January 17, 2016 Toronto FC II--Toronto FC II: Key Matches to Watch in 2016 (from torontofc.ca)
Toronto FC II: Key Matches to Watch in 2016 January 27, 2016 4:06 PM EST Anthony Campos The 2016 USL schedule was recently released and we now know that only two months remain before Toronto FC II kickoff their second USL season against New York Red Bulls II on March 27th. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the key matches to watch for this season: Home Opener: April 17 vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds For the second year in a row Toronto FC II will play their home opener at the Ontario Soccer Centre against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Expectations for this season have been raised as most players on the roster now have a year of USL experience under their belts. TFC II struggled against the Riverhounds last season, losing all three contests. The Riverhounds may be missing arguably their best player as Rob Vincent, who finished 2015 with 18 goals and 6 assists, is currently on trial with MLS club D.C. United. Even with the possibility of Vincent’s absence, the Riverhounds still hold a dynamic midfield trio of Kevin Kerr, Stephen Oaki, and Lebo Moloto. It will be an exciting matchup and challenge for TFC II's midfielders. The 401 Derby: April 9, June 15, August 28 vs. FC Montreal Enough has been said about the heated rivalry between the two cities but the heat has been turned up a notch following Toronto FC’s 3-0 loss at the hands of the Montreal Impact in the first round of the MLS playoffs last season. TFC II and FC Montreal split the four-game season series last season and while The Young Reds struggled, FC Montreal had a strong push towards the end of the season – going undefeated in eight out of nine matches – to finish ahead of TFC II by five points. The fans come out in full force, as it’s always a battle whenever these two teams meet. Bragging rights are on the line. Beast in the East: June 11 vs. Rochester Rhinos TFC II will have almost half a season under their belts before they take on the Rhinos on June 11th. The Rhinos were a dominant force in 2015, finishing with the best overall record in the regular season on route to being crowned 2015 USL Champions, and the same is expected going into the 2016 season. A core group that includes Christian Volesky, Grant Van de Casteele, Captain Tony Walls, and 2015 USL Coach of the Year Bob Lilley will all be returning. The Rhinos went undefeated against The Young Reds last season, recording three wins and a tie. Expect last year’s USL Champions to be one of the biggest challenges for TFC II. Newcomers: April 24 vs. FC Cincinnati, July 6 vs. Bethlehem Steel FC, August 6 vs. Orlando City B TFC II were once the new kids in town but now the USL welcomes three new additions to the Eastern Conference: FC Cincinnati, Bethlehem Steel FC, and Orlando City B. The matchup against Orlando City B in particular will be an opportunity for both teams to showcase where they stand on the development front for their MLS squads.
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