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Toronto FC, in the middle of their hectic 3-game week, are coming off a 1-1 tie in California against San Jose Earthquakes. Now, Toronto FC play host to one of California’s other teams. You may have heard of this side, who boast a semi-popular player named David Beckham, the shining light in a team glittered with stars. Los Angeles Galaxy will take to BMO Field, and for Toronto FC, their first true test awaits them.
Having played against the newest pair of expansion sides, as well as last year’s bottom-feeder side Chivas USA, Toronto FC have yet to be truly pushed to their offensive and defensive limits; San Jose was their first established side, but LA Galaxy will provide the Reds with their first go against a heavyweight in MLS. That being said, these are some of the key points for this Wednesday’s star-studded affair.
Putting up a Galactic Performance
Toronto FC will need to be firing on all cylinders if they want a result against Los Angeles. There’s no room for mistakes, there’s simply no room for laziness, and if three points are the target, there’s no excuse for poor finishing. This is the measuring stick for the rest of Toronto FC’s fifth season; failing miserably and losing 5-0 could spell disaster, but a magnificent performance would raise hope (and ticket sales) considerably. Toronto FC need to be on fire.
Treat LA Galaxy Like a Buffet
Like an incredible buffet serving countless gourmet dishes, Toronto FC need to treat Los Angeles with the same kind of mentality as a night out at Mandarin; don’t focus on one plate. Piling on pressure to Landon Donovan will see Juan Pablo Angel, Juninho, Beckham, and even Chad Barrett wreak havoc. So, treat LA Galaxy like a buffet, focus your attention on the collective experience and isolate it in its parts.
David Beckham Won’t Be a Problem...
...unless you make him one. That means, low rate of free kicks and corners around the box, defensive wingback to mark his crosses, and phasing the Englishmen’s contributions down to a minimum. He’s a big name, a big player, but he’s also old and, for the most part, won’t threaten to cut in and score in open pla.
Landon Donovan CAN though!
If there’s anyone that Toronto FC has to be wary of, it’s Landycakes. Captain America has got the pace, skill and goalscoring touch to decimate Toronto’s already weak defensive line. The Winger-Forward needs to be contained by a competent defender; if not, Donovan will surely punish TFC.
This is our house; This is our league
Mentality will be crucial for Toronto FC; half the game will be played in the heads of the players. Understanding these key points will ultimately see Toronto FC succeed:
1) This is our house; We’re in Toronto, these are OUR fans, and the twelfth man is strong.
2) This is MLS; anyone can beat anyone on their day.
3) Los Angeles isn’t the best team; they’re beatable!
A strong mentality can see Toronto FC containing a highly skilled side like Los Angeles.
Here’s looking at you, Maicon
Maicon needs to rediscover his goalscoring form, or at least, his first touch on the ball. Both have been almost nonexistent in the last two games for the Brazilian front-man. TFC’s new captain needs to be on his game and cause problems whenever possible.
You’ve got TWO wings, use them!
The last game against San Jose was shocking in that Javier Martina recorded about...3-5 touches the entire first half, barely making his presence felt and being shut out of the game. Compare that to Alen Stevanovic on the other side getting the ball at least once per offensive push and you’ll see just how left side-heavy Toronto were last Saturday. There’s two wings for a reason, and that means Toronto FC needs to utilize both the left and the right flanks, or risk being boxed out completely.
Jewel in the midfield in Julian de Guzman
He needs to have a good game, he needs to prove his critics wrong, and most importantly, he needs to justify his pricetag for Toronto FC. Julian de Guzman may not play the full match, but whatever time he does get need to count. Facing a forward-heavy side like LA means that the Toronto midfield needs to track back and defend; de Guzman must also be responsible for sparking any counter-attacks whenever possible. It’s time for de Guzman to step up to the plate and perform the way he did in Spain.
Defensive Diligence
Unlike the other teams Toronto has faced so far, Los Angeles doesn’t have a “weak” side in their defensive line; both the right and the left flanks have ample cover, Omar Gonzales is strong in the middle, and, as a unit, the defense for LA Galaxy clicks well. This means Toronto needs to do two things; They need to be very smart with the offside evasion and hit the Galaxy on a breakaway, and they also need to be pinpoint with crosses into the box. Running at the defense will probably yield little.
Win the Ref
Bruce Arena annoyance with the refereeing in his last match against DC could prove an important mental barrier for Toronto FC to throw at Los Angeles. If Toronto FC can manage to get Los Angeles frustrated enough to force the referee’s hand – in the process showing yellows and hopefully a red – Los Angeles could be their own worst enemy. A ten-man Los Angeles side would be a huge advantage for Toronto, who could really use every little bit of help they can get against one of MLS’ strongest sides.
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