Toronto FC takes on Minnesota United with eye on their sixth straight victory
By Mark Shannon
Toronto FC get set to take on Minnesota United in search of their sixth straight win.
For the first time in franchise history Toronto FC have won five straight games. They’re the best defensive team in the Eastern Conference right now only allowing nine goals through their first 11 games of the season. Jozy Altidore had another chance to up his goal total on Wednesday but was denied. While Toronto will be looking to take full advantage of Minnesota being a new team, this new Minnesota team has looked good over the past few weeks. This game won’t be as easy as expected for many Toronto FC fans.
After starting out the season struggling and struggling bad, Minnesota has found a way to make themselves respectable winning four games so far. Christian Ramirez has been a standout for the Loons as he’s scored six goals and sits tied for second. This won’t be easy though as they’re going to face one of the toughest teams right now.
Toronto FC
Record: 6-1-4
Last Game: 2-1 win vs Columbus
Player to Watch for:
Sebastian Giovinco. He’s been out the past two games one because of rest and the other because of a heel injury, but if he plays tonight he’ll be the man to watch against a not so sturdy defence in Minnesota. He’ll be looking to make runs behind the defence for Victor Vazquez through balls do that he can run on to and score some goals. Maybe another brace for the Italian?
Why they win
Continue to play the way they’ve been playing through this five game winning streak. This isn’t the Minnesota team from the begging of the season, however, so it should be a tough fight. If Toronto can win the battle of the midfield like they’ve done through out the season then this will be a good game and they’ll be well on their way to a sixth consecutive victory.
Why they lose:
It’s tough to see them losing, especially at home, but with this Minnesota anything can happen. They’ll lose the game, however, because they didn’t play the game simple. They have to play the same way they’ve played all season in order to win the game they’ll have to break down the Minnesota defence which has struggled a lot at time this season especially against the good teams.
Starting XI vs Minnesota
Minnesota United
Record: 3-5-2
Last Week: 2-0 win vs Sporting Kansas City
Player To Watch:
Jermaine Taylor. Defence has been a big issue for Minnesota since their first game and it doesn’t get any easier against one of the best offences in the MLS. They’re going to have their handful trying to keep their eye on Vazquez, Altidore and Giovinco. Taylor and the rest of the defensive line are going to have to have the game of their lives if they want to keep them off the scoreboard.
Why they win
It’s a tough task, but if Minnesota are going to win it’s because they win the battle in the midfield and shut down Toronto’s creative midfielders. Holding a tight line all game and winning back possession are keys that’ll help them knock off the Eastern Conferences best team right now.
Why they lose
Toronto FC’s offence is just too good and too strong. They have a hard time keeping tabs of the dynamic three up-front Toronto has. Minnesota will revert back to the way they played through the first few games of the season where they looked like they didn’t belong in the MLS.
Starting XI vs Toronto FC
How To Watch
BMO Field
Canada: CTV
USA: MY29 – 1500 ESPN