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I recently took in a very interesting Canadian Soccer League match on the weekend between Brampton City United and Toronto FC Academy. The match ended 2-1 in favor of the Reds but beyond the score line, three players caught my eye for two different reasons.
Firstly, the play of TFC Academy midfielders Sergio Camargo and Omari Morris really caught my eye. Both took command of the attack and really displayed their pace and creative flair. Arguably what made their performances all the more impressive is that they both came on as substitutes with an eye towards goal and imposing themselves on the match. This was evident in the way the game immediately opened up for TFC when they came on the pitch.
The play of Morris, as I was recently discussing on Twitter, has an uncanny resemblance to that of recently loaned out Ecuadorian playmaker Joao Plata. Not only do they have a similar skill set and play a similar position, but both also wear the same #7, both are diminutive in stature and they even have similar haircuts. A highlight of the game was something Morris did with the ball at his feet. Even though it ultimately had no end product, he showed off his quick feet by turning a Brampton defender inside out and putting him on his back.
As for Camargo, he has shown what he can do on the ball in many of his performances. However, what was arguably more impressive with regard to him was his intelligence off the ball. He puts himself in good positions and manipulates space well. It will be intriguing to see where TFC Academy will play him more often, as he has proven his worth both centrally and out wide.
Although graduating academy prospects is likely the furthest thing on the club’s collective mind at the moment, given where TFC currently find themselves and the fact that the club is weak in every position except attacking midfield, if I were to make a prediction on potential players to be promoted to the First Team, these two players would be high on the list. In my opinion, it would be a bit of a shock if these two weren’t to get a look during preseason next year. They may even follow in Doneil Henry’s footsteps and make their debut during Toronto FC’s Friendly match against Liverpool this upcoming Saturday.
While for many supporters the Liverpool match has been deemed a meaningless exercise for many reasons - and rightfully so when taking into account the pressures and schedule of the senior team. However, that isn’t really the case for the young players who will get to play against the English Premier League giants. Going up against top quality European youngsters, squad players, new signings and superstars from one the top sides in England will give these players the challenge they crave on a big stage. This not only helps them catch the eye of their current club, but also scouts from big clubs around the world who will be watching.
Another thing that caught my eye on the weekend was a pleasant surprise, as long time injured forward/midfielder Nicholas Lindsay started the match and played the entire first half. It personally made me happy to just see him kicking a ball in anger again, after such a lengthy time out with a major meniscus injury to his left knee, an injury that had put his soccer career in serious jeopardy. The road to recovery is far from over, as he understandably still has to knock off the rust and slowly build up his ability to give and take tackles without fear. But it looks like he is making great strides and to see him on the pitch again should make all Canadian soccer fans happy regardless of club affiliation.
Camargo, Morris and Lindsay are three players that Toronto FC fans can now look at as a positive in terms of the organization as a whole, something that TFC fans undoubtedly need during these times of instability and season ending injuries.
Kamal Hylton is Owner/Freelance Soccer Writer at Hylton Sports Media,
he specializes in covering Youth Development in Canada and the
CONCACAF Region as well as European leagues such as Bundesliga, Serie A and UEFA Champions League. Follow him on Twitter to view all
his work.
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