Toronto FC was back in training on Tuesday ahead of its top-of-the-table clash against the Chicago Fire this weekend.
Here are some news and notes from practice.
GETTING ON WITHOUT HAGGLUND
TFC confirmed on Monday afternoon that Nick Hagglund is expected to miss six to eight weeks with a left knee sprain. The defender suffered the injury during the first half of Saturday’s 4-1 home win over Portland while attempting to make a tackle on Timbers forward Darren Mattocks.
The injury to Hagglund was a cruel blow, as the 24-year-old sustained a torn MCL to the same knee in May and was making just his second start on Saturday since recently returning to full fitness.
“It was a weird tackle where my knee just hit the ground in a forceful way. I could feel it instantly. It’s unfortunate with everything I’ve been through, but all I can do is deal with it and work hard to come back. Hopefully I’ll return in time for the playoffs,” Hagglund told Sportsnet.
The loss of Hagglund is somewhat mitigated by the outstanding form of Chris Mavinga. The Frenchman deputized for Hagglund during his previous injury spell, firmly establishing himself in TFC’s three-man defence.
TFC can also still call upon veteran defender Jason Hernandez, who subbed in during the Portland game and effectively filled in for Hagglund. Also, Steven Beitashour is expected to return to action after being out injured since late June.
“We’re comfortable with our [remaining] defenders, and we also have other guys who can play in the fullback and centre back roles… so we have cover, that’s not our concern. Really, it’s just to try to have as many of our options possible as we get to the playoffs, and that includes getting Nick back into the fold,” coach Greg Vanney said.
On a personal level, Vanney couldn’t help but feel sorry for the young defender after all that he’s been through.
“It’s heartbreaking for him to have put so much into the last 12 weeks to get back from the first [injury] and to only be a couple of games back and to have another setback like that is pretty disappointing,” coach Greg Vanney said.
“Of all the guys who will attack it with a positive mentality, and to do everything he can to get himself back, he’ll be the guy who does it.”
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BEITASHOUR CLOSE TO RETURNING
Beitashour is back in full training following a lengthy injury layoff. The right wingback collided with Montreal Impact defender Kyle Fisher in the Canadian Championship final on June 27 and underwent surgery on his pancreas.
Beitashour has been out of commission ever since, but he could see action on Saturday in Chicago.
“There’s a chance that he could be available. It’s about fitness now and building up his strength and durability. He was off for quite a while and for a good stretch of that he was not able to do a lot of physical activity. It’s good to have him back in training. He’s getting sharper by the day… We won’t rush him into this but take the proper steps to build his fitness,” Vanney said.
Beitashour, 30, has been a mainstay for TFC ever since coming over in a trade with the Vancouver Whitecaps prior to the 2016 season, starting in 42 regular-season games and six playoff matches.
If it were up to the Iranian international, he’d play against Chicago.
“I want to play today. That’s my hope,” Beitashour said with a broad smile. “I don’t want to wait any longer, but obviously, it’s not my decision.”
OTHER INJURIES
Defender Oyvind Alseth suffered a laceration to his foot during the 4-0 win over New York City FC at home on July 30. As a result, he sat out the next two matches, including Saturday’s win over Portland. Vanney confirmed the Norwegian rookie is back in full training and will be available to play in Chicago.
Midfielder Benoit Cheyrou remains out long term with a calf tear. The Frenchman suffered the injury during a 1-1 draw at home against the Colorado Rapids on July 22 and was originally ruled out for at least eight weeks. There’s no update on his condition.
Get hype! @justmorrow is your #MLS Player of the Week following a two-goal performance vs. @TimbersFC
https://t.co/ipCzSLpX6b#TFCLive pic.twitter.com/f7TmJIbUQM
— Toronto FC (@torontofc) August 15, 2017
LOOKING AHEAD TO CHICAGO
Saturday’s match is the second and final regular-season meeting between Toronto (first place in MLS) and Chicago (third place). The Reds earned a 3-1 home win on April 21, with Sebastian Giovinco bagging a brace and Eriq Zavaleta also scoring.
The Fire are coming off a 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew. That result, combined with TFC’s win over Portland, allowed Toronto to open up a six-point lead over Chicago (and a four-point gap on second-place NYCFC), although the Fire have a game in hand on both clubs. Chicago will make up that game when it visits the Montreal Impact on Wednesday.
Chicago boasts the best home record in MLS, with 10 wins and one draw, while Toronto has earned more road points (17) than any other team this season.
This game could have big implications on the race for the Supporters’ Shield, the award given to the team who finishes the regular season in first place. Finishing first also guarantees home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
“[Chicago is] an Eastern Conference team so it counts more than just three points, it’s a six-point game, in essence,” Beitashour said.
“We’re down to the final stretch. Ten games left [in the regular season] is really when it’s crunch time and you have to get mentally sharp and al the kinks out. This is a good test, as they’ve been on our tail the whole season.”
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