Oh So that's why TFC re-signed him
Oh So that's why TFC re-signed him
The importance of Jonathan Osorio
It’s becoming less and less common, but still not unknown, to hear a TFC fan go off on Jonathan Osorio. Whether it’s his Canadian passport and a lingering doubt about whether Canadian players are worth the type of money that Osorio gets, or if there is just a lack of appreciation about what he provides, the doubters remain.
So, news that the club has brought him back for another three years on TAM (targeted allocation money) wages was not met with universal appreciation.
It’s hard to please everyone, especially disgruntled sports fans, after all.
Those that know, know though. Osorio has been a constant at TFC since 2013. He is the kid that watched TFC games with U-Sector in section 113 in 2007. The one that grew up to become a lone bright spot in the lowest of low season of 2013. Then he was a key component of the rise to MLS championship team.
Brampton’s finest. Three-time MLS Cup final starter. The Reds all-time appearance leader. It would have seemed wrong to not have him at BMO Field come next season’s opening match.
Yet, there were doubts. He is 30 now and coming off a head injury. Those are concerns that go beyond the irrational fan-hate. In a league where spending wisely matters, there can’t be much room for sentimentality. Not when you are talking about a budget max player, which Osorio will be close to, if not at* (*for new fans, you are never fully sure what an MLS salary cap hit is. It’s ultimately guesswork, even for those who have covered the league a long time) in 2023 through 2025.
It only takes a surface look at Osorio’s play last year to realize that for a TFC team that wants and needs to win now that bringing him back isn’t a nice-to-have, but rather a must-have.
We all agree that TFC was terrible last year. I can’t argue it. But, I will add a caveat.
TFC was terrible when Osorio wasn’t in the line-up.
They were solid playoff team when he played. Seriously.
Let’s look at the numbers.
When Oso played, TFC won 8 times. They actually had a winning record, averaging 1.45 points per game. That’s not MLS Cup contending numbers, but it works out to 49 points over a full season, which would have put TFC in a tie for 5th place in the East.
Without him?
Well, you were watching, right? For the record, they had a single win and averaged 0.33 points per game. Over a full season, that would have been the worst record in MLS history at 11 points.
Ouch.
Obviously, sports isn’t math and these numbers are just a reflection of what might have been. Who knows what the story is if he’s heathy for the full year. Alex Bono (now of DC United, which is great news for the rest of the Eastern Conference) was still in goal, after all. But, when the numbers show that much of a gap, you can safely conclude that there is some connection.
Bottom line: This isn’t a feel-good signing. Oso is a key piece to TFC for 2023. An argument could be made that his re-signing was the single most important piece of business for the club, in fact. Brining in new players might be sexier, but keeping Oso was far more important.
As for the long-term aspect of the deal, we will figure out 2025 in 2025. Although, he’ll only be 33 and looking to be a part of the national team still. It’s not crazy to think this could still be a very good piece of business then.
As for his role on the national team, he seems to be a key player in John Herdman’s plans for now. Many national team fans might have wished to see Oso get tested in Europe rather than return to TFC.
That’s understandable and if he were a couple years younger, I’d be inclined to agree. However, I’d take “leader on a MLS championship-chasing team in a pressure filled market” over “back-up at CD Leganés,” for a guy that you want as a leader anyway.
Ultimately, Osorio more than earned this contract and he has nothing left to prove to the doubters that remain. In fact, if he can lead TFC back to the top again, the debate about Oso will be about where his legacy stands against the all-time MLS greats, not just those who played at TFC.
This space is supported by Patreon. Tips of $2 a month or more are appreciated.