Orange Legionnaire

The Bas Ent to Toronto FC eight month odyssey that began in July of 2010 with his first trial (that included 45 impressive minutes with TFC against EPL side Bolton) is now over.

After almost being signed by a Toronto F.C. ran interimly by Nick Dasovic and Earl Cochrane, the new TFC guard of Aron Winter and Paul Mariner decided today that Ent wasn't in their plans on the wing.

As Ent was released today from the Antayla, Turkey camp and will likely return home to the Netherlands.

Ent still has plenty of options as a Greek club, Cypriot club, and a few Asian clubs have contacted the winger about a contract. Further, Ent may go back to his 3rd division Dutch club Katwijk, where he was on a good run of form before leaving Katwijk to try to make Toronto's squad.

But, the option that most Dutch Lion fans would like most is a return of Bas Ent to Dayton. The winger would easily be considered a starter on opening day in April for the Dutch Lions.

Further, with the Dutch Lions now in the American 2nd division, compared to the 4th, Ent will have a chance to make a bigger impression on MLS and international clubs in the future.

In fact, I would not be surprised if the Dutch Lions front office has already contacted the winger.

Dutch Lion former winger Bas Ent, 7 assists and 3 goals with the Dutch Lions in 2010, is officially on trial with Toronto F.C. again, this time in Antayla, Turkey (Ent is pictured above, far right).

Bas is one of eight players, including two other Dutch forwards, looking to win a contract on this preseason trip to Turkey.

Dutch Lion defender Evan Schwartz was expected to make the trip as well, but Toronto F.C. doctors wanted Evan to work and build up his right quad a little more, and were worried he may pick up an injury in Turkey. Schwartz was surprised by the decision, as he was in perfect health training with the Colorado Rapids prior to going to Toronto. The Toronto F.C. doctors put Schwartz on a workout plan in Florida and invited him to rejoin TFC again on February 13th when the club returns from Turkey. Evan therefore can either rejoin Toronto F.C. when they return from Turkey, or can go with preseason options to continue his training with the Colorado Rapids (where GM Paul Bravo was very impressed with Evan in training) or the Chicago Fire (where Evan counts as a homegrown player).

Ent will thus solely represent the Dutch Lions in this Toronto F.C. preseason camp. This camp will be quite an opportunity for Bas, as he will get a chance to pull on the Toronto top against the likes of Partizan Belgrade and Dinamo Zagreb. Bas will add the two international fixtures to his international friendly accolades with Toronto F.C.; as Bas has already sprinted down the line for TFC against English Premier League side, Bolton Wanderers.

Despite being an exceptional opportunity, Bas may be a little disappointed to have to go through a trial again with TFC, seeing that Ent already successfully trialed for Toronto F.C. this past Summer. Ent and his agent also thought they already had a deal with Toronto F.C. in place and were slightly frustrated to hear that Ent would have to go through the process again for new manager Aron Winter. But, Ent decided to put this behind him and still take on such a great opportunity.

The Orange Legionnaire was aware of Bas's contract issue with TFC but decided not to divulge the information as contract talks were delicate. Ent and TFC have put that behind them, and Ent has only one focus- impressing Winter in this camp.

The11 explains the Bas stituation in detail:

Ent's status as a trialist has to lead to the conclusion that the three-year deal is off the table, for now at least. The club announced Saturday that Ent is one of five more trialists to join the team for its camp in Turkey. Ent, former Ajax Academy prospect Javier Martina, Ghanian midfielder King Osei Gyan, who had a spell in the Fulham side but never got into a game, Uruguayan forward Santiago Gonzalez Areco and 23-year-old Dutch striker Nick Soolsma join the three Canadian trialists named on Friday.

It’s hard to blame new TFC technical director Aron Winter for deciding to put Ent through the paces again rather than honouring the promise of a contract made by a previous regime. Ent had trialled for the Preki-Mo Johnston brain trust and was promised the contract by interim GM Earl Cochrane. Like the Dwayne De Rosario contract saga, Winter inherited a series of promises made by people before him.

