Waking The Red

Know Your Enemy: DC United - Meeting The Second.

2012-05-18T13:18:12Z

Toronto FC returns to MLS action after a two-week layoff against a familiar foe. Much has happened away from league play since TFC fell 0-2 to DC United fourteen days ago at BMO Field, a pair of cup matches, a modicum of success, something to hang one's hat on and begin to build the confidence required to turn around a lost season.

A strong two-goal performance and a clean sheet at home against Montreal saw the Reds progress to the final of the Voyageurs Cup even after Richard Eckersley was lost to a red card in the first quarter of an hour.

The weekend off and some time away from the pitch proved fortuitous to Toronto allowing them to take the lead in Vancouver in the first leg of that final series. Were it not for a last-minute thunderbolt of a strike from Eric Hassli, they would have enjoyed that return even more, as is; an important away goal may still stand them in good stead.

But on Saturday night a new challenge awaits. Will this be the match that begins the slow ascent? Or is the time still not right for an opening win to the season?

Recent Form

DC has been busy these last fourteen days. A week after defeating Toronto they endured a trying match in Houston losing 1-0 and as Toronto was preparing for their match in Vancouver their midweek fixture against Colorado was just finishing, 2-0 to the good at RFK.

The loss in Houston was foreseeable. It was one of those unwinnable games: Sometimes the sense of occasion surrounding a match - in this instance the opening of the long awaited BBVA Compass Stadium - is simply too much to overcome. It was an emotional day for the Houston soccer community; finally a home to call their own and several of their heroes of yesterday in attendance.

A difficult task made tougher by the Texan weather. Granted it is still early in the year and the full weight of summer has yet to descend on North America, but for a team yet to confront some heat, an obstacle nevertheless.

Virtually the same DC team that faced Toronto - save a few minor changes: Robbie Russell returned to right-back and Andy Najar shifted into the left midfield spot at which Lewis Neal had underperformed - did well to navigate a difficult opening half, neither threatening nor really being threatened. A couple of half-chances fell the Dynamo's way in the first half, while DC was limited to one good opportunity in the match.

Maicon Santos made some space for himself on the left side of the Houston box, catching Andre Hainault off-balance with a deft step-over and push to the outside. The angle was tight and in the end his shot was off-target, dragging wide of the far-post.

DC looked most dangerous on the counter, but failed to find any quantifiable success. Houston gradually took over the match as injury to Perry Kitchen - an uncomfortable landing saw him helped off the field; scans later revealed no measureable injury and he was fit in time for the Colorado match - and the oppressive temperature got the better of United.

They found their goal through Brad Davis of all folks, a screamer of a drive - left-footed of course - from about thirty yards, after DC had given him time and space to settle the ball and get turned in front of goal.

Were it not for some profligacy from the home side and several fine saves from Bill Hamid, it would undoubtedly have been more. Houston and the crowd were willing Brian Ching to score on opening night - as he had, four times in fact, in the first match at Robertson Stadium, years before - but it was not to be.

DC had a final chance in stoppage time to salvage a draw, a curling Dwayne De Rosario free kick picked out Woolard at the far-post, but his downward header was straight at Tally Hall, who held onto the ball and the result.

1-0 to Houston.

A long flight home and a short break saw a very different United eleven take on Colorado.

Rested were Chris Pontius, Maicon Santos, and Danny Cruz; DeRosario was paired with Hamdi Salihi up top, while Branko Boskovic sat in the hole. Najar switched over the right of midfield, while Neal returned to the left-flank.

Colorado enjoyed much of the early possession, but did little of note with it. Conor Casey's return and the Rapids struggles on the road robbed them of the fluidity that has at times seen them dangerous. It took DC about twenty minutes or so to sort out who would do what, but once they did, they looked unstoppable.

Interestingly it was the least heralded of the foreign talent on the pitch that proved the catalyst on the night. Englishman Lewis Neal, a journeyman from the lower, unglamourous tiers of English football, signed from Orlando City of all places, created the first goal.

Pouncing on a poor piece of control by Jaime Castrillon, Neal regained possession deep in his own half and strode up-field. Unobstructed by Rapids players backing off, he had the good sense to wait and let play develop. Salihi made a clever run to the left, dragging with him the central defender Moor, opening a gap for a through-ball. De Rosario had charged up the pitch and was left by his tracker - Jeff Larentowicz.

His first touch settled the pass, the next to stroke it under the sliding keeper and into the net. De Rosario opened the scoring in the twenty-fifth minute and within two minutes; DC could have had two more.

A De Rosario shot from outside the box seemed destined for the top corner, until Pickens pushed it away. On the ensuing corner kick Boskovic's service connected with Russell at the top of the six, but Pickens was equal to it with a reaction save.

Before the half was done Najar looked to add his name to the score-sheet - a mazy run and shot off the outside of his right-boot, but again Pickens was equal to the task, pushing it over the bar as well.

