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The true test of where Toronto FC stands is this coming Saturday as they host the reigning MLS Cup champions, and top side in the Eastern Conference, Sporting Kansas City. The Reds have done well to keep pace in their Conference, sitting solid in third place, but will want to start showing a bit more given the pedigree of their top players. Kansas City presents a real test to see how far they are, as the visitors are a blueprint of how to build not just an exciting club to watch, but successful one as well.
TFC are in the thick of their crowded July schedule, with midweek matches from the last two weeks making the hottest part of the year even more of a grind. On Wednesday they hosted Tottenham Hotspur for a friendly and while the result was 3-2 in favour of the London club, it was importantly a match where no one was injured and the key starters were rested. This is essential as Saturday's game is critical in closing the gap between first and third, and if Toronto are serious in being top contenders. It will require a disciplined effort, one where there can be no passengers, if Toronto is not just to win, but even come away with a draw against a very good road team.
Keep thinking
TFC have done well to keep their head above water this month, and the recent results and performances - a win, a loss, several draws - can be seen as glass half full, or half empty. Two matches against Houston, while garnering four points, showed weaknesses against one of the poorer teams in the league this season. Dropped points at home against DC United does not offer confidence that BMO Field has regained the brief moniker of "fortress" from many years past.
However, the side has maintained their level of performance after losing their captain, centre back Steven Caldwell, as well as breakout rightback Mark Bloom. They have added pieces here and there to improve the roster, have not resulted in a loss of cohesion, and with everything considered, the team is still grabbing points. Depth is something rarely used to describe Toronto, but after seven seasons, it appears that they have a complete roster that can go out each week and offer competition to fight for all three points.
While midseason friendlies, at minimum, offer a yearly debate on the benefit of non-league competition, TFC will be very pleased to have gotten in a good match on Wednesday night against Tottenham and not only keep everyone healthy, but rest up the key starters and allow the youngsters their moment to shine. Key in that match was on-loan striker Jordan Hamilton, as well as rookie Daniel Lovitz who has proven to be an excellent depth option so far this season.
TFC will need both a rested, and confident, team as Sporting Kansas City arrive on Saturday to measure how far the Reds have come in their rebuild. Also going through a similar hectic schedule, the visitors represent one of the few teams in MLS who offer a tried and tested template for success. Built around a system and vision rather than high profile players, Kansas City has become perennial contenders for the last four years. In most instances, it is on the back of a solid home record, however, KC has actually won more road games than home so far this year.
In seasons past, often top MLS teams have come to BMO and looked ordinary, and Kansas City is one that has had mixed results. However, in 2014 they have a strong away record built on the back of a solid back line that is still heading into its prime. Coming out of the World Cup, they have rewarded the MLS Defender of the Year, Matt Besler, with a DP contract as he has been part of a group with Aurélien Colin, Seth Sinovic and Lawrence Olum/Chance Meyers, that have all been integral in the rise of the club. The result has been an outstanding season that has them with the second lowest Goals Against (18), and tied for the best Goal Difference in the league with +11.
It will be difficult for TFC to prepare or look for weaknesses, as with the defence as the anchor, Kansas City does well to build forward with solid players. Along with Besler, the club has also rewarded Graham Zusi with a DP contract, and his pairing with Benny Feilhaber in the midfield has been massive to their success over the last two years. While they have good options in the attack, there is one name that has stood out above the rest, and produced, and that is Dom Dwyer. Toronto will once again have their hands full with the Englishman by way of NCAA, as he is a physical specimen and capable of scoring early in the game and in the dying seconds.
There are matchups all over the pitch for this game and it will be clear that TFC have advantages in some, while disadvantages in others. Truthfully, supporters will likely be watching the backline as this will be a real test for the pairing of Bradley Orr and Doneil Henry, who have looked good but had some moments that a team like Kansas City will likely capitalize on. It is difficult to envision where Toronto can find an edge and it might be trying to diversify their attack with only Luke Moore and Gilberto available from the get go. Add in the constant pressure up top of Michael Bradley and there are four players very strong in winning balls and delivering pressure.
With Jonathan Osorio and Collen Warner likely rounding out the midfield, there are some signs that on their day, Toronto can offer more going forward than their opponent. It will be a matter of how well they can mix it up and play to their advantages. Both going out wide, to establish width, and working into the middle might be the only way to create mistakes with Kansas City, as specifically Colin has had his moments over his time with the club dealing with pressure on the ball and positioning. However, on the flipside, while Kansas City has been going through Dwyer, they will be very good on set pieces through delivery and finishing, and TFC will have their hands full defending at all times. It will be a difficult game to predict and one where Toronto needs to be prepared for one of their best efforts of the season. If they get the line up right and ensure everyone is fit and disciplined, a big result can be theirs come Saturday night.
In the end
Toronto FC have faced some tough opponents already this season. Out of the gate they visited Seattle and Real Salt Lake, and have twice faced DC United who are near the top of the Eastern Conference. Now they once again go up against Sporting Kansas City - both sides with their best available and fighting for top spot. The visitors are deserved leaders of the table as they have been in a solid run of form and very good both at home and away. Toronto has been consistent in getting points and competitive, but there are still a few areas that need tightening up before they are undeniable as contenders. The Reds certainly have the players to make it happen, but perhaps not quite the depth across the field and eleven players all pulling in one direction. That might be the difference between a clear victory and a tough fought point against Sporting Kansas City.
Prediction
Toronto FC 2 – 2 Sporting Kansas City
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