TORONTO - The `to do' list for Toronto FC in the MLS off-season was simple. Score more goals, shore up the defence, improve on the road and add depth to the roster.
Mo Johnston, TFC's director of soccer, made moves accordingly. He traded for star Canadian international midfielder Dwayne De Rosario and signed Argentine striker Pablo Vitti on loan. Canadian international Adrian Serioux was acquired to bolster the defence.
And Johnston enjoyed another good draft in picking up goalkeeper Stefan Frei, midfielder Sam Cronin and O'Brian White. The Canadian forward has been injured in the pre-season but observers say Frei and Cronin have been two of the best players in camp.
Defence remains a bit thin, but Johnston is still looking to deal. And coach John Carver is ebullient ahead of Saturday's season opener in Kansas City (GolTV, 8 p.m. ET).
"The guys are in good condition. Our new additions have fitted in very well, as if they've been there all season," said Carver. "I've gone on record and said it -- I've had quite a few pre-seasons now -- and I'll put it down as one the best pre-seasons I've had. And the most enjoyable."
Toronto (9-13-8) finished four points out of the playoffs last season, paying the price for an attack that produced just 34 goals in 30 games. Only San Jose (32) scored fewer. Conceding goals late also cost them.
Carver now has attacking options in midfield with De Rosario and Rohan Ricketts on the flanks, Amado Guevara playing in the hole behind the strikers and reliable holding midfield Carl Robinson looking after the defence.
De Rosario likes to roam, so expect some fluidity. Cronin will also get playing time.
Up front, Vitti and Chad Barrett (nine goals split between Chicago and Toronto last season) will lead the attack.
"The chemistry's been good," Carver said of the strikers.
Carver and Johnston both say Vitti moves well off the ball.
"He won't get you the spectacular goal like a De Rosario or a Barrett," Carver said. "He gets the ugly goals, the scruffy goals, inside the six-yard box. But strikers like that are worth their weight in gold."
Carver employed some tough love with Vitti at a recent practice when the Argentine went down after a challenge. "Keep playing" the coach bellowed to the others as Vitti writhed on the ground. Carver eventually went over and helped him up, before returning him to action with an avuncular arm around his shoulder. Soon, the knock forgotten, Vitti was galloping in pursuit of the ball.
"I don't think creating chances and scoring goals will be an issue this year for us, as it has been in the last two years," said Robinson. "The additions that we're brought in have been excellent and they will improve the base that we had here already.
"But it's not just all about scoring goals. We've got to make sure the back door is shut as well."
Defence looks a little thin, especially with Serioux nursing injuries. Jim Brennan and Marvell Wynne will start at fullback with Serioux, Kevin Harmse and Otto Velez in the centre depending on Serioux's condition. Another defender is expected through the door soon.
"We're still looking at other players," Johnston said. "We've got one more final piece I think and then we're finished."
Carver says he knows his starting 'keeper but won't reveal who it is until his team meeting before the first match. Frei's competition are Canadian international Greg Sutton (who played 24 games last season) and Brian Edwards (six appearances).
Frei has been turning heads, however.
"We're delighted with the way Frei has been performing," Johnston said. "Obviously he's a young kid, you tend to kind of back off a little bit, but's he's been standing on his head the whole pre-season."
TFC will be looking for a change in fortunes on the road, where it went 3-11-1.
"The home record (6-2-7) was fantastic, and it can still be better, but we need to do something on the road and I need to put a team out there that's going to pick up points on the road," Carver said. "And I will do that. I will change the team on the road from time to time in order to try and win games. If it's successful, great, if it's not then I'll have to go back to kamikaze football."
Carver takes solace from the fact he says most of the goals given up last season were the result of Toronto errors -- something that can be eliminated. And he believes the team dressing room is filled with more stronger characters and more leaders this year.
"We've got guys in there who've done it, seen it and got the T-shirt, as they say," said the colourful Carver. "So there is optimism there. We have a good feeling. We have great atmosphere.
"We've upgraded on the field, we've upgraded off the field with our technology. Because we're always looking for that edge. It's a season that we're looking forward to. And the business starts this weekend."
Carver has the players behind him, according to Brennan.
"He's a players' manager," said TFC's first-ever signing. "He tells you how it is. The guys have got a great deal of respect for him. Since Day 1 when he came in here, he's had a plan and everybody is on board with it and everybody's heading in the right direction. It's great that the players have a manager that they want to play for. He's been a breath of fresh air."
The collective goal in Season 3 is simple, says Robinson.
"We must get in the playoffs ... I think if we don't get in the playoffs, the players have failed," said the Welsh international.
Off the pitch, the team is in top condition. Every game will be a sellout at 20,000-seat BMO Field. The club has capped season tickets at 16,000 with a waiting list of 14,000.
Toronto's first home game is April 4 against the expansion Seattle Sounders.
