1) SEGA’S 152 – This won’t be the last time I write about Fire defender Gonzalo Segares moving up the club’s appearance chart this season. If he steps on the field Saturday afternoon in Toronto, the Costa Rican international will move into sole possession of ninth on the club’s all-time appearance list, passing up former teammate Jim Curtin.
If all goes according to plan, the second week of May will mark another milestone for Segares, who will tie Ante Razov at 155 games played on May 9 vs. Real Salt Lake and move into eighth all-time three days later vs. Sporting KC (if he plays every match leading up to then…)
"Highlights from 2011 Toronto Away Match"
2) BAROUCH’S CANADIAN SUCCESS – Orr Barouch had an impressive first MLS campaign in 2011, appearing almost exclusively as a substitute in the 28 matches he appeared in. The Israeli youth international saw his first MLS goal come in the form of a 75th minute equalizer in this away fixture last year (2-2 draw on May 14). He scored his second MLS goal in his next visit to Canada, a 4-2 loss to Vancouver on August 7.
Barouch didn’t get into the season opener at Montreal and has only made one appearance so far this season, but given his 2/2 strike rate north of the border, Frank Klopas may be well advised to use him if a second half goal is needed…
3) SCORE FIRST! – Seems like a given but the Fire have done rather well against TFC when hitting the back of the net first. In fact, over 11 matches in this series, the team that has scored first has never lost, with the Fire going 4-0-1 and TFC going 3-0-2 in that instance (0-0 draw on 9/8/2010).
4) RAINY DAYS – The past two trips to BMO Field have seen heavy rains and high winds coming off of Lake Ontario. While Friday saw a high of 70 degrees in Toronto, Saturday afternoon’s game-time forecast looks to be around 45 degrees but with just a 10% chance of rain.
5) TRAVELING SUPPORT – Having experienced the monsoon-like conditions at Toyota Park this past Sunday, the traveling contingent from Section 8 Chicago should be able to deal with any rain that pops up on Saturday afternoon. Be sure to watch us (yes I’ll be chanting with them as well) at 2:30pm CT on NBC Sports.
Don’t have a place to watch? Check out the official viewing party at The Atlantic Bar & Grill (5062 N. Lincoln Ave.)
