There’s good news and bad news in the overnight story that Toronto FC is about to sign Honduran international attacking midfielder Amado Guevara.
Good: He’s a very creative player, who has already proven he can be the focal point of a successful MLS attack.
Bad: In the past, he’s sometimes been a team-disrupting temperamental hot head. Chivas USA dealt their precious Designated Player slot to acquire him from New York
Energy Drink a year ago, then had to dump him after only four games.
Good: Chivas dealt him to Toronto.
Bad: He wouldn’t report. Guevara also vetoed several other trades before sulking back to play in his native Honduras.
Good: He was MLS scoring champion and MVP in 2004.
Bad: Outside of his native country and a decent run in New York, he’s rarely been able to stick with one team for any significant period of time. The TFC move will be his eleventh shirt switch since 1993.
Good: Multiple sources say the 32-year-old’s game improved and matured last year in Honduras.
Bad: He was involved in that horrible theft of a World Cup qualifying game, when Honduras dove and cheated their way to an appalling draw in Edmonton, crippling Canada’s hopes and chances.
Good: Guevara did not commit either of the fatal dives in that match.
Bad: He did convert the controversial late penalty kick.
Good: This player has a successful past relationship with Toronto GM Mo Johnston, who wants to place him in the middle of an attacking five-man midfield,
with central support from speedy younger Maurice Edu and Welsh international Carl Robinson.
Bad: That still leaves gaping holes on the wings – but that’s not Guevara’s fault or problem.
Good: Guevara will apparently be ready to go for TFC’s opener in Columbus in 11 days.
Bad: Who knows if he’ll still be in the mood to wear Toronto red come the home opener on April 19?
Overall: Amado Guevara is an answer that brings many questions. The answers to those may determine TFC’s entire fate in 2008.
Comments, you ravenous Red fans?
Onward!
