No real surprise here.

Guevara was very impressive in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over New England, scoring a pair of goals. It’s the 5th time in his career that he’s been named league player of the week.

When Guevara is on, Toronto FC are a difficult team to beat. With strikers Chad Barrett and Pablo Vitti struggling to score goals, guys like De Rosario and Guevara are counted on heavily to carry the load and both gentlemen didn’t disappoint over the weekend.

Guevara now has 5 goals this season, one shy of the MLS lead which is currently held by Landon Donovan, Brian McBride, Josh Wolfe and Conor Casey.

Here are Guevara’s goals against New England:

– Alex Seixeiro

Gotta give it to Danny Dichio. That was a heck of a performance in last week’s 3-1 win against New England, which when the weekend was over, put TFC into 2nd place in the Eastern Conference on 16 points.

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but leading into the match, I kept saying that Toronto FC needed to infuse Danny’s toughness, height and distribution into the TFC attack, and surely that’s exactly what Danny did last Saturday afternoon. Dichio played a role in all three goals, making himself to be a big pain in the rear to the Revolution back-four.

On the first goal, a bit of luck led to Amado Guevara’s first of the afternoon. After the ball bounced off Chad Barrett in the box, Danny Dichio tried flicking the ball onto Guevara, but Dichio miss-hit the pass with the ball going off his shin. Didn’t matter. Guevara was still able to volley his blast into the top center part of Matt Reis’ goal. Dichio’s best play of the day came on the game winner, when at midfield with his back turned, Dichio manager to lob the ball over the Revs defense, springing loose an onside Dwayne De Rosario who slotted home TFC’s second goal of the game. The Reds put things away later in the second half when Guevara’s free-kick from well out bounced in the New England box, evading everyone, and bouncing into the top right-hand corner of Reis’ goal. Dichio didn’t get the goal or assist, but there he was in the box leaping for the header which he just missed. It was his presence that threw off Reis’ timing and allowed Guevara to grab his second goal of the afternoon.

Despite the mileage on his body at the age of 34, you can make a very strong case that Dichio hasn’t had one poor game all season. It seems now that with Head Coach Chris Cummins playing 3 up front, Dichio and De Rosario have cemented their spots, with Vitti and Barrett fighting for the other place on the pitch. Barrett really didn’t have much to do on Saturday, but he does have a lot more to offer when playing on the wing as opposed to a centralized striker role. Both Chad and Pablo have struggled to finish this year, but with Barrett’s ability to track the ball and run his pants off, you’d have to think Barrett may not lose his spot anytime soon.

Dichio for Vitti was one of two changes to Cummins’ starting XI. Nana Attakora for Marco Velez was the other. It was a tad surprising to see Velez on the bench, only because he’s been very steady alongside Adrian Serioux in the center of defense when called upon. But we all know that the TFC organization love what Attakora have to offer, and it seems if the concussion issues aren’t a concern, Attakora will play somewhere on the field. However, it was very concerning to see how much room both Steve Ralston and Shalrie Joseph were finding in the TFC box, especially in the first half. Joseph opened the scoring with a lovely header when getting in behind Attakora, and if weren’t for Stefan Frei making a number of early saves off both Ralston and Joseph, it could have very well been a much different outcome. I wonder if Cummins will go back to the partnership of Serioux-Velez in Houston this Saturday.

When all is said and done, earning 3 points in this very tight Eastern Conference is extremely crucial.  Once again, another weekend went by in the MLS with a boatload of ties.  Real Salt Lake and D.C United tied 1-1.  Chivas and Kansas City finished deadlocked at 1′s.  The only East team to win was Chicago, who beat New York 1-0 to improve their unbeaten record this season to 10 games.

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Meanwhile, TFC announced today that both Amado Guevara and Marvell Wynne have been called up for national duty, with both men leaving after the game against Houston.

The United States National Team will play a pair of World Cup Qualifiers, June 3rd against Costa Rica and June 6th against Guevara and the Honduran side. Honduras will play their second qualifier June 10th against El Salvador.

When you break it down, both players will miss next Wednesday’s Canadian Championship game in Vancouver and their home-tilt with the L.A Galaxy, next Saturday.

– Alex Seixeiro

By: David Alter

It looks as though Toronto FC will have a couple of healthy bodies make their return to the lineup Saturday.

