|
|
“On the third day of Christmas, Bell + Rogers gave to me…”
A Third Backup Keeper
Day Three of our Christmas countdown has arrived, and today, Stefan Frei and Milos Kocic require some company.
Besides the fact that, somehow, Toronto FC have two goalkeepers and neither wears the number 1 shirt, a squad is never really complete until it employs a third keeper. A third keeper’s life is a rough one, no doubt. Oftentimes, they play second fiddle (third fiddle?) to more experienced, established goalkeepers, called up only when required and spending more times in the reserve leagues than anywhere else.
Still, finding such a keeper is not impossible. The Academy had two available keepers in Chad Bush and Angelo Cavaluzzo, who, perhaps, need another year or two before being considered. Toronto FC experienced its first season with full goalkeeper rotations last year. Between Stefan Frei’s injuries and Milos Kocic’s form, a real battle for the starting spot emerged. At this point, both are acceptable starters in my book, and if Winter opts for one over the other, both Frei and Kocic are deserving of that choice. It’s this third keeper, or lack thereof, that’s the key.
A disastrous situation still exists in the realms of possibility for Toronto FC. Imagine, if you will, that Kocic is out injured, and Frei, for whatever reason, sees red during a game, booted by the ref, who also doles out a penalty. Do we really want Danny Koevermans to mind the net? Richard Eckersley to dive for the save? Joao Plata to wear the gloves and keep things level for Toronto? Somehow, I don’t see that working.
Toronto FC needs a third goalkeeper. Proper depth, though addressed yesterday, is even more important in this position than anywhere else. Make it happen!
Previous: Depth In All Positions
Check back every day for the next installment of The 12 Days of Christmas at Toronto FC, only at RedNation Online!
|