The Philadelphia Union are gearing up for a potentially tougher challenge against Toronto FC, following a 0-0 draw with D.C. United. While the draw wasn’t the most exciting result for fans, coach Bradley Carnell said the team feels confident heading into a busy part of their schedule.
Carnell reiterated this optimism in a news conference, ahead of Wednesday’s match at Toronto FC.
Union’s Confidence Despite Tightly-Packed Schedule
Carnell said that “You look at the faces around here, everyone feels like it’s a step in the right direction,”. He added, “Everyone feels like it felt right, and it looked right.”
The Union secured their first clean sheet of the Major League Soccer season against D.C. United. However, Carnell recognises that maintaining a clean sheet against Toronto will be a sterner test.
Toronto’s Form and Key Players
Toronto has 12 points with a record of 3-2-3, and are unbeaten in their last six matches. They have recovered well, having lost their first two matches of the season.
A key factor in Toronto’s improved form has been the arrival of Josh Sargent. The club acquired Sargent from Norwich City for $22 million in February.
Sargent has quickly settled into the team, logging a goal and an assist since his debut on March 14. Both contributions came in a 3-2 victory over the Colorado Rapids, where he scored the winning goal in the 85th minute.
Carnell acknowledged Sargent’s threat, saying, “Aerially, he’s a threat,”. He added, “And, I think, service from wide areas, and set pieces, and all the bits of it.”
Toronto’s Injury Concerns and Other Attacking Options
Toronto will need Sargent to increase his output, especially with Djordje Mihailovic out injured. Mihailovic has a pelvic stress fracture and will be out of the lineup until June.
Dániel Sallói has been Toronto’s main source of goals this season. The Hungarian forward has three goals in eight matches, including one in Toronto’s last match, a 3-3 draw with Austin FC.
Carnell commented on Toronto’s form, saying, “They’ve had some good games, some tough games,”. He added, “But again, we put teams in type of a game, and let’s see how that one goes.”
Union’s Busy Schedule Continues
Including the draw against D.C. United, the Union are playing three matches in eight days. Following the match in Toronto, the Union will travel to Columbus to face the Crew on Saturday.
The game in Toronto will be the Union’s first midweek contest since their elimination from the Concacaf Champions Cup on March 18.
Carnell feels his side is in a better position to navigate this tight stretch of the schedule. He said that by controlling the match against D.C., his team put itself in a better position to return.