There is no shame in saying it is crucial that Toronto FC get’s a point from every game the rest of the season because when you’re chasing a playoff spot with less than 10 games to go, any point is better than none.
But Saturday’s game against Los Angeles FC is more than just a game, it is the Bradley darby. Father versus son, Bob Bradley the head coach of LAFC and father to TFC’s captain and anchor in the midfield Michael Bradley.
Saturday will be a day full of firsts. The first time Los Angeles travels to Toronto to play, and the first time Bob Bradley will coach against his son.
But for TFC they know they need to look past that and focus on what is more important, finishing the game with anything but a loss.
TFC has lost only one game over their last 10 matches, that one loss coming against New York City FC, yes the game Jozy Altidore got a red card 11 minutes in.
It is safe to say Toronto is hitting their stride and it couldn’t be at a better time, in the middle of a playoff chase.
TFC sits in eighth place, six points behind Montreal who currently hold the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Toronto does hold a slight advantage over Montreal, that being they have games in hand. The bad news is they have more games in a short period of time. For instance this week. They were in Portland last night where they would lose 2-0 and then travel home to take on LAFC who is no walk in the park.
Head coach Greg Vanney did say last Saturday he was looking to rest players against Portland so they would be ready for Los Angeles. He chose to not dress Sebastian Giovinco who is fighting an unknown injury and midfielder Jonathan Osorio who was also fighting soreness in Wednesday’s match. Clint Irwin got the start in goal replacing Alex Bono who has struggled all year and he switched the formation to a 5-4-1.
But with all these games in so little time, TFC received a positive Wednesday night. Altidore returned to the lineup after serving his two-game ban, just in time to re-join Giovinco who is in some of the best form he has been in all year.
Along with the resting of certain players, newly acquired Lucas Janson got some more time to become adjusted with his new team. He has suited up in the last three games managing to score one and earn an assist.
For it to be a successful match against LA, Toronto needs to find a way to be better on the back end, considering they statistically have one of the worst back lines in franchise history.
Their ball movement needs to be crisp and sharp, and they need to find a way to not depend on Michael Bradley who will no doubt be watched on heavily.
It is a tough schedule down the stretch for Toronto. But with mostly everyone healthy and in form, if they do make the playoffs they could go on a run.
Saturdays kick off is 8 PM at BMO Field.
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