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Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a doctor was stirring, not even Dr Oz;
The scalpels were cleaned on the counter with care,
In hopes that TFC players would not arrive there;
Last season, the Toronto FC physio and medical staff had their hands full. To say they were busy taking care of players is an understatement – the sheer number of injuries was unprecedented in this league, with crucial players succumbing to season-ending knocks.
Torsten Frings was battered,
Danny Koevermans knocked out.
Stefan Frei’s knee was shattered;
Eric Hassli was always a doubt.
(That rhymed!)
These players were so important to Toronto FC. Stefan Frei was a clear number one, and though Milos Kocic did well during his time with TFC, Frei is a club hero and a solid keeper who commands his area like a leader should. Frings’ absence meant Terry Dunfield linked up with Aaron Maund of all players, leaving Toronto FC terribly exposed in the middle of the park. Eric Hassli was in and out of the doctors’ office with niggling injuries in his ankle and lower back.
But, no injury was more costly to Toronto FC than that of Danny Koevermans, who was, by himself, Toronto FC’s greatest (and, sometimes, only) goalscoring threat. When Koevermans’ season ended with injury, so, too, ended Toronto FC’s miniature resurgence under Paul Mariner.
These doctors have done their job well – Stefan Frei looks to be back in action and will start next season. He better, since Milos Kocic is no longer with the club. Eric Hassli should be fresh and raring to go over the offseason. Frings went back to Germany for treatment and is expected to return to the club, despite rumours saying otherwise.
Finally, Danny Koevermans is expected back as well, though perhaps a few months into the season. Whether he will return to his old, goalscoring form is yet to be seen. In any case, thank you to those doctors who helped get our soldiers back on their feet, but if our Christmas wish comes true, next season, we’ll only pay a visit once or twice, and even then, they will be brief.
Toronto FC players must stay healthy, especially those players who are so crucial to the overall success of the club, the Designated Players.
Though it may the Christmas eve, and these doctors are sleeping tight, they certainly have had their hands full this year, especially at BMO Field where player injuries were the norm. It’s why, on this, the night before Christmas, we wish these TFC doctors a stress-free, peaceful year with little work on their hands, and for Toronto FC players to stay healthy throughout the season.
Sleep tight, doc – if things go as planned, we won’t come knocking!
Related:
• On the 10th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: A Real Number 10
• On the 9th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Nine Without Losing
• On the 8th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Eight on the Jersey
• On the 7th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Seven New Chip Butties
• On the 6th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Six Years of Memories
• On the 5th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Five ACCs!
• On the 4th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Four Midfielders
• On the 3rd day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Three Smart Drafts
• On the 2nd day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Two Centerbacks
• On the 1st day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: A Winterized BMO Field
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