A classic MLS matchup is in store this coming weekend as fourth-place Toronto FC head south to face first-place D.C. United. United will look to extend their two-game winning streak against a Toronto side that is coming off an impressive two-goal win over San Jose.
Who will emerge victorious in this battle between two Eastern Conference giants? Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this mouth-watering clash and while you’re at it, you can check out our preview of the game between Sporting Kansas City and the Seattle Sounders.
[sc:Soccer ]D.C. United vs. Toronto FC Preview
Where: RFK Memorial Stadium, Washington D.C.
When: Saturday, June 6, 7:00 PM ET
Line: Toronto FC +188 at D.C. United +118, tie +228; total: 2.5 – view all MLS lines
Betting on D.C. United
D.C. United staged a furious second-half comeback to defeat the Chicago Fire, 3-1, on Wednesday. A Jairo Arrieta brace and a late Conor Doyle goal ensured all three points for United, who stretched their lead at the top of the Eastern Conference standings to seven points.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Already missing the services of Taylor Kemp, Luis Silva and Chris Rolfe, United were dealt a further blow before kickoff with defender Chris Korb, wide midfielder Chris Pontius and star goalkeeper Bill Hamid all ruled out because of varying injuries. That seemed to affect United in the early going as they surrendered the opening goal to the Fire in the 27th minute.
United weren’t fazed one bit though, as they recorded a thrilling come-from-behind victory for the third home game running. Providing the inspiration for United’s magical comeback was the returning Fabian Espindola. Playing in his first game since May 2nd, Espindola notched two assists in the win against the Fire and had a hand in United’s third goal. United went just 2-2-2 in the six games that Espindola missed.
That sets them up quite nicely for their weekend match with Toronto. United will fancy their chances against Toronto as they have been unstoppable at home of late. With their victory against Chicago, United have extended their home unbeaten streak to a club-record 20 matches. They are 6-0-3 at home this season with United outscoring their opponents, 15-7, at RFK Stadium.
D.C. United are 2-2-1 in their last five matches.
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Betting on Toronto FC
Toronto FC stretched their unbeaten run in the league to three matches with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday. With the victory, Toronto FC moved into a tie for fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings with 16 points to their name.
Key to Toronto’s sudden resurgence has been the excellent form of star signing Sebastian Giovinco. The Italian had an outstanding month of May, leading the Canadian side to three victories while scoring two goals and dishing out three assists.
After scoring the winning goal against Portland on May 23, the Italian was once again the catalyst for Toronto’s win against San Jose as he ran riot against the Earthquakes defense. Giovinco had a pair of assists in that 3-1 victory. Giovinco now has five goals and six assists among TFC’s 17 goals this season. He also has a goal and/or an assist in nine of their 11 games this year.
Toronto FC will have a battle in their hands, though, in their next match as standing in their way are the Eastern Conference leaders D.C. United. United have the meanest defense in the Eastern Conference, allowing just 13 goals this season. To make matters worse for Toronto FC, they’ll be without the services of captain Michael Bradley (international duty) and Jozy Altidore (injury) for their crunch clash with United this coming Saturday.
The good news for head coach Greg Vanney is that several scoring options emerged in their recent victory against San Jose. Fullback Justin Morrow, midfielder Warren Crevalle and striker Luke Moore bagged the goals for Toronto in that win. Toronto FC are third in the Eastern Conference in scoring with 17 goals this season.
Toronto FC are 3-1-1 in their last five league matches.
Writer’s Prediction
D.C. United and Toronto cancel each other out in an entertaining 2-2 draw (+228).
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