Dobson on soccer: In defence of Toronto

The usual conspiracy theory is rising up again over the decision to have Canada play all of its matches in 2012 at BMO Field in Toronto.

Still playing the waiting game

Canadian coach Stephen Hart gives updates on Junior Hoilett and Jonathan De Guzman to Sporsnet's Gerry Dobson.

Dobson on MLS: Fresh beginnings at Combine

One of the best things about the MLS combine from a media point of view is that everyone is in a good mood, because everyone is undefeated.

Live updates from MLS Combine

Gerry Dobson reports live from the MLS Combine in Fort Lauderdale ahead of next week's MLS SuperDraft in Kansas City.

Dobson on MLS: Combine a shot in the dark

This year's events at the MLS player combine are more meaningful to Canadian fans than at any other time in the league's history.

Looking back & looking ahead

2011 was an interesting year for Canadian soccer, but 2012 could prove to be an important 12-month span for the game in this country.

MLS Entering a new era

Gerry Dobson breaks down Sunday's MLS Cup final and the league's new format changes. He also discusses Canadian defender Andre Hainault.

Canadians make great sacrifices

Sometimes fans and media are in danger of failing to fully appreciate what Canadian players go through to play for their country.

Dobson on Canada: Calm before the storm

The pouring rain has subsided in St. Kitts and Nevis as Canada prepares for a strong showing from the host country.

Canada delivers in St. Lucia

Canada's 7-0 thumping of tiny St. Lucia was just what the doctor ordered.

Defensive dilemma

Canada prepares for its World Cup qualifier in St. Lucia minus several key players on the backline.

Dobson on soccer: Adventurous trip

Team Canada will play St. Lucia Friday at Beausejour Stadium, a cricket oval that holds about 13,000.

Dobson on soccer: Juggling act

Three goals in mind

Recent call-ups Morgan, Di Chiara may pose to contribute to Hart’s mission.

Dobson on Canada: Show some heart

As our national coach said, Canadians need to get out and support their team.

Dobson on Canada: An awkward affair

While it wasn't the blowout everyone expected, Canada got the three points they needed against St. Lucia.

Relishing the role

Canada's new head coach of the women's soccer team was saying all the right things on Thursday.

Dobson on Canada: Ready or not

We will soon find out how well Canada copes with the the new World Cup qualifying format.

The great equalizer

Canada’s skill and chemistry should be enough against competition that rarely plays.

Dobson on WCQ: Project 2014 for Canada

Now that Canada knows its World Cup qualifying route, some key questions need to be addressed.

(Not) a real shocker

Carolina Morace’s decision to quit was unexpected but not a huge surprise either.

Plenty of work to do

Canada's failure to advance at the Gold Cup exposes how much work the program really needs.

Dobson on Gold Cup: Work in progress

Canada needs to improve after an underwhelming performance vs. Guadeloupe at the Gold Cup.

Dobson on Gold Cup: Hart's attack

Following Canada's Gold Cup opening loss to the U.S., is the time right to move Simeon Jackson away from striker?

Dobson on Canada: Missing the action

The BMO stands were paved with gold Wednesday night as Canada lacked support.

Dobson on soccer: Never a dull moment

Here's how my day went. There's never a dull moment. It started with a drive to Thornhill Park to watch Canada train before their friendly with Ecuador on Wednesday.

Dobson on MLS: Strange days in Vancouver

The Vancouver Whitecaps are off to a strange start in their inaugural season in Major League Soccer. To date, it’s been a season in which they don't know whether to laugh or cry.

Dobson on Whitecaps: Reality bites

The reality of the long-grinding MLS season is beginning to set in for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Dobson on NCC: Opportunity for Canadians

The Nutrilite Canadian Championship provides home-grown talent with an opportunity to develop.

A facility is coming, finally

Toronto FC has unveiled plans for its new training facility at Downsview Park in North Toronto.

Dobson on Whitecaps: Cramping up

Injuries, fatigue and silly red cards are quickly becoming a problem for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

DeRo heads south

After some minor complications, Dwayne De Rosario has been shipped to New York City.

Dobson: Breaking down Canada’s win

Taking a look at Canada's impressive 1-0 victory over Belarus Tuesday evening.

Dobson on Canada: What a trip!

Andre Hainault traveled a long way to suit up for Canada against Belarus.

As good as it gets

Canada looks sharp and focused as the team trains at this top-notch, stunning facility in Turkey.

Soccercentral reports live from Turkey

Soccercentral reports live from Turkey as Canada faces Belarus.

Beautiful game

Who could have imagined a better debut for MLS soccer in Vancouver?

