A real shame
What a shame. It's a fine day in Southern California as Toronto FC prepares to play Chivas USA in a critical league match. The mood among the players is upbeat. It's a solid squad. The wayward Carlos Ruiz is in the fold. He seems quite happy as we chat after training. This is a quality team looking for big things.
And they had better come up with the three points. Because the undercurrent is one of frustration, bewilderment and, quite frankly, disgust over what is about to happen next week. That is when the league's main shortcoming is about to hit Toronto right between the eyes.
We're talking about the consequences of the league's refusal or inability to deal effectively and fairly with international dates. The next round of World Cup Qualifying means Toronto could lose an astonishing nine players for next Saturday's match against Chivas USA at BMO Field.
Let's go through it. Sutton and Brennan to Canada, Tyrone Marshall to Jamaica, Julius James to Trinidad and Tobago, Marvell Wynne to the U.S. and Carl Robinson to Wales.
Had enough? How about Jarrod Smith to New Zealand, Amado Guevara to Honduras and Carlos Ruiz to Guatemala. Throw in the injuries to Todd Dunivant, Nana Attakora and Danny Dichio and it's nothing short of a disaster.
It's so bad, the Reds actually petitioned the league this week to have this match postponed. Toronto likely would have had an ally in Chivas, as injuries have decimated coach Preki's side. TFC may not have three substitutes on the bench.
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