A rare weekend off for Toronto FC means scoreboard watching for its players and supporters as seven Major League Soccer matches are contested on Saturday in MLS Week 20.
These games take place during a period in which
GOL TV Canada
is committed to its South American broadcast, making the league’s
Matchday Live
the most readily available option for Canadian viewers.
RELATED: MLS East & West Standings.
During this period last season out-of-town results usually fell in TFC’s favour to the point that the Reds could control its own destiny. As Toronto clings to an eighth and final playoff spot with road results still scarce (and plenty of away games ahead), help elsewhere plays a factor again in 2010.
Here is a list of Saturday matches and what would likely be the best outcome for Toronto in each tilt.
Philadelphia v. Colorado
Like Toronto, Philadelphia played at midweek but unlike the Reds, they were able get a point drawing Salt Lake 1-1. Colorado sits a single point (27-26) ahead of TFC in the league table with a game in hand. Toronto needs a favour from Philadelphia in Chester in the form of a win or a draw to keep Colorado close.
[inline_node:4547]New York v. Los Angeles
Red Bulls moved five points ahead of Toronto in the Eastern Conference with a
midweek 1-0 win
. To strengthen Toronto’s chance at second place in the division for an automatic playoff spot, a Los Angeles win works best before the Reds host New York in Week 21.
DC v. Dallas
The Hoops are on a roll. Dallas in unbeaten in nine league games, currently fifth in the overall table, and four points ahead of Toronto with a game in hand. It’s unlikely, but any points that last-place DC can take from this match would help tighten the postseason race.
New England v. Houston
When Toronto first entered MLS these were the two best teams going, with a heated rivalry due to MLS Cup Final meetings in ’06 & ‘07. Now both are struggling to get back into the playoff race. A draw works best here for the Reds.
Salt Lake v. Columbus
Realistically, Toronto is unlikely to catch either of these clubs due to far too many dropped points at home in June and July. This is probably the most inconsequential match going this weekend to the Reds’ postseason ambitions. However, it’s always nice to watch Columbus lose isn’t it?
San Jose v. Kansas City
A home win over Toronto two weeks ago allowed Kansas City a view into the playoff race. A win for them puts the Wizards even on 23 points with San Jose. Both teams are hot on the heels of Toronto’s eighth place position. A draw here would cool the combatants for another week as they target TFC.
Chivas v. Seattle
Sounders have won four straight thanks to Colombian striker Fredy Montero playing with renewed purpose. Seattle is two points ahead of Toronto so a Chivas win (they beat Columbus at home two weeks ago) would work best for TFC.
The team that should worry Toronto most – Chicago – isn’t in action this week. They have three games in hand on the Reds, sitting five points back and play twice in Week 21 to start making up that distance. Until Chicago drops points, Toronto doesn't control its own destiny. But we can worry about them next week.
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