For all the unfortunate droppings scattered by Toronto FC around the American and Canadian soccer grounds – and in such a relatively brief span of time, it should be said – there have also been a few pretty flowers springing up here and there courtesy of Canada’s original MLS club.
Torsten Frings is one of them.
The versatile German has been a consummate professional since signing up at BMO Field back in the summer of 2011. One of the team’s best acquisitions, he is probably the top all-around talent to perform along Exhibition Place.
Even well into his 30s, Frings has a game that remains blessed with a healthy balance of skill, bite, drive and savvy.
So today’s news that Frings probably will be done after the 2013 season carries just a bit of bummer factor. Frings has seemed to indicate that he will retire after the coming MLS season . He will, after all, turn 37 this November.
I know that some U.S. Soccer supporters will never get behind the guy; they are still pissed about 2002. I get it.
Me? I cannot help but have a real respect for the man, and I enjoy watching Frings perform. After all, it wasn’t his fault that Hugh Dallas declined (or refused or whatever) to call Frings’ handball on the goal line against the United States that day.
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Despite the Chicago Fire’s awful record through 12 MLS rounds, there’s still enough to like about Frank Klopas’ club.
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Santos confirmed that they have accepted two offers for Brazilian sensation Neymar.
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USA Today reports LA Galaxy trade Mike Magee for rights to Robbie Rogers
May 24, 2013, 9:29 PM EDT
In a mind-blowing move, USA Today have reported the LA Galaxy have sent a player to the Chicago Fire in exchange for the rights to Robbie Rogers.
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If Bayern triumph in Champions League, could we have a dynasty on our hands?
May 24, 2013, 7:00 PM EDT
Reuters
With a victory in the Champions League final to complete Bayern Munich’s domination domestically and abroad plus their offseason acquisitions, would they be a force for years to come?
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With Corey Ashe now added, what the U.S. fullback depth chart looks like for this camp
May 24, 2013, 5:32 PM EDT
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Ashe’s late addition to Jurgen Klinsmann’s roster for the U.S. camp forms a more complete picture of what the depth chart looks like at right and left back:
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Internazionale officially announced they have sacked Andrea Stramaccioni and hired the former Napoli boss.
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No question that two of the league’s most interesting teams will be at Stade Saputo on Saturday:
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AP
Tony Fernandes has finally taken some blame for the relegation of QPR instead of shedding it left and right.
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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed Chelsea interm manager Rafa Benitez is set to move to Serie A on a 2-year deal with Napoli.
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USMNT forward Terrence Boyd on ex-club Borussia Dortmund’s UCL charge
May 24, 2013, 3:00 PM EDT
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Boyd left Dortmund last season, so is a USMNT player destined to never play in a Champions League final?
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Sporting KC goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen’s new book reveals past life as gambling addict
May 24, 2013, 2:50 PM EDT
Who knew that Jimmy Nielsen’s burst of white hair wasn’t the craziest thing about Sporting Kansas City’s talented goalkeeper?
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Further MLS attachment to the English Premier League is a good thing … right?
May 24, 2013, 2:45 PM EDT
A blog post in the New Yorker looks at another side to this week’s huge expansion news:
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Does Hughes deserve another shot at managing an EPL club after past failures?
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Both teams are on streaks of success – even if “success” look so radically different in the two camps:
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German invasion of London begins as fans of Munich, Dortmund descend on Wembley
May 24, 2013, 1:56 PM EDT
AP
See the sights around London, as Wembley Stadium welcomes German fans in abundance.
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Champions League final preview: A bitter rivalry with much higher stakes
May 24, 2013, 1:30 PM EDT
Reuters
When Bayern Munich face Borussia Dortmund tomorrow at 2:45 ET at Wembley, they won’t be playing for the right to be recognized as permanent contenders. They’ve already done that.
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Are AS Monaco the real deal after signing Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez?
May 24, 2013, 1:13 PM EDT
Reuters
Monaco’s Russian oligarch owner is splashing the cash to bring Champions League success, can they do it?
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With MLS expansion done for now, where the league priorities should land
May 24, 2013, 1:00 PM EDT
We have five suggestions as MLS pivots its enhancement efforts away from expansion:
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Minnows Gibraltar officially join UEFA… but why are Spain mad?
May 24, 2013, 12:32 PM EDT
Reuters
Looking behind the incredible story of the tiny rock in the Mediterranean, that can now take on the giants of European soccer
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Champions League Final: Key battles for Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayern Munich
May 24, 2013, 11:38 AM EDT
Which individual battles will determine which side lifts the UEFA Champions League trophy at Wembley on Saturday?
