We’re one step closer to opening kick.
Toronto FC will play its final preseason game on Saturday afternoon (4 PM ET | Tickets) against the Philadelphia Union at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, FL. The match will be livestreamed on torontofc.ca.
On January 27 the Reds departed for Southern California. On Saturday they’ll conclude the 2016 preseason in Florida. It’s been a long, worthwhile process to get to this point.
“In Los Angeles we started off really well, going unbeaten in those four matches,” said midfielder Jonathan Osorio following training on Friday.
Read:Southern California Training Camp Recap
“Then we came [to Orlando] with Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Will Johnson joining us and integrating themselves in the new system. In some of the games here we feel we should’ve done better but that’s part of the learning process. After Saturday’s game against Philadelphia we’ll definitely be ready for the season.”
Orlando Preseason Match Reports:Orlando City B | New York Red Bulls | Orlando City SC | Montreal Impact
Saturday’s preseason contest will serve as the final chance for players on the roster bubble to impress. Jozy Altidore’s hamstring injury has left the door open for the likes of Jordan Hamilton, Molham Babouli and Tsubasa Endoh.
“I have to prove I deserve to be [with the first team] everyday,” said Hamilton. “Just because I’ve been able to score goals this preseason it’s all about scoring in the next game. That’s my job at the end of the day. That’s what strikers are supposed to do. At the end of the day my goal is to get into the starting XI and score goals for this club and this city.”
Greg Vanney began the preseason by focusing on defensive shape and structure. Since those early days in California the club went with the 4-3-3 formation and that has remained the case throughout February. The starting lineup against the Union will be similar to the one that takes the field against the Red Bulls on March 6. There are, however, some decisions left to be made for Vanney and the coaching staff.
Mark Bloom has is in the conversation at right back after missing the 2015 campaign due to injury. Steven Beitashour had been dealing with a slight knock, giving Bloom a chance to get valuable minutes. Vanney expects Beitashour to return to full training next week in Toronto, but Bloom remains a contender to start against the Red Bulls.
“Every game that we get is an audition for the starting spot,” said Bloom. “Saturday’s game is the first time I’ll be going 90 minutes so that’s going to be a good starting point.”
Remember, you can watch Saturday’s game live at 4 PM ET on torontofc.ca.
Toronto FC Projected Starting XI: Irwin; Morrow, Moor, Perquis, Bloom; Bradley, Cheyrou, Johnson; Endoh, Giovinco, Osorio.
