Toronto FC's Sam Cronin, left, could start at right back on Thursday. (Chris Young/Canadian Press)Toronto FC coach Preki is in an experimenting mood these days.
Defence has been a major issue for the Canadian club as it dropped its first two games of the Major League Soccer season, having been outscored 6-1. So it hardly comes as a surprise that the TFC coach is trying out new players in new positions.
During Wednesday morning's practice at BMO Field, Preki used sophomore midfielder Sam Cronin at right defender. Cronin, selected second overall in last year's MLS draft, distinguished himself during the 2009 MLS campaign with his amazing versatility, slotting in seamlessly in a variety of midfield positions.
Newcomer Dan Gargan struggled somewhat during Saturday's 4-1 loss to the New England Revolution, and although Preki didn't tip his hand, he didn't rule out starting Cronin at right back for the team's home opener, Thursday against the expansion Philadelphia Union.
"We're looking at different options, different players … as we go into the game [against Philadelphia]," Preki told reporters.
The recent influx of new players — including midfielders Martin Saric, Jacob Peterson, Nick LaBrocca — means there is greater competition for midfield positions. Cronin has played right back before, hence the Preki experiment on Wednesday.
"At his younger age, he played there. In his first year or two in college, too, so we're just looking at that," Preki explained. "We don't want to forget that that's where he started. Right now we have quite a few midfielders, and the competition for spots is pretty good, so it's up to all them to keep their spots."
The possibility of a new assignment doesn't faze Cronin, who welcomed the challenge if called upon to play at right back against the Union.
"I played [that position] before in college when needed and even a few games last year … I enjoy it and if I get the opportunity I'd be delighted," Cronin said.
Cronin was a regular starter for most of last season, but Saturday's loss in New England saw him sit on the bench for the entire game as an unused substitute. Cronin said he wasn't hurt and that Preki decided not to use him for tactical reasons.
To his credit Cronin, 23, took the demotion in stride and didn't pout.
"It's a little different [watching from the bench]," Cronin admitted. "But whatever your role is, you have to make sure you're ready and focused when your number is called."
Cronin learned a lot during his rookie season playing alongside Carl Robinson. The Welshman helped to mentor the youngster, but that responsibility has now fallen to Canadian Julian de Guzman, who joined the team late last year from Spanish side Deportivo la Coruna, after Robinson was traded to the New York Red Bulls last month
"He's brought a lot of experience [to the team]," Cronin said of de Guzman. "He's played in one of the best leagues in the world, and he was an MVP on the team there. He's proven himself throughout his career, so to train with and talk to a guy like that is very helpful."
