Jacen Russell-Rowe Set for First Ligue 1 Start with Toulouse FC

Canadian forward Jacen Russell-Rowe is set to make his first Ligue 1 start for Toulouse FC this Sunday afternoon against Metz, as the team seeks to reignite its attack. The 23-year-old, who joined Les Violets during the winter transfer window from Columbus Crew in MLS, has appeared in six matches as a substitute, totaling just under 100 minutes of play.

Toulouse Seek Offensive Spark

Toulouse has struggled to find the back of the net recently, failing to score in open play since February 4th. Manager Carles Martinez Novell is hoping Russell-Rowe can provide the offensive boost the team needs. The team has gone six Ligue 1 matches without a win.

Russell-Rowe’s Background and Potential

Russell-Rowe describes himself as a “connection player, who likes to play with his midfielders” and highlighted his ability to “finish actions” with his “sense of placement to cut crosses.” He arrived at Toulouse when he was short of rhythm, his American season having ended on November 9th. Between that date and his first match with Toulouse on February 4th, he played only once in a friendly match with Canada against Guatemala on January 18th.

Match Details and Lineup

The match against Metz, the last-placed team in Ligue 1 with the worst defense in the league (56 goals conceded), will see Russell-Rowe lead the attack alongside Yann Gboho and Santiago Hidalgo. Brazilian Emersonn will begin the match on the bench.

Toulouse FC Starting Lineup: Restes – Sidibé, Nicolaisen (cap), McKenzie – Kamanzi, Vossah, Diop, Dönnum – Hidalgo, Russell-Rowe, Gboho

Substitutes: Haug, Bakhouche, Koumbassa, Sauer, El Ouali, Vignolo, Emersonn, Azizi

Russell-Rowe on Ligue 1

Russell-Rowe has noted that the French championship is “exceptionally athletic, more than the MLS.”