United host Sebastian Giovinco and Toronto FC for the final time at RFK this Saturday in a match that marks the beginning of a significant home stretch for the Black-and-Red. After falling to Minnesota United last weekend at TCF Bank Stadium, Ben Olsen’s side now turn to Greg Vanney and co. in an Eastern Conference matchup.
While the positive results have occurred with less regularity than previous seasons, the Black-and-Red have shown flashes of a strong side. United recently welcomed back goalkeeper Bill Hamid, who won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with the USMNT, Nick DeLeon, who has recovered from a hernia and appeared in two consecutive matches, Sean Franklin (hamstring) and Patrick Mullins (knee).
Toronto, meanwhile, will also have a near-full squad with the return of Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore from the national team. Whenever these two teams meet, though, the comparisons are made and arguments are had about the two diminutive number 10s on the field: United’s Luciano Acosta and Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco. And while Giovinco’s scoring record speaks for itself, Acosta has carved out his own reputation in the nation’s capital, albeit in an entirely different position. Various technical staffers around the league have weighed in on the former Boca Juniors man:
“[Acosta's] a dangerous guy. I don’t want to get out too far ahead of myself, but you see the flashes that are almost Giovinco-like. They’re tiny, they have that low center of gravity, you can’t get too close to them because they’ll run by you, they can draw fouls, they’ll embarrass you.”
And as Acosta goes, so do United. The Black-and-Red have won every single match when the Argentine scores (7-0-0) and will look to take it to TFC at home this weekend (the Reds are 4-3-4 away from BMO Field).
While Acosta's performance will be crucial on Saturday, so will United's aerial play. United boast the third-most aerials won in the league, while Toronto sit in 14th. Additionally, the Black-and-Red possess the sixth-most successful corners and crosses, whereas Toronto are last in MLS. As United vie to improve upon their 5-4-3 record against Toronto at RFK, look for Olsen's side to attempt to take advantage of their aerial edge.
