FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS—Friday was one of those crazy days for Toronto FC as they flew into Boston for this weekend’s match with the New England Revolution.
What should have been an 80-minute flight and a 40-minute drive to the hotel turned out to be a five-and-a-half hour journey thanks to plane problems at Pearson Airport in Toronto.
But the way it’s shaping up, that could the worst experience of the entire weekend. I like their chances against New England Saturday night.
Saturday programming alert: Watch New England Revolution vs. Toronto FC on Sportsnet 360 at 7:30 pm ET. || Sportsnet NOW || Broadcast schedule
The injury situation is not really as bad as might have first appeared. Yes, captain Michael Bradley is out 7-10 days with a calf strain, and left fullback Ashton Morgan didn’t make the trip either. But newcomer Ahmed Kantari is poised to make his first start in the centre of defence, and the club just announced the signing of defender Josh Williams after picking him up off waivers (although he won’t be available for this game). The 27-year-old journeyman will primarily be a squad player and adds depth at a position where it has been sorely missing this season for the Reds.
Then there’s Sebastian Giovinco, who made the trip even though he’s dealing with a nagging heel injury, and has not fully recovered. But he looks good in training and seems to have a spring in his step from what I’ve seen. My guess is he’ll start against New England alongside Jozy Altidore.
Toronto managed a draw here the last time these teams played in May. Not long after that New England spiralled into a five game losing streak—six if you include a loss to Charlotte in the U.S. Open Cup. Yes, they’ve rebounded since then with a win and a draw albeit against lowly NYCFC and Chicago.
This is a big one though, as they all are from here on in. TFC is level on points with New England for fourth place in the Eastern Conference, and a victory could give the Reds a seven-point cushion in the playoff race.
It will be hot, but no hotter than Columbus where they pulled out that highly unlikely draw a week ago. I think this one’s here for the taking.