Waking The Red - All Posts

Waking The Red has a new home!

2023-03-29T20:27:04-04:00

Sean Pollock/Waking The Red

A new home, but all the same content you’ve enjoyed for the last 13 years.

The Waking The Red team is delighted to announce that we are joining the Canadian Soccer Daily family.

Waking The Red Canadian Soccer Daily

We are thrilled to announce that WTR is joining the @CANSoccerDaily family. A new home, but all the same content you’ve enjoyed for the last 13 years. Huge things to come. #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/5OLFlTry4v
— Waking the Red (@WakingtheRed) March 29, 2023

Once our time with SB Nation comes to an end on March 31st, wakingthered.com will fall under the Canadian Soccer Daily umbrella. Following weeks of planning and discussions, we could not be more excited for what is to come.

Ahead of April 1st, we are expecting a seamless transition to our new site.

As we gear up for our move at the end of this week, we want to let you know that all archived articles will still be available on our new website. In addition, we are working to ensure that you all can still voice your opinions and engage in conversations via a comments section.

Amid the switch, please bear with us as we finalize the transition over the next couple of weeks. Further updates will be provided on Twitter as well.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our Managing Editor, Anthony Khoury, via email at anthonykhoury12@gmail.com.

Finally, we want to thank this entire community for all the love and support over the years. There’s no denying the passion we all have for The Beautiful Game, and we cannot wait to take that to the next level. We hope you’re looking forward to our next chapter as much as we are.

Recap: Canada advances to Nations League Finals with win over Honduras

2023-03-29T09:41:32-04:00

Canadian players celebrate Cyle Larin’s brace during a 4-1 victory over Honduras Tuesday evening at BMO Field, March 28, 2023. | Sean Pollock/Waking the Red

The CanMNT returned to BMO Field for the first time since the FIFA World Cup and played to a 4-1 victory over Honduras Tuesday evening.

TORONTO, Canada – The Canadian men’s national soccer team continued their 23-game undefeated streak at BMO Field Tuesday with the squad picking up a 4-1 win against Honduras and booking their ticket to the Nations League Finals.

After winning against Honduras on home soil in front of 13,626 fans Tuesday night, Canada finishes on top of their group (Group C) in League A and for the first time, will compete in the final four of the CONCACAF Nations League Finals in June later this year.

Head coach John Herdman says the group really came together, fought hard and demonstrated why they belong where they are.

“They wanted it tonight. We knew this was going to be tough ... we’re where we belong now. It’s our turn to start taking those steps to get the finals. We got big games coming up - that Nations League final will be tough. This is what we’ve been living for - we want to go and win trophies.”

Herdman made a few minor changes to the lineup from the starting XI that started on the weekend, bringing in defender Alistair Johnston for the suspended Steven Vitória and starting winger Tajon Buchanan over Richie Laryea.

Your #CANMNT Starting XI v. Honduras

Presented by @GE_Appliances #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/mra1r7fWTW
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 28, 2023

Ahead of the game, CanMNT captain Atiba Hutchinson was honoured for making 100+ appearances for his country.

ATIBA 100 #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/H3aI1sr1We
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 29, 2023

Speaking to the press at the end of the game, the 40-year-old Hutchinson said he is not quite done just yet with the national team but hints he is nearing his retirement.

“I just want to finish off on a high note ... this is not my announcement, but I’m just letting you guys know that I’m happy about my career with the national team, and yeah, I’m getting close to the end of it.”

Canada started putting pressure on the Honduras defence early on and remained tight at the back to break apart any attempted counter-attacks. The midfield trio of Ismaël Koné, Stephen Eustáquio and Jonathan Osorio were vital in the build up of play and the advancement moving forward with the ball.

Sean Pollock/Waking the Red

Ismaël Koné with the ball at his feet during a 4-1 victory over Honduras Tuesday night, March 28, 2023.

Herdman continues to be impressed from his rising midfielder Ismaël Koné by adding, “It was probably one of the best midfield performances since I’ve been here ... that was a real breakout performance for Canada.”

The two sides showed premature actions that this was going to be a scrappy affair with each side offering fouls in the opening minutes of play.

Canada’s first attempt came early on in transition when Jonathan David found Tajon Buchanan out wide who darted past the Honduras defence and into the box, but had his whipped cross kicked away by a Honduran defender.

