New England Soccer Today

First Touch: #TFC

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

Photo credit: Kari Heistad/capturedimages.biz

Eight days after Orlando City ripped two points away from them, the Revolution will face fifth-place Toronto FC for the first time in 2015 on Saturday at Gillette Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm.

Toronto is coming off a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo at the grand re-opening of BMO Field, which underwent extensive renovations during the offseason.But before the Reds arrive in Foxborough, they’ll face the Montreal Impact on Wednesday in the Canadian Championship semifinals.

Here are some additional notes on the Revolution’s next opponent:

*The Reds were handed a three-game sweep of last year’s season series against the locals. Toronto’s last win against the Revolution came on Aug. 4 2013 at Gillette Stadium.

*Toronto enters Saturday’s match 2-3-0 in their last five, with wins against Philadelphia and Orlando City. *Designated players Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco are both expected to be rested during Wednesday’s Canadian Championship semifinal in Toronto.

*Altidore leads Toronto in scoring with five goals through seven games.

*Unlike last week’s foe, Toronto doesn’t rely on crossing to create chances. They average a conference-low 16 crosses per game.

*With Joe Bendik (plantar fascia strain) missing last week’s match against Houston, goalkeeper Chris Konopka could make the start not far from his alma mater. The veteran goalkeeper played collegiately at Providence College from 2003-2006.

*Saturday’s match will be the first time Altidore will face off against Revolution striker Charlie Davies in MLS competition. Many U.S. Men’s National Team supporters will recall that the duo helped spear the Nats to an improbable run to the Confederations Cup final in 2009.

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