The TSSL was founded in 1958 as a soccer league for all of the service industries (police, fire, TTC, airplane manufacturers, machinists). Teams from those same industries dominated the early years of the cup.

For many years the league cup was called the Globe & Mail Cup, then it was known for few years as the iDirect Cup and is now simply called the TSSL Cup.

2012 is the 55th season of the TSSL. An open draw was held in early May and eleven preliminary round games have already been played This week the first round starts, featuring teams from every division.

In Toronto Celtic's epic match against Operario in the Semi Final of the TSSL Cup, the victory was achieved through a combination of dogged determination, strictly following a tactical plan and the right attitude. And, perhaps, against Operario too much of these resources were exhausted as almost as unrecognizable Toronto Celtic showed up in the TSSL Cup final clash with Toronto Irish.

Four regular season divisional champions made it to the final, but only two were able to complete the league and cup double. In four of the six matches, the team that finished lower in the standings came out the winner.

Fourth Division

Liberty 2 – Red Balls 0
Congratulations to long-time TSSL member Liberty for upsetting TSSL newcomers and division winners Red Balls. It was Liberty’s best season to date. Red Balls look to be an up and coming team for years to come.

Humble beginnings in the TSSL Media Division

Back in 2005 a loyal group of Celtic supporters, some of which are still part of the team today or remain close ties, entered a team into the TSSL's Media Division. It was an opportunity for the group of Celtic supporters to not only masquerade in the famous Hoops that tied many of them to the roots, but also it would serve to lay the foundations of a community that many more arriving expats would be welcomed into over the subsequent years. A community, I count myself lucky to be a part of.

Anywhere from two to four teams could move up to Premier next year, so every game matters in the TSSL’s most interesting and tightly-contested division.

THE TABLE TOPPERS

Dukes, Toronto Irish, Toronto Blues & Juniors

The four top teams have all played at least eight games and none have lost yet. When they play each other, they tie, all keeping the final push tight as they each strive to win the league. Dukes tied both the Juniors and the Blues. The Blues tied the Irish and so on.

From the Bizzo Vet, with assistance from a Scarbro and a few TSSL players bumped into on fields and at pubs. Feel welcome to respond with insights into your own squad below.

* Please note that the opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the TSSL or TSSL Board of Directors. It is purely for the enjoyment and entertainment of the league.

BMO Field will be the venue for Canada’s send-off match before the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup in June. Canada will face Ecuador in a Men’s International Friendly match on Wednesday 1 June in Toronto.

Ticket sales are available at Ticketmaster. There will be at least three sections in the south end exclusively reserved for Canadian fans. Go to www.canadiansoccernews.com to buy $17 tickets in the Canadian sections.

 Exactly 24-hours before Toronto FC was scheduled to take the pitch against Salt Lake, I stared down the reality of Canadian football. Portugal FC and Brantford Galaxy were taking the field for a Canadian Soccer League game at Lamport. With a particularly annoying pop song blasting from two speakers placed at the top of the stands, the crowd of about 25 settled in for the contest. Two young girls played tag along the near touchline.

Player’s often complain about the fields used by the TSSL. The complaints are well known. Eglinton Flats is in a valley, so the fields get damp easily. G. Ross Lord is on a plain, so the fields can get rock hard if there's not enough rain. Seneca has Men's and Women's college teams don't want their field to be damaged by a men’s recreational league so they’ll call a game if it rains for ten minutes.