March 23, 2007 Toronto FC ready to face Houston Dynamo at Carolina Challenge Cup (from TorontoFC.ca)
03/23/2007 4:05PM
Toronto FC ready to face Dynamo
Carolina Challenge Cup kicks off against reigning MLS champs
TorontoFC.ca
Toronto FC put in one final training session prior to the start of the Carolina Cup Challenge that gets underway on Saturday in beautiful Charleston, S.C. The team was on the grounds of Southern Charleston University at 9:30 a.m. ET Friday morning, going through final preparations for their first taste of MLS competition. So far local college teams in Florida, where the bulk of camp has taken place, and national U-20 and U-17 teams have served as Toronto FC's main competition.
"We've been working hard and now we're going to see how we do when we play Houston," said defender Jim Brennan. "The lads are feeling good and we're excited to see how we match up. Hopefully we'll score some goals and it'll be a good game."
"I'm really excited to get things underway and see how we match up against a top team in MLS," added defender Chris Pozniak.
Houston will be in top form, as they've been competing in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, of which they're into the semifinals. So far, the most TFC has seen of the defending champs was at lunch time Friday as USL First Division hosts Charleston Battery welcomed the teams with a great meal in their pub located right at Blackbaud Stadium.
Comings and goings
The rumour mill surrounding Toronto's Alecko Eskandarian continues on, with more predictions that the forward will be leaving the club. Head Coach Mo Johnston again strongly denounced his departure saying, "Esky is going nowhere. He is very happy in Toronto and wants a new contract."
The only departure to speak of in camp is goalkeeper Jon Busch, who has been waived by the club after a short stay since being picked up on March 5 from Columbus.
Newly-acquired midfielder Richard Mulrooney arrived to Charleston Friday morning and will now get acquainted with his new teammates. Mulrooney jumps right into the thick of things with Saturday's 6 p.m. ET match against Houston.
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