What about DeRo?

Dwayne DeRosario will remain TFC captain but will he play on Saturday against Vancouver?

Dobson on Whitecaps: Raising eyebrows

It’s almost exactly two months ago when the Vancouver Whitecaps raised some eyebrows at the MLS Superdraft in Baltimore.

The nasty party

The promise of spring holds so much for Canadian soccer this year.

Dobson on soccer: Mark the date

Be sure to mark Thursday Mar. 3 in your calendar. The events of that day could shake the foundations of soccer in this country to the core.

Final preps in Toronto

De Ro & Co. had one final training session in Toronto before

Notes from camp

Feb. 15 was a great day for those of us suffering from withdrawal having not been able to witness a TFC training session yet this year.

Back in the day

A quick refresher course on Canadian withdrawals from major soccer competitions.

Dobson on CSA: Battle of the sexes

It would be unfair to suggest that the women's national program deserves equal compensation to that of the men's.

Dobson on Canada: A glimpse of the future

Stephen Hart has decided to call on some fresh faces for Canada's friendly against Greece.

A quick trip abroad

Canada won't have much time to rpepare for the big showdown with Greece.

Dobson on soccer: Flight plan

Canada's women's soccer team was a runner-up at the Four Nations but had an adventure coming back home.

A few tidbits

Some interesting stories emerged when Canada unveiled its new soccer kit.

Remember the name

The newest member of TFC's story is very different from that your average draft pick.

Dobson on MLS: Combine-ing notes

The annual MLS combine may be lacking in star power, but the expansion Whitecaps are providing intrigue.

Dobson on TFC: TFC's formidable troika

Is the hiring of Aron Winter what TFC needs to turn things around?

Dobson on TFC: What a disaster

Will TFC be able to clean up the latest mess involving DeRosario training with Celtic?

Dobson on TFC: The Klinsmann vision

TFC's new consultant believes in attacking football and says the club could have its new coach by Christmas.

What a weekend

There was plenty of drama (and goals in the Barclays Premier League this weekend.

Change is coming

Change is coming to the MLS schedule, but nobody knows when.

Reserve your enthusiasm

MLS is re-introducing the Reserve League, with some changes, as well as placing an emphasis on clubs developing their own players. Both developments are good news.

Dobson on TFC: Slow start for Klinsmann

Klinsmann's first appearance as an advisor to TFC was far less than spellbinding.

Dobson on TFC: The candidates

Some big names are believed to be interested in the vacant Toronto FC coaching job.

Dobson on MLS: Will Cup be half-empty?

It will be interesting to see how TFC fans react to the MLS Cup final in Toronto.

Greener pastures

Ali Gerba is the latest in a long line of TFC castoffs to start filling the net with regularity since leaving Toronto.

Dobson on soccer: The right character

We all knew Mo Johnston would be gone at the end of this season. Preki, that's another story.

Friendly fire

Canada's friendlies against Peru and Honduras have more meaning than you think.

Dobson on soccer: Hart of the matter

After being selected, why didn't Stephen Hart play Nana Attakora vs. Peru on Saturday?

Dobson on MLS: The De Rosario conundrum

There's no question that Toronto FC coach Preki is not a happy man. Dewayne De Rosario is expected to miss upcoming critical MLS matches in Dallas and Chicago to join the Canadian national team.

What a pity

Toronto FC wasted a chance to earn a valuable away point by once again playing down to the level of their competition.

Red Bull review

I just finished my first experience at Red Bull Arena and in one word: wow.

Dobson on soccer: Friendly decisions?

Canadian coach Stephan Hart faces a tough task of selecting players without upsetting their clubs.

Heading South

Not many things are working in Toronto FC's favour as they make the trip to Honduras.

Dobson: TFC feeling the heat in KC

It’s now the dog days of summer and TFC are feeling the heat in more ways than one.

And the crowd goes crazy

Watching the unheralded and previously unkown Adam Hadwin knock it around venerable old St. George's was quite a treat.

Making the rounds at St. George's

It was a wet and somewhat wild day on the course at the Canadian Open.

Dobson: Canadian Open blog day 2

So what's the best way to watch a golf tournament, pick a spot and watch the groups come through, or pick a group and follow it?

Player development starts with clubs

Canada's professional teams must be source of player development in this country.

A better way

Didn't you find it frustrating during the World Cup to hear all the complaints about why Canada wasn’t there?

Heady days for TFC

Another day and another win, this time on the road for high-flying Toronto FC.

Dobson: Backwards at BMO

After covering much of the continent over the past week Toronto FC returns home to a field full of activity.

