Toronto FC’s experience to be tested in MLS Cup Final vs. Sounders
Toronto FC will face a familiar foe in the MLS Cup Final but the Seattle Sounders present a more significant challenge this time around.
Going into the season, there were some doubts about Toronto FC‘s chances to go on a legitimate run to the MLS Cup Final.
One thing you can bet, nobody expected TFC to be going up against the Seattle Sounders for the third time in four years. While fans are complaining about getting another chance to win a championship, it feels different this time around.
Toronto’s journey was not an easy one after demolishing D.C. United at BMO Field. They followed up their impressive dominance to defy the odds on the road against New York City FC and Atlanta United FC.
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Similarly, Seattle took care of LAFC in shocking fashion to get a chance to win the rubber match at home. The Sounders probably feel more comfortable after beating TFC 3-2 at CenturyLink Field back in April.
It’s becoming less likely that the team will be without Jozy Altidore who has been nursing a quad injury. Altidore’s injury status has raised tension especially with head coach Greg Vanney who got tired of getting asked questions about it constantly.
While Altidore’s potential absence is a tough pill to swallow, the team has been able to get by in spite of it. Fortunately for TFC, they have been able to rely on Alejandro Pozuelo to pick up the slack offensively and are expected to get Omar Gonzalez back on Sunday.
Another storyline to keep an eye on is that Michael Bradley in a position to secure a one-year $6.5 million deal. He continues to be the glue that has kept Toronto together following the departure of Sebastian Giovinco and Altidore’s injuries.
This will likely come down to how Vanney manages in-game situations which came into question earlier into the season when fans were calling for the coach’s job. Now he gets a chance to win his 100th game as the bench boss.
It’s that experience TFC is going to need on Sunday because the odds won’t be in their favour and it’s hard to not have confidence in the manager who has gotten his team to multiple MLS Cup Finals.
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What do you think about TFC’s odds to beat the Sounders on Sunday? What is going to be a big challenge in this game? Let us know in the comments below.