There’s more than one way to win games in MLS, but Saturday’s game between Toronto FC and FC Dallas might prove who’s better. Toronto’s offseason spending has turned the tide of their play, converting a 9th place side that earned only 29 points last season into a team to be feared. On the other side of the league, Dallas has gone from a less abysmal 44 points and 8th in the West to a meteoric dark horse rise to first in the league in 2014.
Last week saw both teams fall to difficult opposition. Toronto were without big names Defoe and Bradley and lost 1-0 to the Colorado Rapids. Meanwhile, FC Dallas felt the wrath of Dempsey in what has been a stellar return to form for the American. Dallas will have the home advantage, but should Bradley return to the starting XI in time for the match, the odds may just be in their favor. Both teams are early playoff contenders, and both will look to prove their dominance over the other. We asked our panel of MLS experts who they think will win in the showdown at Toyota Park, its Toronto FC vs FC Dallas.
Sean Steffen – MLS correspondent, Resident LA Galaxy Trophy Bragger, Closeted League Nerd
FC Dallas 2 – 0 Toronto FC
FC Dallas’ offense has been downright scary at home, scoring 2 goals or more in their last 5 home games. They also boast one of the most impressive attacking midfields in the league, led by early MVP favorite, Mauro Diaz. Contrast this with Toronto who’re averaging an abysmal 39% in possession and are coming into this game pretty banged up. FC Dallas is the clear favorite by multiple goals. If TFC are going to grind out a result, how they handle Diaz will be key, as well as their ability to defend set pieces, where Dallas have scored 75% of their goals this season.
Charlie O’Connor Clarke – Soccer Analyst, Senior Writer of Failing European Clubs managed by David Moyes
FC Dallas 2 – 2 Toronto FC
Since it seems like everyone else is dismissing a Defoe-less TFC, I’ll play devil’s advocate and say they’re in with a shout. While they are indeed missing their star striker, Michael Bradley’s return will be an enormous boon to the squad’s confidence. Toronto still aren’t lacking in talent, with Cesar and Gilberto in the lineup as well. We saw the Reds perform well in Columbus without Defoe. Granted, that was at home, and the Crew are certainly not the same beast as Dallas, who have been unstoppable so far this season. If TFC want to leave Texas with a result, they can’t expect a clean sheet and they’ll need to match FCD’s offensive firepower. I think the Reds extend their streak of never winning at Dallas, but still come away with a hard-earned point.
Roger Cleaves – MLS Correspondent, Leading Hipster Expert on Seattle Sounders FC the club that invented soccer
FC Dallas 1 – 0 Toronto FC
With pretty much their entire roster listed as doubtful, and a bye coming up next week, Toronto won’t be in a rush to get Bradley and Defoe back on the field. Dallas will be reeling from their loss last week against Seattle in which they gave up two goals in the last 15 minutes, and they won’t want to lose twice in a row at home. Look for Perez to step up and slot one home late in the game. Dallas will want to make a statement win over another possible title contender and the stars just might align for that to happen this Sunday.
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