Toronto FC face big challenge as they aim to set club record

By Paul Taylor | Jun 3, 2017

May 31, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney prior to the Canadian Championship semi-finals against the Ottawa Fury FC at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /

With a new club record on the line, Toronto FC shouldn’t expect an easy ride as they prepare to face the New England Revolution in Foxborough.

Toronto FC‘s depth will be once again put to the test on Saturday, as they face the Revolution without Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, who are both away on international duty. Tosaint Ricketts will also be absent due to a hamstring injury he suffered midweek, versus the Ottawa Fury.

However, playing shorthanded is nothing new for a team heralded as having the deepest roster in MLS. Plus, a certain Sebastian Giovinco is now back in the lineup.

This has admittedly been a frustrating season for the Reds’ Italian superstar, having already missed five regular season games through injury. Regardless, Giovinco is tied for the team lead with six goals and his return couldn’t come at a better time. (He played the second half of Wednesday’s Canadian Championship match and scored the fourth goal.)

The best indicator of Toronto FC’s strength in depth comes from the fact they currently have the best record in MLS, which includes the fewest losses (one). Saturday’s game in Foxborough will have added significance, as they take aim at a new club record.

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If TFC can avoid defeat versus the Revolution, they will set a new record of nine games unbeaten. However, even though the odds makers believe this will happen, if doesn’t mean it will be easy.

That’s because the Revolution are one of just five teams unbeaten at home this season. In fact, their unbeaten home streak currently stands at 10 games when you include last season, with them outscoring the opposition 26-7 in that time.

Toronto FC will also have to contend with playing on artificial turf. Regardless of the fact the turf in question was recently laid, it still impacts players more than natural grass.

However, as mentioned earlier, TFC only need to avoid defeat to set a new club record. In that respect they are well-placed, with just one loss in seven away games this season. (3-1-3.)

It also helps that the Reds have had a solid back line up to this point. Entering Saturday’s game they have conceded just six away goals, good enough for third-best in MLS.

Overall, Toronto FC are ready for the challenge which faces them in Foxborough. Head coach Greg Vanney discussed Saturday’s game with Sportsnet and the rest of the Canadian Press:

"“Everybody is hungry,” Vanney said Thursday. “Every time I tell somebody they’re not going to be in the 18, or not start, it’s a battle because they all want to play. It will be no different on the weekend. Everybody wants their shot and it will about choosing a group that fits together nicely to get the game started, and then setting ourselves up to get three points at the end of it.”"

May proved to be a busy month fixture-wise for TFC. However, the motivation for giving one final push on Saturday, comes with the knowledge they will then have two weeks off before they play again.

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Toronto FC’s all-time record at New England

Two wins – four ties – seven losses (8-22 goals scored)

Last game at Gillette Stadium: Revolution 1-1 TFC (April 9, 2016)

Next: TFC continue to be frustrated in New York

What are you expecting from Saturday’s clash between TFC and the Revolution? What do you predict the final outcome will be, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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