Canada easily broke through in the 9th minute when Jonathan Osorio played a quick pass to Cyle Larin in the box who found the back of the net for his 27^th goal for Canada.

Larin. Can't. Be. Stopped.#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/VNLdHmBT6o
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 29, 2023

Within two minutes after scoring the first goal, Canada took advantage of their corner kick when Stephen Eustáquio swung in a cross for none other than Cyle Larin to head it into the back of the net to give Canada an early 2-0 lead.

A first half brace for #CANMNT's all-time leading goalscorer ⚽️⚽️#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/koyIiui33N
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 29, 2023

Canada’s back line of Derek Cornelius, Scott Kennedy and Alistair Johnston remained tight at the back and the trio had good chemistry with one another. Honduras had some good chances later on in the half, but their attack was quickly broken up by Kennedy who matched his pace with Honduras forward Anthony Lozano.

Canada persisted on the attack and focused heavily on finding runs from Buchanan and Davies on the wings to supply into the box.

Sean Pollock/Waking the Red

Canadian players celebrate a goal just before halftime in a 4-1 win against Honduras at BMO Field, March 28, 2023.

Just before halftime, Canada was presented with an opportunity to go up 3-0 after Ismaël Koné’s shot hit the hand of a Honduras defender and Les Rogues were awarded a penalty. Lining up the shot, Jonathan David handed the ball off to Cyle Larin, who was on a hat trick, and has scored in two previous international PK attempts. Larin’s shot missed just wide of the post and Canada failed to capitalize on their chance.

42' | Larin can't convert the hat trick from the spot. #CANMNT 2-0 #WeCAN @CNationsLeague
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 29, 2023

Herdman talked about Canada’s all-time leading goalscorer to the media following the match:

“I think this group believes they can win, and why not? The Cyle Larin that we’re seeing now is a guy that could help us win a Nations League Final.”

Canada went into halftime with a 2-0 lead, while Honduras had yet to register a shot on net.

Sean Pollock/Waking the Red

Alphonso Davies (left) and Jonathan David (right) race to the sidelines after David gives Canada a 3-0 lead after a brilliant goal in the 50th minute.

Going into the second half, Honduras made two substitutions but were ultimately caught off guard early on by Canada continuing to demonstrate quick passes and maintaining possession.

Canada managed to ultimately get their third goal supplied by Ligue 1’s top goalscorer Jonathan David who struck the ball into the bottom corner for his 24th international goal.

Jonathan David gets on the scoresheet for #CANMNT's 3rd! #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/cEU9D7xmKj
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 29, 2023

Jonathan David commented on his performance after the match by saying, “It always feels good to score. I’m a striker and it’s my job to score so every time I score, I’m happy.”

Sean Pollock/Waking the Red

Jonathan David runs with the ball down the field during a game against Honduras at BMO Field, March 28, 2023.

In the 61st minute, Canada made its first four changes with midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, forwards Cyle Larin and Tajon Buchanan, and defender Scott Kennedy all departing the field making way for defenders Richie Laryea and Sam Adekugbe, as well as an international debut for Manitoba-native Kyle Hiebert and 40-year-old Atiba Hutchinson, who received a warm reception from the BMO Field faithful.

CAP NO. 103 for Atiba Hutchinson

A #CanMNT legend is playing at home once again pic.twitter.com/5tXMT4T7LR
— OneSoccer (@onesoccer) March 29, 2023

Canada’s night got a little easier when CF Montréal forward Romell Quioto came off in the 68th minute for Honduras. The forward was quiet in the attack and continually had his pocket picked by Alistair Johnston the entire evening.

Honduras showed some signs of life later on in the 73rd minute when Jorge Benguché found the back of the net with an excellent header from a set-piece. But that would be all they acquired.

Sean Pollock/Waking the Red

Deiby Flores (Honduras) and Jonathan Osorio (Canada) compete to win the ball during a CONCACAF Nations League game at BMO Field, March 28, 2023.

Canada made their fifth and final substitution in the 76th minute by bringing on Toronto FC’s Ayo Akinola, who came on for Alphonso Davies.

The only cautions shown during the match came in the 84th minute after a heated exchange between Alistair Johnston and Walter Martínez. Both were handed yellow cards.

