SoccerToronto FC - 2007 versus 2010

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During a recent golfing trip, three friends of mine - all Toronto FC supporters - and I discussed all things TFC related. Arrivals, departures and prospects for the coming season were all dissected and examined. 

One of our discussions centred on whether or not Toronto FC were actually any better now than they were when they joined the league in 2007. It was an interesting debate, so I thought I would share some thoughts with you and let you have your say. I will base my comparisons on what I consider to be TFC's strongest lineup from both seasons.

Goalkeeper

2007 - Greg Sutton
2010 - Stefan Frei

I think the edge here has to go to Frei, even though he hasn't yet come anywhere near to reaching his potential. He has tremendous up side to his game - he is quick, agile, communicates well and his distribution is improving all the time. He is prone to making rookie mistakes, but that is to be expected - he is a rookie, after all. 

I like Greg Sutton - who can forget his performance away to DC United in 2008, when he prevented a double-digit loss? When he is on form he is an excellent MLS goalkeeper. I am pleased that he seems to have found a home in New York.

Still, the nod goes to Frei, who has the raw ingredients necessary to develop into one of the league's premier shot-stoppers.

Verdict: 2010

Defence

2007 - Marvell Wynne, Tyrone Marshall, Jim Brennan, Todd Dunivant
2010 - Marvell Wynne, Nick Garcia, Nana Attakora, Jim Brennan

It is difficult to make this comparison, because it is generally accepted (hoped) that Mo Johnston is attempting to sign another central defender. Adrian Cann is currently in camp, and if he can impress, perhaps he will occupy one of the two central defensive positions.

In three seasons, Marvell Wynne has demonstrated tremendous athletic prowess. In full flight, there is no one in the league who is more fearsome, offensively or defensively, than Wynne. However, he still has major positional deficiencies in his game, so it is difficult to say that he has improved over the last three seasons.

I was as surprised as anyone to see Jim Brennan lining up as a central defender in 2007. I don't know if he ever played there before, but he acquitted himself quite well, to be honest. Tyrone Marshall proved last season that, when paired with a younger, quicker defender, he could still be an asset in MLS. At 35, though, time is not on his side.

Todd Dunivant should never have been traded, in my opinion. He is a solid, if unspectacular, left back who is reliable at this level. He is no Ashley Cole, but I would gladly have him in my team.

The success of this year's back line could very well hinge on who is signed in the weeks ahead. Nana Attakora should occupy one of the centre back positions, but he needs someone experienced to play alongside as he learns the game. Could it be Adrian Cann?

Most TFC supporters will hope so, because the general consensus is that Nick Garcia is not the man to take the club forward.

Verdict: 2007, unless a commanding centre back is signed soon.
 
Midfield

2007 - Ronnie O'Brien, Carl Robinson, Maurice Edu, Chris Pozniak
2010 - Dwayne DeRosario, Julian de Guzman, Sam Cronin, Jacob Peterson

I've only put DeRosario in midfield because I don't think TFC has anyone in its squad right now who can play that position effectively. Perhaps Preki could play Gabe Gala on the left, and Peterson on the right, but that is a decision for him to make.

DeRosario's best position, in my opinion, is as a floating striker, with the freedom to play off a target man. That may still happen, depending on who comes or goes in the next few weeks. He has his limitations, not least of which is his defensive awareness, but I would always have him in my team nonetheless.

There isn't a great deal to choose from between these two midfields. O'Brien, at his best, was one of the league's most dangerous wingers. Chris Pozniak is not a winger, but he is a versatile player who can fill a number of roles on the team. He would provide defensive cover on the left, allowing Dunivant the chance to overlap.

The combination of Robinson and Edu in central midfield was effective, and much of Edu's progress should be credited to the influence of his Welsh teammate.

The trump card for the 2010 line-up is de Guzman. If he can fulfil his promise as the team's first designated player, and if he is utilized in an attacking midfield role (I agree with Globe and Mail columnist Paul James' assessment), then de Guzman will be TFC's crown jewel.

If not, then TFC will lack penetration from midfield. Sam Cronin is a player I admire, but he does not yet possess the range and vision of de Guzman. He has the stamina and the discipline to be a defensive-minded midfielder, allowing de Guzman to be the creative force.

The Canadian international needs to be the fulcrum of all of TFC's attacking play, if Reds' supporters are to see the best of his abilities. It is a role he has played before with the national team, so it should be one to which he can adjust.

Verdict: 2010

Forwards

2007 - Danny Dichio, Jeff Cunningham
2010 - O'Brien White, Ali Gerba

Oh, Danny Dichio ...

What would TFC fans give to have Danny Dichio back in the line-up this season? Quite a bit, I would guess.

Truth be told, Danny was never a prolific goal scorer. He led the team in scoring in 2007 - with six goals. Having said that, he was a real handful to play against, because he put it all on the line in every game. What he lacked in grace and elegance he made up for in grit and determination, which is why he is so revered by those who follow the fortunes of Toronto FC.

Jeff Cunningham never really found his feet in Toronto, despite his scoring exploits for Dallas since his departure. Blame it on John Carver if you like, but the onus is still on the player to perform. While he was in Toronto, Cunningham simply didn't do it.

Ali Gerba needs to hit the ground running this season, or else he runs the risk of finding the same fate as Cunningham. Gerba has ability; we have all seen how well he is capable of playing when he dons the national team jersey. But for me, he hasn't done enough in the red jersey of Toronto FC.

O'Brien White is an interesting one. I think he has potential, but he is not ready to be the go-to guy just yet. If he can make it into double digits this season, I would say that is a great return for someone of his age and experience.

Verdict: Tied (can we have Dichio from 2007 with White from 2010?)

So, a slight overall edge to 2010. There are plenty of variables that I haven't touched on, not least of which is coaching, but at least it gives us a basis for discussion.

So what do you think? Has Toronto FC improved its squad since 2007? Are they better equipped to make a run at the playoffs this season? Which areas of the team are you happy with, and which positions keep you awake at night?

As always, I will look forward to reading your thoughts.

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