On Wednesday, Mo Johnston and Toronto FC signed former MLS MVP Amado Guevara after negotiating for his rights from Chivas USA. Likely intended to he the offensive ying to Maurice Edu’s defensive yang, Guevara provides Toronto, perhaps the league’s worst offensive team, with some much needed attacking help.
Guevara’s MLS career has involved many accolades, but it has endured just as many controversies. NFL has its T.O., and in many ways, Guevara could be considered MLS’s version of T.O., or A.G. He is a remarkably talented player who, unfortunately, knows it.
The things Toronto fans should like?
- Focal point of potent MetroStars offense for four years.
- 2004 MVP and All-Star.
- 21 goals and 21 assists over a two year span (2004-2005).
The things that should worry them?
- Routinely unhappy with team management and staff.
- Too willing to make private team matters known to the press.
- Known for going into long slumps of poor play.
As one knows, I am not a huge fan of Alexi Lalas’ GM skills, but the lashing Guevara gave Lalas in the media when he was a member of the MetroStars was simply classless. Not to mention, A.G. was the one who had been in breach of his contract by supposedly playing in friendly matches for Motagua while still with N.Y.
After Guevara basically quit on Chivas and Preki, I thought his time in MLS was done. Preki was one of the most respected players to ever play in MLS and he is emerging as one of the most liked coaches. Guevara though disrespected Preki by refusing to train, and then by physically pushing an assistant referee during a game. I was not at all surprised Guevara shot down Chivas USA’s attempts to trade him to the Reds, the Rapids, the Hoops and the Crew, but I was a little surprised those teams even wanted him.
Even while he has been a prima donna in MLS, on the international front, Guevara has been contradictorily heroic for Honduras. The small nation’s football fortunes have rested squarely on Guevara for years, and he has yet to fail to deliver. Not only is he a legend in Honduras for his national team scoring record (22 goals), but also for his ability to raise his game on the biggest stages. At the 2001 Copa America, he seemingly singlehandedly willed Honduras to victory over tournament favorite Brazil.
He has also had success in Honduras’ first division, where last year he proved he still had the chops to run an MLS offense. Playing for Motagua, Guevara led the club to the Central American Club Championship where they defeated Costa Rican giant Saprissa 2-1 on aggregate. Saprissa is the same team that yesterday easily blanked the Dynamos 3-0.
There is no doubt Guevara can still control the pace of a match. The only question for Reds’ fans is: can Big Mo control Guevara’s ego?