For the next two weeks, MLSsoccer.com will preview each of the 19 teams in Major League Soccer, beginning with the clubs that brought up the bottom of the table in 2011 and ending with the league's newest addition, the Montreal Impact.This is part two of two previewing Toronto FC's 2012 season. You can find Part 1 here.
Goalkeepers
Depth Chart: 1. Stefan Frei, 2. Milos Kocic
Strengths: Both Frei and Kocic have the ability to be the No. 1 and possess complementary strengths. Frei is an excellent shot-stopper who makes the big reflex save. Kocic commands the box better. Both have also improved the footwork needed to make the passes required of a ‘keeper in the 4-3-3.
Weaknesses: Frei could still probably improve at taking charge of the situation in the box. At times, Kocic needs to show a little more patience and stay calm.
Wildcard: Quillan Roberts and Chad Bush are both TFC Academy players with talent and a good work ethic who are vying for the third spot behind Frei and Kocic. They need time, but have benefitted from their reps in preseason camp and one of them could be pressed into emergency service.
READ: 2012 Toronto FC Preview
Defense
Depth Chart: RB 1. Richard Eckersley, 2. Matt Stinson, 3. Doneil Henry, 4. Jeremy Hall; CB 1. Miguel Aceval, 2. Geovanny Caicedo, 3. Ty Harden, 4. Adrian Cann. 5. Aaron Maund, 6. Dicoy Williams; LB 1. Ashtone Morgan, 2. Jeremy Hall
Strengths: The troubled center back position received a boost with the arrival of Aceval, who was signed from Chile and has shown an ability to read the game to go with a good left foot. Morgan and Eckersley provide the speed needed to make the overlapping runs from the left and right back positions.
Weaknesses: More depth would be ideal at left back behind Morgan, who could be called in for international duty with Canada. Cann and Williams are returning from knee surgery and Jeremy Hall has also been injured. Caicedo may need time making the transition from Ecuador.
Wildcard: Academy graduate Henry was forced into action at center back last season as an 18-year-old. But he also filled in admirably at right back in the 3-0 CCL win over FC Dallas and might be ready to take the next step in 2012.
SEE: Preseason Schedule
Midfield
Depth Chart: Attacking midfielders 1. Eric Avila, 2. Luis Silva, 3. Oscar Cordon; Holding midfielders 1. Torsten Frings – Julian de Guzman, 2, Terry Dunfield, 3. Matt Stinson, 4. Elbekay Bouchiba
Strengths: The group has shown cohesion and good communication built around the presence of Frings and de Guzman in the center of the park. Dunfield has come back strong from hernia surgery. Avila and Silva have shown well as attacking midfielders.
Weaknesses: After Frings, de Guzman and Dunfield, there is a drop-off in experience. As important as Frings is in keeping the midfield organized and keeping the team’s focus, it could be a challenge for him to do it every game at 35 years of age.
Wildcard: Silva, taken with the fourth overall pick in January's SuperDraft, is off to a fast start in preseason. He should develop into a factor in the offense as the season progresses.
READ: Toronto FC 2011 season statistics
Forwards
Depth Chart: 1. Danny Koevermans, 2. Ryan Johnson, 3. Joao Plata, 4.Nick Soolsma, 5. Reggie Lambe, 6. Keith Makubuya
Strengths: Creativity and speed on the attack. Koevermans isn’t among the swiftest, but he has a touch around goal and the awareness needed to lead the line. Johnson can play left, right or in the center, making him extremely valuable.
Weaknesses: At times, the creativity and the eagerness for goals results in forgetfulness on defense, especially with Plata. Although Johnson can spell Koevermans in the center, another backup there would be a help.
Wildcard: Lambe has the speed to become a factor on either wing once he gets adjusted. The Bermuda native was signed when Ipswich Town did not pick up his contract and should eventually provide some fun moments.
