TORONTO – More heralded for his assists, Victor Vazquez has contributed more than his fair share for Toronto FC this season.
His 14 assists leads MLS, level with Lee Nguyen of the New England Revolution – something that will please Vazquez, who has stated he prefers helpers to goals – and six of them have been game-winning passes, two more than his nearest challengers: Nicolas Lodeiro of the Seattle Sounders and teammate Marky Delgado.
Vazquez has three more assists in the Canadian Championship, helping TFC hoist the 2017 Voyageurs Cup.
Truly he has been the lock-picker that Tim Bezbatchenko promised upon his arrival preseason and, as Greg Vanney has argued, he is the most clever midfielder in the league.
And yet, his five goals have him equal with Justin Morrow for third most at TFC in 2017.
There was his deft header in Vancouver back in March as Toronto won 2-0; a brace against Columbus in a 5-0 rout in May, including that ingenious free-kick placed under the jumping wall, the other a penalty kick; another spot kick late against NYC FC, kissed off the inside of the post as Sean Johnson guessed in the wrong direction, salvaged a draw for TFC in a contentious affair, and most recently the second in a 4-1 overpowering of the Portland Timbers in August at BMO Field.
In at least four of those goals astute observers will have noticed a trend. Vazquez uses the opportunity of celebration to share the moment with those closest to him via a gesture: heart-shaped hands.
After sliding towards Sebastian Giovinco, who provided the near-post ball against Portland, Vazquez did it. So too after both penalty kicks. And the free-kick against Columbus, as well as the earlier penalty, added an obvious look up towards the stands, presumably to where those he does it for are watching.
And there will be more opportunities as the regular season reaches a conclusion and the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs begin.
Vazquez was asked about the celebration mid-August.
“My wife and my son follow me everywhere I go,” said Vazquez. “[I do it] just to [tell] them they are really important for me and part of these things that happen on the pitch. Outside they are always helping and supporting me.”
“When I was single, I did another thing,” continued Victor. “I have tattoos for my family [on my wrists and forearms, that] I was kissing because of them.”
On his right forearm, Vazquez has his sister's name; on his left the names of his friends.
Added Vazquez: “But now I'm married; because they are always behind me, I have to show respect for them.”
