

Posted by

Ian Clarke ,

October 2, 2015 Email

Ian Clarke



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Toronto FC continue their favourable end of season home stand as they host the struggling Philadelphia Union on Saturday afternoon. The Reds should be carrying some confidence as they've won back to back games at BMO Field, and even with both results still bringing concerns that defending is an issue, the calibre of opponent falls in line with what has been consistent results. Greg Vanney should have his sights set on the club's first playoff appearance, but first thing is first, and they is taking three of the easiest points left in the schedule. Should TFC's key players show the motivation seen over the last two fixtures, this should be one step closer to a firm playoff position. Keep thinking

Toronto FC are comfortably in the midst of the home stand many have had their sights on for most of the 2015 season. Knowing the Reds had to stay within the playoff picture, it would be this stretch of games that could determine exactly where they finish in the table. Most important to the outcome of the upcoming fixtures is whether Toronto is able to leap over the likes of DC United, Columbus and New England to secure a home playoff match or even home field advantage. Of the home games, the first three certainly were looked at the most obvious for victory. TFC have already taken care of Colorado and Chicago and now welcome rivals Philadelphia to BMO Field. There are still questions surrounding where Toronto fits in the playoff picture in terms of competitiveness, as seen from recent results over the past two months. The patterns shown from the side is they are able to showcase their abilities and defeat the bottom teams in MLS, but against the playoff contenders have looked poor and unable to consistently earn points. Fortunately on Saturday it is Philadephia, currently second-last in the Eastern Conference, who come to town and they fit the pattern of a team TFC should defeat and look good doing so. Central to TFC's results against struggling side has been none other than MVP frontrunner Giovinco. Simply put, against teams whose defenders are not up to the standard, he has looked almost invincible, creating several jaw-dropping chances for himself and teammates in such matches. Giovinco has already scored against the Union, and his ability on set pieces both against them and of late will no doubt be something to consider as a factor in the match up. However, along with Seba has been the supporting cast of his fellow DPs as well as midfielders. Michael Bradley still has some flawed moments against poor opponents, but his work rate and involvement in the attack has been more in line with his arrival to the club in 2014 than the mediocrity seen at the end of last year and early parts of this season. Jozy Altidore has not been overly influential on the pitch, but continues to finish at a strong rate and only needs to be in the right place at the right time to finish his chance. And as seen last weekend, if Jonathan Osorio and Benoit Cheyrou are fit and motivated, both complete the puzzle that often ensures a strong performance. All of those pieces will be needed on point, as even though Philadelphia have underperformed this season, they still represent a legitimate threat. Much like Chicago last weekend, the Union are a team who have some midfielders who can match up with Toronto and attackers who are capable of creating moments that can change the game. Up top, the Reds are familiar with CJ Sapong from his time with Kansas City and his athleticism in scoring more than once at BMO. Sebastian LeToux's time as MVP contender might be passed, but he is still capable of being a duel threat of scoring and creating. Of course, it is Conor Casey who most Reds supporters will be wary of, as he seems to always find a way to score against TFC. What will hopefully be in Toronto's favour is a lengthy run not just in the US Open Cup, but also the final match. The Union have had little positives this season, but making the finals midweek meant all the chips were put on lifting the trophy. The match went through added time and penalties with Kansas City ultimately winning. This likely will be what is weighed in for this match is how fit and fresh Philadelphia will be, considering only Casey was subbed out at a reasonable time in the match. As well, the only midfielder of note who rested was 18-year old Eric Ayuk Mbu, who is someone the Reds will need to keep an eye one. While much has been made of Toronto's defensive weakness, the Union are not in a much better state. Allowing only four goals less than TFC this season what is most surprising is a team who was known to have a solid pool of keepers has no clear cut number one and the oldest option is sophomore draft pick Andre Blake. As noted, like Chicago whose defenders have been the primary culprit on the season, Philadelphia presents a similar set up where the further back you go, the greater potential the likes of Gilberto et al. have to shine. It is not a difficult match to prepare for if you are Greg Vanney. The main factors are acknowledging that the Union will likely be tired, that referee Ricardo Salazar is coming off a match where two poor penalty calls might factor in his judgement, and given previous encounters it could become a physical affair should Giovinco embarrass defenders as he's done for most of 2015. Vanney first and foremost needs to ensure the side is still motivated and not looking past their easiest opponent down the final matches. The set up has been adequate if not for some defensive tweaking and hopefully allowing the return of Jackson or Morgan to push Marky Delgado into the midfield. That detail aside, is should be a matter of rest and mindset, and should TFC be prepared from the opening whistle to execute, the Union could be shut down early and three points locked in. In the end

Toronto FC have their sights set on a first ever appearance in the MLS playoffs. How it all unfolds will be determined over the next few weeks where a winning streak could mean home field advantage, or dropped points could be a wildcard play-in. Philadelphia arrive to BMO Field in the midst of a poor season and disappointed for failing to win the US Open Cup at home midweek. It is a big opportunity for Toronto to not only finish off a wounded opponent, but also lock down arguably the easiest three points in their remaining games. One game at a time should be the mantra from Greg Vanney and focusing on these three points essential. TFC have done well against the poorer teams in MLS and the Union fit the bill. Should Giovinco and company be well prepared and motivated, three points should be secured. Prediction

Toronto FC 3-1 Philadelphia Union