Toronto FC: 3 takeaways from 2-1 preseason loss to Houston Dynamo
By Paul Taylor
3) A blast from the past
Toronto FC has an excellent reputation for putting a lot of time, effort and care into their academy over the years. Some of the more notable players to come through the system include Jonathan Osorio, Ashtone Morgan and, most recently, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty.
As such, it was noteworthy that Wednesday’s winning goal was scored by Tyler Pasher. The Canadian used to be a member of the TFC academy.
Pasher knocked the ball home from close range in the 61st minute, to double Houston’s advantage and essentially clinch the win. The forward will understandably be hoping this is the first of many goals this year, as he looks to justify the Dynamo picking up his contract option.
The 27-year-old will theoretically also be thankful to still be in Houston, after somewhat of a journeyman career up to this point. Over the years, he has played in Finland, the United States, England and, of course, Canada.
It’s clear Pasher has talent, as evidenced by making his debut for the senior Canadian national team last year. TFC will be happy to see him succeed, as long as he doesn’t make a habit of scoring against them.