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It has not been an easy year for Toronto FC’s back line.
With plenty of tough games and even tougher forwards, the 2013 season was a learning experience for an ever-evolving Toronto FC back four. The defensive line has changed quite a bit as players came and left the club: Ryan Richter, Mark Bloom and Richard Eckersley competed for a starting spot at right fullback; Ashtone Morgan, Logan Emory and Jonas Elmer battled it out on the opposite flank; in the middle, Toronto saw plenty of changes, with Steven Caldwell, Darren O’Dea, Doneil Henry and Gale Agbossoumonde each finding substantial minutes in the season.
For Agbossoumonde, his first season in MLS is one he feels could have gone better.
“There’s a lot of things, looking back, like, those last minute goals are all etched in there,” said Agbossoumonde, pointing at his head. “It’s all “coulda-shoulda-woulda,” imagine if this would have happened, if that didn’t, the season wouldn’t be over. It’s not just one specific thing, but a few moments.”
Late goals have been bothering the central defender throughout the year. Conceding late goals had been a major theme for the first half of Toronto FC’s season, but as of late, Toronto has looked solid defensively. Agbossoumonde is certainly not to blame for the goals, but the defender is taking responsibility for many of those results, despite his solid performances.
As a defender playing in his first season in MLS, he was also not pleased with his own personal performance.
“I didn’t meet any of my personal goals,” said Agbossoumonde. “My goals coming into the season were getting the chance – I got the chance – and keeping the chance, which I didn’t.”
Agbossoumonde played in 13 games this season, 12 as a starter. His style of play, a mix of physical and technical, gave Toronto FC a reliable option in the backline. When Agbossoumonde was signed, fans of the United States National Team watched keenly; the Togolese American played for the U.S. National U20 Team and was one to watch, growing up.
At Toronto FC, Agbossoumonde and Henry were often interchanged, but as the season wound down, it looked as though Henry secured the spot. Still, Agbossoumonde remains an important squad player. He believes that keeping the team together is vital for success in 2014.
“I think we need to keep unity, you know, with the core guys that are here now, you know?” said Agbossoumonde. “I feel like this team has gone through so many changes, not just players, but staff. The most important thing was finding the group of staff, which we have, and keeping the core, like the back four: keeping guys together. The more you play together the more you get used to each other and the better things work out.”
It’s back to Syracuse for Agbossoumonde during the offseason, but he’ll return to BMO Field come the start of next season as one of the young players to watch for Toronto FC. One thing is clear – Agbossoumonde is hungry for a chance to start.
He may very well get that chance, and more, in 2014.
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