Two down, one more to go. With the chance to get the rare three game unbeaten run in seven days, D.C. United travels to Canada to take on Toronto FC on Saturday night. The match will take place at BMO Field at 7pm EST on NewsChannel 8 in the DMV, TSN2 in Canada, and MLS Live everywhere else.
This will not be an easy task for United (9-9-13, 40 points). Toronto (13-8-10, 31 points) have lost just once at home this season, a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Vancouver FC. Since then the club have simply dominated their competition at home, which includes a 4-1 pasting of United back in June. D.C. have had some luck in the past at BMO Field, winning five of their previous nine contests in Toronto.
But much like this Toronto side is a very different side from the ones in season’s past so too is the United defense. Since their July transfer window splash (which ironically started after that loss to Toronto) United have scored 27 goals which is the most among any side during that span. It has been stated over and over again here but it cannot be mistaken how important the additions of Patrick Mullins (seven goals with United) and Lloyd Sam (two sides) have been to this side.
Toronto FC forward Jozzy Altidore (17)controls a ball defended by Portland Timbers Nat Borchers (7)
Toronto though have proven themselves more than adept at handling goal-scorers. Under coach Greg Vanney the defense has received a face-lift, focusing mostly on possession and tracking rather than physical challenges. The addition of Drew Moor this season has added a level of stability and professionalism to a side that never lacked athleticism but was at times a bit reckless. As opposed to some of the sides that United have faced in recent weeks Toronto rarely chase the ball down the flanks so it will be interesting to see how Luciano Acosta tries to create scoring opportunities.
For United on defense of course the primary concern is Jozy Altidore. With Sebastian Giovinco still questionable for Saturday’s match Altidore immediately becomes the focal point of the Toronto attack. Altidore struggled during the beginning of the season but has come on as of late having scored seven of his eight goals this season in his last ten matches.
Without Giovinco Toronto become a much more one dimensional side with midfielder Michael Bradley feeding Altidore inside. In their first match Bradley and Giovinco tore apart United’s center-backs exploiting empty space and punishing Travis Worra.
The one wrinkle that Vanney might throw in is placing Marky Delgado down the left flank. United have been using Nick De Leon as a right-back the past few matches to some success. But De Leon has not really had the chance to play against a midfielder with speed. In the past he struggled as a midfielder against speedy players on counter-attacks so Vanney opt to send Delgado down the flank and open up United’s back four.
With Toronto looking to catch up to FC Dallas in the Supporters Shield standings it is highly unlikely that Vanney will play a conservative style. Given that United have shown in recent weeks the ability to counter-punch after being scored on this match may end up being a goal-fest. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid and Toronto goalkeeper Clint Irwin are two of the best keepers in Major League Soccer. If either Hamid or Irwin can come up with a couple of quality saves it may be the difference in picking up points for their side.
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In D.C. United stadium news (what you didn’t think that we were done with this yet, did you?) the Washington Post‘s Steve Goff is reporting that the club may not have their new stadium ready for the start of the 2018 season. The city supposed to hand over the property where United will build the stadium. Goff’s article postulates that ground will be broken in January or February which would mean that it would be set to open around June of 2018.
United would have two options if this is the case. First, play a handful of home matches either at RFK Stadium or another site at the beginning of 2018. This option is cost prohibitive given that United are looking to get away from RFK at the end of the 2017 season due to the high rent cost. It is possible that the club could play matches at the Maryland SoccerPlex. Another question would be where United would practice during that time frame.
The other option would be to play their first three months of matches on the road. Goff’s article mentions that seven teams in the past have done this while waiting for their stadiums to be built/renovated. Results haven’t exactly been terrible so this may be the best of the two options. The club would still need to secure a practice facility though.
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Beer of the week: Right Proper Brewing Company’s Marginalia