Marvel Wynne and Nana Attokora-Gyan went through their first full training sessions since suffering hamstring and concussion injuries respectively.

With Wynne being an everyday starter on the back line,  Wynne knows the significance of his role, but says common sense has to come into play as well.

“I would have finished the game that I got hurt in if it was my choice” said Wynne when talking about his status against New England.  “It will be up to the coaches and the trainer.”

Wynne was hurt early in the Reds 1-0 C.O.N.C.A.C.A.F. Champions League qualifier victory over the Montreal Impact.

Next Step Before Natural Grass?

Debate over converting the pitch at BMO Field to natural grass is sure to heat up over the next little while with TFC Interim Head Coach Chris Cummins electing to hold training sessions twice a week on a natural surface away from their usual home at the C.N.E. Grounds.

“It’s something we have spoken about for a while now because we do train them quite hard and pounding all the time on  artificial surfaces tend to take their toll on you”  said Cummins.  “It’s important to take them onto a decent surface.  It’s nice to get them out and get them on some softer pitches.”

Cummins also cites the bounce of the ball easier to predict.  It seems to be pretty unanimous that the natural surface is the way to go.  If they can’t have it at their home field, then practicing on it seems to be the next logical step.

If you want to watch Toronto FC practice, here’s your chance.

The club has announced that on June 20th, they’ll open the doors at BMO Field for anyone interested, as TFC take part in the 2nd annual Open Practice. Here’s some important info for buying tickets:

Wed, May 20th – Presale for Season Seat Holders.
Thurs, May 21st – Presale for Gold and Red Waiting List members.
Fri, May 22nd – Presale for Toronto FC insiders – call 416-360-GOAL.
Tues, May 26th – On sale to public by calling 416-360-GOAL.

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I attended practice yesterday where Head Coach Chris Cummins updated the injury status of a pair of defenders. Marvell Wynne (hamstring) did some light stretching and jogging and will re-join training on Thursday. Wynne hurt himself last Wednesday against Montreal and had to sit out the 2-0 loss to Chicago. Cummins is hoping to have his right-back in the starting XI against New England this Saturday.

As for Nana Attakora (concussion), he was not on the pitch at all yesterday but will more then likely re-join training tomorrow with Wynne. Cummins told the media that Attakora was dealing with some headaches before the game against Chicago and couldn’t go back out for the second half. He picked up the original knock against the Impact.

It’s also being reported that Aberdeen winger Jamie Smith is in Toronto, holding contract talks with the Reds. He’s spent time with Celtic, Aberdeen and a brief stint in Holland, while earning 2 caps for Scotland.

– Alex Seixeiro

Yes I admit I would never want their job.  But, does that mean I have to sit back and turn a blind eye to what is simply put, terrible officiating in Major League Soccer?

TFC has already lost one coach because of the horrible quality of officiating in MLS, and Toronto is not alone there.  Other well known coaches have walked away aùs well because of the lack of quality.

In TFC’s case it has been a black and white case of, “hand ball in the box means a penalty shot, accidental or not“  There are two cases in point, one in Dallas and another in Washington.  Referees chose to call an accidental hand ball in the box, in extra time no less, to affect the outcome of a game.  TFC settled for draws in both as a result of successful kicks from the spot.

In Toronto, an obvious hand ball, clearer than any of the two to go against TFC, is given the `play on`from the referee in a scoreless game!   Are you kidding me!   Commissioner Don Garbers blog this week on the MLS website is typical commissioner babble.

Coaches and players careers are at stake in this professional league.  There is NO ROOM for error on calls like this.  The league must be black and white on hand balls in the box because the referees in this league can not be allowed to interpret the moment on their own.   If a hand ball occurs in the box its a penalty.  So be it.  Call it.  Not some of the time, all of the time.  I would rather not go this route but its clear the referees and their assistants are not capable of getting this one right on their own.

There isn’t much coverage of tonight’s Nutrilite Canadian Championship tilt between Toronto FC and Montreal Impact, so, I’ll provide you all with a live blog of the match! TFC are looking for a 2-0 start to this tournament after beating Vancouver last week 1-0.

Check back here about 7:30pm and I’ll have the starting lineups.

Kickoff is set for just after 8:00pm from BMO Field.

