Originally posted on March 15, 2014 on Soccer Newsday
After being on a bye in the first week, Toronto FC kicks off its season in Seattle.
While 2013 ended in yet another disappointing season for TFC, this season brings a renewed optimism that has not been felt in the Toronto soccer scene since the team’s first season. After an exciting offseason, with the numerous signings and changes to the team, TFC fans will finally get to see the project that manager Ryan Nelsen has in store for the upcoming season.
The season opener will showcase the debuts of new signees Jermain Defoe, Michael Bradley and Julio Cesar. Newly signed Brazilian striker Gilberto, though, will miss Saturday’s action due to a hip flexor that he injured during the preseason, and did not make the trip to Seattle with the team. That means that Dwayne De Rosario will likely start alongside Defoe, a partnership that could provide havoc to Seattle’s defense.
Bradley will command the center of the midfield, joined by Jonathan Osorio, who will be looking to improve on an impressive rookie season. The flanks of the midfield will likely be manned by Alvaro Rey, and new comer Jackson, who was acquired from FC Dallas in early December. While Jackson has played in almost 100 MLS games and can provide an offensive spark (with 11 goals in that time), he can also be undisciplined, acquiring 17 yellow cards and 3 red cards in his 4 years in the Lone Star State. Bradley will be up against his fellow US Men’s National Team player, Clint Dempsey, who will be looking to have a better season than he did in the 10 games he played last season after his transfer from England.
TFC captain Steven Caldwell will lead a revamped TFC defense that includes Justin Morrow, acquired in the offseason from San Jose, Bradley Orr, on loan from Blackburn, and Doneil Henry, who is starting his fifth season with the Reds. Caldwell commands the defense and directs traffic in the back, and will look to his other defenders to keep the Seattle forwards in check, however the speedy Obafemi Martins will keep the defenders on their toes.
Brazilian No.1 goalkeeper Julio Cesar makes his first start in the Toronto FC net, on loan from Queen’s Park Rangers. The 34-year-old veteran lost his starting role at QPR, and wanted a move where he could play as a starter ahead of the upcoming World Cup in his home country. He will want to impress his national team coach to ensure that he is starting at the World Cup.
TFC face a Sounders team coming off a stoppage time win against reigning MLS Champions Sporting Kansas City. Former TFC forward Chad Barrett slotted one home from a goalmouth scramble, after Dempsey almost scored to win it himself with a header off the bar.
Seattle and TFC have met 8 previous times, with the Sounders having won 6 of those matches and tying one, scoring a total of 14 goals, while the Reds have only scored 6 times.
TFC will also face former teammate, captain, and fan favourite Stefan Frei in goal for Seattle. While Frei enjoyed his time in Toronto, he would also love to show his former team that he is still a very capable keeper.
In previous seasons, fans could almost predict that Frei would come up huge for a shutout, and Barrett would stun his former team with a late goal on a defensive blunder; however there is a lot of optimism among TFC fans that this season will finally be one that brings a winning atmosphere to the team.
While no one expected much from Nelsen last season, he now has a more talent at his disposal than any previous TFC head coach, and needs to show that he is capable of guiding this team. There are likely to be some bumps in the road as the team tries to find their bearings, however there is enough veteran leadership that should be able to keeps the train from falling off the rails.
