An update on Charlie Adam’s injury, recap of Tuesday’s CL matches, Vieira taking another jab at United, and much more lead today’s top stories. Links for all stories below will open in a new window.

Liverpool’s Charlie Adam Could Be Out For the Rest Of The Season With a Knee Injury (LiverpoolFC.tv)

A Recap Of Tuesday’s Champions League Matches (Real & Chelsea Win) (ESPNSoccernet.com)

Man City executive Patrick Vieira Says Man Utd Gets Preferential Treatment From Referees (Guardian.co.uk)

A Preview of Toronto FC Facing Santos Laguna In The CONCACAF Champions League (MLSSoccer.com)

Steve McClaren Says He Is Not Interested In Becoming English FA’s Technical Director (SkySports.com)

The Latest Update On CONCACAF Olympics Qualifying Which Will Play Semifinals This Upcoming Weekend (ESPN.com)

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Major League Soccer side Toronto FC have a 2-1 lead heading into the second leg of the preliminary round against Real Esteli. The match will take place at the Estadio Independencia in Esteli, Nicaragua on Tuesday, August 2, 2011. Kickoff is scheduled for 22:00 EST (USA Eastern), 19:00 PST (USA Pacific), and 20:00 local time in Esteli.

Real Esteli v Toronto FC TV Listings

It will be televised on Fox Soccer Channel (USA) and on Rogers Sportsnet One (Canada).

Real Esteli v Toronto FC Preview

Toronto player Ryan Johnson

“I know exactly what to expect.”

“It’s going to be a hostile atmosphere. The field is going to be terrible. The heat, the humidity is going to be tough.”

“We would rather be going into that game in a 2-0, 3-0 type of situation, but we’re not.”

“It’s 2-1. We’ve got to make sure we don’t get scored on, that’s the No. 1 thing defensively. We’re a better team. We should take that kind of confidence and say, ‘Hey, we’re just going to be able to beat them and not worry about the results and the atmosphere and those things.’”

“Their ‘keeper made some good saves just off my headers themselves.”

“Hats off to him. Those are chances that we should be creating — and we are. And it’s great and sometimes those chances are going to fall.”

“If we don’t get the job done, I’ll be beyond disappointed.”

“I’ll be pretty angry. We definitely need to rally together, make sure we’re as tough as possible to beat them and take care of business.”

Toronto player Terry Dunfield

“These away trips are important.”

“We’re away now for a week and we go into Nicaragua under difficult circumstances so that will build relationships on and off the field, and we can see what players’ strengths are and their weaknesses.”

“To me, the biggest thing for developing that bond is results.”

“Nothing brings a team together better than positive results and seeing the system work. The only players that can do that are us.”

“I remember at the beginning of the season in Vancouver, [the Champions League] is something we set out to progress in and do well in.”

“It’s exciting times going into these unknown places and playing in some very difficult environments. Hopefully this will put me in good stead as well for international [competition] for Canada, going into these counties.”

Real Esteli v Toronto FC Prediction

1-1 Draw

Real Esteli v Toronto FC Betting Odds

Valerenga win – 13/10

Draw – 9/4

Liverpool win – 8/5

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It’s not an April fools joke as Toronto FC’s Dwayne De Rosario has joined the New York Red Bulls in trade between both clubs on Friday. In return for sending De Ro to New York, TFC will get Tony Tchani, Danleigh Borman, and a pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.

The move helps to bolster an already stacked Red Bull team that has Thierry Henry, Rafa Marquez, Juan Agudelo, Luke Rodgers, Joel Lindpere, and Luke Rodgers. Below is an excerpt from the press release along with a quote from NY GM Erik Soler.

(press release from NY Red Bulls)

HARRISON, NJ– Red Bull New York announced today that it has acquired five-time MLS Best XI midfielder and four-time MLS Cup winner Dwayne De Rosario from Toronto FC. In exchange, Toronto FC received midfielder Tony Tchani, midfielder/defender Danleigh Borman and their natural first round 2012 MLS SuperDraft selection.

“Dwayne has been one of the league’s best players over the past several years and we are thrilled that he is a Red Bull,” said Red Bull New York General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. “He is one of the most dangerous players MLS has seen in the attacking third and he is a true leader both on and off the field. We had to trade Tony and Danleigh – two very talented, young players who both need more playing time with a first team in MLS to develop their potential. At the end, we think this is a massive step in our quest towards the MLS Cup title.”

De Rosario, who has one goal and one assist in two games this year, has enjoyed a successful career on the club and international level. Last season in his second year with Toronto FC, the Scarborough, Ontario native recorded a career-high in goals scored with 15 to go along with three assists in 27 games played, being named to the MLS Best XI and MLS All-Star Team for the fifth time. Over his time in Toronto, the 32-year-old amassed 27 goals and 10 assists over 57 appearances.

