History and replay add to RFK mismatch
It’s first against worst Saturday as league-leading Toronto FC travels to D.C. United.
But TFC coach Greg Vanney’s team will be mindful of missing out on two points in a 1-1tie with lowly Colorado two weeks ago as it prepares to face a slumping D.C. team that has lost six straight, one short of the franchise worst. Toronto, in contrast, has lost just two of its last 16 league matches since mid-April and, at 12-3-7, enters Saturday’s game at RFK Stadium with a 25-point advantage over D.C. United at 5-14-3.
“I know (D.C. coach Ben Olsen) very well,” said Vanney. “He’s not giving up on the season and he’s not going to let them off the hook. They’ll come out fighting.”
All Toronto has to do is recall the July 22 game in which Toronto gave up a 76th-minute goal after a giveaway and had to settle for the draw with the Rapids. Vanney calls the letdown a reminder to “take no situation for granted and no team for granted.”
Saturday’s contest — which will feature the MLS debut of video replay — marks Toronto’s 13th (4-5-3) and last at RFK Stadium. D.C. United will move to Audi Field in 2018.
“I’ve been a part of a lot of battles there, but I do think it’s time to move on from that stadium,” Vanney said of the 56-year-old venue. “I think it’s outdated in terms of where this sport and league are going.”
D.C. United, a four-time MLS champion, has struggled of late, outplayed and outspent by rivals.
“With new digs and some investment, they’ll find their way,” Vanney said. “They’ve got smart guys. Ben’s a bright guy. He’s won in this league. He’ll find his way through it.”
The D.C. payroll pales in comparison to Toronto’s. Argentine attacker Luciano Acosta is the highest-paid player at $602,000 (all dollars U.S.) and the team has just two others who make more than $300,000: Steven Birnbaum ($499,996) and Bill Hamid ($395,500).
By comparison, Spanish playmaker Victor Vazquez ranks fourth on the Toronto payroll at $700,000. Designated players Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco make a combined $18.5 million.
More numbers paint a bleak picture: D.C. United ranks 22nd in goals (18) and 20th in goals against (42) — conceding four in three of their last four games, and four or more five times this season, a league worst. They’ve been shut out 13 times.
TFC, which enters weekend play with a five-point lead over its nearest rival, has allowed just 22 goals in 22 matches and is well-positioned to finish first overall. Eight of their remaining 12 games are against clubs below the playoff line.