6:50 — Just arrived at BMO. Going to throw up game 7 of the Caps-Penguins on the good ole laptop before tonight’s tilt down by the lake begins. Starting lineups will be in at 7:30pm. Get you the details when they become available.

7:15 — Starting Lineups have arrived a tad earlier. Toronto FC make two changes from the side that starting last Saturday at D.C United. Chat Barrett and Kevin Harmse come out in favour of Carl Robinson and Pablo Vitti. At first glance, it appears TFC Head Coach Chris Cummins will go with a 3-5-2 formation.

Toronto FC: Frei, Attakora-Gyan, Velez, Brennan, Wynne, Serioux, Cronin, Robinson, Guevara, De Rosario, Vitti.
Montreal: Jordan, Sakuda, Braz, Pizzolitto, Testo, Grande, Placentino, Brown, Gjersten, Atte-Oudeyi, Joqueviel.

7:40 — About 40 Montreal fans have made the trip to Toronto tonight.  Good on them.  They’ve been sectioned off in the north-eastern most part of the stadium, but are dawning their blue flags with plenty of pride.

8:02 — Both teams have made there way onto the pitch. It’s National Anthem time!

8:07 — We have kickoff!!! First half is underway.

2′ TFC with some early possession. Dwayne De Rosario with a good volley inside the Montreal box. Matt Jordan makes the save. Chris Cummins going with a 4-3-3, playing Marvell Wynne as a right forward. Nana Attakora will take care of the right side of defense.

6′ Sam Cronin is sprung in on a partial break, but the Impact manage to clear the danger.

9′ Dwayne De Rosario comes close to giving TFC the early lead, watching his left-footed volley hit the outside netting.  Montreal can’t get much of anything going early on.

10′ Quality chance for the Impact goes wasting. Roberto Brown lays off a nice header for David Testo who had plenty of time to strike on goal but hit his shot well over Stefan Frei’s net.

12′ Corner kick for TFC. The Reds go short, Guevara sends it into Vitti who flicks the ball onto De Rosario, but nothing is made of the opportunity.

13′ Some hard work from Pablo Vitti leads up to a TFC free kick.  Vitti was taken down on the left-side, just outside of the Montreal box.  Guevara swings in the free kick but hits it hard and curls out for a Montreal goal kick.

16′ Toronto FC are forced to make their first change early in the game.  Marvell Wynne exits for Chad Barrett.  We suspect Wynne has come down with an injury.  Barrett’s first touch leads to an opportunity for Pablo Vitti who strikes on goal, but it’s well handled by Jordan.

20′ Some tremendous work from Pablo Vitti who is showcasing his talent tonight.  Vitti gets taken down about 30 yards from goal.  Guevara’s free kick finds the head of De Rosario, but it’s up and out for a goal kick.

21′ TFC hit the post!  Sam Cronin gets the ball and avoids a few defenders, chipping the ball over Matt Jordan but it comes in contact with the woodwork.  Lovely play from Cronin who’s unlikely to open the scoring tonight.

22′ Yellow card for Montreal midfielder David Testo.  He took down Amado Guevara at about midfield.  Good call by the ref.

27′ Another post hit by TFC!  De Rosario has tons of space to rocket a shot that hits the outside of the right goalpost.  Toronto FC come close once again.

29′ On the counter-attack, Montreal appear to have scored the first goal tonight when Rocco Placentino rockets his shot past Stefan Frei, however, the linesman has his flag up for offside.  Placentino took his pass in an offside position and we’re still scoreless.

33′ Some nice work from Guevara, Cronin and De Rosario lead to another chance for TFC.  Cronin almost eluded three defenders but was unable to strike on target.  The loose ball lands on the foot of De Rosario who sails his shot high and out of play.

35′ Toronto FC 1-0 Montreal.  Jim Brennan sends in a ball from the left which goes to Chad Barrett, who with the slightest of touches, lifts the ball, turns and volley’s it past Matt Jordan from 25 yards out.  TFC fans are singing as their side have a much deserved lead.

42′ TFC keep pressing after taking the lead.  Some good work from De Rosario opens up space for Guevara who tries curling his shot around Jordan, but can’t do it.  It’s been a dominant first half by the home side.

44′ Chad Barrett goes in on the right and gets clearly fouled while striking on target in the box.  Instead, the referee signals a free-kick for TFC, saying that Barrett had his jersey tugged outside the box.  After some pushing and shoving in the Montreal wall, Jim Brennan’s left-footed strike hits the wall and falls into Jordan’s hands.

