My latest for Sportsnet. It'll be a long year with plenty of room for negativity and cynicism, let's at least start off looking for the positives for the first game. There were actually quite a few of them, mainly from new players showing some promise and the coaches looking good, at least in the first half.

Guess we now know who KP was talking about when he went off about out of shape players. Look at the size of Danny Califf!

RedNation Online's East Side Stand Up podcast is back to discuss TFC's pre-season so far and prospects for the year ahead, along with recapping the first pre-season game against Columbus and as well shaking off their own pre-season rustiness with some technical difficulties. Waking the Red's own Kristin Knowles joined Ian Clarke for the pod, which is well worth a listen. Click the link above and enjoy.

The issue of LGBT acceptance in sport has been a hot topic in recent years, and much effort has been made to put that issue on the forefront. And while there are a few Brandon Ayanbadejos out there, there are still far too many Chris Cullivers and Luiz Felipe Scolaris still resisting the tide. For those who suffer in silence under these Cullivers and Scolaris, or even in their own private Idahos, there are stories to tell...and that is why I've created the Teddy Perrault Diaries. Teddy is a fictional MLS player that is struggling with balancing who he is, with his love and desire for soccer -- the story may be fictional, but the facts behind them are all too common. Entries are being posted each day, with new ones each day in February. I will post updates on WTR, so come on over and check it out...and if you like it, share it with the world!

Another great CP article by Davidson (Dude's killing it) on TFC, this time an in depth interview with Darren O'Dea. Gotta say: new favourite player. I pity any little forward that tries to dance between him and Califf. Kid'll get put on his ass. Nice to feel optimistic about our back line for once. C.

With apologies to Paul Weller, it would appear that 14 is the Strikers Name. Good short article from Neil Davidson on where our Reds numbers come from. I'm a traditionalist when it does to numbers, but I like when I hear the Doniel doesn't want to give up his number to Califf and especially when you hear Freight being obsessed with his number in the gym. The numbers way too high, but I like to hear that passion.

Finally some good information coming out of from Camp, down in Orlando. Neil Davidson's down there and reports. And while some of the enthusiasm may cringe inducing ("As a coach, I have a DNA of how I want my team to play..." Really, Nelly?) it also sounds like things are well organized and going well. Glad to hear it. C.

CNN has an interesting story up about former TFC player Fuad Ibrahim who is preparing to play for Ethiopia in the African Cup of Nations. Ibrahim was once the second youngest player to sign for MLS (behind only Freddy Adu) but has seen his stock slip to the point that he was cut from his NASL club in Minnesota after the 2012 season. He takes some time to talk about TFC in the article commenting that the frequent coaching changes did not help his development but at least he does not come across as a bitter former player that is blaming the club for his career going off the rails. Hopefully he has a strong showing at the AFCON and can get back on track as he was once one of my personal favourite TFC players.

Looks like our favourite DP (/flake) wants to give up on another team. Anybody think we can maybe get a potential #1 pick for him? Thanks PM, not only for trading away our 1st Rounder next year (#1 overall?), but also for picking up the option on Hassli a day before KP rode into town. Man, this stuff just goes on and on and on and on and on and...