TORONTO – With his loan deal set to expire following Toronto FC’s away fixture against D.C. United on Saturday, striker Jeremy Brockie is hoping to end his first MLS experience with a positive result.
“After our last home game, I really wanted to end with a couple of good games,” Brockie told MLSsoccer.com. “Obviously, the Columbus game on the weekend wasn’t the best, so you’ll see a different Toronto FC against D.C. United on Saturday. I want to finish on a high with three points and to leave the club on a winning note.”
The 25-year-old Christchurch, New Zealand, native has made 14 appearances since joining the Reds in May on loan from A-League side Wellington Phoenix.
As a footballer who plays the game with the type of blue collar mentality that is usually appreciated by Toronto sports fans, Brockie settled in quickly and immediately brought energy and a physical element to Toronto FC’s front line. However, he does not believe the club has seen his absolute best during his short stay.
“Obviously I came over here to try and help the team out,” Brockie said. “While I haven’t contributed too much in the goals department and would have liked a few more goals and a few more wins, I have enjoyed the experience as a whole and it was a good opportunity for me.
“It does take time to get used to the league,” Brockie added. “I have had a few different strike partners since I have been here. It’s obviously quite hard to connect with a new striker right away when you come to a new club. At times, that probably showed.”
Brockie is full of praise for TFC head coach Ryan Nelsen, whom he previously played with on the New Zealand national team.
“Ryan is a very good coach and a good leader,” Brockie stated. “He is very detailed and will keep us doing things on the training paddock until we get it right. He is very professional and he is always trying to spread a positive message through the dressing room whether it is good times or bad times. I’ve learned a couple of things off him as well and I look forward to taking that back to the A-League.”
In the weeks leading up to expiration of his loan deal, both Brockie and Nelsen were often peppered with questions about whether the loan could be extended or if the 6-foot striker might return to play for Toronto again in the future. Both the player and his coach were happy to leave the door open enough to suggest that there is a distinct possibility that TFC supporters have not seen the last of Brockie in a Toronto FC kit.
“Jeremy has had a really good shift and he has always got a smile on his face, so we are going to miss him,” Nelsen said. “Hopefully we’ll see him back at some stage.”
Added Brockie: “If there is a club that I would love to come back to, it would be Toronto. It is a very good club. The facilities are fantastic, it has a great supporter base and it is run very well. If the opportunity to come back to Toronto in the future happens, I will be very open to it for sure.”
