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In the latest soccer news: Soccer Addict News presents another Eastern Conference Preview - Toronto FC: Great offseason moves; but has their defense improved?  Toronto FC mesmorized many in MLS circles with their wheeling and dealing this off-season. Adding two Canadian internationals in Dwayne DeRosario and Adrian Serioux just scratched the surface of player acquisitions. Coach Caver and Mo Johnston worked the draft to perfection obtaining midfielder Sam Cronin, Stephen Frei, and O'Brian White. In addition, they acquired Argentine Forward Pablo Vitti and two U-20 Gambian defenders; Emmanuel Gomez and Amadou Sanyang. Has TFC improved defensively? Will DeRo and Guevarra mesh well together in the midfield?  Soccer Addict News answers and discusses all these questions and topics in this segment of Eastern Conference Preview - Toronto FC: What a great offseason but has their defense improved?

 

Toronto FC: finished last season in 7^th place in the Eastern Conference with 35 points, 43 goals allowed, and a -9 goal differential. Their glairing weakness manifested itself throughout the second half of the season: lapses of concentration resulted in late-game goals. With their strong supporters and home field advantage playing on the magic carpet, called field turf in the States, TFC has drastically improved their team this season. The question mark remains the defense. Will the upgrades provide the stability to get results in close games?

 
Toronto FC may be the LA Galaxy of 2009: scoring goals in bunches but conceding as many or more. Toronto FC’s offense could inspire fear in most MLS defenses. And TFC has upgraded on defense with the additions of Adrian Serioux and Gambian Defenders Emmanuel Gomez and Amadou Sanyang.
 
Offensively, TFC boasts new additions De Rosario, Pablo Vitti, Sam Cronin and O’Brien White. The TFC midfield abounds with talent, including Ricketts, Robinson, Guevara, and Smith. Playing time up top and in the midfield will not be at premium. If Toronto can blend Guevara and D-Ro in the midfield and secure the backline, TFC should make a strong run at the playoffs, score more goals than last year, and make it even more difficult for opponents visiting BMO Field.

 

Departures: Tim Regan (Retired), Julius James (trade with Houston Dynamo)
Jarrod Smith (Seattle Sounders FC - Expansion),Carlos Ruiz (waived), Joey Melo (waived), Todd Dunivant (trade with LA Galaxy)

Arrivals: Dwayne De Rosario, Sam Cronin (SuperDraft)
Stefan Frei (SuperDraft), Adrian Serious (FC Dallas), Pablo Vitti, Emmanuel Gomez and Amadou Sanyang

Unsigned Draft Picks:Kyle Hall and O’Brian White.

 

The Positives:TFC now possesses offensive depth. Their starting midfield is blessed with creativity and flair. Their forward depth has improved and includes Chad Barrett and Pablo Vitti. The offense should score goals in bunches just with the addition of De Ro. Marvelle Wynne, their star right back, will most likely play his last season in MLS, but proved his worth at the end of the year with his lock-down flank defense and blistering pace.

 

The Negatives: Defense, Defense and more defense. Will 2009 provide answers or raise more questions? If Coach Carter solidifies the back line, TFC will rise like a meteor in MLS status because goals will fall from the sky like snow in Canada. If the young defensive prospects earn playing time and develop, TFC’s nucleus will inspire fear for years to come. However, the maturation process takes time and this year might not be enough in the Competitive Eastern Conference.

 

Break-out Players:Chad Barrett should have an exceptional year. He will benefit from the additions of D-Ro and Vitti. With excellent service from the midfield, both Barret and Vitti could experience break-out seasons.

 

Starting Xl:

-----Barrett-------Vitti---
Ricketts-Robinson-Guevara-DeRo
Brennan-Harmse-Serioux-Wynne
--------------Sutton--------------
 

 

Eastern Conference finish: 5th place

 

 

This soccer video features content that focuses on TFC.

 

  

 

Do you agree with the author? Will TFC qualify for the playoffs? Who will be the break-out player this season? Is the defense strong enough? Who is the most important player going into the season? Who is your favorite player on TFC? Share your thoughts. Let us know.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: Eastern Conference Preview: Toronto FC - Great Off Season Moves but has Their Defense Improved?

 

 

In the latest soccer news: Soccer Addict News presents another Eastern Conference Preview - New England Revolution: Rejuvenation or Rebuilding?  With the Eastern Conference appearing to improve even more than last year, the New England Revolution stand at a crossroad. If Taylor Twellman and Steve Ralston remain injury-free, New England could surprise its biggest critics. However, many feel that injury concerns, Michael Parkhurst's departure, and improved Eastern Conference squads could lead to the Revs demise.  Soccer Addict News answers and discusses all these questions and topics in this segment of Eastern Conference Preview - New England Revolution: Rejuvenation or Rebuilding? 

