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It is the start of Gold Cup month, and as a result, Toronto FC will look to start the next four games without two key DPs heading into Carson, California to take on the LA Galaxy. The Reds have been on the brink of firing on all cylinders, even though results might say otherwise, but there is no question there have been some top performances of late to give hope the club is able to compete with the best in MLS.
TFC will need to channel their recent displays and despite missing four key players, not miss a beat as the LA Galaxy have such depth that it can be expected they will look no different than without two of their best players. Greg Vanney will have his work cut out for him in preparation for a difficult month, but one that will have no shortage of meaningful games against true rivals. If they can start the month off on a positive note, it will go a long way in ensuring the side is in a good position after the Gold Cup.
Keep thinking
Toronto FC could have been in a position for more confidence heading into a difficult month of play. Three homes games in a row over the last week against two teams well below them in the table should have resulted in at least six points. A loss to NYCFC, win over Montreal, then draw with DC United, in three games where by all accounts the shots and chances were greatly in TFC's favour, leaves something to be desired.
What is most glaring for the team's chances over the next four games is of course the players who will be gone for the Gold Cup. While most will be talking about Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, and rightly so, especially with regards to Bradley, the loss of Jonathan Osorio and Ashtone Morgan will also be considerable. The biggest reason being is the Reds still have some questionable depth and if their bench players can deliver when the side is down. There is one precedent of this, which was a shocking 2-1 win over DC at the start of June, and Toronto will need heroics from Giovinco and the supporting cast to deliver if they have any hope of getting points against the Galaxy.
Despite having mixed results so far this season and currently in a neck and neck race between first and sixth place in the Western Conference, there is no question the LA Galaxy are a team who can go from zero to sixty in no time flat. Perhaps the deepest roster in MLS thanks to an outstanding academy, reserve set up and shrewd scouting, Bruce Arena's side has a steady stream of quality coming into the roster each year. Even though they will be without Omar Gonzalez and Gyasi Zardes, there is little evidence that LA will miss a beat without them.
If there is one area though Toronto should look to pressure it will be a defence without it's anchor in Gonzalez. Added to that is the loss of Panamanian keeper Jaime Penedo, which would point to Brian Rowe likely getting the start. If there is anything that bodes well for TFC in this situation it is that they have been taking plenty of shots and Rowe should be tested often. Without Gonzalez though, the defence does not look as formidable, but that might not be an issue in the end.
TFC have been strong in the midfield this season, but without Bradley and Osorio and waiting for Cheyrou to return, there is no debating they don't match up with the Galaxy. Baggio Husidic has been reliable for LA over recent years, Juninho has been a stalwart in the midfield, add in Stefan Ishizaki and clever signing of American by way of West Ham United Sebastian Lletget, this is one of the best midfields in the league.
What will be interesting to watch is how each respective attacks are able to exploit two potentially weak back lines. LA have been happy to see Robbie Keane return and his skill is offset by the size of Alan Gordan. Much like Toronto who will have a skilled forward in Giovinco paired with Luke Moore, it is an even battle until substitutions are made, where LA simply have many more options.
It will be a difficult challenge for Greg Vanney to strategize an approach that has three points in the end, let alone one. However, there have been times already this season where a loss should have been imminent and the team punched well above their weight, or more accurately well above 5'5. Yes, once again the team's hopes will rest on the shoulders of Giovinco, who has essentially controlled almost every chance on goal for Toronto. All eyes will be on the Italian DP as without him, it will be a long night for the Reds. However, in saying this, Vanney must have a plan outside of Giovinco to limit LA and put pressure on the defence and goal of LA. Should TFC not wilt under the loss of four key players and others emerge as reliable depth players, there is a chance Toronto comes away with something.
In the end
Even though there is plenty of discussion about TFC doing better over their last home stand, the club is well positioned to remain within a shout of the top of the table and separate itself from the bottom of the conference. The next month will go a long way in establishing the team in a strong position when the Gold Cup ends. Unfortunately, it begins in LA, a team who have much more depth, better coaching and despite losing to San Jose recently, have been dominating opponents. It will be a difficult match for the Reds and one that despite recent precedents of coming out on top against better teams, likely is out of their reach.
Prediction
Toronto FC 1-2 LA Galaxy
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