June 6, 2008 MLS Toronto FC vs Houston Dynamo (from Toronto FC Media Relations)
06/06/2008 3:59PM
TFC head back on the road
Reds visit two-time defending MLS champion Dynamo
Toronto FC Media Relations
Toronto FC aim to record their second away win of the season when they take on Houston Dynamo on Sunday night (kick off 8:30 p.m. live on The Score.) Laurent Robert is available for selection after missing last week's win against LA Galaxy through suspension. Danny Dichio has now returned to training after injury. "Danny has progressed well," said coach John Carver. "He has joined in training today and is o.k."
Jim Brennan and Greg Sutton were back at BMO Field on Friday after returning from international duty with Canada. Carver must decide whether to bring Sutton straight back into the starting side in place of Brian Edwards. "I have a big decision to make in goal, because Greg has been our best player this season. But he went away on international duty and Brian came in against LA and didn't do anything wrong."
Marco Velez and Tyrone Marshall are due to join up with the team in Houston after international games this week, but Mo Edu won't be available for the game. He has been called up to the U.S. squad to play Argentina at Giants Stadium on Sunday.
A late decision will be made on the fitness of defender Olivier Tebily. "He's got a slight problem with his calf and if there is any doubt, we won't play him. It's not worth taking a risk," said Carver.
Toronto are unbeaten in their last six home games and have only conceded one goal during that time, but it has been a different story on the road, losing three from four MLS games. "We need to address the away form and ask ourselves why we are dropping points on the road," said Carver. "Two of our away defeats were the first two games of the season and we've improved since then. In the last away game at D.C. I think we were slightly unfortunate to come away with nothing after being in front."
"I don't think there's a great deal wrong, but I have to look at it and see if we can improve away from home and pick up some points on the road. The longer it goes on, the more it starts getting into people's heads, but when you're playing well and playing with confidence, then eventually results will come on the road. "
Reigning MLS Cup Champions Houston (3-3-5) made a slow start in 2008, but they've improved in recent weeks, losing just one of their last six games. "I saw a lot of Houston in pre-season in San Antonio and I thought they're a very good side," said Carver. "They've got some good players and when you've got a good side, eventually you start winning games. I'm not surprised that they've started winning games again."
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