New England Revolution Vs Toronto FC: 3 things to look for – The Pozuelo puzzle
By Marko Babic
Toronto FC travel to Gillette Stadium in hopes of surpassing the New England Revolution in the Eastern standings. Here are three things to look for.
This weekend, Toronto FC travel to New England to take on the surging New England Revolution in yet another match with playoff implications. The Reds, who have accumulated 37 points so far this season, briefly took hold of a playoff spot following their emotional 2-1 victory over the Montreal Impact in Week 25, however, the Impact’s win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in midweek resulted in TFC sliding back down to eighth.
The New England Revolution, meanwhile, are coming off of a dramatic 2-1 win of their own against the Chicago Fire, and head into Saturday night’s match just one point ahead of the visitors in the Eastern Conference standings. The Revs are heavy favorites going into Saturday’s match. Bruce Arena’s side have lost just one of their past fifteen matches and Toronto FC struggle at Gillette Stadium, with a 0-5-2 record in their past seven visits.
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Here are three things to look for heading into this weekend’s battle in New England.
3. Look out for Gustavo Bou
Argentine forward Gustavo Bou arrived from Mexican side Club Tijuana in early July and has hit the ground running since his MLS debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps. La Pantera has formed an elite offensive partnership with attacking midfielder Carles Gil. The pair have contributed to 16 of New England’s goals over the past seven games, with Bou registering five goals and one assist.
Bou’s gamewinner in last week’s tilt against the Chicago Fire was arguably his most critical contribution as a member of the Revs. With the game tied 1-1 in the 86th minute, the right-footed Argentine received the ball in the middle of the attacking third before playing it to Juan Caicedo. Although his pass to Caicedo was cut out by Francisco Calvo, Bou swiftly won it back prior to beating Kenneth Kronholm with a rising, left-footed strike from just outside the penalty area.
Gustavo Bou has utilized his ambidexterity, soft first touch, quick feet, and strength to his advantage throughout his career. As such, Toronto FC must mark Bou tightly if they are to mitigate his strengths on Saturday.