The onslaught continued in the second half. Salihi once denied with his head, would not be stopped given another chance. The sixtieth minute Neal collects a loose ball on the left-flank and delivers a wonderful cross to Boskovic attacking the penalty spot; the Montenegrin's header is parried, but falls into the path of Salihi at the far-post for an easy tap-in.

De Rosario had the ball in the net again, but was correctly called offside. Mercifully the match ended soon enough, without further scoring, though chances continued to come DC's way.

2-0 to DC.

One win, one loss since the sides last met see DC drop a spot on the Eastern Conference table to third place on twenty-one points.

Now seems as good a time as any to suggest reading over the preview for the last match, paying particular attention to the tactics and points of interest sections.

Projected Lineup

It is always difficult to penetrate the mind of a coach in the midst of a congested run of games. Three matches in a week, plenty of injuries at various stage of recovery and a handful of elderly players whose durability must be considered.

With that in mind - and with all available news at hand - the projected lineup sees Bill Hamid in goal; from right to left - Robbie Russell, Brandon McDonald, Daniel Woolard, and Chris Korb along the back-line; Perry Kitchen manning the base of the midfield diamond with Danny Cruz, Dwayne De Rosario, and Lewis Neal across the top; Maicon Santos and Chris Pontus will resume their stations at the top of the formation.

There are a number of changes to that lineup that make an awful lot of sense, but given those that were made for the midweek match - Salihi and Boskovic handed rare starts - it is reasonable to expect that DC will see the visit of Toronto as a chance to take maximum points, solidifying their position near the top of the Eastern Conference and cap off a solid week.

Najar could return to the right-back slot in place of Russell. It gave him plenty of space to accelerate within and he posed a threat down Toronto's left-flank. Ben Olsen has leaned heavily upon the thirty-two year old legs of Russell, who has made twelve starts in DC's thirteen matches. He was removed from the match against Colorado after an hour for a spell of well-earned rest, while Najar played the full ninety on the right of midfield - as he did in Houston on the left - hence the selection of Russell. Or he could feature on either side of the midfield in place of Cruz or Neal.

Given Salihi and Boskovic's limited playing time thus far and in particular, the short rest between matches it is unlikely that Olsen would adhere to that old maxim of "Don't tinker with a winning lineup." Both performed admirably, but it makes more sense for the rested Pontius and Santos to return on the weekend.

Then there is De Rosario, who has started every match of DC's season, only substituting off on three occasions; a combined total of thirty-nine minutes of regulation time not on the pitch for United. Even if Olsen wanted to give the Canadian a rest, it is highly unlikely that such a conversation would sit well with Dwayne or would be wise given how proficient he is against his former clubs.

Injuries have limited the remaining options. Defensively Emiliano Dudar is still listed as out, while Dejan Jakovic return to the bench but has yet to see the pitch. Marcelo Saragosa too was on the bench, but Nick DeLeon is still absent. Stephen King has been useful as a utility substitute in recent matches, as he was in the match versus Toronto.

Last Meeting

Before the sides first met, all the talk was about how much the two returning TFC captains would return to haunt their former employers; truth be told that simply wasn't the case.

Julian de Guzman's shadow job on De Rosario and the quick physical pressing Toronto's back-line applied to Santos limited their ability to find time and space to put their skills to use.

Toronto enjoyed a fair number of early chances, despite the defensive game plan they pursued - the sitting back that so raised the ire of Ryan Johnson.

It all came undone after DC made a subtle, but effective change to their lineup and momentum began to shift ever so slightly.

Neal was removed and Pontius was pushed over to the vacated left midfield position. Boskovic came on and took his usual position at the point of the diamond forcing De Rosario up top to pair with Santos.

The result of this change was that de Guzman's shutdown job on De Rosario was rendered moot. No longer able to cleanly track his fellow Canadian around the pitch without getting drawn too far out of position - and thereby clogging the midfield - large pockets of space began to form as Julian was forced to collapse onto his defenders in order to stay near his mark.

Eventually Julian gave up his shadow role.

Then the momentum switch came. The Reggie Lambe handball that went unseen really shook the Toronto players to their core. Entering the match with the long losing streak and that unwanted record hanging over their heads was too much to bear, and as mentioned before, sometimes the weight of the occasion predetermines the result.

Remember this was before the clear the air talks - they're undefeated since then, by the way - and Toronto was caught flat-footed when DC shifted their plan.

The goal soon followed - less than a minute after the uncalled penalty - and it can only be classified as a collective breakdown.

McDonald, a centre-back is given plenty of time to play a ball up to Pontius from the halfway line. Neither Joao Plata, nor Eric Avila press him at all, nor do they close down the passing lanes. His pass intersects a retreating de Guzman and a deep-lying Miguel Aceval. Julian leaves it to his back-line to deal with - danger does not seem evident at the time - and the Chilean is slow to confront Pontius

All of a sudden the ball is in the back of the net - from handball panic to blissful relief to down a goal in less than a minute.