Halftime! First half was dominated by TFC, who out-shot Montreal 10-1.  Shots on goal favour TFC 5-0.  Stefan Frei hasn’t had much to do tonight.

Just got an update from Toronto FC Director of Medial Relations Michelle Lissel that Marvell Wynne left the game with a hamstring injury.  Chris Cummins subbed him out for precautionary reasons. We’ll get more on the injury after the game when speaking with Cummins.

Second Half is underway!  No changes to either side.

47′ TFC start where they left off as a low right-footed shot from Pablo Vitti skims wide left of Matt Jordan’s net.

49′ A hard strike on the right side by Barrett is punched away by Jordan.   De Rosario then shows of some skills getting around a few Impact members at the south-east corner flag.  So cheeky.

51′ Barrett’s cross from the right is headed away for a  TFC corner.  Guevara sends it in and finds Marco Velez at the back post who heada the ball off the post, off Jordan’s back and out of touch.  Should have been a corner kick but the ref points for a goal kick.

57′ Some real nice ball movement from Toronto FC, who stay patient, look for the open space and then attack.  Montreal need to close down much better on the ball for a chance to break on the counterattack.

63′ Montreal substitution.  Eddy Sebrango comes in for Kevin Sakuda.

64′ Placentino sends Testo clear on the left side, but his cross in finds nobody for a TFC goal kick.  There’s been a lot of that tonight from the visitors.

66′ Montreal record their first shot on goal over an hour into the match.  Frei does well to save Gjersten’s shot from 30 yards out.

69′ Yellow card for Jim Brennan.  There was some more pushing and shoving inside TFC’s box before a Montreal corner kick was taken.  The Impact come close to tying things up but Guevara clears from the line!

70′ Red card for David Testo who picks up his second yellow for a fierce tackle on Sam Cronin.  The medical staff takes a quick look at Cronin who appears to be fine.  Montreal will now look to tie this game up, down a man.

73′ Montreal substitution.  Felix Brilliant replaces Joey Gjersten.

74′ Toronto FC substitution.  Kevin Harmse replaces De Rosario.  Adam Braz is called for a handball 30 yards outside the Montreal box.  Guevara swings in the freekick but it goes right into Jordan’s hands.

75′ Montreal substitution.  Simon Gatti replaces Roberto Brown.  That’s Montreal’s final sub.

77′ A Montreal turnover leads to a TFC 2-on-1.  Barrett takes the ball into the box, laying off for Amado Guevara who’s shot is saved well by Jordan.

79′ Chad Barrett comes close to notching his second goal of the game, but his low shot from the left slides past the right post.

83′ Barrett beats the onside trap, goes in alone on Matt Jordan but tries to deke him out instead of fire on target.  Jordan sticks out his right hand and makes the save.  What a chance wasted away by Barrett.

88′ Toronto FC make their final substitution.  Fuad Ibrahim replaces Amado Guevara.

89′ Montreal are pressing a bit here in the final stages, looking for the equalizer.    TFC don’t appear ready to give up this lead.

90′ 3 minutes of extra time, indicated by the fourth official.  Barrett has yet another chance to bury this game, but his shot deflects out for a TFC corner.

Fulltime!  The referee blows his whistle, indicating an end to tonight’s festivities.  Toronto FC beat Montreal 1-0 and improve to 2-0 during this year’s Nutrilite Canadian Championship.  TFC are now unbeaten in six games heading into Saturday’s clash with the Chicago Fire at BMO Field.

– Alex Seixeiro

The soccer gods are not quite angry with TFC bu they do hold a bit of a grudge at times it seems.   For the second time in this season TFC has to move on from a tough pill to swallow on the road.  The easing of the pain is the fact Toronto did earn another point on the road.  At the end of the season I don’t need to tell you how vital those points will be.

Another handball off Marvell Wynne in extra time, drew a penalty kick and Moreno made no mistake, roofing a shot over Stefan Frei, who guessed the right side, but could not get up enough.  The penalty goal tied the game at three, and as was the case in Dallas this season, moments later the referee blew his whistle.

