Toronto FC midfielder Carl Robinson admits the team needs a win in Kansas City on Saturday to maintain a realistic chance of making the playoffs. The Reds are six points outside the playoff places with six matches remaining.
"It's a big game for us because if we can get a win it will put us right back into the race," said Robinson. It is a massive game for both clubs. If we don't get the result we want it could leave us too far behind, but we go there in confident mood. As a player you have got to play with pressure in big games against big players, and if you're not able to handle it you're in the wrong sport."
The team has benefitted from having a full squad available for training this week following the return of players from international duty.
"It is important because we need our big players in our big games," said Robinson. "It's been difficult when players have been missing on internationals or because of suspension. When you get a settled team it is much easier to bond with each other and that only happens when you are able to train and play together regularly. It leads to better performances. Last week we did well against Columbus, but the squad wasn't together until Friday and it makes it very difficult to prepare. This week we have been together all week and that will help us on Saturday."
Robinson has formed a partnership with Amado Guevara in the center of midfield following the departure of Mo Edu, and he believes it is working well.
"Having me and Amado in midfield is a good combination because he likes to get forward and I can cover him," said Robinson. "It allows him to do what he's best at, getting forward and creating plays. I've got to balance off that and I think we have done well in the last couple of games. He is a very clever player and we seem to be working well together. We have to make sure we contain their good players, but also to give them the problem of having to contain us."
