Cummins new boss in charge at Toronto FC

With but one week to go before next week’s 2009 Nutrilite Canadian Championship opener at BMO Field, Toronto FC has unveiled its new man in charge. Chris Cummins, who was already at the helm for the two most recent matches, was officially named TFC’s interim head coach.



“We are pleased to announce that Chris has accepted the role of interim head coach,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “After speaking with the coaching staff, we felt this was the best decision for the team moving forward. I want to thank all our coaches as it’s been a tough few days for all of us, however we’ve got a great group here and we’ll continue towards our goal of making the playoffs.”

Coach Cummins discuss Nutrilite Canadian Championship



With but one week to go before next week’s 2009 Nutrilite Canadian Championship opener at BMO Field, Toronto FC has unveiled its new man in charge. Chris Cummins, who was already at the helm for the two most recent matches, was officially named TFC’s interim head coach.



“We are pleased to announce that Chris has accepted the role of interim head coach,” said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. “After speaking with the coaching staff, we felt this was the best decision for the team moving forward. I want to thank all our coaches as it’s been a tough few days for all of us, however we’ve got a great group here and we’ll continue towards our goal of making the playoffs.”



Cummins was the first assistant coach under John Carver, who resigned before Sunday’s match. The rest of the TFC staff remains in tact, with Nick Dasovic promoted to first assistant and Paul Winsper (Strength and Conditioning Coach) and Mike Toshack (Goalkeeper Coach) continuing in their current positions.



Cummins was in charge of last Wednesday’s 1:0 win over Chivas USA when then-coach Carver sat out with a suspension. He was also at the helm with Dasovic for the Sunday 1:0 win over the Kansas City Wizards just one day after Carver officially announced his resignation. His next Major League Soccer match is Saturday at home against the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew.



Next Wednesday, Cummins and Toronto FC will host Vancouver Whitecaps in the opening match of the 2009 Nutrilite Canadian Championship. The match will be broadcast on Sportsnet (20.00 ET / 17.00 PT). TFC also hosts the second match of the six-game tournament: 13 May against 2008 champions Impact de Montréal.



“They are going to be tough games,” said coach Cummins. “Every team that comes to Toronto wants to get a victory.”



After the first two matches at BMO Field, the Nutrilite Canadian Championship moves to Stade Saputo where the Impact host Whitecaps FC on 20 May. The championship then shifts to Swangard Stadium where Whitecaps FC host the Impact (27 May) and Toronto FC (2 June). The last game is 18 June at Stade Saputo between the Impact and Toronto FC.