Toronto FC/Whitecaps Game Intro
MAY 23, 2012 @ TOR
5PM PDT
at BMO Field
The short Amway Canadian Championships playoff campaign comes to a conclusion tonight with the second leg of the final round clash between Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps. TFC has dominated the competition for three years running, taking both the Voyageurs Cup and the sole CONCACAF club berth that goes with it over that span.
With so much at stake, this match should be an absolute barnburner. Martin Rennie has held fast to his attacking 4-3-3 formation for almost the whole year and is likely to stick to his guns. TFC will also be looking at this game as one of the only options left to salvage its season, and will be keen to counter the Whitecaps offence.
Captain DeMerit looks to lead his team to Canadian glory. (Photo - WhitecapsFC.com)
Toronto FC
The Reds of Toronto started the year very poorly, and are still stuck on nine straight losses to open their MLS season. However, they have shown life in the Amway matches, and knocked out Montreal 2-0.
A return to the Champions League, where they progressed well last year, could also save coach Aron Winter’s job.
Dutch striker Danny Koevermans leads the Toronto attack, and scored on the past weekend in a loss to DC United. The team will also receive a boost from the likely return of inspirational German captain Torsten Frings.
The lively Joao Plata also presents a significant threat.
Vancouver
Martin Rennie needs his best players to show up tonight on the road if Vancouver is to gain their first significant silverware in the Voyageurs Cup.
The Champions League slot also presents the possibility of considerable extra revenue in the form of more games against international opposition.
Eric Hassli should be back in the starting lineup alongside Sebastien Le Toux. It will be very interesting to see who comes in up front beside the French duo. Darren Mattocks’ speed could be a game changer.
The most difficult choice will be between Davide Chiumiento or Camilo as the creative fulcrum in midfield.
Predictions
TFC has the most to lose, as they are already out of the race in the MLS Eastern Conference, but Vancouver is not about to roll over and lose the chance to take their first Amway title.
Vancouver will edge Toronto FC 2-1 in extra time.
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