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Back in the playoff picture after a woeful stretch, TFC travel to the west coast with two wins on the bounce to face the league leading LA Galaxy on Saturday night. The Reds secured a critical six points over consecutive games to get them back in the mix with Columbus, New York and Philadelphia for the Eastern Conference wild card spot. However, with five games remaining, this one is unquestionably the toughest, and where points most unlikely to be gathered.
The LA Galaxy are perennial contenders, ever since 2008 when Bruce Arena took over, despite where they finish in the table, manage to always be within a shout of lifting the MLS Cup. TFC, once again, are simply looking to make a post season appearance for the first time in club history. It hasn't been a season as planned, with the high profile players and big spending one would have expected them in a more secure position. There are still several games to go, and any result in LA would be a massive boost, but the reality is it will be most difficult considering the current form of the Galaxy.
Keep thinking
Toronto FC come into this weekend's match with a new sense of confidence, or perhaps mostly relief, as they have managed two wins in a row that has critically positioned them back in the wild card hunt after almost two months of steadily falling out of playoff contention. While the 3-0 win over Chivas USA did not offer many indicators as to what to expect over the coming weeks due to the Goats being truly awful, last weekend's 3-2 win over Portland showed much more.
There have been a handful of telling displays this season from TFC, but unfortunately they have not been seen on a consistent basis. The 3-2 win over Columbus, 4-2 win over Houston, and now last weekends win all demonstrated that even though the tactics, strategy and performances might leave something to be desired, there is heart and determination on this team. Another important indicator was that TFC came out in the second have with slight adjustments, a new attitude and subs who put in the effort to try and change the result.
While both games are crucial in keeping the Reds within a game of the wild card position, especially when looking at this weekend's game against LA there will still be some concerns. Greg Vanney and the club will certainly have put in a disciplined week training as TFC will need to put forth their most comprehensive display since their opening season victory away to Seattle.
That statement is no exaggeration as the LA Galaxy have once again emerged as a juggernaut in the league and look to possibly even surpass their 2011 season where they finished with 67 points. While currently at 57 points with four games to go, what makes this LA Galaxy team perhaps even better than the 2011 version is a staggering goal difference of +32. That stat usually indicates a strong defensive approach, a signature of Bruce Arena, but this LA Galaxy side could be even better than the 2012 San Jose Earthquakes who had Chris Wondolowski, Alan Gordon and Steven Lenhart combine for 52 goals.
The story of this season's LA Galaxy season has been the emergence of Gyasi Zardes fulfilling his potential at just twenty-three years of age and so far putting 16 balls into the back of the net. Combining him with Robbie Keane who is as dangerous as ever, himself scoring 17 goals, along with Landon Donovan's 10, this trio is among, if not the most, dangerous in the league. For a TFC side who truly only have one veteran defender in Steven Caldwell, it will be a massive test to keep these players at bay.
What makes LA so impressive and at the top of the league consistently, is quality through the spine and few weak links, if any. Omar Gonzalez locks down the defence, while Juninho has been reliable in the midfield along with Marcelo Sarvas, Baggio Husidic and newcomer Stefan Ishizaki. Some might have thought releasing Mike Magee to bring in Robbie Rogers would backfire, but Rogers has maintained his quality and proven to be a valuable component anywhere he is needed.
Toronto were able to take advantage through the weakness noted in last week's countdown, which was an incohesive backline and it was proven through three set piece goals. This weekend however, it would be highly unlikely they will find that tally again, if even one goal in that manner. LA are simply in top form and not going to make mistakes over and over. This is why Greg Vanney will need to look to a different approach, or at the very least try and find something different to rely on for goals.
The return of Jermain Defoe might be seen at Toronto's best hope at a result, but he has been out of the line up for over a month and match fitness will certainly be a question. The biggest issue with the Reds offering sustained attacking pressure has been where Michael Bradley is deployed. If he is set up as a pseudo-sweeper in the build up, it will be difficult for TFC to connect with a link up man to then connect with the forwards. Bradley is the best option in possession and is best when he is allowed to play higher up the pitch, even though he is so important as a holding midfielder.
Realistically, with so much firepower from LA, it would be surprising to see Bradley anywhere else but protecting the back line. One solution to his positioning might be having Gilberto drop deeper and have himself available closer to the middle of the pitch. If either Jonathan Osorio or Dominic Oduro can play off that and become options as narrow wide players, that could lighten the burden and allow Gilberto to come up in behind the play.
Simply put, Greg Vanney will need to devise a plan that is all encompassing and very disciplined in roles and responsibilities. Any lapses as seen against Chivas USA or Portland will be punished, and there won't be the same opportunities to get back mistakes. Toronto does have the quality in their spine of Caldwell/Bradley/Gilberto and Defoe if he is ready, and these players will need to live up to their leadership positions. This game will begin at the back and if Caldwell can keep the corps in check, and the determination and support from the midfield can go for ninety minutes, that is Toronto's best hope at coming out with any points.
In the end
With a bit of momentum, it is unfortunate that TFC now come up against the top side in MLS with needed points to get into the playoffs. The LA Galaxy are looking as good as they've ever been over the last six seasons under Bruce Arena, and have the most attacking prowess now though that period. A team like Toronto, who have had their struggles defending, will have their work cut out for them. While certainly a game where a result would be a massive boost to coming a step closer to the post season, the Reds still have not show the type of comprehensive ninety minutes that would indicate they can stand toe to toe with a team of LA's calibre. While they certainly surprised and showed heart last weekend in their comeback win over Portland, the Galaxy are on another level and points unlikely. Fortunately for Toronto, they have a game in hand and can look to their last four games as real possibilities for better results.
Prediction
Toronto FC 1 – 3 LA Galaxy
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