By: David Alter
While it’s been known for awhile, it is now official, Toronto FC will take Real Madrid on August 7th at 7:30pm at BMO Field.
As part of the agreement, A temporary grass surface will be placed on top of BMO’s current fieldturf at the request of Real, something which TFC midfielder Dwayne De Rosario is calling a double standard.
“Real Madrid is coming here and we put grass in? What does that mean for myself as a player for TFC? We don’t get that respect?” De Rosario continues to rant. “We work hard everyday here (BMO) and we try hard day in and day out, we deserve grass. I don’t think because a team comes in, we have to suit their needs to get grass. I think we should keep it.”
It’s a feeling that seems unanimous with other players and staff, after deciding to hold some practices in Oakville and various locations where there is natural grass.
Frei’s status up in the air
Toronto FC could be without their top keeper for the weekend. Stefan Frei sat out Tuesday’s Canadian Championship loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps, and his status for Saturday’s game against L.A. is in doubt after missing the latest training session.
“Stef has got a foot infection and we waited until the last moment to see if he was fit and unfortunately he wasn’t fit” says Head Coach Chris Cummins in response to why Frei sat out on Tuesday. “He’s on some antibiotics at the moment, and as it stands at the moment is questionable for the game (this Saturday).”
This means Greg Sutton would see his first action on back-to-back occasion since late March and early April, where he was subbed in place of Frei in TFC’s 1-1 draw in Columbus, and then the Reds’ home opening 2-0 loss to Seattle Sounders FC seven days later.
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