It's been a long time...
I shouldn't have left you...
But after a spending a few days at the Canadian Olympic Track and Field Trials, I returned to Toronto just in time for TFC to head west for Wednesday night's rematch with Vancouver.
But just because they're over there and I'm over here doesn't mean there's nothing to report.
There just aren't any big signings or trades -- yet.
Last time we talked our guy Darren Huckerby was in the stands at BMO Field, checking the place out before heading to San Jose to see Frank Yallop and the Earthquakes.
TFC made it plain months ago that they were interested in the former Norwich City star, and even acquired his MLS rights, just to show they meant business. Huckerby, meanwhile, has decided he would rather play in San Jose, so right now the two teams are trying to figure out a way to make it happen while benefiting all involved.
This situation is similar to Brian McBride's (more on him in a second), in that pulling off this deal is nowhere near as simple as it sounds.
Those of you with long memories will recall that TFC received a first-round draft pick from San Jose in exchange for midfielder Ronnie O'Brien, which means the worse the Earthquakes finish in the standings, the better TFC fares in the 2009 draft. So TFC doesn't have much incentive to send San Jose a proven goal scorer if that guy might help boost their record. Why make a trade that all but guarantees you a lower draft spot?
TFC expects San Jose can sweeten the deal somehow.
Either way, don't expect immediate action. TFC knows what they want and San Jose knows what they're willing to give and, surprisingly, they disagree for now on Huckerby's worth. From what I understand this trade has to take place during the international transfer period (July 15-Aug 15), so look for the teams to take a little time before settling.
As for McBride, the situation remain the same. Toronto wants more than Chicago's willing to give and that's that.
McBride has reportedly returned to the U.S. and isn't waiting around for an MLS contract. Instead he's working out and expecting U.S. Soccer to make him one of three overage players to join the U.S. Olympic team.
We missing anyone?
Oh yeah....Paul Dickov.
He didn't make the trip to Vancouver, and hasn't signed a contract and, according to the team, isn't in Toronto right now.
Hope that Helps.
-- Morgan Campbell
Is it true that home-town striker Andrea Lombardo has been waived?
Posted by: brian van beuren | July 10, 2008 at 01:35 PM
So sounds like we are no further ahead. Heard there were "turf" issues for Huck.
Great game in Vancouver, just too bad that Edu missed that clearance that allowed VCR to walk in and get the goal with 4 mins to go.
Marvell Wynne looked great this game, a lot of runs up the side, adn created a lot of chances. Hopefully Carver keeps that up, that could be a dangerous offensive move.
Posted by: Tim | July 10, 2008 at 01:40 PM
They must be in the process of signing somebody, who will that be?
Toronto played OK in Vancouver, got the needed point, with Ricketts, James and Wynn as standouts, but Edu disappointed, mostly because of his attitude to playing USL team.
Posted by: Paul | July 10, 2008 at 02:54 PM