

Posted by

Ian Clarke ,

September 25, 2015 Email

Ian Clarke



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Toronto FC are now in the midst of a critical stretch of home fixtures and look to continue beating up on the bottom dwelling sides as they host the Chicago Fire on Saturday afternoon. It has been some time since these two teams met, and there might be a bit of payback in the minds of the Reds as an early season loss in Chicago could have gone their way. As always, there are some questions surrounding certain areas of the pitch, but if Giovinco is healthy and motivated to perform, there have been few games when under those circumstances that TFC haven't come out on top at BMO Field. Keep thinking

After two poor back to back losses, TFC were served up a good opponent last weekend to set things right. Credit must be given as the Colorado Rapids have put forth improved displays of late, however, they have been firmly placed in the bottom of the Western Conference and have not been able to improve until some mid-summer reinforcements were brought in. Toronto did well to come out early and it was clear to all in attendance that the gap in overall quality was too great for the Rapids to overcome. That was seen as once again Sebastian Giovinco was motivated to perform and he put in what has become a standard level of his displays in those circumstances. From taking the ball from his own end to the final third and scoring, to linking up well with Jonathan Osorio, and serving up a perfect corner kick for the insurance goal - all of this in the first half. Even though Toronto showed a lapse in concentration and defensive discipline to allow Colorado get one back, they saw through the second half in hurricane-esque weather to lock down three points. Colorado were not expected to be a top side in 2015, and now Toronto faces another team who many did not expect to do well arriving at BMO Field in a state of disarray. The Chicago Fire retooled over the offseason and brought in what could have been some decent parts, but the likes of Shaun Maloney has returned to the UK and David Accam has not quite taken off as expected since his impressive rise in Sweden last year. Added in, the club gave head coach Frank Yallop his walking papers and now the team is being guided via interim manager Brian Bliss. A fear for TFC supporters would be a jolt of energy and renewed purpose with the coaching change, however, one simply must look at Greg Vanney's appointment last season to see that is not always the case. Added in, Chicago went to Montreal on Wednesday night and did not perform in a 2-1 loss. This fixture has a repeat of last weekend written all over it, especially with Chicago in the midst of a four game losing streak. However, there are still issues Toronto needs to be mindful of if they are to come out with an important win. As noted, David Accam has not been as prolific as he was last year, but his pace is undeniable and the Reds have been exposed for not being quick at the back more than once this season. Added, fellow Swedish top flight striker Kennedy Igboananike hasn't quite delivered but will need to be monitored as he too has the ability to punish Toronto's back line. What is lacking with Chicago is decent depth and even Harrison Shipp has been unable to quite repeat his impressive rookie campaign this year. The backline has severely dropped off through the season and now with Sean Johnson out for the season, it appears that this could be a game that could be another Giovinco masterclass. Greg Vanney should begin to have a sense of what works well and how to get the most out of his players. Even last weekend, with Benoit Cheyrou back in the midfield, allowing Michael Bradley to operate up top in and around Giovinco and Jozy Altidore has yielded some of TFC's best results. While much has been said about Damian Perquis' performances throughout the season, if he can continue as he did last weekend, that will go a long way in stabilizing TFC's inconsistent defending. Lastly, if the support to the DPs, such as Osorio and Cheyrou are on point, then that will give the likes of Giovinco, Bradley and Altidore what they need to deliver and ensure the Reds have another three points. In the end

Toronto FC came back impressively last weekend after back to back poor outings against New England and NYCFC. Colorado, while languishing near the bottom of the league, have been able to improve their performances and the Reds via Giovinco showed what the gap in overall quality can do. Against Chicago this weekend, similar circumstances are surrounding the Fire. A team underperforming massively and recently firing their head coach says everything about how their season has gone. It is a good opportunity for Toronto to get a huge boost in confidence ahead of the final games of the season. If Greg Vanney has his side prepared and motivated to play like last weekend, a win should be certain. Prediction

Toronto FC 4-1 Chicago