Another day at Disney World!
Toronto FC takes another step closer to the opening day as they take on the defending USL Pro champions and tournament host, Orlando City. In their first game of the group stage, the 2015 MLS expansion side took on the Philadelphia Union and played them to a 1-1 draw. Former Whitecap Corey Hertzog was their lone goal scorer.
TONIGHT: Watch Toronto FC vs. Orlando City FC @ 8:00 PM ET on TorontoFC.ca
3 Players to Watch:
Kevin Molino: The Trinidadian international is the heart and soul of this Orlando squad. Molino had a chance to leave for greener pastures but chose to stay with Orlando and wait for Major League Soccer to come to town. Expect Molino to run at the full-backs and use his pace to get behind the backline, the offense may not run through him, but it will be a part of Orlando's game plan.
Austin da Luz: The former NCAA Champion has yet to find a place to call home, but it is not because he is lacking skill, he just wants a shot at MLS playing time. Austin da Luz is a very skilled midfielder who is known for his accuracy and vision on the pitch. The one knock on him is his speed, so expect him to be playing through balls and swinging in crosses.
The Fans: Orlando City's attendance has been on the rise, and with only one year until they join Major League Soccer the spotlight will be on the fan base. With a game under the lights on a Saturday there should be a strong number of supporters attending the match. Yes it's a preseason game, but let's see what they can bring.
2 Questions:
Will Nick Hagglund continue at right-back? With Bradley Orr & Mark Bloom out with niggling injuries, Ryan Nelsen was forced to play rookie Nick Hagglund on the right Wednesday. Hagglund spoke with the media and talked about his first experience at right-back.
Will we see the Shake & Bake? Dwayne De Rosario has logged some major minutes in preseason and looks to be in Ryan Nelsen's starting XI to start the season. Will Saturday be the day we see Dwayne De Rosario break out the famous 'Shake & Bake'?
1 Prediction:
Rain: It could be a wet one at ESPN's Wide World of Sports according to the weather network, a 50% chance of rain to be exact. So I am going with my gut and taking the side of rain for the match. Expect a slick pitch and hopefully the teams can keep the ball on the carpet tonight.
