Oduro adds some pizzazz to TFC forward ranks
Jermain Defoe is likely to see many new faces among Toronto FC’s forwards in Saturday’s game against San Jose. Newly acquired Dominic Oduro is expected to join the high-scoring Defoe up front for the Reds’ game against the Earthquakes at BMO Field, and Toronto’s roster is mostly healthy and free of suspensions. Oduro, coveted by TFC since last season, arrives after a Friday morning trade that sent Alvaro Rey to Columbus. The move created a buzz among TFC fans. Oduro has scored 46 goals in 228 MLS appearance (139 starts) and is one of the fastest players in the league. The entertaining 28-year-old Ghanaian was mentioned by Jay Leno on The Tonight Show last year after a pizza-eating goal celebration and his wild hairstyles have included pizza wedge-shaped cuts. “I don’t know much about him, but I heard he’s fast,” Defoe said Friday after training. “I think he’ll improve our team, and he’ll know he’s coming to a very good team here. We have a lot of speed here, so any addition will only help the team.” The Reds also have to make room for Collen Warner, acquired two weeks ago from Montreal to bolster the midfield while Michael Bradley plays for the U.S. in the World Cup.
Warner is now clear of a suspension and, along with Oduro, is expected to see playing time at midfield. Jonathan Osorio could be moved from right to left in a wing swap.
Recently acquired striker Luke Moore was in the mix on the attack with Defoe and Gilberto in the Reds’ extra-time win a week ago. This threesome and the newcomers could give Reds fans a glimpse of what the team hopes to accomplish as the summer approaches and the schedule gets busier. Toronto FC has played the fewest games in the Eastern Conference.
Saturday’s game is the last before a two-week World Cup layoff, and a win coupled with a Columbus loss would lift Toronto into a playoff position. Toronto currently sits a point behind Columbus.
Toronto has 14 goals this season, second-fewest in the conference, with Defoe accounting for half and defender Doneil Henry adding two in the last two games.
“I think we have speed in all areas of our team, but you’re talking about maybe the fastest guy in the league (Oduro),” Reds captain Steven Caldwell said. “With him, we know we can break pace with any team and it gives everyone in the league a new problem to deal with.”
Toronto coach Ryan Nelsen and GM Tim Bezbatchenko saw Oduro burn the Reds with goals last season, and have been interested in acquiring him ever since.