Sports
In this episode of the Paul James on Soccer podcast, Paul discusses the positive manner in which Stephen Hart has dealt with the lack of playing time that Simeon Jackson has been receiving at the club and Jackson's stellar play with Canada in his most recent International fixtures. He also talks about Canada's progress as a team as they look to build confidence and momentum through their first round of World Cup qualifying. Paul also gives his thoughts on a recent statement by TFC forward Ryan Johnson that the current Toronto FC squad is a legitimate playoff team and discusses Vancouver's bounce-back win over Real Salt Lake. He also provides his assessment of Vancouver players Carlyle Mitchell and Long Tan and answers two thought provoking Whitecaps related questions submitted by listeners: 1. Is the MLS more competitive in Vancouver's first year in the league than it was when Toronto FC debuted back in 2007; and 2. Would Vancouver's season have turned out differently had Teitur Thordarson not been fired as Head Coach in the middle of the season? Lastly, Paul provides some positive signings on the Montreal Impact's signing of defender Nelson Rivaz and their astute hiring of Mike Sorber as an Assistant Coach, as he ends the podcast with a thought provoking discussion of how important it is for a Head Coach to hire not only a competent coach as his lead assistant, but also a genuine friend who will have his back when times get tough.