Ent looks unlikely to let it all affect him, focusing on the football he looks good in camp in this video on TorontoFC.ca (making a run at the 1:54 mark, Ent is assigned the number 22 jersey in this camp):


Here's Day 1 as well:


Ent's games with Toronto F.C. are on February 2nd, 6th, and the 10th. If there is a video feed for these games I'll post that information on here.

Best of luck to Ent! Proost!

Bas Ent will be joining fellow Dayton Dutch Lion Evan Schwartz at the start of Toronto FC's preseason preparations in Antayla, Turkey tomorrow. I received confirmation of this last night, as both will leave tomorrow to join Toronto F.C. in Antayla.

It's not known if a deal has been reached between Bas Ent and Toronto F.C.; But, it's likely that a deal either has been reached or will be reached soon.

It's safe to say that Toronto F.C. has an extreme interest in making both permanent members. This is because it will cost Toronto F.C. a pretty penny to take each TFC player to Turkey for three weeks.

It would be surprising for Toronto F.C. to pay over $20K to take both over to Turkey without eventually signing both; As that alone would help pay for one minimum salary player on their roster.

Both will get a shot to show their worth and represent the Dayton Dutch Lions, as they'll get time on the field against Paritzan Belgrade, Dinamo Zagreb, and a third unknown opponent.

Around 30 contintental European first division clubs are expected in Antayla around the same time as Toronto F.C. and the two former Dutch Lion players. Ent's first opponent, Paritzan Belgrade, participated in the group stages of this year's UEFA Champions League.

Tait, 2010 PDL Defender of The Year and former Hartlepool United Reservist, joins the Dayton Dutch Lions. Hartlepool, not known for their senior side, are known for their impressive academy from the 1970's up until the present day. Tait also played on HUFC's academy squads.

*On December 22nd 2010, The Orange Legionnaire reported on this website that the Dayton Dutch Lions were interested in signing Joe Tait. Yesterday I received confirmation that this deal is in fact done.

Tait, the 2010 PDL Defender of The Year, came to the Dutch Lions attention as part of a new partnership formed by the Dutch Lions with Tait's PDL club, Baton Rouge.

Tait is quite a steal for the Dutch Lions. The Englishman played for Hartlepool United's reserve team from 2007-2009 (pictured above), playing nearly every game and leading HUFC to a Reserve title during the 2007-2008 season.

Tait, not satisfied with being a reservist, made the move stateside in 2009 where he started in central defense for NAIA powerhouse Lindsey Wilson in both the 2009 & 2010 seasons. Lindsey Wilson is the college of Columbus Crew starting left-back Shawn Francis and at least 10 other MLS'ers

Always looking to improve, Tait also started this past season for the Baton Rouge Capitals of the PDL, where Tait led the Capitals to the PDL playoffs placing third. His performances in 2010, including his dangerous heading ability that led to a hat trick in one game with Baton Rouge, landed Tait the honor of PDL Defender of the Year in 2010.

The 6'4, 175 pound center back, a periennal starter and winner wherever he goes, now sets his sights on strengthening the Dutch Lions defense in 2011. The 20-year-old Tait will definitely fill a need; as the Dutch Lions central defense was questionable at times in 2010, due to injury and not enough focus possibly on that position.



*Dutch Lions right back Evan Schwartz (also a former starter of the Chicago Fire's Super-20's and Icelandic cup winners Breidablik) looks destined to land somewhere in MLS. The former IMG Academy prospect (growing up with the likes of Freddy Adu) is headed to Turkey with Toronto F.C. at the start of February.

In Turkey, Schwartz will receive an opportunity to win a spot as Toronto's right back as the club faces off against Balkan powerhouses, FK Partizan Belgrade on Feb. 2nd and Dinamo Zagreb on Feb. 10th. Schwartz seems poised to impress, but if Toronto FC does not make an offer, it appears that the Colorado Rapids or the Chicago Fire will swoop in for the right back.

