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With every win now, it seems like Toronto FC can create some sort of history. Today, with a win or a draw Toronto FC could tie the club's record for longest unbeaten streak, set in 2010 at eight games. A win, combined with an FC Dallas loss, could also see them climb to the top of the supporter's shield standings.
If that's not reason enough for the team to get up for this game, it is also rivalry week and therefore they meet the Montreal Impact today in the 401 derby. Toronto FC has dominated the Impact this season, beating them both at Saputo Stadium before a win and a draw in the Canadian Championship.
Here are three stories to look for in today's match:
Dealing with Nacho
There are a number of players on the Montreal Impact that Toronto FC will have to keep in mind when defending tonight, but perhaps none more than Ignacio Piatti. The Montreal midfield has given Toronto FC fits in the past, including his role in their dismantling during last year's MLS playoffs.
Piatti hasn't been particularly good of late, but Toronto won't want to give him any sort of chance to return to his run of form that came earlier in the season. For the first half of the year he was in the discussion for league MVP, and regardless of a recent slump he still has 13 goals and 5 assists to his name.
A First Choice Lineup
Toronto FC has had this game circled on their schedule for some time. Evidence of that came on Wednesday, when they rested a number of their starters with an eye toward today's game. Looking at the team sheet today, it's obvious that Toronto is going for three points, everyone who is healthy is playing.
Fullbacks Justin Morrow and Steven Beitashour have returned to the lineup against Orlando City, and will be a huge key to the match. Dominic Oduro and Piatti are big threats out wide for the Impact, and Toronto will need a strong performance from their wide defenders to keep them off the scoresheet.
Catching The Impact on the Counter
The Montreal Impact has been very poor defensively of late, and a big reason for that is how they handle counterattacks. It is no secret that Montreal's wingbacks like to roam up the field, a little too high at times. That leaves space in behind for other teams to exploit.
Toronto FC just happens to be one of the best counterattacking teams in the league, and will look to stretch the Impact backline again today. If they do it could be yet another lopsided victory for the reds.
Lineups:
Toronto FC: Bono; Beitashour, Moor, Zavaleta, Morrow; Bradley, Johnson, Delgado, Osorio; Altidore, Giovinco
Subs: Roberts, Hagglund, Lovitz, Endoh, Cooper, Cheyrou, Ricketts
Montreal Impact: Bush; Oyongo, Ciman, Camara, Toia; Mallace, Bernadelo; Piatti, Bekker, Oduro; Drogba
More Information:
Venue: BMO Field Toronto, ON
Kickoff: 7:30 PM eastern
SB Nation Opposition Blog: Mount Royal Soccer
TV: TSN
Streaming: TSN Go