Plata’s Ecuador call will keep him out of TFC lineup for weeks By Charles Posted on May 21, 2011 Comments Off on Plata’s Ecuador call will keep him out of TFC lineup for weeks 0 635 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Toronto FC fans could be looking at an extended spell without midfield sparkplug Joao Plata. The inspiring play from the five-foot-two rookie has been the bright spot of what has been, so far, another frustrating season for Reds fans. He was named Player of the Week a couple of weeks ago. Since forging his way into the starting XI, he’s scored twice and has been the team’s prime offensive catalyst. His play has been so good, he’s received the call from Ecuador national coach Reinaldo Rueda to report to the national team ahead of three friendlies that will be played in North America; against Mexico May 28 in Seattle; June 1 against Canada at Toronto’s BMO Field, and June 7 against Greece in New York. See follow-up story. If he impresses, the 19-year-old could make Ecuador’s Copa America roster and be gone for most of the month of July. Because Ecuador has such a hectic schedule, the national team call-ups have to head to their home country on Sunday to report to camp. That means Plata is likely to miss all MLS action until at least the second week of June and will be out for the second leg of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship final on Wednesday.
