Are you smarter than Paul Mariner: Round 18

There was a time when getting points on the road in back to back games was a positive no matter how it was done. The fact that supporters can be disappointed with how the New York and Chicago games played out is a sign of how Toronto FC has grown and what this squad is capable of. Three points at home more often than not is the next step in this progression. On Saturday TFC have the chance to take the full points at BMO Field.

Good news for the Reds is that DC will be without Fabian Espindola for the foreseeable future. Espindola was on fire before the World Cup break and his injury is a big blow to DC. United who couldn’t find the back of the net without him this past weekend in Seattle and the Sounders haven’t’ been known for their stingy defense this season. With a cohesive unit at the back TFC should like their chances.

It took a few games but DC has seemed to figure out things that on their defensive end as well this season. Will Jermain Defoe get the service when he manages to find some space in the DC backfield? Will Gilberto be recovered from the injury he picked up in New York? If Gilberto isn’t ready to go will Oduro start up top with Defoe? Michael Bradley will likely be available for selection after the US loss to Belgium, so there is some midfield flexibility .

Can TFC pick up all three points at home and continue their rise in the Eastern Conference standings? Post your predictions below or tweet your predictions to me, @Stouffvillain to ensure that your entry is accurately logged. As always 2 points for the correct result, 1 point for the correct TFC score and 1 point for the correct opponent score. Here are the up to date results.