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MLS Notes: Winter’s bold statement, ‘Caps sign Homegrown forward and more

Winter (Getty Images)

Toronto FC manager Aron Winter believes his club will make the playoffs. Really.

"We’re making the playoffs," he firmly told reporters after Tuesday's training session. 

Winter's proclamation comes after Toronto FC have fallen to 0-6-0, are a loss away from matching the worst start in league history and have a bout at Rio Tinto Stadium with Real Salt Lake on the horizon.

Despite being a match away from advancing to the CONCACAF Champions League final, TFC has been unable to match its regional form in league play. Injuries have played a part for the Reds, but a porous defense and lack of continuity in the attack have held Toronto back from succeeding. Even when the club did put together two goals on Saturday, to double its output for the season, it almost immediately conceded the match-winner to the Chicago Fire on a set piece, when Gonzalo Segares ran unmarked to touch home a free kick. 

Here are a couple of more items from around MLS:

WHITECAPS SIGN HOMEGROWN PLAYER

The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed another forward.

This one, though, comes from the club's academy, as Vancouver has added 18-year-old Canadian Under-20 international Caleb Clarke to the senior roster.

"Caleb is a powerful striker with great finishing abilities," Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie said. "We're excited to add another young Canadian talent to our MLS squad."

Clarke joins Bryce Alderson, Russell Teibert and Bryan Sylvestre as current Homegrown Players on the roster.

DYKSTRA LOANED TO CHARLESTON AGAIN

Goalkeeper Andrew Dykstra's stay in Charleston has been extended

After a short two-game loan stint, Dykstra will continue his loan spell from D.C. United to the Charleston Battery until May 20. He started both games for which he was with the club, going 1-1 with a clean sheet. 

Dykstra, USL Pro's top goalkeeper in terms of goals against average while playing for Charleston last season (0.98), will be available for three more Battery matches before his loan spell ends.

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Do you think Winter has any shot of making good on his statement? Do you think he'll even be around by the time the MLS playoffs begin? Like the collection of young Canadian talent the Whitecaps have signed? 

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I assume Toronto is planning on trading in their defense for another one in the next transfer window, and then going on a big run.

    Reply
  2. Don’t worry — Hassli and Le Toux will be retired before he gets a chance, given MLS’ track record with Homegrowns.

    Reply

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