Toronto FC looks to bounce back in Atlanta after painful season-opening loss

Two groups on completely different ends of untamed comebacks in final week’s MLS season openers face off Saturday when Toronto FC visits Atlanta United.

Toronto is coming off a painful 3-2 loss at D.C. United in a sport that noticed it take a 2-1 lead after scoring within the 66th and 83rd minute, solely to surrender objectives within the ninetieth and 98th minute.

Atlanta loved a comeback of its personal with highlight-reel objectives from distance by Thiago Almada within the 93rd and 99th minute securing a 2-1 dwelling win over the San Jose Earthquakes earlier than 67,538 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Almada’s spectacular free kick within the 99th minute received MLS aim of the week honours. His 93rd minute aim, from outdoors the penalty field in a rehearsed transfer off a nook, was runner-up within the voting.

“They have some very skilful players,” stated Toronto coach Bob Bradley. “I think everyone saw what Almada was capable of doing in the second part of the season last year. So he starts out (this season) with these two great goals … They’ve got other guys that are talented and good on the ball.”

Almada, a World Cup winner with Argentina, was named MLS participant of the week after changing into simply the second participant in MLS historical past to attain each an equalizing and game-winning aim in stoppage time, and the primary Atlanta participant to attain twice in stoppage time.

There are question-marks over the supply of each Italian star winger Lorenzo Insigne and Spanish midfielder Victor Vazquez for Toronto, whose roster depth is a priority. Both are listed as questionable.

Insigne limped off within the first half final weekend, seemingly favouring his groin. Vazquez has been sidelined since taking a shot to the ribs in a Feb. 11 pre-season sport towards Los Angeles FC.

Including final season, Toronto has misplaced six in a row, giving up three objectives or extra in 5 of these outings. The membership has solely had one longer regular-season shedding streak — in 2012 when it misplaced 9 in a row to open the marketing campaign.

Still Atlanta is just not taking TFC calmly.

“I think we all know what they can do with the ball,” stated Atlanta defender Miles Robinson. “They’ve got a great midfield. But I think so far we’ve focused on how we can break them down and things like this.”

The season opener noticed each Robinson and goalkeeper Brad Guzan return from prolonged harm absences attributable to a ruptured Achilles. Guzan was harm April 16 and Robinson May 7.

Atlanta is ready on a visa for brand new designated participant Giorgos Giakoumakis, a Greek worldwide ahead acquired from Scotland’s Celtic.

Toronto can be enjoying on turf in Atlanta. While not a preferred selection of enjoying floor, it’s what TFC has been coaching on below the bubble at dwelling attributable to wintery climate.

“Their turf will be different than this,” stated Bradley. “Does it help? Maybe. It’s not something that the players enjoy, They feel little things. You have to tweak your training loads accordingly.”

Late rally apart, Atlanta had 60.5 % possession towards San Jose, a 20-10 edge in pictures (5-4- in pictures on the right track) and eight corners to the Quakes’ three. Sixteen of Atlanta’s pictures got here from outdoors the 18-yard field.

Toronto had 55.9 % possession towards D.C. and, regardless of trailing 10-7 in pictures (5-4 in pictures on the right track, an XG (anticipated objectives) of two.3 in comparison with 0.8 for Atlanta.

Atlanta completed eleventh within the Eastern Conference final season with 40 factors, six forward of Thirteenth-place Toronto.

Atlanta is unbeaten at dwelling (3-0-3) towards Toronto in regular-season play however misplaced 2-1 to TFC within the 2019 Eastern Conference ultimate at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Both groups have gone by way of main adjustments since then.

Of the 18 gamers that dressed for Toronto in that 2019 playoff sport, solely three stay with the staff: captain Michael Bradley, fellow midfielder Jonathan Osorio and fullback Richie Laryea. Guzan is the final man standing for Atlanta.

Toronto will see a well-recognized face on the Atlanta bench in former goalkeeper Quentin Westberg. Last week, it was former ‘keeper Alex Bono among the many D.C. substitutes.

Atlanta midfielder Santiago Sosa is serving the ultimate sport of a three-match ban for utilizing a homophobic slur in Atlanta’s match towards New England on Oct. 1