The Olympian

MLS Preview from The Sports Network

By Sports Network | The Sports Network • Published April 30, 2008

New York (2-1-1) at Toronto (3-2-0), 3:30 p.m. Newly acquired Toronto FC midfielder Amado Guevara, who is coming off a two-goal performance to lead his team to it's third consecutive victory a week ago, is really looking forward to facing one of his former Major League Soccer clubs when his new team hosts the New York Red Bulls at BMO Field on Thursday night.

"(New York) was a team where I already played in this league and I have great respect for the team and my former teammates," the sometimes volatile Guevara said in a conference call on Tuesday. "It's a weird feeling because it's the first time I ever faced a team that I truly respect and enjoyed being part of."

The Honduran midfielder played four seasons for the New York franchise from '03-'06, tallying 32 goals and 36 assists as well as earning a league MVP award in his tenure.

He was traded to Chivas USA after the '06 season, and after a falling out with Goats coach Preki, Guevara returned to Honduras. At the beginning of this month he was brought back to MLS by former New York coach and current Toronto FC manager Mo Johnston to play for the league's only Canadian club as part of a revamped midfield that includes former French international Laurent Robert and Englishman Rohan Ricketts on the wings.

"He knows me and I know him and he gives me great confidence and he is a large reason why I am here in Toronto," Guevara said of being reunited with Johnston.

Since his return to MLS, Guevara has two goals and an assist in three games, which included wins at Los Angeles and vs. Real Salt Lake and Kansas City.

"I'm enjoying my return to the league and I know this league treats me very well," Guevara said. "I'm calm. I don't feel it as revenge, but rather a return. I thank god for the opportunity. I continue to work hard and hope to continue doing well.

"I really feel like I have been here longer than I have."

The New York game on Thursday night figures to be Guevara's biggest test to date, as could be going head-to-head with New York's Claudio Reyna, who has been playing well in recent games.