The win came at a cost though. In scoring the heroic stoppage-time goal that secured the silverwear against the Whitecaps, Will Johnson hyperextended his leg and is doubtful for Saturday’s game. (Kick-off 7:30 p.m. ET).
TFC (5-6-4) will continue to rely on the leadership of veteran Benoit Cheyrou, who received the George Gross Memorial Trophy as the MVP of the 2016 Canadian Championship.
After a solid performance on full debut, 22-year-old Alex Bono will deputize in goal in place of the injured Irwin, sidelined for six weeks due to a quadriceps strain.
Bradley is still recovering from a knee injury picked up on U.S. national team duty at the Copa America. Coach Greg Vanney says it’s not serious.
The Sounders (5-9-1) are on a torrid run of form in MLS play, losing five of their last six games, leaving them rooted second from bottom in the Western Conference.
However, they come into Saturday’s game on the back of qualification for the US Open Cup quarterfinals. Despite taking a pummeling from Real Salt Lake in regulation and extra time, a second-string side won the tie after a penalty shootout.
Clint Dempsey has returned from the Copa America to add some power back to the offence but Sounders coach Sigi Schmid has suggested fatigue may mean the game in Toronto might come too soon.
TFC haven’t beaten Seattle at BMO Field since 2010 and the Sounders have won on their last two visits to Toronto. They also won the only game between the teams last season, a 2-1 victory on the West Coast.
Projected Line-ups
Toronto: A.Bono, S.Beitashour, E.Zavaleta, D.Moor, J.Morrow B.Cheyrou, M.Delgado, J.Osorio, T.Endoh, S.Giovinco, M.Babouli
Seattle: T.Miller, D.Remick, C.Marshall, B.Evans, T.Mears, A.Ivanschitz, E.Friberg, O.Alonso, J.Jones, J.Morris, A.Kovar
Referee: Kevin Stott
Broadcast: TSN2