Toronto FC hasn’t enjoyed much success against the LA Galaxy.
Last year Baggio Husidic, Marcelo Sarvas and Juninho had their way with Toronto’s midfield. Robbie Keane scored twice and former Red Alan Gordon added one more in added time just for good measure.
The 3-0 loss at the StubHub Center was a familiar sight for Galaxy fans used to seeing their team dominate at home. But there is reason for optimism for the visitors this time around.
The Galaxy, while a powerhouse at home, have yet to win away in 16 consecutive MLS matches. They’ll be missing Gyasi Zardes and Omar Gonzalez due to the Gold Cup. It should be noted TFC will be missing four starters of their own, but at least both sides will be affected by the tournament.
Here are three keys to Saturday night’s match versus the defending MLS Cup Champions.
Cheyrou’s Status
Greg Vanney and his coaching staff find themselves in an interest spot in terms of TFC’s midfield.
Michael Bradley and Jonathan Osorio are of course unavailable and Benoit Cheyrou missed last Saturday’s 0-0 draw versus D.C. United due to a calf injury.
There is good news on the Cheyrou front, however. The Frenchman travelled with the team to Los Angeles and is available for the match.
If fit, Cheyrou could slot into Bradley’s position at the top of the midfield diamond. Collen Warner, fresh off a man of the match performance against D.C., showed he is more than capable of handling the defensive responsibilities in front of the back four. That leaves Osorio’s sport to fill. The most likely candidate for that job is Jay Chapman.
Replacing Morgan
Ashtone Morgan’s strong play in 2015 has resulted in a rebirth for the Toronto native. Morgan’s call up to Canada’s Gold Cup squad means the Reds will have to do some shuffling at the back.
Justin Morrow has excelled at right back this season, but with Morgan gone, it’s likely TFC’s most consistent defender will return to his natural position.
The hardest part is switching back and forth,” Morrow said earlier this week.
“Once I’m in a position, after a couple of games, I’m alright. Maybe I’ll get a (run of games) on the left now that Ashtone is gone.”
In terms of right back the most likely option is Warren Creavalle. Mark Bloom also made the trip to Los Angeles, but he hasn’t featured in a match this season after dealing with multiple injuries.
Keane vs. Giovinco
Saturday night’s match is a best versus best type deal. Robbie Keane and Sebastian Giovinco have been names whispered by MLS defenders in solemn locker rooms after games this season.
The outcome of this match could be decided by which player has the better game. While Keane has tormented TFC in the past, Giovinco is going against a Galaxy side missing their best defender.
They’re not going head to head, but this could be the MLS version of LeBron and Steph Curry going back and forth on opposite sides of the field.
