Major League Soccer has made a point of booking an excellent opening weekend filled with high profile matchups, and this one is the pick of Saturday’s games. While there are tons of interesting matchups, this is the only true rivalry game on the Saturday slate. Expect Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps to treat it as such.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Toronto FC live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
How quickly will Tornoto FC’s three star DPs click? They face a tough test in a rivalry match against Vancouver Whitecaps.
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Most will watch this game to check out TFC’s new designated players, Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore. Along with Michael Bradley, they form the most impressive DP trio in the league -- not only do all three have extensive European and World Cup experience, but they’re all on the right side of 30. If anyone can fail to make the most of these talents, it’s TFC, but even they’ll find it hard to screw up three players this good.
However, they won’t coast by Vancouver, who made some nice offseason acquisitions of their own. Uruguayan striker Octavio Rivero doesn’t have the same kind of name recognition, but he was extremely effective in both Uruguay and Chile and could be one of the best newcomers in MLS this season. They also return their best players from last season, have added some homegrown players and will expect much more out of second-year defender Christian Dean.
Key player - Matias Laba (Vancouver)
Laba has cemented himself as one of the league’s top midfielders over the last couple of seasons, and it wouldn’t be surprising if the 23-year-old continued to improve. He’ll have a big job on Saturday, and should butt heads with both Bradley and Giovinco regularly. Laba will not only been needed to break up attacks, but to start counters for his team.
Key matchup - Vancouver’s CBs vs. Jozy Altidore
Altidore isn’t a whole lot more than a poacher, and theoretically, that’s all he’ll have to be with Bradley, Giovinco and Jonathan Osorio behind him. He’ll get to look for opportunities to run in behind the defense all game long, as opposed to trying to find and hold up the ball, so Vancouver’s central defenders will need to be alert.
Toronto FC injuries and suspensions
Out: None reported.
Vancouver Whitecaps injuries and suspensions
Out: Andre Lewis (knee)
Match date/time: Saturday, 6 p.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
TV: TSN1 (Canada - English), RDS2 (Canada - French), MLS Direct Kick (U.S.)
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