Desperation may be too strong a word, but one gets the sense that the lack of scoring by Toronto forwards is beginning to create a feeling of anxiety.
Nobody said it would be easy trying to bring in a quality striker who scores goals for fun, loves playing on artificial turf, is not ready for the oldtimers circuit, and doesn't want to break the bank. In fact, that player may not exist. But there are signs of growing frustration in camp. Danny Dichio is still not feeling well enough to play and Jeff Cunningham has the coaching staff giving him sideways looks whenever he complains of an ache or pain, which seems to be a regular thing.
Everyone else has had a shot up front it would seem, but the goals are not coming. There are also signs that 16-year-old Ibee Ibrahim will get the start Saturday against San Jose. It says something when a raw 16-year-old with hardly any playing time under his belt is the best option. By playng the youngster, is Carver telling his bosses they've got to sign a proven striker? Something is surely about to happen. The race for the playoffs is so tight this season, three points every time out is crucial. The way I figure it, Jeff Cunningham is just about finished in Toronto. Letting him go might be the first step in setting the wheels in motion.
Won't it be fun to watch turf haters Ronnie O'Brien and Darren Huckerby on the pitch for San Jose Saturday? O'Brien hated the stuff and never fancied Toronto that much anyway and Huckerby is on record as saying he opted for San Jose because of the turf.
Carver said he'll be happy to have a pint with him after the Reds take the three-points. Meanwhile the team is in the middle of a nightmare stretch of eight matches in 24 days. Good enough reason I would bet, that the friendlies will disappear next year. It will settle down when August hits, except that Maurice Edu and Marvell Wynne will likely miss four or five matches that month while playing with the U.S. Olympic team.
It never ends, does it?
