looked at broadcast.com and Jamaica has all of there soccer games on the internet (live).. I think from radiojamaica.com.. just wondering..
jameson
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 4:44 PM from IP address 192.133.84.203
Frank I would love to be there, and have spent the last week trying to come up with excuses to take a day off from work, but I just can't. It kills me that I'm going to miss Varsity's last dance. Hopefully sports net wont let me down !!!!
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 10:14 PM from IP address 204.19.166.57
A nice story ( half a page plus picture ) in the Cornwall Freeholder covering Graham Leggats appearance at the Glengary Sports Palace to celebrate the 75 Anniversary of the Glengary Soccer League.
From the story it seems Graham was a little surprised to see the age of inductees, and the events they were being inducted for... i.e. 1940's Dynasty team from Pine Hill, 1970 Womens program in Greenf induction of local soccer shop owner, former player etc. who sells equipment out of his front porch.
Interesting to note the OSA did not send a representative, maybe Ed Grenda will mention the GSL at the November AGM and induct the league into the OSA Centre Circle...
P.S. to those of you in Toronto area you get your first chance ( of two ) this season to a team from Glengary this weekend on Sunday... U18 girls vs Thunder Bay. Given the fact all great teams need to have heart...and spirit I would suggest this team will win on Sunday.
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 2:46 AM from IP address 205.210.144.57
Results of the A-League game between Toronto Lynx and Rochester Raging Rhinos played at Varsity Stadium in Toronto at 7:30pm.
41 min...Rhino GOAL Doug Miller...Miller blasts 5 yarder to top center of net just under bar after Bill Sedgewick rolled pass to him from left under two defenders.
52 min...Lynx RED card...Marco Reda for punching Bill Sedgewick while they were in pushing match after whistle blew. Of course the referee only saw Reda's retaliation.
59 min...Rhino GOAL Doug Miller...Miller charges in to get foot to ball and puts it in to top left corner after Bill Sedgewick's low cross from left.
Final Score:.....Toronto Lynx.....0....Rochester Raging Rhinos......2...
Rochester completes a 4-0 season sweep over the Lynx.
Attendance was announced as 4744 which was a large crowd. There were plenty of fans from Rochester. I thought there wouldn't be 1500 because the Lynx are out of the playoffs and they haven't played a home game since August 1st!
Pat Onstad earned the shutout for the Rhinos. He is in the lineup for the Canadian National team against Jamaica next Thursday. The Rhinos wore amber shirts and black shorts so they looked like Jamaica but Onstad didn't have much work except for a few weak shots from the Lynx players.
Next game is Wednesday at 7:30pm against Long Island Rough Riders.
Rocket Robin
robing@clo.com
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 12:32 AM from IP address 204.225.175.104
Okay, so there's nothing on the immediate horizon yet for Olympic qualifying ... but as a change of pace I was thinking about the structure of the Olympic team. All in all I think there is some real potential there ... with most of the players having seen recent action with either the National Team or in the Pan Am games. How's this for a lineup?
Strikers: DeRosario and Staltieri - although I'm never seen them play together, these two look like the best possible combination.
Midfield: Bircham, Brennan, Bent, Arristodemo and Sulentic - the latter deserving a cap because of his stellar play with the 86ers.
Back: Hastings, Parker and Mathot - in the Pan Am games I though Mathot looked a bit slow, but has gotten otherwise good reviews from what I've read.
Keepers: Franks & Hirschfeld
Bench: Kindel, J.Clarke, Valente
Other Possibilities: Huggon & Bottiglieri, and of course the usual crew of undecideds - Hargreaves, Terrosso, Dunfield and Greg Sutton. Perhaps Sutton will benefit from the proposed MLS rule changes which will enable him to play as a US citizen, and still be capped for Canada.
Have I missed anyone? I think this team should be able to compete with any other CONCACAF squads! John
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 3:08 PM from IP address 204.225.163.1
Canada should be competative on the field- but probably will be "out-played" in preparation. The yanks- who have many players for their squad in the MLS- will probably have the usual "American preparation"- together for 2 months and 20 ex. games. The other teams that are challenging us will probably be able to get their squads together on a more regular basis than we can as qualifying approachs. The full " Olympic" team has not played together in over a year I believe ( we weren't up to full-strength againsts the yanks this spring or Pan-Am), and with only two spots open and probably good fan support for all our opponents in California- it might be tough for us to get through.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 3:29 PM from IP address 206.87.120.155
I would also include Jeff Clarke as a good utility player-he can play right defense, sweeper or midfield on the right side. Other players that could add some depth as subs would be Jeff Skinner at left back or left midfield, Kevin McKenna on right D, and Jason Jordan at striker or MF. With your lineup and some of these players added to the mix I think Canada's got a reasonable shot at Sydney qualifying.
Another thing to keep in mind is that in the past Olympic rules let teams add 3 overage players to their U23 Olympic squads. Does anyone know if this rule is in effect. If so, adding players like DeVos, Peschisolido, and Menezes would strengthen the backbone of the team immeasurably.
Take care, Dave Carmichael
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 5:26 PM from IP address 206.172.191.224
You have some fine ideas here! One name that should be included is Jeff Skinner (86er's) who played very well at the Pan Am's! I really agree with Sulentic being in the lineup!
Yes, it would be fabulous if one or more of the "undecideds" would play for Canada, and perhaps a couple of them will. In the mean time, to round the squad, if none of the "undecideds" compete, Reda and Bernier were probably the best of the Pan Am squad to fill out the bench. Nobody else, with the occasional exception of Pozniak, stood out.
Cheers!
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 12:13 AM from IP address 209.52.190.39
Lots of action in Europe this week as the qualifying rounds for Champions League and UEFA cup concluded. Here's the round up of the UEFA games, with the Canadian players listed.
RSC Anderlecht (Radzinski) beat Leiftur Iceland 3-0 away (9-1 agg).
St. Johnstone (Dasovic) had 2 late goals to beat VPS Vaasa Finland 2-0 at home (3-1 agg).
Hajduk Split (Ante Jazic SCORED) drew 1-1 with F91 Duedelange Lux away (6-1 agg).
So three teams through from the qualifying round, plus West Ham (Forrest) as an Intertoto Cup finalist, plus Werder Bremen (Stalteri) as the German Cup winner.
The draw to determine the 48 1st round matchups was today.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 10:56 AM from IP address 192.131.137.10
Anderlecht plays a team from Slovenia, so they should have a chance to go through...
Also, Rad man scored one of Anderlecht's goals in their 6-1 win in the first leg of qualifying, so he's got a grand total of 5 goals so far this month.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 11:16 AM from IP address 199.45.77.36
I was snooping around and noticed that there is a team listed in the Ontarion Cup draw named the Toronto Olympians. They wouldn't be the CPSL squad would they?
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 11:44 PM from IP address 137.186.225.208
The Toronto Olympians team in the Ontario Cup is their U-21 (amateur) team. However, a number of players will have had experience playing with the first team.
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 11:45 AM from IP address 205.250.146.79
I know this is probably really stupid and there is some sort of great explanation but...
Why aren't pro and semi-pro teams allowed in the Cup competitions? Wouldn't it be much more interesting if for example in Ontario, the amateur sides had a shot against the Lynx and the CPSL clubs in a game that meant something?
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 9:30 PM from IP address 209.103.53.95
I understand that some players are tied up with clubs, and in some cases those clubs need them or just the opposite they are in a tenous position.
But I am wondering how far that extends. I suppose I would really like to know what doors were not open before...nasty metaphor removed.
I think I am falling over the edge. I look at this lineup, what Jamaica is adding, our best players choosing to play for other countries and I think we are done.
My eternal optimism has been sucked dry by the announcment of that lineup. Probably not justified at all, but it just sort of happened.
Oh well. Give me some good news.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 9:19 PM from IP address 209.52.51.13
is the exclusion of players like Alex Bunbary, , Ante Jazic, Mauro biello and Dwayne DeRossario and the inclusion of players like Kusch and Dasovic...
I think Dasovic is sort of over the hill while I can not see why one would choose Kusch over Alex...Having watched Dwayne in the Panam games, I felt he deserved a call and Mauro Biello should also be on top of his game around now...
Also as far as Dasovic, although a veteran , he has looked quite sluggish to me !
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 11:10 PM from IP address 129.128.153.50
Leaving the Bunbury issue aside, Holger is using this game as the last "friendly" opportunity to look at players so I would once again try to remain patient. The players you mention (other than Bunbury and Jazic) are not in our top 18 at this stage. We can really start being critical for the games that count -- Gold Cup Qualifying in October.
I put 'Dasovic' in the title to get the attention of Klaus. :)
And this is for Klaus, what is 'adduktorenzerung'?
As that is what Lars Hirschfeld is on the injury list with at Energie Cottbus. Kevin McKenna still has knee problems.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 11:40 AM from IP address 192.131.137.10
This is a friendly and Holger's last chance to look at players that he is considering for the qualifying tournament.
There's no point in calling up 20 guys for a friendly in which you will play, at the most, 16.
I'm confident that he will call up at least 20 for the qualifying tournament including Alex. He will need the depth. A few guys are bound to be injured over the three games.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 12:38 AM from IP address 216.154.33.47
Holger's "Eurosnobbery" v Lenarduzzi Old Boys Club
by Dave Carmichael
You have all voiced concerns I've had about team selections since the Canada Cup in June.
I may be jumping the gun but I'm starting to get very concerned about Osieck's penchant for selecting less talented European-based players over equally or more talented North American-based players. An obvious example is players like Kusch, and Corazzin starting ahead of Bunbury, DeRosario or Biello.
It is understandable that Osieck wants to try out different players and that players have club commitments and aren't always available but I'm really beginning to wonder if certain talented players are ever going to get a look-see at the national level just because they are based in North America.
This may be raising the alarm too early but it is beginning to look like we've traded Lenarduzzi's "Old Boy's Club" for Osieck's "Only Euros need apply Club"- one blind way of hamstringing our national team's talent level for an other. Someone please tell me this is not going to be the case because it would be another bloody waste of talented players.
Over the next few years Canada needs to have young players like Sulentic, DeRosario, Nash, Arristodemo, and vets like Bunbury, and Biello included in the nats because they are good enough no matter where they play. Most importantly they add much needed depth and talent thereby improving our chances of qualifying for the next World Cup.
For Canada's sake I hope Holger wakes up to the great talent right on his doorstep and gets over his case of "Eurosnobbery" before it hurts the Canadian team.
Tell me what you think and all the best,
Dave Carmichael
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 5:05 PM from IP address 206.172.191.224
F: DeRosario, Bunbury, Thompson,
Subs-Berdusco, Jordan
Some of these players merit being on the national squad, and some others would make handy subs. Of course, not all of them merit being placed ahead of our European-based players. Nonetheless, leaving some of these players out in the cold because thay play in North America would be a waste of talent and a loss to the Canadian team.
Tell me what you think bye fer the noo,
Dave Carmichael
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 5:49 PM from IP address 206.172.191.224
I understand your points, but if the North American based players you mentioned were good enough, then the would be playing in Europe. Nash will be back in Europe, as will Onstad. I am not a Bunbury fan so I do not care. Why Aunger is on you list I do not know. Also, I may be wrong, but Franks and Bent are linked to European teams. Holger's attitude reminds me of the Danish coach back in the 1986 WC (when they had no proffessional league), if you are not playing first string, first division, you need not apply.
Sure, they lost to Spain in the second round, but they were an awesome team.
Paul
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 7:04 PM from IP address 24.64.223.4
I agree with you Paddy that players can obviously improve by playing in Europe. I disagree with your contention that if player is with a North American team instead of a European team he therefore isn't good enough for the Canadian national team. There are talented players outside of Europe.
There are quite a few N.A. based players who are better than their Euro counterparts.ie-Sulentic, DeRosario v Kusch, Bunbury v. Corazzin, Pizzolitto v Watson & Fenwick. I'd pay to see Sulentic or DeRosario play anyday than see Kusch lumbering around the field. Don't get me wrong, Kusch has improved in Europe but these other guys are already better than him anyways.
Quite frankly, I don't care what continent someone plays on- if they are good enough-add them to the Cdn squad.
Ps I like Holger and think he is guiding the national squad with a firm hand. I would like to see him based on talent insread of address.
ALL THE bEST, dAVE cARMICHAEL
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 2:15 PM from IP address 206.172.238.97
A player can look good in Canada (or US) because of the weaker opposition. How can one tell if someone is as good as the European based players if they do not play at that level. At best I think one can say that a player has potential, but until they play at top flight it is hard to tell. Look at Etchivery (sp) in the MLS, one would think he is one of the best players on the planet. Truth is he is playing againts very week opposition. I think if Holger likes a Canadian player he will try to get that player hooked up in Europe (as he has already done). I must admit that I am not familiar with Sulentic or DeRosario, but if they are more talented than Kusch, why are they not seeking overseas employment. As for Kusch, I think he is the almost man of Canadian soccer. If he does not get a result soon he should be gone. Kusch is the one mark I have againts Holger. I also do not know Pizzolitto, but I am quite happy with Watson. I saw him play an excellent game agiants Chelsea last year. Again, I do not understand the cult of fascination with Bunbury. To me he is only slightly more useful than Kusch. I find him bad on the ball and a very weak finisher. He had a great breakaway oppotunity against Mexico that could have tied that qualifier. Instead he tripped over the ball. To me that moment summed up his entire career. Nash is soemone that should be on the team. He has proved himself in Europe, and will be back their soon. Anyway, I guess if we do not post some wins soon Holger may go after the local players.
Take Care,
Paul
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 8:49 PM from IP address 24.64.223.4
I also as upset that Alex missed that opportunity in Azteca but to be fair, how many of us have played at the altitude and in the polution of Mexico City.
Without lots of prep time, you're dead. Alex was exhausted at that point in the game.
Fourth in the Portuguese first division is quite outstanding in my view.
I do believe that he will be picked up for qualifying. Canada needs the depth that Alex can supply, even if he doesn't end up starting.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 10:28 PM from IP address 216.154.28.149
I'm a big Bunbury fan, but that miss in Mexico was maybe the turning point. Memory fails, but wasn't it just before half? Tired or not, he's got score that goal. I think MLS gets a bum rap about their level of play. A guy like Etcheverry would tear up a weak Euro division. When players who MLS has cast off find employment in the English first (starting with a good team in the case of Ben Iroha) you've got to think about some of the talent out there. Richard Gough looks competent in the EPL this season and he was embarassing as a KC Wizard. Guys that weren't stars are playing in teh Bundesleige (Sanneh and Hejduk). I think the talent in MLS is underestimated.
Also DeRossario had a few trials in Europe at big clubs (too big really). Any more on the rumour he was headed to Serie B? Sulentic had an offer from Zagreb that he backed out of after getting there. These guys can play in Europe, but it's not easy. I'm not talking dedication or adapting to culture. But just getting the breaks and finding the right fit. I think Europe helps speed the developing process, but talent must out-weigh pedigree on the nats.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 3:16 AM from IP address 142.3.88.33
I'm pretty sure it was the second half. I seem to recall that he was running right to left.
I also recall that the ball that Craig dropped in the first half that should have been a goal for Mexico (but was called a foul instead, "you dropped it Craig"), was also on the left.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 8:20 PM from IP address 216.154.29.47
I had the chance to see Nial Play with the Montreal Impact, for several games. He had the reputation of being a hothead back then. Seiing his success with the 86'ers I think he has matured and deserves that Holger take a look at this guy.