Schwartz, just ended a successful three-day training session with the Colorado Rapids, who have reportedly invited the right back to join their pre-season camp in Phoenix in February, if Schwartz and TFC cannot agree to terms.

Likewise, the Chicago Fire (who Schwartz played for in the Super-20's) have kept tabs on the right back and are also likely interested in bringing Schwartz to their camp in Florida.



Bas Ent (on the top of a Dutch Lions goal celebration above in 2010) has had his contract talks with Toronto F.C. cool down a bit. The two sides have yet to come to an agreement, although with a week before the trip to sunny Antayla, both sides have yet to rule out Bas taking the trip or an agreement being reached before then.

However, with the two sides coming close to an agreement multiple times over a four month period (the signing of Ent by TFC was reported by his Dutch club in October), Ent may already be looking at other options.

Reportedly Ent is not only gaining interest from Toronto F.C.; But, also has a Greek First Division club, a Cyprus First Division club, and a couple of Asian clubs looking at the pacy winger.

According to sources close to the Dutch Lions, former Dutch Lion right back Evan Schwartz has been invited by TFC boss Aron Winter to a preseason camp in Antalya, Turkey.

In that preseason camp, Schwartz and his new TFC teammates, will play three preseason friendlies against top European competition. Toronto F.C. will start out the camp against Partizan Belgrade on Feb. 2nd, their second match will be against a team to be named on Feb. 6th, and TFC will finish up competition against Dinamo Zagreb on Feb. 10th.

It is still up in the air whether Dutch Lion winger Bas Ent will be joining Schwartz in Antayla; as negotiations are ongoing between Ent's representatives and Toronto F.C.

For Schwartz, and possibly Ent, Toronto F.C. could be just one of many eyes on them in the beautiful Antayla; as more than 20 clubs from the first divisions of the German, Dutch, Austrian and Russian leagues trained in Antalya in 2010, with more expected in February 2011.

Who would blame them (take a look below).


English, Italian, and Spanish leagues play through the Winter. While most Contintental, European leagues spend their January and Febuary's in places such as Antayla (above) and wait until the middle of February or beginning of March to resume league play. Antayla has been a hot Winter destination for Contintental European clubs, as well as European tourists. Now it appears to be a Toronto F.C. destination as well, at a costly $22,000 to $25,000 per player. Another sign (after Winter, Mariner, deKlerk) that in 2011 TFC are spending the real money.

With this being a European club destination during winter breaks.. This camp is not only a great opportunity for Schwartz to gain a place with Toronto F.C., but great exposure for the right back to catch some eyes in Europe.

Further, these games will be an excellent education for all involved from TFC, as both Partizan Belgrade and Dinamo Zagreb are storied European, Balkan clubs. In fact, Partizan Belgrade (known nowadays as FK Partizan) were in this year's Champions League where they finished bottom behind Shaktar Donestk, Arsenal, and Braga of Portugal in Group H play.

Stay tuned for more news on Evan Schwartz and Bas Ent's negotiations with Toronto F.C.; I have heard that Schwartz is definitely going (currently training with the Colorado Rapids for three days) and Ent is still negotiating with TFC and may go as well.


Antayla's Ataturk Stadium

Here's all the highlights (assists, goals, near misses, and ball skills) from Bas Ent in 2010. A lot of his ball skills and near goals and assists were from two games, and in many other games Bas did the same but my video was starting to get too long. So possibly there may be a Part II. Includes footage from his Dutch club Katwijk and his friendly game with TFC against Bolton Wanderers as well. Look for more of these videos of other Dutch Lion 2010 players in the coming weeks as well:

What was reported here on The Orange Legionnaire on January 3rd (as far as Ent headed to Toronto F.C. to train and officially sign, Schwartz to train with TFC, and the Dutch Lions to pursue a partnership with TFC) was all but confirmed in a Dayton Daily News article that interviewed Mossel and Ent on January 7th. The following are notables from the article written by Dayton Daily News soccer beat writer David DiCenzo.

