Toronto FC hopes to halt a four game losing streak on Sunday night in Florida against Orlando City SC.
The match will mark the first meeting between the two clubs in MLS regular season play. TFC fans will also get to see Kaka take the field against their team for the first time.
Containing the Brazilian star will be a top priority for the Reds. Orlando has scored six goals in seven games and is coming off of a 3-0 loss to the Columbus crew.
Toronto’s poor defensive record, however, means nothing will be easy about this one.The Reds are in desperate need of a strong showing at the back after getting carved for 11 goals in their first five games.
Here are three keys for Sunday night’s match.
Stopping Kaka
Kaka celebrated his 33rd birthday this week, but it was a Rex Banner type birthday for Orlando’s captain. He’s feeling the pressure that’s come with his monster move to North American football. Pressue isn't always bad.
“After three months here, I am gaining confidence all the time,” he said, via MLSSoccer.com. “From what I have seen, I think we can be a very good team, and while I know there is pressure on me to do well and help the team, it is a good pressure. It is motivation for me.”
Kristian Jack detailed how important the man known as ‘Ricky’ to his teammates has been for the expansion franchise. Denying him service will be paramount for Greg Vanney’s side. Kaka’s chemistry with Kevin Molino has been readily apparent in the early stages of the season. After starting the 2015 campaign in the number 10 role, head coach Adrian Heath has employed his Brazilian maestro in a variety of positions.
Kaka’s horizontal movement has caused loads of problems for opposition midfielders, who are getting drawn out of position.
“He works his way around the field and finds gaps. We need to be able to force them to play in areas that they don’t prefer to play in, keep lines compact and don’t give away space in behind us. If he gets on the ball and faces forward he can do some damage,” said Vanney following training on Wednesday.
‘Some damage’ may be an understatement.
Giovinco and Altidore Up Top
The second half in Dallas saw Michael Bradley play in an advanced role, with Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore in front of him at forward.
Giovinco was superb in that game, while Altidore had a relatively quiet 90 minutes.
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Together, the pair have yet to show the chemistry that was on display in Vancouver, when Altidore scored his first goal of the season after a excellent through ball from the Italian.
It appears they’ll get another chance to play together up front on Sunday night in Orlando. Getting Altidore more involved in attacks will be key.
Getting It Right At The Back
Vanney acknowledged he made a mistake with his squad selection for the match in Dallas following two quick goals by the Toros.
Nick Hagglund moved back to CB, while Justin Morrow took the sophomore's place at right back. The defence played much better, save for a mix up by Damien Perquis and Collen Warner, following the switch.
Heading into Sunday night’s match we still don’t know if Mark Bloom will be fit to start. If he cannot, don’t be surprised if we see a back line of Morgan-Perquis-Hagglund-Morrow.
Perquis started at RCB in the Dallas game. The left-footed Polish defender should slide over to the left, with Hagglund beside him.