The team reeled from that disappointment. It sucked the energy out of the match.

The next blow came from the injury to Torsten Frings. His value to the team cannot be understated and to see him trudge off the field in frustration and pain, must have caused some concern amongst the squad - yet another blow to the fragile confidence. For the ten minutes after that they were scrambling; darting aimlessly about the pitch. Keeping one's cool under pressure is important.

Heads down having conceded, losing their captain to injury, then a debatable corner kick is awarded - not by the linesman who was three yards away, but by the referee who was at least twenty - the Boskovic delivery is half-cleared, bounces off one United player's head to McDonald who sends a looping header back in to the mix.

Toronto was trying to push out, but they were a touch slow and were punished by an acrobatic finish by Salihi - a real goal-poacher - and now they're behind by two.

DC time-wasting antics further sucked the life out of the game. A tactic they are less-likely to employ at home.

Jeremy Hall's first appearance was a bright spot, as noted by Aron Winter, though he subsequently struggled a little early on against Vancouver.

TFC will want to make DC work. Keep them running and wear them out. Keep marking De Rosario tightly and pressure them when they have the ball. DC are at their most dangerous on the counter, but like to shoot from distance and work crosses in from wide areas. Limit their time and space on the ball.

As with any team that thrives on the counter, they are susceptible to counter-counters; forcing turnovers and quickly breaking to catch players out of position and stretched. That is in part why Kitchen is so important to their game, he covers a lot of ground and is content to sit there and hunt out the opposition.

The return of Danny Koevermans gives Toronto a useful weapon against DC. McDonald is solid in the air, but Woolard is a full-back by trade and playing out of position. Koevermans may be well covered, but his presence will open space for others and occupy at least one, if not two defenders.

Takeaway Points

First fifty Volkswagons in the RFK parking lot get free parking. Sweet!

A handful of Washington Capitals were in the house on Wednesday night and there may be a few there on Saturday.

Doneil Henry wears an undershirt with some script on it; expect a message next time he scores, perhaps.

TFC matches in DC are almost always entertaining, so enjoy.

You can find more of James Grossi’s insightful ramblings over at Partially Obstructed View and follow him on twitter @Grawsee

Advantage Reds in V's Cup

2012-05-18T03:42:59Z

Advantage Reds in V's Cup

My latest post for Sportsnet looks back on the first leg of the Voyaguers Cup final between Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

It is one of the rare times this season that I get basically full blown positive about a performance from this team so enjoy it while it lasts!

Danny Califf really didn't want to come to Toronto

2012-05-18T02:26:10Z

Danny Califf really didn't want to come to Toronto

Philadelphia wanted to trade Danny Califf, TFC needed a Centre Back, a match made in heaven. Unless you're Danny Califf.

"I called Peter back later and said, 'Please, if you're going to make this trade, please don't send me to Toronto. If you have to make this trade, please don't let it be to Toronto.'

"When you're presented with a choice to go to Chivas or Toronto, which place are you going to choose?"

Bit depressing really, makes you wonder how many other MLS players have said the same thing.

Canada MNT announces June Roster via YouTube

2012-05-17T14:34:05Z

The Canadian Soccer Association decided to flex their creative muscles and announced the roster for the upcoming international matches and training camp via a fancy youtube video. The clip which you can watch below the jump just gives the names and the basic information on the 22 men that will be involved in the training camp down in Florida ahead of the friendly against the United States and then the pair of World Cup qualifiers.

The roster was filled with all of the names that we are used to seeing with Andre Hainault and Atiba Hutchinson returning after missing the games last fall for various reasons. There were a few more surprising inclusions, with Pedro Pacheco, Issey Nakajima-Farran, and Samuel Piette all being brought in.

For Pacheco and Nakajima-Farran this is a bit of a surprise return to the national team but it means that the likes of Patrice Bernier, Matt Stinson, and Terry Dunfield have been left out of the midfield. The biggest story is that 17 year old Piette has been called up to the senior team. Piette is a player who Stephen Hart clearly has high expectations for and one that he sees as being a huge part of the national teams future. The young midfielder was one of the stand out players for Canada in Olympic Qualifiers despite being one of the youngest players in that squad. He has a whole lot of potential and may even feature in these three games but for the most part should still be considered one for the future.

Hart said at a conference call with media this afternoon, that he had spoken with Dunfield and explained his decision, but that he didn't want too many similar midfielders in the squad. As for Bernier, well to add to the discussion for the lack of playing time Vancouver and Montreal are giving their Canadian players, that was definitely something that played a part in Bernier not being selected. Hart noted that Bernier is a bit disappointed to not make the squad, but felt he hadn't been getting enough consistent playing time.

Closer to home, Toronto FC will be represented by Ashtone Morgan and Julian De Guzman. That is a lower number than normal from the club but Hart decided not to give the call to Adrian Cann, Doniel Henry, Dunfield, or Stinson.

