The Challengers: Toronto FC (11-11-4) vs. New England Revolution (11-9-7)
When: September 13, 5:00 PM ET TV: Sportsnet 360
Weather: 18 degrees and cloudy with showers
Three Keys: Defensive Reinforcements
Greg Vanney didn’t have many options in Seattle after Ahmed Kantari was ruled out due to a foot injury and Justin Morrow returned to Toronto to be with his wife for the birth of their first child. Eriq Zavaleta and Clement Simonin stepped in against one of the most formidable strike pairings in the league and held their own. Vanney will have more options on Sunday. Morrow will be available and Damien Perquis and Nick Hagglund were full participants in training this week. “It’s just seeing how they respond each day,” said Vanney in regards to Perquis and Hagglund. “I like choices,” Vanney continued. “Ultimately it comes to down to who is the best back four. We’re getting pretty close to knowing exactly who that is.”
COYR Episode 29 - Previewing The Match
Devang, Gareth and Steven Caldwell discuss the 2-1 loss in Seattle, the international break and preview Sunday's big match against the New England Revolution at BMO Field.
Three Storylines: Simonin Returns
It had been a long time coming for Clement Simonin. The last time the rookie defender started for the Reds was back in March against Real Salt Lake. He performed well in that game, but a knee injury would sideline him for several months soon after. He returned to the starting lineup in an emergency situation on Saturday in Seattle. Like he did back in March, Simonin displayed the qualities that has management excited about his future prospects. “The last time we saw him he had a very solid game in Salt Lake,” said Vanney. “He showed you his class on the ball and his ability to get out of difficult situations. We saw that again on Saturday night. For him to keep progressing he needs more time and more opportunities.” Simonin had been a spectator at CenturyLink Field as a member of Seattle’s PDL team. Saturday’s experience was a little different. “Sometimes you could hear their supporters pretty loudly but to be honest I wasn’t even looking around,” said Simonin. “I was too focused on trying to do well.” And well he did. Containing Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey is far from an easy task and there were times when TFC’s backline struggled. However, aside from his fitness, which Simonin believes will improve as he gets more minutes, it was a solid showing by the rookie.
Greg Vanney Previews The Match
