3 ways Toronto FC can line up without suspended Altidore, Giovinco
Toronto FC will be without star strikers Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore for the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference final against the Columbus Crew, as both players are suspended for the crucial Nov. 21 tilt at MAPFRE Stadium.
Head coach Greg Vanney will need to adjust his lineup to reflect these two big absences, and he has quite a few options to choose from, depending on the objective he wants to accomplish. With that in mind, here are three ways the Reds could line up against the Crew:
Striker swap in 3-5-2
If Vanney wants to maintain the same shape and formation he's used for much of the season, he'll need to find replacements for his two suspended strikers. While he doesn't necessarily have like-for-like replacements, there are other attacking options in the Reds' roster that Vanney can turn to for support.
Tosaint Ricketts is the main man now in any of Toronto FC's formations, and is a near-lock to start up top in the first leg. In this formation, the speedy and intuitive attacker is joined by youngster Jordan Hamilton, who's shown a propensity for scoring in his limited playing time.
Hamilton has a pair of goals in eight substitute appearances this season, and while he hasn't been a starter, this could be his chance to shine when his hometown team needs him most. However, if Vanney thinks Hamilton is still too raw, he could turn to another intriguing prospect, Liechtenstein international Nicolas Hasler. While he's often used as a right wing-back, Hasler has plenty of experience playing up top for his national team. It's something to ponder.
Midfield-aware 3-5-1-1
The Crew pack a heavy punch in midfield; Federico Higuain, Pedro Santos, Justin Meram, and Kekuta Manneh are wily attackers, while Wil Trapp, Artur, and Mohammed Abu offer dynamism in the center. Winning the midfield battle is key for Vanney's side, so this balanced approach to both attacking and defending could prove fruitful for the visiting Reds.
In this formation, Ricketts starts up top with Victor Vazquez playing in support behind him. Jonathan Osorio steps into the midfield alongside Marky Delgado, where they're supported by Toronto's high-flying wing-backs Justin Morrow and Steven Beitashour. It's all anchored by captain Michael Bradley in the core of this lineup.
No matter where the ball goes in Columbus' possession, Toronto FC would have at least two bodies in near proximity, with Osorio and Delgado tasked to defend with all their might. Vazquez's role is to support, relieve, and potentially spring a fast break, utilizing Ricketts' speed and penchant for smart positioning.
Defensive-minded 5-4-1
Going into MAPFRE Stadium without Altidore and Giovinco and defeating an in-form Crew might be too tall a task for Toronto FC. The Crew are on the brink of being moved to Austin, Texas, and defeated both Atlanta United and New York City FC in the first two rounds, so confidence and motivation will be at an all-time high.
The better strategy might be to batten down the hatches, fall back, and try to procure a 0-0 scoreline away from home before returning to BMO Field fully loaded with the Atomic Ant and the Beast back in the lineup. In this shape, Toronto FC ensures plentiful cover for Meram or Manneh out wide on its right, using both right wing-backs Beitashour and Hasler, while Morrow also drops back on the left alongside Delgado, tasked only to mark Santos out wide.
Finally, experienced defensive midfielder Benoit Cheyrou steps in to help out Bradley in the middle, while Ricketts works solo to try to steal a precious away goal.
(Photos courtesy: sharemytactics.com)