Toronto FC: 3 things to watch for against FC Dallas

Toronto FC travels to Texas to face FC Dallas in what should be an entertaining contest. Here are three things to watch for.

Following a massive 2-1 victory against Orlando City, Toronto FC appear poised to regain ground in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. What made their win all the more impressive was they were able to do so without the services of Sebastian Giovinco. The Italian star was serving a suspension for the red card he received mid-week against New England Revolution.

FC Dallas have their fine start to the season taking five points from their last three matches. A win on Friday night could allow them to move into a top three spot in the Western Conference after all is said and done this weekend.

Here are three things to watch for in the match.

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3.  Can Toronto FC stop Maxi Urruti?

One of the most in-form players in MLS right now is Urruti. His four goals in the last five matches for Dallas have been a massive help to the club’s recent success. Dallas has taken at least a point in all four of the matches he has recently scored in.

Toronto will have to be sure to close down on Urruti to limit his opportunities from outside the box. He can let well-placed and paced shots go from outside the box that can be deadly.

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2. Where will Toronto FC get the goals from?

Without Jozy Altidore in the lineup, Toronto have had to find other outlets for goals. Right now, they don’t have an outright goal scorer to rely on which has proven to be problematic at times in the recent weeks.

Heading into this match Toronto will need to get goal support from one of their star players, which would definitely include Giovinco who has, unfortunately, struggled to find the back of the net in the early stretch of the season.

Ager Aketxe is a player who we have yet to see a goal from and Friday night’s match may be the perfect opportunity for the midfielder to get on the score sheet. He hasn’t had an easy time of it in MLS thus far and he could really use a positive moment.

1. Giovinco rumors loom

Giovinco has been rumored to be a possible transfer target to Tigers in Liga MX this week. Reports have surfaced that he could be sent to Tigers in exchange for Enner Valencia and additional funds.

Toronto General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko has since dispelled the rumors by stating the club has not received any offers from Tigers.

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Although this move is unlikely, one can never know how teammates will respond to such news. Don’t expect any chemistry issues with Toronto but it will be interesting to keep an eye on Giovinco and if this news affects him at all.