The main question mark for a long time now, and one that certainly wasn't solved in last year's qualifiers is just who plays the Centre Forward position. Olivier Occean had a great year for his club in Germany, so might well get a real chance to make the spot his own. Hart noted that this will be the first extended camp with Canada, so he'll hopefully have the time to mesh with the squad and have them learn what he likes, as he still needs to work out his playing relationship with the other attacking players.

The training camp will take part in two stages, with the European based players starting off, before, following FIFA regulations, the MLS players join up once the league goes on an international break after next weekend's games. With regards to his relationship with the MLS teams, Hart said "Some coaches are fantastic and very supportive, but a lot of it depends on how they are doing in the league, how the player is doing, the player's health."

The full squad is below, and now to the video!

The full roster breaks down as follows.

Vancouver Whitecaps 1-1 Toronto FC: We're On The Edge, of Glory

2012-05-17T05:58:46Z

TORONTO FC	1	-	1	VANCOUVER
Ryan Johnson 66'		GOALS		Eric Hassli 90' + 2
Jeremy Hall 11' Terry Dunfield 49'		CARDS

90 minutes down, only 90 more to go, and it's advantage Toronto FC thanks to a 66th minute strike by Ryan Johnson off a Julian de Guzman cross that gives the Reds an advantage heading into the second and deciding leg of the Voyageurs Cup -- to quote Lady Gaga:

I'm on the edge of glory,
And I'm hanging on a moment of truth.
Out on the edge of glory,
And I'm hanging on a moment with you.

- Lady Gaga, "Edge of Glory"

It's not the best result that TFC could have gotten out of the match considering the way they attacked and how close they came to win, but with the way the match ebbed and flowed from one end to another, it is safe to say it is a very fair result. With that, Toronto is once again sitting on the Edge of Glory.

The Reds were coming off a bye week and were playing without Torsten Frings, Miguel Aceval (injury) and Richard Eckersley (suspended), while the Whitecaps were playing at home after losing a weekend match in New England. Both teams showed intent to win the trophy, and the early action showed it.

But despite a number of excellent chances from both sides no one was able to convert until six minutes after the hour mark when a spot-on cross from de Guzman found Ryan Johnson in the penalty area, and the Jamaican had no problem heading it back across Joe Cannon and into the far side of the net. The Reds secured their advantage, and most Reds supporters held their breath in anticipation of another bus-parking.

Fortunately, the call never came from Aron Winter, as all three substitutions were offensive minded. Winter brought on Danny Koeverman shortly before the goal was scored, and then brought on Nick Soolsma and Luis Silva to try to press home the advantage, which was marked by a number of penetrating runs into the Vancouver area...if not for a lack of a left foot from Joao Plata, and a good low save from Cannon from a wide open Nick Soolsma, the Toronto advantage may have been doubled or tripled.

	TFC	VAN
Shots on Goal	14	11
Shots on Target	7	8
Corners	7	3
Fouls	23	13
Yellow Cards	2	0
Red Cards	0	0
Duels Won	39	42
Possession %	40	60

The defense, despite a few shaky moments especially in the first half, was able to keep Vancouver's chances (mostly off the boots of Sebastien Le Toux and Camilo Sanvezzo) to a minimum, and relatively tame at that, Ashtone Morgan in particular had a great game at both ends of the pitch. There were of course some of the same individual errors that have haunted TFC all season, but Milos Kocic was able to smother most of the chances and make sure they didn't really hurt the reds this time. However, a howitzer from Eric Hassli two minutes before the end of stoppage time could not be saved, and Vancouver pulled the game from the fire.

The Reds will rue the fact that they were not able to press home the advantage when they had the chance, Hassli's missile notwithstanding. In the end, the Reds had 14 chances on Cannon, eight on target but only 1 that made its way to the back of the net. The usual defensive hiccups caused a few palpitations amongst the Reds faithful, but the likes of Morgan, Doneil Henry, Adrian Cann and Terry Dunfield were able to keep it together, despite Dunfield losing his cool after incurring the yellow card.

The stats reflect the closeness of the match, despite the 20% gap in possession, the Reds looked like they were willing to go for the ball, and keep it when they were able -- and then attack. It's something that Reds supporters have seen very little of during the league season so far. The refereeing was questionable (to both sides at least so no real accusations of bias can be flung around), with a number of mysterious fouls that either were given a card for, or was called for reasons unknown -- a poor reflection of Canadian refereeing, especially since this is a tournament to determine Canada's entrant into the CONCACAF Champions League.

Regardless, the scene now shifts back to Toronto next week for the grand finale of the Voyageurs Cup -- TFC will have a Saturday night match against D.C. United, and then will head home to face off for the trophy next Wednesday night.

