In a week where Toronto FC signed two designated players and beat Vancouver in league play, a few other elements seem to be working in its favour as the week reaches its climax Saturday with the Nutrilite Canadian
Championship final versus Vancouver (12:30 p.m. ET on Sportsnet One).
Toronto has been devastated by injuries for several weeks but Friday's training session seemed to suggest the TFC machine could soon be unclogged.
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<p style="font-size: 10px; margin: 0pt auto;">VIDEO: Toronto FC midfielder Gianluca Zavarise ahead of Saturday's final.</p> |
Midfielders Julian de Guzman and Tony Tchani seem closest to regaining fitness from the list of walking wounded. The duo took part in regular first team activities at BMO Field Friday morning.
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Centre back Nana Attakora and forwards Alan Gordon and Maicon Santos jogged with the first team but continued to receive treatment on the sidelines. All three took part in scrimmage Friday to simulate game conditions, though Attakora’s session was shortened due to a nagging quadriceps strain.
Winger Jacob Peterson, who sustained a pulled hamstring at the first leg of NCC Final on May 18 before aggravating it a few weeks later, also exerted himself in scrimmage, as did Gianluca Zavarise, who was substituted in Wednesday’s 1-0 victory after picking up a knock.
The possible additions of Tchani, de Guzman, Peterson, Maicon and Gordon could very much alter Toronto’s outlook for the all-important Saturday clash that will decide which Canadian team will be the country’s entrant at the 2011/12 CONCACAF Champions League. All five players missed Wednesday’s win, as did Attakora and fellow centre back Dicoy Williams, who spent Friday away from the pitch rehabilitating his damaged knee.
Head coach Aron Winter said Vancouver is “a very good team” and he will approach the final with utmost respect for his opponents. On his end, he is buoyed by the fitness gains made by his missing starters and hoped to unleash them against the Whitecaps.
“It’s possible that Jacob, Alan, Maicon, Tony, Julian are all back (tomorrow)”
One player that won’t be playing however, is German international Torsten Frings. The midfielder took part in his first training session Friday and Winter had encouraging words after his first look at the former Werder Bremen captain.
“(Frings looked) good, very good and Torsten is also happy … He is about three weeks away from fitness.”
The timetable works for Toronto to have Frings and fellow new signing Danny Koevermans back for the July 20 match at BMO Field against Dallas. That is the first game where the duo would be eligible to play.
Toronto requires a scoreless draw to move on to the Champions League, but Winter and first assistant coach Bob De Klerk prepared for all eventualities. The team took part in an extended tactical session and practiced for penalties Friday.
Going into Saturday’s match, however, Winter isn’t interested in sneaking into the continent’s premier club competition with a draw.
“When you go on to the pitch you always want to win.”
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