March 20, 2015--2015 USL Preview: Toronto FC II (from uslsoccer.com)
2015 USL Preview: Toronto FC II Release: 03/20/2015 2015 USL Season Preview TORONTO FC II HEAD COACH: Jason Bent STADIUM: Ontario Soccer Centre 2014 RECORD: N/A PLAYOFFS: N/A OUTLOOK: TFC II took a balanced approach to building a squad for its inaugural season, and in Jason Bent has a coach with not only extensive playing experience, but also coaching experience in both the club’s academy and with the first team. With its own home field in Vaughan, Ont., the club is likely to prove competitive on the field from the off with a number of good young players entering their first professional seasons. GOALKEEPER: The side appears set for a fascinating battle for the starting position between TFC Academy graduate Quillan Roberts, who played well for Wilmington Hammerheads FC last season, and newcomer Alex Bono, who is likely to be part of the U.S. U23 National Team squad this fall after his participation in the U.S. Men’s National Team camp this past January. DEFENSE: TFC II will have a few MLS SuperDraft selections to build around, with former Sounders FC U23 center back Clement Simonin, Skylar Thomas and Wesley Charpie all on board for the new season. Thomas and Charpie both played with Bono for Reading United AC last season, which could help chemistry. MIDFIELD: Mark-Anthony Kaye and Manny Aparicio, who both featured to help Wilmington reach the playoffs a season ago, will likely be key figures. Jay Chapman, who signed as a Homegrown player with TFC this offseason after a strong PDL season with K-W United in 2014, is also likely to have a big role. FORWARD: Jordan Hamilton, who had five goals for Wilmington during a loan stint last season will likely be a player to watch, and he is joined by former Las Vegas Mobsters forward Salvador Bernal. Mo Babouli, who scored 21 goals in Ligue 1 Ontario last season, Gabriel Boakye and Marcos Nunes could also be players to watch as they move up to the professional ranks. BIGGEST STRENGTH: TFC II appears set to have both players who have either previously competed in the USL, or who will likely adapt to the level quickly after playing for top-level PDL and college programs. In Hamilton it has a proven goal-scorer at this level who will be looking for more as he makes a push to earn playing time in MLS. BIGGEST QUESTION: As currently assembled, the side appears to lack an experienced voice or two in the locker room. If things don’t start off well, will the talent this side appears to have be able to overcome that? KEY STRETCH: TFC II’s inaugural season has a big split, with eight games set to be played on the road before the club’s home opener at BMO Field. Will Bent and his the young squad be able to keep a solid pace before it gets the chance to pile up points at home in the second half of the season? KEY NUMBER: 52 – The number of regular-season games combined the Quillan Roberts, Jordan Hamilton, Manny Aparicio and Mark-Anthony Kaye played for Wilmington last season. Will that experience allow the quartet to lead the side to a playoff place in its first season COACH’S VIEW: “I look forward to working with a group of young men that have made a commitment to improving on a daily basis. [My goal is] to develop a strong desire to relish the process of becoming better individually and collectively.” – Jason Bent
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