TORONTO -- When Michael Bradley stepped off the plane in Toronto after the United States heartbreaking loss to Belgium at the World Cup, he made his intentions immediately clear. "He came up to me and said, I want to train," said Toronto coach Ryan Nelsen. The 26-year-old midfielder is expected to play Saturday night when Toronto hosts D.C. United, returning to his Major League Soccer squad with mixed feelings about the Americans World Cup run -- sad that it ended when it did but proud of his teams performance. "Theres disappointment for sure because we felt like things had come together in a good way for us, and we felt like there was more there for us," Bradley said after Fridays practice at BMO Field. "Thats sports ... you realize in those moments again how fine the margin is between going home and going on. "I think for every guy on our team there is a huge sense of pride for the way we went about it when the spotlight came on the brightest. For every guy who was there, the commitment, the determination, the willingness to leave everything on the field in every moment was incredible." He rejoins a Toronto team that has been climbing the Eastern Conference standings. TFC is fourth (6-4-3), but with four games in hand over leaders Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United. Striker Jermain Defoe, who was left off Englands roster for the World Cup, said Bradley could easily have requested a week or two off to rest and decompress. "He decided to come in and he wanted to play. Thats brilliant. He had a fantastic World Cup and hes just ready to go," Defoe said. "Great character to say to the manager, Im up for selection, I want to play, I dont need to go away and have a rest." The Americans finished second in Group G, then dropped a 2-1 decision to Belgium in extra time in their dramatic round-of-16 game. "Its always a draining experience in the World Cup, especially when you get eliminated," Nelsen said. "Theres this incredible sense of finality to it, and it can have repercussions. Id be worried if it was any other player other than Michael." Bradley said the feedback from the Belgium game has been unanimous in that it was a great game to watch. "The drama at the end, all the emotion that went into it ... when youre little, those are the games you dream of playing in," Bradley said. "Unfortunately at the end somebody has to be on the losing side but when you get a taste of playing in those kinds of games, you want more." Bradley was overwhelmed by the support the team received in Brazil. Before their opening game against Ghana in the coastal town of Natal, the local paper reported 30,000 Americans had arrived in town. "Youre thinking, maybe well have a chance to have a home crowd," Bradley said. "We walked onto the field and the national anthem starts and the entire stadium was singing. Thats a special feeling, to be playing in a World Cup representing your country, thousands of miles away from home but having the entire stadium full of Americans. "The atmosphere, the people and the support pushed us on in such a big way." The success of the Americans, and the amount of attention paid to the team in North America, was seen as a big thumbs-up to MLS. Commissioner Don Garber posted on Twitter moments after the Americans elimination: "We proved to the world we are a soccer nation!" Six starters on the U.S. team, including star striker Clint Dempsey, play in the MLS, plus several other countries boast MLS players -- TFC keeper Julio Cesar is Brazils starting keeper, Australian international Tim Cahill plays for the New York Red Bulls, to name two. "Were all realistic, we all know the MLS is not THE best league in the world yet, but its on the right path, its growing, its continuing to improve, the quality gets better and better," Bradley said. "And when you get to the World Cup and see the number of players who come out of this league and have done well, and had a big impact on whats gone on there, you cant help but have respect for what goes on here on a weekly basis." The league recently attracted a couple more big stars. Spains all-time leading goalscorer David Villa is headed to New York City FC, while Kaka, a Brazilian and former star for Real Madrid and AC Milan, recently signed with Orlando. Theyre both expansion teams that will make their league debuts next season. Defoe called the recently Kaka news a "massive signing. Such a massive name." "Someone who has achieved so much in the game, great footballer, still has a lot to offer," he said. "The names just keep coming and coming and its only going to help the league. And obviously for me, I sit back and think Im so glad that Ive come over here, and just to be a part of it all is really good." Bradley, who tried to make time to watch Torontos games online when he was in Brazil, is excited to rejoin a team that looks poised for its first playoff appearance in franchise history. Toronto marked the end of the MLS break for the World Cup by tying the Red Bulls 2-2 on the road on Wednesday night, dictating much of the play before relinquishing