Toronto FC's Carl Robinson and Kansas City Wizards' Kurt Morsink (R) collide during the first half of their MLS soccer game in Toronto April 26, 2008. REUTERS/ Mike CasseseMIKE CASSESE/Reuters
While the release of Carl Robinson to the NY Red Bulls will be a disappointment to some, it now frees up some valuable salary cap space for a further transition with the Toronto FC team.
At 33 years of age, with a contract of $315,000 (US) and not getting any quicker, it must have been an appealing decision for coach Preki and general manager Mo Johnson to make. The reality is though, it again highlights the inadequacy of the MLS salary cap in the first place and the problematic issues that the player's union are trying to resolve with MLS management.
As much as 'Robo' was a defensive role player, he was during his time in Toronto, a very good one. The fact he has to be moved on at this stage of his career, has more to do with the lack of monies available than Robinson's ability. Irrespective of some people's negative views of his performance last season he would still have been a starter in this year's team. Selecting TFC's top eleven players based on the talent and ability available Robinson would have made it.
Had he have been on $150,000 it is unlikely that he would be moving away unless of course there are underlying factors for his departure, which are unlikely knowing Preki's clean the slate philosophy. With Martin Saric impressing in pre-season he will now become a priority for TFC to sign. Whether he can provide the same steel as Robinson only time will tell but the early signs suggest he is at the very least, a cultured player.
Canadian Women's Team Wins
It was a while coming but Carolina Morace can finally see some light at the end of what has been a dark tunnel. After surprisingly failing to qualify our Canadian women' s U20 team for the upcoming World Championships it was good to see an excellent performance from our Canadian women's senior team in winning the Cyprus Cup during the past week.
Although the tournament is not regarded as the highest ranking competition, the Canadian success was accomplished by beating a strong England team on the way to the final. The contrast in styles of Canada and New Zealand who competed in the final (Canada winning 1-0), rubber stamped the switch in direct playing styles and philosophies from the Pellarud era, to the more possession oriented and pragmatic tactical approach by Morace.
Changing styles is one thing. Changing styles and wining is quite another. This confidence booster for everyone is hopefully a positive sign of things to come for our national women's program.