 

 

The New England Revolution finished 3^rd place in the Eastern Conference with 43 points and 43 goals allowed. Their goal differential was -3 and they struggled to score goals for long stretches. Key injuries to Ralston, Twellman, Dorman, and Albright, forced the Revs to field some younger, inexperienced players such as Tierney, Nyassi, Mansally, Dube, and Igwe. While the Revs won the Superliga in super fashion, the wear-and-tear of injuries and international competitions ultimately derailed the Rev’s success in the playoffs. Avoiding the injury bug will be key to New England’s success this year However, in addition to solid veterans, they have reloaded with a superb draft that emphasized pace.

  

The Positives: The Revs still boast a strong core of Joseph, Ralston, Twellman, Kreis, and Larentowicz. Shalrie Joseph is one of the best players in the MLS, an MVP candidate who can control a game’s tempo. However, when Joseph misses a game to injury or struggles, the Revs falter on both sides of the field. Joseph dominated Superliga, showcasing his composure, creative passing, and fierce tackling. Joseph is they key to success in 2009.

 

The young African trio of Mansally, Dube and Nyassi will flourish with a year under their MLS belts. Their speed, athleticism, and upside poses a threat to every MLS team. However, the Revs goals coring still revolves around Twellman, who is returning from a severe concussion. If concussion symptoms persist, the Revs will be poised for a long and difficult season.

 

Their 2009 draft was excellent as they added Kevin Alston (Indiana) and Ryan Maxwell (Univ. of Tampa). Kevin Alston, a wing back and speedster, possesses the athleticism of Marvelle Wynne with an attacking flair and better touch. That he slipped so far in the draft is a shock.

 

Ryan Maxwell, midfield winger, can be described by three words: pace, speed and more speed. Before the draft, many felt that his touch and soccer instinct were below average. However, in the MLS combine, he exposed several defenders and wing backs, demonstrating composure on the ball, attacking panache, a decent touch, and a competent soccer cerebrum. He does not play much defense, but has drawn comparisons to a Dane Richards, referred to as Richards-lite. Yes, he is that fast.

 

Break-out Players: Rookie Kevin Alston could be a break-out player if he can earn playing time. However, the more likely pick is Sainey Nyassi, whose speed and 1v1 dribbling can expose wingbacks. However, both these players will rely on service from veterans Taylor Twellman and Steve Ralston. The question still remains: will the two veteran play makers be able to produce and stay healthy for their younger teammates?

 

Eastern Conference finish: 4th place

 

 

This soccer video features content that focuses on the NE Revs.

 

 

 Soccernet’s Preview of the Revs

Goal.com discusses Revs' off-season

WV Hooligan previews the Revs

 

 

Do you agree with the author? Will the Revs qualify for the playoffs? Who will be the break-out player this season? Is the defense strong enough? Who is the most important player going into the season? Who is your favorite player on the New England Revs? Share your thoughts. Let us know.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: Eastern Conference Preview - New England Revolution: Rejuvenation or Rebuilding?, soccer video, and the latest soccer news.

 

 

In the latest soccer news: Soccer Addict Newspresents another Eastern Conference Preview - Chicago Fire: Will McBride and Blanco make the difference? The Chicago Fire remain the trendy pick amongst many columnists. Their deep squad utters MLS Cup Champions. Could injuries derail their Cup quest? Are they deep and talented enough to persevere through an injury to Blanco or McBride?  Soccer Addict Newsanswers and discusses all these questions and topics in this segment of Eastern Conference Preview - Chicago Fire: Will the McBride and Blanco make the difference?

 

 

Arrivals: Baggio Husidic and Richard Jata Super Draft. Jokull Elisabetarson and
David Sias signed as undrafted free agents
Departures: Tomas Frankowski, Diego Gutierrez (retired), Andy Herron
Stephen King (Seattle Sounders FC - Expansion Draft), and
Lider Marmol
 

The Positives: the Fire boast one of the deepest squads in Major League Soccer. They possess two marquee players in Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Brian McBride who should flourish in their second year pairing due to each others familiarity with the others play. In addition, young Fire prospects are looking to make their MLS mark such as Patrick Nyarko and Marco Pappa. With arguably the best defensive tandem of Segares, Soumare, Conde, and Prideaux, the Chicago Fire have the make-up for a strong playoff run. They could reach the MLS Cup final.

 

 

Break out players: Patrick Nyarko showed flashes of potential last year but suffered an injury which limited his playing time. As McBride has settled in as the target forward, Nyarko’s speed, athleticism, and 1v1 attacking attributes could compliment well with McBride‘s hold-up play and Blanco‘s precise passing. Marco Pappa possesses the ability to provide the creative element while offering youth and speed at the same time. Last year, subtle hints existed that he was going to improve and could challenge for a starting position.

