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MLS: 5 teams who could benefit from coronavirus layoff

By Ryan Metivier

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 29: Cristian Pavon #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy is congratulated by Giancarlo Gonzalez #21 and Sebastian Lletget #17 after scoring against the Houston Dynamo during the first half at BBVA Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 29: Cristian Pavon #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy is congratulated by Giancarlo Gonzalez #21 and Sebastian Lletget #17 after scoring against the Houston Dynamo during the first half at BBVA Stadium on February 29, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Toronto FC, Alejandro Pozuelo
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA – 2019/10/06: Alejandro Pozuelo (10) reacts during the MLS (Major League Soccer) game between Toronto FC and Columbus Crew SC. Final Score: Toronto FC 1 – 0 Columbus Crew SC. (Photo by Angel Marchini/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

4. Toronto FC

Toronto FC were mere seconds away from a perfect 2-0-0 start before the season was put on hold. So it’s tough to necessarily say they need the break. They almost escaped San Jose with the win in Week 1 and shutout the top team in the East during the 2019 regular season, New York City FC at BMO Field in Week 2.

However, what is even more impressive about their start to the season, and why they may benefit from this extended break, is that Michael Bradley has been unavailable. After suffering an ankle injury last season, Bradley finally underwent surgery in January, with a timetable for return of four months. That puts him on track to return either late May or possibly even into June.

TFC have historically not fared well without the American commanding their midfield, but the new estimate for the season to resume in May now nearly perfectly coincides with his potential return. Good news if you’re a Toronto fan.

But Bradley wasn’t the only member of the Reds to be on the shelf to start the year. TFC didn’t make too many headlines in the offseason, save for new DP signing Pablo Piatti from Spain. Piatti was already coming off an injury in 2019 and a sprained hamstring to start 2020 made him unavailable to play with his new team to start the year. The several-month layoff should give him, as well as the rest of the team that reached MLS Cup, plenty of time to recharge for a late spring re-start.

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