The Challengers: Seattle Sounders (12-13-2) vs. Toronto FC (11-10-4)
When: Saturday, September 5 - 10:00 PM ET. TV: TSN 2 Radio: TSN 1050
Weather: Partly Cloudy and 15 degrees
Three Keys: A Chance For Herc?
The prognosis is good on Giovinco’s injury. “Everything we’re getting [is that he’s out] a couple weeks,” indicated Vanney. “We’re hoping by the time we hit the three game week he’ll be back and ready to roll.” In the meantime a trio of veteran strikers will have a chance to fill the void. Robbie Findley was a force after coming on as a substitute against the Impact last Saturday. Meanwhile, Luke Moore has fully recovered from an ankle sprain. Herculez Gomez has yet to start for Toronto since joining the club. “I’ve been racing against time to get as much match fitness under my belt to be ready when called upon,” he said on Tuesday. “But to be quite honest I feel good, and the only way to get that fitness is to be out there.” A Gomez-Moore partnership could be fun.
COYR Podcast: A Chance For The Veteran Forwards
Reds Optimistic Regarding Giovinco's Injury
“The good thing is we have lots of forwards in our team,” said Vanney. “With Jozy and Seba away, we move into Luke [Moore] and Robbie [Findley] and Herc [Gomez]. We have options that we're very comfortable with. We'll make an assessment over the week and pick the group that will give us the best shot."
Warner Suspended Two Games
MLS announced TFC midfielder Collen Warner is suspended for two games and fined for his tackle on Dominic Orduro last Saturday against the Montreal Impact. Warner received a yellow card on the play. As a result, Warner will miss the match versus Seattle and next Sunday's encounter with the New England Revolution.
Match Notes
- Obafemi Martins scored a third goal in three games after his return from injury, leading Sounders FC to a a second win in that time after a five-game losing skid in their 2-1 win against the Portland Timbers on Sunday afternoon at CenturyLink Field. The game drew an attendance of 64,358 – the 11th-largest single-game attendance in MLS regular season history.
- Toronto FC have won back-to-back games for the first time since May 23-June 6, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore netted goals in a 2-1 win against the Montréal Impact on Saturday afternoon at BMO Field.
- Toronto FC won the lone meeting between the clubs a year ago, a 2-1 victory at CenturyLink Field on March 15, ending a five-game Sounders FC winning streak in the all-time series.
- TFC has won twice in nine all-time meetings, their only other victory having come April 25, 2010 at BMO Field.
