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Toronto FC Vs Seattle Sounders FC: Head To Head Preview
Seattle travels to Toronto for its second away game in four days.
Apr 24, 2010 6:32:00 PM
By Mike Beauvais and John Zielonka
On Form
Toronto FC, by Mike Beauvais: Unless something changes, this portion of any TFC match preview will be known as the “Dwayne De Rosario Corner.” He’s been the one consistent spark of class in this young season for the Reds. With many of his teammates not firing on all cylinders, it’s been up to the captain to act as the engine of the Toronto offense and he’s done his part, with four goals in four matches. Unfortunately, he’s the only player to have scored for TFC in 2010. This trend cannot continue if the Reds intend to make their debut playoff appearance this season.
It would be remiss to not mention Chad Barrett here, as well. Barrett made his first start of the season against the Rapids last Sunday, having begun the year with an injury, relegating him to the substitutes’ bench. As expected, Barrett didn’t play the full 90, but in his hour on the pitch, he acquitted himself nicely, chasing down balls with tenacity. His creative touch led directly to TFC’s only marker, as O’Brian White linked onto Barrett’s beautiful through-ball before being hauled down by Matt Pickens in the box, which resulted in a successful penalty conversion from De Rosario.
Seattle Sounders FC, by John Zielonka: Forward Fredy Montero scored on a 40-yard highlight reel goal of the year candidate in their 2-2 draw against FC Dallas on Thursday. Midfielder Steve Zakuani had an equally impressive score from the left wing. There's something about the road that sparks more offense from the Rave Green. Despite another lackluster match and a questionable penalty in the last minute of stoppage time, the Sounders did net one point and remained unbeaten away.
Off Target
Toronto: Yes, we’ve heard it a million times and seen it all before, but once again against Colorado, it was self-inflicted mistakes that cost TFC road points, including two penalties awarded. The most unforgivable gaffe, though, resulted in Jeff Larentowicz’s game-winning free kick marker. Larentowicz’s strike from only a few yards outside of the box was directly at the Toronto wall, but designated player Julian de Guzman puzzlingly jumped out of the way, leaving Stefan Frei powerless to make a save.
After the match, Preki revealed that the wrong players had lined up in the TFC wall and that was the impetus for this confusing episode. Mistakes of this nature are inexcusable and need to be curbed in a hurry before this season turns into a very long one for the Reds.
Seattle: Head coach Sigi Schmid claims that his squad is still not playing up to their full potential. Passes don't click, too many possessions are lost, and Seattle seems to lose their concentration at the most inopportune times. The draw in Dallas was the second time this year the Sounders should have walked away with all three road points. Schmid needs to get his entire team to focus for the full 90 if they are to make a long run into the playoffs.
Tactics
Toronto: So far in 2010, Preki’s Rafa Benitezesque line-up tweaking has made it almost impossible to get a good read on which XI players he will field on Sunday afternoon, but a strike partnership of O’Brian White and Chad Barrett might be given the task of taking on Sigi Schmid’s formidable back line, including former Red Tyrone Marshall. At home, look for more offensive ambition from TFC than last week’s poor showing in Colorado.
Like they were last week, TFC’s central defensive pairing of Adrian Cann and Nana Attakora will be up against a potentially high-powered offense, featuring the likes of the explosive Steve Zakuani and rumored CSKA Moscow target Fredy Montero.
Seattle: Goalie Kasey Keller didn't play in the second half against Dallas. Terry Boss replaced the veteran after Keller took a hard knock to the head and complained of vision problems. If Boss does start on Sunday, the Sounders' defense will need to be sharp in front of their inexperienced goalie. Another potential missing element could be midfielder Freddie Ljungberg. He sat out the practice before Seattle left for their match in Dallas. Ljungberg did get into the game in the latter stages. If the Swede is not 100% fit, Schmid may need to do some reshuffling on offense to identify another attacker besides Montero.
Intangibles
Toronto: There’s a good chance that the match might not be the prettiest football you’ll ever see, as the Toronto forecast is calling for very cool and wet weather. This will only be exacerbated by BMO Field’s direct proximity to Lake Ontario. The condition of the pitch may end up being a big factor in tomorrow’s match.
Seattle: With their captain and 'keeper potentially out on Sunday, the Sounders will need to regroup around Boss. With their second last-minute conceded equalizer of the young season, how fragile will the psyche be of the players in front of Boss? Can they step it up in light of some important missing elements and lost opportunities?
Outcome
Toronto: Like the Rapids were able to do last week against a weary Toronto FC last Sunday, the Reds will look to take advantage of a tired Sounders team, who are coming off a disappointing Thursday night draw against FCD. If Toronto can control the tempo early, they might be able to produce a result. Take the Reds here, 2-1.
Seattle: Seattle Sounders FC 3 (Montero, Evans, Alonso) - Toronto FC 1 (De Rosario). The league's second worst defense can't stop the Sounders in getting the full road points this time.