On the Bas Ent Toronto signing:

Bas Ent’s bags are literally packed. The 23-year-old Dutch winger is in the Netherlands at the moment waiting to hear from Toronto FC. Ent was offered a three-year deal by the MLS club, though he has yet to officially sign a contract.

“It’s not all settled,” says Ent, who played over the winter with Dutch side, Katwijk. “I’m just waiting for that moment to sign with TFC.”

On compensation for Ent, looking most likely to come in the form of a partnership:

If Ent does sign, the Lions, who have moved up to the USL Pro division for the upcoming 2011 season, will receive compensation. DDL FC co-owner Mike Mossel says that might not necessarily be a financial agreement but perhaps come in the form of a partnership between the clubs. He reiterated that he in no way wants to stand in the way of Ent’s opportunity so assuming TFC still want the speedy winger, an agreement will be reached.

“We would like to sit down with Aron and see what his plans are and if we can fit in there,” says Mossel.

Confirmation on Schwartz joining Ent, for preseason with Toronto F.C.:

If Ent does end up in Toronto, he might see a familiar face. DDL teammate Evan Schwartz could get a shot at making TFC in the upcoming preseason. According to Mossel, the 23-year-old right back from Colorado Springs is expected to participate in the first few days of the MLS pre-season.

Mossel on why Evan Schwartz would be a good addition along with Ent at Toronto F.C.:

“Evan has the speed to recover and he also used it up front overlapping,” says Mossel. “That’s a big asset for a guy in the back. He did that well with Bas on the right side.

“He also has a great mentality. He wants to win. He pushes it 100 per cent and he never complains about injuries or pain. Evan is very ambitious. He wants to play at the highest level.”

Now if you would of just checked out this website, The Orange Legionnaire, you would of known all of this news a week in advance. :-)

In the past six months, the Dayton Dutch Lions of the USL-Pro league and Toronto F.C. of MLS have become well-acquianted with one another. In fact, it could be said that Toronto F.C. may be enamored with the Dutch style.. And even that this fascination started with meeting the Dutch Lion owners, Dutch Lion Head Coach Sonny Silooy, and watching the Dutch Lions in July and culminated in signing a Head Coach/Technical Director in Aron Winter today who is not much different at all from Dutch Lions former Head Coach Sonny Silooy.

Toronto wanted a coach with experience in Ajax's style, "and they've come to the right man," Winter said today to USA Today after signing on with Toronto F.C..

Winter and Silooy's histories are nearly identical. Both players have over 230 caps for Ajax, both are in their mid-40's, both played for the Netherlands NT team, and both started their coaching careers as a Youth and Assistant coach at Ajax. Therefore, with two former Dutch Lion players likely headed to Toronto F.C. and TFC taking nearly the same Head Coach/Technical Director approach as the Dutch Lions did last year.. It may not be long until TFC are calling themselves Dutch Lions Toronto and painting their jersies "Orange." *sarcasm* (perhaps)

In fact, with the inclusion of Winter in Toronto, I have heard murmors that Silooy might end up declining offers from D.C. United and Philadelphia Union's academies, to join the coaching staff of Winter in Toronto now. As Winter and Silooy not only have much in common, but the two are also best friends.

The connections between Toronto F.C. and Dayton Dutch Lions F.C. over the last six months have been downright numerous... A thousand stories have connected Dutch Lions winger Bas Ent to the Canadian club over the past few months, and now Dutch Lions right back Evan Schwartz looks likely to be headed to the club as well.. So, with the inclusion of Dutch coaches Aron Winter and Bob de Klerk in the top offices of TFC, a very Dutch partnership between the two clubs seems even more likely.

Here's a little TFC-Dutch Lions timeline:

-at the beginning of July 2010, Toronto FC's Nick Dasovic scouted the Dutch Lions in a PDL game against the Toronto Lynx and made friendly contacts with the Dayton Dutch Lions front office.

