The defending MLS Cup champions are vulnerable, and Revolution coach Brad Friedel’s squad is well aware of the importance of capitalizing on that when it hosts Toronto FC Saturday night.
New England returns to the friendly confines of Gillette Stadium following a 4-2 loss to the Impact in Montreal last Saturday. The Revolution (4-3-2) dug themselves a hole, trailing, 4-0, by the 68th minute. Wilfried Zahibo found the back of the net twice to cut the deficit in half, but it was too late for New England to leave Canada with any points.
Friedel has emphasized the importance of avoiding a losing streak to his team.
“Coach harps on not losing two games in a row, especially not losing games at home, so it’s going to be a big test,’’ said forward Teal Bunbury. “Toronto’s a great team, an Eastern Conference team, and these games mean a lot.
“Getting 3 points at home is our mind-set every game, and I think we’re going to be up for the challenge.’’
Meanwhile, Toronto (2-5-1) may be suffering from a bit of a championship hangover after winning the Supporters’ Shield and the MLS Cup last season. The Reds sit second from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings after Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to the Seattle Sounders, whom they beat in the MLS Cup final.
Injuries have decimated Toronto, with US international striker Jozy Altidore out since last month after foot surgery. Key rotational defensive pieces Drew Moor, Eriq Zavaleta, Chris Mavinga, Justin Morrow, and Nick Hagglund have all missed significant time, while midfielders Victor Vazquez and Nicolas Hasler are also questionable.
“What’s important for me in this stretch is that we start to get guys back without losing guys on the other end so that at some point through this we can start to look at a whole team and have a full selection,’’ said Toronto coach Greg Vanney. “It’s kind of the game and the challenge we’re playing right now.’’
Toronto’s dynamic Italian forward Sebastian Giovinco has managed to remain healthy and is attempting an MLS-high seven shots per game, but he has produced only one goal on the season as opponents key in on him with so many other pieces missing. Friedel’s high-press defense will certainly focus on shutting down the diminutive speedster.
A patchwork back line has been somewhat suspect for Toronto, and Bunbury, Zahibo, and the rest of the New England attack should be able to generate chances. Toronto has conceded 15 goals, second most in the Eastern Conference.
The Revolution won both of their home meetings against Toronto last season, but the Reds are sure to make a run up the standings once they are healthy. This may be New England’s best chance to take 3 points from the defending champs.
Revolution vs. Toronto FC
■ When, where: Saturday, 7:30 p.m., at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough.
■ TV, radio: NBCSB, WBZ-FM (98.5).
■ Coaches: Revolution — Brad Friedel; Toronto — Greg Vanney.
■ Formations: Revolution — 4-1-4-1; Toronto — 4-1-4-1.
■ Goalkeepers: Revolution — Matt Turner; Toronto — Clint Irwin.
■ Referee: Mark Geiger.
■ Out: Revolution — M Isaac Angking (illness). Toronto — D Nick Hagglund (hamstring), D Drew Moor (quadriceps), F Jozy Altidore (foot surgery).
■ Miscellany: Revolution forward Diego Fagundez has created 33 chances in nine games this season; his career high is 36, set over 32 games last year. . . New England is 10-1-2 in its last 13 home games, going back to last season . . . Toronto has lost all three of its road games this season and has scored just one goal in them.