the lead when the Red Bulls scored in the third minute of injury time. "Credit to all the players, and obviously the manager and staff ... were just improving each day, taking small steps but really improving as a team," Defoe said. Defoe scored the lone goal of the game when TFC beat D.C. United 1-0 in their second game of the season. "Weve played them already this season but we know theyve improved since then and we feel weve improved also," said captain Steven Caldwell. "So it should be a really good game, hopefully an attacking game. We feel for us weve really improved in that area, were looking very dangerous when we go forward, we just have to make sure weve got that nice balance and were tight at the back." Toronto plays its next three games at home. After Saturday, they host Houston on July 12, then the Vancouver Whitecaps on July 16. Drew Storen Jersey . The third-ranked Lewis, a three-time winner this year on the LPGA Tour, had a 9-under 135 total at Emirates Golf Course in the Ladies European Tours season-ending tournament. Chris Sabo Jersey . So it was understandable if he was a little shaky early in his return to the Texas Rangers rotation. He spent most of the outing searching for his best stuff, but still managed to shut down the struggling Minnesota Twins offence. http://www.redsgearshop.com/Reds-Johnny-Bench-Kids-Jersey/. They wanna make t-shirts about it and sell them at our next hockey game..DB: Wow, they want to make t-shirts? That sounds pretty amazing.MS: Yeah, I was also on the Top 10, I was number 1 today, so that was pretty cool. Joey Votto Jersey . Dont miss a single shot, live on TSN beginning at 7pm et/4pm pt. Winners of their last eight games, the Heat return to Toronto for the second time in the month of November. After beginning the season 4-3, allowing 100.9 points on 47 per cent shooting, Miamis resurgent defence has vaulted them back to the top of a weak Eastern Conference. Michael Lorenzen Jersey .ca presents its latest weekly power rankings for the 2013-14 Barclays Premier League season.Seven games to go. Seven games to fight for their playoff lives. Nothing has come easy for Toronto FC, nor should it have been expected from the beginning. The only thing big money, flashy moves guarantees are a more expensive payroll. And theres nothing worse or more damning than expensive mistakes. Its time for Toronto FC to produce. Crunchtime has arrived. There is no doubt about it. And what better way to kick-off a crucial run of matches than by welcoming a wounded, lifeless opponent to BMO Field. Toronto FC (9-11-7), winless in their last six, begin a season-defining run of games against one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer, Chivas USA (6-16-6), in a bizarre Sunday 3pm kick-off. Sitting three points back of a playoff spot, seventh place in the Eastern Conference is hardly ideal. A game in hand on the competition and a soft opponent ahead makes the forecast much brighter than the dark clouds many are casting. A first managerial victory for head coach Greg Vanney is a virtual must. Anything short of three points this weekend would suggest turbulent times ahead. Simply playing out the stretch was never in the script nor should it be. Make no bone about it, Sunday is make or break for Toronto FC. Here are five thoughts ahead of this weekends match-up. 1) Central Issues – A common denominator determining team success on the season has been superior midfield play that has created positive team results. When the middle of the park has played well, the team has picked up results. When it has struggled, the team has come apart at the seams. Superior cohesion and tactical direction is essential and Vanney has to get it right Sunday. Collen Warner has been ruled out (hamstring) which means a different look. Playing Michael Bradley alongside a player who can compliment his skill-set is paramount. With Bradley showing preference to drop back and facilitate from a deeper position (which is a necessity), Warner hasnt been the best match, preferring to play a similar role. A midfield diamond seems best for this group, with Bradley taking up a holding position. Jonathan Osorio (hamstring) returning from injury is an ideal partner, playing in an advanced role. The Canadian International has struggled with consistency playing outside left. Hes an inside player. All of his traits dictate as such. Paired with a stable Bradley, TFC would have two players in the middle comfortable on the ball with requisite athleticism. Balance would be achieved. The wing players then can play narrower, opening up space down the wings for the outside-backs to get forward, as Vanney prefers. This is the best shape for the team. Will Vanney and his newly named coaching staff make this prudent tactical change? 