-at the end of July 2010, TFC put Dutch Lions winger Bas Ent on trial, culmunating in 45 minutes in the TFC's "red" colors, for Ent, in a friendly against the Bolton Wanderers of the EPL. (Ent pictured below in that game)



-In the middle of November 2010, Bas Ent's Dutch third division club, Katwijk, spilled the proverbial beans that Toronto F.C. was in fact going to sign the Dutch left winger, by posting so on their club website. Katwijk posted this, despite the deal being only half completed, as both Ent and TFC were in an extended wait and see stage; since TFC did not have at the time a permanent head coach, GM, or technical director.

At that time, with Preki and Mo Johnston canned, Dasovic and Jim Brennan acted as only interim figureheads for TFC; However, both Brennan and Dasovic- who are still strong actors in Toronto's front office- had likely the most to do with Ent, and possibly had a lot of input in today's Dutch moves by TFC.

-Soon after that, at the end of November 2010, with MLS's rule changes for 2011 announced, Toronto F.C. knew they would have six, new roster spots to fill with players that were under-24. These under-24 players wouldn't count against the salary cap of TFC or any MLS club (both Ent and a lot of other Dutch Lion players were under-24).

-In mid-December, sources started mentioning, that because of this rule change, TFC were looking to sign Evan Schwartz of the Dutch Lions as well to pair with Bas Ent. As Dasovic dialed up his memory bank from that early July, Dutch Lions vs. Toronto Lynx match, and remembered that he fancied Schwartz as well.

Both Ent and Schwartz, were mentioned once again today on MLS-Rumors , as MLS-Rumors stated that both would be signed by TFC on Jan. 17. I can't confirm this and haven't heard it myself.

But, I did hear that both were headed to the club from Jan. 17 to Jan. 22 to train, but nothing was mentioned about signing either then nor could I report it at the time; but with it already out there- I can confirm that both are headed to TFC around that time but no clue whether it's just for glorified training or to be signed)... Nevertheless, both if signed, would likely have good chances at starting spots, despite being signed as under-24 reserves, as under-24 reserves are still considered part of the senior roster and TFC is weak in their positions.

-And finally, today, Toronto F.C. signs Dutch former Ajax player & current Ajax assistant Aron Winter as their Head Coach/Technical Director. A Head Coach that has so much in common with former Dayton Dutch Lions coach Sonny Silooy, it's scary.

-What's upcoming in January 2011 in this saga, likely two Dayton Dutch Lion players confirmed signed to MLS club Toronto F.C., quite possibly former Dayton Dutch Lions Head Coach Sonny Silooy joining Toronto F.C., and maybe the two clubs finally making their ever expanding, friendly acquiantance a partnership.

Partnership upcoming with Dutch Lions Toronto (*err umm* Toronto F.C.)?

Back in November 2010, when Dayton Dutch Lions President & Owner Mike Mossel first heard that Toronto F.C. wanted to hire his club's left winger Bas Ent, President Mossel stated that the Dutch Lions would "have to get something in return. Either an allocation from TFC or a partnership with TFC, but that the club wouldn't stand in Ent's way."

Basically, Mossel was stating that the Dutch Lions wouldn't ask for something too substantial from Toronto to nix a deal (that benefits the Dutch Lions viability here in the U.S. soccer world as well). As Owner/President Mossel was happy that Ent was gaining MLS interest, as an acquistion by MLS of Ent, other Dutch Lion talents, and Dutch Lion coaches is the best marketing tool for the Dayton Dutch Lions club. As the Dutch Lions connections with arguably the second best supported soccer club in North America (with over 22,000 fans at every TFC game) can cement DDL F.C. as a player in North America and not just another second division club.



The Ghost of Ruud Gullit

The question with Toronto FC's big name appointment of Aron Winter is whether a big name can succeed in MLS. And whether a big European name can take MLS serious or understand MLS (with it's non-European set of rules and small salary cap). The fact that Winter is a big Dutch name will make MLS fans think straight away of a second coming of Ruud Gullit. In fact, on bigsoccer forums, I saw Gullit mentioned at least 30 times in 20 or so minutes of browsing this story.

