Just about to call Canada vs. Czech Republic here in Buffalo at the World Junior Hockey Championships, but have to take a moment to respond to news of Dwayne DeRosario’s reported “try out” with Celtic.

I have not spoken with DeRosario and must start with that.  From what I do know, Toronto FC was not notified of their captain’s reported actions of being in Scotland, looking to land a spot with Celtic.  I have no reason to not trust whom I have spoken to on the club side of the issue.  So trusting the source, and knowing only what I know, I must say, “say it ain’t so DeRo!”

For the captain of a major league team to not speak with his team befire flying overseas for a tryout with another team is unthinkable on so many levels.  Respect.  I know DeRosario feels he has not been respected in a business manner of speaking by Toronto FC recently.  Not being paid designated player money has been a real thorn in this mans side.  The signed cheque antics after a goal scored at BMO field this past season an obvious indication.  But no matter was has happened in the past, there is always a way to come out the “bigger person”, the “better man”.  If the majority see your side of the story as being understandable, they will not judge you for your actions going forward in a business manner.  What I fear Dwayne does not realize, is by snubbing his nose at “the club” you are doing the same to its fans.  Yes there will be a group of people who side with DeRo if he is giving TFC the middle finger again.  But in the bigger picture, there are fans who do not spend every waking moment glued to the web, watching every step the club makes, people that go on with thier everyday lives and still call Toronto Fc “their club”.  Out of respect to those ticket buying fans, DeRosario owes it to Toronto Fc to handle this as a “better man” would. 

Toronto FC have been handed quite the task for their season opener in 2011.  In a year it would seem the team must make the playoffs to keep season ticket holders interest, Toronto FC is charged with winning it’s opener against a team that has nothing to lose and everything to gain.  The Vancouver Whitecaps will host Toronto FC March 19th.   It will mark Vancouver’s first foray into MLS as a league member.  (the teams have met in Canadian Champions League play the past two years). 

Should Vancouver find a way to beat a team that has not been very good at winning on the road over it’s history, you can bet the trash talking between west coast supporters will loud and proud with the intent to rub it in on their eastern foes.  If Toronto Fc wins the opener, well it will be said by whomever coaches the team, as well as media, “Toronto FC should have won this game and had more to lose than a first year Whitecaps team”.

Bottom line here, to convince fans Toronto FC is headed in the right direction, its almost a must win opener don’t you think?    I can guarantee one thing for sure, the atmosphere at Empire Field will be something else on opening day.  Stay tuned to the FAN590 for complete Toronto FC coverage home and away!