A Jefersonian task awaits Toronto FC when the Reds take on Sporting Kansas City at Livestrong Sporting Park Saturday night (8:30 p.m. ET) on GOL TV Canada.
Alongside Mexican forward Omar Bravo, Brazilian midfielder Jeferson this week became the squad’s second designated player. The midfielder, dubbed a true number 10, was lauded for his creativity by head coach Peter Vermes when he impressed with a midweek outing in a friendly against the Premiership’s Newcastle United.
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[inline_node:7404]Also helping the cause for the rest of this season is 20-year old defender Daneil Cyrus. The big centre back had been a KC target since early 2010. He finally received the clearance to join the club, which has delighted Vermes, following a near 18-month chase for the Trinidad and Tobago player’s signature.
The home team seems to have all the momentum going into this match. Kansas City will be playing first of nine straight games at home, while riding an 11-game unbeaten streak despite starting 2011 with 10 consecutive matches on the road. Potentially having Jeferson and Cyrus only adds to their punch Saturday.
As strong as the attack and backline may be, cracks could develop at Kansas City’s midfield for Toronto to exploit. Captain Davy Arnaud will miss the match due to a sports hernia surgery and Craig Rocastle continues to be sidelined with a knee sprain.
Jeferson v. Frings
Midfield injuries will sound familiar to Toronto fans. The Canadian duo of Julian de Guzman (knee) and Terry Dunfield (abductor strain) continues to be questionable for this contest. It will be revealed on Saturday whether the pair is in contention for this game. Reds’ supporters will be encouraged by the dominant performance of Torsten Frings against Dallas at midweek.
With Arnaud missing, Frings could find more space against less experienced opposition at the middle of the park, though his expected duel against Jeferson - tucked in behind the strikers - provides an intriguing matchup. The 27-year old Brazilian is expected to play 65-70 minutes for SKC, after putting in 45 on Wednesday. Frings played the full 90 against Dallas on the same night in a 1-0 loss. Jeferson is on loan from Vasco da Gama of Brazil's top flight.
Toronto and Kansas City drew scoreless on June 4 at BMO Field. The Reds have yet to win a road game in 10 attempts, while The Wiz are unbeaten in five at home since opening Livestrong last month.
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