Gullit, who coached at the L.A. Galaxy in 2007-2008 (before American coach Bruce Arena turned them around in the past two seasons), was highly criticized in the book The Beckham Experiment by L.A. Galaxy players for never working on set pieces and for sometimes not even showing up to practice.

The good thing for Winter and Toronto F.C. is that Winter has never been considered the lazy type. Nor is Winter as flashy, ego-centric, or has had a bigger managerial job than Toronto F.C.. As before Gullit went to L.A. he was Head Coach at Chelsea and Newcastle United. So, I could see Gullit thinking "what do I have to achieve at L.A., I'm Ruud Gullit."

So, as long as Winter tries to make a difference and tries to instill that Ajax style by actually coaching at practice.. This should work out well, or at least better, for Toronto F.C.



Further, it depends on the personality of the head coach. Swedish (Euro) coach Hans Backe succeeded this past season at MLS club New York Red Bull... And Backe's success was probably because Backe had an open-mind (to learn the rules), a good assistant familiar with the rules and players (TFC might have Paul Mariner be Aron Winter's assistant for this reason), and didn't have an attitude of "what do you mean I can't spend 15 million pounds on a transfer!"

The Dayton Dutch Lions already have one sister club in Dutch champions F.C. Twente. The Dutch Lions might be going for the partnership treble this offseason...

Yesterday the Dutch Lions announced a partnership with a very successful PDL club- the Baton Rouge Capitals. The Baton Rouge Capitals were founded in 2007, and have a strong English influence- with nearly all of their international spots taken up by English players similiar to how the Dutch Lions keep most of their international spots open for Dutch players. The Baton Rouge Capitals also finished as 3rd place finalists in the PDL National Championship in 2010. Therefore, the Dutch Lions won't only be partnered with the best Dutch team in Twente; but also one of the best PDL clubs in Baton Rouge.

There is quite a bit beneficial by this sort of partnership. As the Dutch Lions will have access to the best players of one of the strongest PDL clubs (as after college graduation these players are no longer eligible for a PDL non-PRO team like Baton Rouge). Whereas, Baton Rouge can gain connections to Dutch internationals who are not quite good enough yet for the USL-Pro level but great for the PDL.

The Dutch Lions-Baton Rouge partnership overall includes, but is not limited to, the following:

- An agreement for both teams to meet in an exhibition game annually between May and July

- Access for Dutch Lions officials to Capitals' players and give Capitals' players the chance to play professionally in either the US or Europe or with the Dutch Lions

- An exchange of knowledge

- Access for Capitals' coaching staff to recruit players from the Netherlands

The partnership may have come out of the Dutch Lions interest in one of the Baton Rouge's key players; as Dutch Lions owner Mike Mossel said in his discussion on the partnership:

"They have access to a very talented area and we like to do more than just share ideas like we have been doing so far. One of the first things we will do is schedule an exhibition game in Dayton in 2011. We are also about to sign one of their most talented players in the coming weeks.”

No definite name yet on who that player will be, but Baton Rouge's strongest talent is Joe Tait(picture below); as the English defender Tait was selected as the PDL Defender of the Year in 2010 for Baton Rouge and would be a nice selection for the Dutch Lions who struggled in the back in 2010.


The PDL Defender of The Year, Tait, has offensive header prowress as well scoring a hat trick in a game vs. Atlanta this season. Could this be the talent the Dutch Lions are after?

However, Tait (or one of his English compatriots) would go against the Dutch Lions form of only picking up Dutch internationals. Yet, Tait might possibly have an American green card from four years in the United States.. And Englishmen have always been better defenders than the attacking Dutch. :-) So, who knows.

Others of interest include English midfielder Ben Callon who was selected to the Southern Conference PDL team and led Baton Rouge in productivity with 9 goals and 5 assists. Or American keeper Joe Hart (good keeper name if your a Manchester City fan) who made two penalty saves to lead Baton Rouge to 3rd place in the PDL Championships in 2010.


Could the Dutch Lions be interested in Joe Hart? No not the above Joe Hart, the American one from Baton Rouge that lead his team to the PDL finals?