WTR Live: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Toronto FC (V Cup Final 1st Leg)

2012-05-16T23:56:19Z

Vancouver Whitecaps v Toronto FC
Voyageurs Cup Final, 1st Leg
BC Place, 10pm ET
Sportsnet One

Well, who'd think we'd be here after all the things TFC has been through?

The beginning of the end of the 2012 Voyageurs Cup is here with the first leg of the Final. Both teams appear to be taking this competition seriously (given the result the Whitecaps had over the weekend), and this will be the first time we will find out how moving Bob de Klerk off the sidelines and promoting Jim Brennan in his place will have on the Reds. The Reds will also be dealing with the absence of Torsten Frings and Miguel Aceval, which may be a blessing or a curse depending on who you talk to.

For your reading pleasure, do check out James' beautifully detailed Know Your Enemy piece and Duncan's preview of the match. You can also play our infamous Are You Smarter game, where you can win real prizes...if your crystal ball is in tune, of course.

Whether you think the Reds will pull through or not, do join us here starting at 9:15pm EST for pre-game chat, lineups and other pre-game news. in anticipation of the 10pm kickoff in Vancouver. (The window is past the jump.)

&lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=09590064c6" mce_href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php/option=com_mobile/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=09590064c6" &amp;gt;WTR Live: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. TFC, First Leg&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Toronto FC @ Vancouver Whitecaps: Keep trollin', trollin', trollin', trollin'.

2012-05-16T12:00:48Z

Toronto FC head into Vancouver to play the first leg of a final, hoping to win the Voyageurs Cup for the 4th consecutive year, having defeated their local rivals, and with an 11 day unbeaten streak on the line. Heady times indeed for Aron Winter and his squad, newly shuffled coaching staff and all, in the context of this season so far, can they keep the good times flowing with a decent result at BC Place that gives them a chance to finish the tie off next week, and keep the season alive?

If you look at the evidence so far from the MLS season, with TFC at a record breakingly bad 0-8, and the Whitecaps sitting comfortably in a playoff position with 17 points, you'd have to say it would be unlikely, but hey TFC are clearly saving it for the cup games this year, and maybe they're just playing a really long game to absolutely perfectly troll Vancouver fans once again. We've already done the ridiculous win against the 'surrender monkeys' B team, and a lightning related abandonment and win the replay, what other ways are there to really drive Whitecaps fans nuts? How about be absolutely fucking terrible for months beforehand, and still manage to somehow beat them to ensure their name doesn't sully the Voyageurs Cup? Sounds perfect to me, well played Aron, well played.

It won't be easy of course and will be made harder by the absence of Torsten Frings (and Miguel Aceval. Oh No. Not Aceval. Why?) whose shoulder apparently hasn't reacted well to the decision to play against Montreal so soon after injuring it. Hopefully that won't be a long term issue that causes Frings to miss too many games. Richard Eckersley will also be missing after his red card, but Danny Koevermans flew out there and will apparently be good to go, as will presumably Nick Soolsma, giving TFC some sudden depth and options in the forward line.

Will this be another parking of the bus from TFC to try and 'keep the zero' as they seem to be calling it (if so, please have that conversation with Ryan Johnson ahead of the game so he's not as surprised and frustrated) or will they try and take it to the Whitecaps and snag themselves an away goal?

I'd guess at another very defensive effort, without Frings it will be a 4-3-3, but with a very defensive midfield to help out the defence. The defence will have one enforced change with Eckersley out, almost certainly he'll be replaced by Jeremy Hall, getting his first start after a couple of decent sub appearances. There should be no other changes as Ashtone Morgan is an automatic starter and after a very good performance against Montreal, there's a chance for some welcome stability in the middle as Doneil Henry and Adrian Cann should get another chance to show what they can do. I'm genuinely hopeful that they can become a settled first choice and an effective partnership back there, which is the one big thing TFC are crying out for.

In midfield we'll see Julian de Guzman who's been playing quite well recently, and Terry Dunfield in his first game against the 'Caps since his trade. They'll both be sitting close to the defence to help nullify some of Vancouver's attacking options, whether it's Eric Hassli or Sebastien Le Toux dropping back, or, if he plays, Davide Chiumiento. The attacking midfield spot and the forward line is where there's plenty of choices for Aron Winter.

It all flows from whether Danny Koevermans is ready to return right into the starting lineup on the BC place plastic. If so, he'll be thrown out there, and then the next question is what to do with Ryan Johnson. It can be argued that after playing every minute of the season and taking more than his fair share of kicks, he could do with a rest, but hopefully a week off after the Montreal game will be all he needs in that department. Koevermans will need all the help he can get against Jay deMerit and Martin Bonjour, both rested by Martin Rennie over the weekend in a sign of how desperately Vancouver want this The obvious place for Johnson would be out on the Left Wing, keeping Joao Plata as a late game sub.

