3.11.2013: Can Welsh International Robert Earnshaw Propel TFC To Playoffs?
25,991 Reds fans saw a different sort of Toronto F.C. in week two at the Rogers Centre, one with a bit of UK flair.
Propelled by the loan deals of Cardiff City striker Robert Earnshaw, Tottenham winger John Bostock, and Queens Park Rangers winger Hogan Ephraim; TFC looked a different sort of proposition in a 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City.
The former Queens Park Rangers/Blackburn player, turned Toronto FC manager, Ryan Nelsen seems to be using his former influence in EPL circles to pick up some loans from the UK.
But, the question will be whether Toronto F.C. can hold onto their loan signings past the six month period their currently locked in for?
In terms of Robert Earnshaw, he joined Toronto F.C. to improve his chances with the Welsh National Team.
“The reason for joining Toronto is to help make sure I carry on my Wales career.
I spoke with Chris Coleman (Manager of Wales) at the end of last year and he told me ‘Go and play games and you’ll be involved.’
Certainly, Earnshaw's two goals in his Toronto F.C. opener shows that he still has promise.
“The standard of football is good and that’s what I expected. From what I am told and what I’ve seen, the quality is rising."
“Everything I expected from the MLS is there. During my debut I thought, ‘Yes, I’ve made the right decision. This is the right place for me.’Toronto F.C. will certainly be hoping for a good six months from Robert Earnshaw, a happy six months; that will hopefully lead to Earnshaw deciding to stay on past his loan due date.
Since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2011 to return to his favorite club and where it all began for him, Welsh side Cardiff City, the 31 year-old Earnshaw has been in rough form. In 2012, Earnshaw only had 5 goals in 29 combined appearances for Cardiff City and on loan for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Earnshaw could use some stability and a permanent home at this point in his career. 2 goals in 2 appearances for Toronto F.C. is in contrast showing signs of a more vibrant, younger Robert Earnshaw and perhaps a sign of a permanent address.
And with 167 goals in 417 combined appearances in the England top flights, Earnshaw is definitely a player that can revive Toronto F.C. up top next to Danny Koevermans; when the tall Dutch man gets healthy.
The young Bostock and Ephraim gave Sporting KC fits on the wings, and will make Toronto F.C.'s attack much more dangerous as well this season (at least for six months).
If Toronto FC can keep this trio for the entirety of 2013 Toronto might be playoff capable, and even as a Crew fan, I think Toronto FC's fans deserve at least one playoff season at this point.
Plus it's better for MLS.
The Portland's, Vancouver's, Montreal's, Toronto's, joining Seattle in the playoffs; would make the playoffs a little more exciting than having Colorado, F.C. Dallas, New England, and Chivas involved (good luck finding a playoff atmosphere at any of those places).
So, a talented Toronto F.C. is good for MLS.
Highlights from Toronto F.C. vs. Sporting Kansas City (Toronto F.C. moves up to Talk MLS's Top 8 to 6):
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