Columbus Crew SC debut at MAPFRE Stadium for the first time in 2015 this weekend against Toronto FC. Photo/Kirby Hines (Columbus Crew SC)
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]fter a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Houston in the season opener, Crew SC returns to Columbus for the home opener and first leg of the Trillium Cup against arch-rival Toronto FC.
The Trillium Cup has always been a heated affair between the two clubs, and with the neighbors to the north having beefed up their squad with two excellent signings in the offseason, this matchup should be no different than past performances.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TORONTO
Projected Lineup: Bendik; Morrow, Creavalle, Caldwell, Perquis; Bradley, Cheyrou; Giovinco, Osorio, Findley; Altidore
The Reds opened up their season with a 3-1 pasting of Vancouver Whitecaps with Jozy Altidore scoring a brace. The United States International looked revitalized in his first competition in North America after his transfer away from Sunderland AFC in the Premier League.
Altidore, who has now scored as many goals in one match for Toronto as he did during his entire stay on Tyneside in England, is a threat against any back line in MLS, especially now that he’ll be brimming with confidence.
Supporting him in the midfield are familiar faces Osorio and Findley, though newcomer from Serie A in Italy Sebastian Giovinco is the new threat that should be on Crew SC’s radar. The speedy Italian International is a threat to cut in from the wing and provide support as a second scorer while Osorio tried to feed them from the middle. Watching their match against Vancouver, Toronto managed to slash in time and time again to get into the danger zone, firing 15 shots in the match.
Michael Bradley is now in a more comfortable role as a deep lying playmaker alongside Benoit Cheyrou, who is more of a defensive midfielder than a playmaker. Bradley has never truly meant to play the #10 role, and he looked very comfortable playing behind the attacking mids in the pivot. If the partnership between Bradley and Osorio continues to work, Toronto is going to be an extremely tough team down the stretch.
The back four looked good for most of the match against Vancouver, but they did have a lapse on Rivero’s goal early on. They’re not perfect, but Creavalle and Caldwell looked to have a good partnership as the center halves in front of Bendik, who was somewhat busy after being forced to make six saves.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM COLUMBUS
Projected Lineup: Clark; Grana, Parkhurst, Pogatetz, Francis; Trapp, George; Steindorsson, Higuain, Finlay; Kamara
Columbus had plenty of chances throughout their opening match, but could not find the back of the net for three reasons: Bad turnovers, bad luck and amazing goalkeeping.
Houston GK Tyler Deric had the match of his life, making six saves in the match, with at least three of them at full extension. Kamara could have easily had a brace, but Deric stonewalled him on both of his best opportunities.
In regards to the turnovers, Columbus had a lot of forced passes and terrible giveaways in the attacking half of the field. Tchani and Trapp were desperately trying to force pass after pass in to Higuain, but the Argentine was regularly double teamed and only had a couple of true chances to get into open space.
The attacking press was working well in the second half, but yet another turnover in midfield is what led to the only goal of the match, sending Columbus home empty handed.
Steve Clark didn’t have much to do other than when he attempted to stop the lone goal of the match as many of Houston’s shots were well off course, but he was disappointed in the outcome and looks to correct the issues in the back, though Parkhurst and Pogatetz played very well in front of the goalkeeper.
Grana, however, seemed to get lost in midfield too much and got pulled well off the sideline numerous times. He needs to keep himself disciplined and work up the flank, not get stuck in the middle between the attackers and defensive mids. Waylon Francis looked quite fine during the match and should continue his form.
Tchani and Trapp, as previously mentioned, each had strange games. Both played fairly well in their defensive roles, but there were a lot of forced passes that led to unnecessary counter attacks. Expect Trpp to improve upon his passing selection, especially with Toronto only having one true defensive midfield while Bradley must be contained in the pivot.
The problem here, though, is that Tony Tchani has been suspended for the upcoming match by MLS for his 77th minute challenge that endangered Leonel Miranda. This means that, more than likely, Kevan George is going to have to slot into the spot next to Trapp unless Berhalter decides to change up the formation.
The attacking front four simply could not break Deric on Saturday, but you have to imagine that goals are coming. Kamara provided energy and a work rate that Columbus hasn’t seen in a few years and is quite different than the group of Schoenfeld and Bedell from last season.
Higuain seemed to settle in as the match wore on and managed to find openings to slot the ball forward, and I expect to see more of this on Saturday. The real question mark in the attacking four is whether or not we’ll see Justin Meram start out wide or whether Berhalter sticks with Kristinn Steindorsson. Meram served a one-match suspension last week and is now available for selection. Steindorsson played fairly well in the opener and was subbed off towards the end of the match in favor of another striker, so it didn’t have much to do with his play on the field.
Either of them could start, so it’s up to Berhalter to decide.
PREDICTION
The Trillium Cup is always difficult to predict. Last season, Toronto swept the season series, despite not making the playoffs and finishing well behind Columbus in the standings. A lot of this can be contributed to the issues the Reds had with Jermain Defoe not appearing and lacking any semblance of an attack late in the season. That problem has been corrected, and expect Toronto to come at Columbus with the foot on the accelerator. Columbus has shown promise in the attack and need to get off to a quick start. There are goals in this match. It’s just a matter of how many.
2-2 Draw
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MATCHDAY #2
OPPONENT: Toronto FC
CURRENT RECORD: 1-0-0, 3 points (Defeated Vancouver 3-1 in season opener)
VENUE: MAPFRE Stadium
KICKOFF: 7:30 PM
TV: Time Warner Cable Sports Network (Check local listings)
RADIO: CD 102.5 FM
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