If Johnson is on the Left Wing, then It seems like Eric Avila is now a regular again, and he'll probably get a chance in the attacking midfield position again, though he's been out on the left wing as well so could well swap positions with Johnson, probably depending on who Aron Winter feels is a better matchup at both ends of the pitch against Young Pyo Lee. On the right wing, well Nick Soolsma looked very dangerous when he came on against Montreal last week and played very well against Alain Rochat in last year's Voyageurs Cup final. He could start but that would be very harsh on Reggie Lambe who's looked much better in recent weeks, and is carrying some goalscoring form into the game. If I had to guess (and that's kind of the point of this article, so I will) I'd go with Lambe again, I think it's his job to lose with Soolsma ready to take over should Lambe's form dip.

That's what I'd go with, and as for style, it'll be defensive to try and keep Vancouver's attacking talent in check, while hopefully Koevermans or one of the other forwards can snatch a goal on the break, maybe even Doneil Henry from a corner kick. I think the game will be very similar to the first leg of last year's final, with Vancouver all over Toronto. Maybe this year, they'll get what they deserve with plenty of goals. I'm hoping for more good saves and shots off the woodwork keeping it tight, and I think we'll end up with the same result. 1-1, still all to play for at BMO, and plenty of 'surely we can't lose again, can we?' doubts creeping in among Whitecaps fans.

Know Your Enemy: Vancouver Whitecaps - Meeting The First - Voyageurs Cup Final 1st leg Edition

2012-05-15T20:31:30Z

The final series of the 2012 Voyageurs Cup begins on Wednesday night in Vancouver. Toronto FC, last year's champions, opted to have the second and decisive leg at home and will therefore travel across the breadth of the country to continue their defense of that title.

Semifinal hurdles for each side were dispatched easily enough, Vancouver winning both matches against FC Edmonton handily in the end. Toronto meanwhile, bunkered for the result they wanted in Montreal - a dire scoreless draw - before transforming into a dynamic attacking side that would not even be undone by the early dismissal of Richard Eckersley, shutting out the Impact and scoring two goals of their own at home.

A foreseeable rematch, one energized by the ill-will that has accumulated over the years.

In 2009, a dramatic, unbelievable five-goal win in Montreal against a second-choice Impact side saw TFC pip the Whitecaps at the post. In 2011, a lightning-affected cancelation forced a controversial replay, negating the score, stripping Vancouver of their one-goal lead, and eventually - following a 2-1 win - seeing Toronto through to the Champions League, once again at Vancouver's expense.

Such misfortune has caused some angst among the Vancouver faithful and the organization.

In league play, Vancouver have enjoyed far more success than Toronto this season. But this is cup action, league results go out the window and rivalry is taken to another level. Just how will circumstance - both past and present - manifest itself on the pitch in Wednesday night's match?

The Lineup

Under Martin Rennie Vancouver have show quite a bit of tactical fluidity, as one would expect from a new coach feeling his way through a new squad and league. They have evolved throughout the young season.

A pronounced 4-2-3-1 opened the season against Montreal, it soon became a more rigid 4-4-2 - Rennie will often tinker with the formation to suit the strength of the players available and the shape of the opposition.

Most recently it has become a 4-3-3, producing a rather successful stretch - five straight wins in all competitions - before the loss to New England on the weekend.

Vancouver's expression of the formation is quite a bit different from Toronto's and given the plethora of options available, it will be difficult to predict every move Rennie will make.

Assuming the strongest possible eleven, the projected lineup sees Joe Cannon in goal; from right to left across the back - Y.P. Lee, Martin Bonjour, Jay DeMerit, and Alain Rochat; Jun Marques Davidson holding the defensive point of the midfield triangle; Gershon Koffie and Matt Watson in midfield; Sebastien Le Toux, Eric Hassli, and Camilo across the top.

There are tough decisions to be made at several positions.

In defence, Lee and Rochat went the full ninety on the weekend, while Koffie and Davidson were extracted very late; too late to be considered rested. Jordan Harvey can perform admirably at left-back, but he went the full match as well. Carlyle Mitchell played the entirety, even after suffering a concerning head injury and Michael Boxall, after an impressive rookie campaign, has not seen the pitch in first team action this season.

Midfielder John Thorrington did not travel, but has only featured as a starter in the 4-4-2 formation, recently appearing as a substitute. The three-man midfield requires younger legs to cover all the extra space.

Davide Chiumiento played the entire New England match and is a defensive liability; he could be brought on to add some creativity as a second half substitute, either centrally or on the flank. He is tactically undisciplined at times, floating to wherever the pockets of space are to be found - which is why Rennie prefers Watson and Koffie - more reliable options - in the midfield, His ability to play defense splicing passes will be a concern for the fractious Toronto back-line should he see the pitch.

Up top, it is equally possible that Camilo is moved centrally with Omar Salgado brought in on the left, relegating Hassli - who also played a full match on the weekend - to the bench and allowing for more movement from the front three, but having his big physical presence front and centre will occupy the TFC centre-backs and create space for the wide attackers.