The Toronto FC connection of Ayo Akinola and Jonathan Osorio linked up shortly thereafter, following a nice build-up of play from the Canadian attack. Akinola found Osorio in an excellent position to score one of his own in front of his home fans and give Canada a three-goal lead.

Hometown goal for Oso! #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/bRUmxEjhbr
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 29, 2023

Osorio mentioned Canada’s style of attack and possession was the main strategy behind Canada’s dominating performance over Honduras:

“We wanted to start aggressive. We wanted to show them that we’re playing at a high level and it’s tough to keep up with us, especially here at our home field. We’ve been unbeaten here for a long time now and I think a start like that was exactly what we looked for and then from there, we took control of the game.”

Canada continued heavy pressure on the Honduran defence up until the final minutes, but came up unsuccessful to add more to their tally, while Honduras only managed to earn one shot on target the entire match.

Sean Pollock/Waking the Red

(Left - right) Milan Borjan, Dayne St. Clair, Jonathan Osorio and Sam Adekugbe of CanMNT celebrate post match after a victory over Honduras Tuesday night, March 28, 2023.

John Herdman says the style of play Canada displayed was always in the game plan heading into the game against Honduras.

“We asked them [CanMNT] to play with intensity and put the work rate in. If we put the work rate in, we knew our talent was way stronger than theirs. It was just a matter of time before we scored that first goal.”

Canada completes their 23rd match without a defeat at BMO Field since 2010 and now has seven home wins in a row as well as 15 matches unbeaten on home soil.

Sean Pollock/Waking the Red

40-year-old Atiba Hutchinson made his 103rd appearance for his country Tuesday night and celebrated by banging the drum after Canada defeats Honduras at BMO Field, March 28, 2023.

Canada now focuses their attention to the Nations League Finals at Allegiant Stadium, just outside Las Vegas where they will play Panama in the second Semi-Final game on June 15th at 7 p.m. EST.

Although he didn’t appear on the scoresheet for Canada on Tuesday, Alphonso Davies remains optimistic about Canada’s expectations heading into the Final Four in June.

“We know it’s a big opportunity. We want to bring something home for our fans and for this country. We set our mind to it and we play like the way we played today, we’re going to come back with silverware from Vegas.”

Preview: Les Rouges return to BMO Field for clash against Honduras

2023-03-28T09:26:32-04:00

A handful of CANMNT players during training on Monday. | (@CanadaSoccerEN/Twitter)

First place of League A, Group C in CONCACAF Nations League is up for grabs on Tuesday night in Toronto.

It has been 366 days since the Canadian men’s national team played a match at BMO Field. That was the day they qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after they defeated Jamaica 4-0 on a frigid afternoon by the lakeshore.

This CONCACAF Nations League match against Honduras may not hold as much weight as a World Cup Qualifier, but it is important that Canada finish first in their respective group of this competition. Topping the group advances you to the final round of Nations League.

This is arguably Les Rouges’ best generation of players in quite some time and they want to win as many trophies as possible to continue putting other regions of world football on notice.

Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio spoke to the media after Canada’s training session on Tuesday - he touched on the competitiveness of the players within the camp and their brotherhood.

"We can compete with the best."

Jonathan Osorio speaks on what #CANMNT can take into a new FIFA World Cup cycle. #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/Mto01xDynX
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 27, 2023

Canada were victorious in their first match of the international break as they defeated Curaçao 2-0 in Willemstad. Coach John Herdman subsituted some key players midway through the second half to keep them healthy and rested for the Honduras match.

Honduras played a friendly against El Salvador last week and won 1-0. Canada are aware of Honduras’ attacking threats, namely Romell Quioto and Alberth Elis. They are two pacey strikers that can cause trouble to opposing defences.

The last time these two teams met was on June 13, 2022 in Honduras - the hosts prevailed 2-1.

Expect a chippy game. The Hondurans are known to push the limits in terms of fouling and time-wasting - after all, it’s the CONCACAF style of play that we have come to know and (sometimes) love.

A victory for Canada will be another step in the right direction for this men’s program.

Match Details

Opponent: Honduras

Kickoff time: 8:00 pm ET

Watch: OneSoccer and FuboTV

Stadium: BMO Field, Toronto, Ont.

Recap: Toronto FC’s defensive effort earns a point in San Jose

2023-03-26T11:54:34-04:00

Sean Johnson corrals the ball amongst a crowd of players in San Jose on Saturday night. | (Robert Edwards/USA TODAY Sports)

The Reds played to a scoreless draw against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.

