I love the trade.
Toronto FC finally dealt the rights to ex-Fulham All-American striker Brian McBride to the Chicago Fire, nabbing a first-round draft pick, various MLS “allocation” goodies – and 23-year-old target man Chad Barrett.
Yeah, yeah, I was in here the other day moaning about how long it took TFC GM Mo Johnston to land a striker, and how it likely cost the team – heck, DID cost the team – a place in the CONCACAF Champions League. But given that the damage has been done, this trade looks very useful, both right now and for years to come.
Barrett is just 23, but has already played 80-plus games in MLS. Oh, and bagged 18 goals along the way. He continues Trader Mo's impressive record of landing young players – Barrett, Marvell Wynne, Maurice Edu, Abdus Ibrahim, Rohan Ricketts – who can flat-out play in this league. Oh, and others – Jarrod Smith, Brian Edwards – with significant upside and potential.
And the striker search isn't over. Blackpool is apparently out of the Paul Dickov derby, but the net-busting Highlander is reportedly still being sniffed by Leicester City, desperate in their own way as they prepare for third-tier football for the first time in club history.
But even if acquiring Barrett is as far as this goes, TFC is in much better shape heading into Sunday's home lock-up with FC Dallas.
Yes, Barrett has never scored more than seven goals in a pro season. But he's knocked in five so far this year, which is a fine and decent pace for half a campaign.
Remember, please, that he is not being counted on to score all Toronto's goals from here to November. His role – and I believe he can fill in nicely – is to put a functioning nosecone on TFC's forward-pushing five-man attacking midfield. Chad Barrett up front should mean more goals for Amado Guevara, Laurent Robert, Edu, Ricketts and maybe even Carl Robinson-what-the-heck?-go-get-‘em!
Also, Barrett's arrival clears the decks for Mo to deal Jeff Cunningham (99 goals and not counting) to a team that has the luxury of giving the once-fine striker time to rebuild and salvage his MLS career – something that has already cost TFC dearly.
Oh, and yet another first-round draft pick sails Toronto's way as well. Even Johnston's harshest critics must acknowledge the man does just fine at draft time.
As I'm writing this, the MLS standings are tied in a spectacular knot. Six teams – Toronto included – are tied for seventh place overall on 22 points.
Forget the road record, forget how long it took to seal this deal, forget Jeff Cunningham. If TFC could ever string together two measly wins in a row, they would leap up the MLS table. The one and only stated goal of this second season – a playoff spot – is still very much alive.
And the future looks brighter than ever.
Onward!