Salgado was removed from the weekend's match with a half-hour remaining looking tired and frustrated after a long stretch of matches and a running battle with Stephen McCarthy. Then there are Long Tan and Atiba Harris to consider - though Harris is nursing a slight knock - and fit-again Darren Mattocks and Etienne Barbara, who have both made appearances in the last few matches, mostly seeking to build match fitness and reacquire that scoring touch. It is unlikely either is ready to start, but they will be options to be considered.

The likes of Floyd Franks, Russell Teibert, Greg Klazura, Michael Nanchoff, and Bryce Alderson, have either not seen the pitch, or have been used sparingly; some only appearing in the series with Edmonton to date.

Plenty of choices to be made.

The Tactics

Aside from questions of personnel, the only real unknown is how Vancouver will approach this first leg. There are, as always, two main options, with several strategies that can be employed.

Whether to attack and press the home advantage in the hope of carrying a substantial lead into the second leg or to keep things tight, not give up any away goals, and look to grab the result in Toronto.

Added to that quandary is a pair of important rivalry matches that bookend the second leg.

Cascadia Cup clashes - with Seattle at home this weekend and away to Portland the next - another factor to consider; losing to a geographic and hated rival is never acceptable, but given the prize of a birth in the Champions League, they will probably be placed on the back-burner for now.

It is entirely possible that Toronto will look for a repeat of their dull performance in their first leg with Montreal, keeping the tie at zero, hoping to return home with the championship within reach, especially with the news that Torsten Frings did not travel with the side due to a recurrence of his shoulder injury.

Toronto is not fond of artificial surfaces, though they are more rested, having had the weekend off from MLS play.

Vancouver will likely look to keep things close and look to grab an advantage later in the match with some attack-minded substitutions.

Though much was made of their numerous attacking options prior to the league beginning, it has been their defence that has seen them through the trials and tribulations of the early season.

Before the four-goals allowed in New England, they had only conceded seven in nine matches. Strong goalkeeping performances from Cannon, including a pair of "Save of the Week" designations, combined with a big physical centre-back pairing of club captain, DeMerit and Bonjour have limited the opposition's chances.

Vancouver will look to build from the back, seldom launching goal-kicks up-field. In Rochat and Lee they have two very experienced and professional full-backs, the type who know when to get forward and are seldom caught out of position. They are expected to press forward, adding width in attack for interplay and overlapping runs.

Davidson is the cornerstone of their midfield, solidifying the middle of the park, allowing Koffie to press forward - something he has done much more of this season. Watson is a more defensive companion to the aforementioned duo, providing improved stability, but less link up play with the forwards than Chiumiento, who functions almost as a withdrawn forward regardless of which flank he is supposed to be stationed at.

The Whitecaps are very fluid in attack; excellent passing and movement witnesses an almost innate understanding between the forward three - or four with Chiumiento on the pitch. They are explosively quick in transition. More often than not they will exploit the wide areas in order to move forward, but are adept at working through the middle if given the space to play.

Le Toux in particular is fond of coming in-field to provide an outlet, collect a pass, then play it up to Hassli with his back to the defenders. The big Frenchman will then either play a safe pass back - where someone else can knock it over the stationary defense for a runner to collect - or will flick it beyond his marker into space, where a Le Toux, continuing his run, can pounce.

When out of possession the wide forwards drop deep and tuck in, converting to a 4-5-1, to clog the midfield and increase numbers to regain the ball.

Pressing is a key feature of their game, whenever the ball is lost the tireless work-rate of Le Toux, Koffie, Davidson, et al. will look to regain possession as soon as possible.

Hassli has found his scoring boots of late - three goals in last four matches; all competitions - while Camilo has been sensational all season - to watch at least- Le Toux actually leads the team with three goals. Salgado has been a revelation of late on the left flank, using his pace and size to trouble full-backs and provide service into the middle.

Vancouver has plenty of dead-ball threats, but only the left-foot of Lee has found the twine - with the eventual game-winner against Columbus. Camilo, is fond of a curling effort, and quite proficient at them, while Rochat and Chiumiento are options as well.

DeMerit and Bonjour must be watched carefully from corner kicks, DeMerit scored the game-winner from one, getting in front of his marker in the second half against Chivas.

The Form

Looking to the previous round of the Voyageurs Cup, the result against FC Edmonton should be thrown out the window; all due respect to the Eddies, but they were woefully overmatched, allowing Vancouver to walk to the final round and give playing time to a number of fringe players. Once they returned home from Edmonton with a two-goal cushion - goals from Hassli and Harris - it was highly unlikely they would not make the final.

That being said, there were a few moments in the second leg - especially once Yashir Pinto's header had put the Albertan side within a goal of drawing level - where had Edmonton been more capable in the final third, things could have gotten tenuous for the Whitecaps.