 

 

In the latest soccer news: Soccer Addict News presents another Eastern Conference Preview - Columbus Crew: Will they repeat in 2009? Although the Columbus Crew lost their inspirational coach, Sigi Schimd, the MLS Champs will defend their title. Although many columnist have predicted that Chicago Fire are the favorites in the East, the Crew will continue their success from last season and win back-to-back titles. Soccer Addict News answers and discusses all these questions and topics in this segment of Eastern Conference Preview - Columbus Crew: Will they repeat in 2009?

 

The Columbus Crew finished last season by lifting the MLS cup trophy. The Crew boasted a 17-7-6 record and also won the supporters shield, earning automatic qualification for the Champions League and Superliga. What is new and what has changed in Columbus? The key departures for the Crew this season were Sigi Schmid, Ezra Hendrickson, and Brad Evans. Chad Marshall, will provide stability at the back, as the reigning defensive player of the year deciding to stay in Columbus. Essentially, the Crew return the same defensive squad from 2008. The defense ranked 3^rd in the league with 36 goals allowed, trailing only Chicago and Houston. William Hesmer improved considerably in goal with his command in goal and acrobatic saves which resulted an excellent 2008 campaign.

 

Break-out performers: Andy Moffet had a great start to 2008 before injuring his knee. In the first six games, Moffet contributed as the Crew jumped ahead in the standings, winning five of their first six games. Look for Moffet to offer stability as Brian Carrol’s partner in central midfield. Emmanuel Ekpo, the Nigerian international, showed glimpses of brilliance utilizing his speed, skill, and 1 v 1 abilities offering positive contributions for the Crew this season. The Crew should have attempted to acquire forward Gregory Richardson, formerly of Joe Public. The Crew were the first team to inquire as to his services, and they need speed at the forward position.

 

With a core of Robbie Rogers, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Chad Marshall, and Alejandro Moreno, the Crew, the second best offensive side last year with 50 goals and the 3^rd best defense, will continue their Eastern Conference success and should finish in first place once again. The 2009 Crew will finish with a 14-8-8 record this season but could struggle a little from receiving every team’s best shot.

 

 

Potential Starting Xl
----Moreno------Schelotto--
Rogers-Moffet-Carrol-Gaven
Padula-Marshal-O’Rourke-Hejduk
----------Hesmer-----
 

 

 

This soccer video features content that focuses on the Crew.

 

 

 

Goal.com discusses Crew's off-season

WV Hooligan previews the Crew

The Offside evaluates the Crew's squad

 

 

Do you agree with the author? Will the Crew qualify for the playoffs? Who will be the break-out player this season? Is the defense strong enough? Who is the most important player going into the season? Who is your favorite player on the Columbus Crew? Share your thoughts. Let us know.

 

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: Eastern Conference Preview - Columbus Crew: Will they repeat in 2009?

 

 

 

In the latest soccer news: Soccer Addict News introduces its' 2009 MLS Power Rankings.  With the 2009 Major League Season about to commence on Thursday with the Sounders vs the Red Bulls, Soccer Addict News ranks the MLS teams and their potential for the season. These rankings do not reflect the MLS Cup winner but previews and lists the teams in strength, potential, and depth. The East is a beast this season as they can possibly duplicate their performance last season qualifying five teams for the playoffs. Soccer Addict News presents the 2009 MLS Power Rankings.

 

1. Columbus Crew: The Columbus Crew possess a dangerous team with Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Robbie Rogers, Alejandro Moreno, and Chad Marshall. Their defense ranks as one of the best, and the offense strikes fear into their opponents.

 

2. Chicago Fire: Boasting players such as Brian McBride, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chris Rolfe and underrated John Thorrington, the Chicago Fire poised to make a run at the MLS Cup. Their starting defense features one of the best in MLS.

 

3. New York Red Bulls: With several key addition from last year and this preseason, the NY Red Bulls will feature the fastest team in MLS. Although they could struggle at the beginning of the season due to lack of familiarity, the Red Bulls will gel well by the end of the season. Coach Osorio better understands his team this year and will play a more defensively organized and aware team. Juan Pablo Angel and Dane Richards will continue to experience tremendous season. Look for Mac Khandji, Jorge Rojas and Dominic Oduro to have break-out season.

 

4. Houston Dynamo: After losing Dwayne De Rosario to Toronto FC, Stuart Holden burdens the responsibility of the play maker role. The Dynamo will struggle in the beginning of the season, but their top-tier defense will keep them in many games. The offense will struggle this season. Look for Coach Kinnear to acquire an explosive player in the second half of the season.

 

5. New England Revolution: It is difficult to bet against a Steve Nicol-coached team that returns the Trio of Twellman, Joseph, and Ralson. Parkhurst's departure and Twellman's concussion issues concerns me, if they are going to make a run at the playoffs. The watered-down squad and the Eastern Conference's strength will test their fortitude this season. Sainey Nyassi demonstrated break-out potential last year and will frustrate left backs all season. The Revs could drop if they experience the same injury bug as last year.

