TFC close out the month of March at BMO Field. Here are the Benjamin Moore three keys to the match as the Reds take on Real Salt Lake.
Offensive Spark
Scoring was hardly an issue for TFC in 2017, tallying a league-best 74 goals over the course of the regular season, but goals have been a bit harder to come by in 2018.
Failing to score in their first two league matches of 2018, the Reds will be looking to get off the mark on Friday night against a Real Salt Lake team that has endured an up-and-down start to the season. Their defence has looked solid at times, most recently recording a clean sheet against the New York Red Bulls, but also conceded five goals at home to expansion side LAFC.
TFC’s offence hasn’t been completely dormant, however, scoring six goals through four matches in Concacaf Champions League play. They’ll need to carry over that form to their MLS campaign, and Friday night’s clash with RSL would be a great place to start.
Beckerman vs. Bradley
Club talismans will go head-to-head at BMO Field as Kyle Beckerman and Michael Bradley will look to marshal the midfield on Friday night.
Both players have led their sides to MLS Cup titles with Beckerman’s RSL winning it all in 2009 and Bradley leading the treble charge in 2017. Playing similar roles as deep-lying midfielders, both sides rely heavily on their respective captains to set the tone and maintain possession in key moments.
Teammates at the 2014 World Cup for the United States, there will be a sense of familiarity between the two come Friday night, and you can bet that both players will have their say before the final whistle blows at BMO Field.
Stay Locked In
Two games aren’t enough to illustrate a pattern, but the Reds will have to take note of a trend that has popped up through the first 180 minutes of league play in 2018.
Against both Columbus Crew SC and the Montreal Impact, TFC have given up goals late in the half, conceding in the 44th and 41st minute, respectively. Those late goals change the complexion of a match and alter the game plan coming out of the break.
Seeing out the half will have to be made a priority come Friday night if TFC are to earn their first win of the regular season.
