Caught in Possession

Ola jovenes. Before I get into a whole mess of DC United stuff, here's a couple things that are on my mind this week.

Hearing about this surprising development got me thinking about good ol' Henk Larsson -- surely one of the classiest, most successful footballers of his generation -- and how many amazing memories he created for some of the most passionately followed clubs in the world.

Banging in an awe-inspiring 242 goals in 315 matches for Glasgow Celtic, leading the Swedish national team in several World Cups, winning over the Catalan nation during his glittering stint with FC Barcelona -- including a game-changing substitute's performance in the 2006 Champions League final -- Larsson was uniquely gifted. Not just for scoring in buckets, but also adding the quiet leadership that builds chemistry and wins championships.

And that's to say nothing of the time he saved Manchester United's bacon by parachuting in for a fruitful loan spell in early 2007 (the Swedish techno tune in his honor is an added bonus in that last clip). Sweden's Euro 2008 group includes Greece, Russia and Spain...dark horse, anyone?

Moving closer to home...Like many MLS observers, I have been flabbergasted, in a very positive way mind you, by Toronto FC's success in marketing and sales in their short history and even more so by the passion, no, fanaticism, of the TFC faithful. I was initially skeptical of claims that BMO Field's frenzied atmosphere was superior to the vibe created by United fans at RFK, or even that of the Dynamo down at Robertson Stadium in Houston...but at this point it's pretty hard to argue with the sound and fury created by TFC supporters -- and they're clever gits as well...

Now we get word that the soccer-loving Canucks of that fair city are steamed about some tentative remarks from local politicians that would seem to support the Canadian Football League's Argonauts sharing BMO with TFC...raising the specter of an awkward co-existence that other MLS teams know all too well, with larger capacity, convoluted scheduling and -- worst of all -- ugly gridiron markings tainting what was supposed to be a soccer-specific facility.

It seemed as though Toronto FC, or more accurately their parent company, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, had long ago made specific maneuvers to forestall this possibility. But TFC fans are still concerned enough to be contemplating a protest when the All-Star Game (vs. London's West Ham FC) comes to town this summer. And bully to them. But even if a groundshare becomes a real plan of action, are the Argonauts really going to shell out many millions to expand and rejigger the whole stadium? Stay tuned...