Coach Cummins wont say it, maybe cant say it for many reasons. But I will.  Yes it was a handball.  Players all say it bounced and hit Marvells hand in the box.  But again, as was the case in Dallas, at the referees discretion, he chose to make a game changing decision in the last moment of the match.   To a certain extent a handball is a discretion call.  Was it intentional?  The answer in both cases is clearly no.  A crowd of players in the box, a ball off hand off of a bounce?  Intentional?  Come on now.

I would never want a referees job, NEVER!!!!  But that said, it takes some stones to make a call like that.  Or does it?  Both calls were for the home team in extra time as they were trailing by a goal. Hmmmmmmm.

Coach Cummins says these things have a way of evening themselves out over the season.  Fair enough and maybe true but I am as of now keeping count as to how many games TFC trail by one at home, and in extra time are awarded a penalty shot and a chance to salvage a point.

Toronto did not play well in the opening 45.  I like Chad Barretts in your face, screw you mentality on the pitch when it comes to getting to the ball and finding open spaces.  That said, it was not working Saturday and coach Cummins put Pablo Vitti in for the second half.  What a difference!  Vitti on the ball always draws at least two defenders.  He practically walks into two coverage.  We all know what that should mean-for the likes of Marvell Wynne of Danny Dichio or Dwayne De Rosario off ball.  Space to make a run!

De Rosarios goals were masterful.  One Washington player complained in the Washington Post they gave up that goal because the fans were still too loud over their goal that-tied it at two just seconds earlier.  lol  Yes sir, I saw the fans on the field, and they let Dwayne through the midfield and also let him take a shot, unabated from 23 yards out. 

It is my first season with this TFC club but I do like the never out of it mentality I am seeing.  You can have all the great players on any team, but if the players do not believe they can win each night, even if they fall behind early, you are done.  That is not TFC.  They are finding a way back, and that is a great sign.

The score sheet reads Toronto FC 1-0 Vancouver Whitecaps, but really, it should have been more of a blowout in TFC’s favour.

Head Coach Chris Cummins will take the three points anyway he can get them. But on a night like tonight where chances were wasted away, there has to be some worry that when TFC take there act on the road, missed opportunities will lead to draws and losses, rather then victories.

It took a matter of three minutes for Toronto FC to grab the lead in their Nutrilite Canadian Championship opener. Amado Guevara’s ball to the left found a streaking Dwyane De Rosario, who then proceeded to cross the ball in with his left foot, where Kevin Harmse was wide open at the back post to head home his first goal of 2009 and the eventual game winner. It was a lovely set-up by Guevara who was involved all night, doing what he does best in turning with the ball and opening up space. Take this for whatever it’s worth, but Toronto FC’s last three goals scored have come from work starting on the left-wing.

Vancouver never looked threatening, with TFC maintaining a good chunk of possession, at times looking like they’d break through and score that second goal, but it wasn’t to be. Chad Barrett had one of those disappointing games where two clear breakaway’s turned into soft rollers that ended up in the keeper’s hands. He simply has to start finishing or else Chad is in danger of losing his spot in the starting XI. Barrett is a workhorse and he runs tirelessly after the ball, but Dwayne De Rosario can also do that and if I’m putting together a 4-3-3 with this roster, then De Rosario, Dichio and Vitti are my three guys up front at this moment.

For the second straight game, keeper Stefan Frei needed to come up big. Vancouver’s best chance came minutes before extra time in the second half, when Marlon James went in one-on-one on the right with Frei and was looking to go far-post. But Frei correctly challenged James and had to stick out his right arm to make a tough game-saving stop. The youngster impressed again and should be talked about among the top keepers in Major League Soccer.

Harmse did well in his defensive midfield role alongside Carl Robinson, while Nana Attakora had some shaky moments at the center of defense, but played a part in preserving the clean sheet. TFC grab a home win in the Canadian Championship, something they didn’t do last year. The tournament continues next Wednesday when the Montreal Impact visit BMO Field.

Toronto FC’s MLS schedule resumes with an away date at D.C United this Saturday at 7:30pm. Dan Dunleavy will have the play-by-play on The FAN 590. Both teams go into this match riding 4-game unbeaten streaks, after United drew 1-1 with Kansas City on Wednesday night.

Director of Soccer Mo Johnston takes a lot of heat from both the media and fans of TFC, but I’ll say this, 8 games into the season and Mo’s recent draft selections have shown to be an integral part of the teams early success.

