Injury blow for Toronto FC rookie Julius James
Thursday, March 20, 2008 | 01:21 PM ET
The performance was better, but at what cost?
Toronto FC battled through storm force winds Wednesday evening to earn a 1-1 draw with the New York Red Bulls at the Carolina Challenge Cup in South Carolina, but a painful injury to Julius James is the legacy.
The rookie central defender suffered a shoulder separation while battling for possession with Red Bulls striker Juan Pablo Angel, almost certainly ruling him out of the regular season opener at Columbus next Saturday.
James, who was TFC's first pick at the 2008 MLS SuperDraft, was clearly in distress as he sat on the field, head in hands at Blackbaud Stadium while the team's medical staff attended to him. The 23-year-old was helped to the sidelines where treatment continued, but there was no question of him rejoining the game.
Fellow rookie Pat Phelan replaced James for the remainder of the match and may now get more minutes than he expected until James is ready to return. That depends on the severity of the separation. In its mildest form, the recovery period is no more than a few weeks, but if surgery is required you start counting the months.
It's hardly the news coach John Carver wanted to hear with the regular season just nine days away as he tries to pinpoint his best eleven. If pre-season is anything to go by, James was clearly earmarked as a likely starter despite his lack of experience in the professional ranks.
At least Carver has cover, if need be. While Phelan is eager to get a chance in MLS, the coach can also turn to Andy Boyens, who has the advantage of a full season under his belt - the Kiwi international made 23 appearances last year.
Carver could also employ newly signed Marco Velez in central defence. The Puerto Rican skipper has been playing full back down here in Charleston, but may move along the backline when Marvell Wynne returns from the Olympic qualifiers with teammate Maurice Edu.
Meanwhile, the jury appears to still be out while considering the case of Martin Brittain. The softly spoken English winger has been given an extended trial in his bid to win a contract, but whether he's done enough to clinch a deal remains to be seen.
The 23 year old from Newcastle can certainly cross a ball from set-pieces such as corners and free-kicks, and he does his share of defending when necessary. But I've yet to see the impact that Carver craves - the ability to beat a defender and whip a ball into the penalty area at full pace. Brittain has shown great enthusiasm but needs to demonstrate that cutting edge in match situations.
TFC complete the pre-season schedule on Saturday against the tournament host Charleston Battery (6 p.m. ET, streamed live on CBCSPorts.ca) which boasts its own Canadian contingent. Ex-Toronto defender Marco Reda anchors the Battery back four; Jordan Hughes from Victoria, B.C., operates as an attacking midfielder, while former Canadian international Mark Watson is part of the coaching staff.
No shovelling here - eh!
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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
John
Calgary
Thank you for the wonderful job that you've been doing in Charleston, Nigel. It's good to get the fix again, especially after that magical summer last year. Looking forward to you and Jason calling the games this year!
P.S. - I see you'll be in the Bay Area for the final game. You'll love 'Frisco if you've never been there!
Posted March 21, 2008 04:57 AM
Hal Dremin
Toronto
Well here we go again. And the injuries start already..........
Not what I wanted to hear with 9 days to go before the season opener.
Posted March 20, 2008 02:33 PM