There was something in the air Monday. I don't care what Wiarton Willy said; the sky was blue, the sun was shining at a different angle to reflect the lengthening days, and the boys in red have gathered once more.
Spring is here as far as I'm concerned.
Media day was a zoo ... only in Toronto. League officials shake their heads in frustration when they see turnouts like this in comparison to what happens south of the border. I've seen it myself.
This media throng was so intense even the rookies were getting multiple microphones shoved in their faces. I'm sure it’s all new to top draft choice Sam Cronin.
Despite the intense media attention on this day, there is without question a buoyant mood as year three gets underway. I know: that's easy to say as there were similar feelings last year and the year before that. But this year there seems to be a sense that this squad is more settled and they know what to expect from their coach.
Rohan Ricketts, Carl Robinson and Danny Dichio are officially under contract now. Although it’s not official, defender Todd Dunivant is on his way to Los Angeles for allocation. Maybe they're putting together a package to bring in a central defender, although nobody is saying for sure. That's another difference. Head coach John Carver is adamant that he won't talk about potential new players, he won't slam the referees and his quotes will be less colourful. So he says. We'll see.
Abdus Ibrahim is now Fuad Ibrahim after a suggestion from his mom. Dwayne De Rosario is now Toronto Red. Marco Velez and Tyrone Marshall have never seen so much snow. And Mo Johnston is still on his cell phone.
This week it all happens under the bubble at BMO Field. Then ten days at the IMG facility in Bradenton before returning to Toronto for another stretch later in the month. We'll keep track of it all for you in this space, and on our two weekly editions of Soccercentral, Saturday at noon on Sportsnet, and Thursday at 7:45 p.m. ET on Setanta Sports Canada.
