Sunday evening at BMO Field they have just such an opportunity. The New England Revolution are not one of the league’s elite teams. In fact, a win will see the Reds go level with them on points, with a game in hand. But the Revolution are precisely the sort of team that Toronto has failed to beat over the past three months. And a loss would open a gap in the standings that would make finishing in fourth or higher, and consequently hosting a playoff game, significantly more difficult.
And while New England might not be one of MLS’s elite teams, they are currently one of the hottest. A comprehensive 3-1 victory at Gillette Stadium the last time the teams met launched the Revolution on a four game winning run. That run is part of an overall six-game undefeated streak that stretches back to mid-July. So a win for the Reds should not be expected, nor taken for granted.
Fortunately for Toronto the decimated squad that gave a strong, but ultimately fruitless, effort in Seattle is much closer to a full complement. Jozy Altidore has returned from international duty having continued his recent goal-scoring form with the United States. Justin Morrow and Damien Perquis will be available for selection in defense, and a makeshift three-man backline should be unnecessary.
The real question on the minds of Reds supporters is the availability of Sebastian Giovinco. TFC’s talisman was forced out of international duty with the Italian national team due to an injury that forced his substitution in the match against Montreal. After his call-up, the Reds always expected his absence from the Seattle game, but an extended stretch without the team’s leading scorer and chance creator would be a new challenge.
Giovinco has been omnipresent for the Reds this season. Where the commitment, or at least the durability, of past designated players may have been questioned, Giovinco has been unimpeachable. Twenty-five games played in TFC’s twenty-six league games this season. It is easy to overlook, but at 2132 minutes the Italian has been on the field more than any other Toronto player.
Fortunately, all the indications are that Giovinco is ready to return to action. And with Kei Kamara having bagged a couple goals for Columbus last evening, Giovinco will need some offensive output of his own to keep pace in the race to be MLS’s top scorer. That may not be first priority, but it’s hard to deny that following the Golden Boot standings has been an interesting subplot to Toronto’s season.
Even if it’s not quite a true six-pointer – nothing more than playoff seeding is on the line – it’s an important game. An important game in mid-September. That’s been rare for TFC, and it’s time to reward the fans with an important win.