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Toronto FC, by Mike Beauvais: Unless something changes, this portion of any TFC match preview will be known as the “Dwayne De Rosario Corner.” He’s been the one consistent spark of class in this young season for the Reds. With many of his teammates not firing on all cylinders, it’s been up to the captain to act as the engine of the Toronto offense and he’s done his part, with four goals in four matches. Unfortunately, he’s the only player to have scored for TFC in 2010. This trend cannot continue if the Reds intend to make their debut playoff appearance this season.
It would be remiss to not mention Chad Barrett here, as well. Barrett made his first start of the season against the Rapids last Sunday, having begun the year with an injury, relegating him to the substitutes’ bench. As expected, Barrett didn’t play the full 90, but in his hour on the pitch, he acquitted himself nicely, chasing down balls with tenacity. His creative touch led directly to TFC’s only marker, as O’Brian White linked onto Barrett’s beautiful through-ball before being hauled down by Matt Pickens in the box, which resulted in a successful penalty conversion from De Rosario.
Seattle Sounders FC, by John Zielonka: Forward Fredy Montero scored on a 40-yard highlight reel goal of the year candidate in their 2-2 draw against FC Dallas on Thursday. Midfielder Steve Zakuani had an equally impressive score from the left wing. There's something about the road that sparks more offense from the Rave Green. Despite another lackluster match and a questionable penalty in the last minute of stoppage time, the Sounders did net one point and remained unbeaten away.
Off Target
Toronto: Yes, we’ve heard it a million times and seen it all before, but once again against Colorado, it was self-inflicted mistakes that cost TFC road points, including two penalties awarded. The most unforgivable gaffe, though, resulted in Jeff Larentowicz’s game-winning free kick marker. Larentowicz’s strike from only a few yards outside of the box was directly at the Toronto wall, but designated player Julian de Guzman puzzlingly jumped out of the way, leaving Stefan Frei powerless to make a save.
After the match, Preki revealed that the wrong players had lined up in the TFC wall and that was the impetus for this confusing episode. Mistakes of this nature are inexcusable and need to be curbed in a hurry before this season turns into a very long one for the Reds.
Seattle: Head coach Sigi Schmid claims that his squad is still not playing up to their full potential. Passes don't click, too many possessions are lost, and Seattle seems to lose their concentration at the most inopportune times. The draw in Dallas was the second time this year the Sounders should have walked away with all three road points. Schmid needs to get his entire team to focus for the full 90 if they are to make a long run into the playoffs.
Tactics
Toronto: So far in 2010, Preki’s Rafa Benitezesque line-up tweaking has made it almost impossible to get a good read on which XI players he will field on Sunday afternoon, but a strike partnership of O’Brian White and Chad Barrett might be given the task of taking on Sigi Schmid’s formidable back line, including former Red Tyrone Marshall. At home, look for more offensive ambition from TFC than last week’s poor showing in Colorado.
Like they were last week, TFC’s central defensive pairing of Adrian Cann and Nana Attakora will be up against a potentially high-powered offense, featuring the likes of the explosive Steve Zakuani and rumored CSKA Moscow target Fredy Montero.
Seattle: Goalie Kasey Keller didn't play in the second half against Dallas. Terry Boss replaced the veteran after Keller took a hard knock to the head and complained of vision problems. If Boss does start on Sunday, the Sounders' defense will need to be sharp in front of their inexperienced goalie. Another potential missing element could be midfielder Freddie Ljungberg. He sat out the practice before Seattle left for their match in Dallas. Ljungberg did get into the game in the latter stages. If the Swede is not 100% fit, Schmid may need to do some reshuffling on offense to identify another attacker besides Montero.
Intangibles
Toronto: There’s a good chance that the match might not be the prettiest football you’ll ever see, as the Toronto forecast is calling for very cool and wet weather. This will only be exacerbated by BMO Field’s direct proximity to Lake Ontario. The condition of the pitch may end up being a big factor in tomorrow’s match.
Seattle: With their captain and 'keeper potentially out on Sunday, the Sounders will need to regroup around Boss. With their second last-minute conceded equalizer of the young season, how fragile will the psyche be of the players in front of Boss? Can they step it up in light of some important missing elements and lost opportunities?
Outcome
Toronto: Like the Rapids were able to do last week against a weary Toronto FC last Sunday, the Reds will look to take advantage of a tired Sounders team, who are coming off a disappointing Thursday night draw against FCD. If Toronto can control the tempo early, they might be able to produce a result. Take the Reds here, 2-1.
Seattle: Seattle Sounders FC 3 (Montero, Evans, Alonso) - Toronto FC 1 (De Rosario). The league's second worst defense can't stop the Sounders in getting the full road points this time.
For more on Major League Soccer, visit Goal.com's MLS page and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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