Nuke Soccer

Throughout his rookie season in Major League Soccer, Toronto FC midfielder Sam Cronin has proved to be an experienced head on young shoulders. The second overall pick in the 2009 SuperDraft has made 19 starts this season, most often alongside veteran Carl Robinson in the centre of midfield. But in Seattle on Saturday, Cronin will face a different type of challenge in the absence of the former Welsh international who is suspended for accumulating five yellow cards this season.

As Robinson sits out, Toronto coach Chris Cummins will ask Cronin to take on more of a leadership role in the midfield, and he is sure the 22 year old will respond well. “Sam may be a rookie in this league but he has lots of experience to call upon,” said Cummins. “He was an outstanding college player and on Saturday in Seattle he will probably come back into the middle of the park.”

“I will be asking him to do the job that Carl Robinson normally does, leading by example, breaking play up and shifting the ball quickly. He has done that throughout the season whichever position he has played in, so although we will miss Carl, I am confident that Sam will easily be able to fill that role.”

Full Story

In The Game
Game Guide
Seattle Scouting Report
Danny Dichio Speaks Seattle
Chris Cummins Pre Game
Jim Brennan Returns