It’s not for me to make any official announcement.  Take it from me, one is coming and it continues to be good news for soccer fans in Toronto.  I have had the honor of being the radio play by play voice for Toronto FC over the last two seasons, and as of March 19 in Vancouver the relationship continues between the club and Sportsnet Radio The FAN590.

I was told on the weekend about the new assignments for Toronto FC pioneer staffers, Jim Brennan, Danny Dichio and Nick Dasovic.  As I was informed of Brennan’s placement to coach the academy’s youth group and Dichio to take over the senior team, both moves made complete sense.

Each of these former players bring cache to coaching youth in Toronto FC’s system.   Both are looked up to, and known by the generation of players on the way into and through the system in Toronto.  A good move by TFC to keep their future players in touch with the clubs still young but no less important roots.

The move that suprised me was the assigning of former interim Head Coach Nick Dasovic to the clubs director of North American scouting.

A source as good as it gets told me Dasovic was leaving Toronto FC a few weeks ago.  I wrote at the time, I felt Toronto FC was taking a step back in helping to develop the game at home by simply shipping Dasovic out of town, instead of giving Nick the chance to work with new Head Coach Aron Winter and his staff under a new system.   This appears to give Nick the chance to still keep a close eye on training tactics and systems under Winter, as well as find players that fit the desired style of play Toronto FC will incorporate this season.

The new style is deliberate and Winter has a clear plan of attack in mind.  What he needs is help finding players that can fit into the MLS salary system.  In other words, a good bargain, or diamond in the rough as far as Winter is concerned.   That will be Dasovic’s task going forward.

Also of note:  MLS has expended the number of teams into the playoffs.  For a complete explaination try this web page.    http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/mls-reveals-expanded-playoffs-structure-2011

Here’s the official release (came just after noon):

SPORTSNET RADIO THE FAN 590 RETURNS AS OFFICIAL RADIO BROADCASTER OF TORONTO FC

Toronto FC announced Thursday that Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 will be returning for its third season as the club’s official radio broadcaster during the 2011 season.

“Our relationship with Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 and our Toronto FC property will help us in bringing to life an exciting new era of Major League Soccer in Toronto,” said Chris Hebb, senior vice-president, broadcast and content, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). “We look forward to their coverage of the season that is only weeks away.”

The team of Dan Dunleavy and former Canadian international defender Bob Iarusci return to provide commentary and analysis this season. Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 will broadcast 18 games live on the radio with the remainder available live online at fan590.com.

“Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 is thrilled to once again be associated with MLSE and Toronto FC. Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 has built a strong relationship with the club over the years and Toronto soccer fans have come to know Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 as their source for not only the play by play of the games but news about the team,” said Don Kollins, Program Director, Sportsnet Radio FAN 590.

Sportsnet Radio FAN 590’s coverage begins on Saturday, March 19 when Toronto FC will open the season in Vancouver against the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps FC, in the first ever MLS league match between Canadian clubs.

By: David Alter.

Dwayne De Rosario was more upbeat regarding his future with Toronto FC compared to the last time we saw him when training camp opened up three weeks ago.

“We’re still progressing” says De Rosario in response to the status of negotiations towards a brand new contract.  “Things are definitely looking brighter so I’m pleased about that.”

Toronto FC’s captain has made it clear that he may not play this year if a new contract with guarantees and improved pay were not included as part of the package.  But at Toronto FC’s last training session in Oakville, De-Ro appears to be more content with the fact that there is serious dialogue with the new managment.

“It’s good that they are interested and there is dialogue and these are positive steps moving forward” says De Rosario.

Head Coach Aron Vinter expects De Rosario to be a key component of the new 4-3-3 formation that will be implemented this season.

“Dwayne is a very good player and I’m glad he’s still with us”  says Winter.  “He’s important, he’s a player we like and he’s very important to our system.”

The season is still over a month away, but this has been by far the most positive De Rosario has been when it comes to talking about his future with Toronto FC.  Several points last season, he showed his discontent for his current contract, so far as to mock the signing of a cheque in a goal celebration for which he later apologized for.

TFC adding three to roster

Impressed with what he saw in Turkey, Winter is set to to fill out his roster with three trialists; Dutch midfeilder Elbekay Bouchiba, as well as Dutch forwards Javier Martina and Nick Soolsma.

“They are all good players, they performed very well in the two weeks we saw them and most importantly, we need specific players who can fit the system.” says Vinter.  TFC’s attack will model a system Vinter is used to as a Dutchman himself.