Early Thursday morning, jubilant Toronto FC supporters were celebrating victory over their western rivals and the anointing of its latest hero, Issey Nakajima-Farran. His signing, perhaps almost an afterthought to supporters following the arrivals of more established names like Jermain Defoe and Michael Bradley, was made to address depth issues on the wings. Fighting off his critics Nakajima-Farran has delivered hardworking consistent efforts resulting in two goals from league play prior to his heroics at the conclusion of the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semi-final against Vancouver, scoring the winning penalty of the shootout.
Yet less than 48 hours later the Samurai would be packing his bags, travelling up the St. Lawrence River to the blue of the Montreal Impact in exchange for Collen Warner. At first glance, it appears absolutely absurd. A fan favourite (as well as a Canadian) possessing a creative instinct that so often Toronto FC sides have lacked in exchange for an American defensive midfielder who plies his trade for your biggest rival really does not bode well for a club trying to escape the mediocrity associated with it throughout its entire existence and one who prides itself on its Canadian content at that. Initially, it does not make sense at all but pushing aside the sentimental aspect of the trade (on Issey’s birthday of all days) it is a deal which benefits all parties involved; rationally it is a quite sound trade.
Issey Nakajima-Farran is no superstar; he has been a wandering nomad throughout his career, only becoming a starter recently in Toronto due to the injuries of Alvaro Rey and Jackson. That is to say, his role being would be reduced once more upon their return from injury despite his outstanding play. An important factor to consider is that he makes $100,000 a year as the tertiary winger. Dan Lovitz on the other hand, who made his TFC debut in what would ultimately be Nakajima-Farran’s final performance as a Red, makes roughly half of that and proved to his detractors that he has the capability to make an impact at this level. Jonathan Osorio also has the potential to be utilized in a wide role, in the event of an absence.
Montreal meanwhile has had much trouble in creating scoring opportunities this year; Marco Di Vaio has not been 100% and Jack McInerney is, well, Jack McInerney. Collen Warner has been forced to play as a wide midfielder since former captain Davy Arnaud had been dealt away in the offseason despite this not being his natural position; he is a defensive midfielder. This is due to the presence of DP Bernardello and the captain Patrice Bernier in the centre of the park garnering more playing time as key cogs in a squad yet to reach its full potential.
The World Cup is nigh, so for Toronto that means a temporary farewell to stalwart leaders in the squad Michael Bradley and Julio Cesar (Defoe is on-call in the event of an injury to one of England’s strikers). Montreal desperately needs a natural attacking player out wide who can provide the spark to light the fuse, Toronto a man to assist Kyle Bekker in preventing Doneil Henry from picking up too many bookings. It is truly a match made in heaven. Issey attains the permanent starting role that he rightfully has earned which Toronto cannot provide; Toronto receives cover for their General in exchange. Perhaps more importantly, Dan Lovitz has been handed a vote of confidence. As a loanee to Wilmington his efforts, much like Issey’s, have reaped dividends and rightfully so he has been handed a golden opportunity to earn a place in the squad. It is unfortunate and utterly disgraceful that Issey was treated the way he was, it must be stated. That, on top of the fact that he had only been with the team for a month and was beginning to settle down, to acquaint himself with the city.
Ryan Nelsen mentioned that for Toronto to receive Warner, the only player Montreal wanted in exchange for him was Nakajima-Farran – that is a testament to the man and the hard work he has put in, reaping such accolades for himself in such a short span of time. Toronto supporters may have lost one of their glimmers of hope from this relatively young season but have gained a long-term asset who will prove to be fruitful for the squad as a whole and have allowed one of its youth an opportunity to cross the threshold into the world of MLS. All in all, this initially lopsided deal in favour of Montreal could very likely swing in Toronto’s favour by the conclusion of the 2014 season.
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