MLS: TFC expects to rest players ahead of Canadian semifinal

The normal squad rotation from a mid-week to a weekend game will likely be taken up a notch Saturday when Toronto FC visits Atlanta United in the penultimate game of a dismal MLS season.

While sixth-place Atlanta (12-9-10) is looking to solidify a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, Toronto, in 13th place at 6-17-9, already has its eyes set on Wednesday’s Canadian Championship semifinal against visiting Pacific FC.

“I think we all know at this point that’s the priority for the team, for the club — the Canadian Championship,” said Toronto coach Javier Pérez. “Yes, it’s going to influence the (team) selection.”

The Canadian Championship, which Toronto has won seven times, offers a shot at something to celebrate in a season gone wrong. The Toronto-Pacific winner will face 2019 champion CF Montreal — which dispatched Forge FC on Wednesday in a marathon 11-round shootout that was eventually decided by penalties taken by the two goalkeepers — for the Voyageurs Cup.

With a trophy and berth in the CONCACAF Champions League on the line, Pérez is likely to rest some key players. Not that he is spoiled for choice with a lengthy injury list.

Designated player Yeferson Soteldo, who missed the last two games after limping out of the Oct. 20 loss to Miami, may be done for the season. Forward Ifunanyachi Achara will miss his fourth game. Centre back Eriq Zavaleta is also out, joining long-term absentees Ayo Akinola, Tsubasa Endoh and Ralph Priso.

Centre back Omar Gonzalez, forward Dom Dwyer, fullback/ wingback Richie Laryea and goalkeeper Alex Bono are listed as questionable.