MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Toronto FC heads to Columbus for the first matchup of the Trillium Cup

By Mark Shannon

Apr 8, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC fans celebrate during the game between Toronto FC and Atlanta Union FC at BMO Field. Toronto FC and Atlanta United tied 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC fans celebrate during the game between Toronto FC and Atlanta Union FC at BMO Field. Toronto FC and Atlanta United tied 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Apr 8, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) chats with defender Chris Mavinga (23) during the game between Toronto FC and Atlanta Union FC at BMO Field. Toronto FC and Atlanta United tied 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) chats with defender Chris Mavinga (23) during the game between Toronto FC and Atlanta Union FC at BMO Field. Toronto FC and Atlanta United tied 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Gerry Angus-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto FC heads to Columbus looking for a win in the first matchup of the Trillium Cup!

Toronto FC have struggled to get wins to start the season, however they still remain undefeated. Greg Vanney and his side could be top of the Eastern Conference if not for missed opportunities and defensive miscues. A win in Columbus would go along way to easing the minds of Toronto FC supporters who came into this season with high hopes.

Columbus, on the other hand struggled to start the season, but have turned it on as of late and now sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. The trio of Meram, Higuain, and Finlay have been a revelation so far this season, and Columbus are looking like the team that made the MLS finals back in 2015. A win at home against Toronto FC will put them on a good path to make the playoffs this season.

Three keys for Toronto FC

1. Stay strong in defence
Last week we saw two defensive miscues at the hands of Chris Mavinga, which resulted in a 2-2 against Atlanta. He will miss today’s match out injured. If Toronto want to get three points from tonight’s game against the Crew they’ll have to stay strong defensively. Staying strong defensively will be a hard task with Toronto missing their anchor in the back-line in Drew Moor who didn’t make the trip to Columbus as he’s dealing with a cardiac arrhythmia issue.

2. Everything goes through Seba
It’s been said time and time again, but Toronto FC’s offence comes trough Seba no matter what. Last game we saw it and if Toronto want to get a big three points they’ll need to use Seba again. Finally getting on the board last weekend, Sebastian Giovinco will look to find open space and link up well with Jozy Altidore to find the back of the net tonight. It may seem a simple tactic to just use Giovinco, but it’s a tactic teams still haven’t honed in on since Seba is so skilled and quick.

Apr 8, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) celebrates his goal against Atlanta United at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) celebrates his goal against Atlanta United at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Keep Columbus guessing
Its no secret that Columbus loves to use Ethan Finlay, Justin Meram and Federico Higuain when in attack. Toronto will need to pressure the back-line of Columbus like they did against Atlanta last weekend. Putting pressure on the defence and keeping them hemmed inside their own half and cutting off any chance of them getting those previously mentioned players go will go along way to getting at least a point from tonight’s contest.

Projected starting XI for Toronto FC

Three keys for Columbus

1. Keep Toronto guessing
This season Toronto has struggled at times to keep teams star players from scoring. Columbus will have to use a lot of through balls over the top to try and break the high pressure from Toronto FC. If they watched any of the highlights last week, then Columbus should use that over the top tactic to see if it’ll work for them.

2. Get their offence going
The Crew have been solid offensively this season and Justin Meram has been a huge beneficiary of the great offensive start. Toronto will try and stop their main offensive guys, but with the skill and creativity of Meram, Finlay and Higuain Toronto will be hard pressed to stop the Crew from scoring.

Mar 25, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC forward Federico Higuain (10) pushes the ball around pressure from Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco (10) at MAPFRE Stadium. Crew SC won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC forward Federico Higuain (10) pushes the ball around pressure from Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco (10) at MAPFRE Stadium. Crew SC won the game 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Beat the high pressure
Toronto FC has put a lot of pressure on defences all season and it has worked to their advantage. Pressure usually causes mistakes and they can’t let that happen. Mistakes against a team like Toronto will be costly, so beating the pressure with quick passes and balls through the middle of the field will go along way to securing three points.

Predicted Starting XI for Columbus Crew

Prediction:

How-to-watch

Canada: TSN

USA: CW Columbus-Spectrum Sports-BCSN2-MLSLIVE

Home/Columbus Crew