It has been equally impressive and depressing when thinking about how many players have suited up for Toronto FC since they entered the league in 2007. Around 130 players have stepped on the field for the club in the seven years it has existed, reflecting the constant state of overturn the club has adopted. Each coach and general manager regimes have tried to place their stamp on the team by bringing in their own players. Of those 130 or so, only 23 have played more than 50 games. Very little has stuck, resulting in major frustration from supporters over the lack of recognizable faces on the pitch from year to year. It certainly doesn’t help a supporter’s group already rapidly dwindling due to lack of results.
Another thing that has frustrated fans exponentially is the fact that other expansion teams have been able to find success so quickly in a league synonymous with parody. Rivals Montreal Impact have built a successful franchise in just two campaigns and are well on their way to an MLS playoff birth that has always eluded their Ontarian counterparts. So what makes up this startling difference? Montreal have succeeded where Toronto have not, building up a meaningful connection that has heavily contributed to their results on the field.
photo credit: abdallahh via photopin <aThe European flavor of Montreal seems to have aided a large import of Italian players. Designated Player Marco Di Vaio, Matteo Ferrari, Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pisanu and Daniele Paponi are all Italian and have all had a sizable impact on the squad. The two veterans, Di Vaio and Nesta, have been the biggest additions. Di Vaio has scored 16 goals since joining the club and is widely considered one of the best players in the entire league. Meanwhile, Alessandro Nesta has helped Montreal organize a backline the likes of which makes Toronto FC drool.
The only major connection Toronto has ever had was Aron Winter’s Dutch background, which can hardly compare to Montreal’s Italian connection. Now it appears that through all the recent promises and rumors the new group of Toronto FC management may be stumbling upon a new connection, one that could finally prove profitable. It is Italy for Montreal and now it could be Argentina for Toronto. This link began in late April when Toronto confirmed the signing of Designated Player Matias Laba, a 21-year old formerly of Argentinos Juniors. Laba has since gone on to impress heavily with his new club bringing technical abilities and consistency, of which the club has been so lacking.
But Laba was not the only Argentine that the club targeted during that time. In fact he may not have been the first in line. For weeks it was rumored that Toronto were close to signing Newell’s Old Boys 22-year-old striker Maximiliano Urruti. A couple of months later and those reports have resurfaced, aided by the fact that Urruti has parted ways with his Argentinean club. Many sources have indicated a deal with Toronto that was so elusive in April could be in place:
Argentine journalist Cesar Luis Merlo of Tyc Sports tweeted this, which roughly translated indicates that Urutti is flying out to join Toronto FC on Monday and that the transfer will be free despite the fact that he has one year left on his contract.
Kevin Payne, Toronto’s president has said that Urutti will not be a designated player but this second tweet from Merlo indicates that his salary could be in 1.3 million range. A large sum but with his track record, Urutti could well be worth the money, especially considering his age.
Furthermore, other reports have indicated that Toronto are looking at a second Argentine and second Maximiliano. This one would be even bigger, as it is Moralez who currently plays for Atalanta of Serie A. The 26 year old has been capped for Argentina and would instantly become the creative attacking midfielder that represents the biggest current need for Toronto FC. Fitting perfectly in the 10 slot with TFC, Moralez could dominate games offensively the way countrymen Laba has been doing at the backend in MLS so far. Simply put, this move could be bigger than adding Diego Forlan to the fold.
Adding a second, or maybe even a third Argentine could instantly help Toronto FC. With the ages displayed above it could also help them down the road, which is what Ryan Nelson has always indicated is the plan. While it is only three names and only one of which is currently on the club, the profile and links with these players indicates a greater trend within the organization. Clearly they have hired someone who has decent Argentinian connections, and should they play their cards right this could be an incredibly fruitful asset.
If it is exploited to its full potential it could be even more valuable than the Italian connection which Montreal currently holds. This is because the players that Toronto have acquired/been linked with are younger and with more promise than those who have joined the Impact. Toronto could get more long-term contributions out of these players which could help them finally achieve some success in Major League Soccer. Should the Argentinians enjoy and thrive with the club others will take notice and will consider it a solid opportunity.
With the clubs current lack of success this may not seem like a big deal at the moment, but down the road an Argentine connection could help create the consistency and success for which TFC have been searching.
