Dein erstes Forum » Nelsen and Co.

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 The troubles and uncertainties that surrounded the club in recent years have been replaced by a new hope and optimism after an incredible offseason transformation that has included the signings of three new Designated Players, Jermain Defoe, Michael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. Calvin Johnson Jersey . 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I did not actually see any of the shots in the game until I got home and watched the video. OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Golden State Warriors and Steve Kerr have completed the coaching contract agreed to last week. The sides finalized the five-year deal worth up to $25 million Monday. The team said it will introduce Kerr at a news conference Tuesday at its downtown Oakland practice facility. "Were very pleased to introduce Steve Kerr as our new head coach," Warriors general manager Bob Myers said in a statement. "We are confident that he will be an extremely good fit for our team and our organization as we venture into the future. The fact that he played for several of the greatest coaches in the history of the game -- including Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich -- will serve him well, as will the many nuances that he learned from performing on the brightest stage during his incredibly successful, championship-filled career." Kerr, 48, had been in talks with the New York Knicks about becoming their coach after Jackson took over as team president in March. He won three titles for Jackson in Chicago and another two under Popovich in San Antonio during his 15-year playing career. Kerr also served as general manager of the Phoenix Suns from 2007-10 beefore going back to the TNT broadcast table.dddddddddddd He replaces Mark Jackson, who was fired by the Warriors on May 6 after three seasons and back-to-back playoff appearances in large part because of his sour relationship with team management. Jackson already has agreed to a multiyear deal to rejoin the lead NBA announcing team for ESPN/ABC. Jackson is working the Eastern Conference finals and NBA Finals with Mike Breen and Jeff Van Gundy. The Warriors job is certainly a far more attractive one than when owner Joe Lacob hired Jackson away from broadcast table in June 2011. The Warriors are coming off a 51-win season and consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in 20 years, and theyve surrounded star Stephen Curry with a talented young core. "Im really excited about the unique opportunity to coach a very talented team and work for this committed management group," Kerr said in a statement. "In my estimation, the Warriors, from top to bottom, have become one of the marquee organizations in the NBA in recent years. Im looking forward to becoming part of that environment and building upon the success of the last two seasons." 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"Whether were at home, whether were away, whether were down, whether were up, were going to try to score goals. Thats the kind of team we are." Maximiliano Urruti, Gaston Fernandez and Will Johnson scored for Portland (3-4-7), which had its 22-game unbeaten run at home end. Urruti scored an impressive opener after just three minutes and Vancouver goalkeeper David Ousted saved a second goal in the first 10 minutes with a sprawling dive on a goal-bound Johnson shot moments later. In the 15th minute the games momentum shifted as Hurtado drew a penalty against Portland defender Jack Jewsbury following a darting run into the box. Morales converted in the 16th minute, drawing the game even against the run of play. Vancouver was awarded a second penalty nine minutes later when Jorge Villafana tackled Sebastian Fernandez inside the box. Kekuta Mannehs run sparked the play but the crowd didnt appreciate the call for a second consecutive spot kick. Morales converted again, increasing his team-leading goal total to five. The Whitecaps were lucky not to concede a penalty of their own when Diego Valeri was tackled from behind in the box but referee Kevin Stott withheld his whistle and play continued despite the protests of Portland coach Caleb Porter. Hurtado concluded his strong first half by scoring a rebounded goal after a sharp cross from Morales deep in injury time.dddddddddddd Donovan Ricketts saved Hurtados initial shot but the ricochet deflected off of the Portland natives knee and bounced over the line for a 3-1 advantage. Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson praised the play of Hurtado, who grew up in the Portland suburbs and played for the Timbers under-23 team before being drafted by the Whitecaps in 2013. "Hes been superb," said Robinson. "When you (play in front of family and friends) as a young player, you try to go away from the things that youre good at. He didnt do that. I thought his movement was excellent and he got his reward with the goal." Robinson replaced Manneh with Russell Teibert to open the second half as Vancouver downshifted to more comfortably manage the expected Portland attack. Yet it was the Whitecaps who struck first after the break with Morales crossing to left back Harvey, who fired into the bottom right corner for a 4-1 advantage in the 49th minute. Portland changed its offensive plan by inserting forwards Fanendo Adi and Fernandez for the ineffective Steve Zakuani and Urruti, respectively, but the visitors held their ground for much of the second half. Finally, Fernandez headed in a Valeri cross to cut the deficit to two goals in the 77th minute. Ousted then dove to save an Adi shot in the 84th minute but was helpless when Adi juggled the ball and flicked it to Johnson, who hammered home Portlands third in the 86th. The Whitecaps withstood a barrage of late pressure thanks to key saves from Ousted and strong performances from defenders Jay DeMerit and Andy OBrien. After the game, Robinson was still focused on his teams effective attack. "If youd said to me before the game, would I take a 4-3, I wouldve," he said. "I know were a team that can score goals. I said all along Id rather win 4-3 than 1-0." Vancouver next travels to Philadelphia to play the Union on Saturday. 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