He’s certainly a veteran with big game experience; is he really what the Reds need at this moment to continue their pursuit of the title?
On deadline day, Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko announced two deals that had been finalized – the departure of Warren Creavalle and the arrival of American international and journeyman striker Hérculez Gómez from Mexico.
No one can deny the talent that Hérculez will bring to this club. His track record has proven that time and time again he has the potential to be a clinical, game-changing poacher. Though time is no longer his ally as it once was, he will be suitable as the third or fourth striker for the Reds as the hunt for the first playoffs in club history grows stronger. Yet this arrival is not one without weight; it could hint at future moves for Toronto FC in the near future.
Could it spell the departure of one Of Luke Moore and Robbie Findley or does it signal a lack of faith in Jordan Hamilton? Was it merely just a means to cover the recently waived Bright Dike who failed to impress upon his return from injury?
With the salaries being released a short while ago, two that surprised were the aforementioned Moore and Findley – $215,000 for Moore and $225,000 for Findley, astonishing money for relatively unused players when starters are healthy. That last bit is important to include as a glance at the appearances list will lead a casual supporter to believe that Findley is as integral to this club as Altidore is.
It cannot be stressed just how incapable Findley has been when filling in for the big number seventeen during his spell injured with hamstring related complications. In the same number of appearances as Altidore, Findley has contributed just a single goal and an assist – in eleven starts as a striker or wide attacking midfielder, these numbers just do not cut it in this league. By comparison, Giovinco has scored two more goals than Findley has contributed in total appearances.
Luke Moore, a former Aston Villa man, has a goal and three assists in nine outings. As Findley brings great pace to the pitch, Moore brings poise and maturity in the classic number nine mold. Adequacy in confidence when filling in is something that may have to do with the fact that his role is established. Whereas with Findley, the inconsistency could be a result of playing both out wide and up front periodically, often in the same match affecting the mental aspect of his game in the transition.
Then there is Jordan Hamilton, who started the year brightly but has since failed to maintain a consistent scoring record for USL side Toronto FC II where he is presently on loan. It was expected that when the year commenced the momentum of his play would carry him into the reserves of the first team – this never transpired save for a brief spell when he was called to fill a seat on the bench during an injury crisis. Nevertheless, his play for TFC II hasn’t been lacking; he’s been tremendous in possession and when creating opportunities for his teammates. He has done all the small things right with unselfish dedication to his club, despite a decline in production in front of goal. One would think his numbers would start tallying up at some point, and TFC are banking on this as well. It’s just not his moment yet.
Though he may be gone, one cannot dismiss the role the curious Bright Dike case contributed to Gómez’s arrival. Brought in from the Portland Timbers, his play was so impressive in the latter half of 2013 that it warranted him a spot on the Nigerian national team for several friendlies prior to the 2014 World Cup. He actually scored a goal against in Italy in November of that year at Craven Cottage, but alas, it was not to be as he damaged his Achilles and was ruled out of 2014 World Cup contention. His road to recovery long, he may never be the same. Relegated to fifth striker at Toronto and then loaned out to San Antonio of the NASL, he has since been waived.
Where does that leave us then? With Moore the only adequate replacement if Altidore or Giovinco were to be out for an extended period of time, the transfer of Gómez was a necessary one. Findley is much more suited to a midfield role (his goal scoring record is enough evidence of that) so frankly, TFC had no choice but to find a striker capable of assisting them if they progressed to the post season and they managed to find a proven champion. It would not be a major shock if one of Moore or Findley were to be traded at the conclusion of the season and a natural wide midfielder acquired.
As Toronto fans will recall, Gómez was vital against them in Santos Laguna’s efforts during the CONCACAF Champions League back in 2012, scoring at BMO Field in the first leg then adding a brace in the return to Torreón. He is the first player to have won both the MLS Cup and Mexico’s Primera División, aside from winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and a Gold Cup internationally with the United States and several top goal scorer awards in Mexico. Let’s hope for TFC’s sake that his trophy cabinet will continue to grow, and that the groans he received the last time playing against Toronto will turn to applause.
