Nottingham Forest-owned star Richie Laryea helped Toronto FC claim a vital point on Sunday. The Reds defender scored as his team were forced to come from behind to claim a point against Atlanta United.
It’s good to see some Forest players finding the net! Sadly for the Reds, it would appear that it’s the loan players who have headed to the MLS who are bang in form with their scoring boots on.
Lewis O’Brien opened his account for D.C. United at the weekend too. He scored the game’s only goal on just his second appearance as Wayne Rooney’s men claimed a badly-needed victory.
Laryea is part of the furniture with the Canadian MLS franchise. The right-sided wing-back rejoined his former club on loan after failing to get going at the City Ground.
The 28-year-old signed for Forest in January 2022. He made just five appearances, with one coming in the way of a start; failing to dislodge the brilliant Djed Spence from the right-sided wing-back spot.
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Laryea’s goal at the weekend was a thing of real beauty. He collected the ball in his own half before driving forward and planting an unstoppable effort beyond the Atlanta goalkeeper.
It was left to Brandon Servania to become the hero, however. He scored in the 94th minute to help Toronto claim a huge point on home soil after Machop Chol had put the visitors in the lead with 14 minutes to go.
Forest-owned Laryea scored and helped Toronto to a big point
Toronto currently sit in ninth place in the table and they desperately need victories. They’ve actually drawn six of their eight games this season and that simply won’t do.
It does highlight, however, that perhaps they aren’t a million miles away from getting things right. Laryea being back at the club will certainly help matters; especially if he stays among the goals.
The player showcased his quality here with a fine solo run and finish. He looks like a truly dazzling player on his day and perhaps he will earn a Forest chance in the future.
If the Reds do return to the Championship next season, they will have to cut their cloth accordingly. That could open the door for Laryea and surely he will be desperate to make a proper crack of things in European football.