TORONTO – Mo Johnston’s latest answer to Toronto FC’s offensive deficiencies took to the field Wednesday looking to make an impact.
Miguel Angel Ferrer Martinez, better known as "Mista," made his much-awaited debut in Toronto’s Carlberg Cup exhibition against English Premier League side Bolton Wanderers. Despite The Reds’ loss in penalty kicks—their third-straight shootout defeat in their three-year history—TFC's second Designated Player showed glimpses of what could help lead the club to its first-ever playoff appearance.
In one half of play, the former Deportivo la Coruña striker was a central figure in the offense, taking two corner kicks and two free kicks.
TFC coach Preki said earlier this week that Mista, 31, would play 45 minutes. Before the Spaniard's time was up, however, he set up Maicon Santos with a nice crossing pass that Santos headed into the goal to level the Trotters in first half injury time.
“It’s important for him to get some minutes in games, and he getting 45 minutes did some encouraging things. Hopefully he’ll have the next couple of days in training, good training days, and we’ll see where he fits on Saturday [against FC Dallas] and next Wednesday against Motagua [in the CONCACAF Champions League],” said Preki.
Though he trained with the club during the last few weeks, Mista only received clearance for his International Transfer Certificate just days ago. But the lack of game action didn’t seem to affect the forward, as he appeared to know where to be on the field at the right time.
Forced to watch Toronto’s 2-1 loss to Philadelphia Saturday from the sidelines, Mista saw a club whose offense has gone stale of late.
Dwayne De Rosario and Chad Barrett have eight and five goals, respectively, but the team’s offense has still struggled. TFC have scored only three goals in their last six games—and three in their last five MLS games—with De Rosario goalless in his last five league games.
Mista has spent most of his career in La Liga and had his most productive seasons while with Valencia, where he scored 40 goals in 142 games.
With half the season left and TFC on the cusp of a playoff seed, Johnston and Preki hope the Spaniard—and Santos—can do what Carlos Ruiz and Pablo Vitti failed to do in previous years: provide the offense that will propel the club to the playoffs.
Signed through the end of the 2010 season, Mista played in a shadow role behind starting striker Fuad Ibrahim, but Preki denied he would consistently be a lagging striker behind the likes of a Chad Barrett.
“We’re going to talk on the training ground and we’re going to talk before the games,” said Preki. “In different games there might be a different role for him, so nothing is set for him right now.”
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