How long has it been since the Union last won a playoff game? Sorry, that was a trick question, the answer is never. Then how about Toronto? When did they last win a playoff game? Hopefully at this point you’ve caught onto my spiel, and we can get past the fact that after Wednesday night, one of these two clubs will win it’s first every MLS playoff game.
So prediction time! Let’s talk about who the big winner will be. There is no doubt that the winner will be…
Ok, well it’s not that easy. Yes, Philadelphia hasn’t won a game in their last 7 games. Yes soccer is a game where form matters. However, soccer is also a game where anything can happen. It so happens that in the 7 game stretch where the Union lost 5 games and drew 2, one of the draws was in Toronto. Should that have been a playoff game it is entirely possible the Union win on penalties and move on to the next round. It is also just as possible that Toronto wins, and moves on as well. So in reality it doesn’t make sense to make predictions. Anything can happen on any day, and will come down to how each team prepares and plays each part of the field.
Matchup #1: Tranquillo Barnetta vs. Michael Bradley
This will likely be the biggest and most important battle in Wednesday’s game. When Philly hosted Toronto in the summer, Bradley did a terrific job to contain, manhandle and control Barnetta. As soon as Bradley wins the ball the Union know it will be coming right back down their throats. Bradley is the cog that moves the Toronto machine, and he will be important in Toronto’s ability to get the ball from the backs, into the forwards. Meanwhile Barnetta is the key for the Union. Should he break past Bradley, and get a chance to run at Toronto’s back line, he will create chance after chance. If Barnetta can get past Bradley into that space, and the Union can finish their chances, it may be a long night for Bradley.
Matchup #2: Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore vs. Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbet and Andre Blake
This shouldn’t be fair, its a 3v2! I think most of you saw past that obviously fatuous comment so we can move to the fact that Sebastian Giovinco is incredibly difficult to contain, and Jozy Altidore is no slouch either. Josh Yaro might not be ready for the match, after his horrific concussion versus the Red Bulls several weeks back, so the Union will use Ken Tribbet, who does not have the same pace that Yaro has. Giovinco has to potential to run circles around Tribbet and Marquez, though Marquez does have a better chance to keep up with the quick Italian. But there comes power along with Giovinco’s finesse. Jozy Altidore is the kind of forward who will back right into defenders, but also use a turn of pace to speed past them. Marquez and Tribbet will likely try to play a bit deeper against Toronto for fear of Altidore and Giovinco creating 1v1’s with keeper Andre Blake. As long as Tribbet and Marquez prevent any breakaways, my money is on Blake to save any shots outside the box. The Jamaican keeper has kept the Union in more games than I’d like to remember. The saves he comes up with seem to defy gravity, as he extends his entire body through the air to stop shots that few would even try to stop. It will take a heroic effort from the Union defense to keep this Toronto line scoreless.
Matchup #3: WLDDDWL vs. LLLDLDL
While the Union’s form is tough to look upon, Toronto isn’t doing much better. Though winning 2 and losing 2 doesn’t seem like the worst record it should be noted that both Toronto’s wins came against 10th placed Chicago Fire. The Union have the potential to play at a level much higher than the Fire, and considering the fact that in those last 7 games Toronto and Philly drew 1-1, I think it’s safe to say this game is up for grabs.
Conclusion:
It should be stated that Toronto will go into Wednesday as favorites. The star powered team should be able to rise to the occasion and put a few goals past Blake. For the Union goals will be a big concern, but the biggest will be organization defensively. Goals have not been at a premium for the Union, so they shouldn’t expect to win 4-3. If the Union concedes 3 or even 2, it is unlikely that they can crawl their way back.
