Toronto FC: Defence suffers another frustrating injury blow
By Paul Taylor
Already beset by several defensive injuries, Toronto FC will now have to contend without Drew Moor for possibly two or three months.
Take a survey and ask the main reason Toronto FC won their first ever MLS Cup last season, and people will likely point to the attack. This isn’t surprising, considering the Reds finished with a league-leading 74 goals, four ahead of Atlanta United FC.
However, when it comes to any professional sports team, the emphasis has to be on the word ‘team’. If everyone doesn’t buy in, the chances for success are automatically impacted.
In that respect, TFC were also pretty formidable in defence. They finished the 2017 regular season conceding just 37 goals; best in the Eastern Conference and second-best in all of MLS.
By comparison, this season has been a struggle so far for Toronto. Admittedly, the Champions League played a part, as coach Greg Vanney rested key players when it came to league play.
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Regardless, the Reds have so far conceded 13 goals in just six games. This works out as the second-worst goals-per-game ratio in MLS play.
It doesn’t help that TFC have also been beset by a several injuries to the back line. This includes Justin Morrow, Nick Hagglund, Chris Mavinga, and Eriq Zavaleta.
Unfortunately for the Reds, they have received some more bad news in respect of the defence. As reported by The Canadian Press via CBC Sports, you can now add Drew Moor to the casualty list.
Moor has suffered a quad tear and could be out for two or three months. The news was confirmed on Tuesday morning.
There is no doubt the loss of the experienced leadership of the 34-year-old is a big blow. He sustained the injury during training last week, in advance of the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final.
Moor has been an integral part of the roster, since joining TFC prior to the 2016 season. He has helped the team reach two consecutive MLS Cup finals.
The 2005 sixth overall MLS Superdraft pick has appeared in 71 games for Toronto, including playoffs. He has added five goals and one assist, while only being booked four times.
It will be interesting to see how the Reds cope without Moor. Even captain Michael Bradley has had to fill in at the back to compensate for the lack of available defenders.
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How concerned are you about Toronto FC’s current casualty list? Will they be able to stay within touch of a playoff spot without Moor? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.