Preseason is a time for new beginnings - the chance to start afresh with a belief that anything can happen. That was certainly true for Toronto FC as they opened up their training camp in Bradenton last week. The troubles and uncertainties that surrounded the club in recent years have been replaced by a new hope and optimism after an incredible offseason transformation that has included the signings of three new Designated Players, Jermain Defoe, Michael Bradley and Gilberto. I was in Florida for Torontos first training session. The energy and enthusiasm was on a completely different level compared to other years. Perhaps the biggest difference is that the squad has already been assembled and most of the key pieces are already in place. A far cry from a year ago, when Nelsen was heading into his first coaching job with a preseason squad filled with trialists. "Its a wee bit different, Ive got to admit," Ryan Nelsen told me after training in Bradenton. Its nice to have a proper squad together all pulling in the right direction. As you can see by today, the work ethic is there, the character is there and everybody is extremely excited." The difference compared to 12 months earlier is evident in all areas, but especially in personnel. Over half of the squad currently in Florida were not with the team for preseason in 2013. However, Nelsen and the players are talking up the fact that the core of the team that finished the season is still in place. "We havent changed that much, weve probably changed the same as most teams, but weve done it in big names so it makes it even more dramatic. But thats what we had to do with this club. Thats why what we did last year had method in our madness. Weve got some big names and we will have to gel them in, but its a progression and we have to keep moving the club forward." The theme Nelsens rookie season as head coach was "short-term pain for long-term gain," and things have now changed quickly. With multi-million dollar signings amongst a re-shaped squad, expectations are high. But after dealing with a tumultuous first year with the club, Nelsen laughed off the suggestion that there is pressure on him to find a winning formula quickly. "Theres absolutely no pressure," he said. "Whenever you put yourself in a situation where youve brought in good players, everybody else thinks there is expectation but for us we just try and improve every day. In everything we do, we try to become perfect. Whatever people think from outside we dont really care." "I knew the league last year but we didnt have the right pieces to be successful. Now I think we are moving in the right direction, but Im still learning as well. Ill always keep learning. When I stop learning I may as well give up," he said. Theres a new face heavily involved in Torontos training sessions this preseason. Englishman Adrian Lamb has joined the club as Fitness Coach. He has previously worked with Newcastle United, Preston North End and Aston Villa, and he was at Blackburn Rovers during Ryan Nelsens time as a player at Ewood Park. Nelsen told me Lambs preparation and attention to detail is immaculate, and that was easy to see during my time in Bradenton. He has very clear ideas of what he wants from the players and was impressive in the way he communicated to them. Lamb will bring a very professional approach to the teams conditioning this season and will be a key addition to Nelsens staff. In 2013, Toronto FC won just six matches and missed the playoffs by 20 points, but Nelsen and his staff have now been handed the tools they need to turn the ship around. The foundation for success will be laid over the next six weeks, as Nelsen and Co. make sure their team is ready to hit the ground running when the season opens in Seattle on March 15th live on TSN.
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Cheap Dallas Mavericks Jerseys . The Canadians -- missing captain Ghislaine Landry as wekk as Jen Kish and Mandy Marchak to injuries -- defeated Spain 17-12 in overtime to open the day before falling 19-5 to New Zealand in the semifinals. LONDON -- Premier League side Crystal Palace was knocked out of the League Cup by third tier side Bristol City on Tuesday as Fulham, Liverpool and Sunderland recovered to avoid being embarrassed by lowly opposition. Palace, which has lost both of its games back in the topflight, was beaten 2-1 in Bristol. Sunderland avoided a similar upset by fighting back from 2-0 down at home to another League One side, MK Dons, to win 4-2. U.S. striker Jozy Altidore started the comeback by scoring his first goal for the club before Connor Wickham netted twice and Adam Johnson drilled in the fourth. Liverpool was 2-0 up against Notts County, but the League One side scored twice to force the game into extra time when the hosts re-asserted their authority to win 4-2. Liverpool opened the scoring in the fourth minute through a fine solo effort from Raheem Sterling. Daniel Sturridge then made the most of a defence-splitting pass from Steven Gerrard to put the hosts 2-0 up in the 29th. But County pulled one back from Yoann Arquins header in the 62nd, and substitute Adam Coombes slotted in a late equalizer. But in stoppage time Liverpool recovered its superiority. Sturridge stroked in his second goal of the night and fourth of the season, before substitute Jordan Henderson netted Liverpools fourth. "I think we got complacent and they got some belief," Sturridge told British broadcaster Sky Sportss.dddddddddddd "They started playing better football, but our fitness from pre-season showed at the end." Martin Jols Fulham edged past fourth tier side Burton in a penalty shootout after a dramatic 2-2 draw. Fulham keeper David Stockdale saved the crucial spot-kick from Phil Edwards to send the Premier League club through after they fought back from behind in extra-time. Adel Taarabt scored his first goal for the Cottagers to put the visitors ahead in the 36th, but Jack Dyer forced extra time with an 85th minute equalizer. Michael Symes put the League Two side ahead in the first period of extra-time, but Hugo Rodallega ensured penalties would settle the second round match when he levelled with three minutes to go. At Leyton Orient, Robbie Bradys 106th-minute goal sent Premier League newcomer Hull through with a 1-0 victory over the League One leaders. Across east London, Ravel Morrison marked his full West Ham debut with his first goal for the club to clinch a 2-1 victory over Cheltenham of the fourth tier at Upton Park. Sweden striker Johan Elmander marked his full Norwich debut with two goals in the Premier League sides 6-3 win over Bury. Saido Berahino marked his first West Bromwich Albion start with a 36-minute hat-trick to clinch a 3-0 win over Newport. Goals from Steven Davis and Jay Rodriguez sent Southampton on its way to a 5-1 victory over Barnsley.
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