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In the early weeks of the 2014 Toronto FC season, one could wonder if the script was written by Ambrose Bierce, as the supporters have yet to know when they are dreaming or if early success is in fact reality. A loss to Real Salt Lake was met with resignation that there is still work to be done, only to travel to Columbus and in a determined effort win impressively 2-0. Toronto comes home from that match to host Colorado, a team who has lost every time they have faced TFC at BMO Field.
The Rapids, however, cannot be taken lightly as they beat Vancouver last weekend to end their early season unbeaten run and are building off a 2013 season that had an interesting mix of talent and had them as a dangerous opponent every week. Toronto, as is becoming an early pattern to the campaign, has plenty of questions around who is fit for this match. If anything was answered last weekend, it was they don't need their top starting eleven to win a game, however, they might still need Michael Bradley and with his fitness a concern, so is the chances for Toronto taking all three points.
Keep thinking
While last weekend's victory over Columbus was reassuring in the sense that it confirmed Michael Bradley's pregame soundbite of "good teams don't lose two in a row", there are still some questions early on as to where exactly this Toronto FC side sits in the big picture of MLS competitiveness. The loss to Real Salt Lake demonstrated the right tactics and talent can easily dismantle the high priced Reds, but the win in Columbus gave some insight into the character of the depth players and their ability to raise their game and perform.
Coming home to face Colorado, there is some history that raises optimism. The Rapids have only ever won once at BMO Field, and that was against FC Dallas in the MLS Cup back in 2010. Every other match, Toronto has bagged all three points against some good Colorado sides. However, this season, the Rapids have only lost to Sporting Kansas City and in their two away games, drew 1-1 with New York and last weekend beat Vancouver 2-1 for a big result.
This certainly throws a bit of a wrench in the hopes for TFC supporters as there are now some players who raise concern they could duplicate their performance from last weekend. Specifically this is referencing Spaniard Jose Mari who netted a brace to sink the Whitecaps. Alongside him are sophomores Dillon Powers and DeShorn Brown who had solid rookie seasons and look to carry that into their second MLS campaign.
Up top is of course Edson Buddle, whose name will always be synonymous with TFC's first goal scored as well as Vicente Sanchez, who has plenty of Liga MX experience and already scored four goals for his side. Rounding out this team are two veterans on the back in Drew Moor and of course it wouldn't be MLS without plenty of ex-Reds as Marvell Wynne also provides experience at the back.
Another former MLS player is at the helm of the Rapids in Pablo Mastroeni and this becomes another ex-MLS coaching tilt as Ryan Nelsen looks to keep his team disciplined and determined at home. Of course, perhaps one of the other key factors in this game might not be who is fit or healthy, but the condition of the pitch at BMO Field. In their last home game, the surface was appalling, the ball was not rolling true and there were more divots than at an executive golf course.
However, this might not adversely effect TFC since a slick passing and possession game has not been their strategy in their first four games. Soundly outpossessed in every game so far, Toronto has been able to take advantage of quick counters of dispossession and making the most of their chances. This will likely be the approach seen again Saturday as whether or not Jermain Defoe, Michael Bradley, Jonathan Osorio and Doneil Henry are fit means there could be some weak links in Toronto best starting eleven.
With that said, last weekend proved the questions around Toronto's depth is, well, questionable. From Real Salt Lake to Columbus, Kyle Bekker, Jackson, Mark Bloom, Bradley Orr, Jeremy Hall and Dwayne DeRosario all played a key part in that win. All of these players could once again feature on the weekend and have their chance to make it happen.
It has been said in this column as well as others on RNO, but what TFC has to offer is emerging in these early performances. That is: good organization defensively with an ability to quickly knock it upfield and get bodies going towards goal. The one key piece of this though is Michael Bradley's engine and workrate that truthfully cannot be replaced. Losing Jermain Defoe was proven not to be catastrophic, but without Bradley, Toronto loses most of it's pressure and grit. Ryan Nelsen will need to ensure he can get that tenacity, and if they are able to keep being a "15-round" fighter, can still come out of this game with a result, regardless of whether the high-priced DPs are available.
In the end
On the surface, this is a great match-up for TFC supporters as two away wins for the Reds means coming home should be a sure thing for a win. The fact it's Colorado to boot raises the odds and confidence they can get the job done. But beyond the surface, or perhaps below, is a questionable playing surface and fitness to key players. Despite this, Toronto appears to have a new attitude and mentality in 2014 that has made them tougher than in seasons past regardless of their starting eleven, should come to fight. The key though is "the General" and whether that tireless ethic Michael Bradley brings is available. With Bradley Toronto should be able to battle for the win, without though, home field advantage might not be enough.
Prediction
Toronto FC 1 – 1 Colorado Rapids
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