Now that ex-Chivas USA coach Preki is reportedly set to take the Toronto job _ well, getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs IS a big improvement over never even making the postseason _ it could mean for some big changes up in the Great White North. And some of them could impact Red Bull.
For one, Preki is a playoff-tested coach who is now off the market as we mentioned to you days ago, although I never got the feeling he was in the picture for the job here in New York. But another factor to look at is he and Mo Johnston will clearly make some roster moves: Will one of them include Amado Guevara?
We all know Guevara and Preki get along like Ike and Tina. Bruce Arena traded the former league MVP to Chivas USA for a Designated Player slot _ a move I’m still calling one of the best in league history, since just four games in, Preki said “I have a vision of where the club is going and (Guevara’s) not part of it.”
Guevara blocked trade attempts to Toronto, Colorado, Dallas and Columbus before finally Oking a loan back to his beloved Motagua for the rest of 2007 season. Toronto traded for him the next April, and he was re-united with Mo Johnston, and has been _ for him _ on his best behavior up in Canada.
But now that Toronto added Designated Player Julian DeGuzman to a crowded midfield that already includes Dwayne DeRosario, Sam Cronin and Carl Robinson, where does El Lobo fit? How do they squeeze him in? How do they get he and Preki to make peace, or do they just head this off at the pass by dealing him?
Do you expect Guevara to be on the trading block this winter? If so, do you want the Red Bulls to bring him back to New York, especially since Spaniard Albert Celades’ retirement leaves them absolutely no creativity whatsoever in their midfield and no service for Juan Pablo Angel? Holla at us….