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Posted by
Ian Clarke,
October 14, 2011 |
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Philadelphia Union: Chester, Pennsylvania
Record: 11-14-7, 47 points, 1st in Eastern Conference
Goalscorer: Sebastian LeToux, 10 goals
Playmaker: Sebastian LeToux, 7 assists
Players to watch: Faryd Mondragón, GK, Justin Mapp, M,
Sébastian LeToux, F
First thoughts
It’s back to business for Toronto FC as they wind down another season sans post-season play. Traveling to the City of Brotherly Love to take on the Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia Union, the Reds will be in tough with a critical Champions League fixture looming next Tuesday. Even without the difficult task of player management, Toronto are up against one of the most consistent teams in the league, who are now in the midst of a series of strong results. Recently Aron Winter has used lengthy breaks in league play to his advantage, but with all eyes on Dallas next week, this match could just be a matter of trying to get out alive with enough fresh legs to leave it all on the pitch Tuesday night.
Keep thinking
As was described in the previous two countdowns, this match represents the final stop in TFC’s Fall 2011 Redemption Tour. A 1-1 draw with Pumas and New York saved some face as both were much more inspiring and confidence building displays than the preceding 5-0 and 4-0 debacles. Now Toronto get a chance to right what was an equally horrific and pathetic outing in the 6-2 home loss to the Union at the end of May.
A far cry from the team that had no answers for Justin Mapp and Danny Mwanga, TFC have at the very least evolved into a team that can compete for a result week in week out. However, this has depended on the participation of their two key signings from July in Danny Koevermans to produce the offence, and over the past month and a half Torsten Frings to anchor the defence.
With one last important game left for Toronto next Tuesday, the question remains as to who, if anyone, Aron Winter will rest for the game versus Dallas. Winter has been ardent in playing his best players each match and omitting names such as Frings, Koevermans and Frei that are crucial to any kind of competitiveness, would go against the pattern and culture that he has shown in playing his best players each match. The loss at Chivas USA demonstrates this, however, if Winter’s flexibility with his formation is any indication, possibly so could this mandate.
Perhaps one encouraging precedent leading into this game that has been set in the final third of the season is that when TFC have a week or more to prepare, they’ve been able to deliver on the result. Real Salt Lake and Columbus are two key examples of, up to that point, what were very surprising victories. At this juncture, from what we’ve seen since the end of August, it would no longer be a shock if Aron Winter had the right approach to best manage both games, and players needed, to get the results.
This will be the challenge on hand, to find the right balance to at least show up for the match Saturday, but also carry stamina and fitness into Dallas. Philadelphia, considering how they have already decimated TFC, are not necessarily the best opponent to tempt fate by putting out a weakened side.
The Union are a fine example of what the Reds can aim to become as they went from a struggling expansion side to battling for top spot in one season. What is most inspiring was that it did not come through a complete overhaul, but key additions like Justin Mapp on the wing, Carlos Valdes at centre back and Faryd Mondragon between the sticks. The right balance and anchoring the squad at the back has been the biggest part of their impressive ascent.
Added to an impressive addition of Columbians, is the return to form of last year’s breakout striker Sebastian LeToux. Starting the year slowly, mostly because of the tactics of head coach Piotr Nowak, but now has rediscovered his touch and has reached double digits for the second year in a row and is well established as a vital playmaker.
As noted Winter has become flexible in deviating from what was a stubborn and reckless adherence to the 4-3-3, and this will likely be the case Saturday for Toronto’s best chance at a competitive showing. Even if Torsten Fings is rested, TFC have demonstrated they can hold out for a result using a 5-4-1, which might be in the cards again. Realistically, if Toronto do not want to be blown out, they will realize that despite much improved outings from Ty Harden and Andy Iro, without an extra body they likely won’t be able to cope with LeToux, Mapp and the possible return of Danny Mwanga – who will be as much as a handful in the midfield as in the back.
In the end
Even if Toronto did not have their Champions League match hanging over them, this would be a match that coming away with anything would be a difficult task. With this game, Aron Winter must deal with the difficult reality of balancing his squad as to not be completely decimated to risk going into a critical game short of confidence. Philadelphia are in a solid run of results, not having lost since the first weekend of September, and are unbeaten in seven. It is a tall order for the Reds, who have improved drastically since their first encounter back in May. A probable approach of defence first, with key substitutions to save important players is likely the strategy, and while TFC will come in looking much better than back in May, in the end it won’t be enough for all three points..
Prediction:
Philadelphia 2 – Toronto FC 1
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