Make that two clean sheets in a row for Toronto FC - a short-handed TFC side was able to hold steady and keep the San Jose Earthquakes off the scoreboard.

A couple of Toronto FC II players were signed to short-term loans as the first team was lacking more depth than usual. Midfielder Alonso Coello debuted in MLS and he started in the middle of the park alongside Michael Bradley and Brandon Servania.

The first 45 minutes consisted of opportunities from both sides, the two big chances happened in consecutive moments within 10 minutes after the opening whistle.

In the sixth minute Benji Kikanovic got onto the end of a Carlos Akapo cross at the back post, he found himself unmarked but his sliding effort was rushed and the ball went just wide of Sean Johnson’s goal.

On the other end, a perfectly weighted through ball from Brandon Servania to Deandre Kerr put the Ajax native through on goal and his shot was destined for the back of the net, goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski stepped up in time and got down low to block the attempt.

Canadian youngster Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty got his first start of the season and was impressive throughout the match on both ends. The right-back won two free kicks in attacking areas for his team and it was clear that he was not afraid of running at the San Jose midfielders and defenders.

The ‘Quakes settled into the match in the second half as they saw more possession and created more chances. Brazilian centre back Rodrigues had two headers between 53’ and 56’, both were not too far from going into the net.

Sean Johnson produced some late-game heroics yet again to preserve a point for the Reds. The MLS veteran ‘keeper showed his quality in stoppage time as he saved a goal-bound effort from midfielder Jackson Yueill.

He really said nah, I want back to back clean sheets @SeanJohnGK pic.twitter.com/QVVz6jrPDk
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) March 26, 2023

Toronto FC are now unbeaten in four straight matches, earning six points after losing the season opener in D.C.

The Reds are back home next weekend to host Charlotte FC at BMO Field.

Kick-off is set for 7:30 pm ET.

Recap: CANMNT begins 2023 with a ‘professional performance’

2023-03-26T10:24:30-04:00

Sean Pollock/Waking The Red

Saturday’s victory saw Canada clinch their spot in this year’s Gold Cup.

Two first half goals from both Canadian strikers earned Les Rouges a comfortable 2-0 victory against Curaçao and top spot in Group C heading into Tuesday night.

Canada started the match well, controlling the play well and creating chances for their two in-form strikers. It wasn’t until the 23rd minute when Canada was able to break through the Curaçao defence.

With Alistair Johnston unavailable for Saturday night’s matchup due to suspension, it created an opportunity for Toronto FC fullback Richie Laryea. Laryea was able to find Ligue 1’s leading goalscorer, Jonathan David, who made no mistake poking the ball home.

The Link-Up Play #WeCAN pic.twitter.com/QXosc3XtQU
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 26, 2023

Despite the goal, Curaçao was not going anywhere and were doing their best to give Canada a problem. However, after picking up two yellows in the first half, defender Jurien Gaari was sent off and Curaçao was down to 10 men.

Right before half-time, Canada’s other in-form striker, Cyle Larin, doubled the Canadians’ advantage when David found Larin who slotted past Curaçao goalkeeper, Eloy Room.

The finish of a man in form ✨#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/eGxPqskfZx
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) March 26, 2023

Speaking after the game, John Herdman, who himself was suspended after picking up a red card in the last round of games, spoke about how effective his goal scorers had been on Saturday night.

“They’ve partnered well. You can see, they’re starting to read off of each other in the front two,” said Herdman about David and Larin’s partnership.

Herdman will be hoping for more of the same from his strokers as they eye a matchup against Honduras on Tuesday night.

Unsurprisingly, with Curaçao down to 10, Les Rouges controlled the majority of the play in the second half and will be disappointed that they are not leaving Willemstad without more goals.

It is a testament to this Canadian side that despite Alphonso Davies not having his best night in a Canadian shirt, Les Rouges were able to comfortably take care of business.

With three points all but confirmed, Canada was able to start looking ahead to Tuesday night and rest many of its key attackers while providing valuable minutes to midfielders Atiba Hutchinson, Mark-Anthony Kaye, and Tajon Buchanan.

Buchanan, who was questionable to play on Saturday as he recovers from a hamstring injury, was able to play that last 15 minutes without any incidents.

