Amado Guevara fitting in with Toronto FC
Last Updated: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 | 5:26 PM ET
The Canadian Press
Honduran international Amado Guevara has two goals in three games with TFC. (Karl B. DeBlaker/Associated Press)Three games into his career with Toronto FC, Honduran Amado Guevara is already feeling right at home.
The former MLS most valuable player has two goals and an assist, helping Toronto (3-2-0) to a franchise-record three wins in a row heading into Thursday's game against the visiting New York Red Bulls (7 p.m. ET).
The attacking midfielder played for New York, then known as the MetroStars, from 2003 through 2006.
Given that New York (2-1-1) plays on artificial turf, Guevara is comfortable on the FieldTurf that covers Toronto's BMO Field.
He also likes what he sees off it.
"As for the city, I'm very very happy," he said on a conference call through an interpreter.
"I've received great treatment by the staff, my teammates and my coaches. They welcomed me in.
"And the fans, who really support this team and really give the team a home advantage. I really feel like I've been here longer than I have."
Guevara, known as El Lobo, has been a handful off the field in the past, but he is drawing rave reviews from his Toronto coach and teammates.
"Since he's been here, he's been all smiles every single day," Toronto coach John Carver said after Guevara scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Kansas City on Saturday.
"So, I'm still waiting to see this animal in him. I haven't seen it yet. I haven't seen it, honestly.
"And the way I want the game to be played, he suits my style. It's all about managing people.
"I think that's more important than anything else. So far, I think we're managing him OK.
"If he's happy, I'm happy, the team's happy. We're winning, which is great."
League MVP in 2004
Mo Johnston, Toronto's director of soccer and former coach, was both an assistant and head coach in New York so knew all about Guevara, named league MVP in 2004.
That included fining and sitting him down in 2006 after Guevara went straight to the locker room after being substituted and eventually ended up in the stands with his wife.
The two have apparently made up, with Guevara saying Johnston was "a large reason" why he was in Toronto.
After starting 100 games for New York, the Honduran turned out for just four for Chivas USA in 2007, when he bumped heads with coach Preki and was suspended by the league for arguing with an official.
He eventually returned to Honduras to play for Motagua while Toronto looked to complete a trade for him.
"Definitely, I don't like to talk about the past, but yes, I've learned," said Guevara, who turns 32 on Friday.
"It's funny, because after the game this weekend, the media asked me why I looked so happy. It's because I enjoy doing my work.
"I enjoy doing it responsibly. Now I feel comfortable. Sure, there are things that I would like to erase, but what counts is what I do moving forward."
Triggers Toronto attack
Carver has Guevara playing in the hole behind the striker, with Danny Dichio up front against Kansas City.
He is the team's schemer, taking the ball from the defence and holding midfielders and triggering the attack, either through Dichio or wingers Laurent Robert and Rohan Ricketts.
"It works very well for us because Amado's a very clever player, and he picks up positions where defenders can't really pick him up, in the gap between the midfield and the defenders," said Toronto midfielder Carl Robinson.
Guevara can make goals and score them, with 34 goals and 37 assists in 110 MLS games.
In addition to Guevara's vision, his ability to hold the ball is appreciated by teammates trying to get the ball out from defence.
"He's a great player, and he's a pleasure to play with," said Toronto captain Jim Brennan.
Guevara also drew a rave review from former New York teammate Jozy Altidore.
"It was nothing but enjoyment," the 18-year-old striker said of his two years with Guevara.
"He's a superb player, a great person. I definitely miss him as a teammate."
Guevera has won 105 caps and scored 22 goals for Honduras, captaining the Central American team.
