Ciman’s Return

Stade Saputo on Saturday will be filled with boos, cheers, or maybe both, when former Impact hero and MLS Defender of the Year, Laurent Ciman takes the field in a Toronto jersey.

Fan favorite Ciman was dealt to the Los Angeles expansion club, LAFC in a deal sending Juuka Raitala and Raheem Edwards to Montreal. The Belgian international was incensed by the trade which caught fans and analysts by surprise. He enjoyed a successful half-season in LA where he scored twice, and was welcomed with open arms when his new side visited Montreal, a thrilling 5-3 win for LA, in which the centre-back scored a blazing free kick.

Ciman then joined French club, Dijon in Ligue Un, to be closer to his home country. The move was disastrous however, as Dijon were relegated and each party decided to go their separate ways.

The former Standard Liège man then was offered a contract by Toronto FC after defender Gregory Van Der Wiel was shown the door following an altercation with TFC boss Greg Vanney.

Le General has been in and out of the line-up for Toronto, and has certainly aged. I expect a showering of boos for the former IMFC defender for signing with the Impact’s biggest rival. There are some things you don’t do and signing for your former team’s biggest rival is one.
How will the Belgian be received at Stade Saputo on Saturday - boos or cheers?