Toronto FC needs a win versus Revolution
It’s a playoff scramble, and New England has been on a run
Toronto Football Club has had little joy on the road in New England over the years, but looks to break that hoodoo Saturday as it continues its final playoff push.
After defeating rival Montreal last weekend, Toronto (10-10-7) enters weekend play in eighth place in the East, just below the playoff line and the seventh-place Impact who have the same number of points but one more win. New England (10-9-8) stands sixth, one point ahead.
History is not on TFC’s side this weekend.
Toronto’s career record in New England is an underwhelming 2-10-4. The Revolution are undefeated in the past seven meetings (5-2-0) in Foxborough, Mass., dating back to 2014. New England has outscored Toronto 30-11 at home.
“It’s a difficult place to play ... We just haven’t gone there and really performed on a high level on the (artificial) turf,” said Toronto coach Greg Vanney, adding: “That’s going to change this weekend, I’m sure.
“Sometimes we just haven’t gotten the breaks that we’ve needed. We’ve allowed silly goals sometimes over the last few
years.”
Bad memories remain. Star striker Danny Koevermans, a designated player from the Netherlands, wrecked his knee on the artificial turf there in July 2012.
New England leads the overall series between the two with a 13-8-9 record.
Bruce Arena, former U.S. national team coach and five-time MLS Cup champion, inherited a 3-8-2 team when he took over the Revs on May 14 as coach and
sporting director. New England has gone 7-1-6 since.
The Revs have picked up at least a point in 14 of their last 15 games (8-1-6).
“They’re on a very good run,” said Toronto captain Michael Bradley.
“But this time of year you have to be ready to deal with all different types of games, all different circumstances. We understand that going to New England, playing on the turf, playing against a good team it will be a difficult
match. But it’s a match we’re looking forward to.”
While there are just seven games remaining in the regular season, Toronto remains a work in progress.
Vanney opted to sit Alejandro Pozuelo for the start of the game against Montreal. It’s clear he wants the talented Pozuelo to work his magic within the team’s structure rather than freelance.