Who: Toronto FC vs. Oklahoma City Energy FC
Where: The IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
When: 7:30 PM ET - Watch the livestream on torontofc.ca
Toronto FC kicks off the home stretch of the preseason with their first game at the IMG Suncoast Pro Classic in Bradenton, Florida on Wednesday night.
Their opponent, the USL’s Oklahoma City Energy FC, is led by head coach Jimmy Nielsen. The big Dane served as one of the better goalkeepers in MLS history, backstopping Sporting Kansas City to the MLS Cup in 2013.
Greg Vanney doesn’t believe this is the most important game out of the four matches TFC will play in Bradenton, but it may be the first time we see Michael Bradley, Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore on the field at the same time.
Will the big three debut?
TFC’s three designated players have trained with the squad for just over a week now and it’s a safe bet we’ll see them together on the field several times over the next two weeks. Vanney indicated many players will get playing time against the Energy on Wednesday night, so it may not happen right away.
For what it’s worth all three players were on the same team, one that is likely the starting XI TFC puts out in Vancouver, during Tuesday’s uptempo intrasquad scrimmage.
Youngsters fight for a place
Since they’ve arrived in Bradenton the roster has been divided into two camps. Jason Bent, the head coach of Toronto FC II, is beginning to put his charges through their paces ahead of the season opener in Charleston on March 21.
Some players have spent time between both squads. Injuries will eventually hit the big club at some point, meaning there will be a chance for those who impress with Toronto FC II to play at the MLS level. “One of the biggest challenges in this league is young players getting consistent minutes, 90 minutes at a professional environment [consistently],” said Vanney on Tuesday. Those players, including Chris Mannella, Jordan Hamilton and Jay Chapman, continue their auditions tonight.
Defensive foundation
The coaching staff has spent most training camp cementing the defensive foundation of the club. Playing the ball out of the back while maintaining possession has been a focal point during training and that will likely continue tonight against the Energy. “We’re looking for some defensive cohesiveness,” said assistant head coach Robin Fraser. “If we can defend really well we’ll give ourselves chance to shine on the attacking side of [things].”
Catch the game via livestream at 7:30 PM ET on torontofc.ca
