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Toronto FC vs. Houston Dynamo: Preview and How to Watch

By Mark Shannon

Apr 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC fans display their flags against the Chicago Fire at BMO Field. at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Chicago 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC fans display their flags against the Chicago Fire at BMO Field. at BMO Field. Toronto defeated Chicago 3-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto FC take on Erick Torres and the Houston Dynamo in search of their second straight win in front of their home crowd.

The real Toronto FC finally showed up last weekend with a 3-1 victory over the red hot Chicago Fire and now they’ll look to follow that up with another big win against the Dynamo. Toronto got production from their star striker Sebastian Giovinco who seems to have found his scoring touch with three goals in his last three games. Even in the absence of Drew Moor, Toronto looked good defensively and they’ll need another strong effort this weekend keeping Torres and Elis under wraps.

Houston Dynamo, however, have lost only once in their last five games and Erick Torres is a scoring machine, talk about a bounce back season. “Cubo” is tied for the league lead in goals with seven on the season and has scored in all but two games that he has played in. He’ll need to be creative this weekend when he goes against one of the strongest midfields and defenses in the MLS. They’ll be looking for their first win of the season on the road, and in the tough confines of BMO field…that’s going to be tough.

Toronto FC

Apr 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC defender Nick Hagglund (6) congratulates Toronto FC defender Eriq Zavaleta (15) on his goal against the Chicago Fire during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC defender Nick Hagglund (6) congratulates Toronto FC defender Eriq Zavaleta (15) on his goal against the Chicago Fire during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
  • Current Record (W-L-D): 2-4-1
  • Last Time Out: 3-1 Win vs Chicago Fire
  • Player to Watch For: Victor Vazquez, he leads the league in assists this season seven games into the MLS season. He’s been involved with the offense right from the get-go.  The attack may go through Giovinco for the most part, but Vazquez is the straw that stirs the Reds offensive.  His vision and passing ability have been on display all season so far and Toronto will win if he gets involved in the game.
  • Why They Win: Toronto controls possession and continues to bag their chances.  It was the story through the first seven games of the season, not being able to finish.  Toronto boasts one of the best attacks in the MLS, so there’s no reason as to why Toronto shouldn’t be scoring a lot more.  Giovinco will get on the board again for his fourth goal in four games and Toronto gets a big win.
  • Why They Don’t:  The backline struggles to keep Romell Quioto, Erick Torres, and Elis under wraps, plain and simple.  Houston’s offense has gone through these three guys, especially Cubo.  If Toronto FC can’t keep those guys under wraps they’re going to be in trouble tonight.
  • Predicted Starting Xl:
Apr 22, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Dynamo forward Alberth Elis (17) celebrates with midfielder Juan David Cabezas (5) after scoring a goal during the second half against the San Jose Earthquakes at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Dynamo forward Alberth Elis (17) celebrates with midfielder Juan David Cabezas (5) after scoring a goal during the second half against the San Jose Earthquakes at BBVA Compass Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Houston Dynamo

  • Current Record (W-L-D): 4-1-2
  • Last Time Out: 2-0 Win over San Jose Earthquakes
  • Player to Watch For: Erick Torres.  Plain and simple Torres is the player that Toronto has to watch out for.  He’s tied as the league leader in goals with seven on the season and he’s performing at a clip he has never done before.  According to Transfermarkt Torres is averaging a 1.86 point per game ratio right now.
  • Why They Win: Toronto doesn’t keep Torres, Quioto and Elis under wraps and the shred the Toronto defense with greatly placed through balls.  Torres has been on fire so far to start the season and he’ll be looking to keep up this pace and help the Dynamo to their first win on the road this season.
  • Why They Don’t:  Toronto plays solid defense and keeps the Dynamo’s offense off the board. Toronto will be looking to smother the offense and keep possession and if Houston allows this to happen Toronto will win this game and big.
  • Predicted Starting Xl:

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How to Watch: 

Where: BMO Field 

When: Friday, April 28th, 2017 7:30 pm ET

Channel: TSN 4, TSN 5, Kube 57, 650 AM, Radio.com app, 1010 AM

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