Tuesday Training
Toronto FC players will be back at Rogers Centre on Tuesday morning for their second training session at home ahead of Wednesday’s CONCACAF Champions League first leg quarterfinal match against LA Galaxy. Unlike Monday, this session will be open to the media.
Head coach Aron Winter and the players returned to BMO Field for interviews on Monday. Winter said “we are ready” when asked about his side’s preseason preparation.
Players on hand were forward Danny Koevermans, who instructed youngsters to “enjoy” Wednesday’s game; midfielder Luis Silva admitted to being a Galaxy supporter as a kid but “not anymore” and fullback Ashtone Morgan said as a Torontonian, he was proud to be a part of “making history.”
Toronto FC TV will have more from the Reds on Tuesday evening on the eve of the first leg encounter between the Canadian champion, Toronto and MLS league and Cup winner Los Angeles.
Supporter Songs & Chants
With an expected crowd the size of two BMO Fields, a letter has been posted to Toronto FC fans, presumably from one (or all) of the supporters’ groups, encouraging them to learn songs and chants that may be foreign to many attending Wednesday night at the Rogers Centre.
Those interested should be forewarned that not all of the language is family friendly, but can be effective in getting behind the Reds on Wednesday. The document, with linked YouTube aid, is available here.
Back In Orlando
MLSsoccer.com's Scott Riddell caught up with TFC in Orlando last week as part of his road trip. There he found Eric Avila, Oscar Cordon & Keith Makubuya showing off a few tricks in the game room at the team hotel. Check out the footage below and toggle the controls for a 360 view.
Galaxy’s Galacticos
LA touched down in Toronto on Monday with their superstars ready to add to their recent haul of impressive silverware in the last two seasons (two consecutive league titles and 2011 MLS Cup).
“The Champions League is important and we want to give ourselves a real chance,” team captain Landon Donovan told MLSsoccer.com. The U.S. international returned to training after a bout with bronchitis, saying “this week has been about trying to get fitness back and getting myself sharp again.”
Back in LA before departing for Toronto, midfielder David Beckham said “after winning the (MLS) championship – which is our main objective every season – you look to win other competitions and being involved in Champions League is a big thing for our club.”
LA’s third Designated Player, Robbie Keane, dismissed rumours of a return to England permanently with Aston Villa answering, “I don’t know where that came from, to be honest.”
