Toronto FC is in search of their fourth consecutive win, something the team has never done before.
Their opponents, New York City FC, are developing a streak of their own after two wins in a row.
Something has to give on Saturday at BMO Field and, with star power in abundance, we’re set for what should be one of the more entertaining games of the year.
Sebastian Giovinco, David Villa, Michael Bradley, Mix Diskerud and Jozy Altidore will be the main attractions, but there are other storylines worth noting in the leadup to this weekend’s clash.
Osorio and Morgan Return From International Duty
The next chapter for Canada men’s national soccer team has begun, with the disaster in San Pedro Sula a distant, if not formidable memory.
Canada advanced to the third round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup after a 6-0 win on aggregate against Dominica. The result was expected and the road to the Hex remains long and bumpy, but there were positive signs exhibited by Benito Floro’s side.
Tesho Akindele and Cyle Larin opened their accounts for the national team. Jonathan Osorio had a strong second half and Ashtone Morgan was a monster roaming forward from left back. To be entirely fair, Morgan didn’t have to worry about much offensively from the visitors.
Greg Vanney will have nearly a full lineup with international fixtures over until next month’s Gold Cup. Getting points now, before that tournament, is going to be huge.
Four In A Row?
Toronto FC has never won four games in a row.
It’s a piece of trivia long time supporters will be familiar with, but the Reds will have a chance to ‘make history’ (bear with me) on Saturday.
They’ve had two chances in the past to make it four in a row. In 2008 a 1-1 draw at home against the Red Bulls ended their nascent winning streak. In 2012 the Dynamo beat TFC 2-0 after a three game run.
No time like the present to change that this weekend.
Villa In Form
David Villa is rounding into form for Jason Kreis after capturing his second player of the week honour, tying Sebastian Giovinco and Bradley Wright-Phillips for the best mark thus far.
Villa may sit for NYCFC’s U.S. Open Cup match against the New York Cosmos on Wednesday night in order to be fully fit for this weekend’s match.
"I don't want to answer that question, actually," Kreis told reporters earlier this week. "I don't think I need to answer it."
Villa was the x-factor in their 3-1 win against the Montreal Impact last Saturday. They’ll aim to keep it going in Toronto.
“We just have to keep going,” Villa said. “This is obviously a morale boost for the team. We just have to continue.”
