The game at Avaya Stadium pits the Reds against a team on the slide. The Quakes (5-6-7) haven’t won in seven games and are sitting well outside the playoff spots in a highly competitive Western Conference. In comparison, whilst only two points better off with the same number of games played, TFC (6-6-6) have given improved performances in recent weeks and showed resilience to tie the Crew despite running a short bench.
The big news out of Toronto this week was the departure of Damien Perquis, whose contract was terminated with mutual consent. The Frenchman was drawing a healthy salary, and with Vanney impressed with fellow centre back Eriq Zavaleta this season it was time to move on. The team once again played with five at the back in Columbus, Mark Bloom replacing Steven Beitashour. The Iranian is expected to come back in for the clash with the Quakes, for whom he use to wear the uniform.
San Jose suffered a first home loss of the season to high-flying Dallas last weekend. Whilst they matched their Texan opponents in most departments, Dominic Kinnear’s side will be desperate for three points when they face Toronto. Earthquakes hitman Chris Wondolowski will hope to break his six-game scoring drought.
Toronto have won the last two encounters between the sides, including a 3-1 victory at BMO Field last May. However, San Jose haven't lost to a Canadian team at home in 11 games. The last team to inflict defeat? It was the Reds in May, 2010.
Projected Line-ups
Toronto: A.Bono, E.Zavaleta, J.Williams, D.Moor, J.Morrow, B.Cheyrou, M.Delgado, J.Osorio, M.Babouli, S.Giovinco, J.Hamilton
San Jose: D.Bingham, C.Cato, M.Wynne, V.Bernárdez, A.Quintero, A.Godoy, S.Dawkins, S.Salinas, C.Wondolowski, Q.Amarikwa
Referee: Alejandro Mariscal
Broadcast: SN360