MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Montreal Impact Vs Toronto FC: 3 things to look for – Omar Gonzalez debut

By Marko Babic

TORONTO, ON - MAY 15: Toronto FC Forward Alejandro Pozuelo (10) controls the ball in front of DC United Midfielder Zoltan Stieber (18) during the regular season MLS game between D.C. United and Toronto FC on May 15, 2019 at BMO Field in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MAY 15: Toronto FC Forward Alejandro Pozuelo (10) controls the ball in front of DC United Midfielder Zoltan Stieber (18) during the regular season MLS game between D.C. United and Toronto FC on May 15, 2019 at BMO Field in Toronto, ON. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Venezuela’s Zamora Erickson Gallardo celebrates after scoring against Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro during their 2019 Copa Libertadores football match at Mineirao Stadium, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on April 3, 2019. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO / AFP) (Photo credit should read DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP/Getty Images)
Venezuela’s Zamora Erickson Gallardo celebrates after scoring against Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro during their 2019 Copa Libertadores football match at Mineirao Stadium, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on April 3, 2019. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO / AFP) (Photo credit should read DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP/Getty Images) /

2. Erickson Gallardo: Potential super-sub

In addition to Gonzalez, Toronto FC announced the signing of Venezuelan winger Erickson Gallardo from Zamora F.C. on Tuesday afternoon. A natural right-winger who loves to beat his man en route to providing for others, the 22-year-old will compete with Tsubasa Endoh for the right-wing spot in Vanney’s starting XI.

More from MLS Multiplex

That said, Gallardo is more of a project than a quick fix. He demonstrated potential in training this week, showcasing his speed, directness, and creative dribbling in tight spaces, however, his poor English and unfamiliarity with his teammates, as well Vanney’s system, render him unlikely to be thrown into the fire from the off against his new club’s most bitter rivals.

Nevertheless, Gallardo’s traits will be useful if TFC find themselves trailing in the second half and are in need of creativity in the attacking third. Assuming Vanney sticks with the 4-1-4-1, Gallardo could be called upon to replace Endoh. The Japanese attacker has functioned as a striker rather than a winger since coming back into the side, making runs into the box to create space for the overlapping Richie Laryea. Possessing the hallmarks of a traditional winger, Gallardo might be relied upon to wreak havoc on the right flank in concert with Laryea or Auro to stretch Montreal’s defensive ranks in the game’s latter stages.

New addition Gallardo will probably not play the full 90 minutes on Saturday, but I would not be surprised if he makes a difference coming off the bench against Montreal.

Home/CF Montreal