Edmonton native Tosaint Ricketts has got off to a slow start this season following his electric performances during Toronto FC’s run in last year’s playoffs.
Ricketts has played in three of four matches - two in the starting XI - but has put up zero shots on target, one off target and between 10 to 15 passes attempted in each match.
While the early numbers are damning, there are three reasons why Ricketts’ first three matches have been underwhelming: his teammates are not looking for him enough or supplying him with quality balls; he’s had to replace Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore, two of the best attackers in the league, in the starting lineup; and he is better on the right wing, not as a centre forward.