jpg75 Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=399971 Young fullback Ashtone Morgan, whose lung-busting runs and pinpoint crosses have helped kickstart the Toronto FC offence in recent weeks, has signed a long-term deal with the MLS club. The 21-year-old graduate of the TFC Academy is in his second season with the first team. "Ashtone represents the present and future of this club and he is an important player for us," head coach Paul Mariner said in a statement Thursday. "He is also a product of our Academy program and the current youth players can look up to Ashtone as an example of what the potential future holds for them." The speedster has appeared in 29 league matches, starting 23 of those, and has five assists. Among those benefiting from Morgan's service is Dutch striker Danny Koevermans, who has scored in five straight games. "It's excellent," Koevermans said recently of Morgan's delivery. "I hope the kid keeps going on like that. It's important for us, especially for me and Ryan (Johnson)."... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Free kick Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 I missed last nights game entirely so i cant comment on that one. But Morgan has been a star in the last several games. His ability to come forward is what distinguishes the so so LB's from the world class LB's. And, he possesses that ability to come fwd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Macksam Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 I missed last nights game entirely so i cant comment on that one. But Morgan has been a star in the last several games. His ability to come forward is what distinguishes the so so LB's from the world class LB's. And, he possesses that ability to come fwd. He had a pretty good game last night as well. His first touch is getting better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ag futbol Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Yeah, I noticed he's looking a little more composed on the ball lately. Still think there is some room for improvement. With that amount of pace he should be thinking of multiple ways to get past his man and not just getting to the touch line. Also think he could read the game a little better defensively, but this will all come with time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmonte Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 Great news about an LB that, with a long term deal, could be MLS's top Canadian player three years down the road if his development continues on a positive path. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearcatSA Posted July 6, 2012 Share Posted July 6, 2012 Congratulations to Morgan! Well earned. With experience he should continue to develop into a top class LB for us. Looks to have a high ceiling in terms of development. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nolando Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 I am happy for him too but only hope we don't have these massive expectations for the kid (and others like him) like most of us did with Nana. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BearcatSA Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 I am happy for him too but only hope we don't have these massive expectations for the kid (and others like him) like most of us did with Nana. Agreed. There's always a need to keep things in perspective, for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dub Narcotic Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 Nana was always a little bit overrated by all (Canadians) concerned. Never bright enough on the ball to be a good fullback and not big or technical enough to play center back. He probably has a place in MLS, but he's also lost two crucial development years and I think his off-the-field issues have raised a red flag for some teams in the league, explaining the lack of interest in his rights. Morgan is a much better prospect. Also on topic, Earl Cochrane was on TSN FC this week and said that Henry is being offered a new deal as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keegan Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 Nana was always a little bit overrated by all (Canadians) concerned. Never bright enough on the ball to be a good fullback and not big or technical enough to play center back. He probably has a place in MLS, but he's also lost two crucial development years and I think his off-the-field issues have raised a red flag for some teams in the league, explaining the lack of interest in his rights. Morgan is a much better prospect. Also on topic, Earl Cochrane was on TSN FC this week and said that Henry is being offered a new deal as well. Why are people talking about Nana like he's some has been? The kid was just captain of our U23 side and there's a reason he has won caps for the men's team too. Things haven't worked out for him in MLS but I think with the right situation he'll be a good depth player for Canada. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpg75 Posted July 9, 2012 Author Share Posted July 9, 2012 People were high on Nana because he had the athleticism to close down on most attackers in MLS. Yes, he wasn't the most technical player around, but i'll take a guy at CB who stops goals over one who plays a nice ball out of the back and not much else. I'm sure TFC could use him right about now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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