Toronto’s Red Patch Boys and the rest of their fans have been supportive and loud throughout their six years in MLS. The sell out crowds are no longer a guarantee and as Paul Mariner has become the seventh coach in those six seasons, some of the patience from the supporters has diminished. Aron Winter’s three year plan was given less than two years before he was ushered out. With a new head coach, one win and one tie to go along with their ten losses so far this season, New England looks to have a chance to score our first win ever in Toronto. This is an Eastern Conference road game that the Revs should be able to win.
If record breaking losing streaks and early season coaching firings weren’t enough of a sign that TFC was a club in some sort of death spiral, this week they also had three players arrested in Houston. We spoke with Alex Moretto on #TRAP after the game in Houston. Listen to The Rebel Alliance Podcast to hear the single word that Alex used to describe Toronto’s 2012 season and hear our predictions for the game. Alex also suggested that even if available, none of the three players arrested in Texas were likely to contribute against the Revs. Torsten Frings in front of the defense and Koovermans at striker are the players who could turn the game for TFC. Despite earning a heft paycheck, DeGuzman has not earned much praise for his play. This will be the first home game for TFC since Paul Mariner took over. If TFC and their home fans can muster the energy to disrupt New England’s passing game they could squeak out a result.
After watching them take a 3-1 lead in Houston, only to succumb to the heat and pressure in the final minutes and settle for a 3-3 tie, my feelings about New England’s chances haven’t really changed. I added the really in there because I do think we need to be careful and avoid overconfidence. Jay Heaps will have our guys ready. Given Tuesday’s injury report, I think the team has been preparing to play without our captain, Shalrie Joseph, all week. His absence should help focus minds, but we should still be confident that if the Revs execute their game then we’ll end up with more goals than TFC. Whether through Tierney and Nguyen on the left, from Benny in the middle, or from someone else, New England will get the ball forward. Saer Sene will contribute to scoring, whether a goal, an assist, or more, he will trouble the Toronto backline.
Friday’s injury report confirms that both Shalrie Joseph and Jose Moreno will be out this weekend. The report has also upgraded to ‘probable’ both Ryan Guy and Clyde Simms. I think we will see a similar line up to the Columbus game. Benny will stay in the middle with Simms at defensive midfielder instead of Shalrie. I suspect that Cardenas or Rowe will start on the right and Brettschnieder will be our second forward. Unless there is an injury to someone on our backline: (from L to R) Tierney, Soares, McCarthy, and Alston will all go the full 90 minutes. Who will come on as subs, where, and when, will all be interesting decisions for Jay and the coaching staff. Situations during the game will have a huge influence on this, but I think Rowe and Nyassi will be the first two subs to come on before the 70th minute. Their speed and combination play could bring a late goal or more.
I think that any late Revolution goals will only add to our lead. I predict that New England will earn our first victory in Toronto with a multiple goal margin. Whether that is 2-0 or 3-1 wouldn’t really matter to me, though a third straight shut out would be a nice little streak to bring home for next week’s game. To get a win against this wounded animal of a club, though, will require a fast start from the Revs along with concentration and execution. I don’t think we’ll see a defensive minded New England game plan. Our Revs will go for the win, but the wings might be a bit less adventurous leaving Feilhaber and Sene to build up our chances. Of course, I also wouldn’t be surprised if our wing backs start the plays that lead to goals, either. If the game unfolds differently, and Toronto threatens us first, I still believe that the Revs can come back and win this game. Our next game against Toronto in is New England in three weeks. With only one point from the draw to Columbus, our Eastern Conference playoff aspirations would surely be helped by a full six points from these two Toronto games.
(image courtesy of revolutionsoccer.net)
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