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 10:10 PM from IP address 204.19.166.57
You have a fair lineup here. I think that Oliviero should be included in midfield, and I would include Alfredo Valente in front of Jordan based on current form.
As Berdusco is pretty much out of the picture due to his inability to enter the US, I would drop him, and I understand that T. Kouzmanis is not able to play anymore due to injury.
An idea for which Toronto area fans should lobby Holger's office would be to have this squad play an exhibition against whatever squad is picked by Holger for the Gold Cup qualifying games in October. It would be good to have all the players together in one place and perhaps some pleasant surpises would appear.
Cheers!.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 12:01 AM from IP address 209.52.190.39
I don't mind the concept of your Gold Cup roster vs North America game, except for a few things:
1) It's impractical. Why would the fiscally-challenged CSA fly in over a dozen players to play an exhibition game?
2) Some of those players (not many, but a few) will be on the Gold Cup roster.
3) A lot of the North American players have commitments to clubs. When do the A-League playoffs finish? It would be hard for them to leave for a week for an exhibition game.
What I would like to see is a Canada "B" team assembled at the end of the A-League playoffs. This team would be based on our best North American players and some of our unattached players like Clarke and Kindel. They could go on a European tour and play a few exhibition games against various club teams or even other "B" or U23 national sides. This would give these guys some exposure to increase their opportunities in Europe, and Holger would get a good chance to really see what he's got with these players.
Surely with his European connections this trip could be done. Since Holger hates indoor so much, you would think he'd like to try to get some of the fringe roster players playing outdoor in the winter. I wonder if guys like Fletcher and Pizzolito will get the call in February for the Gold Cup if they're in the NPSL?
There certainly was some interest in Pizzolito and Arristodemo that was generated by "B" exhibition games in St. Kitts and Nevis. I'm sure a lot of scouts would have a chance to see our guys on a European tour.
Jason
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 1:19 PM from IP address 207.148.136.83
How does this look for a Canada "B" team that would tour Europe this fall? I only picked players with the potential that they could be in Europe. I left out guys like Bunbury, DeSantis, Hooper, Limniatis for this reason. They aren't the ones that are in most need of an opportunity. I also left out Onstad on the basis he's going to Scotland.
GK -- Ceccarelli, Larkin
D -- Fletcher, Pizzolito, J Clarke, Skinner, Reda
MF -- Nash, Kindel, Arristodemo, C Franks, Oliverio, Valente, Bent
F -- Biello, DeRosario, N Thompson, Sulentic
These guys are not exactly inexperienced. I count 54 "A" caps among them, which is about the same experience we had on our roster for the Guatamala game, not including Watson and Dasovic.
Jason
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 8:27 PM from IP address 207.148.137.163
Not too shabby at all. I might look for a bit more youth. There's probably young guys that more worldly people than I know about, but I would add Sutton (Ceccarelli is pushing 30 isn't he?) and try to add Bernier. I liked the raw I saw with Bernier and think he could blossom into a good attacking wing back a la Doliscat (though hopefully a bit better) but he'll need some seasoning. Pozniak is in Poland isn't he? If not I'd add him too. He's very raw and can be invisible at times, but I thought he showed real flashes.
I'm really liking this B team Euro tour idea. It's so perfect and logical that I'm sure it won't happen. But for now it's nice to dream.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 3:21 AM from IP address 142.3.88.33
Hi Jason,
I agree with you that having a "B" team-if the finances allow it-is a great way to showcase N.A-based players to Euro scouts. Getting exposure on the national squad always seems to attract attention to Canada's better N.A-based players.
Many Canadian players get valuable tryouts this way. Recent examples are:Onstad with Dundee Utd, Pizzolitto and Arristodemo with Bradford.
If Osieck wants players to play in Europe so much, maybe he can help them achieve this aim by giving promising players a decent shot at the nats,thereby giving them valuable exposure to
catch on with Euro teams. Deserving players that could greatly benefit from this approach are: DeRosario, Sulentic, Nash and Bent.
I hope Osieck comes around a bit more and doesn't limit the talent pool by only looking at Euro-based players. At least he's given Onstad, Bent and now Pizzolitto a look see. Hopefully, there will be more N.Am-based callups to come for the Gold Cup
All the best,
Dave Carmichael
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 10:36 PM from IP address 206.172.238.171
Poor poor Eddy foolishly played a season in Milwaukee without a green card and isn't allowed back in. That was about three years ago now? We'll always have Brazil and Costa Rica...
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 3:23 AM from IP address 142.3.88.33
Eddy is probably being paid more for a full season with the Olympians than he would get for playing just the home games for the Lynx.
The Olympians are rumoured to pay well. The Lynx are rumoured to pay less well.
Milwaukee gave very bad advice to Eddy regarding crossing the border and now he pays. He should have sued them. They were supposed to clarify his US playing status and did not do so. I don't know if Eddy is bitter but if it were me, I'd be very bitter.
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 8:55 PM from IP address 216.154.37.13
Eddy has never expressed any bitterness about the situation to me. In fact, I think that he has been too good to everybody involved, the league, the Montreal Impact (from which he was traded), the Milwaukee Rampage, and the CSA.
Lets remember, the only reason this whole situation happened was because Eddy answered the call to play against Iran when Pesch and Radzinski refused. If Eddy had been as selfish as these two, he may not have put himself in this situation.
If the CSA had any class, they would go to bat for Eddy and have this problem resolved. Instead they have discarded him like yesterday's garbage. In the meanwhile, they continue to kiss Pesch's and Rad's asses.
Eddy may not be bitter, but I sure am for him.
Eddy always was and always will be the CLASS ACT of CANADIAN SOCCER.
Posted on Sep 1, 1999, 1:05 PM from IP address 192.135.215.34
I agree Dave, that Holger should not discriminate against North-American based players. Lets face it, our talent pool is limited as it is right now. It's a crying shame that Holger doesn't at least give these players a look at.
1. Johnny Sulentic needs to be evaluated. The Jamiaica game would have provided an excellent opportunity for him to earn his first cap. This kid obviously has play making ability as he his challenging to break a record for most assists in a season. I don't care in what league your playing in, thats a major league achievement.
2. Alex Bunbury can still help this team as Dale Mitchell was able to in the late stages of his career. Perhaps Alex can occupy the position of the middle man who lays back and controls the ball as only he is capeable of doing. I agree to a certain extent that this program is geared towards the 2002 world cup, however Alex can bring his experience to this young squad and teach them something about what it takes to win against Concacaf opposition.
3. I'm Maurio Biello's biggest supporter. This guy is ready to make a contribution to the National team. I like whayt he brings to the Soccer pitch. As I mentioned several times, this guy has a major league speed, and a good offensive eye. To top that, he can also score some goals. Holger as mentioned in the past that he will give him a serious look. Question is when Holger ?
4. I'm glad that Nevio Pizzolito is going to get a shot. I understand that Nevio will be part of the starting eleven for the Jamaican game. For you folks who will be attending the game, Nevio is a treat to watch. He is quite a specimen, with a temper to boot. He loves it when it gets rough, and doesn't mind throwing the occasional elbow to quite down the spirits of the opposing team. He also is a gem defensively, and is adept at creating from the back which is something Canada desperately needs. Look for him to be playing in Europe next year.
5. Lastly, a comment on Radz. I'm totally surprised to see him in the lineup for the Jamaican game. I thought for sure that is International career was over after is remarks over the winter. Having him in the line up is a huge bonus. Hopefully he will be providing some eye candy for us Die Hard Canadian supporters.
Cant wait till September 2, 1999, Question: will the game be shown on sportsnet at 11:00 pm in the east ?
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 10:03 PM from IP address 204.19.166.57
Hi Impact, last I heard was that the Canada -Jamaica game was supposed to be shown on CTV Sportsnet at 11:00 Eastern the night of the game. Of course, this could be changed by the day of the game if a more important ultimate curling or full contact tiddleywinks tournament comes along to grab the attention of the eager viewing public.
If I find out anything more up-to-date I'll post it before the game if someone else dosn't beat me to it.
PS I'm happy to see Radman back in the fold and playing in his best position up front. I just hope he can get decent service from midfield so he can pop in a couple.
All the best, Dave Carmichael
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 9:32 PM from IP address 206.172.238.220
With 6 premier league players, this Jamaican team will be tough to beat....but I still say, 2-1 Canada!
Jamaica calls up 28 players
The Reggae Boyz have invited English based midfielder, Micah
Hyde of Watford, to be among the 28 players called up by the
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) for their September 2
international friendly against Canada in Toronto.
The other English-based players include Frank Sinclair, Darryl
Powell, Marcus Gayle, Darren Moore and Deon Burton.
The rest of the invitees are:
Donovan Ricketts, Aaron Lawrence, Tony Barnes, Christopher
Dawes, Linval Dixon, Donald Stewart, Shavar Thomas, Andy
Williams, Milton Griffiths, Steve Green, Marco McDonald, Irvino
English, Patrick Graham, Anthony Curtis, Winston Griffiths,
Ainsworth Kerr, Ricardo Fuller, Kasai Hinds, Jermaine Johnson,
Shane Crawford, Claude Davis and Kendre Quarrie.
Members of the Canadian squad are scheduled to arrive in Toronto
on Monday, August 30. They will stay at Aliston's Nottawasaga
Inn, 80 kilometres north of Toronto. Two training sessions are held
everyday between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and
6:00 p.m. Media are invited to attend the open training session on
Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.
The jamaican delegation are due to arrive in Toronto on Tuesday,
August 31. The squad will train at Varsity Stadium Wednesday
morning and another location to be determined Wednesday evening
at 7:30 p.m. Jamaica will host the United States on Wednesday,
September 8 at Kingston's National Stadium..
Canada's Training Schedule:
Nottawasaga Inn (705) 435-5501
Tuesday, August 31:
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 1:
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Jamaica's Training Schedule:
Wednesday, September 1:
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Varsity Stadium
Ticket Information:
Tickets for groups of 10 or more are available through phone, fax
or e-mail from:
The Ontario Soccer Association
Competitions and Events Department
Ticket Prices:
Groups of 10 or more: $15.00 per ticket plus tax
Group tickets will be in Sections Z and Q of Varsity Stadium
Add $3.00 for shipping and handling per ticket order
Individually sold tickets available from TICKETMASTER
$25.00 per ticket (plus tax & service charge)
Handling charge will be added to each order
Ticketmaster (416) 870-8000
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 4:42 PM from IP address 199.45.77.36
I do not know these Jamacian players and I am not concerned with them. If there was someone of the calibre of Yorke, I would be concerned. Canada will do fine, and one never knows, the inclusion of so many English players (lets be honest) may create resentment in the Jamaican camp. If Jamaica's team turns out to be strong, good! We need tough games anyway.
Paul
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 1:28 AM from IP address 24.64.223.4
Of these, Frank Sinclair and Marcus Gayle are probably the best known players....Sinclair plays for Leicster City nowadays and used to play for Chelsea, and Gayle plays for the Wimbeldon side that has made quite the name for itself in premier league for its low budget and relative consistency. Deon Burton is also not too bad....I can't remember the name of his club, eventhough I was just watching him play over the weekend...
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 10:27 AM from IP address 199.45.77.36
Canada is in tough against Jamaica. Deon Burton is the eqiuvalent to Radzinski. He's an amazing player that almost single handedly got Jamaica into the World Cup. Sinclair should be dominant on the field. I have to give the edge to Jamaica.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 2:17 PM from IP address 205.200.28.46
I think that's a bit unkind to the rest of the Jamaican team and too flattering for Burton...his goal against USA which was a turning point for Jamaica's campaign was a give away by Jeff Agoos....his goal against Canada also probably wouldn't have happened if the total age of Canada's back 4 was bigger than the whole Jamaican team(OK, I am a bit exaggerating) and as a result so slow....
He is a good player, but I wouldn't say he is that great to single handedly lift a team...
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 8:41 PM from IP address 129.128.153.50
Not only did Burtun lead Jamaica on the field, but more importantly he was the first high profile English player to be enlisted by Jamiaca, which opened the flood gates.
If Canada could pick up 6 to 8 players who play in the English Premeir or first division, we wouldn't look too shabby.
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 6:58 AM from IP address 205.200.28.46
For CTV sportsnet, use www.ctvsportsnet.com and then click on TV planner. You can then see the schedule for the next 2 weeks for your region (Pacific).
Also if you email dmillard@ctv.ca you can get on the mailing list and get the confirmed teams prior to the Saturday games.
bcsoccerweb.com also has a Soccer on TV location which is an excellent source.
Finally, Soccer Central is between the 2 Saturday matches, i.e., 1st game 7:00am-9:00am, Soccer Central 9:00am-9:30am, 2nd game 9:30am-11:30am all Pacific time.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 12:29 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
Dundee United have completed the deal to sign Canadian keeper Pat Onstad from USA side Rhinos.
That's Rochester Raging Rhino's to be exact, and the fee is a modest £60,000. But like Jan Talesnikov, he will have to apply for a work permit to play in Scotland. If the deal is finally concluded, that of course puts a major question mark over the head of current number one Alan Combe, who seems to be improving with every first-team outing he gets. And that's no surprise as keepers, unlike most outfield players, need a run of games for them to gel with their fellow defenders and build up some kind of understanding.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 8:01 AM from IP address 195.184.231.202
As it was discused earlier, the AAA baseball Calgary Cannons were placed up for sale. Today, a tentative agreement was made to sell the club to a Portland, Oregon group, who would relocate the team in time for the 2001 season. This means Burns Stadium will likely be vacant soon.
A spokesman for Calgary Parks and Rec (who apparently owns/runs the stadium) said there have been other pro sports groups inquiring about the stadium. He mentioned the possibility of it being used for pro baseball, amateur baseball, or reconfigured for other sports. Soccer wasn't mentioned, but what other sport could he be talking about. There is no need for another football park, and what else would be played in an outdoor venue?
By the way, various levels of government is giving the Portland group $37 million US to renovate Portland Civic Stadium (the same stadium used for US soccer games) to make it acceptable for a new AAA team. With that kind of money we could probably build four quality soccer stadia in this country. Meanwhile, nobody in government even would return the Cannons calls.
Jason
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 2:02 AM from IP address 207.148.132.54
re: $37 million US for renovations from government sources
Unfortunately, most Canadians and all levels of government in Canada continuously fail to see the benefit and value of sports, especially professional sports.
Also, leaving, I believe next season, is the triple A team in Vancouver. And there are rumours that the team in Ottawa will also be moving soon leaving Canada with only 1 triple A baseball team in Edmonton. (By the way, triple A baseball is the equivalent to the A-League in soccer).
But what is interesting, with all this talk of more pro soccer teams and our own Canadian soccer league, is that even with 2 major league baseball teams, 4 triple A teams, and numerous other double A and single A teams plus a well developed youth system, Canada still can not compete in baseball with the rest of the world! (Please don't mention the lucky win over the US at the Pan-Ams and the game Cuba lost on purpose).
You mention that the stadium would be available now but if baseball can't make it, it doesn't encourage potential owners or sponsors to invest in soccer.
Where did the CSL team in Calgary play? Was it Burns Stadium?
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 9:39 AM from IP address 209.5.17.185
the old CSL teams played out of Mewata in the west end of downtown. This was demolished to make way for a skateboard park!! Boy are we in trouble!!
