Toronto FC travel to FC Dallas as MLS returns to the fore this weekend. Here are three things to watch for, including the impact of striker Jordan Hamilton.
With each team managing only one win in their last eight matches, Toronto FC and FC Dallas will be desperate to take three points from Saturday night’s clash at Toyota Stadium. Despite their poor form, the home side are currently fifth in the Western Conference. A win could give Dallas the momentum needed to remain in the playoff race going forward. Conversely, visitors Toronto FC are clinging on to the final playoff spot in the East on 19 points, with just three points separating them from the tenth-placed New England Revolution.
Although each side will miss key players on Saturday, TFC’s absences leave them at a greater disadvantage. Ashtone Morgan, Jonathan Osorio, Michael Bradley, Noble Okello, and Jozy Altidore are representing their nations in the Gold Cup. Furthermore, regular starters Auro and Chris Mavinga may be left out of Greg Vanney’s starting XI since they are both recovering from hamstring injuries.
Here are three things to look for ahead of Saturday night’s match in Dallas.
3. Jordan Hamilton to play all 90 minutes
With Jozy Altidore away on international duty, one of Jordan Hamilton, Terrence Boyd, or Ayo Akinola will probably partner Alejandro Pozuelo up front against the Toros.
Hamilton is the most likely candidate to replace the American star from kick-off all the way through to the final whistle. For starters, Boyd has been abysmal since his arrival at the club. He arrived with uncertainty and potential, but has been utterly underwhelming in his brief showings thus far. Meanwhile, Akinola has barely featured this season.
Moreover, the 23-year-old Hamilton has found the back of the net six times this season, with half of his goals coming after the 75th minute. Given Toronto FC’s instability at the back and wastefulness in front of goal, the Reds have had to rely on late-game heroics in their efforts to evade defeat, scoring 10 goals in the last 15 minutes through fifteen matches. Bearing that in mind, Hamilton’s knack for late goals could result in him being given the full 90 minutes in what is expected to be a close affair.