FC Dallas (3-2-1) is looking to bounce back from last week’s loss to Colorado when it hosts Toronto FC Saturday night at Toyota Stadium presented by Elephant Insurance.
Dallas will be looking avoid to losing at home for the second straight weekend as FC Dallas has not lost back-to-back home games since late 2013.
Injury Watch
Toronto will be without defender Steven Caldwell, Eriq Zavaleta and Clement Simonin while Mark Bloom and Damien Perquis are question marks heading into Saturday's match.
Key Matchups
Fabian Castillo vs Joe Bendik – We talk about it a lot but Castillo leads Dallas with 14 shots, however he only has one goal. Bendik has 19 saves in four games, but Castillo and the rest of the FC Dallas attack will come out aggressive and test him early. Castillo is poised for a breakout game and it could come Saturday.
Matt Hedges vs Jozy Altidore- Altidore leads Toronto with two goals and is the clubs most dangerous offensive weapon. The US Men’s National Team’s forward will test FC Dallas’ back line and Matt Hedges can make a statement to Jurgen Klinsmann by shutting him down on Saturday
Key Player for Toronto FC
Sebastian Giovinco- Like Castillo for Dallas, Giovinco leads Toronto in shots, but only has one goal. If FC Dallas focuses its defensive efforts solely on Altidore, Giovinco could definitely hurt them.
Projected Lineup
Goalkeeper: Joe Bendik; Backline: Marky Delgado, Nick Hagglund, Ashtone Morgan, Justin Morrow; Midfield: Jonathan Osorio, Michael Bradley, Benoit Cheyrou, Sebastian Giovinvo; Forwards: Robbie Findley, Jozy Altidore
Keys to three points
FCD will look to get out to a quick start as FC Dallas has gotten off to slow starts in the past three games and opponents have jumped out to early leads.
All three of Dallas’ wins came in games in which they struck first. Look for Dallas to come out aggressive early as the try to defend their home turf and prevent a three-game losing streak.