Rain, rain, go away

The clouds have gathered over Vancouver ahead of the latest installment of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.

Timing is everything

The Nutrilite Canadian Championship has seen some ill-fated, almost-comical timing this spring.

Let the fun begin

The Toronto-Montreal rivalry is as good as it gets and now comes word the Impact are poised to join MLS.

Dobson: Answering the call

Canada players wanted bigger matches and when Argentina comes calling they had better step up.

Army of one

Is Toronto FC following the right model by allowing Mo Johnston to make all the decisions on his own?

Dobson on MLS: No more excuses for TFC

With season four set to begin, the heat is on Mo Johnston and Toronto FC.

Caps off to Canada

Contrary to rumours, first time players are not automatically capped.

Canada camp report

Stephen Hart has a big job keeping everyone interested at training camp.

Questions looming

Does Canada have enough young talent, and are more defections coming?

Soccercentral at the SuperDraft

Soccercentral is on site in Philadelphia for the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.

Dobson on MLS: SuperDraft suspense

Trader Mo will need to be at his best if Toronto FC is to improve through the 2010 draft.

Was the fix in?

It was the perfect recipe for possible chicanery when Macedonia and Canada squared off.

Stay where you belong

The Argos owners are making noise about playing at BMO Field but there's really no room for them.

Season in the books

With the spectacle that was the MLS Cup final behind us, we look at some league notes moving forward.

Red & White rust

The lopsided result in Macedonia was not unexpected considering the Canadian men's team has not played together since July.

Frustration lingers

Frustration over failing to qualify for South Africa remains as Canada faces a pair of friendlies in Europe.

Canadian club

There are plenty of interesting storylines as our national team prepares for a pair of friendlies over the next couple of weeks.

Come and gone

TFC boss Mo Johnston had decided Chris Cummins fate a long time ago but time is running out for Johnston himself to improve TFC's fate.

Rotten to the core

It was TFC's worst performance in franchise history against the worst team in the league in the most important game.

Suspicion becomes reality

What we suspected since Tuesday, became official Thursday. TFC midfielder Carl Robinson underwent surgery to repair a broken cheekbone and is done for the year.

USL's worst nightmare

Two of the USL's most successful clubs are building for future success, in another league.

Good as gone

Toronto FC will have Julian De Guzman and real grass in 2010, but what about a full-time coach?

Hollywood ending

Toronto FC's playoff dreams may be over following Saturday's loss to the Galaxy.

Turning his back

We've lost another player to another country. Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic showed up on the bench for Bosnia-Herzegovina in their World Cup Qualifiers last week.

Getting closer each day

The wheels are in motion. Julian de Guzman is in Toronto.

Not looking good

Toronto FC’s trip to Colorado had a bad feeling about it right from the beginning.

Real aftermath

All of the temporary installations made to accomodate Real Madrid in Toronto should actually become permanent within the next few years.

TFC failing in crucial week

If this was supposed to be the kick start to the week that was going to make or break TFC's season, then the first crack has already appeared.

Ruinous routine

Too many PGA pros play the same tour dates every year, which is hurting events like the RBC Canadian Open.

A turning point

Saturday's loss in Columbus was a heartbreaker for TFC and may be a harbinger of the tough times ahead.

Picturesque pair

With our national championship on deck this week, thoughts begin to wander to Canadian Open golf courses.

All the right moves

Head coach Chris Cummins made all the right lineup changes for TFC on Saturday night in San Jose.

First class digs

Real Salt Lake's Rio Tinto Stadium is the best pitch in MLS.

On the road again

Mile High frustrations

If anyone has seen Craig Forrest, tell him I'm looking for him.

Don't look now

By virtue of being home to the world's top two ranked amateur players, the future of Canadian golf has never looked brighter.

Smiles and frowns

Toronto FC heads home after a stunning win that will leave a pair of clubs unhappy in Montreal.

Hard-luck Sutts

Toronto FC goalkeeper Greg Sutton was a casualty of the business of sports, and here's hoping he lands on his feet soon.

Unhappy trails

Toronto FC left Van City with its tail between its legs and now they need to step up in Montreal to save face for their franchise and league.

Battered and bruised

It’s a pair of thin, beat up squads heading into a crucial game of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship here in Vancouver.

TFC wilts in heat

We knew it would be hot. And we knew Houston would play well.

Italian's job

Carolina Morace's task of transforming the Canadian women's soccer team starts on Monday whent he U.S. arrive in Toronto.

Defining draw

There are defining moments in a season, and Saturday’s 3-3 draw with D.C. United might turn out to be one for Toronto FC.

Rash decision?

