Toronto FC head coach sends out note to keep his players on same page
TORONTO — When Toronto FC substitute Tsubasa Endoh entered the game at Montreal’s Saputo Stadium in the 83rd minute last weekend, he ran on the field clutching a note.
The Japanese rookie ran straight to Italian striker Sebastian Giovinco to show him the contents. Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman, standing next to Giovinco, leaned in to have a look.
After sharing with Giovinco, Tsubasa ran over to give the note to Panamanian teammate Armando Cooper — ignoring referee Jair Marrufo, who reached out to take the paper, as he ran past. Cooper was studying the note when play resumed.
“How often do you see this,” offered the ESPN announcer. “How often do you see a substitute come on the field with a game plan from the coaching staff to show your star player?”