EDMONTON -- The Edmonton Eskimos released veteran quarterback Kerry Joseph on Thursday. Justin Smoak Jersey . That paves the way for Joseph to sign with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, then announce his retirement after 11 CFL seasons. Joseph enjoyed his best campaign with the Riders in 07, being named the leagues outstanding player before leading the team to a Grey Cup victory in Toronto. "I will speak to media about my future plans once I am officially released by the ESKS," Joseph said via Twitter on Wednesday. "I have ask for my release because I would like to retire as a member of the ROUGHRIDERS in the near future. "Please be patient with me over the next few days and then I will give a detailed statement of why I came to this decision. I know mentally and physically I can still play this game but other factors have pushed me away as a player! I will truly miss football as a player but I have so much to give as a coach!" Joseph spent four seasons in Edmonton, completing 189-of-319 passes (59 per cent) for 2,660 yards with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He also ran for 384 yards and scored 13 TDs. "Kerry and I had several conversations throughout the week about the future direction of the club," Eskimos GM Ed Hervey said in a statement. "At that time, he asked for and was granted a release. "Kerry is a consummate professional. We value his contributions to the team, on and off the field, and wish him the very best in his future endeavours." Clayton Richard Blue Jays Jersey . Berkman almost left the game last off-season before signing with the Texas Rangers. He then had another injury-plagued season and was limited to 73 games. Marcus Stroman Jersey .C. -- The Edmonton Oilers used a late-power-play goal to get a hard-fought road victory. http://www.bluejaysonline.com/blue-jays-marcus-stroman-jersey/ .com) - The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to complete a sweep of the Washington Capitals when the clubs cap a quick home-and-home series Tuesday night in the Steel City.SEATTLE -- Jermain Defoe gave Toronto FC its moneys worth on Saturday. Defoe, one of Torontos marquee off-season signings, scored both of his teams goals in a 2-1 win against the Seattle Sounders to start TFCs Major League Soccer season. It was Torontos first win to open a season since 2009, and only the second in its seven-year existence. "I thought the guys were magnificent in the first half when it came to their football and magnificent in the second half when it came to their desire and their character," said Toronto head coach Ryan Nelsen. Defoe, who hadnt scored since Jan. 11 for former club Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League, needed just 24 minutes to secure the win for his new team. He spoke earlier this week about his desire to perform well in case England coach Roy Hodgson was watching. With his two-goal performance on Saturday, Defoe has renewed hope for inclusion in Englands squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil this summer. "To score two goals on your debut, its a dream," Defoe said. "The England thing is obviously going to be at the back of my mind." After early pressure from the Sounders, Defoe made a run between two Seattle defenders in the 17th minute. Jonathan Osorio, on the ball in midfield, slipped a perfectly weighted pass through the gap, and Defoe nestled the ball into the goal. Seven minutes later, Defoe picked up a loose ball after a Sounders giveaway near their own penalty area. He found space to cut to the right and fire another shot past goalkeeper Stefan Frei. "The first goal was a great ball, and you just have to finish it off," Defoe said. "The second half, we showed great character because they put us under a lot of pressure. Youve got to do that sometimes away from home." Seattle began the second half as it did the first, pressuring Torontos goal. Another big-name signing, Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar, made his first important intervention in the 53rd minute. He fell tto his right and stuck out his left leg, deflecting a close-range shot from Obafemi Martins out for a corner kick. Clayton Richard Jersey. However, the Sounders pressure would eventually pay off. Seattles own Designated Players, Martins and Clint Dempsey, combined down the right flank in the 68th minute, putting Dempsey in space on top of the penalty area. The U.S. international took a settling touch with his left foot before slamming a right-footed shot low and to Cesars left. The CenturyLink Field crowd of 38,441 came to life, and the Seattle attack continued to press. Torontos back line held, helped by several foul calls by referee Ioannis Stavrides close to its goal, despite dropping into a defensive shell for the last 15 minutes of the game. Notably, Seattle substitute Kenny Cooper got behind the defence with five minutes remaining, but his central pass went wayward under pressure from Cesar rushing out of his goal. Osorio headed clear a tame Sounders corner kick in stoppage time, which effectively closed out the match. "Theres no doubt in my mind that as the season goes on, well continue to improve, and our football will be good," said Toronto midfielder Michael Bradley, another one of the clubs big off-season signings . "Tonight was different. Tonight was about the spirit, the mentality and doing whatever it took to come away with three points." Nelsen downplayed the result throughout his post-game talk with media, choosing instead to expound his desire for consistency over a long MLS season. "Weve got so much to improve on. Were not stupid," he said. "What I like about this team is their heart, their character, their desire -- that they want to win. Thats what you hope for. You build your house on that type of foundation." Toronto (1-0) plays its first home game of the season on March 22 when it hosts D.C. United at BMO Field. Seattle (1-1) takes to the road for the first time the same day, playing the Montreal Impact. ' ' '