MLS week three's featured match is without a doubt the Seattle Sounders visit to BMO Field for Toronto FC's first home game of the year (4pm, Fox Soccer Channel).
You have the hottest team in the league taking another one of the league's surprises. Two unbeaten teams with dangerous offenses and entertaining styles, in a match that will be played in front of a sold-out crowd.
The lingering drama surrounding the expected absence of Colombian striker Fredy Montero is taking some of the attention away from this match-up, but there is still plenty to talk about on the field to make this one worth digging into.
Here is a closer look at the match-up:
A game like this, with two strong teams, is all about individual match-ups, and there are plenty of potentially intriguing ones here. Here are just a few:
Amado Guevara vs. Osvaldo Alonso. Chances are these two midfielders have met before during Alonso's Cuban national team days, but what this will be is a true battle of fierce competitors. Guevara will be coming in off two international matches for Honduras, including a dramatic upset of Mexico, so you wonder what he will have in the tank. Alonso has been a real revelation for Seattle, providing that crucial bite in midfield while also showing a good passing eye as well. If Seattle wants to take any points from Toronto, Alonso must win this match-up.
Marvell Wynne vs. Sebastian LeToux. Talk about some speed and talent on display here. Nobody is faster than Wynne, but LeToux has a motor that will keep pressure on Wynne all day long. Whether it's LeToux or rookie Steve Zakuani, Wynne will have a tough assignment, but he has the ability to shut down any winger in MLS.
Pablo Vitti vs. Jhon Kennedy Hurtado. Hurtado has had a great first two weeks in MLS, but he will have a shifty striker to deal with in Vitti, who can beat you with the pass as well as the shot. With Tyrone Marshall likely to mark either Danny Dichio or Chad Barrett, Hurtado will try to use his speed to contain the dangerous Argentine.
Carl Robinson vs. Brad Evans. Seattle's high-octane attack benefits greatly from Evans' consistent forays into the final third. Robinson is one of the best defensive midfielders in the league and will need to try and stifle him if Toronto is to slow down the Sounders offense.
Those are just some of the great match-ups that will be on display in Toronto on Saturday. Which match-ups will you be watching? Can you see Seattle pulling the upset, or will Toronto hand the Sounders their first loss?
Share your thoughts below.
lol my bad, i meant Matt
I understand Scott, but the point of my post was to explain to some loser named Casey, the reason Toronto wasn’t successful on the pitch the first two seasons.
We had to use Canadian players, and American players used our international roster spots. They’re isnt that much Canadian talent in football because well, let’s face it. Canada’s population is 33 Million compared to Americas 336 Million or watever. Basicly, you guys have more talent to choose from. AND, we didn’t have a DP. So you guys had it easier than us.
But anyways, good game. I was there. I couldn’t even cheer cause it was so cold. I was dying. TFC is still the best though.
See ya in a few Seattle
How many teams in the league would turn down the chance to have Montero for a year?
I wouldn’t be all that surprised if we can get him for two.years though. The question is how long it’s going to take him to build a big enough name for himself to transfer to a club he actually wants.
Wow! How about this Seattle team! Schmid and Hanauer have done some job putting this team together. Three games in and they seem like a cohesive unit already. Hopefully, Montero gets over his ‘flu’ and gets back on the pitch. They will be a sight to see. (Juan Carlos Osorio,…are you taking notes?)
I was a little disapointed with TFC but it is early, they have great supporters and that beautiful stadium.
correction to my post: Montero
We only Montera signed for one year and that is all we expected out of him. If we get him for more that’s great, but he was brought in to win this year. Dil: Keller is from Washington State, so he is coming back to retire. He’s not a designated player, just a person that loves the Pacific Northwest US.
We have Ljunberg as a Designated player and Zakuani is Generation Adidas, so both don’t count against the cap, which is a smart business move and benefits the other players. Our team is solid and to think that your team with a losing season last year will crush the highest scoring team in MLS right now is pushing it. Our team is built to win this year and they have proven the can. It’s still really early but you have to respect the way they’re playing right now.
Hmm. Sucks much less to be a Sounders fan…
Horrid game because of the weather. No long passing to be found, and crosses were fruitless for both teams all game.
I was glad Freddy played fairly well though. Seattle is my new MLS team I guess until Atlanta is allowed in. Fairweather FTW!
Jaqua is such a sloppy player though. It’s almost like he fights with the ball sometimes. If he wasn’t good at flick passing he’d be complete garbage.
Seattle looks like a team that plays together, which gives them a chance to beat anyone. If they stay healthy, they should walk to the playoffs.
SOUNDERS FOR THE WIN… 3 games – 3 wins – 9 points!
Seattle doesn’t have a chance without Montero. Now let me just go check the score of the game to verify how correct I am!
you may even have a performance like Real the week after getting blanked by us…