In the end Rennie simply looked to his bench, to call upon rested regular Le Toux - who came on and scored a brace - and the convalescent attacking talents of Mattocks - added a goal in stoppage time - and Barbara - won a penalty with a clever dive, only to be denied by a diving save from David Monsalve - to settle the tie; a comfortable 5-1 win on aggregate.

The league has been less-kind to the Whitecaps, though they currently sit in fourth position in the West with seventeen points after ten matches.

There has been a peculiar grouping of results in the early season: a pair of wins to open against weaker opposition - 2-0 home to Montreal and 0-1 at Chivas; scoreless draws against more solid foes - home to DC and away to Philadelphia; a pair of 3-1 losses against the most in-form clubs - at San Jose and home to Kansas City; followed by a string of one-goal wins to weakened sides, each hampered by injuries to key players - 1-0 over Dallas at home, 0-1 at Columbus, and a late 2-1 win over San Jose at home; culminating in a 4-1 loss in New England on the weekend.

The New England game, results wise, was an anomaly. It was the perfect throw away match - their longest road trip of the season, coming in the midst of a very busy stretch of action, against a cross-conference rival, on short rest, and with the prize of the Champions League none too far in the distance.

Rennie left several starters - DeMerit, Camilo, Thorrington - at home and rested Bonjour as well; fielding a makeshift centre-back pairing of Rochat and Mitchell.

One was left with the impression, given the grudging acceptance displayed by Rennie as the match turned embarrassing, that this was a gamble he was willing to take. Not once did he emerge from the bench - according to TV images - to shout instructions or inspire his side, he seemed resigned to the outcome. He looked frustrated when the third New England goal poured in, but the lack of animation hints at a man playing the long game.

How the team will rebound from such a defeat is tough to say. Sometimes when a coach gives players the chance to make excuses and not give their all they will seize it.

Without flinging accusations, Vancouver looked a beaten side, even after they took the early lead through Hassli; a lead that barely lasted a minute. Goalkeeper Joe Cannon did not seem to react to any of the shots that turned to goals, granted they were fine strikes, but that lack of effort was slightly disheartening.

All that being said, expect a hungry and attacking side to take to the pitch against Toronto. The hallowed grounds of the regional championships is a target the organization has long coveted, a primary step on their stated quest to become one of the best - and most recognizable - clubs in the world.

Exploitation

On the defensive end Toronto will have to be wary of Vancouver's quick transition and dynamic movement. Both Vancouver's goals against Montreal were the result of fine passing on fast breaks that went unchecked and exploited gaps in the defense. Control the pace of the match and a result is within reach.

If a Toronto defender is beat, give the attacker the outside. The Whitecaps forwards are very fond of physically cutting back, wrong-footing the defense and curling an effort - Camilo - or placing a low shot - Hassli and Le Toux - to the far-post.

Keep an eye on the movement of Hassli; for a big man he moves deceptively. He likes diagonal runs to collect through-balls to break offside traps - as he did against San Jose, eventually scoring the late game winner at the second time of asking - and drifting slowly to the near-post to be in position for a pull-back - as he did against New England.

Vancouver has proven to be at risk of switching off from throw-ins on occasion. In their first meeting with San Jose in California, a clever lob from Ramiro Corrales picked out Chris Wondolowski, who had maneuvered himself into a good position off the shoulder of DeMerit, to out muscle the defender and put himself in on goal, deftly chipping it over Cannon in goal.

Against New England on the weekend, Lee Nguyen's second goal, that wonderful half-volley, was precipitated by Le Toux watching the thrower rather than watching the movements of the target behind him.

It was not entirely Le Toux's fault; despite the pressure the Whitecaps apply high up the pitch, for some reason - whether it is a reticence to concede free-kicks or a fear of penalties - they do not press the ball well within shooting range. Gaps and time are available for shots from distance.

After Nguyen collected the ball, Koffie was guilty of not stepping out to confront him, allowing adequate time to set up the strike. Clyde Simms took a couple of lashes from distance as well, that could have caused Vancouver more trouble than they did. Watch for Ryan Johnson, Reggie Lambe, and even Julian de Guzman to get chances for a crack from distance.

The Whitecaps are also vulnerable to extended pressure in the box or crosses to the far-post, which have accounted for a majority of the goals they have conceded. Two of New England's goals - Nguyen's first and Shalrie Joseph's were the result of half-clearances falling kindly; while San Jose stormed back with three unanswered goals after Wondolowski drifted off Harvey at the far-post and Alan Gordon connected with a Steven Beitashour cross with a diving header.

Points of Interest

There are plenty of links between the two sides: Carl Robinson, Stuart Neely, Russel Teibert, and Terry Dunfield.

Toronto has never won in Vancouver - three draws and a loss in Voyageur's Cup action and that 4-2 loss to open the Whitecaps inaugural season last year.

Return leg aside, the two sides will meet in Toronto - for their only league match this season - on July 11^th.

You can find more of James Grossi’s insightful ramblings over at Partially Obstructed View and follow him on twitter @Grawsee