Tyson Wahl kicks the ball during the Chicago Fire match at Toyota Park. Columbus Crew SC hopes to maintain momentum against Toronto FC tonight. Stephanie Sokol/The Pit
[dropcap]S[/dropcap]aturday’s match at MAPFRE Stadium will feature two of Major League Soccer’s premier strikers in top form that should expect to be a high-scoring affair.
Playing a man down for the entire second half in their last meeting on March 14, Toronto FC’s attack froze alongside the cold Ohio air, leading to a 2-0 defeat. Scoring six goals in its last two MLS matches, a regrouped and upstart TFC side will look to steal a victory at a tough road venue.
Meanwhile, Crew SC is clicking at the right time with key offensive personnel finding the back of the net, eager to cash in another 3 points at its home venue.
What to expect from Toronto FC
Projected Starting XI (4-4-2) GK: Joe Bendik D: Ashtone Morgan, Eriq Zavaleta, Damien Perguis, Justin Morrow M: Collen Warner, Benoit Cheyrou, Jonathan Osorio, Marky Delgado, F: Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco
Standings: 4th place, Eastern Conference, 27 points
Form (previous 5 MLS matches): W-T-L-T-W , 8 points
From the opening whistle, TFC will look to wreak offensive havoc with Italian international and forward Sebastian Giovinco.
Leading the Reds with 12 goals, Giovinco penetrates into opponent’s final third with crisp through ball distrubution from Benoit Cheyrou. When the “Atomic Ant” finds open space and leaves the Crew SC backline chasing out of position, forward Jozy Altidore sneaks into the 18-yard box unmarked to have a short-range crack at goal.
Giving Giovinco as many touches as possible will give TFC the offensive tempo it needs to pressure and keep Crew SC’s Wil Trapp and Tony Tchani on the defensive side of the pitch and force the Black & Gold to play the match on Toronto’s terms.
Also, maintaining possession for extended periods of the match will neutralize Crew SC midfielder and key facilitator Federico Higuain.
However, executing the game plan will be a formidable challenge against a disciplined Crew SC backline that is anchored by Columbus centerback Michael Parkhurst, as well as goalkeeper Steve Clark. Currently tied for 2nd in the league with 68 saves this season, Clark will have to earn his keep this match, especially when the Reds look to exploit the Black & Gold off set-piece opportunities.
At the defensive end, Justin Morrow will need to step up on both sides of the ball to limit accurate Waylon Francis crosses to MLS goals leader Kei Kamara. Sent off in the last meeting via red card for a challenge on Ethan Finlay, Morrow will look to have a more meaningful impact on the rivalry match through a combination of disciplined defending and pushing the ball high on the flanks on the counter-attack.
What to expect from Columbus Crew SC
Projected Starting XI (4-2-3-1): GK: Steve Clark, D: Chad Barson, Michael Parkhurst (captain), Tyson Wahl, Waylon Francis, M: Tony Tchani, Wil Trapp, Ethan Finlay, Justin Meram, Federico Higuain, F: Kei Kamara
Standings: 2nd place, Eastern Conference, 30 points
Form (previous 5 MLS matches): T-W-L-W-W, 10 points
Coming off back-to-back wins against the Chicago Fire and having Kamara as well as Finlay in top form giving goalkeepers nightmares gives Crew SC all the momentum it needs heading into this rivalry match. To win at home this time against a top caliber club in the Eastern Conference that is TFC, the Black & Gold will need top performance from its defensive midfield on both ends of the pitch.
One of the key match ups this match will be between Trapp and Cheyrou, determining the match’s offensive pace and how heavily Giovinco will pressure the Columbus back line.
Tactically, Crew SC favors pushing Francis and its outside backs high to service into the box early and often. One of the MLS’ best technical finishers at leaping headers, Kamara is the Black & Gold’s premier scoring threat.
To keep the pressure off TFC keeper Joe Bendik, Morrow will need to close in on Francis crosses, even if it means conceding a corner to disrupt the Crew SC rhythm. Utilizing the diagonal long ball, Higuain will look to find a sprinting Finlay in the finishing third, especially if Bendik is high off his line on a Crew SC counter-attack.
As many offensive weapons as Crew SC possess, head coach Gregg Berhalter will also look to limit TFC counter-attack opportunities that have burned them before in previous matches against the Montreal Impact. Should the match favor a fast pace up the middle for Toronto, fitness at the midfield will become a factor and potential liability for the Black & Gold. Should TFC dominate possession and press consistently, expect Crew SC to turn to Mohammed Saeid for a much-needed fresh pair of legs in the second half.
Prediction
Columbus Crew SC – 3
Toronto FC – 2
The second leg of the 2015 Trillium Cup will start and finish the fast pace that supporters enjoy with pitch conditions ideal for an offensive shootout.
Playing without USMNT midfielder Michael Bradley will have minimal impact, as TFC has depth at the midfield that can fill in and make an impact on the match. Giovinco as well as Kamara will have chances throughout the 1st half as both sides jostle to dictate offensive tempo. Don’t be surprised to see Altidore put The Reds on the board first from a well-timed Giovinco pass.
Visibly frustrated by the early concession, Crew SC fights back into the match with a Justin Meram strike off a backheel assist from Pipa. Set-pieces will be a key factor for the ensuing goals as Giovinco and Kamara find the back of the net, leading to a 2-2 score line at MAPFRE.
Both club’s defenses will begin to tighten up at the back line in the second half. This will lead to a number of counter-attack opportunities when both sides risk pushing its outside backs high (Francis and Morrow, respectively).
Out of position to recover, the pressure will continue to mount on the fitness level of the defensive midfield. Expect finishing sprints of 40 yards or greater from Giovinco and Finlay. After a few narrow misses, Higuain finds the diagonal passing lane for Finlay to chip it past the keeper.
Eager to pick up the point, Giovinco continues to pester Steve Clark with multiple kick saves and punch outs, forcing multiple TFC corners. Questionable fouls and challenges against Crew SC will lead to dangerous free kick opportunities outside the 18-yard box.
Despite the constant barrage from TFC and ample set-piece tries, the Black & Gold are able to escape with a win after 5 minutes of added injury time.