The Calgary Soccer Center would love to get it's hands on that property to put in a quality soccer pitch. There are 3 fields there already, but alas there will be no action by the City!!
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 11:07 AM from IP address 209.5.189.12
Intersting another group has managed to swindel some big bux out of the government.
I agree we could do alot with 37 million US. But I think it, if you are building a stadium it works out to about $1500 Canigian per seat with NO overhanging roof like Swangaurd.
So a 10 000 seat stadium would be approximately 15 million Canadian. Probably could be done for less, but would you want it done for less?
So from one guesstimate to another you are probably not far off if your idea of 4 stadiums are about that size 10 000 seats.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 12:03 PM from IP address 209.52.51.32
re: "another group has managed to swindel some big bux out of the government"
Every industry from auto makers to entertainment to tree cutters (whatever they're called) gets tax breaks and other favours from the government. Why not sports?
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 9:10 PM from IP address 209.103.48.64
I was just commenting that another group is basicly re allocating public funds into private hands.
It is interesting that almost everything we hate about sports in North America stems from the fact it is a business. But then we turn around and justify everything they do becuase they are a business. Can't have it both ways.
Should sports be a business?
Do they really add to the community in the same way a hospital does or say feeding people that happen to be starving.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 9:26 PM from IP address 209.52.51.13
I was just commenting that another group is basicly re allocating public funds into private hands.
It is interesting that almost everything we hate about sports in North America stems from the fact it is a business. But then we turn around and justify everything they do becuase they are a business. Can't have it both ways.
Should sports be a business?
Do they really add to the community in the same way a hospital does or say feeding people that happen to be starving.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 11:33 PM from IP address 209.52.51.9
Sports have always been a business, big business. These myths about "playing for the love of the game" and all that stuff is a bunch of...stories.
Guys like Babe Ruth made 10 times more money then the average person did. (And even if today players make 1 million times more money, financially speaking it's about the same in real terms).
One reason why these myths have come about is that most athletes of yester-year were treated like slaves (relatively speaking) so since most of them weren't making much money, they must have been "playing for the love of the game". Compared to today where 3rd stringers make millions of dollars.
But the owners back then made tons of money, the NHL is a great example of how they screwed the players while the owners were raking in millions.
Guys like Alan Eagleson were making millions while ripping off the players.
And by no means are sports as important as hospitals or feeding people that happen to be starving, but for the government to have all these programs they need money. Most government money comes from taxes. Most taxes come from business (incl. personal taxes but without a job you can't pay taxes, can you?). So when governments invest in businesses, they are investing in social programs and therefore they are adding to the community. Plus, no factory or head office can bring the community together like a sports team can.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 9:40 PM from IP address 209.103.52.92
I was doing a bit more reading about the Cannons' move to Portland, and part of the deal to upgrade the stadium is contingent on the ownership group securing both a baseball and soccer franchise. I would guess this means that they'll get an A-League club. If they can afford $10 million US for an AAA club, I doubt Marcos will have much of a problem with them.
Jason
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 8:53 PM from IP address 207.148.144.151
The Friday Victoria Times-Colonist had a story about the Portland teams. The owners have been in town twice to inspect Royal Athletic Park as a place to move the Single A ball club when the Triple A club goes to Portland.
The interesting thing about the story is the following quote:
The company also runs a minor league soccer franchise which could move here too.
I can only find information about an indoor franchise but if someone knows more please let me know.
Ted
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 2:04 AM from IP address 142.104.17.33
I think the A baseball team is the Beavers, based out of Civic Stadium right now. I'll check into the soccer team further, but as far as I know, there are only two PDL teams in Oregon:
Williamette Valley Firebirds
Cascade Surge
The Firebirds made it to the PDL semi-finals this year.
Jason
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 2:21 AM from IP address 207.148.138.82
Would someone be good enough to explain to me the composition of the Canadian Soccer Association. I believe Jim Fleming of this city is the current president and I would assume he was "elected" but by whom?
Kevin Pipe seems to have been a "bureaucrat" with the association forever. What is his status? Who hires/fires him? Is he under some form of contract and if so, who is he responsible to?
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 1:49 PM from IP address 199.212.215.11
CSA Executive Committee (who seem to be the real power behind the CSA)
President - Jim Fleming (Alberta)
Vice-President - Andy Sharpe (Saskatchewan)
Treasurer - Adrian Newman (California)
Director Competitions - Jim Lamond (BC)
Director Technical - Nick Filippone (Quebec)
Past President - Terry Quinn (Quebec*)
Secretary & COO - Kevan Pipe (non-voting)
*Terry now lives in Ontario but his background in soccer is with the Quebec Federation.
First five are elected by the membership - the Provincial Associations - at the CSA AGM - in May or June each year. Up for election next year - President and Director Competitions.
The CSA Board is then comprised of the CSA Executive plus the President of each Provincial and Territorial Association. However, I'm not sure how effective they are as they only meet two or three times a year (cost constraints) and one of those times is in conjunction with the AGM. The Provincial and Territorial Presidents are elected at their respective AGMs and automatically take a place on the CSA Board.
Sorry, almost forgot - Director Professional - Bobby Lenarduzzi (BC) - is also on the CSA Board and Sylvie Beliveau (Quebec) - Director Womens Development (at present an appointed not an elected position).
Kevan reports to the Board - sorry, really the Executive - and I assume they have the power to fire him.
As an Ontario resident, I am disappointed (to put it mildly) at the lack of Ontario representation where it really counts - on the CSA Executive.
As I've mentionned before, although Ontario pays almost of 50% of the CSA player fees, they are restricted to only 25% of the vote at the AGM and have been shut out of the CSA Executive by the other provinces for the last three years now. At least they have their one automatic vote at the CSA Board (but that's only the same as PEI, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and the other powerhouses of Canadian soccer). I guess one voice and one vote out of 20 is better than nothing!
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 9:20 PM from IP address 205.250.146.79
This exactly what I was wondering during the whole Charmaine thing. So my next question is how are the provincial associations set up? If I were to be really dumb and think I could change things, how would you go about starting? How much of a reputation and such do you need before you can get enough recognition to win a provincial appointment?
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 3:02 AM from IP address 142.3.88.33
My friends and I have been wondering the same thing for ages. I mean, the CSA gets government funding, so they should be open to scrutiny from tax payers (not like me because I am a sponge right now). So how do we get to know the inner workings and how do we precipitate change? Anyone know anything????
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 4:59 PM from IP address 129.100.116.44
We discussed this issue a few weeks ago when Trillium and Frank (I think) were challenging each other to run.
The Boards of the Provincial Associations are elected by their own membership - their District Associations. The Boards of District Associations are in turn elected by their membership - clubs and leagues.
So it seems you have to start at the bottom and work your way up. And it seems that when you eventually get to the top - you forget what things are like at the bottom!
To get elected to the CSA, I suggest you need to meet the following criteria:
1) Member of a Provincial Assocoiation
2) Known in CSA circles
3) Not from Ontario
Posted on Aug 31, 1999, 8:37 PM from IP address 205.250.146.79
To keep travel costs low if a CSL should be set up as a division 1 league one suggestion that could work is
Eastern Conference
Maritimes Division with Halifax, St. John's, Moncton, Fredericton
Central Division with Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Hamilton
Western Conference
Praries Division with Brandon, Winnipeg,Regina and Saskatoon
Pacific Division with Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Victoria
Beside reducing travel costs, one other advantage is that this arrangement helps to create rivalries. As well it would be set up in all parts of Canada.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 10:49 AM from IP address 149.99.145.165
I doubt you would ever see Brandon with a pro soccer team. Brandon (pop.50,000) does not have a team in the Molson Super Soccer Alliance, which is Manitoba's premier league. Something spectacular would have to happen for Saskatoon and Regina to come on board.
How about Red Deer (pop. 60,000) or Lethbridge (pop. 75,000) in Alberta, or Kelowna (Okanogan Challenge) or Kamloops in BC. BC has the local talent pool to easily field 3 competitive teams.
Maybe a Western and Eastern division ?
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 2:47 PM from IP address 205.200.28.46
Someone else talked about Moose Jaw and Prince Albert and Swift Current in a div 3 situation and it's just not going to happen. I think it's a miracle that there's a junior hockey team in Swift Current. There's nowhere at all for a team to play in Regina. Saskatoon is a better option and has a better history, plus Gordie Howe Bowl or Griffiths Stadium are workable options. Still I don't think Saskatoon could sustain 4-5000 a match and in a smaller league option, the 1-2000 they might draw would be tough to offset travel costs with Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary as the nearest rivals.
In your proposed divisional league would there be inter-conference play? Fury what can you tell me about the Molson Super Soccer Aliance?
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 1:04 AM from IP address 142.3.88.31
Do you have any info or a known website for the Molson Super Soccer Alliance. Maybe one option could be if the Winnipag Fury is revised is to have this team composed of select(ie elite) members from the alliance? (The same way rugby's Manitoba Buffalo is composed of elite players from the Manitoba Rugby Union)
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 8:17 PM from IP address 209.148.169.106
The Winnipeg Fury started out in 1987 with largely local players. With the exception of a few local players, the Fury simply didn't have the local talent pool to compete against the Blizzard, 86'ers, and Steelers of the league.
The Winnipeg Fury did have a reserve team playing in the Molson Super Soccer Aliance, and it remains the premier league in Manitoba.
The talk around town is that a Tony Nocita (former Fury player) led group will be back playing soccer within the next year or two. If not in the A-league next year, then in the revived CSL in 2001. The club will not be called the Fury.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 11:53 AM from IP address 205.200.28.46
.....what I am really interested in is how many teams play in this alliance, where they are based(you said not in Brandon?), are there divisions with promote relegate, and are there teams for both men and women. I would appreciate any information. Thanks again!
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 7:46 PM from IP address 149.99.146.162
A long time ago, on a different discussion board, one of our regulars (who does not entirely support the idea of a new league I beleive) clearly showed that travel costs did NOT kill the old CSL.
If I remember the numbers correctly the Vancouver 86ers were sepending close to same money on travel in one season in the A-league than the whole CSL in it's last season.
As I mentioned in another posting travel costs are going to be a factor for teams in either the A-League or a new CSL.
The chances of getting a travel pool to which all teams contribute, and then draw from as needed, that is also subsidized by sponsorships is far more likely in a new CSL than in the A-League.
Even if the travel is a concern I do not see the need to divide the country into four divisions. I like the number of teams in the East and Western Conference but I think we could manage with a home and away schedule within conferences and then a short (two game) road trip into the other conference for each team just to get some crossover.
Ted (aka Victoria Fan)
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 1:11 PM from IP address 142.104.17.60
Travel costs in at least the final year or two of the CSL were equalized -- in other words everyone paid into a league pool for travel and I believe (I could be wrong on this number) that teams paid less than $40,000 into the pool for the ENTIRE season.
Face it if you can't pay that amount for travel in a national league in this country you got big problems.
Bill
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 10:32 PM from IP address 205.210.144.39
It's encouraging to see so many people who care
about a national pro league. Travel should not
be one of the stumbling blocks. The old CSL
was talking about consolidated travel before it folded...ie the North York Rockets would pay the same as every one else...including Vancouver. That, along with revenue sharing and corporate support from an airline would certainly drop the overhead of a national league. My concern is with the quality of markets and their stadiums. The downfall of the CSL was too many teams in small centres, that had out-dated, small capacity
stadiums. Mickey Mouse ownership was also a
problem...followed by too much expansion. Each
team should have the capability of comfortably
seating 10,000. It's not that you'd get that
many people, but you have to have the capability
of growing to that. Markets I consider viable
include Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg,
Regina, Toronto, Hamilton, Montreal, and with a
new park Quebec City. Victoria and Halifax
would make great secondary markets, if they had
the suitable stadia. Keep the faith! It will
happen if the right (rich) people get involved.
Posted on Nov 29, 1999, 1:38 PM from IP address 139.142.107.243
first of all if we could get a big sponser like molson or labatts we could have a ie. molson premier league. second if all major cities could get a team and finacial backings from east to west and mabey build small stadiums between 8,000 to 20,000 depending on money and support that would be a start.if they play in massive stadiums it kills the atmosper and it looks empty.people want to enjoy the atmospher and fell on top of the action. If we get smaller cities to make up a second and third division with a chance of ie. Nike cup they will have the chance to play bigger clubs as well as make a bit of cash on gates or through the funds through the cup. With haveing a premier,1st and 2nd it gives smaller clubs an incentive to climb up to the premier by promotion and the premier clubs to work hard to stay in the top. along the way if cities wish to join by expantion they start of by joining the 2nd division. I think there is enough interest in canada now that something like this can be achieved if it is pushed and people work together, we will never get things going if we dont gamble especially if we want to compete with the rest of the world. this will give the young talented soccer players a chance to turn pro in there own country and not reach a certain age and have to give up playing the game they love because they have nowhere to go. I think if the csa and true soccer fans and the amature clubs get together something can happin.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 8:38 PM from IP address 62.6.116.168
Canada needs to be realistic. We need small venues with quality semi-pro teams and then work up to major league status. The Alberta Major League is an example to follow. Both the Men and Womens leagues could attract 500 - 1000 people with some promotion effort and with the limited travel costs could be competitive. When my daughter played for U. of L. they traveled the University circut and I had to pay about $300.00 for the season as a fund raiser. It can be done with good management and reasonable expectations.
Keep up the good work everyone and some day we will realize the dream of having exciting soccer all across the country.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 9:09 PM from IP address 209.5.189.56
Another way to raise money would be the sales of mechandice ie. replica shirts, shorts, socks, scarves, clothing, flags, banners and other marketing items. as well as local sponsership. or just find some big ass multi-millionare to bye the team and build it up.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 9:18 PM from IP address 62.6.116.168
Thanks for the insight James. Your ability to take serious issues and cut through to the core - bring them down to an "understandable " level- has been a real blessing for this site. Then add your distinct brand of humour- you're a double threat dude!
It's finally sinking in- accept the wisdom that those that actually have an " insiders view" of what's happening in the soccer community-Bill Ault, Alan Douglas and you- have been cautioning us all along-that a new league would face insurmountable odds and probably even harm the present delicate set-up in the A-league.
In fact, I'd like to commend how kind those that have information on the myriad aspects of semi-pro/A-league soccer are - for not sharing it. It may fuel a serious discussion on creating a new league- and since the concept is such folly- why " torture' the deluded. So now I understand why the above - mentioned people kindly only participate with " low-grade" info, strictly on the negative side- is because they "care." You guys are the best!
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 10:38 AM from IP address 206.87.120.153
I have repeatedly said that "I don't know". The crux of everything I have been saying for last couple of years is "lets find out"
Who is finding out? I don't think anyone at the CSA could tell you more about running a team in Canada today than they could three years ago.
I don't think the soccer clubs in any city we plan to put a team in think any differently than they did 1,2 3 or 10 years ago. Why will it be different now? What are we doing to change their minds, and what will it take to change their minds?
The 86ers are just starting to find out.
Serious issues have been totally marred by any connection to reality and after beating my head against that wall I thought I could illustrate the futility of just asking for money.
Lets look at it.
1. Sell merchandise like shirts hats... Who are you going to sell them to? You can't have low attendance and subsidzie your income by selling merchandise to people that don't go....doesn't make any sense.
2. Local sponsorship and corporate support. This myth has reached stellar proportions. It is a catch 22. They will not give you the money until the people are in the seats. The people will not be in the seats until you get the money.
