Some quick thoughts on Wednesday night’s pleasant but utterly meaningless friendly between Toronto FC and River Plate of Argentina, which one side or the other won on penalties after ninety minutes of scoreless ball:
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Ali Gerba: The free-scoring Canadian international whiffed on his first scoring chance for TFC, a baseball-bat-style leg swing at a wonky cross from Dwayne DeRosario. I was looking right down the line of that pass, and it was a very difficult ball.
Gerba then forced a splendid save out of River Plate’s goalie just before halftime. Is that an improvement? Well, says here that when Chad Barrett misses, the netminder just stands there and catches the ball. On Gerba misses, goalie arms and legs fly all over the place, and the enemy backstop gets a face full of turf. Works for me.
In the PK shootout, Gerba took a one-step approach, and three-wooded a screaming shot into the top left corner. Ka-BOOM! Nobody else on the TFC roster can do that.
O’Brian White: We finally got to see the young draft pick who was one of the hottest prospects in NCAA ball before he detonated his knee last season. White didn’t do much on the ball, but showed commendable pace and desire. Very strange running style. He looks like he’s constantly accelerating with one leg, and slowing down with the other. Don’t yet know if that’s the injury talking, or just the way a unique athlete moves.
Emmanuel Gomez: The young Gambian centreback had a couple of awkward giveaways, but held his ground pretty well in his first Toronto start. Seemed naïve at times, not unusual for a teenager in a position that requires a lot of thought, guile and experience.
Other notables:
Pablo Vitti: Wore the captain’s armband against his countrymates, but once again created absolutely nothing, and shanked his post-game penalty kick over the bar. I’ve seen enough. You guys?
Brian Edwards: I continue to believe TFC’s long-idle backup goalie can play – and even start – in MLS. Good anticipation, fine reflexes, and man, does this guy get rid of the ball on his throws and goal kicks! Needs more playing time, and I believe he’s earned it.
Gabe Gala: I like this kid so much! Huge heart and enthusiasm. Back in late ’07, he got a good run of playing time, and looked very poised out there. Seems more nervous now – probably because he gets so few chances to show what he can do. I think there’s a bright, useful, opportunistic attacker here. I wish he’d got some of the late outings that used to be squandered on Rohan Ricketts.
Huge game coming up in Columbus this Saturday. Gerba must start.
Onward!