Toronto FC will take on a weary D.C. United side when the two teams meet at RFK Stadium on Saturday.
D.C. host the Chicago Fire on Wednesday night, and by the time Saturday’s match is completed Ben Olsen’s side will have played five games in 15 days.
TFC will be without Michael Bradley (international duty) and Jozy Altidore (injury) on Saturday, but the play of Sebastian Giovinco may be enough to stem the tide. The Atomic Ant capped a spectacular May with another man of the match performance against San Jose.
Here are three storylines in the leadup to Saturday’s match.
Morgan and Osorio Get The Call
One year ago it seemed unlikely Ashtone Morgan would get the call when Canada started its quest for World Cup qualification. How quickly things can change.
Morgan and Jonathan Osorio were selected by head coach Benito Floro for the home and away tie versus Dominica. The Canadian pair have been a revelation on the left side of Greg Vanney’s revamped formation.
“We have a great understanding on the left side,” Morgan said. “There’s a lot of double-teaming and I think our work rate together has been really good, and has been going upwards since we started playing together.”
Osorio points to hard work off the pitch as a reason for their success.
“In the first few games, it wasn’t perfect at all but in these last games, it has been really good,” said the midfielder.
“It helps that, off the field, we have a very good relationship. On the field, we’re not afraid to communicate with each other. Sometimes, there are times in the games we don’t agree with each other but we get on with it and in the end, we both agree on what needs to be done.”
Mark Bloom’s Return
It’s been a long road back for TFC defender Mark Bloom. The Marietta, Ga.,native has been declared fit by Greg Vanney after recovering from a number of injuries since colliding with Portland’s Will Johnson late last season.
Where Bloom fits in remains to be seen. Justin Morrow has excelled at right back since moving over from the left. In fact, TFC’s fullbacks have made a solid case for best in the Eastern Conference through three months.
Morgan’s strong play has convinced Vanney that the club can deal with Morrow playing in a spot he wasn’t familiar with before this season. He has been a pleasant surprise and is one of the core group on this team that will determine how far the Reds can go.
It is a long season, however. Warren Creavalle has shown his better position is in the midfield, and Bloom provides valuable depth at right back. Having numbers at the back is only a good thing.
Giovinco’s Strong Play In May
Giovinco’s fantastic month has him in the running for MLS player of May. The Atomic Ant also took home player of the week honours for his performance against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.
“I’m happy about (the award). It’s nice news because it means I’m working hard,” Giovinco said through an interpreter on Tuesday.
He’s been as good as advertised in Vanney, and the rest of the league’s, opinion.
”For me, I’m just excited every day we come out, whether it’s in training or in a game, to see what he comes up with next because he’s clearly a special player who can do a lot of things,” Vanney stated.
With the Gold Cup on the horizon even more will be expected of Giovinco, with the loss of Morgan, Osorio, Bradley and possibly Altidore looming.
