Enemy Scouting Report - Toronto FC

(image via Toronto FC)

The Houston Dynamo have had a lengthy break after their loss to Toluca which eliminated them from the Leagues Cup in the knockout stage. Ben Olsen and his team have been playing impressive soccer recently, though the soccer gods don’t always favor the better teams. This break could work in the Dynamo’s favor as they continue to build chemistry with newly acquired players Ezequiel Ponce and Lawrence Ennali, both of whom have shown promising flashes of brilliance.

With 10 games remaining in the regular season, Houston has 6 of those matches at home. The team will need to capitalize on the sweltering temperatures in the city and secure as many points as possible, especially against a team like Toronto, which will be adjusting to the heat compared to the cool 70-degree weather they’re used to back home.

Toronto has been an unpredictable team this season. Currently sitting in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, their performance has been anything but consistent. They started the season well, winning at home and earning points on the road. However, they then endured a 10-game winless streak, which included a loss to Forge FC in the Canadian Championship. A significant factor in this slump was the absence of Italian playmakers Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi due to injuries. Their availability for the match against the Dynamo remains uncertain.

For Toronto, keep an eye on Prince Owusu, who has scored 6 goals, and the tenacious Jonathan Osorio, who will aim to control the midfield and distribute the ball effectively.

Toronto FC Record: 9W-5D-6L

Results in the last 30 days:

July 20 - Montreal 0-1 Toronto

July 27 - NY Red Bulls 0-0 Toronto (Leagues Cup)

August 4 - Pachuca 1-2 Toronto (Leagues Cup)

August 8 - Miami 4-3 Toronto (Leagues Cup)

Past Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)

There will likely be some variation but look to see many of the players in the graphic starting.

2024 Active Roster

Goalkeepers: Sean Johnson, Greg Ranjitsingh, Luka Gavran

Defenders: Kevin Long, Aime Mabika, Nicksoen Gomis, Sigurd Rosted, Kobe Franklin, Richie Laryea, Shane O’Neill, Raoul Petretta, Henry Wingo, Adam Pearlman

Midfielders: Matty Longstaff, Alonso Coello, Deiby Flores, Jonathan Osorio, Brandon Servania, Kosi Thompson

Forwards: Federico Bernardeschi, Derrick Etienne Jr, Tyrese Spicer, Lorenzo Insigne, Deandre Kerr, Prince Owusu

Can Houston use the home field advantage and get a big win against the Canadian club?