An MLS Cup rematch kicks off as the venue switches to the Pacific Northwest. Here are the Benjamin Moore three keys to the match.
Take Advantage of Opportunity
Next man up.
Head coach Greg Vanney has opted to rotate the squad amidst a challenging stretch of games in short order, and who could blame him?
Traveling across the continent and three time zones is never easy. Playing on the unforgiving turf of CenturyLink Field is even tougher. Hitting the pitch for the third time in nine days amidst a stretch of five games in 16 days? Well, that calls for a bit of rotation.
Some tough scheduling more or less ensured that fans would not see a full-strength MLS Cup rematch, but that doesn’t mean those Reds named to the starting XI on Saturday will be any less hungry. In fact, Vanney expects his squad to be even more determined to prove themselves as the hectic schedule has opened the door for a litany of players who have been clamoring for a chance to get into a very competitive side.
As the head coach alluded to earlier this season, keeping guys fresh and locked in will be a challenge for Vanney all year long. If bench players can step up when their number is called upon on Saturday afternoon, it will continue to foster the type of competitive environment that can only serve to better the team in the long run.
Beware the Pace
Speed has always been a game-changer. Throw in the odd bounces that so often come off the turf in Seattle and you’re looking at a nightmare scenario as a centerback.
United States national team forward Jordan Morris has no shortage of pace, perhaps his most dangerous attribute in attack. For a Toronto defence that is sure to be shuffled with the likes of Eriq Zavaleta and Steven Beitashour not making the trip out west, a new backline will have to quickly find cohesion if they are to bottle up the 2016 Rookie of the Year.
Moving as a unit and keeping their defensive shape will be of the utmost importance. Switch off for just a moment, and Morris can get in behind the defence and into dangerous areas in the final third. TFC’s rest defence will have to be on high alert, as any turnover in the midfield can quickly turn into a counter the other way.
90-Minute Effort
The Sounders have been comeback kings of late, most recently pulling off a miraculous three-goal turnaround in the final 15 minutes of the match to salvage a 3-3 draw against the New England Revolution last Saturday night.
TFC have raced out to leads in previous matches this season, but have failed to see them out as was the case against Columbus Crew SC and Atlanta United FC. It won’t be easy with some tired legs sure to be tested, but the Reds will have to challenge themselves both physically and mentally to stay tuned in for the full 90 if they have any hopes of earning a result at one of the more raucous venues in all of MLS.
