Toronto vs Philadelphia
With the news of Jozy Altidore leaving the U.S National Team as the group stage of the Gold Cup came to a close, his return to Toronto in time for this weekend’s match with Philadelphia has everyone wondering what happened. Some reports say Altidore left the team of his own accord, and other outlets report that Jurgen Klinsmann simply was concerned with Altidore's on-going hamstring injury and wanted to go in another direction.
The Galaxy's Alan Gordon was brought in to the U.S squad as his replacement. According to Klinsmann in a quote from USA Today, "He is simply not in shape to help us going forward." Altidore started the first two games of the Gold Cup, but was substituted for and did not make an appearance in the final group stage match against Panama.
Regardless, Altidore will be expected in the starting XI with Sebastian Giovinco up front, while the Reds Michael Bradley remained with the U.S team as captain.
We saw quite a performance the last time Toronto took the field, as the 4 - 4 draw with NYCFC was obviously filled with offense. On the other hand, it was second consecutive game that Toronto has allowed four goals, after the Galaxy put on their own fireworks display on July 4.
Interestingly, Altidore's former team in England will come calling for a friendlyon Wednesday, when Sunderland makes a trip to BMO Field.
Philadelphia hosted a new arrival to English Premier League, as Bournemouth handed the Union a 4 - 1 loss on July 14 at PPL Park.
The Union will only have two days to prepare for their U.S Open Cup match against the Red Bulls onJuly 21at Red Bull Arena, and will remain on the road to face first place DC Unitednext Sunday.
Last time out in league play, the Union took advantage of having 10 days off to prepare for Portland, and came away with a resounding 3 - 0 win. One bit of news to note from the match was the yellow card given to Maurice Edu, which earned him a suspension for this weekend's match against Toronto.
The first meeting in May between the two clubs saw Toronto earn their first victory on the road against the Union, with a 1 - 0 win on the strength of a 34th minute goal from Sebastian Giovinco.
Last 13 MLS Meetings:
The two teams have met 13 times in MLS action since 2010, and Philly leads the series with 6 Wins, 3 Losses and 4 Draws.
1x2 3-Way Lines:
Toronto +100
Philadelphia +270
Draw +260
Handicap/Spread Odds:
Toronto -0.5 +100
Philadelphia +0.5 -120
Total O/U 2.5:
Over -115
Under -105
Quick Analysis & Prediction
Quick Analysis:
It is certainly hard to ignore the fact that the Toronto defense, if we can call it that, is a sieve at the moment. Giving up four goals to the Galaxy might not come as the biggest surprise, but the 4 - 4 match with NYCFC could have just as easily ended 5 - 5. Two penalty kicks were missed by both Giovinco and David Villa, although the two combined for five goals in the outing, with a brace from Villa and a hat trick from Giovinco.
We are not sure what the line setters are thinking, offering a mere -115 on the total to go Over, and that is where we will look to offer a prediction.
Prediction:
Hello goals!
Now throw in the fact that Altidore is back earlier than expected after leaving the U.S team, and we might have ourselves another old-fashioned shootout.
The Over 2.5 at a lovely -115 makes our board, as it should be on yours, because three goals between the two clubs could come before the hour mark, much less through the whole 90 minutes.
With the news of Jozy Altidore leaving the U.S National Team as the group stage of the Gold Cup came to a close, his return to Toronto in time for this weekend’s match with Philadelphia has everyone wondering what happened. Some reports say Altidore left the team of his own accord, and other outlets report that Jurgen Klinsmann simply was concerned with Altidore's on-going hamstring injury and wanted to go in another direction.
The Galaxy's Alan Gordon was brought in to the U.S squad as his replacement. According to Klinsmann in a quote from USA Today, "He is simply not in shape to help us going forward." Altidore started the first two games of the Gold Cup, but was substituted for and did not make an appearance in the final group stage match against Panama.
Regardless, Altidore will be expected in the starting XI with Sebastian Giovinco up front, while the Reds Michael Bradley remained with the U.S team as captain.
We saw quite a performance the last time Toronto took the field, as the 4 - 4 draw with NYCFC was obviously filled with offense. On the other hand, it was second consecutive game that Toronto has allowed four goals, after the Galaxy put on their own fireworks display on July 4.
Interestingly, Altidore's former team in England will come calling for a friendlyon Wednesday, when Sunderland makes a trip to BMO Field.
Philadelphia hosted a new arrival to English Premier League, as Bournemouth handed the Union a 4 - 1 loss on July 14 at PPL Park.
The Union will only have two days to prepare for their U.S Open Cup match against the Red Bulls onJuly 21at Red Bull Arena, and will remain on the road to face first place DC Unitednext Sunday.
Last time out in league play, the Union took advantage of having 10 days off to prepare for Portland, and came away with a resounding 3 - 0 win. One bit of news to note from the match was the yellow card given to Maurice Edu, which earned him a suspension for this weekend's match against Toronto.
The first meeting in May between the two clubs saw Toronto earn their first victory on the road against the Union, with a 1 - 0 win on the strength of a 34th minute goal from Sebastian Giovinco.
Last 13 MLS Meetings:
The two teams have met 13 times in MLS action since 2010, and Philly leads the series with 6 Wins, 3 Losses and 4 Draws.
1x2 3-Way Lines:
Toronto +100
Philadelphia +270
Draw +260
Handicap/Spread Odds:
Toronto -0.5 +100
Philadelphia +0.5 -120
Total O/U 2.5:
Over -115
Under -105
Quick Analysis & Prediction
Quick Analysis:
It is certainly hard to ignore the fact that the Toronto defense, if we can call it that, is a sieve at the moment. Giving up four goals to the Galaxy might not come as the biggest surprise, but the 4 - 4 match with NYCFC could have just as easily ended 5 - 5. Two penalty kicks were missed by both Giovinco and David Villa, although the two combined for five goals in the outing, with a brace from Villa and a hat trick from Giovinco.
We are not sure what the line setters are thinking, offering a mere -115 on the total to go Over, and that is where we will look to offer a prediction.
Prediction:
Hello goals!
Now throw in the fact that Altidore is back earlier than expected after leaving the U.S team, and we might have ourselves another old-fashioned shootout.
The Over 2.5 at a lovely -115 makes our board, as it should be on yours, because three goals between the two clubs could come before the hour mark, much less through the whole 90 minutes.
