Considering the dearth of Canadians playing internationally, and the concept of aging players "coming home" to play their final competitive years with their hometown MSL team, will Toronto FC ever reap the reward?
For example, take a look at the decision made by U.S. international and Premier League striker Brian McBride.
"After much consideration with my family, we have decided to leave Fulham after four and a half fantastic years," McBride, a Chicago native, said in a team-issued statement. "I have always stated my intention to return to America at some stage and this seems like the right moment in my career to move on."
On his terms, the 35-year-old McBride will no doubt be able to pick from a list of suitors, with his hometown Chicago Fire leading the way.
But with TFC admittedly just a quality striker away from serious contention in the league, McBride would be a dynamic fit in Carver's squad. However, due to geographic allegiances, it will not happen.
As holders of the No. 1 allocation spot, Toronto own the rights to McBride, which leaves Johnston - a renown negotiator - wringing his hands in glee.
"He was a main factor in keeping Fulham up this year and he's decided to come home," Johnston said at training on Thursday. "Fortunately for us we have the No. 1 slot and we're sitting on a little pot of gold at the moment.
"We're looking for something very big. We've been offered certain things, I won't go into in detail, but we have an interest too."
Toronto has its own version of McBride in Toronto-native Jim Brennan, who blazed a trail in his decision to leave England and become the first player to sign with TFC. But since then, the trail has gone cold; and unless the De Guzman Bros. decide to act early on their plan to one day retire together as TFC players, the prospects look grim.
I asked Mo Johnston if the idea of playing professionally in Toronto is an issue when attracting the marquee players looking to finish their careers in the MLS.
"Not at all," Johnston said. "If we want to explore it (a designated player), then we will, this club has always been open to it."
But as a team which struggles to score goals in bunches, will any return package received for McBride or any amount of money compensate the potential double-digit tally the former Fulham striker could provide Carver's current team? And in the future, when aging superstars declare their intent to play in America, will it include Toronto (or any future-awarded MLS franchises in Canada).
Premier League pedigree is not a dime-a-dozen in the MLS right now, and acquiring it, or keeping it, should be given serious consideration.
Training notes: A No. 2 and No. 35 were on the training grounds Thursday, but both were quickly ushered off before the media had a chance to investigate their names ... John Carver and Tyrone Marshall played a friendly game of cricket with what looked to be a pool noodle and tennis ball … A light-hearted mood all around in the sun at BMO as the team was split into three groups: Goalkeepers, running drills and a short-field scrimmage.
