Carver's juggling jigsaw pieces
Monday, March 17, 2008 | 06:17 PM ET
John Carver would never cut it with the Diplomatic Corps. Fortunate, then that diplomacy is rarely called for in his line of work.
“That’s the worst we’ve played,” the Toronto FC coach tells me on the practice field at Charleston Southern University, referring to his team’s performance in the Carolina Challenge Cup opener against San Jose - a game mercifully cut short by a lightning storm on Saturday evening.
Carver doesn’t mince his words; he calls a spade a spade and gives a straight answer to a straight question. He bellows at his players and commands their attention while acting as referee/instructor during inter-squad scrimmages.
When he spots a move he doesn’t like, Carver brings the action an abrupt halt with a shrill blast on his whistle and barks his objections in a concise and deliberate way. Once he’s got the message across loud and clear, play resumes.
Carver’s trying to fashion a defining shape to the team so that players are constantly alert. The object of the exercise is to ensure players make safe choices in defensive situations, while going forward there is always more than one option for the man in possession of the ball.
A good striker hard to find
The business of assembling this complex human jigsaw into an efficient unit in a limited time and on a limited budget is taxing. Trialists have come and gone as Carver and manager Mo Johnston attempt to add both depth and impact to the roster ahead of the trade deadline in mid-April.
Of those currently in camp, Puerto Rican defender Marco Velez appears closest to winning a contract. An accomplished central defender, who can also operate at right fullback, Velez can provide competition for the likes of Marvell Wynne, Tyrone Marshall and rookie Julius James.
However, top of Carver’s wish list is a goal scorer. “We need a striker,” he states with some urgency in his voice. He understands and shares the fans’ frustration at the lack of fresh talent, but assures me they are working night and day to try and resolve the issue.
Finding a solution will cost money - the striker’s art comes at a premium and in soccer, as in life, you generally get what you pay for. The good news for Carver is that there is cash in the kitty, but he also knows the clock is ticking.
Not much time to be diplomatic, but then again “JC” wouldn’t waste time on niceties. He wants the jigsaw finished - the sooner the better.
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About the Author
Nigel Reed lends his extensive experience, passion and knowledge of the game of soccer to his role as play-by-play announcer for CBC’s Major League Soccer broadcasts.
Reed has more than 20 years experience covering soccer, most notably a five-year stint from 1999 to 2004 where he was a host and producer for the English Premier League for BBC. He also covered English Premier League giants Liverpool and Everton for BBC Radio and provided analysis for both BBC TV and the BBC website.
More recently, Reed served as play-by-play announcer for CBC’s coverage of the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He also hosts The Soccer Show for the Toronto sports radio station the Fan 590.
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Comments
mikey
toronto
Lets hope Mo can land Guevara
Posted March 20, 2008 04:47 PM
JS
T
On the positive side, depth in defense has improved significantly.
Midfield needs work, Robinson does not seem to be worth what he is payed. With O'brien gone a big signing is needed if TFC is to succeed.
So Caver said "we need a striker"... Obviously he is not happy with Dichio, Samuel, Cunnigham. If possiable Mo Johnstone should trade Samuel and maybe even Cunnigham. Though I doubt anyone would want Colin Samuel, who has underperformed badly last season.
With a low salary cap in Major League Soccer it is a very dificult job to sign good young talent and keep them.
Posted March 20, 2008 11:07 AM
Danny Choto
Toronto
I have a player from Africa who I think will be better than,what I see in Toronto team,This player is based here in Toronto but I see in Toronto team,I am an ex professional player from Africa for this player no fees are required if Toronto wants to try him.I bet he will make the grade
He is a striker will play an positions,I have tried to communicate with Toronto FC,BUT ALL SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE,I will be happy to see toronto being successful,Willing to help my beloved team,if you can just let this boy train with your team for a day only.
I hope you will revert back,Give this young men a chance Toronto FC,hE WILL MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Posted March 19, 2008 07:28 PM
Potter
T
Cunningham?! He'll get injured two games into the season from those light jogs he takes. Then what? Another 7 game scoreless streak?
Posted March 19, 2008 02:21 PM
Jeff M
Edmonton
We need a creative midfielder, I think Toronto FC should go after Canadian International Ian Hume who plays with Leicestier City in the English Championship League.
Posted March 19, 2008 01:57 PM
nm
hamilton
we dont need a striker, we need a creative midfielder, cunny and dichio make a good pair when healthy
Posted March 19, 2008 10:14 AM
Hal
Toronto
Nice read, Nigel.
I'm cautiously optimistic that, with the salary cap space, we can acquire the talent we need. But team cohesion will suffer and it will show on the field if new players aren't integrated very soon.
Posted March 19, 2008 09:41 AM
Mark
Ottawa
Urgency? What urgency?
MLSE has a sold out park with an immense waiting list for tickets. The second year club doesn't have to go far to improve over last years last place finish with a squad of walking wounded.
Mo Johnson will take his time because he can. Not until the fans start staying away would it become urgent and lets face it... in Toronto the fans will never walk away... look at the Maple Leafs as an example.
Posted March 19, 2008 09:12 AM
James17930
Taipei
But will we get this striker before the season starts, or will it be pushed back until the summer transfer window?
I'm feeling it'll end up being the latter.
Posted March 17, 2008 08:39 PM