With the win, Canada now leads Group C, on goal difference, and sets up a showdown with Honduras on Tuesday night. With a spot in this year’s Gold Cup now clinched, Canada will need just one point to secure top spot in Group C and for a chance to play in the CONCACAF Nations League Final in June.

FT: San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 Toronto FC - Game thread, preview, how to watch

2023-03-25T21:29:28-04:00

Raoul Petretta in action during the home opener. | (Sean Pollock/Waking the Red)

A depleted Toronto FC side visit San Jose for the first time since 2020. Will the Reds leave the west coast with all three points?

Live Game Thread

FT - San Jose Earthquakes 0-0 Toronto FC.

90’ +2 - BIG SAVE FROM SJ ON SJ.

He really said nah, I want back to back clean sheets @SeanJohnGK pic.twitter.com/QVVz6jrPDk
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) March 26, 2023

81’ - Hugo Mbongue takes his spot up front as Deandre Kerr is substituted off.

73’ - Victor Vázquez is replaced by Kosi Thompson.

71’ - A dangerous cross from Marie ends up in another corner for the Earthquakes.

66’ - Bernardeschi and Kerr link up in the final third, Kerr’s shot was parried by Marcinkowski.

65’ - Sean Johnson calmly claims the shot from a San Jose free kick.

56’ - Another header from Rodrigues had Sean Johnson scrambling out of his net to cover the cross. The attempt did not hit the target.

53’ - The ‘Quakes came very close to scoring, a Cristian Espinoza corner found the head of Rodrigues and his header was inches away from going in the back of the net.

49’ - The chances keep coming for Fede, he continues to get good looks in the right areas on the pitch.

49’ - Bernardeschi’s shot was blocked, as was the follow-up from Marshall-Rutty.

HT - Scoreless after 45 minutes in San Jose.

43’ - Kikanovic’s curling attempt at goal goes just too high.

35’ - Bernardeschi’s shot at the near post goes wide of the net.

29’ - Paul Marie is shown a yellow card as he fouled Bernardeschi while he was dribbling forcefully.

27’ - JMR wins another free kick after skilful play in the middle of the park.

25’ - Federico Bernardeschi’s free kick results in a corner.

24’ - Marshall-Rutty wins a free kick in a good area for Toronto.

16’ - An effort from way out by Brandon Servania goes wide of goal.

7’ - A shot from Deandre Kerr is saved impressively by Quakes ‘keeper JT Marcinkowski.

6’ - San Jose’s Benji Kikanovic with a big chance to put the hosts in front. The cross found him at the back post, his sliding effort goes just wide.

1’ - And we are underway at PayPal Park!

9:55 pm ET - TFC’s last trip to San Jose ended in a 2-2 draw. Alejandro Pozuelo and Richie Laryea got the goals that day.

9:35 pm ET - Get in your guesses for our prediction league!

9:30 pm ET - Get a pot of coffee going! It’s a late kickoff tonight between Toronto FC and the San Jose Earthquakes in California.

Starting XIs

A lot of rotation for the Reds as they were heavily impacted by international call-ups. Victor Vázquez starts his first match for TFC since October 6, 2018.

Get your spro ready ☕️ late night footy coming up.

Catch the action live on #MLSSeasonPass on the @AppleTV app.

Also available on TSN 4. #SJvTOR | #TFCLive
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) March 26, 2023

Canadian midfielder Michael Baldisimo gets his first start with San Jose. Watch out for striker Jeremy Ebobisse as he has two goals and one assist in four matches.

Listos. #VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/4FQD1lGfEX
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) March 26, 2023

Match Preview via Adam Palermo

Toronto FC will face their first Western Conference opponent of the season this Saturday when they pay a visit to the San Jose Earthquakes. Coming off of last week’s 2-0 victory over Inter Miami at home, Toronto will now look to win on the road for the first time in 2023. The contest in California will put team depth to the test though, with a number of key players unavailable due to international duty and injuries.

Last weekend’s result at BMO Field was a cathartic one for a squad that was looking for its first win in 10 games. The Reds followed up a disappointing home opener with a comfortable display over the South Beach side, giving supporters a first glimpse of what should be a club ready to contend again. TFC defended with confidence and won the midfield battle. Going forward, Federico Bernardeschi and Richie Laryea were influential down the right flank, each assisting a goal in the second half.

