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Toronto FC are finally into a stretch of fixtures at BMO Field as they will try and duplicate last weekend's result on Saturday afternoon against the San Jose Earthquakes. The Reds would have benefited from a week off to regenerate, but a midweek friendly meant a break in preparation for what should be a winnable match. However, San Jose have been a tough opponent of late and will be looking to extend their current five game unbeaten run.
The Reds are likely feeling more confident this week than the last time they played at home, which was coming off the 2-1 loss to Houston in their home opener. While the club has yet to put forth a comprehensive ninety minutes, getting points, especially at BMO, is all that matters at this time. Dominic Kinnear is now back in San Jose and will without question offer a tough test for Greg Vanney. If the Reds are rested and ready to go, there's not reason to think they can't build off of their win over Portland and continue the momentum.
Keep thinking
It is amazing what a home result can do with regards to building confidence. A week ago this side had many questions marks around them, and now at the very least one has been answered. That being, we know how good Giovinco is and that he can carry the team to victory. Yes, there were strong displays from the supporting cast, but make no mistake, remove him from the pitch and at best TFC are looking at a 0-0 draw. Portland were without key players and have struggled to find a competent striker, something San Jose does not have an issue with, and will be key for Toronto's defence.
Against the Timbers, and what should be built off of, was some good interplay between Giovinco, Luke Moore and Michael Bradley. With Jozy Altidore injured, there is an opportunity to hone the tactics and ensure the roles are more clearly defined. What was seen for long stretches of the game was Benoit Cheyrou laying back as a holding mid, while Michael Bradley was allowed to probe further up the pitch and link up with Giovinco and Moore. Alitdore is not a back-to-goal centre forward, but Moore offers more of that traditional positioning and TFC should take advantage.
San Jose come in with two real threats, one on the pitch, the other on the sidelines. The most glaring issue from last weekend's game was that Portland could not find that final ball or punish the Reds on the opportunities they did have. San Jose has Chris Wondolowski, already with 7 goals this season and having just netted his 100th MLS goal last weekend against Orlando. Aside from Wondolowski, San Jose does not have the threats that once made them one of the most feared attacks in MLS.
Toronto FC have often lamented about injuries, however, San Jose are missing Steven Lenhart, Mark Sherrod as well as Innocent Emeghara, all forwards. Adam Jahn has been one to watch for the future, but has only one goal so far this season. In the midfield, perhaps the most intriguing player, Fatai Alashe, is away with the U23 USMNT team. Sanna Nyassi and Matias Garcia have been the other mainstays, while on defence the man to watch and who might be the match up with Luke Moore is Victor Bernardez.
San Jose, on paper, do not match up with Toronto FC, however, their one advantage is a vastly more experienced head coach in Dominic Kinnear. TFC supporters have already seen a Kinnear v Vanney tilt last fall, and Kinnear came out on top 1-0 showing some veteran coaching moves with regards to substitutions and time wasting that exposed Vanney's inexperience.
However, this TFC team are a far cry from the one that was imploding in October and as of now, it appears all the DPs are in good spirits and confidence is in check. The only x-factor left leading into this game is the mid-week friendly against Manchester City. While it was wise to get the predicted starting eleven out of the match within the first half, it is still the yearly issue that many complain about regarding a distraction from the task at hand, which is the bread and butter of MLS play. Fitness and dedication on the afternoon will be something to consider as San Jose will have had the entire week to prepare.
The most obvious approach from Vanney will be to keep doing what TFC did last weekend. The main concern is that San Jose do not have the same anemic offence as Portland, and have scored a goal in their last five games. Toronto's defence is still a concern and there will be opportunities to get behind the line and find the back of the net if TFC are not mindful of their weaknesses. As of now, only Justin Morrow can be described as an anchor, and Benoit Cheyrou and Colin Warner will need to remain dedicated to supporting the likes of Eric Zavaleta and Ashtone Morgan.
However, the last piece of the puzzle from the Timbers fixture is finishing. Simply put, if TFC can slot home any of the half a dozen chances created by Giovinco, they can and should be able to see through back to back home results.
In the end
Toronto FC are coming off a critical 1-0 win over Portland last weekend and will need to maintain that momentum before taking on DC United on June 6. San Jose arrive in Toronto on a decent run of results that has them unbeaten in their last five and Chris Wondolowski in good form as their leading scorer. The Reds should have the advantage across the board in terms of talent, however, it would be unlikely they won't be exposed defensively and Dominic Kinnear should have an edge over Greg Vanney in terms of tactics and strategy. The swing factor though is the form of Giovinco and as long as the DP is in fine fitness, there is no reason to think he won't have another impact performance for TFC.
Prediction
Toronto FC 2 – 1 San Jose Earthquakes
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