Coming off last week’s memorable win at CenturyLink Field, Toronto FC will defend its fortress against desperate Eddie Johnson and D.C. United. Last season’s flops face off after picking up contrasting results from their first games of the season.
Toronto FC announced a new a revitalized to Major League Soccer viewers with a surprise victory against Seattle Sounders. Even though one of Ryan Nelsen’s three designated player signings had to sit out the game due to injury, the club recorded its second opening game victory since it joined the league. Jermaine Defoe and Michael Bradley played all 90 minute and the English striker picked up his team 2 goals.
Toronto FC announced a new a revitalized to Major League Soccer viewers with a surprise victory against Seattle Sounders. Even though one of Ryan Nelsen’s three designated player signings had to sit out the game due to injury, the club recorded its second opening game victory since it joined the league. Jermaine Defoe and Michael Bradley played all 90 minute and the English striker picked up his team 2 goals.
D.C. United players were left with their faces planted in their palms by Columbus Crew. Federico Higuain was the catalyst for the black and gold team. The Argentine scored two goals in a 3-0 rout of the capital club. Ben Olsen’s idea of becoming an offensive powerhouse was turned down by the Crews’ frugal defense. The capital club saw less of the ball, its midfielders couldn't connect with the forwards and the team only managed one shot on goal in 90 minutes.
On Saturday, Johnson will get a second chance to prove that he deserves his DP salary. The American forward’s first outing in a DC United shirt was prosaic. The powerful poacher wasn't a handful for Columbus’ defense. He and his strike partner Fabian Espindola exhibited limited chemistry. The two veterans were too easy to contain because of their lack of movement and sluggish runs in behind the defense.
The forwards weren’t helped by their coach’s decision to start a central midfielder on the right wing. Undeterred by his 12-year experience, Davy Arnaud is more comfortable and efficient in the middle of the park. The 33-year-old isn’t the type of players to stay wide and serve balls into the box.
With a player like Johnson on your team, Olsen (right) has to realize he needs multiple wingers on his team. Johnson lives off crosses. He is a forward who does most of his damage inside the box. Mauro Rosales is one of the greatest to ever play for Seattle because he had Johnson in the box waiting for his deliveries. The Argentine never hesitated to use the little speed he has left in the tank to take on outside backs and whip in the ball for the towering American to head home.
On Saturday, Johnson will get a second chance to prove that he deserves his DP salary. The American forward’s first outing in a DC United shirt was prosaic. The powerful poacher wasn't a handful for Columbus’ defense. He and his strike partner Fabian Espindola exhibited limited chemistry. The two veterans were too easy to contain because of their lack of movement and sluggish runs in behind the defense.
The forwards weren’t helped by their coach’s decision to start a central midfielder on the right wing. Undeterred by his 12-year experience, Davy Arnaud is more comfortable and efficient in the middle of the park. The 33-year-old isn’t the type of players to stay wide and serve balls into the box.
With a player like Johnson on your team, Olsen (right) has to realize he needs multiple wingers on his team. Johnson lives off crosses. He is a forward who does most of his damage inside the box. Mauro Rosales is one of the greatest to ever play for Seattle because he had Johnson in the box waiting for his deliveries. The Argentine never hesitated to use the little speed he has left in the tank to take on outside backs and whip in the ball for the towering American to head home.
With specific line-up changes expected from Olsen, Nelsen has nothing to worry about. His starting line-up in the first game of the season looks healthy and capable of taking of business. Gilberto's absence means veteran Dwayne De Rosario should get the nod next to Defoe.
The performance by Nelsen’s men against the Sounders proves they are worthy Supporter Shield contenders. On hostile ground, youngsters on the team were discipline and energetic, while the more experienced players controlled the tempo of the game. Jonathan Osorio’s display in midfield was what the doctor ordered and Doneil Henry and Steven Caldwell looked like a force forwards will despise going up against.
Match-ups to watch out for
Steven Caldwell vs Eddie Johnson: the experienced captain meets his match in the form of and eager Johnson. The forward has something to prove, but the 33-year-old wont be easy to dispatch.
Perry Kitchen vs Jonathan Osorio: Osorio isn’t shy when it comes to going forward, but he’ll face one of the best young defensive midfielders in the league.
Jermaine Defoe vs D.C. United’s defense: After getting torched by the Crew at home, United’s defenders can redeem themselves against a cunning striker.
Prediction
Toronto FC 3:1 D.C. United
The performance by Nelsen’s men against the Sounders proves they are worthy Supporter Shield contenders. On hostile ground, youngsters on the team were discipline and energetic, while the more experienced players controlled the tempo of the game. Jonathan Osorio’s display in midfield was what the doctor ordered and Doneil Henry and Steven Caldwell looked like a force forwards will despise going up against.
Match-ups to watch out for
Steven Caldwell vs Eddie Johnson: the experienced captain meets his match in the form of and eager Johnson. The forward has something to prove, but the 33-year-old wont be easy to dispatch.
Perry Kitchen vs Jonathan Osorio: Osorio isn’t shy when it comes to going forward, but he’ll face one of the best young defensive midfielders in the league.
Jermaine Defoe vs D.C. United’s defense: After getting torched by the Crew at home, United’s defenders can redeem themselves against a cunning striker.
Prediction
Toronto FC 3:1 D.C. United