I hate Meatloaf, and the big-boned songbird was wrong when he sweated out the lyrics, Two outta three ain't bad.
I am talking, of course, about the three Canadians named as part of the final seven MLS All-Star selections split between head coach Steve Nicol (with five) and Commissioner Don Garber (with two). To start, Toronto FC defender Jim Brennan deserves the honour. Brennan has been a loyal poster boy for Canadian soccer for more years than I care to remember, and by flying under the radar this season in the MLS there is little evidence to argue that he should not be part of the event. De Rosario is the same; poster boy, under the radar, next case. (Actually, as a side note, knowing how De Ro has a flair for the dramatics, I expect him to back up his late nomination at some point during the game versus West Ham.)
The next case is The People vs. Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad. Now I admittedly do not get to see much of Onstad during the year, but I do get to see an awful lot of Sutton, and if the idea was to name an extra 'keeper, Sutton should have been it. The stats between the two are a wash; a simple coin toss would be the easiest way to decide if stats were the only consideration.
The separation lies in the events of the last year. Sutton was nearly forced out of the game around this time last season when he suffered a serious concussion while away with the Canadian national team. Not content to fold his hand and look for employment in a less dangerous vocation, Sutton fought to regain his No. 1 status with TFC and has choreographed two of the ten longest shutout streaks in the MLS this season (273, 250).
Plus, his circus save off the boot of the monosyllabic Fred to preserve a 1-0 win over D.C. back in May is my choice for first-half TFC highlight of the year.
Velez fallout
Although this is a few days late, Marco Velez is not responsible for TFC's late game loss to Chicago on Saturday. If you rewind the game tape a few minutes before Velez' mistimed clearance header you can see Amado Guevara give away the ball -- cheaply -- in the midfield, I believe Gerry Dobson even commented on the play. Any attempt by TFC to keep possession in those final few moments would have secured the precious road points, but alas, no.
The TFC midfield placed Velez -- and the rest of the back line -- in the unenviable position of having to feverishly defend on tired legs. Feverishly and unnecessarily.
Ibee, or not Ibee?
Written before the news that 'Young Ibbs' will start against Independiente on Tuesday:
Ibrahim's goal in Chicago was pure silk, but I hope John Carver doesn't stick with his convictions and start the 17-year-old in the wake of it. There is something to be said about a fresh set of 16-year-old legs coming on and making the opposition defend on tired legs.
Written after 'Young Ibbs' got the start against Independiente on Tuesday:
He's good, with scary potential. Give the kid a home start against San Jose and allow the 20,000-plus fans coax No. 2 out of him. The hallways at BMO need a feel good photo from this season, anyways. (I am tired of seeing Andy Welsh strapped to the back of Danny Dichio after the 23:13 goal. Kidding.)
Huckerby & O'Brien
Both should be in town this week, and I am looking forward to putting the turf story to bed once and for all with insight from each. Check back on Friday.
