Toronto FC midfielder Nathan Sturgis visited BMO Field for the first time on Wednesday morning. The 23-year old picked up in a trade from Vancouver in exchange for a 2011 first round draft pick, enjoyed a hurried tour around the grounds.
It’s always difficult for new players to adjust quickly but Sturgis has no choice. A whirlwind couple of days involved picking out a place to live for himself and his fiancée (they are set to marry on New Year’s Day), meeting with team brass and acquainting himself with his new dressing room and its amenities.
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VIDEO: Lee Godfrey's exclusive interview with Nathan Sturgis on Wednesday morning.</p> |
The Florida native isn’t new to the transient lifestyle that befalls footballers. Toronto will be his fourth destination in this upcoming sixth season. Sturgis has had stints in Los Angeles, Salt Lake and Seattle before being selected by Vancouver in the expansion draft on route to Toronto.
From his Seattle experience he equated Qwest Field's famous atmosphere to what is expected at BMO. Sturgis knows he can "use the energy" of the home supporters to elevate his performance.
"I'm good in tight spaces, with the ball at my feet and I think I'm a good passer. I can help the team to keep possession."
The improvements to his game earned accolades last season from Seattle coach Sigi Schmid, and he prefers to continue in that vein alongside his new teammates, but it will take a little bit of time to adjust.
"I'm catching up on what's been going on (in Toronto), still have yet to meet a lot of people."
"Going into the expansion draft, I hadn't spoken to either of the two teams and didn't know Toronto would trade for me."
Now that he is here, Sturgis will have to show Toronto supporters he is worth the price paid to acquire his services. Another season like he enjoyed in 2010 with Seattle will not only go a long way in winning over the Reds' faithful, it may also earn him some long sought stability.
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