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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 The troubles and uncertainties that surrounded the club in recent years have been replaced by a new hope and optimism after an incredible offseason transformation that has included the signings of three new Designated Players, Jermain Defoe, Michael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. Bartolo Colon Jersey .C. -- Al Jefferson knows few people will be giving the Charlotte Bobcats a chance to upset the Miami Heat in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Prince Fielder Jersey . - IndyCar racing officials expressed confidence on Monday that the NOLA Motorsports Park will be able to complete more $4. http://www.officialrangersgearshop.com/Rangers-Nolan-Ryan-Kids-Jersey/ .Y. -- First, Ryan Miller. Cole Hamels Jersey . Judging by his performance Saturday night, Cotto has plenty left in the tank. Cotto became the first Puerto Rican fighter to win world championships in four weight divisions, stopping Sergio Martinez in their WBC world middleweight title fight Saturday night. Russell Wilson Jersey . -- The Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver Sidney Rice have agreed to terms on a deal.VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Whitecaps are unbeaten to start the Major League Soccer season, but rookie head coach Carl Robinson knows his club is still very much a work in progress. After thumping the New York Red Bulls 4-1 in their home opener on March 8, the Whitecaps secured a pair of road draws the last two weeks — 1-1 against Chivas USA and 0-0 against the New England Revolution. Catch the action live on TSN2 at 7pm et/4pm pt. Points away from home are always a bonus in MLS, but Robinson wasnt happy with certain aspects of the games as goalkeeper David Ousted was forced to bail out his teammates on a couple of occasions. With that in mind, the Whitecaps spent time this week getting back to basics in preparation for Saturdays home date against the Houston Dynamo. "We havent played enough football in the last two games that I wouldve liked," said Robinson. "We tried to break it down into segments of building from the back at the right times with a midfield player, breaking lines in the midfield and transitioning quickly. "The boys took the concepts very well." Robinson will hope the lessons stick as Houston (2-0-0) comes to town rested, having not played since a 1-0 victory over the Montreal Impact on March 15. "A very tough game," said Robinson. "I said to the guys in the changing room that theyre always in the playoffs, theyre a very strong team, well coached ... and its going to be a stern test for us." Vancouver is 2-2-0 against Houston all-time in MLS play, including a 3-1 home victory over the Dynamo at B.C. Place Stadium back in 2012. "Its always been a fortress for us," Whitecaps captain Jay DeMerit said of his teams home field. "Throughout the years weve been able to pick up good results and well look to continue that. We know we have a tough opposition this week." Robinson, who was promoted to the top job in December after former head coach Martin Rennie was fired, has tempered expectations as he attempts to put his mark on the club and return the Whitecaps to the post-season. "I was never getting too carried away after the first game and Im not getting too down after two difficult away games," said the former Welsh international. "Its important we try and put our stamp on the game. Because were a young team with new players, its important we manage games better." That begins at the opening whistle, where the Whitecaps struggled the last two weeks to assert themselves early on the road. "A lot of teams in Major League Soccer play very well at home," said Robinson. "Its difficult to go on the road and play. The successful teams manage to find a way to win on the road. Were very good at home. We know that, and if we want to be competing for the playoffs weve got to be very good at home.ddddddddddddquot; One player the Dynamo will have to pay close attention to is Whitecaps striker Darren Mattocks, who has two assists this season, and three goals in two career games against Houston. "Mattocks is a fast guy," Dynamo defender Kofi Sarkodie told the clubs official website. "As long as we stick together as a back line as weve been doing and just kind of eliminate space in behind, I think we can nullify them throughout the match." DeMerit said the Whitecaps have had past success against the Dynamo because their style suits the matchup. "That means getting the ball down, getting our link play up and our combinations up front to create chances in our final third," said DeMerit. "The way you beat them is to pick them apart, and weve been able to do that most of the time." The Dynamo — who will face their first road test of the season — have yet to concede a goal this year, while striker Will Bruin already has three of his own to go along with an assist. "Strong team," said Ousted. "Good crosses and big guys up front that are good in the box, so we need to study up on those guys and be ready for it. Hopefully we can go in and dictate the play a little more than we did in the two away games." DeMerit will draw back into the lineup for Vancouver after a week of rest. Another change comes out of necessity, with Gershon Koffie expected to replace Nigel Reo-Coker in the centre of midfield. Reo-Coker suffered a bizarre injury on Sunday when he tripped over a bike rack in Vancouver and suffered a concussion and cuts to his face. Koffie, who has started 77 games for the Whitecaps since 2011, subbed in for Reo-Coker for the final 20 minutes against the Revolution for his first action of 2014. "Its always learning when youre on the bench," said Koffie. "Its not easy to be on the bench ... but also you have to learn from the bench." Robinson said hes pleased with Vancouvers unbeaten run to kick off the campaign but stressed its far too soon to be looking at the standings. At this point, the process is what concerns him. "We started off very well. Weve still got obviously a long way to go. Were unbeaten in three but its early stages," said Robinson. "Its important we progress every game and along the way well win games and well lose games. "But as long as were progressing in the right way and trying to put the style of play I want in the team, then were moving in the right direction." Note: The Whitecaps will honour Y.P. Lee before Saturdays game. The famed South Korean defender joined Vancouver in 2012 after a lengthy career in Europe and the Middle East before retiring in October. 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