TFC gets a gift from Ecuador: Joao Plata comes back early 3 Jun 2011 Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda left a parting gift for the soccer fans in Toronto. Joao Plata, that is. Toronto FC confirmed today that Plata will not travel with his national team to New York City, where it faces Greece June 7.
Ecuador sets Canada up well for the Gold Cup 31 May 2011 “We specifically went to attract a South American team and we thought that Ecuador physically, beside the obvious style of play, would match against the sort of opposition that we would have to play,” said national-team coach Stephen Hart.
TFC’s Plata will only be available for two of Ecuador’s friendlies 23 May 2011 Toronto FC’s won’t lose Joao Plata for quite as long as originally feared. The club announced before Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Colorado that the Ecuadorean rookie midfielder would only be available for two of his country’s three pre-Copa America friendlies in the coming weeks. He’ll be eligible to face Canada at BMO Field June 1 and Greece in New York June 7. But he won’t be released for the May 28 friendly against Mexico in Seattle.
Plata’s Ecuador call will keep him out of TFC lineup for weeks 21 May 2011 Toronto FC fans could be looking at an extended spell without midfield sparkplug Joao Plata. His play has been so good, he’s received the call from Ecuador national coach Reinaldo Ruedo to report to the national team ahead of three friendlies that will be played in North America.
