The Paul Mariner era is off and running. More sloppy defending and poor marking cost the Reds two points on Wednesday, but Mariner’s club managed an unexpected draw against the Dynamo at BBVA Compass Field. Toronto entered the final twenty minutes with a 3-1 lead, but goals from Brad Davis and Will Bruin just went to show that this team still has plenty of work to do.
Houston scored two goals off corners or crossed balls, making it four goals TFC have conceded in that fashion in the last two games. Man marking has been somewhat of an Achilles heel for the club all season and is a leading factor in the club’s MLS leading twenty-six goals against.
On the bright side, after nine straight losses to start the season, Toronto has managed to pick up four points from their last three games. It is quite possible the team is beginning to right the ship. They have a good opportunity to continue this trend on Saturday when the New England Revolution visit BMO Field.
TFC remain undefeated in five all-time meetings with the Revs at BMO Field, winning two of those. Danny Koevermans scored in the 83rd minute in last year’s meeting to secure a 2-2 draw.
Koevermans will be looking to keep his recent form Saturday, having scored three goals in the club’s last three games. He now has five of the club’s eleven goals this season, even after missing more than a month due to injury. Koevermans will likely start alongside Ryan Johnson up front in Mariners ‘revamped’ 4-4-2 formation.
Meanwhile, in the midfield, Toronto will continue to be without rookie Luis Silva- as well as forward Nick Soolsma and defender Miguel Aceval- as the investigation pertaining to their arrests in Houston early in the week is still ongoing.
Mariner will likely field a similar formation to that of Wednesday night’s in Houston, with a few tweaks possible as he may elect to give some players a rest. The back four will have the tough task of trying to stop the Revs dangerous striker, Saer Sene. The Frenchman has seven goals in thirteen games for the Revs in his first MLS season.
The Revs have struggled this season on the road, managing just one win in seven games. Both teams can score and will be desperate for points, meaning we are likely in for a wide open contest at BMO.
To hear more of my thoughts on the game, including my prediction, listen as I join New England writers and radio starts @RKSwan and @mrjnelson as a guest on their show “The Rebel Alliance.” You can download the show on iTunes by searching “The Rebel Alliance” or listen to it here.
(image courtesy of Getty Images)
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