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Bolton Wanderers played their only MLS side of their USA pre-season tour with a trip to BMO Field to face Toronto FC. The match was also the return of American Stuart Holden, who left MLS last year to join Bolton in the winter transfer window.

Toronto FC 1-1 (3-4 on penalties) Bolton Wanderers Video Highlights

The match highlights can be found here at Free Soccer Highlights.

Toronto FC 1-1 (3-4 on penalties) Bolton Wanderers Recap

It was a match that would end at 1-1 after 90 minutes and would be decided by penalty kicks.

The match was the Carlsberg Cup so that’s why it was necessary for a winner to be determined. Both sides made a lot of substitutions and it was fairly even with both sides getting chances throughout the match. Bolton would take the lead in the 28th minute but TFC would tie in the 46th minute.

The match would remain tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes and be determined by penalties. In penalties, Bolton would come out on top 4-3 and win the Carlsberg Cup.

Toronto FC 1-1 (3-4 on penalties) Bolton Wanderers Match Stats

Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Ricketts (Steinsson 46), Cahill, Knight (Andy O’Brien 60), Robinson (Samuel 46), Petrov (Blake 76), Joey O’Brien (Davis 46), Muamba (Gardner 60, Ward 90)), Mark Davies (Cohen 60), Taylor (Holden 60), Kevin Davies (Elmander 60) (Subs not used: Bogdan, Lainton, Riga, Basham)

Toronto: First half: Conway, Usanov, Hscanovics, Henry, Medic, Ibrahim , Vukovic, Joseph, Peterson, Mista, Santos

Second half: Kocic Adjelkovic, Lindsay, White, Medic (Cordan 75), Henry (Stinson 77), Ent, Nane, Gala, Hscanovics,

TFC Bolton

Shots 8               8

Shots On Goal 4                5

Saves 4                3

Fouls 15             8

Offsides 2                3

Corner Kicks 3                2

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It will not be televised in the United States or United Kingdom but will be available online at the link on the bottom of this post.

Toronto FC v Bolton Wanderers Preview

Bolton Wanderers are looking to build on a disappointing season in 2009-10 where they were in a relegation battle. Manager Owen Coyle will lead the club at the start of the season after joining during last season. Expectations are not too high for Bolton and anything in the top half will be a success while survival could once again be a battle.

Toronto FC have one of the best home crowds in all of MLS and have played very well at BMO Field. They have recently signed some players in the transfer window including “Mista” (who played in La Liga) who could play in this match. Their key player is Dwayne De Rosario who has consistently been one of the best players in the league and a regular for the Canadian National Team.

American Stuart Holden will be joining Bolton after his break during the World Cup. Holden was in MLS until joining Bolton in the winter transfer window and was a teammate of De Rosario at the Houston Dynamo. Bolton have played weaker sides so far in their pre-season but will face a tough test against Toronto. While the atmosphere won’t be the same as an EPL match, the Toronto fans will definitely be a factor and make it tough.

MLS sides have done well in friendles during this summer and Toronto should come on top in this one. Their home form has been very good and Mista should provide some support for De Rosario as a striker who can finish chances in the final third.

Betting Odds

Toronto FC win – 9/5

Draw – 12/5

Bolton Wanderers win – 11/10

Toronto FC v Bolton Wanderers Prediction

Toronto FC will in the match 2-1.

Watch Toronto FC v Bolton Wanderers Live Online

The match can be seen at Free Live Sports TV.

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The summer transfer window is starting to heat up across the globe as MLS teams are starting to make moves. Toronto FC has signed former La Liga player Angel Ferrer Martinez who is also known as “Mista” for the rest of the 2010 Major League Soccer Season. He will be signed as a designated player and will have $167,500 of his salary count towards the $2.55 million salary cap.

It’s hard to tell if he will be a success as there’s been mixed results with designated players. Below are quotes from Toronto FC on the move. He will be available after July 15 when the MLS transfer window technically opens.

TFC signs Mista as a second designated player

“Mista adds a wealth of experience to our team,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “He’s played at Real Madrid, Valencia CF, and Deportivo La Coruna which are all world class clubs. Mista is a different type of player from what we have and we are excited to get him in the lineup after July 15.”

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Toronto FC looked to continue their unbeaten streak at BMO Field during the 2010 MLS season alive as they hosted the Houston Dynamo. The Dynamo have struggled to start the season and largely because of several injuries to key players. TFC has yet to make the playoffs since joining the league in 2007 but are on pace to change that this season. It was also Canada Day in Toronto.

Toronto FC 1-1 Houston Dynamo Video Highlights

The match highlights can be found here at Free Soccer Highlights.

Toronto FC 1-1 Houston Dynamo Recap

It was a match that started off quiet but would get physical and open up in the second half.