 

6. Chivas USA: Many critics expect the Goats to struggle this season with the departure of Panchito Mendoza, Claudio Suarez and potential move for Sacha Kljestan. What many forget is that Chivas USA were decimated by injuries. Coach Preki featured 30 different starting lineups in 32 games. Most of their marquee players are returning from injury: Galindo, Razov, and Eskandarian , but limiting injuries defies their recent history. Chivas will surprise this season.

 

7. Toronto FC: With the acquisition of Dwayne De Rosario and Pablo Vitti, Toronto FC is poised to experience a great season. Questions remain concerning their defense but have addressed part of the issue with Adrian Serioux. If the defense demonstrates better organization, the improved midfield and forward pairing should produce goals at a much higher rate than last year resulting in more victories. TFC should qualify for the playoffs.

 

8. Real Salt Lake: experienced a tremendous 2008 campaign producing strong performance at the end of the season and during the playoffs. With a little or no player acquisitinons in the preseason, Real Salt Lake might not have the break-out year that everyone anticipates. Beckerman, Morales, Findley, and Movsisyan strive to replicate their chemistry that they had last year. Beckerman and Movsisyan performed well in the preseason and could experience improved seasons. With teams improving in the West and domination in the East, a playoff repeat could be spoiled by lack of player acquisitions.

 

9. FC Dallas: started and finished last season horribly changing coaches midway through the campaign. With David Van Deberg arriving and newly acquired #10, David Ferreira, from Brazilian side Paranese, Hyndman secured the missing components to fit his diamond 4-4-2. Critics still don't believe that the defense has improved with Steve Purdy, Daniel Torres, George John, Aaron Pitchkolan and Drew Moor. Coach Hyndman improved the team with Van Deberg and Ferreira and will focus on securing and organizing the back line. Will Cooper leave for Europe in the summer? 

 

10. Kansas City Wizards: With a little bit of luck and a strong finish, the Wizards qualified for the playoffs and lost to the eventual MLS Cup Champions, Columbus Crew. Their scoring woes could be a problem: KC did not produce a 10 goal scorer. The Wizards remain a mystery: on the one hand, they offer a solid defense, but, on the other hand, the offense is vanilla. The verdict on Claudio Lopez is still out, and unproven Argentine midfielder Santiago Hirsig could suffer from similar symptoms of Gallardo and Lopez. Graham Zusi played well in the preseason, but can the Wizards replicate last year's performance. I believe that they fall short this year.

  

11. Colorado Rapids: showed promise at the end of the season almost qualifying for the playoffs but lost to RSL. Their defense will demonstrate more organization and poise with the return of coach Gary Smith.  Terry Cooke displayed his impeccable crossing tallying 12 assists, third in the MLS. Connor Casey, Omar Cummings, and Richardson form a strong forward group. The Rapids might surprise a few teams and could make a run at the playoffs. I see them falling short though.

 

 

14. DC United: finished 6^thplace in the Eastern Conference, allowed 51 goals, and yielded a -8 goal differential in 2008. With the departure of DP-bust Marcello Gallardo, will Christian Gomez compensate for Gallardo's shortcomings? It has been a year since Gomez  played a continuous season and produced at a high leve. Will age factor in his play? DC United is in rebuilding mode and must focus on their porous defense. Great attacking talent excites crowds but the goals allowed will persist and complicate their playoff hopes.

 

 

15. LA Galaxy: Bruce Arena rebuilds a Galaxy side that allowed the most goals last season. The Galaxy have needs in all areas, specially defense. Dema Kovalenko appears to be a great acquisition providing a gladiator in the midfield. With a centerback group of  unproven rookies and aging veterans, the LA Galaxy struggle again in 2009 with Beckham and Donovan missing playing time due to their busy international schedules. Their games will excite, but ultimately they will miss the playoffs again.

.

 

  

 What do you think of the rankings? Did I go out on a limb this season? IS the East that much better than the West? Will there be another 20 goal scorer again? What will your favorite team do?

 

 Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: Soccer Addict News 2009 MLS Power Rankings and the latest soccer news. 

 

 

 

In the latest soccer news: In the new segment of MLS Junkie, Press Pass previews the 2009 Major League Soccer News discussing the best, worst, and their predictions. Soccer

 

 

Click here for This soccer video features Press Pass' preview of the 2009 MLS Season. 

 

Who are your favorites to win the title? Will any of the top teams step un international competition? Will the Fire and Crew stay at the top? Will continue their dominance in the West?

 

Included are blogs that discuss Latest Soccer News: MLS Junkie: Press Pass previews the 2009 Major League Soccer, soccer video, and the latest soccer news.