John Herdman anticipates fresh acquisitions in the next two weeks as Toronto FC tests a number of trialists ahead of their friendly against Columbus.
As the start of the MLS season approaches, both John Herdman and Toronto FC supporters are eager to add players to the team’s squad.
The second phase of preseason officially begins on Saturday with a friendly against the Columbus Crew, the MLS Cup winners. The head coach has already expressed his desire that TFC will bring in new players during this phase. However, he admits that the club must locate the “right people” and make room on the roster and in the salary cap before it can add new players.
Herdman stated on Friday, as reported by Neil Davidson of the Canadian Press, “What I can say is that I’m expecting some signings in the next two weeks.” “I think I’ll have some in before that [February 17] LAFC game.” The goal of the front office would be to ensure that every new signing could play in at least one or two games.
“I am aware that the team is putting a lot of effort into contacting important players, some of whom are closer than others to [crossing the finish line].” However, I’m finding that even when something seems close, it may disappear in an instant.
Other than the arrival of Honduran midfielder Deybi Flores, no official acquisitions have been announced. However, there may be some new players participating in the friendly match against the crew on Saturday.
According to Davidson, there are a number of unidentified trialists in camp right now, so it’s reasonable to assume they could play on Saturday and later this week. It remains to be seen if we get the names of those players or any other details, but at this point, the club doesn’t appear to be eager to share any information.
Toronto FC will play three friendlies this week as they ramp up phase two of their preseason camp in California. The matchup against the MLS Cup-winning Columbus Crew takes place on Saturday. The game against the Crew on Saturday will be split into two 60-minute halves, just like the Nashville workout.
Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, who both scored in the opening preseason victory over Nashville last week in Florida, are among the current roster players who may miss most or all of the Crew games.
Herdman stated that although both Italian DPs are in good condition, he might severely limit their playing time this week. “I believe I’ll use as much as I can to evaluate players more, and for the guys I know, I can give priority to their minutes when they’re fully healed and prepared to play.”
Even in a non-competitive setting, Adama Diomande, who played in just 166 minutes of league action the previous season due to injury, is still not fit for game action.
Tyrese Spicer, the top overall pick, is healing from a broken toe, and Herdman anticipates that Spicer will be fit to play against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday.
Herdman stated, “[Spicer] will be gradually phased through the Salt Lake and LAFC games. We want to make sure we get to the starting line with people healthy and ready to go. We had such a rough season last season with injuries.”