Either way, the partnership probably came out of the Dutch Lions courting of Baton Rouge player to be named later; Just as a possible partnership with Toronto F.C. could come out of TFC's courting of Dutch Lions 2010 standout Bas Ent.

As Dutch Lions President Mike Mossel has stated that the Dutch Lions need to receive something from TFC to let one of their most talented players, Bas Ent, go from his three year contract.

“He is not eligible until we let him go,” says Mike Mossel, co-owner of Dayton Dutch Lions FC, the USL Premier Development League team that Ent played on last season.

“The question is what does Toronto want to pay for him and how much do we want for him?”

Ent currently has a three-year contract with the Lions but Mossel doesn’t anticipate that an agreement will be tough to reach. He says that rather than accepting compensation, there is a possibility of DDL FC and TFC forming some type of partnership.

“I don’t want to be in the way of Bas,” says Mossel. “This is a great step for him and for our club of course, a guy going to MLS after one year.”

So, if Toronto F.C. doesn't want to pay for Bas (which MLS clubs are famous for doing- not paying transfer fees and saying forget it for a player if there is a transfer fee). Then possibly the price for Bas is a sharing of information, possibly feeding some TFC Academy players into the Dutch Lions if they're not ready for MLS, and maybe an exhibition at BMO Field (below) in the future for the Dutch Lions.



Hell, a friendly at BMO Field for the Dutch Lions against Toronto F.C. would probably cut it for a deal as that would be great publicity for the Dutch Lions. So, hopefully see all of you Dutch Lions fans in Toronto for a roadtrip sometime soon.

23 year old Bas Ent impressed MLS clubs Toronto F.C. and the Columbus Crew during his time in America with the Dayton Dutch Lions. Ent trialed for Toronto for a week and played 45 minutes for the Canadian club against EPL side Bolton Wanderers. Then Ent got a week trial with the Crew after impressing in a friendly matchup against the Crew (above). However, Toronto will nab the young Dutch winger over Columbus.

11/23/2010: Former Dayton Dutch Lions Player Bas Ent Signs 3 Year Deal With Toronto F.C.

Dutch Topklasser League website, Topklasser.nl, which is the league website of Bas Ent's Dutch side, Katwijk, reported today that 23 year old Bas Ent has signed a three year deal with MLS side Toronto F.C.; A popular Dutch soccer website, VoetbalPrimeur.nl, has also picked up the story. Both of these stories confirm what I've personally heard (used to work at DDL F.C.) from a former Dayton Dutch Lions co-worker a week ago, who said that Ent has signed a three year deal with Toronto F.C.

The Columbus Crew battled Toronto F.C. this Summer a little over Bas Ent; as both TFC and Columbus invited Ent to week long trials. Nevertheless, it looks as if TFC won the battle. Ent will not be a part of the Crew's youth plan; after the other Ohio footballing club declined to re-sign veterans such as Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Frankie Hejduk.

Ent in Columbus would have been preferred for some Dutch Lion fans, who could easily make the hour trek to see former Dutch Lion player Ent play in Columbus. But, Dutch Lions fans will still get a chance to watch Bas when he visits Columbus with Toronto during the 2011 MLS season.

Ent had to say the following on his previous experience at playing at BMO Field for Toronto F.C.:

"Playing in the Toronto stadium for so many fans is the greatest moment of my career so far. I must admit I was a little bit nervous in the beginning. But that feeling was gone as soon as I first touched the ball, and right away I felt confident. I got to keep the jersey, which I will keep in a special place."

Ent better get rid of that nervousness, as it seems that Bas will be making a lot of darting runs on the wing in front of many fans in Toronto, for many years to come, as long as he seizes the opportunity.

Dayton Dutch Lions player Bas Ent played 45 minutes for TFC in the second half of their match against the English Premier League Bolton Wanderers. Bas didn't get an abundant ammount of touches in the match, but when he had touches Ent created solid opportunities. As Ent had two solid crosses, one a screaming bullet across the Bolton box that found the path of O'Brien White but White whiffed; When White whiffed the ball found the path of TFC Academy player Nicolas Lindsay who couldn't put enough power on the ball to beat Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen. The Ent cross was one of TFC's best opportunities of the game.

