It’s not getting any easier for Ryan Nelsen and Toronto FC. The Reds have managed to stay undefeated at home through three games this season despite a daunting schedule that saw them take on first place Dallas (2-2 draw), second place Kansas City (2-1 win) and defending champion LA Galaxy (2-2 draw).
Saturday’s visit from the Dynamo will prove to be just as challenging. Dom Kinnear’s team were a popular preseason pick to win MLS in 2013 and they have started strong, winning four of their first six games. There is a silver lining, however.
Houston (0-2) on the road to start the season has allowed five goals on their travels. A 2-3 loss to FC Dallas and an 0-2 loss to Portland has left the men in orange with some work to do.
This bodes well for a TFC attack that has scored two goals in each of their three games at home in 2013. Welsh striker Robert Earnshaw is tied for the league lead in goals, with five, as he has found the back of the net in four of the Reds six games this year, including a brace in the home opener against Kansas City.
It has been an encouraging start to the season for TFC, although old habits continue to plague the team. Injury time goals conceded at Philadelphia and at home to the Galaxy have turned wins into draws, preventing the team from capitalizing on their strong play.
The Reds have posted a 2-1-3 record lifetime at BMO when the Dynamo come to town and will be looking to improve that record on Saturday. Houston’s lone win in Toronto came last season with Paul Mariner in charge.
Ashtone Morgan is suspended after picking up a red card last week in Philadelphia and Terry Dunfield is out four weeks with a PCL injury. Other than that, Nelsen will have a full squad at his disposal for Saturday’s match. Danny Califf looks poised to make his return to the starting lineup after missing the last two weeks due to an illness.
Projected XI (4-4-1-1): Bednik; Eckersley, O’Dea (c), Califf, Russell; Bostock, Hall, Ephraim, Lambe; Silva; Earnshaw
(image courtesy of torontofc.ca)
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