The Athenaeum Forum

Former Tottenham Hotspur, Jermain Defoe - in hopes of making Englands squad for the upcoming World Cup - saw MLS as his best showcase. Michael Bradley, who some argue to be the strongest American player in the world, also left soccers more glamorous European stage, departing AS Roma for more playing time in preparation for Brazil this coming summer. This weekend saw both players delivering on their marquee reputations in front of a sold out crowd at TFCs BMO Field. Defoe maintained his status as the sole goal scorer of the team, netting his third of the season, while Bradleys midfield presence and decisive passing continues to impress. A second-half collision forced Bradley to leave the field, only to return with his head semi- mummified with blood soaked bandages, displaying a trait that will undoubtedly endear him to Canadian fans. BarDown went to the game to bring the sights both on and off the field. Take a look. (All photos by Paul Harrington for TSN/BarDown) 1. Fans watch TFC players warm up before the teams home opener at Torontos BMO Field, Saturday, March 22nd, 2014. 2. Dwayne De Rosario puts hand-to-heart while the national anthem plays, in preparation for the home opener to start. 3. Coaching staff cheer on players as the home opener kicks off against DC United. 4. The off-seasons roster additions and a successful first away-game bring a sold-out crowd of 22,591 to the first home game of TFCs 2014 campaign. 5. Brazilian striker Gilberto participates in his TFC debut after missing the season starter with a leg injury. Gilberto brought speed and was an integral contributor to the one goal of the day. 6. TFCs English Premier League import, Jermain Defoe, takes the ball upfield. 7. Jermain Defoe fights Perry Kitchen for a header while TFCs Michael Bradley and DC Uniteds Nick DeLeon watch on. 8. The scoreless first half comes to a close as fans in the North East section of BMO Field endure cool temperatures to support the home team. 9. TFCs Michael Bradley takes a kick from midfield. Bradley came to the team via Roma of the Serie A, and has so far performed as advertised, being a dominant midfielder. 10. DC Uniteds goalkeeper, Bill Hamid, lunges to launch the ball back into play. Defoe described Hamids play during the home opener as "amazing," stopping 13 of the 14 shots he faced. 11. Players from both teams gather as TFCs Doneil Henry argues with the referee during the teams home opener. 12/13. Fans of the south side stands enjoy the second half. 14. The sun makes its appearance as TFCs Jermain Defoe watches the ball roll past DC Uniteds goalkeeper, Bill Hamid, and defenders Sean Franklin and Bobby Boswell. Defoe leads the team with all three goals scored so far in the 2014 season and was credited with half the 14 shots taken by TFC in the game. 15. Fans of the south east corner of BMO Field known as the Red Patch Boys celebrate Defoes goal by throwing fake money in the air, a means of representing the big money the team spent on bringing in imported talent at any cost. 16. Players gather to celebrate the first and only goal of the game. 17. South end supporters rejoice after the home squad takes a 1-0 lead by unleashing red smoke. 18. Hometown favourite, Dwayne De Rosario, is subbed into the game in the second half. De Rosario is a former TFC player who re-signed with the team early this year after stops in New York, playing for the Red Bulls, as well as DC United. 19. Players gather on the field and celebrate with fans after the game ends with a 1-0 win. 20. Michael Bradley leaves the field applauding an enthusiastic fan-base. A head-to-head collision with DCs Davy Arnaud led to a wound later repaired with staples. After the game, Defoe said of Bradley, "He gives everything, every game. Mikes winning mentality and his energy lifts the team…" 21. TFCs Jermain Defoe speaks with a reporter after the game. His legs display a hard played game, having taken 7 shots and netting a goal, his third in two games of the 2014 season. Rickey Henderson Jersey . Canadas Kaillie Humphries and Heather Moyse will reunite at this weekends season-opening World Cup at Canada Olympic Park as they begin their buildup to the Winter Games in Sochi. Rollie Fingers Jersey . Orlov, who scored two goals in the game, was assessed a major penalty for boarding on the play. The Flyers scored once on the power play and again with the extra attacker with 65 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime. http://www.baseballpadresofficial.com/. FLIP SAUNDERS (Timberwolves): Im not the least bit surprised that he appointed himself as head coach after his search concluded. Cory Spangenberg Jersey . "Yeah, [I heard them]," he said. "They made me miss the free throw." 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