2) Welcome Back! – Osorio isnt the only player set to return. Captain Steven Caldwell (quad) is in contention after battling a long-standing injury. The defensive line struggled without the centre-halfs communication, experience and overall superior standard of play. Established defensive help wasnt addressed before the MLS roster freeze, making Caldwells inclusion that much more important. A healthy Caldwell drastically improves the backline, and perhaps opens up the possibility for Doneil Henry to take up a wing-back position. It may not be ideal, but Henry played right-back for Canada earlier in the month and played well. For what he lacked going forward, Henry added a more solid defensive presence on the right side of the pitch. If youre going to play Oduro or another attack-minded player on the right wing, you better be sure you are secure defensively. TFC has been exposed on the wing far too easily. Henry would stabilize the position. While Caldwell represents stability, Jermain Defoe signifies the return of cutting edge that has been sorely lacking. Many believed it wouldnt happen, but Defoe will return to Toronto on Monday. According to Defoe, his rehab has gone well, but that doesnt mean hes close to match fitness. Two weeks from now in Los Angeles has been set as Defoes likely return date. If so, Toronto FC will have five games of Defoe to heelp save the season.dddddddddddd The striker leads the team with 11 goals in 16 games, having only played twice in the last 60 days. General manager Tim Bezbatchenko elected not to sell Defoe at the transfer deadline in hopes he could be influential down the stretch. Were about to find out whether it was worth the risk. 3) "I feel for Toronto FC" – It rarely happens in any sport: a league official admitting a referee got it wrong. MLS commissioner Don Garber did just that in a respectable move Thursday. Toronto FC was robbed of the full three points in Chicago on the weekend as match official David Gantar called back Gilbertos potential winner in time added on. The match ended 1-1 and crucial points were stolen. Gantar spoiled the occasion. An improper call as such is intolerable at this level. Instead of backing the official, as per usual, Garber acknowledged the wrongdoing, saying "That referee did not get it right in that game, and we shouldnt be ashamed of saying that." Refreshing stuff from Garber. Michael Bradley had a go at MLS officiating in an honest and emotional post-match rant. Its surprising the league hasnt taken any action (yet) against Bradley. If the league wants to continue doing the right thing, they will let Bradley off with a private warning. Extending the olive branch, developing goodwill with the club and one of the leagues top players can go a long way to coming to common understanding, taking progressive steps to rectifying the wrongs. I respect Bradley for coming to the defence of his team. He understood the possible repercussions and was willing to risk potential punishment, speaking on behalf of the group. Thats how you reinforce leadership and command respect within the room. 4) Ref-Factor – The disallowed goal in Chicago Saturday isnt the only controversial decision made against Toronto FC this season, leading to points dropped. May 2 – Tied 1-1 in the 82nd minute, referee makes New England retake a corner kick Toronto FC had already cleared away. It was a decision that then-head coach Ryan Nelsen claimed, "Ive never seen it before." The decision was baffling. Toronto conceded a penalty on the retaken corner, which was then converted, giving the Revs a 2-1 lead and the three points. Harsh. July 2 - Luke Moore gets sent off in the 29th minute as Chicagos Chris Ritter jumped into the elbow of the TFC striker. There was no malice or intent in the aerial challenge. The referee merely reacted to the injury. Ten-man Toronto was superior to a very poor Fire team and played to a 1-1 draw. MLS later rescinded the red card. It was never a foul, nevermind a sending off. July 26 - In the 23rd minute, Aurelien Collin takes down Gilberto, who was in clear on a breakaway. No red card was shown to the Sporting Kansas City defender. Similar situation in the second half as Dominic Oduro was pulled down by last-man back Juliao. No sending off this occasion either. Toronto FC lost 2-1. A referees interpretation went against TFC. These, along with Gilbertos disallowed goal, are all game-changing decisions missed, or match-defining calls that went against Toronto FC. These dropped points as a result of referee error are the difference between sitting in a playoff spot and being on the outside looking in. 5) Poor Chivas - Toronto FC couldnt ask to play a better team Sunday. Chivas USA is in shambles and ripe for the picking. Never mind the fact the team may not even play in 2015 with the franchises future up in the air, the Goats are last place in the Western Conference and are a league worst in goals, assists and virtually every attacking category. Chivas has only scored 23 goals on the season, 14 by Erick Torres who is suspended for the trip to Toronto. If Toronto FC cannot pick up three points against Chivas, it begs the question who can they beat? With a game in hand and the Eastern Conference incredibly tight, chalk Sunday up to a must-win home game for the Reds. The season depends on it. 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