There are likely no two Major League Soccer teams entertaining more feelings of euphoria after last weekend than Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake.
RSL scored one of the best wins in its short history with a 4-0 dismantling of four-time MLS champion D.C. United. The club took advantage of the absence of stars like Marcelo Gallardo and the first start of goalkeeper Jose Carvallo to jump on United with a barrage of early goals.
A late goal from Jeff Cunningham helped TFC finish out its season-opening three-game road swing with a 3-2 victory against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
As good as the win against United feels, RSL knows it will be facing an opponent enjoying just as much momentum this weekend in Toronto.
"It's their home opener and it's not going to be an easy game," midfielder Dema Kovalenko said. "It will show a lot about our team and the character of our team. We just have to go in there and manage the game."
Game management was not an issue versus United -- especially on defense. Aside from a couple of late first-half scoring chances created by Devon McTavish, the RSL defense kept D.C. pinned back and the offense controlled possession.
United came up with only three shots on goal for the game. Chris Wingert, a starter at right back, felt like continued defensive composure -- even after getting an early cushion -- made all the difference down the stretch.
"We did a pretty good job of that -- just kind of staying compact, staying organized, making sure they weren't able to get through us because they have dangerous players up top and through the midfield," Wingert said.
What has helped RSL the most is stability in the heart of its defense.
The back line is the only position group where head coach Jason Kreis has not tinkered with new starters or formations during the first three games.
No major injuries have taken out players for a large chunk of games either. Wingert dealt with an MCL sprain in the preseason, but returned in time for the opener against Chicago. Ian Joy has been bothered with bone spurs in his ankle this week, but expects to take the field against TFC on Saturday.
With a chance to meld the new faces in the back four together at a much quicker rate, it has paid dividends in RSL's level of defensive competitiveness with each successive game.
"It was a really good team defense last game," midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. "The back four especially played incredible. It's something we've got to continue."
Possession will certainly be a key against the Reds. Preventing late-game goals, a problem spot with Chivas and Chicago, will be another. TFC scored two goals of its three goals against the Galaxy after halftime and Cunningham punched in his game winner in the 88th minute.
Kreis said his team will need to be mentally prepared going into BMO Field. The Reds enjoy one of the better home-field advantages in MLS because the atmosphere can get whipped up into a frenzy in a hurry. Crowd noise played a factor in RSL leaving Canada with only a tie a year ago.
"It was so loud down there, you could hardly think to yourself, much less get direction out to your players," Kreis said. "That's why it's important that we have a very good tactical game plan that everybody understands and buys into before we get there."
One thing that is certain is RSL will face an opponent who finally breathed some life into a previously anemic offense last weekend. Toronto scored only one goal in its first two road games before finding some juice in the second half versus Los Angeles.
You can bet that Cunningham will play a significant role in TFC's attack. The reserve striker would love nothing more than to inch closer to 100 career goals by showing up the club who traded him away almost a year ago.
Beckerman said he expects RSL will get a dogfight from the opening whistle.
"They don't really know much about us, so they're going to throw the kitchen sink at us," Beckerman said. "We got to be prepared to weather some storms and, when we do get a chance, we got to bury it."
John Coon is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
