Altidore starts, Dempsey gets chance in MLS Cup repeat
Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore overcame an ankle injury to earn a crucial start Saturday and six players from Seattle Sounders' last MLS Cup XI reclaimed their spots in a rematch of the two sides.
Altidore will lead the line with Sebastian Giovinco in an apparent 4-4-2 diamond, with defender Eriq Zavaleta being relegated to the bench in favour of an extra man in midfield.
It’s time
— Toronto FC (@torontofc) December 9, 2017
Here’s today’s @BMO starting XI vs. @SoundersFC#TFCLive | #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/nyWjeuBBkR
Clint Dempsey, who missed last year's final due to an irregular heartbeat, will team up with Will Bruin at the tip of the Sounders' attack.
Here’s your @Delta Starting XI for today's #MLSCup vs @TorontoFC! Tune in to ESPN at 1:00 p.m. PT. It’s time to #DefendOurCup!
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) December 9, 2017
➡️https://t.co/mAliHnBgeC pic.twitter.com/nfQVxqmiL0
Altidore suffered a blow to his ankle in the second leg of TFC's Eastern Conference final, but went on to score the goal that gave his team a shot at redemption.
Seattle famously won the 2016 MLS Cup at BMO Field despite failing to register a shot on target.
Dempsey is one of several new faces in Seattle's starting XI. Kelvin Leerdam, Gustav Svensson, and Victor Rodriguez - who all joined the Sounders this year - are also fresh to the MLS Cup scene.