Toronto FC begins a new bankruptcy about six hundred miles from BMO Field on Sunday when it first begins at its pandemic home away from home in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Forced to end the MLS season south of the border due to COVID-19 restrictions that prohibit groups from coming north, Toronto (7-2-4) “hosts” Columbus Crew SC (9-1- 3), league leader, in first of six regular season games at Pratt
It’s an East Conference heavyw8 war, a confusing attack by the fact that either club is their third game in 8 days.
“It’s going to be a smart test,” Toronto coach Greg Vanney said. “This is a team that has proven to be one of the leaders this year, that’s for sure, especially in terms of opposing goals but also very smart in creating opportunities.
“I know from our point of view that we are ahead of this game. That’s another challenge. And this is our first chance to play here in Hartford. The fields are in very good condition and we have enjoyed our stay here so far. So we must start on the right foot if we can. “
Columbus coach Caleb Porter admits that all he knows about Hartford Stadium is what he saw online, but he also welcomes the challenge, if the variety headaches are due to schedule congestion.
“If we need to be the most productive, we have to beat the most productive,” Porter said. “And I’d say Toronto is one of the most productive groups in the league. “
“I can’t wait to watch the game,” he added. I know the boys are. I think it will tell us a lot about where we are. “
For the fourth seed Toronto, there is a chance of derailing a team on a six-game undefeated streak after beating New York City FC 1-0 in the middle of the week.
Columbus went 4-0-2 in his last six outings, beating the opponent 10-3 on the way. The team conceded two goals in a singles match in thirteen games, with nine bleachers.
Columbus (conceting 0. 38 goals consistent with the game) and NYCFC (0. 77) were 1-2 in the league in defence after mid-week games. Toronto 6th (1. 08).
But NYCFC, which ranked 25th in attack with 0. 77 goals consistent with the game, Columbus ranked 8 (1. 69), just above Toronto (1. 62).
The team plays out of the 3 designated players.
U. S. foreign striker Gyasi Zardes leads the attack with goals and three assists, while Argentine offensive midfielder Lucas Zelarayan has five goals and 4 assists (in single games).
Portuguese midfielder Pedro Santos has 3 goals and six assists, with all goals and 4 assists in the last few games.
“There’s been a lot of talk about our defense, and yet I think quietly, we’re fitting into one of the league’s offensive groups,” Porter said after Columbus’ 2-1 weekday victory over Minnesota.
Santos and Zelarayan had a purpose and assistance, Santos prepared Zelarayan to complete a sublime series of 17 passes that began with a purpose kick.
“There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing a purpose like that take shape,” Porter said, “and it’s not by accident. These are things that are practiced and trained. “
Santos turned his head with the crew’s bow, covering a shot from a closed angle.
Despite the five-point hole in the standings, Porter sees him as the loser on Sunday.
“Listen, it’s a wonderful club. And they’re definitely the favorites in the game,” he said of Toronto. “Obviously, we’re at the highest level of sense of ranking, but most people will favor them, for an intelligent explanation of why” why) what they’ve done in the last three or four years.
“We haven’t done anything yet and it’s proven to be one of the most productive clubs in MLS. They have quality players, they have a smart coach. And that’s why they’ve been in or around the MLS. Cut the last three,” 4 years. So this is our most complicated test. “
While he holds a home record with a 6-0-0 record, Columbus has a 0-1-3 away record (not to mention his 3 wins in organizing matches at the MLS is Back Tournament in Florida).
The stands at the 38,000-seat site will be empty on Sunday, although Toronto president Bill Manning has said the club may have the option of letting some supporters in for later games, according to local authorities.
TORONTO FC (7-2-4) vs. TORONTO COLUMBUS CREW SC (9-1-3)
Sunday, 7:30 p. m. ET at Pratt
CANADIENS LIENS: The Columbus front includes 3 former Toronto executives: Tim Bezbatchenko (President and General Manager), Jaime McMillan (Vice President of Football Administration and Operations) and Corey Wray (Deputy General Manager and General Manager of Crew 2). Goalkeeper Pat Onstad is the technical director of Columbus, vice president of football operations.
BLESSING REPORT: Columbus midfielder Fatai Alashe is recovering from a hip challenge that shortened his appearance on weekdays. TFC captain Michael Bradley (knee) and Brazilian defender Auro Jr. (bruise on the ankle) are in rehab in Toronto.
IN MOVEMENT: Toronto ceded 20-year-old midfielder Noble Okello to Danish departmental team HB Koge for the remainder of the 2020 season. Okello made his MLS debut on July 21 against New England at the MLS is Back tournament.
This Canadian Press report was first published on September 25, 2020.
—
Follow @NeilMDavidson on Twitter