While Vangjel Zguro's verbal communication is extremely limited at this point on the soccer pitch, the Albanian's strong left foot and ability to read the field has paid dividends for the Chattanooga Red Wolves.
The 24-year-old Zguro registered a pair of assists off beautifully placed corner kicks from the left sideline - one assist in each half - and the Red Wolves played to a 2-2 draw in Saturday's USL League One home match against Toronto FC II. Attendance was announced as 2,597.
"Vangjel is a strong, physical player with great technique and a booming left foot," Chattanooga coach Tim Hankinson said. "He can have some outstanding moments whether there is communication or not. The game of soccer is all about reading. It's not always having to hear."
Zguro's team-leading fourth assist of the season was sent to the middle of the 6-yard box in the 84th minute, as Colin Falvey took flight high above a defender to send in the equalizer.
The Irishman's springs helped preserve the undefeated record at home for the Red Wolves, who are 3-0-2 at David Stanton Field.
"Colin is famous for his headers," Hankinson said. "His timing and fearlessness to get on the end of a cross or corner kick is something he has shown his entire career. He flashed some NBA air time there."
Toronto FC II (4-3-2) finished off a good week of soccer just three days after standing tall at home with a 3-2 win over a previously unbeaten North Texas SC squad.
A chance to make a three-point climb up the league standings eluded the Red Wolves (3-4-3), who took a 1-0 lead on Conor Doyle's header into the left side of the net in the 38th minute.
The home defense was burned twice from the 69th minute to the 73rd. Toronto's Shaan Hundal powered in a shot right in front of the net, and Jacob Shaffelburg finished a strong run to the far left side of the goal.
The Red Wolves were strong in the air and outshot their opponents 14-7, while completing 82% of their passes. Doyle nearly missed a second score in the 55th on a strong cross by Ami Pineda from the far right post.
"This win slipped away," Hankinson said. "Toronto FC II played Wednesday in a tough match. We should have been the fresher team. We are still undefeated at home, though. I am happy we didn't lose this game, but we have to put games like this away."
Chattanooga has 12 points, which is tied for fifth in the league. Toronto is in third place with 14.
The Red Wolves will take on a hefty challenge next Saturday in a visit to South Georgia Tormenta FC, which is 5-1-4 and second in the standings. They will play on the road the next week as well.
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.