Toronto FC Vs FC Cincinnati: 3 things to look for – Osorio or no Osorio?

Toronto FC look to get back in the win column when they host FC Cincinnati this weekend. Here are three things to expect from Saturday’s clash at BMO Field.

Toronto FC look to recapture the final playoff spot in the East when they host bottom dwellers FC Cincinnati on Saturday night. Both teams are coming off two-goal losses heading into this weekend’s match. A second-string TFC side fell out of seventh-place after losing 3-1 at home to the Houston Dynamo, whereas Cincinnati lost their second game in row with their 2-0 defeat at Nippert Stadium.

With just three points separating them from ninth-placed Orlando City, as well as the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference, Toronto FC will be eager to take all three points against FC Cincinnati. Although the visitors are not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, their performance on Saturday is more about progression in their Dutch-inspired possession-oriented style under interim manager Yoann Damet than it is about keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.

Here are three things to look for heading into Saturday night’s match at BMO Field.

3. Maikel van der Werff’s debut

Despite agreeing to terms with his new club earlier this month, 30-year-old Dutch center-back Maikel van der Werff has been unable to appear for FC Cincinnati until this weekend due to Visa issues. The former Vitesse player was brought in to steady one of the worst defenses in MLS and help his side implement the possession-based philosophy of general manager Gerard Nijkamp.

From a defensive perspective, the right-footed veteran put up impressive numbers in the Eredivisie, a league renowned for the technical quality of its attackers. Last season, van der Werff averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 4.6 clearances, and was dribbled past a mere 0.2 times per game. As such, FC Cincinnati’s new signing is expected to improve their backline through his physicality and experience.

Nijkamp also hopes van der Werff can help revitalize his squad’s build-up play. The veteran rarely takes a bad touch, is capable of carrying the ball forward, and should be able to use his knowledge of possession-based football to guide his teammates. Perhaps most importantly, van der Werff is reliable on the ball, averaging 46.3 touches, completing 78.5% of his passes, while only losing the ball 0.1 times per game last season.

FC Cincinnati acquired Maikel van der Werff in order to bolster their back-line and improve their monotonous build-up play, we should get a glimpse of the Dutchman impact on his new club Saturday night at BMO Field.