Photo by ISIPhotos.com
By DAN KARELL
Toronto FC made a move on Friday that bolstered their hopes to make a playoff run this fall.
The Canadian club traded for Columbus Crew winger/forward Dominic Oduro, sending Spanish winger Alvaro Rey to the Crew in the deal. Oduro gives TFC a blazing fast option on the wing or up top, while Rey gives the Crew an experienced crosser of the ball who can improve that aspect of their attack.
Oduro broke the news of the trade before it was officially announced on his Twitter account.
“Dominic is a player that we have had our eye on for quite some time, and we are pleased to finalize this deal and bring him to Toronto FC,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “He is a player that has a tremendous amount of speed, and adds a lot to a team’s attack. His experience in MLS is another important factor as he has proven that he can consistently score goals in this league from a variety of positions.
“Dominic is a welcomed addition to our club.”
Despite leading the team in scoring last season with 13 goals, Oduro has struggled for the Crew under head coach Gregg Berhalter, failing to score in 11 matches and six starts. The Crew’s 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake on Wednesday was the first time that the Ghanaian has played the full 90, but even then he looked out of place playing as a lone striker and only made a significant impact on a couple of occasions.
Rey signed with TFC last July and played 23 times in all competitions for the club. He had been a bit-part player this season, earning only six starts and seven appearances in the Crew’s 14 matches.
“Alvaro is a technically gifted player that we are excited to welcome to Columbus,” Berhalter said in a press release. “This agreement provides us with a player that we believe can be successful in our system of play through dynamic one-versus-one play and the ability to maintain possession in tight spaces. This move also provides us with financial flexibility for the future as we continue building our roster.”
Per the MLS Players Union, Alvaro Rey’s guaranteed compensation is $47,216 less than Oduro’s, which could give the Crew some wiggle room to sign a player or two this summer.
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What do you think of this trade? Do you think it’s a good trade for both sides? Do you see Oduro starting for TFC?
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