The first of two-straight against the Fire. Here are the Benjamin Moore Three Keys to the Match for Saturday’s matchup in Bridgeview.
Midfield Metronomes

While employing different tactical set ups, both Toronto and Chicago rely on the heart of the midfield to kick-start their respective attacks.

Both sides boast strength in the middle of the park to not only shield the back four but also provide service to the attackers up front. The battle in the midfield will go a long way to determining the winner on Saturday night as Dax McCarty and Bastian Schweinsteiger do battle with Michael Bradley and Jonathan Osorio.

Reigning Champ

The reigning Golden Boot winner will be looking to add to his tally on Saturday night.

Hungarian international Nemanja Nikolic has already bagged nine goals on the season to follow up his 24-goal season in 2017 that won earned him a 2018 ESPY Award for Best MLS Player.

Head coach Greg Vanney is wary of the threat he provides, stating: “Nikolic is a guy who ends up on the end of a lot of things. He's a clever runner, always threatening the back-line and the space in behind. He's a worker in the box.”

Familiar Faces

They may be enemies on Saturday night, but there will be a few old friends on hand for this Eastern Conference clash.

Recently acquired from the Montreal Impact, former TFC winger Raheem Edwards has joined Chicago and will looking to make an immediate impression with his new club. And most recently, TFC were involved in a trade of their own with Chicago, sending Nicolas Hasler to the fire in exchange for Jon Bakero and $50,000 General Allocation Money.