April 21, 2008 MLS Toronto added attacking options (from Toronto FC Media Relations)
04/21/2008 10:37AM
Added attacking options improve TFC
Toronto FC Media Relations
Toronto FC returned to training at BMO Field Monday morning following the 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake in the home opener on Saturday. Midfielder Carl Robinson tells TorontoFC.ca the addition of three attack minded players in recent weeks has transformed the side going forward, but says the hard work must continue. TFC have won two games in a row as they begin to prepare to face Kansas City Wizards at BMO Field on Saturday, April 26th at 3:30 PM.
Laurent Robert, Amado Guevara and Rohan Ricketts were in the team together for the first time and caused many problems for RSL in the first half. Ricketts was on the right wing making his debut, Robert, playing his third game, has now settled in wide on the left, and Guevara was making his second appearance for the Reds playing just behind striker Danny Dichio.
Robinson says the attacking options have improved dramatically. "Since Ronnie O'Brien left, the squad was short going forward but with players like Amado and Laurent it has increased our attacking options. Especially in the first half we were fantastic and they couldn't live with us."
"Then we showed our other side of the game in the second half," he said. "Defensively we stood firm, put our bodies on the line and defended well. It was a team effort and the attacking players were also defending. Laurent was always getting back defending and Amado put a good shift in as well so all in all it was a good day."
Right back Marvell Wynne says having extra options has also improved his own game. "It feels good knowing there are more options in front of me. Before I was looking for Danny Dichio up front, but it gives you great confidence on the ball knowing that there are so many different options. Our team is a reflection of our coach and his personality so our style of play represents what he wants, a lot of high pressure, low risk soccer," said Wynne.
But as the team returned to training, Robinson was keen to point out that despite the feel good factor, nothing has been achieved yet. "The important thing is to make sure we keep getting better and that only happens when you work hard. We're doing a lot of rigorous sessions in training. Teams like Manchester United don't get where they are by taking their foot off the gas during the week. You've got to keep improving," said Robinson.
"When things go well you have to keep repeating yourself. That's what we'll be doing this week. We've lost two and won two so we're not going to get carried away. Come the end of the season if we're in the play offs we'll be happy. Then we'll want to win them. You can never stop working. It was great to be back playing at home again and after winning at L.A. it was important to get a good result. There is no point working so hard to win in L.A. if you come home and don't get the three points, so it was crucial to win. I didn't think the fans could get better than last year but judging by what it was like today, it was even better."
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