Toronto FC take on Pachuca of Mexico at BMO Field on Saturday, July 5th for the Carlsberg Cup. Kick off is set for 7:30 p.m. The game is the first of two international friendlies for the Reds this month, with Independiente of Argentina also coming to BMO Field on July 15th.
Toronto FC Assistant Coach Chris Cummins admits Saturday's clash with Pachuca will be a good test for his team. "We'll approach this game with exactly the same approach as any other game. We'll have a professional attitude, go out and do our best and hopefully get a good result," he said. "There will be some changes to the team. It's a chance for some of the lads to come in and show us what they can do, against quality opposition. We can also use the game to put things right from Tuesday and to build for the game on Wednesday against Vancouver."
Cummins has been impressed with the performances of some of the younger players in the reserves this season, and expects some of them to get a chance against Pachuca. "Abdus Ibrahim has done very well. He finished off a good move last weekend to score the winning goal for the reserves at New England and is showing tremendous promise. He's 16 so we have to handle him in the right way. Kevin Harmse has done very very well. He's shown a mature attitude, he's got around the younger lads and he's helped them as well. Julius James has had a taste of the first team already and he looks to have settled in well there. It's not just those three. The lads have all done well and have shown something to impress me. It will be interesting to see how they cope with stepping up a level and playing against quality opposition," said Cummins.
"Playing against South American opposition will be a new experience for me as a coach and for some of the players as well," Cummins explained. "It's important to have that experience if we get to the Champions League and play teams like this. Pachuca will be a very good team and technically gifted. They'll move the ball very well and they'll be good athletes. We're looking forward to the game because it will be a test to see how we measure up."
Toronto FC Season Seat Holders are reminded that the game is included as part of the season package. Use Voucher 1 as your ticket for the game.
