Toronto FC‘s home opener this Saturday could potentially see Victor Vazquez make his returning performance as a red, and fans are excited to see if he makes that glorious starting eleven graphic on #TFCLive.
After signing back with Toronto in December, after 2 years with LA Galaxy alongside former TFC coach Greg Vanney, Vazquez missed the season opener vs. D.C. United due to an upper-body injury suffered during a pre-season match that had taken place in early February.
While we wait for him to grace the house on the lakeshore once more, here are some favourite memories of the magician midfielder.
Signing to Toronto FC (The First Time)
Vanney’s potential “missing piece” following a near-championing 2016 season, FC Barcelona academy alumni Victor Vazquez signed with Toronto FC in February 2017 using available TAM funds on a transfer fee-free deal.
After local training and the processing of his Canadian work permit, VV’s club debut would take place on March 4 vs. Real Salt Lake, followed by making the starting lineup with the Reds in Philadelphia on March 11 alongside Armando Cooper, Tsubasa Endoh, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, and Sebastian Giovinco.
Pre-Debut Impressions
“He’s a guy who fits the profile of what we’re looking for. He plays with his head up. He sees passes other guys don’t see. He has the ability to play the unexpected pass.”
– Greg Vanney, Coach
“He is a creative player with experience playing in an attacking midfield role, but also centrally, which gives us flexibility in our system.”
”Really it’s just a matter of his fitness level and does he have enough time for (coach) Greg (Vanney) to work him in so that we give him the best chance to be successful right from the beginning and for the team to be successful.”
– Tim Bezbatchenko
”(A) very good football player. Somebody who makes guys around him better, somebody who’s easy to play with. He reads the game, he’s very good at finding space.”
– Michael Bradley
”I’m not thinking individual things. I always try to think as a collective,” he said in English. “Of course, I like to score goals because it’s always a nice compliment but I prefer to give assists because it’s my way of playing. And then I’ll be happy if I give assists to Jozy, to Sebastian, it doesn’t matter who. But I will be more happy than sometimes scoring goals.”
– Victor Vazquez
First Away Goal
At the 76th minute at a chilly BC Place in March of 2017, Vazquez scored his first goal for Toronto FC thanks to a cross from Raheem Edwards and a header from Altidore. Four minutes later, Jozy scored a follow-up and the club defeated Vancouver 2-0 that day.
“To score goals is always nice, but I think today it’s more important to win for the team.”
– Victor Vazquez
BMO Field Debut
Happily in the starting lineup again, Vazquez made his BMO Field debut on March 31st ahead of a scoreless match vs. Sporting KC.
The Goal from Behind
What. A. Kick. *Hits Replay for the 15th time*
That Home Turf Penalty vs. CLB
That Airborne Beauty vs. NYFC
All Those Hearts
And, Of Course…
Originally published on Waking The Red (2019)
Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart // Copy & Content Writer, Social Manager & Casual Soccer Photographer / Former Socials: Electric City FC, 1812 FC // Always on Twitter @CaseyToGo