Vissel Kobe vs. Toronto FC | 2019 MLS Preseason Match Preview

UPDATE: The scheduled match between Toronto FC and Vissel Kobe was cancelled just hours before the match due to flash flooding:

While part of Toronto FC's squad faces the Las Vegas Lights in Nevada earlier Saturday, the other takes on star-studded Vissel Kobe of the J League.

Vissel Kobe

The Japanese side finished in 10th place in the recently concluded J1 League season (12W-13L-9D) and they feature the likes of international stars Andres Iniesta, Lukas Podolski and former MLS star David Villa, who recently captained New York City FC.

They've found tough sledding in two previous preseason games against MLS opposition, however, playing to a 0-0 draw against Columbus Crew SC and a 4-1 defeat at the hands of LAFC.

Toronto FC

Saturday's games will be the first competitive action for TFC since the stunning sale of Italian talisman Sebastian Giovinco to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal FC.

Giovinco had expressed frustration in not knowing his future as camp opened, and now with the former Juventus man gone, TFC fans are understandably eager to learn who the club will bring in to replace the former MLS MVP and MLS Cup winner.

While it's unreasonable to take any major insights from split-quad action, Saturday's action could draw more focus than the typical early-February encounter.