Philadelphia Union vs. Toronto FC: Preview and How To Watch
By Mark Shannon
Toronto FC look to come away with three points on the road in Philly on Saturday. After missing a chance last weekend, are the Eastern champs ready?
After drawing their first game against Real Salt Lake, Toronto FC will be hungry for three points. While they had their chances last weekend, they’ll hope to put some of those behind goalkeeper Andre Blake this coming weekend. Last year’s MLS Cup finalists will need a better game from Giovinco who struggled at times last weekend.
Toronto FC will likely look to have Victor Vazquez introduced into the game a little earlier. While he only played the last 30 minutes he showed good ball movement and vision. Exactly what Toronto was hoping they’d get from the 30-year-old veteran. Toronto will also be looking for the same from Jozy Altidore who had a few great chances to score, but couldn’t convert.
Three keys to victory for Toronto FC
1. Finish, Finish, Finish:
After being gifted a number of glorious chances last weekend Toronto couldn’t break the tie. With Sebastian Giovinco’s stopped penalty being the most noteworthy of the bunch. While it’s something that has plagued the Reds for years, they’ll hope to break the goose egg Saturday. With Victor Vazquez likely to get more playing time he’ll be able to create space for Seba and Altidore. Which will in turn lead to more goals.
2. Keep a solid back line
They’ll be looking to hold another clean sheet after registering one in the first game. Drew Moor has anchored a back line with Nick Hagglund and Eriq Zavaleta. The attacking presence of Justin Morrow and Steven Beitashour has given Toronto some much needed speed and creativity down the wing. Once Chris Mavinga gets into the lineup look for the Reds to have solid defense against most MLS attacks.
3. Victor Vazquez:
Greg Vanney and co. will have to get Vazquez some more playing time. While he may not be fully fit, a 70% Vazquez is a better than Osorio right now. His experience playing in Champions League and Europa league make him a huge asset. They’ll reap the rewards of this signing in the not so distant future.
Projected XI
Philadelphia Union look to take out the defending Eastern Conference at home
The Union are coming off a scoreless draw of their own. While there were chances for the Union to take the three points in their game against Vancouver, they just couldn’t. 2016 Rookie-of-the-year finalist Keegan Rosenberry made a game saving save when he stopped a shot off the goal line.
With the Union head home to take on Toronto on Saturday and they’ll be looking to take all three points this time. But matching up against the offensive power Toronto has with Giovinco and Altidore will a tough ask. 20-year-old midfielder Derrick Jones looked like he belonged in a starting role last weekend, controlling a lot of the play and looked good on the ball.
Three keys to victory for the Philadelphia Union
1. Play solid defense
Anchored by recent signing Oguchi Onyewu and Richie Marquez, the back line held the Vancouver Whitecaps off the board last weekend. Matching up against Giovinco and Altidore will be a big test for the Union. While trying to keep them at bay will be there main priority, they have to make sure they don’t allow TFC to break them down on the counterattack. Toronto looked dangerous last weekend against Real Salt Lake in that particular area.
2. Play through the midfield
The midfield will be key area of importance for the Union if they hope to beat Toronto. Alejandro Bedoya, Jones, and Medunjanin will have to win the collective battle of the midfield against Michael Bradley and co.
3. Andre Blake
Giovinco and Altidore will surely have chances at goal on Saturday. Goalkeeper-of-the-year in 2016, Andre Blake, will have to be up to the task. If Toronto asserts themselves in the possession game, then expect Blake to be busy.
Projected XI
Prediction
Next: MLS Power Rankings: Week 1
Where to Watch:
Canada: TSN4-TSN5
USA: CSN PHI & MLS LIVE