Saturday’s night Trillium Cup battle in Columbus will be intriguing for a number of reasons.
Two of the preseason favourites in the East will face each other for the first time in 2015. The Reds are coming off a season sweep of the Crew last year. Greg Vanney and Gregg Berhalter have a long history, including playing together for the U.S. National Team.
Simply put this game is one of the highlights of MatchDay Two in MLS. Around 500 TFC supporters are expected to make the trip down the I-75 into the heart of Middle America.
It’ll be like looking ina mirror for the Reds. Berhalter’s side thrives on possession, much like Toronto. The Crew’s fullbacks like to bomb forward, much like Toronto.
Here are three keys to watch for when it comes to the Crew
Containing Higuain
The Crew rewarded Federico Higuain with a new designated player contract in January. Keeping your star player happy is a good idea and Gonzalo's brother is one of the best at his position in the league.
His game is is centered on operating between the lines. That’s something Greg Vanney has stressed repeatedly this week: Don’t let the Crew’s number 10 operate in space, but it's easier said than done.
“He’s a guy that moves around the field pretty freely,” Vanney said following training on Thursday.
“It’s hard to go man-to-man with a guy who moves [that] much. You have to be aware of where he is all times because his ability to get on the ball and pass out of different spaces on the field is excellent.”
Neutralizing the Argentine's threat isn’t a one person job. The onus will also be on the players tasked with eliminating passing avenues and gaps to be on their toes when Higuain has the ball.
“He’s clearly a guy who can hurt you if gaps open up and the timing of runs are there.”
I’m Looking At The Team In The Mirror
“We grew up together, playing with and against each other.”
Indeed, Vanney and Columbus head coach Gregg Berhalter go way back. Tactically, their teams play a similar brand of football as well.
“It’s a team that wants to play,” said Michael Bradley of the Crew. On the surface that seems like a generic statement, but Bradley’s message was clear. Columbus wants to get forward. They want the ball. They’re not going to wait for the counterattack to seize their chance. In many ways, they play the game much like TFC.
“Tactically they try to figure the game out,” Bradley continued. “For us it’s exciting. I think it’s going to be a good game. We’ve been looking forward to this since the second the game ended in Vancouver. I think it’s going to be a totally different kind of game, but one we feel confident about."
Full backs bombing up the pitch. Sebastian Giovinco and Higuain dictating play in the attacking third. This is going to be fun.
Meram’s season debut?
Justin Meram didn’t play in Columbus’ season opener against Houston due to suspension and his inclusion in the lineup against Toronto FC isn’t exactly a sure thing. .
Kristinn Steindorsson started in Meram’s place against the Dyanmo and fared well. “That’s why we built this roster, so guys are competing to be on the field,” Berhalter said, according to the Columbus Dispatch’s Adam Jardy.
“It’s going to be a difficult decision, but we’ll use the week and the preseason to guide that decision.”
Watch the game this Saturday on TSN2 at 7:30 PM ET and follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #TFCLive
