SoccerMy New Year's wish list

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Instead, here is my New Year’s wish list - 10 things that I am hoping to see happen in the world of soccer, both domestically and internationally, in 2010:

1) Montreal to be granted a Major League Soccer franchise.

This might be the worst kept secret in North American soccer, but the Montreal Impact look likely to become the 19th team in MLS. I won’t, however, get too excited about the idea until I see Don Garber shaking hands with Joey Saputo at the official unveiling - hopefully this will happen sometime in 2010.

2) Toronto FC to not only make the playoffs, but actually threaten to win the MLS Cup.

Toronto has the bones of a strong MLS team, but they are lacking in some key areas. They desperately need an MLS all-star calibre central defender, two or more wide players and some more punch up front. If Mo Johnston can make those acquisitions - and new head coach Preki can bring some much needed discipline to the dressing room - I think Toronto can have a breakout year.

3) Vancouver Whitecaps to continue building towards their debut in MLS in 2011 by winning whatever league they end up playing in.

The Whitecaps are building towards their 2011 MLS debut in a measured way, and I like that. I think that they will enjoy tremendous success on the west coast when they join MLS, and they will have a natural rivalry with Seattle and Portland. Until then, Vancouver’s players must focus on having a strong 2010 if they are to make the step up to the MLS along with the franchise.

4) Someone other than Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool finish in the top four in the English Premier League.

Is it just me, or does anyone else find it boring when the same four teams finish in the top four every year? I would love to see Aston Villa, Tottenham or Manchester City break into the elite league of four, but somehow I doubt it is going to happen. Liverpool has been going through an awful spell, yet they are only five points out of fourth place. The Bundesliga was an exciting league last year because it was so tight for most of the season, and so many teams had a legitimate chance of claiming the championship right up until the end. I wish the same could be said for the Premier League.

5) FIFA to undertake a video replay trial in one of the top leagues in Europe.

Ideally this should be done in the Premier League, because it has the best television coverage in the world. All it would take is to have a fifth official review each goal that is scored to confirm whether or not it should stand - not a difficult thing to implement. I’m starting to feel like a broken record on this topic.

6) A strong showing by the African countries in the World Cup.

Hosting the World Cup in 1994 was a massive boost for the game in the United States, and I am hopeful that the same boost will occur for the African continent as a whole after South Africa hosts in 2010. I am sure that the African country that advances the furthest at the World Cup will receive tremendous support.

7) The Canadian national team to play 8-10 games, at least half of which to be played in Canada.

I like what I’m hearing about Canada playing more games, but traditionally we haven’t played enough games to adequately prepare for World Cup qualifying. With a natural grass field going down in Toronto, expect most of our home games to be played there as we build towards qualifying in 2012. Like every other Canadian soccer fan, I can’t wait for the first game our national team plays at BMO Field on grass in 2010.

8) No major negative incidents at the World Cup.

My South African friends all tell me that there is a genuine reason for everyone to be concerned about security at the World Cup next summer. I’m hopeful that the tournament goes off without a hitch, because I would hate for South Africa to come away from the World Cup with a black eye because a very small minority of people are intent on causing trouble.

9) Ipswich Town to go on an incredible winning streak, reach the playoffs and win promotion to the Premier League.

It’s been a tough season if you’re an Ipswich Town fan, and my former club is struggling at the wrong end of the table. As improbable as this one is, that is what being a supporter is all about - living in hope.

10) To see the game played the way it should be played.

Whether I will be watching MLS, the Canadian National team or the World Cup, I want to see fast, flowing football. I want to see teams who attack and defend as a unit – who pass the ball on the ground, the way it was meant to be.

If even half of these ten wishes come true, then 2010 is going to be a year to remember!
Happy New Year everyone.

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