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MLS Week 23 Preview: Toronto drives for 5, Bedoya set to make debut

USA Today

Week 23 of the 2016 MLS season features plenty of marquee matchups as conference contenders clash in a weekend filled with action across the continent.

Here are three matchups worth watching in Week 23:

Toronto FC's drive for five

Toronto FC heads to Texas on Saturday after enjoying a four-game home stretch that saw the Reds tie the franchise record for consecutive victories.

Sebastian Giovinco inspired four straight wins for Toronto and now Greg Vanney's side - rejuvenated by the return of Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore from injury - will attempt to make club history with a fifth consecutive win over the struggling Houston Dynamo.

Can Toronto pull it off? It would certainly be a moment to remember. Giovinco will also look to extend his lead atop the Golden Boot race with 15 goals, his double hat trick propelling him past New York City FC ace David Villa (13 goals).

Bedoya set for Boston debut

Philadelphia Union newcomer Alejandro Bedoya was officially unveiled by the club this week, and could very well make his MLS debut against the New England Revolution on Saturday.

There has been some speculation as to exactly how head coach Jim Curtin envisions using Bedoya in his starting XI - often preferring a standard 4-2-3-1 formation that utilizes deeper-lying wingers - and in training, Bedoya played alongside Warren Creavalle as a central midfielder.

But Bedoya could very well slot in at the No. 10 hole as well, displacing Roland Alberg or Tranquillo Barnetta from the spot behind C.J. Sapong.

Whatever way Curtin decides to use Bedoya, all eyes will be on the U.S. men's national team regular before and after the game. The sometimes controversial former FC Nantes player has had plenty to say about MLS from the comforts of France - he'll now have a chance to put his money where his mouth is on the field.

Clashes in the east and west

In both the Eastern and Western Conferences, two contenders collide and vie for valuable points as well.

Over in the west, the LA Galaxy take on the Colorado Rapids in a tilt that could see the California-based outfit regain a foothold on the conference, which has largely been held by Paolo Mastroeni's side and FC Dallas.

In the east, the New York Red Bulls take on the Montreal Impact in a match that should feature the introduction of a new Designated Player in Omer Damari. The RB Leipzig man was loaned to New York, as the two teams' ownership group - Red Bull energy drinks - saw it fit to do so.

The Impact will hope a returning Didier Drogba can help secure all three points.

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