Along with the crosses, Bas had his own opportunity to go one-on-one against Jasskelainen but the refereee incorrectly called Ent offsides. Nevertheless, Bas Ent impressed TFC staff and fans alike.

TFC Coach Preki on Bas Ent's game against Bolton:

“He has some interesting abilities. I would have loved to see him with the ball a bit more.”

But, when he did have the ball, Preki said he liked what he saw.

TFC Fan Comments:

"Ent looked very good in the second half as did Mirko Medic who played up front and was also trialing."

"Ent was unlucky to not have earned an assist when OB somehow fluffed that ball four yard in front of goal. I've no idea how that one went through his legs but such is life."

"Agreed on Ent. I thought he was one of the best players on the pitch in the second half. After watching TFC struggle out wide for 4 years now, I'm thinking this is the kind of player we need."

Bas impressed Preki and Mo Johnston so much that they invited Ent to stay on an extra day for practice on Thursday, when the initial trial was supposed to only last up to last night's game. TFC reportedly also has an interest in bringing Bas back into the fold after the Dayton Dutch Lions last game this Saturday against the Chicago Fire of the PDL.

Dayton Dutch Lions winger Bas Ent is expected to get a run out with TFC this evening against Bolton Wanderers of the EPL. Bas is likely to play 45-60 minutes in the friendly as part of a trial that started Monday with Toronto FC. Ent will be back for the Dutch Lions for their regular season finale against the Chicago Fire (PDL) on Saturday in Chicago.

To watch Bas in action tonight, click here for the live feed of the game, via Toronto FC.TV, at 7:30 p.m.

Winger Bas Ent has stood out for the Dayton Dutch Lions with 2 goals and 6 assists in fourteen games with the PDL club. His pace and quickness, ability to get off good crosses, and overall passing ability has Ent currently being targeted by a few MLS clubs. The 22-year old Ent was first noticed by the Columbus Crew in a friendly played at the University of Dayton between the Dutch Lions and the Crew on June 19th (Ent is pictured above in that game). Ent was one of two Dutch Lion players that caught the eyes of Crew Head Coach Robert Warzycha and Crew Technical Director Brian Bliss on that day. The Crew wanted and still want to take a closer look at Ent after the Dutch Lions season, along with another Dayton Dutch Lion player.

However, by then it may be too late for the Columbus Crew to snag Ent; As Bas Ent also caught the eyes of a scout from the Columbus Crew's main rival, Toronto F.C., when the Dutch Lions went on the road to Canada recently. As the Dutch Lions took on FC London and the Toronto Lynx in PDL action and the TFC scout was at the Lynx game on July 11th. That scout was extremely impressed with Ent and contacted the Dutch Lions soon after. Then over the last week the Dutch Lions front office has been in contact with Toronto F.C. multiple times, working out travel arrangements for Ent.

Ent has an exciting few days ahead of him. He'll leave Sunday for Toronto, train Monday and Tuesday at BMO Field with the likes of Dwayne DeRosario and Julian De Guzman, then will likely be inserted in a friendly against the Bolton Wanderers at BMO Field Wednesday night. Over 22,000 TFC fans will be watching Ent's every move, as the Canadian poster club looks to bolster their squad.



The Toronto F.C. game against Bolton is part of the annual Carlsberg Cup where TFC plays a EPL team yearly for a trophy. The game will be broadcasted on GolTV at 7:30 P.M. and if Bas is expected to get a run out, check back here for a live feed in the coming days. Ent, if given a go in the game, will face off against tough defenders such as Zat Knight (below, left); Ent may also get the chance to battle against fellow Dutch footballer Mustapha Riga (below, right).



Despite the pressure, Bas Ent should have the confidence in himself to succeed. Ent has played in the Dutch top flight with FC Volendam (at the club for eight years total). Ent was also on many of the Dutch National teams at the U-17 and U-20 levels.