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This Wednesday, Toronto FC take on the Los Angeles Galaxy in what will be the biggest game in the club’s history. With a sold out Rogers Centre awaiting the two, the quarterfinal CONCACAF Champions League match will be a spectacle the likes of which Toronto hasn’t had in quite a while.
With a home-away series, Toronto FC will look to take down the Galaxy and move on to the semi-finals, where they will play either the Seattle Sounders or Santos Laguna from Mexico. That being said, here’s what Toronto FC must do to defeat Los Angeles.
Step Up
This is the biggest game in Toronto FC’s history, and in order to be successful, the players need to step up. Toronto FC is sending a message this year to the rest of the league that things are changing, and if that message is to be believed, a strong beginning to 2012 will do wonders. This is no time for silly mistakes, lack of heart or a tactical breakdown – step up and make it happen.
This is YOUR House
Toronto FC will be playing in front of an unprecedented 45,000 people in Rogers Centre. True, it’s not the familiar lodgings of BMO Field, but the Skydome is Toronto’s home field too. We’re not in the middle of Panama this time – this is still our house, and the Toronto FC supporters will make sure that this simple fact is clear. Using this audience, a real Champions League crowd, to their advantage will be crucial for Toronto FC’s morale.
Remain Cautiously Optimistic
Though Los Angeles may be the reigning MLS champions, there is no need to feel overwhelmed. Toronto and LA both made it this far on their own merit, both are winning teams in this contest, and, in the end of the day, Toronto and Los Angeles are at a 0-0 scoreline when the first whistle blows. Anything can happen…
Precedent Has Been Kind
…but history has been kind as well. Though the two sides have kicked off 2012, this series has never been overtly one-sided like Columbus has been for Toronto. Matches between TFC and LA often end in draws, or close victories, or last minute losses. LA holds no psychological advantage over Toronto FC, who have shown them, time and time again, that they are not pushovers in MLS, regardless of LA’s status.
Keep The Shape
Aron Winter says Toronto FC plays a 4-3-3; if that’s the case, there’s a few things a 4-3-3 does that no other formation can, namely, wingers cutting in, frustrating midfield possession and a center-forward big enough and strong enough to fight his way around the box. Playing to Toronto’s formational advantage is key. There’s no point in reinventing the wheel – do what your system says you should and you will be fine. Deviating from the 4-3-3 philosophy may be harmful for Toronto FC.
One Step Backward > Two Steps Forward
That being said, there is a tremendous amount of pressure to perform, and in a combative environment, safety first is a smart mindset to have. Sometimes, it’s better to stop, pass the ball backwards, and regroup, rather than running forward aimlessly and losing possession. That’s not to say that possession play is the most important factor – look at what LA did in last year’s MLS Cup finals against Houston, who dominated possession but lost on the counterattack. No, Toronto would be wise to minimize unnecessary risks in favour of safe passes to open players, at least for the first half.
Watch the “No-Foul Zone”
No amount of open play can be enough to counter against a well-placed free kick, and Toronto FC have a tendency to give those away quite easily. It doesn’t help that, arguably the world’s greatest free-kick taker dons the shirt of Los Angeles (we’re talking of Todd Dunivant, of course).
David Beckham, regardless of age, can still hit a clean free kick. Robbie Keane has the experience to slot home penalties. These types of situations should be avoided entirely if possible. Keep the fouls clean!
Wingback Assault
Toronto FC showed it off all preseason – Richard Eckersley and Ashton Morgan can be quite an offensive duo. The pair of wingbacks will be told to make as many offensive runs as possible, providing an outlet for the wingers who will cut in, pass back to them, and send in a cross to the forwards. It’s a uniquely Torontonian aspect, one that Sporting Kansas City does not pull off as often in their 4-3-3, and one that Toronto will look to capitalize with.
Frings In The Middle
If Torsten Frings plays in the midfield, Toronto will be just fine!
If Torsten Frings plays in the defense, Toronto wil be just fine!
If Torsten Frings plays striker…well, let’s not experiment on Wednesday shall we?
Luis “Quick” Silva
Toronto FC’s X-Factor of the Year, Luis Silva will probably start on Wednesday, as Eric Avila, still cup tied, cannot play. How important will Luis Silva be for Toronto, as he faces his first test against his boyhood club? We’ll just have to wait and see. The whole of the club will need to do their jobs, of course, but Luis Silva is in a unique position where his performance will be the first memory Toronto FC fans have of their draft pick. A goalscoring performance here may make his name buzz about BMO Field like Joao Plata or Danny Dichio.
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