Even when it became apparent in the preseason that rookie Stefan Frei would be installed as Toronto FC's starting goalkeeper, there was never any urge to move one of the other two. Carrying three goalkeepers always seemed like a luxury; especially when you consider that the starter was not costing the team any meaningful dollars, only salary cap space.
As a Generation Adidas player, Frei's salary is looked after. Brian Edwards is making the minimun while Greg Sutton was making over $150,000. It seemed to make no sense to carry on under that set up. Mo Johnston always said that when the time was right, and if the right deal came along then something would happen. The release of Sutton may or may not prove to be the right move. But suddenly this week, with all the negative publicity surrounding the losing streak, the international absences, the re-scheduling of the New York match, the injuries, the turf, and the high-priced tickets to the Real Madrid circus (did I miss anyting?) the right time was now.
Or maybe they felt they simply had to do something, anything to take the pressure off.
Nick Garcia? Can't be any worse than what we've seen recently. Ali Gerba? Same thing, if and when they sign him.
But back to Sutton. What a nasty business this is. As is the case with most players in this league, his contract was not guaranteed. So the minute he gets released, the pay check stops. Cold turkey. He has no income. It's a lousy way for the team's first-ever goalkeeper to leave. While everyone connected with the team and supporting the team is more worried about making the playoffs, here's a little nod to Sutton with the hope that he lands on his feet with another club.
