The 2016 MLS Cup will be decided on December 10 at BMO Field. Toronto FC will take on the Seattle Sounders at 8:00PM.
Throughout the week leading up to the Cup, TorontoFC.ca will be rolling out a new series called “Tale of the Tape.” The series will highlight a key positional matchup and provide you with analysis of the players. The penultimate entry of the series is in the center of the park, between defensive midfielders Michael Bradley and Osvaldo Alonso.
Michael Bradley
Bradley originally broke into the MLS as a 17-year-old with the then New York/New Jersey MetroStars (now New York Red Bulls). Bradley appeared in 30 games with the Metros in 2005 before being sold to Dutch side Heerenveen. Bradley spent eight years in Europe, making stops at Borussia Mönchengladbach, Aston Villa, Chievo, and Roma.
Bradley made his return to the MLS when he transferred to the Reds prior to the 2014 MLS season. The 29-year-old has appeared in 74 games for Toronto FC across three seasons, the last two serving as the team’s captain. He has eight goals and 11 assists in a TFC uniform. This season Bradley led the Reds to their second consecutive post-season appearance. He leads the league with an average of 75.3 total passes per game.
Bradley has continued to lead the Reds during their 2016 MLS Cup Playoff run. He has played every minute for the Reds, while scoring a crucial away goal in the first leg of the Conference Championship.
Osvaldo Alonso
Alonso is one of three remaining Seattle Sounders originals. Along with Brad Evans and Zach Scott, Alonso was a part of the original MLS expansion Seattle side. The 31-year-old Cuban has made 226 appearances since 2009 for the Rave Green. Alonso is a three-time MLS All-Star.
Alonso started 32 games for the Sounders this year. The Cuban recorded a career best three goals and four assists. In addition, Alonso averaged 69.2 total passes per game and led MLS with a 90.9 percent pass completion percentage. The forceful midfielder finished tied for 15th in the league in fouls committed with 51.
Alonso has carried his strong play into the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs. He has been integral to the Sounders only conceding three goals in their five-playoff games. Alonso has also been joining in on the Seattle attack recording five shots.
Who do you think has the edge in the midfield? Let us know @TorontoFC on twitter. Tomorrow we will look at the key matchup up top between Jozy Altidore and Jordan Morris.
