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Toronto FC @ Vancouver Whitecaps: Preview

By Mark Shannon

Jun 29, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA; Vancouver Whitecaps forward Erik Hurtado (19) controls the ball against Toronto FC midfielder Benoit Cheyrou (8) during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 29, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA; Vancouver Whitecaps forward Erik Hurtado (19) controls the ball against Toronto FC midfielder Benoit Cheyrou (8) during the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto FC heads to Vancouver for an all-Canadian matchup in search of three points.

Toronto FC will look to get into the win column for the first time when they take on the Whitecaps on Saturday.  While two draws on the road to start 2017 is not bad, they’ll be in search for more. Another storyline to watch out for will be the status of Sebastian Giovinco.  Since he is officially ruled out with a knee injury they will have to rely on Altidore.

Off-season signing Victor Vazquez got the start last weekend and is in line for another one. While Toronto is rested,  Vancouver is not after a midweek game in the Champions League game in Mexico. Look for the Reds to exploit this and break down the defense.

Three storylines for Toronto FC

1. Take advantage of a tired team

The Whitecaps will be playing on short rest after travelling to Mexico for a midweek game. Toronto FC will look to exploit this with their counterattacking offence.  Look for big Jozy Altidore to get involved in this game often, especially if Giovinco is unable to play.  Also we should see a lot of movement from Justin Morrow and Steven Beitashour down the wings this game.  If the Reds can monopolize this then they should be able to take the three points.

Nov 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) comes the field with an injury in the second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship against the Montreal Impact at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Montreal 5-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) comes the field with an injury in the second leg of the MLS Eastern Conference Championship against the Montreal Impact at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Montreal 5-2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. How long will Giovinco be out?

Toronto FC fans held their collective breathes when the Atomic Ant went down clutching his knee. They feared the worst and hoped for the best.  While he was officially ruled out for Saturday, no official timetable for his return was set.  So look for Tosaint Ricketts to slot in beside Altidore. This might not be a bad thing with Ricketts’ speed and Altidore’s size. That could pose serious questions on the Whitecaps defence.

3. Will they be able to hold a lead?

If Toronto can get a lead in this game, will they be able to hold it?  Toronto fans are hoping last weekend wasn’t an example of what’s to come.  Also Chris Mavinga should see a little more playing time this week and should help anchor that back line.  Holding leads has been a problem for TFC ever since their inception into the MLS.  Clint Irwin has looked pretty good behind them and Drew Moor is playing some good sound soccer as well.

Starting XI @ Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver looks to bounce back after losing 2-0 lead to the Earthquakes last weekend.

It was a long week for the Whitecaps.  After taking a 2-0 lead over the Whitecaps on Saturday it looked like they had the three points in the bag.  But they couldn’t hold the lead and Anibal Godoy scored his second game winner of the season as the Earthquakes went on to win the game 3-2. They could taste the three points, but just couldn’t hold the lead.

While it’ll be another tough matchup against Toronto FC on the weekend, they’ll be looking for a better result.  Hopefully they have their legs under them after travelling to Mexico midweek against a tough opponent in Tigres. Carl Robinson should have the boys ready to go on Saturday in another pivotal contest.

Three storylines for Vancouver 

1. Will they show signs of fatigue?

Travelling to Mexico is no easy task especially with the altitude.  But coming back home for an afternoon game after playing mid-week is even tougher.  Also taking on one of the top teams in Mexico in Tigres makes it all worse.  But if they can come out of there relatively unscathed then the Whitecaps should be okay.

2. Fredy Montero

Can the former Seattle Sounder finally get on the MLS scoresheet?  There was a lot of hype after he returned from China this off-season but he hasn’t been able register an MLS goal as of yet. Signs point to him getting a bunch of goals this season and his luck will surely change.

3. Hold the lead

What is it with Canadian teams and not being able to hold leads?  Last weekend they had the three points in the bag and blew it while Toronto and Montreal had leads only to blow it late. Vancouver fans hope that this time around the Whitecaps have learned their lesson and will hold onto the lead if they get one.

Starting XI vs Toronto FC 

Prediction

Next: MLS Power Rankings: Week 2

Where to Watch:

Kickoff – 4pm EST (1pm PST)
Canada – CTV-MLS LIVE
US – MLS Live

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