If you have the people in the seats it is sponsorship/advertising. If you don't have the people in the seats and are looking at the second part of the Catch 22 you are now talking about investment, which is something entirely different.
So to break the catch22 they/we/us have to figure out how to put people in the seats.
We must get away from the "if we build it they will come" mentality that permeates soccer(all levels from the Canada cup, the BCSoccerFest, pro soccer and rec soccer)
Perhaps it should be "if we fill it, they will come" They as in the people with money.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 1:30 PM from IP address 209.52.51.23
If Alan is 'hiding' anything as you put it, it is becuase he works for the 86ers and can't go repeating everything he hears at meetings.
What information is it that you think I am withholding? I have never suggested anything as arrogant as 'accept the wisdom of insiders..' or something like that.
I have come to have some very different views, as likely have Bill Ault and Alan Douglas. I suspect these views come from being directly involved in soccer now for several years.
I used to be a huge CSA basher and would write things very similiar to the posts I now criticize. I may still be a CSA basher but I have a great deal of sympathy for them.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 1:44 PM from IP address 209.52.51.23
I don't know what myself, Alan Douglas, or Bill Ault could reveal that would lead to some constructive discussions of the creation of a new league.
If anything Alan has done this repeatly with an immense amount of infomraiton detailing past leagues and other statistics.
I know that I am not against a CSL. I suspect that Alan and Bill Ault as well are not strictly against such a league either. Don't mistake caution for negativity.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 1:54 PM from IP address 209.52.51.23
The leap of faith I was talking about was in speaking for Bill and Alan when I say I don't think they are strictly opposed to a Canadian league. They, like me, just want to see it done correctly, to which there is no evidence it will be.
What am I joking about?
What am I saying that is so wrong?
What do you want?
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 5:25 PM from IP address 206.87.130.5
What kind of crap is that? Go ahead quit. But I am not sure what you are quitting from. You obviously want a league and or soccer in Canada to be successful. So do I.
What can you do about it?
What do you want to do about it?
What would you enjoy doing?
I say this becuase there are NO multimillion dollar sugar daddies out there personal or corporate. It is up to us. Cliche I know, but unfortuneately it is true.
I am doing something, Bill is doing something, Alan is doing something....I am not accusing you of not doing anything. I am asking, honestly, what would you want to do, what can you do?
I took stuff I liked to do and applied it to soccer. I have been working in it(it being soccer) now, privately for almost two years. I am only just now breaking even and expanding things. It is a very very good thing I did not try to expand things even a year ago, knowing what I know now(in the business soccer sense)
If I only I could show you what it is like dealing with the clubs, the associations, the individuals in soccer. How incredibly different it is from Vancouve to Calgary to Toronto to Manitoba.... Outline the costs of doing something as simple as the Parent Guide.
I am trying to convey this in the Positive Impact articles in Inside Soccer magazine.
Where abouts are you located?
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 8:45 PM from IP address 209.52.51.33
I think I speak for most Canadian soccer fans out there when I say that EVERYONE wants a truely professional soccer league for this country. A lot of people misinterpret people favoring the A-league as being negative towards the creation of a truely Canadian league. This is not the case. The fact of the matter is, that the conditions for creating a league are less then positive. Its easy to say well, we should get a rich guy to buy teams, and find sponsors for the teams, but this is not easy to do.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 10:25 PM from IP address 204.19.166.57
A couple of thins have been said here that Kind of annoy me, though don't surprise me.
1. No one would like to see a successfull, full time, coast-to-coast soccer league in this country more than me. I'll even admit it would be mostly for selfish reasons:
- more content for Canada Kicks, more interest in Canada Kicks, more readers for Canada Kicks more ad revenue for Canada Kicks meaning that this little pet project of mine might someday (before I die) make a profit
- see all the above for people like Alf deBlasis and Alfons Rubbins (Inside Soccer), David and Scott at Direct Kicks, dozens of coaches across the country who are trying to scratch a living out of this game in one of the few countries in the world where people just do not care about the game to make it work
- that I could take my kids to watch high level soccer in a local stadium week in, week out so they can see how the game can be played
- that as a coach I could have a top to the pyramid not just for my players but for myself as a coach
Are these reasons selfish you bet they are but as you pour your heart and soul into something week after week as all those mentioned above (and hundreds if not thousands of others as well) do and all you see is a country that keeps sliding backwards because the wrong or no decisions are being made you get a little selfish and want something, anything back - perhaps a spot in the World Cup, perhaps a new league that will last longer than their first set of jerseys.
Do I want a league? You bet but let's do it right from the beginning for once.
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 1:25 PM from IP address 206.47.98.151
James- it was very wrong of me to start something and not finish it. If you really want to " know" what my problem is, post your e-mail- that way you'll be the only one to suffer from my " questionable" - and personal- observations.
I feel that I owe Bill Ault an apology- for calling him a "lightweight." When someone posts with a title " This is the key"- anticipation that a serious, insightful opinion will be featured - is high. Well, Bill delivered big time- the "key" being " let's do it right from the beginning for once" is a heavy, potent statement that definetly elevates the discussion.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 10:37 AM from IP address 206.87.120.156
The key to a successful league is press. Get "sir" Conrad Black on board and you get media exposure, guaranteed! Even if there were 200 fans at the game.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 10:08 PM from IP address 137.186.225.208
Next time you buy the National Post (or borrow it to read if you know anyone who buys this paper) see how much coverage local soccer gets!
Try and think of a sponsor who cares about the game - like the owner of Coffee Time - and not someone who is only looking for profits and a forum to spread his right-wing views!
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 10:30 PM from IP address 205.250.146.79
What does Coffee Time have to do with the media? Local soccer is covered by....nobody! A few web sites (great web sites but few). The only way non-soccer fans will be turned into soccer fans is through EXPOSURE. How does a league get EXPOSURE? By advertising. Where to they advertise? In the MEDIA. Who controls ALL the paper MEDIA in CANADA? Conrad Black!
I don't like him either, but he is Canada's newspaper king. If he has something to gain by printing a few scores in his papers, be damn sure he'll send some green kid to report on the game.
TV hasn't been the answer...
RADIO has shown minimal intrest...
NEWSPAPER is a start...
Ol'EH!
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 12:17 AM from IP address 137.186.225.208
If you are saying "buy advertising and the newspapers will cover your events", you may be right.
It may be a way of insuring coverage ..... if you can afford it.
There were nearly 5000 at the Lynx game on Friday night but the only people who wrote stories were Rockin' Robin, myself and C.P. - two web sites and one wire service that may or may not be picked up by its subscribers.
CTVSN was there in the form of Alf but sadly, the general sports media was not represented.
How many people attend St. Mike's games on average? Probably about as many (or less) than came out to the average Lynx match. The Majors get full coverage (and I'm not saying they shouldn't) but should not the Lynx be getting comparable coverage. It sure ain't happenin'.
Soccer, as always, is being given short shrift and while I don't believe it is a conspiracy, something needs to change but I don't know how it can be done and neither do the soccer observer buddies that I know. Don't blame the writers, they do what they're assigned. We have to look higher up the food chain.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 1:45 AM from IP address 216.154.33.47
People seem to have grandiose ideas of Conrad pulling strings and reads his papers line by line. From my experience the man really doesn't care that much. What he does do is cut his papers down so that the ad department is three times as big as the writing staff. No space or money for someone to come in and submit a story every week (David, have you or Robin ever asked a local paper if they would print your stuff for free if you handed it in on deadline? Would you want to?). I know lots of local papers that had specialized people taht wrote about their passion for a pittance, but were paid. Things like symphonies, art, gardening... now those are either gone or done by people who just aren't as knowledgeable. It's a downsized world.
Most reporters cover about 4 or 5 beats and are chasing (if not publishing) 2-5 stories a day.
I'm not sold that the media is anti-soccer, I just don't think the editors make it a priority and given the writer's time constraints they stick to what they know best.... the big four. I think the solution is in part to make it as easy as humanly possible for these guys to cover soccer. Give them story ideas and lots of releases. I've never dealt with a soccer media relations person, so I have no idea if they're trying this and it isn't working, but being pro-active can't hurt.
Alan is probably more in the know than I. I actually thought the Province's coverage wasn't bad when I was in Vancouver. Not great, but not bad. The Sun was another matter though. Any other thoughts and ideas?
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 5:01 PM from IP address 142.165.113.77
I was reading about the marketing of the NFL a while back and they basically invented the concept of buying airtime on a network, selling the ad space themselves and producing the broadcasts. This was back in the 1950s and helped build the NFL into what it is today.
Could a similar scheme help Canadian leagues and teams? Buy a block of space in selected papers and fill it with league/team provided copy. You could subsidize it by selling ad space within the ad space.
It would certainly solve the problem of regular coverage by the local papers.
Just a thought.
Ted
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 1:56 AM from IP address 142.104.17.33
A new CSL is ideal but it is an idea that the public and sponsors are not ready for. Until a Canadian team can capture the imagination of the general public, a league is unrealistic. The way to capture attention is to qualify for the World Cup. Holger Osieck was hired to get us to the World Cup and he and his players are going to have to start winning games. Only when we do qualify might there be some serious sponsorship interest.
Until that time we will have to proceed along two fronts: placing more Canadian franchises in the A-League and developping the CPSL.
1)The A-League: I think this is the best we can hope for, for the time being. The A-League provides stability and the highest available soccer standard available in Canada. Returning Montreal and adding Winnipeg, Ottawa and Edmonton would be the eventual goal. Unfortunately, the league is already large and may face pressures to promote US teams from the lower USL eshelons. I don't think even the Impact are guaranteed to be back in next year.
2)The CPSL: The CSA should be trying to build the CPSL. As a federation of regional leagues it could offer a great deal to player development. The CSA should encourage/push/demand that the bigger provincial elite leagues integrate with the CPSL. They should also work with the CPSL to make the top players from the provincial soccer academies available to the league. This semi-pro atmosphere would benefit these players.
Finally, as a substitute to a new CSL, a Canadian Super League could be formed with the regional CPSL champions and the A-League teams. All these franchises would continue to play in their respective leagues but would also compeat in the super league (like in Europe). This way there would not be any worries of an entire league collapse if a franchise or two went under. I also think it would be easier to attract a sponsor because it would require less of a financial commmitment from the sponsor. By this I mean that the teams would already be more or less financially stable and would only require a bit of extra money for travel and salaries during super league play.
What do you think?
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 12:39 PM from IP address 199.212.18.68
anybody knows the score of this match that was played on August 18th...I guess the CONCACAF Signals will be out soon, so we can get the results there, but anybody has the results already?
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 12:20 AM from IP address 129.128.153.50
Reza, I believe it was 5-4 in favour of Uruguay over Costa Rica but I read nothing further except for the score.
I believe that there was some mention of this being Daniel Passarella's (spelling ?)first match at the helm for Uruguay. Is this correct? I recall some press that he and the full national side stayed at home during the recent South American tournament letting a younger side go in their place.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 12:16 PM from IP address 199.212.215.11
West Ham overcame a 1 goal 1st leg deficit to Metz by winning in France today 3-1 (3-2 aggregate) in their Intertoto clash. Forrest was, of course, on the bench but he now has the chance to play in the spotlight as West Ham are through to the UEFA competition with a top 3 Intertoto finish.
Nick Dasovic and St. Johnstone host VPS Vaasa of Finland tomorrow at Perth in the 2nd leg of their UEFA qualifying game, the first leg was a 1-1 draw. Check out temple of saints site (www.grange.demon.co.uk/saints/sjfc.htm) for totally unbiased match report Thursday (along with stories of the St. Johnstone invasion of Finland from the 1st leg if you so wish).
Finally, both Corazzin and Pesch started for Northampton and Fulham resp. today in their 2nd leg Worthington Cup match. Fulham was up 3-1 at half time. Brennan (Bristol City), Bircham (Millwall) and Watson (Oxford United) are also in Worthington Cup action but I have no results.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 4:24 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
Fulham 3 NTFC 1 (Aggregate 4-2).
Pesch played 90 minutes. Corazzin subbed at 60 minutes (and he supposedly missed a "sitter" in the 1st 20 minutes, Matthew).
Millwall 1 Swansea 1 (Aggregate 1-3).
Bircham played 90 min.
Bristol City 2 Cambridge 1 (Aggregate 4-3).
Brennan played 90 min.
Oxford 1 Southend 0 (Aggregate 3-0).
Watson, sore head and calf, played 90 min.
Correction, St. Johnstone play their UEFA Q round match on Thursday.
Also in that competition, Radzinski is in action as Anderlecht play their second leg against Leiftur(Iceland?).
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 6:55 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
I've heard rumours from a couple of sources about the CSA interviewing a Norwegian, possibly an assistant from their WWC team. Anyone else hear this or have any more info?
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 3:35 PM from IP address 192.251.30.171
Someone mentioned on the CSA's Soccer Talk that finding a new coach by Oct. 16- conducting a world-wide search, and comparing it to the time it took to find "Holger"- was mighty quick. Perhaps they had someone in mind, like a certain somebody from Norway...
Do you know how many players are participating in their version of a " post-mortem?" Will they make it public and who will produce/write the submission? Helen/Gerry never really got into the mechanics of it.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 4:09 PM from IP address 206.87.120.143
Quite simply its silly to be looking World Wide for a womens coach... the talent pool exists in Canada to find a coach who currently coaches women and has been successfull.
Going outside will only paper over the issues not deal with building a Canadian Program. Its the program and plan that needs development, the coach quite frankly is only a finishing touch not the core of it.
A European coach will simply be snowed by the current influencers at the Metcalfe street Mansion.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 8:55 PM from IP address 205.210.144.42
I would agree with you on a number of points there. Norway's style isn't what I want Canada to emulate even though it did a good job of destroying our team. I also agree that a foreign coach might be blind to the problems here, as it appears Holger was. Holger is speaking out but I don't know if the Women's coach would be in as strong a position as Holger to speak out. On the dissenting side, I'm not too sure that there are many qualified coaches in Canada. I may be too harsh here, but what I've seen of Women's University level coaches I'm not overly impressed. At least a full time coach would be above the rumours and confilct of interest accusations that a part time University coach gets :-) Ie, no pressure to enhance recruiting by promising spots on the National team . . .
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 12:43 AM from IP address 216.66.154.186
Just curious, but of the many many universities in the CIAU how many coaches have you seen in action?
If your view is limited to the West Coast you are missing out on some very good coaching from the other conferences.
There are good coaches in this country. Like you, I think the part-time/full-time issue is a no-brainer. It has to become full-time to be fair to the man or woman who takes the position over....and to the players.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 10:42 AM from IP address 199.216.104.44
Yeah, I may be too harsh in drawing conclusions on all based on what I've seen and heard out here. If you have any names I'd like to hear them. It's amazing how quick people bitch about bad coaching but never really say much about the good ones. I guess good coaching is expected but never recognized.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 12:23 PM from IP address 192.251.30.171
Actually, I have been thinking about your logical request for names of good Canadian coaches in the CIAU now or in the recent past. I do not feel it is fair for me to throw these peoples' names into the ring wtihout their permission, so I will refrain.
But I can tell you that the ones I am thinking of have all played at a very high level, have their A or B licenses (not that that automatically qualifies them but they have jumped the hoops and worked at their coaching) and most of them are/were only working part-time for their university and holding down full-time jobs elsewhere....many in coaching.