I know John Carver better than most, and Saturday's news sounds like a knee jerk reaction.

Impact back on radar

Montreal is once again at the front of the line as a leading candidate for a MLS club.

Staying positive

Toronto FC coach John Carver can live with the lack of goals as long as his team continues to create and out-chance its opponents.

A developing story

Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps are developing Canadian soccer stars of the future.

Predictable firing

The Dale Mitchell era will be remembered for the Canadian men’s soccer team crashing and burning at World Cup qualifying.

Raising the roof

The roof is coming off at BMO Field which means we are closing in on TFC's home opener.

Great expectations

Despite all the optimism felt by the ownership and management team of the Vancouver Whitecaps, there's always a level of consternation when heading into new territory.

Southern discomfort

There are still people south of the border wondering how Vancouver managed to get the nod as the first 2011 MLS expansion franchise.

Mr. Mom

Even though he could still ski, good guy Thomas Grandi had his reasons for retiring.

Shaping up

If fitness is any sign of success, Toronto FC is well ahead of its MLS competitors.

Who else?

It would be a stunner if Vancouver didn't get an expansion team but who will get the second bid?

Filling a Serioux hole

Amidst all the players coming and going at Toronto FC camp is one face that will certainly be a mainstay in defence.

Let's get Serioux

TFC ended the lull in player movement by picking up its centre back of choice.

Boys are back in town

The Reds have marched into town for two days of training and things are slowly starting to take shape.

Schmooze or lose?

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem's plea for players to be more sponsor-friendly will most likely not make a difference.

Footy fodder

The Galaxy put a hefty price tag on Beckham and more managers fall in England.

New sense of optimism

One thing was evident at media day for Toronto FC: the team has a sense of direction.

Selling Ottawa

Eugene Melnyk makes a convincing case for MLS to come to the nation’s capital.

Expansion update

Major League Soccer needs to decide if it is brave enough to allow two more Canadian franchises.

A super draft for TFC

No trades from Mo Johnston but Toronto FC got all the players it wanted.

Meetings in Florida

Trader Mo is down at the combine in Florida with some big fish to dangle on the trade market.

Attention to detail

With one year under his belt in the MLS, John Carver is a lot more prepared to lead Toronto FC.

New Year’s speculation

I'm not sure what the rest of Toronto FC's off-season will hold, but I can say with absolute certainty their designated player will not be Julian DeGuzman.

Delivering DeRo

The radio silence surrounding the acquisition of Dwayne De Rosario has inquiring minds asking questions.

A steal for TFC

In landing Dwayne De Rosario, Toronto FC adds some much-needed playoff experience.

Ricketts made for T.O.

Rohan Ricketts may be English by birth, but he's Canadian in spirit.

'Tis the season

Toronto FC unveiled new jerseys and new plans to a group of supporters in full festive voice.

Bad news for TFC

Canadian O'Brian White has a torn ACL, meaning his chances of joining Toronto FC may be hurt as well.

Dropped the ball?

While the Vancouver and Ottawa bids “blew away” the MLS expansion committee, Montreal’s chances appear to have imploded.

Tough calls

Prepare for the unexpected when Major League Soccer makes its expansion announcement.

Where to make an Impact?

The Impact have a decision to make about where to play their Champions League game in February.

Ready for the whirlwind

TFC's season is almost over, and their offseason makeover is about to begin.

Too little, too late

When there is nothing left to play for, Canada puts its best football forward.

All eyes on Mitchell

Between Jim Brennan’s harsh words and injuries and suspensions to key players, Dale Mitchell has a lot to worry about these days.

Brennan quits Canada

TFC captain Jim Brennan says that he will not be wering the Red & White again soon... and possibly ever again.

The dog days of soccer

With TFC's hopes of reaching a playoff seeming almost hopeless, the players and staff need to find new motivation.

Playoffs a pipe dream

Toronto FC is struggling to take the next step as a franchise.

Designs on de Guzman?

The pursuit of a designated player may take Toronto FC to Spain, and a familiar face to Canadians.

Reality bites

We all had a bad feeling heading into the Canada-Honduras match in Montreal.

First the turf, now the grass

Canadian soccer venues are a perfect two-for-two when it comes to criticizing the surface the men's national team will play on.

Keeper quandary

Canada's head coach Dale Mitchell has a dilemma and he knows it.

A real shame

Toronto FC could lose nine players to international duty for next Saturday's home match and MLS doesn’t seem to care.

Green grass of home

Toronto FC have lost at least seven players due to the FieldTurf at BMO Field, but moves are being made to make sure it does not reach eight.

Bring it on

A sellout is expected at BMO Field for Canada's qualifier vs. Jamaica Wednesday.

