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On October 18th, Toronto FC take on FC Dallas in the final group stage game of the CONCACAF Champions League. A win guarantees Toronto FC a spot in the knockout stages. It is, quite simply, the biggest game Toronto FC have ever played. Should Toronto come away from Pizza Hut Park with a victory, they will have gone farther in the Champions League under Aron Winter than any other manager. Dallas, however, isn’t going to go down without a fight – here are 10 things Toronto FC must do to defeat their MLS opponents to the south:
1. Stepping up to the plate
Toronto FC boasts a young side, put together in a few months, and lead by a ragtag group of experienced ex-internationals. On paper, Dallas looks a much stronger side, and certainly, the MLS cup finalists will be a tough test for Toronto; this is why each and every player must step up and play their hardest, run their legs off until they burst a lung. Anything less and Toronto may not reach the coveted Champions League spot.
2. Score those crucial goals
Toronto FC have played Dallas three times this season, twice in regular season play and once in the Champions League. They have conceded three goals (four if you count the scoreline during the Champions League rainout), each a 1-0 loss. If Toronto wants to win, they need to beat Kevin Hartman and score a goal against the Hoops.
3. The Danny Koevermans Factor
In recent games, Danny Koevermans has become a goalscoring machine for Toronto, netting almost as often as he appears. He currently boasts a solid 7 goals in 9 games in a red shirt, and Toronto will look to the Dutch forward for goals against Dallas. Supply to Koevermans will be a key factor if Toronto is to succeed.
4. Torsten Frings as a Defender
Toronto FC has played their best defensive football when Torsten Frings has slotted in between the two center backs. Though the ex-German international has maintained his desire to play in midfield, it would be wise to put Frings in the backline one last time against Dallas. The defense will win this game for Toronto FC, and if that’s the case…
5. Smart Substitutions
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then Aron Winter needs to be smart with his substitutions. If Toronto finds themselves 1-0 up and nearing the end of the match, Winter cannot make like-for-like changes; Taking off the two wingers and the center-forward in exchange for the likes of Doneil Henry, Matt Stinson and Terry Dunfield will give Toronto an extra physical presence in their own box.
6. Mathematical analysis of Brek Shea
Brek Shea is the hottest player in MLS, and as rumours of a potential move to Liverpool begin to spread, Shea’s quality becomes even more undeniable. This is why Toronto players simply need to be smart. 9 times out of 10, Brek Shea will beat his man, and if you give him space, we’ve all seen what he can do. Long-range goals have left goalkeepers stunned, and through-passes leave defenders useless. This is why Brek Shea must be marked at all times. Given any more than 2 meters of free space on any side and Brek Shea becomes dangerous. Spatial awareness is key.
7. Take the time to slow things down
Though Aron Winter has implemented his 4-3-3, Toronto FC as a collective unit still doesn’t think in the correct mentality of the formation. There are times when it’s smarter to slow everything down, maintain possession, and pass the ball between the midfield and the defenders. Pressing forward constantly will leave exposed space in the defensive line, and Toronto has a tendency to constantly press; it makes for a more appealing match, but no one cares how Toronto FC plays today – it’s the scoreline at the end of the game that matters, and an ugly win will be infinitely more pleasing to fans than a well-fought loss.
8. FOR THE FANS: Unnerve the left-back
Jair Benitez has been the unmovable force for Dallas, but the left full-back has been red carded and as such, he will play no part in the upcoming clash with Toronto. This is where the fans can be the 12th man. Most of Toronto’s play comes from their left, with Plata and Morgan creating problems throughout. One area on the field where Toronto doesn’t really expose is the opposite flank; Nick Soolsma and Ryan Johnson haven’t really found as much success as the former duo. In any case, Dallas will be a key player short and if Toronto FC supporters were to boo the substitute LB, it may very well unnerve him, giving Koevermans another supply route.
9. Creative Solutions at Right
Back
If Dallas is missing Benitez at the left, Toronto is missing a viable option at the right hand side of the defense. Richard Eckersley is out with injury, as is rookie wingback Demitrius Omphroy; Matt Stinson has accumulated yellow cards and has been given a match-ban. This leaves Winter with a bit of a problem. Ashtone Morgan should start at the left, but one of Doneil Henry, Danleigh Borman or Mikael Yourassowsky should slot in at right-back. Whatever Winter decides, Toronto FC need to be creative in dealing with this vacancy.
10. Frei or Kocic?
Stefan Frei is consistent, Kocic is in form, and for Toronto FC, the selection between the two is tough. In this case, if Stefan Frei is healthy, he should be given the job. Kocic has been dominant between the posts for Toronto, but the last time an in-form keeper was played ahead of Frei, it resulted in a 5-0 loss in the rain of New York. Stefan Frei is the number 1, and as such, he should be started if possible. If, however, Frei is unavailable, not only is Kocic a decent option, in the eyes of many, he may be preferred. A great dilemma for Toronto FC to have.
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