Toronto FC vs New England Revolution: You Say You Want A Playoff Spot?
Well here we go folks; one of Toronto FC’s biggest games of the season – are you ready? This afternoon’s (5pmET, BMO Field, SN360) game against the rampaging New England Revolution is as tough a test as our Reds have faced all season. You can look ahead to games against the scrubs of the Eastern Conference and say that even if they lose today it’s not that big a deal. I disagree with this in a big way. If you want to call yourself a changed team, a top team then you’ve got to do well against the best, especially at home. New England’s record against TFC at BMO is surprisingly balanced – both teams have each won 2 games, they’ve tied 5 and have scored an almost identical number of goals (13 vs 14) – although Toronto hasn’t won against the Rev at home since 2010 which is one of their longer droughts at home.
Just over a month ago the Rev were in freefall having lost five in a row and looking like a team that was going to implode at any second, but six games (and five wins, including the last four in a row) they’ve done a complete 180 and are challenging for a top spot in the Eastern Conference, especially with DC United stumbling and the rest of the East not exactly lighting it up. Charlie Davies has been unstoppable, Lee Nguyen has regained his form from last season, Diego Fagundez is playing well…honestly I could just list the entire team. Regardless this is not going to be an easy game for Toronto and they’ll need everyone (the ones that are available anyway) at their best.
*Note: due to crazy overscheduling on my part this is even shorter than usual – apologies*
Things You Need To Know:
1. Sebastian Giovinco is a maybe for this match – this is scary as they’ll need goals to get past the Rev. Oh did I mention Jose Goncalves at the back?
2. Jozy Altidore is back. After a better showing with the US team (ie not like the Gold Cup), he should be the answer sans Seba.
3. Justin Morrow is back – this should help on the defensive side of things for TFC.
4. Benoit Cheyrou is still out – this is worrisome as he too helps keep the defence under control.
5. Collen Warner is still out – his suspension is still on and he too would be very nice to have today in his patented holding winger role.
6. Mark Charlie Davies. Seriously, he’s already got two goals against us. That’s enough!
7. Also, don’t let Lee Nguyen make those marauding runs down the wing – Ashtone you have to be on your game today.
8. TFC need to be aware of space – they cannot leave those huge gaps that they did in Seattle or this will end very badly.
9. Michael Bradley needs to up his defensive game in this one.
10. It’s going to be cold at BMO – wear a jacket.
This game is a great opportunity for Toronto FC and Greg Vanney to gain ground in the Eastern Conference and put themselves on more solid footing in terms of playoff positioning. Should be an interesting game, but not an easy one. Prediction: 2-1 Rev.
