Vazquez Forever: Toronto Memories of the Magician Midfielder

The First Signing

https://twitter.com/torontofc/status/834062642172010498

Vanney’s potential “missing piece” following a near-championing 2016 season, FC Barcelona academy alumni Victor Vazquez signed with Toronto FC in February 2017 using available TAM funds on a transfer fee-free deal.

After local training and the processing of his Canadian work permit, VV’s club debut would take place on March 4 vs. Real Salt Lake, followed by making the starting lineup with the Reds in Philadelphia on March 11 alongside Armando Cooper, Tsubasa Endoh, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, and Sebastian Giovinco.

Pre-Debut Impressions

“He’s a guy who fits the profile of what we’re looking for. He plays with his head up. He sees passes other guys don’t see. He has the ability to play the unexpected pass.”

– Greg Vanney.

“He is a creative player with experience playing in an attacking midfield role, but also centrally, which gives us flexibility in our system.”

”Really it’s just a matter of his fitness level and does he have enough time for (coach) Greg (Vanney) to work him in so that we give him the best chance to be successful right from the beginning and for the team to be successful.”

- Tim Bezbatchenko

”(A) very good football player. Somebody who makes guys around him better, somebody who’s easy to play with. He reads the game, he’s very good at finding space.”

- Michael Bradley

”I’m not thinking individual things. I always try to think as a collective,” he said in English. “Of course, I like to score goals because it’s always a nice compliment but I prefer to give assists because it’s my way of playing. And then I’ll be happy if I give assists to Jozy, to Sebastian, it doesn’t matter who. But I will be more happy than sometimes scoring goals.”

- Victor Vazquez

First Goal Away

At the 76th minute in a chilly BC Place, Vazquez scored his first goal for Toronto FC thanks to a cross from Raheem Edwards and a header from Altidore. Four minutes later, Jozy scored a follow-up and the club defeated Vancouver 2-0 that day.

“To score goals is always nice, but I think today it’s more important to win for the team.”

- Victor Vazquez (Aw!)

Happy Homecoming

Photo Credit: Tagwa Moyo

Happily in the starting lineup again, Vazquez made his BMO Field debut on March 31st ahead of a scoreless match vs. Sporting KC.

The Goal from Behind

What. A. Kick. *Hits Replay for the 15th time*

That Home Turf Penalty vs. CLB

That AIrborne Beauty vs. NYFC

All Those Hearts

Luke Galati

And, Of Course....

What else can we say besides, thank you, Victor!