In a season of dips and curves for Toronto FC, one which started with a string of away matches as BMO Field underwent construction, TFC find themselves at a crossroads due to recent form in Major League Soccer and will hope to pick up three points against the visiting D.C. United. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm ET on Saturday, July 23.
Toronto need Giovinco to find the goals again
Seven matches have passed since Sebastian Giovinco has found the back of the net and his lack of production has now influenced the team around him. Toronto have not managed to score many goals and having their main striker in the same sort of form has not helped them pick up any wins recently. Over the course of Giovinco's goal drought, the Reds have managed just two victories. The Italian will need to find the goals again for his own confidence and to help his team as the season begins to reach its pinnacle.
Vanney's tactics under scrutiny
Last weekend saw a hapless performance by Toronto as they lost to nine-men San Jose Earthquakes and the biggest concern from that loss was the lack of ability to convert their chances into goals. Many have also called into question manager Greg Vanney's tactics especially after that loss to San Jose, as his changes seem to either arrive too late or prove ineffective. Sometimes Vanney's tactics have proven sound but other times, it seems as though the team is struggling to play more than one way.
D.C. United's roller-coaster season continues
D.C. United have had a season of highs and lows so far and yet they find themselves one point off of a playoff spot. Their away record is not good reading, though; of the ten matches they have played so far they have won once, drawn four times and lost five times this season. Their most recent match was away at Colombus Crew where they picked up a late goal by Fabian Espindola to tie the match. Speaking of Espindola, his last goal for the team had been on April 9th and yet he still remains the club's top goalscorer. However, after trading him to New York City FC for Patrick Mullins, United will need to find a different goal source.
The backline a strong foothold for United
D.C. United will look to their defense, which has let in the least amount of goals in the Eastern conference, to prevent Toronto from gaining any goals. The backline, and in particular goalkeeper Bill Hamid, have been in fine form this season and have mostly covered up the cracks that have appeared due to the lack of goals up front.
Prediction
Both teams are not playing at their best and even though they both need the three points, their problems in front of goal could prevent either team from truly dominating proceedings. If Giovinco cannot find his form again, then expect another home draw for Toronto.