The Philadelphia Union are unbeaten in three MLS fixtures as they head into what could prove to be their toughest challenge this season. After losing to a very focused AFC Bournemouth in a friendly, the Union travel to Toronto before their Open Cup fixture against New York Red Bulls. After that it’s back to D.C as the two sides start to build up quite the rivalry. The Union have the confidence and for now have all of they key parts needed to steal a point or perhaps even three, but can they stop Sebastian Giovinco?
Toronto’s star scored three goals in just nine minutes in Toronto’s most recent fixture against New York City FC, tying for the third fastest hat-trick in league history. Giovinco has eleven goals thus far in his debut MLS season. Racking up eight assists in the process, The 28 year old has taken the league by storm in the six months he has been a factor and is one of the primary reasons that Toronto are looking to make the play-offs for the first time in the teams nine year history.
Stopping him, is a chore that teams hate to partake in. Many, like New York try to utilise a much more physical type of game by using harsh tackling and trying to frustrate the former Juventus midfielder, but all that seems to do is give him plenty of open space once he has shaken the tackle..and he doesn’t need a lot to fire a cannon from 30 yards out.
Normally you would expect Curtin to have Edu man mark him in a defensive midfielder role but he’s missing the game due to suspension. Carroll will probably take over DM duties and sit in front of the two centrebacks. The only way to stop Giovinco is to not stop him…the more you focus on closing him down, the more room opens up for someone like Altidore to break free. The Union simply have to play a much more conservative game and keep the back four retained even when attacking. Fabinho is going to play a large role in this game as he will close into the centre to try and cover the gaps between the flanks and the centre should Giovinco attempt to break down the left hand side.
Formation wise, Cur
tin could do a few things but we feel this would be the most effective. Yes Toronto are dangerous attacking but they also conceded four against New York in the same game Giovinco made history. If the Philadelphia Union can retain possession and attempt to break through the centre, the chances of success will increase. Not only due to defensive inconsistency when opposition’s storm forward ( conceding 27 goals, only 5 less than the much lesser placed Union) but because of two MAJOR reasons.
Normally this wouldn’t be an option but with Michael Bradley missing from the lineup it takes away a huge road block for the Union. Before, storming up the centre would have been almost impossible due to the US International Captain having such great command over the centre, but without him..the Union can really strike fast and hard on the counter. Also, Chris Konopka will miss the fixture following a challenge on David Villa, leaving Toronto with last years starting goalie to cover. A lack of match fitness and chemistry with his teammates will only play into the hands of the Union.
This does however mean dropping Le Toux and Wenger back to RM and LM as opposed to wingers. By doing this it provides pacey cover should Giovinco or Altidore break through. Maidana has been a wizard in the midfield as of late and creating chances when placed slightly higher up the pitch should provide no problem. Carroll will sit behind the two and attempt to break up any plays, feeding the ball to the flanks for either the wide midfielders or the fullbacks to work up the pitch.
Curtin may decide to drop the two CM’s behind the half way line in an attempt to park the bus, but all that’s doing is waving a white flag and expecting Toronto to fire everything they have at you. We’re from Philly, we fight. This formation would exploit Toronto’s shaky defence and fight fire with fire. Sylvestre is proving to be reliable in goal whilst the passing chemistry between the Union just keeps improving. If the blues play to their advantages instead of trying to stop Toronto’s, there is no reason they can’t kill off another big name.
Prediction: Yes, the Union are shorthanded without Edu and with a player as prominent as Giovinco, it will be no easy task. But Toronto are without Michael Bradley, Altidore is still not 100% and a backup keeper is minding the net. If the Union are smart and keep a calm and collected gameplan, they could very easily snatch three points, if not then a draw. Both teams should find the net relatively easily making for a very exciting game.
Score: Toronto FC 2-2 Philadelphia Union