Now though, a FIFA international window will throw a wrench in Toronto’s plans for a first winning streak of the season. TFC will have five players on international duty during their trip to the Bay Area; El Salvadorian backup keeper Tomas Romero, and Canada men’s national team players Laryea, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Ayo Akinola and Jonathan Osorio.

Osorio, who scored the winner in the 2-0 triumph over Inter Miami, was asked about his thoughts on the international breaks which overlap with Major League Soccer fixtures after last weekend’s match.

“It’s tough for us. Obviously we want to be here for every game for our club, but then again we also want to play every game for our country as well,” Osorio said during the postgame press conference.

“In Europe they find a way to have an international break and over here I feel like they have to do the same because in a league that’s growing you’re going to have more and more internationals.”

Cristian Gutierrez, Lorenzo Insigne and Adama Diomande will also be unavailable for the fixture at PayPal Park. After being claimed off of waivers Gutierrez is yet to appear for his new club as he deals with an illness. Attackers Insigne and Diomande are still recovering from their respective lower body injuries.

Toronto FC player availability report vs. San Jose:

OUT:
Adama Diomande (Lower body)
Cristián Gutiérrez (Non-COVID illness)
Lorenzo Insigne (Lower body)

INTERNATIONAL DUTY:
Ayo Akinola
Mark-Anthony Kaye
Richie Laryea
Jonathan Osorio
Tomas Romero #TFCLive | #SJvTOR
— Waking the Red (@WakingtheRed) March 23, 2023

With a number of important figures missing for Saturday’s contest, head coach Bob Bradley has some decisions to make with regard to who will get the nod in the starting lineup. Given Laryea’s absence, one of Kobe Franklin, Kosi Thompson or Jahkeele Marhsall-Rutty will likely be handed their first start of the season on the right side of defence.

Further up the pitch, Victor Vazquez could make his first start for TFC since October 2018. The Spanish playmaker could play on the left wing or as a central attacking midfielder. One of Deandre Kerr or Hugo Mbongue will likely feature up top in Bradley’s favoured 4-3-3.

Bradley has also called on some reinforcements from Toronto FC II. Midfielders Alonso Coello Camarero and Markus Cimermancic have both signed short-term loan agreements with the first team.

On a media call, #TFCLive head coach Bob Bradley says the team will sign a pair of @TorontoFCII midfielders, Alonso Coello and Markus Cimermancic, on short-term loans for Saturday's game in San Jose.

TFC need cover while Jonathan Osorio and Mark-Anthony Kaye are with #CanMNT. pic.twitter.com/3SrmHZl0ah
— Canadian Soccer Daily (@CANSoccerDaily) March 24, 2023

San Jose will be without a couple of key players themselves on Saturday night. The Earthquakes have lost left-back Miguel Trauco and midfielder Jamiro Monteiro to the international break. Canadian midfielder Michael Baldisimo could be in the running for his first Earthquakes start in the place of Monteiro. The former Whitecaps man has featured twice off the bench so far this season.

Like Bradley, San Jose head coach Luchi Gonzalez has also had to figure out how to deal with early season injury woes, having already lost two starters to injury in goalkeeper Daniel, and defender Nathan. Last year’s starting goalie JT Marcinkowski has returned between the sticks in Daniel’s place, while February arrival Jonathan Mensah has started the opening four matches next to Rodrigues in central defence.

After two wins against the Whitecaps and Rapids, the Quakes came back to earth in their last match, a 3-0 loss to MLS newcomers St. Louis CITY. Like TFC, San Jose has a poor track record of keeping the ball out of their net. Only D.C. United shipped more goals than the Quakes in 2022. With that being said, things have been a lot more promising in the attack.

The California club scored a respectable 52 goals last season, spearheaded by the deadly attacking duo of Jeremy Ebobisse and Cristian Espinoza. Ebobisse scored in the last meeting between these two sides, a 2-2 draw at BMO Field in July 2022. San Jose’s striker already has himself two goals to start the 2023 season, and the Cameroonian will be hoping to get back in the goals after his team was shutout in their last match.

Match Details

Opponent: San Jose Earthquakes

Kickoff time: 10:30 pm ET

Watch: MLS Season Pass, TSN

Stadium: PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.

