There's a certain degree of difficulty that comes with mapping out the Keys To The Match when you're playing Toronto FC. It's not be because they are MLS Cup champions. Or because they have very good players in their squad - they do. The real problem comes with trying to figure out which Toronto FC team will show up on the day - the team that demolished Montreal in under a half hour at home or the side that looked lackluster at best away to Portland at the midweek?
With LAFC traveling to take on Toronto FC at BMO Field on Saturday, I'm going to assume we'll get TFC at full strength. After all, another slip up at home could mean the end of Toronto's season. Here are the Toyota Keys To the Match for LAFC's trip north to face Toronto FC:
Track Osorio's Late Runs
He just earned himself a big contract extension, and deservedly so, because Jonathan Osorio has been Toronto FC's most consistent player this season.
Osorio has scored a career-high nine goals in 2018. His uptick in finishing has likely come as a result of his knack for late runs. Osorio is the quintessential No. 8, crashing the box just as the backline thinks it has all the runners picked up. When the ball goes wide, the communication between LAFC's backline and midfield will have to be focused on who is picking up Osorio. He likes to run into the little channels between the center back and fullback from midfield, so knowing when to stay close to him and when to let him run himself into an offside position will be key.
He's liable to pop up all over the pitch, but LAFC would be wise to never take its eyes off Osorio.
Be Tidy In Possession
Toronto FC is not much of a pressing side. They prefer to defend with numbers and minimize the space in behind the backline.
With their lines tight and the three midfielders just in front of the backline, Toronto look to entice teams forward. From there, they are smart at jumping passing lanes and guiding teams into congested areas. And with Sebastian Giovinco lurking around the center circle, Toronto have quick-attack capabilities when they turn teams over.
LAFC's midfield has to be cognizant of where the spaces are both offensively and defensively when in possession. When they play with numbers to either side, particular attention has to be maintained on keeping the ball and the right pass. If the combinations aren't opening space vertically, LAFC need to have the patience to work the ball into safer open areas and start again. Not doing so, could lead to Giovinco running at the LAFC backline with the ball at his feet and tons of space.
Attack In The Spaces Left By Fullbacks
In its 3-1 at home against Montreal, Toronto played what looks to be their best lineup - sans a suspended Jozy Altidore. In that configuration, Gregory van der Wiel was deployed at right back, after spending chunks of the season as a center back.
Van der Wiel is the type of defender that is comfortable on the ball and likes to get forward. On the right, he will provide width, staying nearly on the touchline and high up the pitch. This is something LAFC can exploit in transition. I've already mentioned that when Toronto is out of possession, they like to drop with their lines tight, and at times two banks of four. This makes them very hard to break down. But if LAFC can quickly play into the spaces left by van der Wiel when Toronto lose possession, they can force the TFC backline to shift in cover. That opens other avenues of playing.
Diego Rossi is likely to be the one finding himself in those areas for LAFC. He's been fantastic at carrying the ball forward and going right at defenders. While he has to be mindful of van der Wiel's advances, a concerted effort to pick up starting positions in the spaces left behind would give Rossi space to run. From there, the LAFC attackers need to get in support possessions as Toronto's backline scrambles to cover.