Goalkeeper Stefan Frei has played 585 between the 2 posts for TFC and still hasn’t allowed a bad goal all season. His calmness in the air and ability to challenge free kicks and corner kicks is refreshing to see. Not only does Stefan have great hands, but he controls his back four in a productive way that keeps everybody in front of him organized.  He’s also a very good shot blocker.

Toronto FC once again needed Stefan to come up huge, with the latest example this past weekend in a 1-1 home draw with Columbus. The Crew out shot Toronto 17-4 and had 8 of those chances on goal, Toronto put just 2 shots on target. Frei was instrumental in preserving the draw when he stopped Pat Noonan on a clear breakaway late in the 2nd half, one of his many tough saves on the afternoon. Adrian Serioux’s bad touch led to Noonan heading in 1-on-1 with Frei, but the young keeper managed to come out enough to cut down the angle and make the leg save. At the pace he’s on, I wonder how long it will take before league’s overseas start picking up on Frei?

Then there’s Sam Cronin. The Wake Forrest product has played in a few different roles for TFC and has recently flourished playing alongside Carl Robinson as the two defensive midfielders of the team. Sam brings a calmness when he’s dribbling and can also charge up the field when he wants to. There have been a number of times this season where Sam has changed things up by sending a long diagonal ball to the other side of the pitch, handing TFC more scoring opportunities.

Just like Frei, Cronin was key to Toronto FC earning the single point over the weekend. Jim Brennan laid out a nice ball down the left-hand side to Cronin, who smartly let the ball skim past the defender, onto his boot. Cronin then lobbed in a wonderful chip with his left foot that found the head of Chad Barrett, as the last two goals scored by TFC have been worked on the left side. Cronin’s ability to elude the defender and then precisely chip the ball to Barrett shows why Mo drafted Cronin 2nd overall at the 2009 MLS Draft. I have no idea what to expect of Mo’s other first round draft selection, O’Brien White, who’s still recouping from a leg injury. He’s been hyped by many including those within the TFC organization.  But at least with Frei and Cronin, we now know why Mo didn’t trade his draft picks.

Although Toronto FC were outplayed by Columbus in the first half and for the first 10 minutes or so in the second half, the fact that they were still able to get something out of the game shows me this is a difficult group to defeat. Once Columbus scored the opener, Toronto FC immediately woke up with Head Coach Chris Cummins switching to a 4-4-2. The move ultimately paid off with Barrett scoring his second goal of the season.

Dwayne De Rosario replaced Danny Dichio at the half and looked fine. It was Dwayne’s first game since tearing his hamstring April 18th in Dallas, and by the looks of it, Dwayne’s lateral movement was in good standard. After hurting his leg in practice last week, Cummins said Dichio’s leg was a bit tight heading into the game and that it was more a precautionary reason to start De Rosario in the second half.

Next up for TFC is the start of the Nutralite Canadian Championship against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Kickoff is set for 8:00pm this Wednesday at BMO Field. Next league game goes away from home this Saturday night at 7:30pm against D.C United. Dan Dunleavy will have the full play-by-play on The FAN 590.

– Alex Seixeiro

By: David Alter

Dwayne De Rosario will make his return to the pitch after missing two games with a hamstring injury when Toronto FC host the Columbus Crew on Saturday afternoon.

De-Ro missed the final training session due to bereavement, but Chris Cummins says #14 is itching to get back on the field.

“He’s eager to go, he wants me to call later to tell him how the lads trained” said Cummins.”  “He’s fine and he’ll be involved at some stage tomorrow.  Whether he starts or not, you’ll just have to wait until kickoff.”

Yesterday De Rosario ruled himself out of playing the full 90 minutes, so expect him to come off the bench.

Danny Dichio was back on the pitch, one day before TFC get set to take on the Columbus Crew.

Dichio was hurt during Thursday’s training session which turned out to just a bruising of his Achilles Tendon, but with no question to his health going into Saturday, Dichio hopes he and the team get their first win over the Crew in franchise history.

“I see it as another bogey team for us that we haven’t beaten yet” says Dichio.  “Hopefully there a good chance to get that first win for us against Columbus.”

Dichio has been the target of the team’s successful three-striker formation, and the Reds hope to use it to their advantage against a team still looking for it’s first win of the year.