New York City Football Club travel north this week to face Toronto. The game should be a good one even though the records of the two teams could not be more different.
Last year Toronto was the best team in the league from start to finish. they were the team that Patrick Vieira measured his by and hoped to compete against. This year they have one of the worst records in Major League Soccer, but the spine of last year’s team remains and, with a healthy Jozy Altidore on the squad again, they are a much harder team to beat. Toronto are also down to the wire and desperate for wins if they are to make the playoffs.
New York City are almost assured of a playoff spot this year and in a race for the Supporter’s Shield. They are unbeaten at home this season and looking to pick up points to overtake their cross-river rivals. They are unbeaten at home but their travels this year have not been wonderful. They have lost 5 times on the road and often by multiple goals. This weekend’s match up in Canada is very dangerous indeed.
Toronto are a much better squad with Altidore in the mix. He takes the pressure off Giovinco to create and draws defenders away to give Giovinco more space to operate. Altidore is an offensive force in his own right with a powerful frame and a rocket of a shot. He has gotten better at creating chances for his teammates as well. With Altidore back on the squad NYCFC must be very solid in the back and not give away any foolish chances.
New York City are also bolstered by the return of their star. David Villa has been removed from the injury report and is fully healthy for the match. It remains to be seen if he is match fit or not but he is a force either way, His passion and determination was sorely missed in the draw with Vancouver last week.
The club had also added some new faces since they faced Toronto at home in June. Eloi Amagat, Valentin Castellanos and Daniel Bedoya are all fresh signings. Castellanos started the match against Vancouver and acquitted himself well scoring the second goal for NYC. He will probably start on the bench in Toronto with the return of Villa but will be in the rotation. Amagat is an unknown quantity in the midfield and again will most likely just be there for depth.
This should be a fast paced and exciting match as both teams have a lot to play for. Toronto simply cannot afford to lose points at home if they hope to have any chance at making the playoffs and NYCFC must prove thy can win on the road. Whatever happens at 4 PM on Sunday, it will not be boring.
