Pinto a No-Go in Toronto
Contrary to a report that surfaced on Friday saying that Portuguese striker Joao Pinto was signing with Toronto FC, the MLS club has no plans to sign Pinto.
According to sources in Toronto, TFC has no intention if signing the 36-year-old Pinto, with the chances of him joining the Canadian squad stalling once Pinto refused to train with the club.
In short, Toronto wanted to take a look at Pinto to see if it was interested, but once Pinto balked at what amounted to a trial, Toronto passed.
That sound you just heard was referee Brian Hall breathing a sigh of relief
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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Hahahaha yes, great Brian Hall comment! I feel Joao on that one though, I mean come on, practice! We talkin bout practice!
Posted by: Steve | February 23, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Wow great article on Metrofanatic rumor mill about Marcinho or something like that maybe coming to the bulls, but article is about Reinaldo coming to MLS, and obviously the writer isn't a big MLS guy... Real Salt Lake wants his services but are getting competition from... the Colorado Rockies! 2 sport stud there, Marvelle Wynne anyone?
Posted by: Steve | February 23, 2008 at 01:13 PM
The reason why he didn't train with TFC because he was under contract with his other club. They didn't allow him to train with TFC.
Posted by: PSG | February 23, 2008 at 01:17 PM
Ives, any chance that the Revs may be looking at him? After all he is Portuguese and you did say the Revs were looking to get a DP.
Posted by: Steven | February 23, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Steven, there is absolutely no way New England will be spending a DP on a 36-year-old forward. Just not happening and, honestly, Pinto isn't worth a DP slot.
Posted by: Ives | February 23, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Very good Iverson quote there Steve. Funny!
Posted by: FredMacMurray | February 23, 2008 at 02:51 PM
Juan Sebastian Veron pt. 2
Posted by: Haha | February 23, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Comeon! Pinto is 36yrs old - why waste a DP slot when you can spend a couple more mil and get a more skilled, youthful international. Having Pinto come to the league would just keep adding to the stereotype that the MLS is a retirement league.
Posted by: DURSK | February 23, 2008 at 03:03 PM
well i guess the only reason they would go for Pinto is b/c when Toronto fc played Benfica on a friendly, a large crowd of Benfica fans should up, so probably they want to raise their profile in the area more and make connections to Portugal thru Pinto????
Posted by: henry | February 23, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Hear anything about Toronto and Johnnier Montana or that other Colombian fella? The same day Montana was announced for a try out Fifa said he was allowed to play in Peru again (granted hes also had death threats since then...) Ah how my youthful optimism is fleeting... To think how good last saturday felt
Posted by: Ossington Mental Youth | February 23, 2008 at 05:45 PM
BTW i meant to spell Montano, not Montana but Johnny Montana does have some flare doesnt it?
Posted by: Ossington Mental Youth | February 23, 2008 at 05:46 PM
how has pinto played recently?
Posted by: j1 | February 23, 2008 at 08:23 PM