Readers respond

I don't know if you guys have read the blogs and Boston papers yet, but it looks like Michael Parkhurst is headed to Denmark.

Parkhurst, you might remember, once beat former TFC Kenny Stamatopoulos from 60 yards out, the first goal in the memorable 2-2 tie that closed out TFC's debut season.

According to the Boston Globe's story, Parkhurst's contract, which paid him about $150,000 a year, had expired, which means the Revs receive nothing when he signs with the Norwegian club.

So I guess the question here is whether MLS is happy letting transactions like this one occur. At this point they realize they're still a minor league, and until they can match the prestige and pay scale of European leagues they know they'll have to sell some of their young American stars overseas (see Edu, Maurice).

But I can't see the sense in letting a talented 24-year-old American leave the league for free.

I'm interested to hear your thoughts, but I don't think the league is interested in moves like this one become common.

SPEAKING OF YOUR THOUGHTS

Thanks for all the comments on the last post, both the praise and the hatred. Whether you like me or not doesn't really matter, I'm just glad folks are still reading.

And since at least 15 of you are still out there clicking, let's address some of the issues you've raised in your comments.

good news on guevera. with robinson and dichio back the core of the team is intact.
now for the major work - keeping wynne, and adding a solid CB and a DP!
-- Doug

It's good for the sake of continuity that Dichio, Robinson and Guevara are returning, but they're all another year older. While Robinson and Guevara will each turn 33 in the first half of 2009, Dichio is already 34 and as last year progressed he wondered out loud whether his body could withstand yet another season on the BMO Field turf. I agree with you about the importance of finding a reliable centre back and a high scoring forward, whether or not he's a DP. But I think keeping the team's aging nucleus healthy and fresh for 30 games plus playoffs and tournaments is equally crucial.

As for Wynne, it's not that keeping him isn't important. It's just that losing him to Europe is almost inevitable, and by season's end his biggest contribution to the team might be a transfer fee.

So if TFC doesn't draw 20,000 the Star won't be there?

-- TFC Fan

I wouldn't get too hung up on that number, and no, mainstream media outlets won't all discontinue TFC coverage the moment a home game draws only 18,800. I don't run this sports department, but I imagine that as long as TFC plays in Toronto, we'll cover games at BMO Field, the same way we staff the Rock and sometimes the Marlies.

However, if for some reason (say, another sub-35-point season) TFC's popularity drops off severely -- I'm talking Kansas City Wizards-sized crowds --  I'm betting all mainstream media will scale back their coverage.

I don't know if you guys have noticed, but money's a little tight for a lot of big media outlets these days, which means editors have to make tough decisions about where to direct their resources. And if TFC has another non-playoff season and attendance dips in a big way, then the amount of time and money the mainstream media devote to covering TFC will also decline.

But last I heard, roughly 95 percent of TFC season ticket holders renewed, so I wouldn't worry just yet about TFC disappearing from the paper.

No offense to you Morgan, I really have appreciated your work, the following is more
directed to your bosses. I hope the Star gets it's act together and brings in someone
with a more solid background in football (soccer) and knowledge of the game.

-- Ryan Johnston

None offense taken, Ryan. Now, I'm not the guy making the decision, but I can tell you that whoever takes over the TFC beat will be a damn good reporter and writer, someone who can cover stories, uncover stories and cultivate sources. Would a background in soccer help? Sure it would, but I'd take a great reporter with a desire to learn about soccer over a soccer expert who lacks reporting or writing skills.

And most mainstream outlets can't simply "bring in" a soccer expert any more than most MLS teams working with a tight salary cap can simply "bring in" a proven goal scorer who's still in his prime. Again, most big media are dealing with dwindling budgets, so and aren't going to spend money on luxuries like soccer experts.

Especially if they have very good and very versatile reporters on staff who are willing to learn the fine points of the game.

-- Morgan Campbell

Comments

[doug]

wynne may be an inevitability - i guess TFC needs julius james to take a step this year.

A DP will likely be a striker, but TFC are in reasonably good shape there with dichio, barrett and ibby. a julian de guzman type in the middle to work with guevera would be where i would spend my money.

three first round picks will be good - if they can get two guys who are starters (better than james, likely not as good as edu) that will help.

oh yeah, is that the ryan johnston from sportsnet?

[Ben]

Mr. Campbell, regardless of your previous knowledge base of soccer, I thought your coverage was excellent. Your outsider, yet professional, insight into the sport and the team were a refreshing break from the typical 'expert' opinions we tend to see. You brought hard work, and no pulled punches.

It must be stated that a British accent does not a soccer guru make. Alas, the masses are easily fooled.

You will be missed.

[papa]

morgan, you should even be commenting on these clowns that are talking back to you. you did your job. and it was well done.

now, how about DeRo!??!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?

that is absolutely the best news eva!!!!

[John Dinner]

Maybe you can get one last scoop for us before you leave and get us an interview with DeRo!?! Just fantastic news!
Once again, thanks for the hard work, but maybe this signing will bring about a change in attitude from the powers-that-be and they'll give you the proper big bucks to give us full time coverage.
Oh, and if this wonderful game is ever going to find its proper place in the sporting minds in North America its going to need quality writers as yourself who grew up with the North American version.