The stage is set in Century Link Stadium, with a few hours
for Sunday, the stage is set for a third meeting in the Major League Soccer
finals between the Seattle Sounders and the Toronto Reds.
As the big game about to start and with both teams having
their shares of a fair campaign, the stage is set for any of them to lift the
cup and this will be the one that can put on display the best game. As they
state the third time the charm and this affair can go for anyone in the end.
As both sides coming with impressive starting elevens and
getting to the grand finale by upsetting all favorites Atlanta United and LAFC
these latter ones that had the best record and being the favorite to win it all.
However, there was an inspired and determined Seattle squad
all inspired and not intimidated by the push of the Angelinos and its fanbase
that saw in disbelief how its squad was stopped by the Emerald City side. In the
East the TFC did the same in denying the defending champion Atlanta United the
chance of a repeat.
I see no favorites in this 2019 finals, despite both
teams defying the odds and upsetting a couple of favorites to play the grand
the finale, as I will outline my tale of the tape between both sides and their
advantages.
Goalies
Seattle Sounders- Stefan Frei and Toronto FC Quentin Westberg
Two amazing goalkeepers in both sides but with an
experienced Stefan Frei ready to shine in the big stage, don’t count TFC Quentin
Westberg out. The question arises for these keepers when it comes to play under
pressure and if these go the always hated PK’S.
Advantage: Seattle Sounders
Defense
Seattle Sounders- Brad Smith, Xavier Arreaga, Kim
Kee-hee, Kelvin Leerdam
Toronto FC- Justin Morrow, Chris Mavinga, Laurent Ciman,
Auro
As they state that defense wins games, the team with the
best defense will rise victorious, despite both sides coming even with amazing foursomes
in their defensive backfield, in the end, one shall overcome.
Yes, the Sounders finished second in the Western Conference
but in the end the Eastern Conference this association is considered one
competed one and for the TFC their perseverance was evident in reaching the
finals.
Advantage: Even
Midfield
Seattle Sounders- Nicolas Lodeiro, Gustav Svenson, Jordan
Morris
Toronto FC- Jonathan Osorio, Michael Bradley, Marco
Delgado
The Canadian side with Michael Bradley can have an advantage
but don’t expose Michael to a round of penalties as the man is fatal when it
comes to these situations. Jonathan Osorio along Marco Delgado are somehow the
men to lead Vanney’s attack.
In Schmetzer midfield his strategy with Nicolas Lodeiro
his top playmaker alongside Jordan Morris, this latter one along with the Andean
will become a living nightmare for the Canadian side.
Advantage: Seattle Sounders
Wingers
Seattle Sounders- Cristian Roldan, Joevin Jones
Toronto FC- Tsubasa Endoh, Nicolas Benezet
Too even but in the case of Seattle’s Roldan and Jones
these two were fundamental for the Sounders reaching to the finals for the third time, as both of these for sure, can cause havoc on any defensive backfield.
Contrary to Toronto Endoh and Benezet, these two newcomers
are no Sebastian Giovinco, man if these two can make the living hell to any opposing
team defenses with their game.
Advantage: Seattle Sounders
Strikers
Seattle Sounders- Raul Ruidiaz
Toronto FC- Alejandro Pozuelo
Both lads give them some freedom and score when the opportunity
arises, however for TFC’S Pozuelo the Spaniard carry this team all the way to
another grand finale.
Advantage: Toronto FC
Another mano a mano between Seattle Brian Schmetzer and
Toronto Greg Vanney.
Post Contents and Property of Fern Mc Costigan © Copyright
All Rights Reserved
Photos Credit and Property of Seattle Sounders FC and Toronto FC 2019
Photos Credit and Property of © 2018 Major League Soccer
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