Football free loaders

The Argonauts missed the boat on BMO Field, and everyone associated with that fact needs to move on.

Battered but not beaten

Despite the injuries and Olympic call-ups, Toronto FC earns an improbable road win.

Carver opens up

TFC head coach John Carver held court Tuesday, opening up on a number of issues.

No pressure

TFC's newest striker is relishing the challenge of addressing the team’s biggest problem.

Major League screw up

There were grimaces on the faces of the MLS suits after the anthem fiasco on Thursday night. The league meant well. But they botched it.

Good on Garber

MLS continues to make all the right moves.

A quantum leap

With MLS dignitaries in town for the all-star game, the Montreal Impact showcased why their city is an obvious choice for expansion.

A test for the fans

It looks like Canada may finally have home-field advantage for the upcoming World Cup qualifying games.

Anxious times

Desperation may be too strong a word, but one gets the sense that the lack of scoring by Toronto forwards is beginning to create a feeling of anxiety.

Into McBride's backyard

Now is the time when the intensive training regimen of fitness guru Paul Winsper needs to pay off for Toronto FC.

Homecoming queens

It has been a long time since the Canadian Women's soccer team had a game on it's home soil but their following remains strong.

Expect a signing

It is safe to assume that one of the Big 3 strikers linked to Toronto FC will sign a deal within the next two weeks.

Taking Ames at Glen Abbey

There’s no odder feeling than hitting the links and having a famous pro holding the flagstick for you.

The Beautiful Game

Unlike Gerry's predictions, the one thing that hasn't changed at Euro is attacking football reigns.

What a finish!

Just when you think it's safe to go to the fridge for a beer...

Handicapping the quarters

Now that the group stage has drawn to a conclusion, the Euros have taken on an entirely different complexion.

Handicapping the quarters

The quarterfinals kick off Thursday, our resident soccer expert gives his thoughts on who will reach the semifinals.

Going Dutch

I’m not sure if it’s right to do this but I’m changing my pick to win the European Championship.

Tough day to keep tabs

Coaches being tossed. Spectacular saves. Legendary drives. Hard for one set of eyes to see it all.

Full of surprises

Turkey and the Swiss went against the script Sunday … at least the script I wrote.

What's next?

The group of death? Ha, this is the group of fun at Euro '08.

Familiar feeling

Canadian soccer fans should know how the Swiss felt.

First impressions

Now that every team has fired its opening salvo at Euro 2008, it's time to revise the predictions.

Germans reinforce 'favourite' tag

The Germans showed fine form while Croatia left many second guessing.

No surprises on Day 1

While the Czech Republic had to work a bit harder for their win than Portugal, both chalk up three points.

Club vs. Country

Toronto FC and the men's national team must work together for the greater good, which is a World Cup berth.

Picking a winner

For what it's worth, I'm calling Germany over Spain in the final of the Euro 2008.

TFC pour it on

The soggy conditions and artificial turf were just the start of the L.A. Galaxy's problems on Saturday.

June is soccer month

If you like soccer, you'll love Sportsnet in June.

Best feet forward

TFC head coach John Carver will tell you he will always play his best 11.

Revamping the Open

It appears as though everyone except Tiger Woods is coming to the RBC Canadian Open this summer at Glen Abbey.

Maybe Amoebi?

TFC's unbeaten streak stands at six but management continues to look for ways to strengthen the roster.

Sorenstam approach

Annika's retirement plans won’t change her approach to the 2008 season.

Huge strides

When a draw with the league's top team is a disappointing result, it tells you TFC has come a long way.

Betting on Becks

I'll go out on a limb here and say David Beckham will be in uniform with the Galaxy at BMO Field on May 31st.

Fun in the sun

So what are your kids doing this summer?

The comfort zone

About the only thing worrying TFC coach John Carver these days is complacency.

Real road to the World Cup

There has been much rumour and speculation regarding our men's team heading into World Cup Qualification. Let me set the record straight for you. Some of this information has been announced, some of it has not. But this is what will happen.

Close call for TFC

If you were at Pearson airport Monday evening and saw Toronto FC players kiss the ground when they arrived, you'd have to forgive their joy at landing on terra firma. They had just been part of every air traveler's worst nightmare.

Critical win

Some thoughts on Toronto's watershed victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy. It comes of course, at a critical time. Losing can become a habit. And with the shadow of last year's start looming large, another loss in game three this year could have turned a losing streak into a downward spiral that could have ruined season number two.

Golf apprentice

For a number of reasons, one of the golf industry's biggest challenges is to keep young people involved in the game.