Notes from training camp…
On Aceval: Quite possibly the team’s best distributor whose vision was evident within the first half hour of training. Always seems to play positive and his decision making enhances how poor Andy Iro actually was during his short stay at BMO Field. The Reds didn’t get into a full-sided scrimmage yesterday so the Chilean’s defending remains to be seen. For once, supporters will relax when Toronto’s back four circulates the ball.
On Caicedo: Looks to be chasing fitness. The Ecuadoran centreback wasn’t involved as much as Aceval, but it should be noted that they are very different players that could eventually compliment one another. While Aceval excels in small-sided possession games, Caicedo will likely show better in space when he can demonstrate his one-on-one defending and ball-winning. As for now, Ty Harden would be my selection to start on March 7 next to Aceval.
On Cann/Williams: Cann’s return seems imminent. The Canadian international’s individual workouts are at the point where he could begin training with the full team within the next month. Williams continues to work on strengthening the knee that kept him out of most of last year. The Jamaican finished training with a bit of fitness but seemed to favour one leg over the other. At first glance, Cann appears to be weeks if not months ahead of Dicoy.
On Avila: Currently playing as the most creative and dynamic midfielder on the team, and combined well with Luis Silva on multiple occasions. Toronto’s attacking mid excelled in the team’s small-sided games, making himself available and providing quick combination play through the middle of the park. Speaking with him after training, you can tell he’s disappointed he won’t be rostered for TFC’s match at the Rogers Centre. As of now, Toronto’s fourth overall draft pick could very well slot in on opening day.
On Lambe: As I said, because we didn’t get to see Winter open the field up into a big game, we didn’t see Lambe at his best. However, the team did start with a bit of fitness — 50-metre sprints — and Lambe stood out as a player with pace who’s going to be exciting in space.
Briefly: Winter will take 32-34 players when the team leaves for Orlando on Monday … When asked how he’d couple such a large roster with limited training games before March 7, Winter said the team would be prepared and that they were planning to add an additional exhibition before the team opens CONCACAF play … Jeremy Hall continues to recover from an injury on the sidelines … Terry Dunfield was left out of the senior team and joined what was largely a group of reserves during small-sided games (could be due to his return from surgery in the offseason) … The club’s second overall pick, Aaron Maund, appeared comfortable with the ball at his feet, but will undoubtedly need to attain the physical tools to compete at the next level.
Questions? Send them to @KurtLarSUN
kurtis.larson@sunmedia.ca