Talk » Auston Matthews. Coach Mike Babcock said h

TORONTO -- AS Roma officials promise their trip to Toronto will be no casual kickabout. Toronto FC hosts the three-time Italian league champions in a friendly Aug. 7 at BMO Field, a game that Roma CEO Italo Zanzi said falls within a key part of their pre-season. "This is a major part of preparation for the season, this is not a vacation," Zanzi said at a news conference Wednesday in Torontos Little Italy. "Its a real competitive endeavour and something that also ties into our global brand building. Our first team will be on our tour, our first team will be playing, it is pre-season so like any other franchise, youre going to be resting players, trying out players, but were going to have our first team all throughout our tour." The storied Italian franchise that was founded in 1927 will travel to Toronto after playing the MLS all-star game on July 31 in Kansas City. The Italians will play another North American game, which is yet to be announced. So Roma fans can expect to see Italian stars Francesco Totti -- who has been at the club for over 20 years -- and Daniele de Rossi, although de Rossi has been linked to Chelsea in a possible summer move. "This is going to be a real match for us, we are going to be in the midst of intense preparation for next season," Zanzi said reiterated. "We have a new coach (Rudi Garcia), we have players who are ready to go, so we are going to take this match very seriously. "We intend to play our first team, from a competitive standpoint we want to win, obviously were going to be evaluating players, but overall this isnt a situation where were bringing anything but our very best." For Toronto FC, the friendly is sandwiched between two MLS regular-season games -- Aug. 4 at New England and Aug. 10 versus the visiting Seattle Sounders. TFC president and GM Kevin Payne insisted the timing isnt a problem -- Toronto would run hard in training on that Wednesday regardless. He said Toronto will also field its starters. "I dont think our first team or Romas first team is going to be playing 90 minutes, but well see the first teams on the field against one another," he said. Zanzi and Payne said the fit is ideal in a city that boasts half a million Italians. "Toronto, as a very cosmopolitan city, boasts one of the largest Italian populations in the world outside of Italy," Payne said. "And we expect that unfortunately for us perhaps, we may not be the home team at this game. Well see about that, but there will surely be some people cheering for AS Roma." Toronto has hosted numerous European clubs in the past, including Liverpool, Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Bolton. Al Wood Jersey . Each of Houstons starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season, with both victories coming on the road. They also moved within 3 1/2 games of San Antonio (22-7) for the lead the Southwest Division. Paul Silas Jersey .C. -- Charlotte Bobcats coach Steve Clifford said after all of these years in the NBA hes still amazed at some of the things LeBron James does. https://www.supersonicsjerseys.com/ . Inter president Erick Thohir says in a club statement on Wednesday that Vidic is "one of the worlds best defenders and his qualities, international pedigree, and charisma will be an asset. Dale Ellis Jersey .Y. -- Syracuse has turned up the defence at the right time all season, and when High Point threatened to pull off a monumental upset the second-ranked Orange did what they do best with their quick hands and savvy play. Dick Snyder Jersey . Coach Mike Munchak says Fokou stretched ligaments in his left knee Oct. 13 against Seattle, which could keep out up to five weeks even though the linebacker didnt need surgery. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFSLAST SEASON: 29-42-11, 69 points. Finished last in Atlantic Division and NHL.COACH: Mike Babcock (second season, 14th NHL season)ADDED: C Auston Matthews, D Roman Polak, G Frederik Andersen.LOST: F P.A. Parenteau, F Brad Boyes, G Jonathan Bernier.PLAYER TO WATCH: Auston Matthews. Coach Mike Babcock said he plans to start Matthews as the teams No. 1 center, giving him a chance to earn a larger role. The Maple Leafs chose the 6-foot-3, 216-pound Matthews No. 1 overall, their first top pick in the NHL draft ssince 1985.dddddddddddd He was born in California, moved to Arizona and played in Switzerland last season.OUTLOOK: The Maple Leafs will be much better, as Babcock predicted. They will fail, however, to make the playoffs for the 11th time in 12 years. Toronto is committed to rebuilding slowly, trying to focus on drafting and developing while avoiding the temptation to overspending for free agents. ' ' '