Toronto FC may have come away with the 2-0 victory over rival Montreal Impact on Wednesday in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, but Preki’s men are still licking their wounds.
TFC issued an updated injury report on Thursday regarding the status of defenders Ty Harden and Nick Garcia, who were both forced to leave the match against Montreal in the first half.
Watch: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MATCH.
Harden suffered a deep gash on his shin after a collision with Montreal goalkeeper Matt Jordan in the build up to the opening goal at BMO Field. He was taken to the hospital where he received 22 stitches, though he returned to the stadium afterward. The club announced today that he could miss four to six weeks due to the laceration.
The defender could yet be rewarded for his pains. The Canadian Soccer Association confirmed that a video replay would determine whether Harden or Dwayne De Rosario would receive credit for the first goal. The final verdict is pending a referee review of the play.
But the most controversial play of the match was arguably the one that involved the Impact’s Panamanian striker, Roberto Brown, who punched Garcia in the head. Garcia remained on the ground for several minutes before being subbed out. It was confirmed by TFC on Thursday that the defender suffered a concussion and is now listed as day-to-day.
Brown was sent off for violent conduct and will be suspended for Montreal’s next match in the Canadian Championship. The red card was one of seven cards on the night issued by referee Paul Ward.
A Canadian Soccer Association spokesman confirmed to MLSsoccer.com that the match incidents will be under review by the CSA Disciplinary Committee. Any potential additional sanctions will be announced in the coming days.
