Toronto FC made waves when they eliminated the LA Galaxy from the CONCACAF Champions League, but the momentum from that victory took a big hit after word that star defender Torsten Frings will be sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Frings will miss 4-6 weeks with the strained right hamstring suffered during Toronto FC's 3-1 loss to the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, the team announced on Tuesday morning.
Frings had been outstanding for TFC, anchoring the team's defense and providing a dominating presence in the back that helped provide protection for an otherwise vulnerable defense. Now, without Frings, Toronto's defense could be in serious trouble.
The injury means Frings will miss TFC's CONCACAF Champions League semifinal series vs. Mexican leaders Santos Laguna. The two-leg series kicks off a week from Wednesday, with Santos already considered the heavy favorite even before Frings' injury.
TFC will likely have to turn to rookie first-round draft pick Aaron Maund to fill in, but could be tempted to facilitate a trade for some defensive cover.
Only American teams blow off the CCL like that
Time to negotiate more capacity for your marquee team. USA was embarrassed in this tourney.
TFC needed defensive cover to begin with. Ty Harden stinks.
Yep. TFC I thought had an outside chance with Frings as he has been great at the back organizing them defensively. I really wish Seattle could have pulled that off then at least an MLS team would make the final but the way things have broken it will be very surprising to have one make the final. 2012/13 CCL up next 🙁
Fate is a cruel B. Frings, why couldn’t you have pulled your hammy before TFC offed LA?
I need a hug.
and so the MLS is toast in the CCL. Great.
How you feeling now Garber?
Tough break, as a neutral I have really enjoyed watching them find their groove and fight as a team over the past few weeks.
A chance for someone to step up, hopefully.
So you’re saying without Frings they’ll do about as well as Seattle. Seems about right.
Now, Toronto will lose 8-0, as opposed to 5-0.
Well TFC and MLS can kiss the CCL goodbye….. sigh.
If they are truely looking for a trade to help with their Defense. George John might be an option. With his contract expiring this year and a likely move to Europe there has been talk about trying to trade him. The only down side for Toronto would be he might not be avaliable for Champions League play due to having played for FCD in this tournament.