The 2019 MLS Cup is mere days away, with Seattle Sounders set to host Toronto FC at a sold-out CenturyLink Field on Sunday (3 pm ET | ABC, Univision, TUDN in US; TSN, TVAS in Canada). Both teams served up upsets in the conference finals, with Seattle knocking off Supporters' Shield winners LAFC and Toronto, also going on the road, taking out 2018 MLS Cup Champions Atlanta United.
With the big game drawing closer, Bobby Warshaw takes a look at how the two teams matchup in every part of the field, as well as the sidelines. He broke down the goalkeepers and defenders on Monday and looks at the midfield on Tuesday. Check back over the coming days for a rating of the wingers, forwards, coaches and bench players.
Toronto FC's Quentin Westberg was fantastic against Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference Final. He saved the 11th minute penalty kick to keep the game in reach, and then made a couple of big stops in the second half to secure Toronto’s win. The former US Under-20 'keeper has excellent reflexes and the best passing range of any GK in the league. He’s in excellent form, and form matters for goalkeepers at this point in the year.
When it comes to MLS Cup, though, you want Stefan Frei in goal. This save from the 2016 MLS Cup should get painted onto the side of Seattle city hall.
He’s already saved Seattle this postseason, too, stifling Dallas down the stretch of their Round One game.
Both teams should feel good about their goalkeeper situation going into MLS Cup — either team could have a Man of the Match candidate in goal — but Seattle should feel slightly better.
You know what you’re going to get from Seattle. Kim Kee-hee has become one of the more reliable, consistently good center backs in the league. Kelvin Leerdam and Brad Smith will fly down the wings and create chances, then provide good, though not great, defensive cover. Roman Torres or Xavier Arreaga will provide the muscle.
Toronto have more variables.
Omar Gonzalez has not appeared in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs yet as he’s dealt with an injury. He’s made the gameday roster for the last two games, though, and the 10-day rest should give him time to work back toward full fitness. Toronto have only lost once in the 14 games that Gonzalez has started since his return to MLS. Will Vanney reinsert him into the lineup, and break up a pairing in Chris Mavinga and Laurent Ciman that has worked nicely (albeit unconventionally) throughout the playoffs?
Will it be one of those days when Mavinga, Ciman or Gonzalez has a stinker? All three might have more overall talent than Seattle’s center-back pairing, but all three are more prone to that one mistake that could cost the game.
What formation will Vanney use? Toronto have started with a four-defender formation throughout the playoffs, but a 5-3-2 suits them better with everyone healthy. Gonzalez could enter the lineup as a third center back; Michael Bradley, Jonathan Osorio, and Marky Delgado could play as three center mids; and Alejandro Pozuelo could partner Jozy Altidore up top. It’d be risky to go away from what’s helped Toronto be successful thus far in the playoffs, but Vanney isn’t scared to throw a surprise for MLS Cup. Remember when he opted for the diamond midfield in 2017?
I’m going with Seattle just because, as a matter of personal preference, I don’t like variables.
Thought: I would 100% rather have Seattle’s Nicolas Lodeiro, Gustav Svensson and Cristian Roldan going into this game.
Another thought: I still don’t feel comfortable picking against Michael Bradley in this type of game. I’ve mostly accepted the fact that Bradley isn’t the same player anymore. But how many times in sports have we seen star players rejuvenate their aging bodies for that last “I’m still the man” game? His performances in the previous two MLS Cups were among the best you’ll ever see from a central midfielder in MLS. They were beautiful to watch. He can’t put those games together on a regular basis anymore, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him boss MLS Cup one last time.
It is, after all, reportedly a $6.5 million day for him.
LIVE YOUR COLORS: Download the free MLS app - The official MLS app gets a major update for 2019, making it easier than ever to keep up with your favorite club, check standings, watch videos and much more.
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November 06, 2019 at 12:21AM
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Seattle Sounders vs. Toronto FC: 2019 MLS Cup tale of the tape for each position | Bobby Warshaw - MLSsoccer.com
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