Neither team had too many chances in the first half as the match lacked a spark. In the second half things would pick up as there were several yellow cards and a few red cards. The turning point came in the 62nd minute when Julian De Guzman and Joseph Ngwenya were each given red cards. After a stoppage of play, both players were pushing and shoving. It was completely unnecessary and both were sent off.

With the match now 10 v 10 both teams had several chances. The Dynamo would strike first with a Brian Ching header in the 73rd minute but wouldn’t be able to hold onto that 1-0 lead. TFC would level the match with a Dan Gargan header in the 83rd minute to make it 1-1.

Neither team would score in the final minutes and TFC remains unbeaten at home in the 2010 MLS season.

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It’s a midweek match in Major League Soccer as Toronto FC looks to remain unbeaten at home as they host the Houston Dynamo. The match will take place at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario (Canada) on Thursday, July 1, 2010. Kickoff is scheduled for 19:00 EST (local time in Toronto) and 20:00 local time in Houston.

It will be televised on ESPN 2 & ESPN Deportes in the United States and on Rogers Sportsnet in Canada. You can also find the match at the link on the bottom of this post.

Toronto FC v Houston Dynamo Preview

TFC are unbeaten at home (4-2-0) and can move within three points of 2nd place NY Red Bulls with a win on Thursday. Overall, they have not lost since May 1st and not conceded a goal in their last two matches. Defensively, the Toronto is much improved and first year manager Preki is starting to make his mark on the club. Their is a lot of optimism that this is the year that Toronto will make the playoffs.

The Houston Dynamo are one of the most consistent teams in MLS but have struggled this season. They are 1-1-4 in away matches and have lost their last 3 of 4. The Dynamo are the third highest scoring team in the league but also the third worst defensive side. The main reason for their -1 goal difference is only 6 goals scored in away matches but 12 goals conceded.

Both sides are possible playoff sides in the fall. The main scoring threats will be Dwayne De Rosario for TFC and Brian Ching for the Dynamo. While the MLS is known to be a league in which the teams arey very even, TFC has proven to be a very solid team at home and should get the three points.

Betting Odds

Houston Dynamo win – 9/4

Draw – 9/4

Toronto FC win – even

Toronto FC v Houston Dynamo Prediction

Toronto FC will win the match 2-0.

Watch Toronto FC v Houston Dynamo Online

The match can be seen at Free Live Sports TV.

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Los Angeles Galaxy 0-0 Toronto FC – Video Highlights

The Galaxy would get several chances but unable to convert any as the match ended in a scoreless draw.

Toronto FC would get only one shot on goal and rarely threatened to score. LA would start out slow but have several opportunities in the second half. This included a shot from Buddle that hit off the post and a chance from Mike Magee late in the match.

The draw puts the Galaxy at 23 points with a 10 point lead over 2nd place Real Salt Lake. Toronto FC is now in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference with 10 points

Scoring Summary:

None.

Discipline:

LA — Omar Gonzalez (caution; Reckless Tackle) 50
TOR — Maksim Usanov (caution; Reckless Foul) 61
TOR — Maksim Usanov (caution; Tactical Foul) 94+
TOR — Maksim Usanov (ejection; Second Caution) 94+

Lineups:

Toronto FC — Stefan Frei, Maksim Usanov, Nana Attakora, Nick Garcia, Adrian Cann, Sam Cronin, Amadou Sanyang, Martin Saric, Nick LaBrocca (Jacob Peterson 63), Chad Barrett (Joseph Nane 78), Dwayne De Rosario (Gabe Gala 70).

Los Angeles Galaxy – Josh Saunders, Bryan Jordan (Chris Klein 69), Omar Gonzalez, Gregg Berhalter, Todd Dunivant, Michael Stephens, Christopher Birchall, Juninho (Mike Magee 73), Jovan Kirovski (Clint Mathis 77), Edson Buddle, Landon Donovan.

Referee: Jair Marrufo
Referee’s Assistants: Darren Clark; Ian Anderson
4th Official: Kevin Stott
Attendance: 20,007
Time of Game: 1:53
Weather: Cloudy and 58 degrees

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Toronto FC 4-1 Chicago Fire – Video Highlights

TFC moved to 3-0-0 at home with an emphatic 4-1 win over the Fire on Saturday afternoon.

The home side never trailed and took the lead in the 24th minute with an Nick LaBrocca goal. The lead would be doubled right after the break as O’Brian White scored in the 46th minute. The Fire would cut the lead in half just about five minutes later as Logan Pause scored in the 50th minute.

With the score tied at 2-1, TFC’s Chad Barrett would score two goals in less than five minutes to clinch the three points. They were scored in the 66th minute and 69th minute.

The win puts TFC into second place in the east, at least for now, as the Columbus Crew play later tonight and can move above them with a win.

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