Toronto FC's first ever playoff appearance could not be against a more appropriate opponent as they look to reverse last weekend's 2-1 loss returning to Montreal Thursday night. With the loss, Toronto finished 6th in the season and lost out on a coveted home game for the post season, and what's worse is granted that advantage to the Impact and now face them again four days later. Greg Vanney has one task ahead of him first and foremost - shut down Didier Drogba - and eliminated him from the equation is a huge step in getting out of Montreal and into the next round.
Keep thinking
The Reds stay in Montreal having lost an opportunity two weeks in a row to improve their playoff position and now have the unenviable task of having to face the Montreal Impact once again at Stade Saputo, having already lost to them on Sunday afternoon. Since defeating the New York Red Bulls on October 14, Toronto fell flat against Columbus and came up short in the second half on Sunday to finish the 2015 season in sixth place.
While the loss against Columbus can be lamented for several reasons, most notable a lack of motivation and discipline, the game against Montreal can be summarized in less than two minutes, or two words: Didier Drogba.
The DP striker's brace flipped the game on it's head after Toronto had put forth a solid first half that saw them enjoy long stretches of possession and attacking intent in Montreal's half. The Impact must be given credit for keeping Sebastian Giovinco relatively at bay, however, the Italian DP still was able to get chances on goal and set up his teammates. A bit of luck made a huge difference as coming out of the first half 1-0 was a blessing and set up the second half.
To Montreal's credit they did not panic, made the right substitution and created the chances needed for Drogba to finish and put Montreal into the lead and secure third place in the Eastern Conference. Toronto will need to revise, but not overhaul, their approach if they intend on doing better Thursday night.
It might be overly simplistic, but for both sides the missions is fairly straight forward: shut down the DP striker and your chances greatly improve. For the Impact, the template has been seen in games against New York City FC primarily, that if Giovinco is not given space, the midfield suffocated, the areas to create limit him and his opportunities. No team has yet to solve the puzzle of Didier Drogba, who has 11 goals in eleven game so far. What Greg Vanney might want to consider is a more gritty midfield and perhaps include Collen Warner from the outset.
The key for Toronto is not allowing Drogba room to manoeuvre around the 18 yard box, as both Josh Williams and Ahmend Kantari were unable to cope with his movement and looked amateur in defending him. Some might point to Damian Perquis as the solution, however, Perquis does not offer much better mobility at the back and a quicker addition in support should be considered. What could be an interesting switch would be forcing Michael Bradley to take on the role of protecting that backline. His engine and willingness to get stuck it will be an asset and much needed instead of getting caught upfield.
While possibly assigning three defensive midfielders could limit Drogba's chances, it might also reduce the chances often created by Giovinco. When Toronto has been at their best is when the triumvirate of Giovinco/Bradley/Altidore (and Moore) are linking up on the break. Vanney will have a tough decision to make, as this is TFC's best set up to score, but it takes a solid defensive midfielders out of the defensive equation.
Added, TFC will need to still cope with the likes of Ignacio Piatti, who has thrived on knockout tournaments in the past, winning the COPA Libertadores with San Lorenzo. He has his chances on the weekend and the next player the Reds will need to manage. While Johan Vanegas and Dilly Duka are other options in the midfield, if Toronto are disciplined at the back and capable of coping with Drogba, then Duka and Vanegas should not offer more serious threats.
It comes across as a bit of a stalemate for both sides, as the gameplan will look similar. It will no doubt be a gritty affair with physical play and chance for it to get ugly. What the story could be is who outside of Giovinco and Drogba, stand up and take their chance to claim the result. While Montreal do have some threats, and possibly the best one after Drogba in Piatti, Toronto have a few more options. What we've seen from Giovinco is also an impressive ability to set up his teammates and this could be the difference. If Giovinco is shut down from dribbling through defenders, he can still deliver deft passes and along with Benoit Cheyrou can create final balls to the likes of Alitdore, Finlay or Osorio.
The final component though it what will be an even more hostile environment at Stade Saputo. For all the player for player comparisons and strategy, Montreal will have the twelfth man and unquestionably buoyed. This might be the biggest challenge for TFC to overcome on Thursday. For Montreal scoring early could be massive and the longer Toronto stays in it the better, but without a doubt this will be the most hostile of the first round of the MLS playoffs.
In the end
TFC had a chance to be in a better position come playoffs and at minimum give their support a home game. However, the loss to Montreal on Sunday meant they stay where they are and need to avenge the 2-1 loss, courtesy of a Didier Drogba brace. The gameplan for both teams is straightforward, eliminate the one player on each side who provides the lion's share of goals and your chances will improve. Montreal will have home field advantage, however, Toronto should not lack in motivation and ensuring the key players know what is at stake can make the difference. However, Montreal are currently riding the "MLS wave" that has taken teams into the playoffs and into title contention. Their form is excellent of late and if Toronto cannot find a way to limit Drogba, it will be a quick end to their first ever post-season.
Prediction
Toronto FC 1-2 Montreal Impact
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