Toronto FC Prediction League 2023 | Round 05 — Toronto FC at San Jose Earthquakes

2023-03-25T12:46:21-04:00

GRAPHICS : JPN

Guess Saturday’s final score before the 10:30 pm ET kickoff to enter our prediction and be eligible to win a Toronto FC prize!

The Reds are in the win column at last!

onemi16, Footy Wolverine Go Blue, and Andre Schaffner are still locked in a three-way tie after Matchday 4. Shout out goes to secondstar who recorded a perfect score!

So, get those coffees ready because for those in Eastern Canada, this is gonna be a late one.

GRAPHICS : JPN

The point system is as follows:

2 points for guessing the correct result (Win, Loss, or Draw)
1 point for guessing the amount of Toronto FC goals scored
1 point for guessing the amount of Toronto FC goals conceded

A perfect game prediction will yield a massive 4 points—and there will be extra point available each match for the bonus question!

This Week’s Bonus (1 point):

Will we see one of the TFC II short-term loanees make their first-team debut (Markus Cimermancic or Alonso Coello Camarero)

NOTE : AS THIS BONUS QUESTION IS LINEUP DEPENDANT - ALL BONUS VOTES MUST BE CAST BEFORE THE LINEUP DROPS AHEAD OF KICKOFF ON TWITTER

Let’s get to predicting! Come On You Reds!

Preview: Shorthanded Reds set for San Jose showdown

2023-03-24T18:20:02-04:00

Matt Hedges during the match against Columbus Crew at BMO Field on March 11, 2023. | Sean Pollock/Waking The Red

International break threatens to interrupt TFC’s early-season progress.

Now though, a FIFA international window will throw a wrench in Toronto’s plans for a first winning streak of the season. TFC will have five players on international duty during their trip to the Bay Area; El Salvadorian backup keeper Tomas Romero, and Canada men’s national team players Laryea, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Ayo Akinola and Jonathan Osorio.

Sean Pollock/Waking The Red

Jonathan Osorio scored the winner in TFC’s last match, a 2-0 win over Inter Miami at BMO Field. He and four teammates will miss Toronto’s next match while on international duty.

Toronto FC player availability report vs. San Jose:

OUT:
Adama Diomande (Lower body)
Cristián Gutiérrez (Non-COVID illness)
Lorenzo Insigne (Lower body)

INTERNATIONAL DUTY:
Ayo Akinola
Mark-Anthony Kaye
Richie Laryea
Jonathan Osorio
Tomas Romero #TFCLive | #SJvTOR
— Waking the Red (@WakingtheRed) March 23, 2023

With a number of important figures missing for Saturday's contest, head coach Bob Bradley has some decisions to make with regard to who will get the nod in the starting lineup. Given Laryea’s absence, one of Kobe Franklin, Kosi Thompson or Jahkeele Marhsall-Rutty will likely be handed their first start of the season on the right side of defence.

Sean Pollock/Waking The Red

Deandre Kerr scored in TFC’s last match against San Jose, a 2-2 draw at BMO Field in July 2022.

Bradley has also called on some reinforcements from Toronto FC II. Midfielders Alonso Coello Camarero and Markus Cimermancic have both signed short-term loan agreements with the first team.

On a media call, #TFCLive head coach Bob Bradley says the team will sign a pair of @TorontoFCII midfielders, Alonso Coello and Markus Cimermancic, on short-term loans for Saturday's game in San Jose.

TFC need cover while Jonathan Osorio and Mark-Anthony Kaye are with #CanMNT. pic.twitter.com/3SrmHZl0ah
— Canadian Soccer Daily (@CANSoccerDaily) March 24, 2023

Predicted Lineups

San Jose Earthquakes: Marcinkowski; Marie, Rodrigues, Mensah, Akapo; Baldisimo, Gruezo, Yueill; Cowell, Ebobisse, Espinoza

Toronto FC: Johnson; Petretta, Rosted, Hedges, Franklin; Servania, Bradley, Thompson; Vazquez, Kerr, Bernardeschi

Game Notes

TFC hasn’t won in San Jose since 2010, the Reds are (0-2-3) in their last five visits
TFC hasn’t been shutout by San Jose since 2012, finding the back of the net in nine-straight meetings

Match Details

Opponent: San Jose Earthquakes

Kickoff time: 10:30 pm ET

Watch: MLS Season Pass, TSN

Stadium: PayPal Park, San Jose, Calif.