Jozy Altidore will look to continue his goal-scoring form since returning from injury. The big American striker has scored three times in the last four games. While his offensive partner Sebastian Giovinco may lead the MLS Golden Boot race after his own hot-streak at home in Toronto, the little Italian hasn’t scored on the road since April 23 in Montreal.
Giovinco has a right to feel confident ahead of Saturday’s matchup – he helped Toronto to victory in all three of last year’s meetings between the teams, including a 1-0 win in Philadelphia, scoring in each game of the series.
Fullback Justin Morrow trained this week following the hip injury he suffered against Houston but his right-sided counterpart Mark Bloom, who went down with an ankle sprain in the same game, has not recovered in time. However, defenders Eriq Zavaleta and Steven Beitashour are available for selection. Clint Irwin remains at least a week away from a return in goal.
After picking up just five points in the previous seven matches, the Union (9-8-7) burst out with a 4-0 victory in New England last weekend. Despite their recent slide, attacking-midfielder Chris Pontius now has four goals in five games. U.S. international Alejandro Bedoya made his MLS debut against New England after his switch from French side Nantes. Fellow American Brian Carroll remains sidelined with a heel injury.
This week, TFC acquired Panamanian international midfielder Armando Cooper on loan from Club Deportivo Árabe Unido. Cooper, capped 74 times by his country, is waiting on a work permit and won’t feature this weekend. With Will Johnson’s return from injury imminent, the 28-year-old will provide additional options in midfield as Greg Vanney prepares the final flourishes to a playoff push.
Projected Line-ups
Toronto FC: A.Bono, S.Beitashour, E.Zavaleta, D.Moor, J.Morrow, M.Bradley, M.Delgado, J.Osorio, T.Endoh, J.Altidore, S.Giovinco
Philadelphia: A.Blake, Fabinho, R.Marquez, K.Tribbet, K.Rosenberry, A.Bedoya, W.Creavalle, T.Barnetta, C.Pontius, Ilsinho, C.J. Sapong
Referee: Mark Geiger
Broadcast: SN360