Intelligence Report: Orlando City vs. Toronto FC

It’s an especially quick turnaround for Orlando City as the Lions take the field a mere three days after handily dispatching the Chicago Fire, 3-1 at Exploria Stadium. Today sees OCSC face off against Toronto FC in the first of two meetings between the two Eastern Conference clubs this season.

A matchup against Toronto means I spoke with Tomas Karageorgos, one of the authors over at Waking the Red. Like us, Waking the Red has gone independent and is continuing to do excellent work covering Toronto FC and Canada’s national team, so make sure to check them out.

The big topic of conversation around TFC lately has been the firing of Bob Bradley. Do you think it was the right decision, or would you have given things more time?

Tomas Karageorgos: I think it was the right decision. Many Toronto FC fans were calling for this move to be made a month prior when the exposé from The Athletic was published, and many thought it was the last straw for Bob Bradley at that point. I believe the firing should have been done at the halfway mark of the season and not when it did, because the MLS season will soon break for the Leagues Cup to begin.

Talk me through Toronto’s transfer business this last off-season. How has the team changed from the one we saw in 2022?

TK: The main differences in the team from this season compared to 2022 is the defense. TFC practically revamped its back line: MLS veterans in goalkeeper Sean Johnson and center back Matt Hedges were brought in for their experience. Norwegian center back Sigurd Rosted was signed from Danish club Brøndby and Italian left back Raoul Petretta was signed from Turkish club Kasımpaşa to replace Domenico Criscito. Norwegian striker Adama Diomande was signed in mid-January as a depth piece, but was soon touted to be the starting forward with Spaniard Jesús Jiménez being traded to FC Dallas for midfielder Brandon Servania (who has been a mainstay in the starting lineup this season).

Toronto has been struggling to put the ball in the net, with the team’s 18 goals the second-lowest number in MLS. What needs to happen to get the offense clicking?

TK: The Reds have been scoring by committee this season. With no production from a true no. 9, the goals have been coming from elsewhere. Federico Bernardeschi, Lorenzo Insigne, and Deandre Kerr have three goals apiece. Defender Lukas MacNaughton was traded to Nashville SC in exchange for striker C.J. Sapong, and the MLS journeyman’s lone goal for TFC was on his debut in late April against New York City FC. Also, Bernardeschi’s last goal contribution was against Minnesota United on June 3. If Toronto wants to make any sort of push towards the playoffs, “Fede” needs to up his game.

Are there any players who will be unavailable due to injuries, suspensions, etc.? What is your projected starting lineup and score prediction?

TK: Our player availability report states Michael Bradley, Adama Diomande, Cristián Gutiérrez, Matt Hedges, Sigurd Rosted, and Victor Vázquez are all out with lower body injuries.
Sean Johnson, Tomás Romero, and Jonathan Osorio are away on international duty. Insigne is listed as questionable with a lower body injury.

Projected starting lineup: Greg Ranjitsingh; Kobe Franklin, Shane O’Neill, Aime Mabika, Raoul Petretta; Federico Bernardeschi, Brandon Servania, Mark Anthony Kaye, Kosi Thompson; CJ Sapong, DeAndre Kerr.

Score prediction: 2-1 Orlando City.

Big thanks to Tomas for his help in getting us caught up on TFC. Vamos Orlando!