You may not have heard of them, because they are not necessarily from the big universities or big provinces and regardless of their ability to coach if the school's population is small and their budget is smaller it is very difficult to make it to the National CIAU championships.
They probably won't even be offered interviews with the CSA for the head coaching job(if they are foolish enough to apply)regardless of their ability to coach because theirs are not big names ...despite some of them coaching CSA teams at U-15 and U-18 National East and West Tournaments in the States.
There really aren't that many A license coaches in Canada and many of them do or did coach in the CIAU...many in the East. And most of them are superb.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 10:30 PM from IP address 199.216.104.40
Maybe at some future point you could post a message naming them, not as potential candidates but rather as good coaches with ability.
Out here I hear a lot of good things about John Judd, an ex-asst at Simon Fraser University, and of course a few other guys like Dave Dew on Vancouver Island. That doesn't make them National team prospects but it would be nice to see some new faces on the Assistant's bench . . .
Looking forward to it.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 3:54 PM from IP address 192.251.30.171
Neil Sedgewick, out of Halifax and now coaching at North Dakota I believe, former Manitoba technical director.
Steve Johnson, University of Ottawa, took a university club team and made them National champions in three years and has remained in top three since, with very little money, no home field and a player base drawn mostly from a single city.
Posted on Aug 28, 1999, 2:36 AM from IP address 205.210.144.57
Hey, Trillium. Neil Sedgewick is a good coach, I agree.
I think you are getting he and Matt Townsend mixed up a little with some of your info as Matt is the former Technical Director for Manitoba and is now down in North Dakota (Fargo). Neil had been coaching in BC and has just undertaken a NCAA school with a fairly new Div 1 program, I think. Is it also in North Dakota? Maybe. Anyway, I hope he succeeds.
I liked what you said about Steve Johnson, but having an entire city the size of Ottawa is an immense player pool when you consider, for example, the population of Nova Scotia with Dalhousie, St. Mary's, St. FX, Acadia, UCCB all competing for university players. I could go a step further and say the entire Atlantic provinces have 10 teams and a low player population to split
10 ways. As you are aware, the quality of play there is very good, (with exception of some obvious weak teams as in Ontario and elsewhere,) but it is due to good coaching.
Posted on Aug 29, 1999, 11:14 AM from IP address 199.216.104.26
I'm not sure who's involved. I would speculate that it is mainly veterans like Donnelly, Burtini, Muir, Neil, Rosenow, & Hooper with maybe some younger players like Sara Maglio. The team dynamic is a litte strange from an outsider's view: The younger players may be more loyal to the coaching staff because they may feel they owe their spots to them. The players from Alberta may be more sympathetic to Neil, he being the tech director of the ASA, while the older players may not feel the loyalty to coach or the need to be diplomatic as they may not be around much longer anyway.
I am as curious as any to read what they say, I do hope that it will be a public document.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 3:07 PM from IP address 192.251.30.171
"we need a better scouting system and coaching system that can find players in Canada that are better than we are because we sucked."
There is not much else to it. The coaching sucked, the team sucked. They need better coaches with better resources to be able to coach players and find players.
This report should only be about one paragraph long. Unless there is something to say about all the rumours of strange player selections and things.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 12:21 PM from IP address 209.52.51.32
I agree about scouting and I don't really want to argue about the "quality" of our players. For me money is the root of it all and I expect that the women will likely address this.
Posted on Aug 30, 1999, 6:26 PM from IP address 192.251.30.171
But only if I get to coach. But seriously, I'm hoping that the CSA does spend enough to attract a serious and experienced full time coach with the backbone to make waves if needed. All joking aside, that's the bottom line.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 12:20 PM from IP address 192.251.30.171
According to Entertainent Weekly Magazine (Aug 20/27 issue) the Film of Nick Hornby's bestselling book Fever Pitch will get wide release in the US in September.
Someone decided to try a three year old soccer film in the wake of the WWC. The magazines Fall Movie Peview section (p.34) recognises this by mentioning that Mia Hamm will NOT be in the film. :)
Ted (aka Victoria Fan)
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 12:19 PM from IP address 142.104.36.149
Victoria United convinced the University of Victoria student cinema to bring it in this summer. We billed it as the Victoria Premiere and the audeince really enjoyed it.It's a good romantic comedy that happens to be about a football fan. Highly recommended.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 2:44 PM from IP address 142.104.36.149
Must admit that I am not familiar with this movie so will check out the video store next visit.
Any new soccer flic has to be better than watching Sly's goaltender antics in Michael Caine's "Victory". I think that that was the title with the all-star cast of soccer players being members of the allied and German squads...Pele, Moore, etc.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 1:47 PM from IP address 199.212.215.11
The newly appointed Minister of Sport for Canada, the honourable Denis Coderre, of my home riding of Bourassa (Montreal-North), has stated in a local news paper that he will be looking into the feasability of Canada, hosting the 2010 World Cup. I wonder if this was just speculation or if he actually is going to take the time to find a way to make this thing work.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 6:59 PM from IP address 204.19.166.53
Well, that would rock/ Victoria venue/ other venues?
by Paddy
Hey,
That is interesting because I was just debating the fesability of it with a friend the other day.
The University of Victoria, has a stadium that was converted to 40 or 60 thousand for the commonwealth games using portable bleechers. So besides the obvious cities, Victoria could easily host games.
Paul
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 10:03 PM from IP address 24.64.223.4
Dennis Mills in his report of last year of government involvement in sport of Canada(specifically proping up NHL teams) had the recommendation Canada apply for 2010 WC. Stephen Brunt of the Globe dismissed it as a farce.
The only way it would work is full government funding in the billions as it would involve at least building 3-4 60k plus stadia and converting or upgrading stadia in 5 cities.
Commonwealth will be upgraded for 2001 Track Championship and if Toronto gets the Olympics, we will get 60k+ stadium.
Montreal probably needs a total new stadium, BC Place could be a la Silverdome in 94. Calgary, Winnipeg need more seating and grass. Francophone games in Ottawa might help in upgrading Landsdowne. Skydome could also be converted as a second venue for Toronto. That's 8 stadiums for 8 groups. Can be done but big money involved. Taxpayers are not in a giving mood.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 10:55 PM from IP address 209.90.135.149
The CFL season doesn't start until August. Have the tourney June/July. I think we've got enough stadiums (provided we throw real grass over the carpet). Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto (maybe two stadiums? one that could be an Olympic stadium + Skydome), Hamilton, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax (I don't know too much about where St. Mary's plays, but it doesn't seem impossible). 10 at least, probably 12. The question I ask is: If FIFA comes to North America why wouldn't they go to the US? The stadiums are bigger. The importance to the game is bigger, the money is bigger and the US wants to host in 2010 anyway. That was part of the Nike project 2010 thing, that was about the first opportunity they thought they may get to host again. We could physically host it, but we won't.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 11:33 PM from IP address 142.3.88.31
The world would be outraged if the USA got the cup twice within 14 years. An Africa country has yet to be accepted, and if they miss this bid they would have to wait untill 2014 (if the USA git the cup). There is still Australia to consider, and what about the rest of South America. Sure the USA put on a good show, but get back in line.
Paul
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 1:51 AM from IP address 24.64.223.4
but I think they'll bid. I imagine 2006 is South Africa's to lose. Then they go to the Americas or Europe, likely the Americas. Then to Europe (England or Germany) in 2014. Brazil or the US in 2010? I think Brazil might get it, but it depends on Brazil's infrastructure. The rest of the world can pack a world cup so long as most of the stadiums are in the 30,000-60,000 range. The US can sell out every game and all the stadiums are in the 80,000+ range. Then there's the TV and corporate money. I don't think the US will get it again until 2018, but I don't see us beating them or Brazil (or Mexico maybe) for it any time soon.
I never even really thought about Australia. They're an interesting wild card.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 2:20 AM from IP address 142.3.88.31
Mexico organized the WC twice in a 16 year period so why not the States again? Such a development would not be greeted with outrage, believe me you. If anything, another WC USA would be greeted with relief; it would be done right. And as Matthew says, it is early.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 7:50 AM from IP address 208.167.188.136
But I guess the next best thing for me would be a GWN WC. That would be great fun and would be cool if you guys could pull it off. With the proper stadia Canada would be a fine venue.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 7:53 AM from IP address 208.167.188.136
I was in Colombia when the government decided that the task was beyond them. For that I commend them. It was a wise, practical decision. Colombia does have many fine stadia, however.
I feel that with the size of the tournament, there are now fewer qualified candidates.
Co-hosting is a terrible idea, the epitome of Havalange idiocy and hypocrisy. It takes up automatic bids and results in chaos. The US does not need anyone's assistance in pulling off a World Cup.
I do wish Canada luck with whatever it decide on.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 1:11 PM from IP address 208.167.188.136
Everyone says that if the WC is going to N. America it will go to the USA due to their stadia. All Canada has to do is meet FIFA's requirements which requires one stadium holding over 80,000 but the rest do not have to be as big as that. The USA is so big that half the nation did not know that the WC was in their country or what it was. This wouldn't happen in Canada.
Maybe FIFA thinks the WC is getting too big and so it wants to hold it in a smaller soccer nation. Canada has many advantages over other "larger" soccer nations.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 11:51 AM from IP address 154.32.143.88
I thought it was Sepp Blatter who pushed the USA 94 bid, in part, to develop soccer. They promised a pro league and were given the tournament.
It is more likely Canada would get the nod for 2010 for the same reasons. As a G8 country without a national league we have already received FIFA charity as if we were a third world nation.
Ted (aka Victoria Fan)
p.s. Paddy - I don't know about you, but I was shocked when I found out UVic basically threw away the bleachers from 94 Commonwealth games.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 12:15 PM from IP address 142.104.36.149
The CFL pre-season started on June 23rd this year. I think that effectively rules out a June / July World Cup in CFL parks.
BTW, I agree with you on the USA but not for 2010.
It's too soon.
Why come to Canada when the USA is available?
The only way Canada can get on the WC bandwagon is if we were able to co-host with the USA ala Korea / Japan.
It's a good precedent and matches in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver would show that FIFA gives a damn about soccer development in third world soccer nations.
I'd say that's our only hope.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 2:28 AM from IP address 216.154.31.5
When Canada kick started its qualifying campaign in 1996 against Panama in Edmonton(oh, those good old days of our start), Pipe announced in Edmonton that CSA will study this option over the course of the next three years and release a report....
Hard to believe how fast time goes by, but in fact in about a week, it's August 30th 1999, exactly three years after that qualifying match....so, theoretically speaking, we should hear something!!!!
I don't think it's a farce, although I don't think Canada could ever outbid USA for the World Cup...
As for 60K plus stadiums, I think France had a number of small stadiums including Lyon, the site of Iran-USA match that only had 35000 seats....so,
I think it's something worth considering if somebody wants to try! Remember, when USA announced its bid for USA'94, nobody thought they could pull off the most successful world cup ever...
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 12:07 AM from IP address 129.128.153.50
Speculation is all great, but does anyone of us truly believe the CSA could organise such a tourney. C'mon, they couldn't even properly organize the Canada Cup in Edmonton. They couldn't even organize a bid committee as they are right now. Don't get me wrong, I would walk from one end of the country to the other to see us playing host to the WC, but is isn't likely the way things are at CSA HQ at the moment.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 12:20 PM from IP address 129.100.116.44
If the " fighting" has started for 2006, that means that Canada will have to make it's pitch in four years time. I firmly believe that the States-even if they are a competitor for hosting 2010 WC- will come to our aid.
During their pitch-after they point out the sponsership,tv facilities,stadiums, success of WC94 and WWC99, they'll probably have some time left over- to devote to their northern neighbour.
They could start off with a tribute to Canada Cup99, how 50% of the teams dropped out, how "sloppy" the press facilites were, how the stadium was only 25% full, how the CSA lost $250,000 on their showcase event of '99. Ofcourse they can also include the humourous antics of the head coach "chasing the locals to make them pay." To balance this out, I'm sure the USSF will acknowledge the successful in-house crib tourney the CSA conducted.
With the possible exception being a new baseball stadium in Montreal, do you see a new facility-50,000+- coming on stream in the near future? You need a sports franchise to drive that kind of investment, and in Canada, that's only happening for basketball and hockey right now.
Even if we went forward with a bid, the patchwork make-up of laying grass in indoor stadiums and expanding ( probably temporarily) other facilities would be " butt-ugly" compared to what other nations could offer. Finally- do you see the type of leadership that would get a heavy commitment from the gov't, pull all factions together- on what is really " wishfull thinking." I can't envision that happening.
The reason that FIFA was hesitant about the States- the power-brokers mainly consist of Euro-snobs, and they didn't know if the fans would support the "game." Now- I bet they can't wait to get back to the States- they love the sound of the cash register.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 12:24 PM from IP address 206.87.120.128
If the CSA is actually serious about applying for a World Cup in 2010 they might want to call Antonio Lamarr the recently retired Chief Justice of Canada.
Why him ?
1. He knows Ottawa and the power people in Politics and law ( two importanat issues for a bid and stadia ).
2. He will be looking for a challenge beyound sitting on majour corporate boards.
3. He will be invited to sit on majour corporate boards to lend credibility and ability to some very large dollar enterprises.
4. He is a top notch facilitator, I wonder just how much money he could find with the Saputo's, and Parmalaat, and the support he could draw from the Liberal Government.
Its up to the CSA president to get on the phone now...and convince him, maybe a meeting with the new sport minister and a bit of arm twisting... Kevan call Edmonton now...do it.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 8:51 PM from IP address 205.210.144.42
I went to 7 games in 94 in 4 cities and except for an Italia game, the stadium atmosphere sucked in comparsion to what happens in the rest of the world. The Italia game consisted of American-Italians from NJ and NY who are passionate about the game.
But other games like at the Silverdome had the Americans sitting on their hands while thinking the Swedish or Swiss group of fans were nuts. Americans came out in droves in 94 but in a lot of matches these soccer moms and kids were overmatched. They had no sense of WC history or even soccer history to evoke any passion. To most of them, this was their first big league soccer game and they acted like ducks out of water.
I was in Italy this summer and saw Fioretina in a Champions League qualifier and the stadium had more atmosphere than any of WC games I saw in 94.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 10:12 PM from IP address 209.90.160.35
No,sportsfan,the atmosphere was great at US '94. And, while I admit that maybe back then US fans lacked the clue or spontaneity of the South Americans or Europeans, times have changed and so have American supporters. Oh, by the way, I was at the US-Colombia game, among many others, and that American crowd rocked. You should have seen the impromtu parade in downtown Pasadena that lasted all night. Ask those who participated in the Nigeria-Bulgaria game, which drew 60,000 in Dallas, or the Sweden-Cameroon, which drew 85,000 in Pasadena, about the atmosphere. Bolivia-South Korea drew an enthralled 58,000 at Foxboro. Don't give me this crap about lack of atmosphere. And trust me, we'll have that down by 2010, as well.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 7:34 AM from IP address 208.167.188.136
US 94 was a success attendance wise but that doesn't mean there is atmosphere in the stadium. Evaluating the atmosphere at a US team game is meningless as we all know Americans cheer hardily for any of their teams.
Times have changed since then and Americans have learned on how to act at soccer games. But they are still nowhere close to the rest of world. It all depends on your past experience in attending games. I seen games in about 7 countries which left me a little disappointed in the crowds in US 94.
