January 28, 2011 MLS--Peterson's Preseason Joy (from TorontoFC.ca)

Peterson's Preseason Joy
Luke Wileman
TorontoFC.ca
January 28, 2011

As Toronto FC’s squad arrives at their training base in Turkey Friday afternoon, winger Jacob Peterson is excited to have opportunity to play a full part in preseason this year.

It’s was a much different story 12 months ago when Peterson was traded from Colorado Rapids to Toronto in January in exchange for allocation money, but was unable to participate with the rest of the squad as he was still rehabbing from ACL surgery.

Jacob Peterson “It is a lot different for me,” said Peterson. “ Last year was a whirlwind for me coming off the ACL injury and then getting traded. It is nice having a preseason where I can get my legs underneath me.”

Peterson hopes he can pick up where he left off at the end of last season. He was a regular in the starting line up in the closing weeks of the 2010 campaign, and scored his first goal for Toronto in the 1-1 draw at home to Real Salt Lake in the CONCACAF Champions League in late September.

“At the end of last season I thought I was starting to feel a little bit better, so hopefully with the rest and a full preseason I will start the season strong.” The 25-year-old added another goal in the final home match of the 2010 regular season against Columbus Crew, and ended his first year with the Reds having made 15 starts in a total of 24 league appearances.

With new Head Coach Aron Winter promising an attacking formation and philosophy for the team, Peterson believes he has all of the attributes needed to fit into the system.

“With the coaching change there will be a lot of new guys coming in here, but the attitude is pretty positive and everyone is excited to get started. I like playing out wide as a winger and have played in a 4-3-3 system before. I talked briefly with the coach about what I think my strongest position is and I am going to do everything I can to get on the field.”

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