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3 Keys To TFC vs. Sporting Kansas City

3 Keys To TFC vs. Sporting KC

Toronto FC is riding high following a convincing 4-1 win over Orlando City SC on Wednesday night.


Sebastian Giovinco continues play at a ridiculous level, and the Reds are set to receive reinforcements in Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore for Saturday afternoon’s match against Sporting Kansas City (Tickets) at BMO Field.


Suspensions will be a factor for both sides. Dom Dwyer and Roger Espinoza (the latter could miss the rest of the season due to injury) will not be available for the visitors. Damien Perquis will also miss out due to yellow card accumulation.


The Giovinco vs. Benny Feilhaber matchup is the one pundits will circle as the match approaches. Both players have been hailed as league MVPs by their respective fanbases and both have dazzled with their ability to score from just about anywhere on the pitch.


But Saturday’s contest may be decided by their supporting casts. With Bradley set to make his first start for TFC since June 27th, we’ll get a look at what a nearly full strength Reds side can do against one of the league’s best teams.


Here are three keys to the match.


Cheyrou’s Vision

Benoit Cheyrou has been a rock in Toronto FC’s midfield throughout the 2015 campaign.


From slotting in front of the back four, to playing in an attacking role and wearing the captain’s armband in Bradley’s absence, Cheyrou has been exactly the player the Reds were hoping to get when they signed the veteran in the offseason.


His through ball to set up a glorious Giovinco chance just before halftime against Orlando was indicative of the superb vision Cheyrou possesses.

“His game was really on in terms of turning away from guys, wrong footing players enough to get facing forward,” said head coach Greg Vanney following the win.


“He was doing a great job of just dicing and hitting passes between lines that were able to find players who could then move forward.”


Cheyrou’s ability to play the incisive ball has created offensive opportunities for his fellow midfielders, including Marky Delgado, Jonathan Osorio and….


Warner’s emergence

The Reds are getting consistently strong performances from Collen Warner this season.


His defensive work has been there throughout the season, but it’s been his ability to get forward in recent weeks that’s been eye opening.


“I’ve been finding myself in the box more than usual lately which has been pleasant and I’ve been making the most of my chances,” he said after bagging his second goal of the year on Wednesday.


“I think our defensive group is coming together really well which gives us a lot of support and a lot of confidence to move forward.”


Vanney will have a decision to make with Bradley expected to return to the lineup on Saturday. Delgado has been immense in the captain’s absence, but Warner’s proclivity to the defensive side of the game should warrant a start against KC’s dangerous attack.


Feilhaber vs. Giovinco

It’s the MVP battle we’ve been waiting for.


Giovinco, fresh off player of the month honours, is the frontrunner after a mesmerizing performance against Orlando.


Feilhaber has been pretty good himself.

In terms of importance to their teams, Giovinco remains a cut above. But obviously, we’re a little biased in these parts.