Canadian crowds have a way to go also as we have to get off our hands. The best atmosphere at Canadian games is created by the visting team supporters. The best example was Canada/Mexico in the WC qualifier in 93 at Varsity. The Mexicans were there 4-5 hours before the game and rocked Varsity throughout the game except when Bunbury scored.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 9:56 PM from IP address 209.90.134.208
Also, it is understood and even accepted that local club games will provide more in the way of "atmosphere" than a WC match played in front of a largely neutral crowd. USA '94 saw more partisan involvement from crowds becuse of its immense immigrant population. And American fans, who, though maybe comparatively silent, were by no means unappreciative. For atmosphere I've always preferred the qualifiers to the World Cup itself. Argentina-Colombia in Barranquilla is more of a boiler there then it would be in Verona, Puebla, Kansas City or Regina.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 7:49 AM from IP address 208.167.188.136
Why can canada not gather enough money through gates and take time out to find sponsers to build a 15,000 to 20,000 all seater stadium for canada to play in. If it is built in Toronto the lynx and toronto olympians can play in it to help support the cost. If they find a big sponser or sponsers which im sure they might find if they look, they can do this. Look at the stadiums that are built in england that are named after companies such as the reebok stadium where bolton play. I think if canada has a nice sized stadium it will attract fans and liven up the atmospher, where as you have 10,000 to 15,000 fans at stadiums where it holds 50,000 it kills the atmospher. The smaller it is the better cause you can get the place singing and backin canada they way they support teams in other countries. I think as a true canadian soccer fan, i think we deserve this cause we have stadiums for every other sport so why not support soccer its only the most played sport in canada, does that not tell you something. CSA PULL YOUR FINGERS OUT AND DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!PLEASE!!!!!
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 8:17 PM from IP address 62.6.116.168
First of all, while FIFA would love to hold the Cup in the U$ again as soon as possible, the Europeans and the South Americans would flip out. It was only a couple years ago that UEFA was threatening to pull out of the World Cup.
(Hopefully, the Cup will be held every 2 years so maybe like 2006 Europe, 2008 South Africa and 2010 Canada ???)
Also, Toronto/Hamilton did host the most successful World Basketball Championships in 94. And I know it's not like soccer but it's still a pretty big event. The championships held in 98 in Athens, Greece (where basketball is the number 1 sport) was a disgrace and lost millions of dollars.
Plus Edmonton will be hosting the 2001 World Track & Field Championships, the 3rd biggest sports event in the world. Winnipeg just hosted a pretty successful Pan-Am Games which was the 3rd largest sporting event ever held in North America (behind the LA & Atlanta Olympics).
So it is possible, but the major problem would be the stadiums, or the lack there of. Everything else from transportation systems to accomidations to telecommunications systems in Canada is of world class calibre.
Now only if the CSA could get it's act together (that will be the day!).
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 4:55 PM from IP address 209.103.51.106
Sportie, I don't know if you've noticed, but the Yanks have done a pretty good job of chipping away at the Euro-South American wall of suspicion. No, the Euries and Southies are not going to flip out. Slowly but surely the Americans have stirred themselves right into the FIFA mix to the point where a significant American role in world soccer is accepted, welcomed and no longer ridiculed or feared. No sooner had USA '94 ended when everyone talked about bringing the worldie back to the States sooner rather than later. For those who take comfort in thinking that the States is an unwelcome outcast, you're kidding yourselves bigtime.
P.S. Do any of you remember the days when the States had a hard time lining up meaningful friendlies? Well, fast forward to 1999 and the Argentina FA insisting that we honor our agreement to play a return match in Buenos Aires. Times have changed and so have attitudes. And dat's a fact.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 6:16 PM from IP address 208.167.188.136
I fail to see how international acceptance means that the State should get the cup again. They mave have gotten better, but they are still not that big of a threat outside of their borders. Teams in Africa have done better than the State's in the WC (away from home, too) and have yet to get the tourney.
As far as Europeans and South Americans go, of course they are going to be upset. We are talking about millions of dollars in revenue. This is not about friendly jestures to 'up and comers.'
American's ability to get freindlies has as much to do with money as it does with skill. Also, check out the calibre of the teams the US has beaten lately. The States's recent win over Argentina and Germany is impressive in name only. Neither country fielded full strength teams.
Sure, USA 94 was good, but I'll take either of the Mexican WCs any day. I'd much sooner see it there again than the States.
Thanks for playing,
Paul
Paul
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 9:25 PM from IP address 24.64.223.4
The only reason to hold the World Cup in the States again would be for financial reasons (i.e. big tv money available, sponsorship money, etc.).
The problem with that, is that the tournament is a huge financial success already so it would benefit a country in Europe or South America a lot more if they (or even a neighbouring country) hosted the event instead of the good ol' U.$. of A.
And just because they have improved on the field (remind me again how good they did in France), doesn't mean they should get the event. Plus, all these South American clubs want to play in the States because they see the huge Hispanic community and all the financial potential.
The earliest the US could host the event would be in about 2018, and probably only if the tournament happens every 2 years.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 9:56 AM from IP address 209.5.17.185
Gents, I'm not advocating for a USA 2010, although I'd love to see it happen. I also wouldn't mind seeing a World Cup realized in Canada. I'm trying to let you guys know that you're silly and wrong to ingnore the obvious strengths of a future US bid and dismiss, as you have, the hugely successful USA '94. Speak of the strengths of your own bid. Resist this "it'll never happen" thinking
about an American WC 2010. How do you know? When I talk about the States working its way into the mix, I'm referring to things that extend beyond the lines. Let's assume that USA 94 had lousy atmosphere as many of you allege. Fine. How will Canada provide superior atmosphere? USA 94 was played in a country without a top flight league. The crowds at games not involving the hosts saw the most partisan involvement of any World Cup. You guys just choose to ignore that. You also choose to ingnore the 94 was in the past and 2010 is in the future. You ignore all the valid points that I make, which you really should consider,and that shows that you're not being rational and believing what you want. Y'all go easy.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 6:55 AM from IP address 208.167.188.136
Paddy, How clear can I make it? I'm not trying to convince you of the merits of a 2010 WC in the States, although I have asserted those merits. I'm merely trying to remind you guys that you better do more than snicker about USA 94 if you want to host the thing up there, which I think would be great. But if the States bid, you will be up against, regardless of the experience that some guy from Walkerton had in Pontiac 5 years ago.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 1:08 PM from IP address 208.167.188.136
I think it is a godsend we have anything on TV at all.
However, consider this. How many subjects on TV do you see that cover something you know as intimately as soccer in Canada? Probably not many if any at all.
People like us on this newsgroup cannot, and probably NEVER will get anything out of that show.
It would be impossible and probably unwise for them to cover anything in detail that would satisfy obsessed lunatics like ourselves.
Heck things announced live on the show we probably know before its done.
THIS SHOW AINT FOR US!! at least not on the soccer information level. Seeing stuff is a totally different story.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 6:54 PM from IP address 207.194.147.52
I love SoccerCentral. I wish it wasn't on so early, but I'm struggling to adapt. I had no idea that Lynx lady was so inept (she said she mentioned their needs to the University!? If she isn't in on planning, going to way too many commitee meeting a month, there's no way the Lynx are involved in any plan. If she thinks they're just going to cater their plans to her cause she mentioned something she's dreaming). I had no idea Ashton's hair was that colour. I learn something every show.
That being said, there aren't many 30 minute news magazine shows that really tell you anything anyway. James' point is an excellent one. We know the basic info that they skim through in their 90 second pieces. There's no depth on that show because there's no depth on TV (or at best it's very rare). Dobson doesn't help, but at least it exists. If this were on when I was a kid, I would have watched it and I would have learned a lot.
I have faith it will get better and if people watch it the powers that be will start to dedicate some resources to it.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 11:40 PM from IP address 142.3.88.31
well said Mathew...that's TV for you....it the
same thing with anything else, especially news...little pieces of news or short documentaries make up most people's minds about the World politics, yet, when you get around it and see it and read it and feel it for yourself, you realize how much of each story is untold...
but as for Soccercentral, it's still great to see a show that talks soccer, eventhough it may not live it!
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 12:12 AM from IP address 129.128.153.50
There's plenty of sports shows that treat it's viewers like their adults. Hockey has " That's hockey" on TSN . CFL football gets great treatment on TSN as 4-5 ex. players give us the lowdown on the league. Same with baseball. Basically every sport except soccer is well-served with people who have a real feel for their game and who wish to share their insights and inside info to keep that paycheck coming.
Tv can be considered a "wasteland", but there's lots of shows that delivers interesting views- from politics to entertainment. For example, a thirty-minute " news show" that is interesting in Canada is Newsworld's " Counterspin". Daniel Richler's " Big Life" is great and so is " The Passionate Eye", and so on.
I think what is plainly evident is that the "Canadian soccer fan" suffers from " lower expectations", and are greatful for any crumbs thrown their way.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 12:17 AM from IP address 206.87.120.140
You've got some good points Mark - Counterspin, Big Life and Passionate Eye are all excellent examples of good TV.
I'm not sure that SoccerCentral isn't treating its viewers like adults. I've only seen two episodes in its entirety. It was hardly highbrow, but what sports shows are? That's Hockey is excellent, mainly because Dave Hodge is a great host. I don't think it's as good with Miller. After that I'm having trouble thinking of an intelligent sports show. Off The Record? My IQ gets lower watching it, all of those US cable shows (is it The Last Word that CTVSN shows?) are painful as well. Good shows have to have a host with a clue. I disagree with what you say about CFL football. I know more/understand more about football than I do about soccer and those guys drive me mad. Marty York trots out rumours disguised as truth. Those ex-players talk down to the viewers and the on-air crews are inept. I mean Leif Petterson played for Saskatchewan and he still calls us the Regina Roughriders at least once a game. At least Dobson can speak English. His soccer knowledge will only get better. Lenarduzzi has good soccer knowledge (well in theory at least) and yet he's a brutal on air talent.
All of the shows you mentioned are on CBC which is important to note. I can't think of anything Sportsnet has done well since it came on the air. I believe that SoccerCentral is bottom of the totem pole right now, but if people keep watching that may change. It's a young network and it's suffering growing pains. I have hope that as the years go on their shows will improve and their staff will become more knowledgeable. They can hardly get any worse. You're very right that we accept crumbs. Maybe I should expect more, but I'm used to less.
But I think I should support crap, as long as it's well intentioned crap. I've been looking for a Canadian soccer news show for years and now even though it's not Gemini Award material I will watch it and encourage my friends to do so. You're right though we should try to push for better and not settle with a "it's better than nothing attitude."
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 1:19 AM from IP address 142.3.88.31
I can't watch that station for five minutes without it going out. The grey fuzz comes on the screen and a really high-pitched noise comes out. And it's only that station that goes out. It annoys me to hell because just when I get interested - I lose the station.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 11:33 AM from IP address 206.172.130.15
I've been depressed since I read your "title"- you've replaced an icon with a dildo ( soccer-speaking.) Be careful with that wit.
My main point about other sports shows is that- to a large degree -they find intelligent people associated with the sport to provide insight into what is happening. There's a certain energy, a feel that they may have something "worth hearing to say." I don't get that vibe from Gerry or his guests-Bobby,Helen or Holger. You don't get the feeling that some issue is going to take off into the realm of " high interest." Gerry - at this point- nobbles the guests.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 11:35 AM from IP address 206.87.120.151
It's a no-brainer to those who really care about the quality of the show.
The sad thing about tv today and particularly tv executives is that they care more about promoting the profile of their staff "talent" then they do about the quality of the programs themselves.
Gerry and soccer is a perfect example of this.
He got the job because he was a staff announcer.
Everybody knows that Alf is not only superior at soccer but also the superior broadcaster.
I saw Alf do the Canada - Macedonia game last year and he was great.
Instead, CTVSN insists on using Gerry and not only does the telecast suffer, so do we.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 1:14 PM from IP address 216.154.31.81
I believe Alf would do a great job, although to be honest, Dobson hasn't been nearly as bad as I thought he would be. Perhaps Gerry can deal with the highlights and scores and Alf can interview Holger, Helen, Bobby etc. That works for me. -- Nutmeg.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 1:25 AM from IP address 207.136.80.204
Corrazin had had his 28 games and Dasovic has had his 40. Take a brake.
Ooops I guess if we are playing a 3-5-2 there are only 5 midfielders. Any defenders for center mid?
I am interested in seeing Pizzo play. Heard all about him, never seen him play before.
Radzinsky of course will be a treat.
Kusch always makes for good debate, I hope he gets to play so we can start another round of ranting. Actually I think I would rather see him play than Stalteri or Corrazin. See if the Belgian 1st has rubbed of at all.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 6:47 PM from IP address 207.194.147.52
I would rather see Stalteri play in striker than Kusch...Kusch's record as a striker sort of tells the story: 14 matches, 0 goals....Radzinski's record is misleading, because this is going to be the first time he will be playing as a striker for Canada... Corrazin has at least 3 goals in 28, so his record is better than Kusch and I rather see him play than Kusch....
My striking line-up is:
Radzinski- Corrazzin( after 45 minutes, Stalteri)
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 6:55 PM from IP address 199.45.77.36
Given Carlo's chances I might have had 3 goals. Kusch hasn't had that many great opportunities to score. That being said I'd still start Corrazin. It depends on how the game is going to determine who we bring on.
The quesiton in my mind is who starts at sweeper, I assume it's got to be Pizzolito, but I'd have for Menezes not to find a place somewhere. Maybe he takes Dasovic's spot in d mid?
Anyone know why Onstad isn't making the trip? Is he in Rochester or Dundee?
Marc> thanks for the info on Holt. CSA says he's not eligible, hmmm....
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 7:27 PM from IP address 142.3.88.31
In a 3- 5- 2, I'd start Corrazin on the right side of the midfield. I saw him play in Nov. '97 against the yanks, and he didn't have the speed or the moves to be part of an effective partnership upfront. If there was a defender between him and the goal- he would almost immediately hold up the ball. I like Carlo- he works hard, plays both ways, has skill- but I think he could be most effective "sneaking" into scoring positions. Jamaicans can be bruising-but also have speed-upfront. I'd start Menzies and make a point to Brennan to really get stuck into the defending aspect of his game.
Finally it seems we'll get a chance to see Hastings play, as Holger seemed to indicate everyone would play. Great to see Nevio play, also. It wouldn't be bad PR to perhaps invite a few Lynx to train- perhaps provide some "cover" if somebody goes down with a knock before the game.
Onstad is named on the CSA site.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 9:39 PM from IP address 206.87.120.143
Something these studies can't do, and perhaps do not take into consideration is the difference in the soccer balls from 1950 to 1999.
The new balls do not absorb water, and weigh a lot less to begin with and are a lot more elastic than getting whacked in the head by water soaked medicine ball.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 3:30 PM from IP address 206.87.130.14
I'm no great scientific mind, but I know that a sample of 26 (i think that was the number) people doing various tasks doesn't necessarily mean anything. Maybe footballers are bad at jigsaw puzzles? I don't have a lot of faith in this latest study.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 11:23 PM from IP address 142.3.88.31
Today's print edition of the Calgary Herald has a long article by Lori Ewing on the progress of Owen Hargreaves at Bayern. Apparently Owen has cracked the 22 man roster for Bayern reserves who play in the "amateur" regional league south (3rd) division (Stalteri plays with Werder Bremen in the regional league north). He is the 2nd youngest player on the squad and continues to impress the coach. He has started the last couple of games after sitting one out as the coach platoons his large squad. Regarding future plans, Owen stated that he is still concentrating on making the senior squad and gave no indication of when or for which national squad he would be capped.
