Toronto FC Offseason Talk: Aron Winter’s First Full Winter with the Club

The MLS offseason has been quiet thus far, with both the expansion draft and re-entry draft having already taken place. Toronto FC has been especially quiet—only waiving a few roster players and adding one young prospect (Reggie Lambe).This is just the calm before the storm. Moves must and will be made as Technical Director Aron Winter is looking to make changes during his first full offseason with the team.TFC has solidified itself as one of the most popular clubs in the young league, but has yet to make an appearance in the playoffs. Last season could be split into two entirely different campaigns because basically the entire team was flipped midseason. The second half was a success and the team will look to build on this.Looking forward to next season we have a birth in the knockout stages of the CONCACAF Champions League, and of course the introduction of the newest Canadian MLS Franchise, Montreal Impact. The next step in the offseason will be the 2012 MLS Superdraft, where Toronto holds picks four and 12 in the first round.Team Needs:Playmaking, Central DefendersTeam Surplus: Goalkeepers, Defensive Midfielders.Breakdown  The team is solid upfront with Danny Koevermans in the middle and a plethora of options on ...

Major League Soccer: Players with a Future in Europe

The MLS has long been tagged as the retirement league, as many notable footballers arrive only after their prime to suit up for the soon-to-be 19 sides (Montreal Impact join in 2012).Those aging stars are perhaps more enticed by the prospect of living in North America and away from the pressures in Europe than the actual play.While this is partly true, the league also offers a glimpse at future U.S. talent—current national team players Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Tim Howard (who have all spent time playing in the English Premier League) all started their professional careers in MLS.As the league has developed, so to have the academies and the level of college soccer in North America.Finally, homegrown products are popping up across the league and representing a new generation of football. And for some, their potential is so great that one day the MLS might not be a big enough stage for them to hone their craft. Here is a list of young MLS talent that is ready/will soon be ready to make the jump to top-tier European football. Begin Slideshow

Toronto FC: Aron Winter Is Changing the Sports Climate of Toronto

When Aron Winter first stepped in to introduce "total football" and a three-striker system to Toronto FC in January, most fans weren't convinced. When the team started the season with an abysmal 2-5-6 record capped off with a 6-2 lose to the Philadelphia Union, I definitely wasn't convinced. Was this going to be different from all the other Toronto sports seasons dubbed as a rebuild that led to no future success? Going into tomorrow's CCL clash with FC Dallas, win or lose, both the fans and I are convinced. Toronto FC has finished this campaign with class. After a mid-season team makeover, that included bringing in big-name signings Torsten Frings and Danny Koevermans, Winter is finally getting the most out of this players.This year, the team broke the record for most players to see game action in an MLS season with 39. That is a lot of faces. A kit manager’s worst nightmare. And you can imagine the task of trying to implement an alien soccer system to a group of constantly changing bodies. It's tough. Toronto FC are currently firing on all cylinders, most recently earning a draw against the notorious Union, while resting many of their starters. Glimpses ...