What a week it’s been for Toronto FC. The week got underway with a 3-0 loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Union. Just a day later, forward Joao Plata left the team to go play back home in Ecuador with LCD Quito. Nick Soolsma followed him out the door on Wednesday.
Wednesday night saw the Reds take on Canadian rivals Vancouver in what was one of the most entertaining games in the MLS season to date. The game experienced three lead changes, the third and final one coming on the last touch of the game when Terry Dunfield headed home a Torsten Frings corner. The goal came with less than five seconds remaining in injury time, giving Toronto a 3-2 win and a big three points.
Thursday night, however, provided arguably the biggest news of the week when the club announced Canadian midfielder, designated player and the two million dollar man Julian de Guzman had been traded to FC Dallas.
“This deal gives increased flexibility to address areas where we have more pressings needs,” said Paul Mariner.
In return for de Guzman, Toronto acquired 22-year-old forward Andrew Wiedeman. The forward was drafted by Dallas in 2010 from the University of California. He has started just one game this year, but has made four appearances as a substitute. Wiedeman is still looking for his first MLS goal.
Despite less than overwhelming statistics, Wiedeman is a young forward who has all the tools to become an effective player for the Reds. He has the ability to start at striker or on the right side of the midfield making him an effective man to have on the bench late in games.
Although the best part of this deal for TFC has nothing to do with Wiedeman. By trading de Guzman, TFC free up a much needed designated player spot as well as a bulk of salary. Like Mariner said, this gives the team much needed flexibility to bring in an impact player, something de Guzman failed to do in his tenure with TFC.
The options are there now for Toronto to make a splash and bring in a difference maker with this ‘new found’ DP slot. The consensus among fans and the media is for TFC to bring in an experienced CB, something Mariner had planned when he was first appointed head coach.
When asked after the TFC-New England game on June 23 what position Mariner would like to improve, he replied saying the answer was “quite obvious.” He went on to explain how the team cannot continue to make the same mistakes and the young back four needed to be better.
A few weeks later, Mariner may be changing his mind.
“The young back four are learning. They’re learning very quick,” said Mariner after TFC’s 1-1 draw with the Red Bulls. “I thought that was the best performance from the young back four today.”
Mariner has gotten the best out of his young players as of late, and the recent form of defenders Jeremy Hall, Doneil Henry, Logan Emory and Ashtone Morgan has made TFC’s need for a center back less of a pressing issue than it has been in recent weeks.
Whether the club decides to use this DP spot on a proven center back is still up in the air. The club has other needs as well, but which ever direction TFC decides to go, this is a big opportunity for management to turn this club around. The impact this new player has on the club will go a long way in speeding up or slowing down the club’s rebuilding process heading into 2013.
*** CONTEST: Tweet me @tfc_alex with your guess for who TFC’s next designated player will be. The winner gets a free soccer jersey of their choice. All you have to do is follow me and tweet who you think Toronto will use their next DP spot on. As a tie-breaker, include how much you think the player’s salary will be. Good luck! ***
TFC is in Boston preparing for Saturday’s match against the Revolution. Andrew Wiedeman is meeting the club in Boston today but it is not known if he will be available to play tomorrow.
Saturday’s game will be a chance for revenge for TFC who blew a two goal lead at home last time the two teams faced on June 23.
(image courtesy of torontofc.ca)
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