We could possibly see him called up to "team hollywood" this year, which would be a milestone for Canadian soccer. Good luck to Owen and I hope he (some day) makes the right decision on whose cap he would like to put on.
Also, Energie Cottbus is off to a 2-0 start as they hammered RW Oberhausen 4-0 in their home openeer in the 2nd Bundesliga this weekend. Both Hirschfeld and McKenna have knee problems and neither was involved in the senior or amateur (lost 2-0 in their home opener) games this weekend.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 12:45 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
Rad man scored his 4th of the season in Anderlecht's 3-0 win over the weekend...
It is already beginning to look like that
Anderlecht and Club Brugge will start separating
from the pack and fight for the title in Belgium....
If Radzinski continues this pace, I think he has a clear chance of becoming Belgium's top scorer this season and bcoming only the second CONCACAF player ever to lead a Euro league in goal totals, after Dwight Yorke...
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 10:54 AM from IP address 199.45.77.36
And the United defence gives up four to Rangers. The report I read didn't indicate whose fault it was on the defensive end, but hopefully de Vos has his scoring boots (head?) on cause we'll need production from somewhere at Varsity.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 22, 1999, 12:03 AM from IP address 142.3.88.31
Apparently nobody. And since I have finally sat down here in the leisure of my home, I might as well throw in my two cents worth on our lineup.
Firstly, there was recently a post on this forum that suggested that Jason Bent remain at his position in the back, rather than playing him in the midfield. I cannot agree more. From what I have seen of young Bent, he doesn't seem to be the most talented player in the world, but he is quick with agility to spare. He's a good man marker, so why not play him at the right-back position?
Secondly, the same applies to Jeff Clarke. Again, he has the ability to man-mark, and he's quick and home to the same agility that Bent possesses. Both Bent and Clarke have some ball skills (Bent more so thatn Clarke), but neither is tremendously gifted, but both house enough skill to merit a position in the backfield. Besides, Watson stinks. It's by no means a personal attack. I juat want to express the fact that he has no skill what so ever. I think our national team would be better suited if we placed of Benat and Clarke's ability on the backline. I think one of the ingredients our past teams have lacked is that our talent level in the back leaves quite a bit to be desired. All the top teams in the world can call on there backs to contribute offensively and push the ball forward without giving it away half the time. A back has got to be able to do more than boot the ball down the pitch, something Canadian backs specialize in.
Thirdly, Dasovic has got to go. I hope Holger doesn't fall into this veteran trap, let's have a "veteran for the sake of having a veteran." If your a hockey fan, I can give you a quick analogy. Does anyone think that the Dallas Stars wouldn't have won the Stanley Cup if they hadn't acquired Brian Skrudland? Dasovic hasn't shown anything, not ever. During previous World Cup quailifying campaings he hasn't shown the slighest bit of offensive flair. I say we boot his sorry ass back to Scotland. Midfielders have to be able to offer something offensively, and if they can't, than thay shouldn't be playing for our national team. Brad Parker, in his limited playing time, has shown me more in a half than Dasovic has done in years. Let's give him the stopper spot, at least he can contribute offensively, and I don't care how inexperienced he is. (Surely, some moron out there is going to say "He's inexperienced.") Basicly, what we need is midfielders who are gifted offensively, and none of this second rate crap, aka Dasovic and Xausa.
Lastly, I would really like it if we could get one really skilled player behind our two strikers. And I hope everyone can hear me when I say, "IT'S NOT XAUSA." He has no first touch, last touch, or any touch for that matter. Please, don't be fooled by the two goals he scored. He's not the man for the job, and if we have to count on him for qualifying for the World Cup, we're not going to qualify. We need someone in that positon with great vision and skill, and it's not Xausa. Who is it? Well, the problem is we don't have anyone who can play that position, not effectively anyway. Names that have been thrown about include De Rossario, Stalteri, Kindel, and etc. I think our best option is going with a three-pronged attack, a combination of Peschisolido, Bunbury, Radzinski, the one who is best suited to feeding the two strikers should drop back into that top midfield position.
As far as the rest of the lineup is concerned, I would like to see Sulentic and Jazic, and then make a call on the wingback position. Brennan has got a lot of speed and looks really good on the wing. The only thing is I would like to see him develop more of a touch. That's probably the only thing holding him back from being a truly interanational calibre player at his positon. The same pretty much applies for Bircham. If he can improve his ball skills another notch, we're looking pretty good on the wings. Also, he is also the type of player I can see dropping back and playing a fullback position and contributing offensively; unfortunately, I don't think a country of our ability can afford to put Bircham back there.
Our Future World Cup Qualifying Lineup from what I have seen so far.
Goalkeeper Forrest
Sweeper Menezes
Right Back Bent
Left Back Clarke
Mid. Stopper Parker
Left Wing Back Brennan
Right Wing Back Bircham
Mid. Setup man Peschisolido
Striker Bunbury
Striker Radzinski
The other midfield position doesn't have any one worthy of mentioning. Oh please, oh please, let it be Hargreaves. I figure since he's with Bayern Munich, he has got to be one hell of a player. Anyone ever seen him play? I don't even know if this is position.
Possible Subs include
De Vos
Onstad
Sulentic (Damn this kid sounds good, Alan is he really as good as he sounds?)
Jazic
Stalteri
Corrazin
Kindel
Hastings
Dasovic
Xausa
Arristodemo
Pizzlitto
Franks
De Rossario
and feel free to mention any others you feel are worthy of this mention.
And have a nice day,
Christian Butzek
Posted on Aug 22, 1999, 1:38 AM from IP address 209.148.138.47
I agree with a lot of what you said and also disagree a lot. Firstly, there is no way on Earth I want Jeff Clarke to take Jason deVos' spot. Secondly, I don't think Watson is that bad. I think he's a better pure defender than Clarke (Clarke I think is still developing, so he's got more of an upside and he goes forward better) and between him and Fenwick I think that position is adequate.
Next, I like Jason Bent in the midfield. He was the second best player on the pitch in Belfast and he covered a lot of ground. He looked great coming forward, taking on defenders, he cause the first goal and he and Pesch read each other well in the open field. He looked shaky in Edmonton, but he was injured. If we're desperate for a right back I say fine, but right now I think we're more desperate for midfielders.
I Like Bircham on the wing and I think he has a fairly good touch, he made some nice touches in the Ecuador match (I just re-watched it a few night ago) and he's one of our best dead ball specialists.
I agree about Parker over Dasovic, but I wouldn't dismiss Dasovic so completely. In the run-up to 94 he was a key part of that team. Sure it was a long time ago, but it's also been a long time since he played a game for this country that meant something. I want to see him play a few matches when he's in mid-season form before I give him his walking papers.
Xausa: I'm not sold on the guy and I don't want him to start, but he keeps scoring. Something inside makes me hope he can help. The improvement I saw between Belfast and the Guate match was incredible. I certainly prefer a three pronged attack, or Jazic or Sulentic to get a shot, but if that doesn't work out (not that I think Holger will ever try Pesch, Radz and Alex at the same time) I think Xausa's our man. I don't think Arristodemo or Aguiar can play up there, Nash can't find anywhere to play and is a winger anyhow. I dunno. Lots of options, not too many solutions.
I hope Hargreaves is half the player everyone thinks he is, but I don't think we can count on him or Bottiglieri or Huggon to lend much on this up coming campaign.
This wasn't going to be so long, but what the heck it's 2 am. It also sounds negative when really, I'd only change three of yr starting 11 (Bent for Hargreaves, Watson for Bent and deVos for Clarke)
Oh, whatever happened to Holt that guy from Kilmarnock that had a Birchamesque link to Canada? I'm not advocating we cap him or anything, it just popped into my head.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 22, 1999, 3:31 AM from IP address 142.3.88.31
so, what did everyone think of Osieck's line-up against Jamaica? Corrazin and Rad Bircham, Brennan,Dasovic, Devos, Pizzoletto, Fletcher, Forrest, Onstad.....how about Jazic? is he somehow out of the picture???
I think Canada should be able to pull off a win in this match!
Posted on Aug 21, 1999, 5:39 PM from IP address 129.128.153.50
I have to say, the clinic below serves a good cause. But please, we have our own Head Coach. Is he too busy, so we use somebody else? I wonder what this is all about. We let an opportunity with Holger slip by and watch Simoes instead?
On a different note: Today's TV feature with Holger was ridiculous. If this is what it is all about I can even see why Simoes has the workshop.
Read on:
The Ontario Soccer Association
Cordially invite you to attend a
Rene Simoes
Coaching Workshop
Saturday, 4 September 1999
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Coffee Time Soccer Centre
7601 Martin Grove Road
Vaughan, Ontario
Click here for a map to the Soccer Centre
Featuring the Jamaican National Team Head Coach
Rene Simoes
Price of admission: $10.00
All proceeds will be donated to the Reggae Boyz Foundation of Hope for the Street Kids of Jamaica.
Posted on Aug 21, 1999, 6:52 PM from IP address 206.172.161.87
Klaus, just what is your complaint about Holger's appearance on CTVSN.
My only frustration was that Dobson wouldn't shut up and let Holger give us the complete line-up himself.
A graphic of players chosen also would have been a good thing.
As his comments stand, he made the point that this match is a prep match for GC qualifying and that he wants to see some of the players that has not seen much of yet and will let some of the vets sit out.
Sounds like very sound thinking to me especially in regards to Pesch who is trying to regain a starting position with Fulham. Incidentally, he did start today.
Posted on Aug 21, 1999, 7:18 PM from IP address 216.154.31.4
Nothing wrong with what Holger had to offer.
My impression was that Osieck really did not say anything more ore less what we are babbling about right here. I just think that the format of the interview is below the eticette. Holger looked worse than Lenarduzzi did. I don't mean it the way it sounds, but I did not get any excitement out of the words of Holger.
Having visited his workshop I know he needs half an hour to get worked up. Then you hear stuff that excites. Then his passion comes through. These 5 minutes do NOTHING for him, the CSA or the ratings. It's a filler. And it should be prime material. I don't expect them to run a half hour of Holger. Just catch him at his best. Let his passion spill over. Frankly, the whole show is about nothing. Read this forum and you get more out of it than watching their hogwash. It must be budget related or there is nobody who knows how to set up a proper show. Sorry, my answer was meant to be short....
Posted on Aug 21, 1999, 10:02 PM from IP address 206.172.90.96
show about nothing?more substance than anything else on tv
by ica
from today's show, we got our first clue about the line-up instead of the speculation on this board. lynx report was standard fare but compared to zero coverage elsewhere, it was something. Stoumbos interview also gave us a clue on what the thrust of the post-mortem will be. except an irregular show on tln, most other soccer programs are just game coverage and highlights. soccercentral at least puts a face to canadian soccer and does some analysis.
i don't know what your expectations of the program are but i expect is a wrap-up of the week's events, look ahead to the upcoming week and interviews of canadian players, coaches etc.. The interviews have some work to do but Dobson and Holger have been more blunt info than Leggat or Rauter ever were.
keep in mind 99% of the people watching do not visit this board and since canadian soccer coverage is limited at best, most of the info is fresh news.
Posted on Aug 21, 1999, 10:24 PM from IP address 209.90.131.160
I must agree with that....despite some criticism by some people, this show is indeed tremendous...
This is the first time I recall having a English language soccer show, with some commentary and useful informaiton and a show that covers Canadian soccer as well as others....
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 10:16 AM from IP address 199.45.77.36
that the show is on between the two premier league games, and as such will reach people who normally wouldn't watch such a show or care about their own national team. Bravo sportsnet.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 11:32 AM from IP address 129.100.116.55
A 1/2 hr. show devoted to Canadian soccer, that goes a little deeper- and wider- into issues would perhaps deserve superlatives. I'm glad they had Helen on the show- though I wish Dobson would clue me on what " obviously" went wrong with the WWC- I guess by him wanting a few players to fall on their swords, the cause lay on the field.
The Lynx segment was "OK", allowed me to put a few faces to a few names- though a few recent hi-lites wouldn't have gone amiss. The lady in charge seemed a bit " bizarre" to me. She seem to indicate that she expects the University of Toronto to build her a 10,000 seat grass stadium- something that is being kept on the QT if it is true/ a possibility.
I'm glad the show is on the air, and I'll watch it every week ( though I don't think it's on next week.) It will be interesting to see what they do after early October when the Gold Cup qualifying/A-league has basically wrapped up. Will they just fill the program up with European news/hi-lites, or use their numerous affiliates to dig up some stories.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 1:05 PM from IP address 206.87.120.157
The very fact that there is a soccer show where they talk about soccer including Canadian soccer in a mainstream language and on a mainstream TV, is a blessing...
Compared to a few years ago, one can not but feel happy at least about the enormous imporvement in TV coverage of soccer (and Soccercentral is part of it)...
But to improve it, I think those who like to see it modified, I think should send their inputs to CTVSN...
For me though, so far the show has been pretty good...
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 1:28 PM from IP address 199.45.77.36
I agree- we're getting a steady diet of quality soccer these days. As far as " Soccer Central" goes, I haven't found one of its segements totally satisfying. This is partially due to Gerry " a little soccer knowledge is a dangerous thing" Dobson. He under-utilizes the guests in their precious 5 minute or so segments. Some people have suggested the show is geared to the public who may not have the general background of "what's happening" that we die-hards do. True- but it only would take a minute or two more, perhaps someone who has a perceptive soccer mind, to satisfy all parties. We have had better.
I believe in '85 or '86 Dale Barnes hosted a show that covered the Canadian soccer scene-on TSN. It made "Soccer Central" look like a kiddies show. Dale Barnes had no problems tackling what ills there were in Canadian soccer- along with hi-lites etc. He had one guy on the show as a regular guest- Peter somebody? Who was totally brutal in his honesty- and he seemed to know what he was saying. He ended being to much for even Dale- who was drifting into CSL HQ - to handle.
Bruce Dobiggan( sp. sorry Bruce- but you've been keeping a low profile lately) had a sports phone-in show on Newsworld . Soccer may not have been one of his favs- but the few times he featured soccer on the show- it was refreshing.
Again- I'm glad " Soccer Central" is on the air. To bad it doesn't seem to be run by adults.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 2:30 PM from IP address 206.87.120.148
Talk about passion.
I remember him going bananas when he fooled the audience that the Blizzard was going bankrupt.
(they did later) He had people phone in etc. it was a riot. I think then his eyes popped out and he quit the show...
I saw him at his family later at a Rockets game...tired. Worn out.
That's what soccer does to you in this country.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 6:51 PM from IP address 206.172.161.78
I may have mentioned him, but you did him justice by pointing out his passion for soccer, especially Canadian soccer. I'm not sure if there is a definitive judgement about his days as head honcho of the CSL, but he helped them get a tv contract with TSN, which definetly helped the league at the beginning.
DB mentioned his idea to get a " travel cost pool" going- which made sense. Yet the owners obviously were unhappy with him at the end. He gave up a good gig at TSN for the CSL- I hope he doesn't have many regrets. I saw him on a tv sports show as a guest for soccer a few years back, and he seemed upbeat and still passionate about his feelings for Canadian soccer and our players. I heard he had a gig on radio, but it ended. He was a memorable fiqure in Canadian soccer.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 4:19 PM from IP address 206.87.120.143
We still need people like him to stir up all kinds of stuff. He might still be interested. He has some of the best local if not Canadian knowledge.
