TORONTO – Fresh off scoring his first MLS goal, Toronto FC forward Jeremy Brockie is enjoying life in Canada and in Major League Soccer, so much so that the New Zealand native is open to extending his current loan deal with the Reds.
“If the possibility to extend the stay can happen, then I will be more than happy to because I am loving my football here,” Brockie told MLSsoccer.com. “I’m really enjoying being part of this club. It is a nice change from the A-League, where I’ve been for 7-8 years now. If there is a possibility, whether it is soon or in the long term, I’d love to come back to this club.”
The affable 25-year-old striker joined TFC on loan back in May from A-League side Wellington Phoenix and is expected to return down under in August. However, Brockie was open in admitting that there is possibly some flexibility with respect to him staying with Toronto for longer than was originally planned.
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“When the time comes, my case to my club would be that it would be better to play games here rather than running around in a paddock in what is a cold Wellington winter right now,” Brockie said. “We do have about a five-month preseason in the A-League because the season is so short.”
Asked about the possibility of retaining his former New Zealand national team teammate, TFC head coach Ryan Nelsen stated that even though Brockie is under contract with another club, future discussions with Wellington are a possibility.
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“Brocks is a lovely guy and he works his tail off,” Nelsen said. “He looks dangerous and like he is going to score in every game. He is one of those guys that fans in Wellington love and that the fans in Toronto are enjoying as well because he gives everything. Obviously, any type of player like that is one that you would like to stick around."
While it is currently unclear what side of the world the All Whites striker will be playing on come August, it is clear that Brockie has had a positive impact for Toronto and has adjusted well while making the jump from the Australian top flight to MLS despite only recently hitting his stride.
“I’ve only just started playing 90 minutes, so the coaches have only really just started to see that sort of side of me,” said Brockie. “So I think in a few more games there will be a decision to be made.”
