The Reds look to stay undefeated as they clash with expansion side Atlanta United FC at BMO Field on Saturday night. Here are the Benjamin Moore three keys to the match.
Finish in Front of Goal
Toronto FC’s quality up top is hardly up for debate as Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore have been amongst the most potent attacking duos in all of MLS; the two have combined for 64 goals since 2015. Yet the goals have not flowed quite as freely through four matches in 2017.
It’s not for a lack of trying, however, as the Reds have created several quality opportunities thus far. What’s been missing has been the final product, the calm finish in the attacking third to reward the clever forays forward.
Their solid defensive play has been encouraging, and if the Reds can apply the finishing touches up front, those home draws will surely turn into three points.
Size Matters
Atlanta has been as impressive as any expansion side over the years, owning an MLS-best +8 goal differential. The Five Stripes have no shortage of attacking options on the ball, but if there is any area that TFC feel they have a decisive advantage, it’s in the physical matchups.
As head coach Greg Vanney noted on Friday, Atlanta is a “small, quick, very technical group” that prefers to beat you with possession rather than brute force. TFC will look to impose their will through the likes of Altidore and Nick Hagglund on set piece opportunities as well as through more direct play to their forwards.
Defending Speed and Pace
For what they may lack in size, Atlanta more than makes up for in sheer speed.
Even without the injured Josef Martinez, the visitors will still have pace in numbers through Héctor Villalba, Miguel Almirón and Tyrone Mears among others.
Being fleet of foot makes Atlanta extremely dangerous on the counter as a turnover in possession can spring a chance at the other end in a matter of seconds. Steven Beitashour touched on this fact on Friday afternoon, stating that the Reds “always need to be aware of where [the Atlanta attackers] are,” even while Toronto is in possession.