Does anybody know what he is up to?
Then somebody mentioned Chris Bellamy. I recall to have dealt with him. I am not sure if it was music, soccer, or something...
Does anybody know what his previous engagements were?
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 5:12 PM from IP address 206.172.161.68
I posted a note last week asking if David Bailey or other TO based people had run into him. Rocket Robin and another confirmed he is involved with the CSA.
I played with Chris several lifetimes ago in Ottawa and knew he had gone on to Toronto in 85 or 86 to be involved with the Blizzard (IIRC). I seem to recall he was with Toronto Metro-Croatia in the 70s prior to his move to Ottawa.
If you met him, I am sure it was regarding soccer. He is one fellow with a real passion for the game.
Cheers,
Ed Swain
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 5:31 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
I was chatting with Chris last Sunday as London City was being demolished by Toronto Olympians.
He'd invited Holger and Pinball Clemons to the game as special guests. They were both in fine spirits, took part in the pre-game ceremonial kick-off, the half-time draws, signed many autographs, and hopefully enjoyed the match.
I hope Holger saw some things he liked. Eddy Berdusco was very sharp and very fast. Gus was his usual clinical self in front of goal and Peyvand Mossovat scored a cracking goal sending a rocket of a header under the bar on a set piece free kick. It was the best local goal I've seen all year, Lynx included.
Maybe it was force of habit or just politeness but Holger was applauding that goal and many of the others.
Chris was in good form and seems quite excited about his job as the CPSL media relations / publicity type guy. I don't know how he finds the time what with his other business interests.
He also referees a lot of matches in local leagues.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 10:27 PM from IP address 216.154.32.98
So he was with the Blizzard as PR person?
If that's the case I might have spoken with him in regards of music. I was heavily into writing supporter songs from the first time Canada made it to Mexico. He might have been interested. (I definitely was)
The Mexico song actualy went to a Calgary country singer. I don't know why........
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 11:33 PM from IP address 206.172.161.53
Can you give more info on thsi Klaus. There was an official song? Was it any good? Is it worth singing. We need some distinctive things to sing I think...
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 11:51 PM from IP address 142.3.88.31
I think I have an old LP that was put out during the '86 World Cup. The only problem I run into is that, I do not have an LP player of my own anymore, possibly a friend may have one, so if I do get a chance to listen to it I throw my two tin bits into the squared circle.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 12:49 AM from IP address 199.71.188.22
The "5th Estate" did a segment on our WC 86 team prior to the tourney- they actually filmed the song being recorded. It was written by two Edmontonians, recorded in Vancouver. The segment featured the 1st Verse:
Who can lay down odds on the hearts of 11 men,
Oh Canada are hearts are ringing true,
We've won for you before and we'll win for you again,
Oh Canada we'll proudly play for you.
I'm sure there were other verses, but the report only featured the first. Not really a " in the stands, lets belt it out" type of tune or lyrics. The first line of the song obviously refers to the long-odds that the bookies in England gave us- from getting to the 2nd round, winning, getting a point and even scoring a goal ( I guess thats how they stay in business.)
A better- more vocal friendly- tune was the one the Whitecap players recorded in the late 70s, a beer-driven rendition of a song that some English team recorded. It was called " White is the colour", and I believe it went like this:
White is the colour,
Soccer is the game,
We're all together,
And winning is our aim,
So cheer us on through the sun and rain,
'cause Whitecaps, Whitecaps is our name.
That song actually sold something like 20-30,000 copies.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 12:28 PM from IP address 206.87.120.133
So I got things wrong again. It was an Edmonton Duo and not a Calgarian.
Nevertheless, my song was not picked because it had only "pre-production" value. It sure had more zoom than the other ones. I was not ready to dish out major bucks for studio time.
It was directly Mexico related and would not do us any good right now anyways.
I see if I find the lyrics somewhere.
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 10:00 PM from IP address 206.172.90.84
Sorry for the stupid Dobson comment. All of my idealism for the Pistols went out the door after the reunion, anyway...
>A better- more vocal friendly- tune was the one the Whitecap players recorded in the late 70s, a beer-driven rendition of a song that some English
team recorded. It was called " White is the colour", and I believe it went like this:
White is the colour,
Soccer is the game,
We're all together,
And winning is our aim,
So cheer us on through the sun and rain,
'cause Whitecaps, Whitecaps is our name.
That song actually sold something like 20-30,000 copies.<
That English team was the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Green Is The Colour is still played after each touchdown and was written by a jingle writer in town. I had no idea the Whitecaps used it, I'm glad they did. It's a great tune and I know myself and Jason already know it. We should co-opt this.
the Rider version is the same (sub green for white and football for soccer) up until Saskatchewan Roughriders is our name."
It continues:
"Here at Taylor Field we are number one
We're the best, east or west.
We'll give out all until the game is won
The best is yet to come (or "stand up and sing everyone" in the last verse)"
So someone who is much smarter than I should try to change this song to "Red is the Colour". I'll post my feeble attempt in a day or two.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 1:21 AM from IP address 142.3.88.31
The song is a true classic. I actually have a copy of it on cassette that I bought at the Roughrider Store a few years ago. It also has some other 'Rider songs such as "Rider Pride" and "On Roughriders," which was ripped off from the University of Wisconsin's "On Wisconsin."
I will also try to come up with some decent soccer lyrics with a couple of my friends. We've had pretty good success in writing some good chants for football games and writing 'Rider-friendly lyrics to existing songs.
Jason
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 1:51 AM from IP address 207.148.132.54
But I think you're wrong about the origins of that song. Hell- I may forget the name of the person I was introduced to yesterday- but I swear that I still "remember" the story on how the song came about. It was recorded by the Whitecaps in '78 or '79. Seeing how NASL rules only dictated that you had to have 2 or 3 North Americans on the pitch, the Whitecaps had a large Brit contigent in the squad. The year before - I think it was Everton- their players recorded a song called " Blue is the Colour." The Whitecaps ofcourse adapted the lyrics. I'm sure the Whitecaps recorded the song in '78 or'79- it would be interesting to find out when the Roughriders first put out their version. Not that it really matters- just trying to preserve some fond memories of a " golden time' in Canadian soccer.
The boys and their manager were always good at getting the loot flowing. What I really liked was the " passionate energy" of their 1st album. To insert Gerry's name in there is kind of a "lifeless" reminder how bland the tv coverage of the local soccer scene generally is in our fair country.
I'm willing to get the ball rolling with a lame first entry into "adapt the lyrics for our national side":
Red is the colour,
Of our bottom line,
Having Pipe and Fleming in charge,
Is a friggin' crime,
Let hope the rest of Concacaf does not plan on us to dine,
'cause it would be nice to experience some success in our lifetime.
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 12:43 PM from IP address 206.87.120.136
Oh come on Matthew. The Pistols reunion was fantastic. There show at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto was one of the most exciting I've ever attended.
Great album too.
Posted on Aug 27, 1999, 3:36 AM from IP address 216.154.29.209
I had Bellamy ref a couple of indoor games at Soccer CIty, I have to admit he really kept in order and everyone enjoyed his company. I really would not know how his reffing was in other games.:))
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 12:43 AM from IP address 199.71.188.22
Secondly, I remember a nice German fellow walking around the John Molson Room back around 1979/1981 walking around passing out lyrics and trying to get a bunch of drunk English, Scots and one half Japanese Canadian, to sing his song.
Sadly, we were all too drunk to sing the song and so 'You'll Never Walk Alone' became one of the Blizzard Supporters Club songs instead
You know, "You'll Never Walk Alone" would be a damn fine song for Canada. There are no corny over-the-top lyrics about oceans, arctic, and fish, only "Walk On, With Hope In Your Heart,
and You'll Never Walk Alone, You'll Never Walk Alone". I'm getting emotional thinking about it right now.
At least it's a song with a soccer history.
Think about it. We've all seen highlights from Liverpool with the Kop singing their asses off.
It's very stirring. If the adults start it, maybe the kids will follow.
We need scarves too.
db
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 10:32 PM from IP address 216.154.37.208
There's a place in Regina called "Vintage Vinyl and Hemp Emporium" that sells a red scarf with white, black and red trim and two Canadian flags on each side with "CANADA" across both sides. I had three people at Commonwealth ask me where I got mine (all were kids too, come to think of it). I should find out where they order them from cause I think they look quite good. If you're actually interested in getting scarves. Unless someone wants to try to get Voyageurs scarves.
I would love to sign You'll Never Walk Alone.
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 1:27 AM from IP address 142.3.88.31
I bought it two weeks ago from Burlington Soccer. They have two more hanging in their window. They know me there as the guy who pops in once a months to find out if they have any Villa or Canada stuff. (I'm surprised they didn't put one aside for me!) I plan on using it at Varisty on Thurs (if I can make it).
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 7:28 PM from IP address 206.172.130.3
Monday night with Liverpool leading Leeds 2-1 away at Ellen Road, the visiting fans went into full voice with about 4 minutes to play. It was quite dramatic as Liverpool got a morale boosting away win early in the season.
You could pick worse songs (and I could start naming them).
Posted on Aug 26, 1999, 12:03 PM from IP address 192.131.137.10
Dale played that prank in 1982 during their second last season, their final year at the Ex. They moved to Varsity for one year in 1983 which is when the league folded and they could find no place to play.
Klaus, I'm going to chew you out a bit on your bankrupcy comment. You make it sound like they went under not too long after Dale's tomfoolery.
In reality, it was many many years before this would actually occur.
The Blizzard did not go bankrupt at that time but went into a short hiatus before purchasing Dynamo Latino of the NSL and renaming them Toronto Dynamo and installing Dave Turner (former Blizzard assistant coach) as head coach. This was in 1985.
In 1986 they played in the NSL as the Toronto Blizzard. In 1987, they joined the CSL. In 1993 they joined the APSL.
Then they went bankrupt, a full 10 years after Dale's prank.
BTW, the Rockets wouldn't come into existance until 1987, five years after the prank. No wonder Dale looked tired. Also, he would have been CSL comissioner at the time you saw him. Now that was a no win job.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 10:21 PM from IP address 216.154.32.98
I just sped through the time zones at warp speed!
Heck, what do I know. My mind is playing pranks on me lately and soon I'll look as Dale did at the Rockets game!
Thanks for clarifying.
When it comes to the Blizzard you're the expert.
Posted on Aug 24, 1999, 11:37 PM from IP address 206.172.161.53
my song was used only once on Alf's show(?) as background music for the Canadians' win over...(?)
The team was running around the pitch with the Canadian flag and all hell broke lose. I was kind of proud of that one... do I have the video somewhere???
Posted on Aug 25, 1999, 10:11 PM from IP address 206.172.90.84
I think we totally agree on Soccer Central. I can tell you that the camera guy who shot the Lynx piece is an acquaintance of mine and he told me that they only shot the piece on Thursday so they didn't have a lot of time to get it together.
Nicolle Hartrell is a bit odd. I agree with you that it seems funny that she expects the U of T to build their stadium to the Lynx's needs. Don't count on it baby.
She also referred to artificial grass therefore displaying her lack of knowledge about the game.
She obviously meant artificial turf as those in the know (us) would refer to field turf as artificial grass. She could have confused the issue. Too bad Enzo Iantorno wasn't available.
I guess she wouldn't allow him to be interviewed. She's in charge and let's everybody know it on a regular basis.
A-League highlights and news are desperately needed beyond the one report per week. Let's see the table and list of upcoming fixtures. It's not exactly brain surgery.
Gerry's interviews are still shallow and plastic but I guess acceptable considering he knows nothing about soccer.
Posted on Aug 23, 1999, 2:55 PM from IP address 216.154.39.209
I liked what I saw from Holger last weekend. He expressed his frustration about losing and started to get quite forceful about it.
It reminded me of his post game press conference in Edmonton at the conclusion of the CC. He was quite excited and angry at that moment in time too.
As for this week, I would have liked to have seen Holger "announce" his roster as opposed to having Gerry lead him into it bit by bit. It was annoyingly slow.
Posted on Aug 21, 1999, 10:59 PM from IP address 216.154.30.191
That is what I thought was wrong as well. You phrased it properly.
I just don't see the value of Holger anouncing something every week. Let him coach. He is not a moderator, tv star, or anything like that. Interviews with him from time to time or follow-ups will do the trick.
Posted on Aug 22, 1999, 1:30 PM from IP address 206.172.161.54
I missed Soccer Central this morning, so I have no idea who we're bringing, but based on the above I don't see us looking very good. A very defensive line-up that still missing a lot of good defender. No Watson? Menezes? Parker? Corrazin over Bunbury?! Dear lord... Pesch get to sit on his behind in London, but can't play due to "club commitments"? Who's going to create in the midfield? Brennan from the flank seems like our best option. Maybe Holger's a genius, but I don't see it. I'm glad Pizzolito gets a look and I can understand why Menezes isn't here, but I don't know I really don't want to get crushed by Jamaica at Varsity and on paper it could happen. Who starts in goal? You've got to think Onstad's sharper. Does anyone have the 22 (or is it a 16 again?) man roster?
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 21, 1999, 7:22 PM from IP address 142.3.88.31
He said Onstad & Forrester might play a half each. He didn't pick Watson and Parker in order to see Nevio. Fletcher and Devos were mentioned as playing. In midfield, names mentioned were Brennan, Bircham, Clarke and Dasovic. Holger's comment on Dasovic is that we need some experience players and not simply the most talented. Rad Man and Corrazin up front. Holger had a long talk with Pesch and decided he should stay because of his "peculiar" situation at his club. But he has to be here for the Gold Cup.
No graphic on overall team was presented but soccercentral is improving week by week and especially in regards to coverage of Canada is way ahead of anything else on TV. Other segments included a report on the Lynx and Helen Stoumbos came on to discuss what the player post-mortem is all about. She says it won't be an attack against the coaches or the CSA and Dobson wanted to know if the report will finally admit that the players also screwed up on the field. Stoumbos said everything will be looked at.
Jamaica game will be shown tape-delayed at 2330 in ON and 2300 in the rest of Canada
Posted on Aug 21, 1999, 7:55 PM from IP address 209.90.130.217
Glad Clarke's in the scheme too. No talk about Alex? I'm baffled. Maybe Holger figured that since he dissed MLS, even though Pesch isn't coming he wouldn't back down and include him. If Pesch started today I can see him staying in England. So that's fair enough.
Where does Nevio play? I thought he was a libero and would play behind the man markers, but this wouldn't explain the exclusion of Watson, who with Fenwick out, I expected to see. I guess Fletcher will take that spot, which is fine, I like his speed and we'll need it.
Something I forgot about earlier, I have to assume Xausa's coming, but no one's mentioned him. With Dasovic, Clarke, Bircham, Xausa and Brennan in the midfield that's not bad. In fact it's quite similar to our Edmonton line-up with more punch up front.
Again thanks for the info. The tape delay is same day? Any one know what they're showing live instead?
cheers,
matthew
Posted on Aug 21, 1999, 8:10 PM from IP address 142.3.88.31
Last week my contact in Belgium told me that Kusch had not dressed for Mechelen's first two games. No idea if he's injured, or maybe with the reserve squad.
Posted on Aug 22, 1999, 10:44 AM from IP address 205.200.28.46