Following a competitive 1-1 draw last week against the rival Whitecaps FC 2, head coach Jason Bent and Toronto FC II make the trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Highmark Stadium to take on the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
One of the crown jewels of the USL circuit, Highmark Stadium will be the ideal backdrop for what should be a competitive test for TFC II.
Having played one club with long USL roots in the Charleston Battery, a game where Toronto started out on fire but were ultimately taken into deep and unfamiliar waters before falling short.
It will be interesting to see how the group deals with another crack at a similar situation this time around, having had a few more games under its belt.
INTERVIEWS: Jason Bent | Jay Chapman | Skylar Thomas | Qullian Roberts
One player that could play a huge role in dealing with Pittsburgh’s attackers is goalkeeper Quillan Roberts, a player Bent felt deserved the chance to show what he can do against Vancouver and answered the call with a standout performance.
“[How we would use our goalkeepers] is a conversation we’ve had going into the season,” said Bent. “We wanted to give [Alex] Bono his chance with the first few games. The change wasn’t a reflection of how he performed, it was always the plan to give Quillan Roberts a chance. To be fair to him, he has been biding his time, waiting for his opportunity and I think he took it quite well,keeping us in the game in the first half with some big saves.
For his part, Roberts is aware of the nature of the position.
“I think when you play the goalkeeper position you kind of know that [the opportunity to show what you can do is limited],” said Roberts ahead of TFC II’s training session. “Growing up playing that position, you know that’s the situation and you have to stay ready.”
His time on loan last year with the Wilmington Hammerheads as well as camps with the Canadian national team have helped the young keeper grow up, looking like a completely different player on the pitch than his quiet persona indicates.
“I think around certain people I’m quiet,” said Roberts. “That said, if you’re around me enough you’ll get to know me.”
The Opposition
Bent will not only rely on video of Riverhounds games from this season but will also draw on previous meetings.
“We played them a couple seasons ago at their place with the reserve team,” said Bent. “That has allowed us to become somewhat familiar with some of their players and the way they want to play the game. We’ve also watch some of their games over the last couple days, getting an idea of how they’re doing, the system they’re using and the type of football they like playing.”
Riverhounds coach Mark Steffens has a good mix of players he can call on, including Jamaican goalkeeper Ryan Thompson, midfielder Kevin Kerr and Brazilian forward Vini Dantas who some might be familiar with from his days with the Ottawa Fury FC of the NASL. They also might just have a spy in their midst, as former TFC Academy and Canadian youth international fullback Tyler Pasher joined the club following a stint in Finland.
“It will be nice to see Tyler again,” said Bent with a laugh. “Hopefully we can put one over on him. He’s a good lad and a very competitive player, a left back that loves to get forward. I remember the game against Liverpool for our first team he did quite well.”
Is Bent concerned Pasher would give away any inside secrets prior to Saturday’s match?
“I don’t think he’ll do that,” said Bent with a chuckle. “But he’s representing another club now so he’ll do what he has to do as do we.”
Individual Battle to Watch
Provided he gets the start, or significant minutes, one matchup that could be fun to watch is Skyler Thomas vs. Miroslav Čabrilo. Both are Canadians that love the physical side of the game. This is a duel that fits Thomas’ style perfectly.
“I think I’m a big, ball-winning centre back,” said Thomas. “I like to get stuck in tackles and and winning challenges in the air. I’m also a very vocal centre back, I like to command the guys in front and beside me and talk a lot to the goalie.”
In TFC II’s early performances, a player of Thomas’ skills was sorely missed due to injury. However, having recovered and received some quality minutes against Vancouver, it will be interesting to see if Bent gives the former Syracuse Orange defender a longer look against an established club with proven track record will be something to watch.
“Yeah, I’m excited for that experience,” said Thomas. “It’ll be nice to see how the older guys do it compared to our young team and I’m very excited for that challenge.”
Catch the boys against Pittsburgh Riverhounds Saturday, April 25 at 7:00PM. Follow along on twitter @TorontoFCII and watch the action via livestream at torontofc.ca/live.
