D.C. United v Toronto FC: Herdman heaps praise on ´legend´ Johnson

John Herdman described Toronto FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson as an MLS legend ahead of Saturday’s meeting with D.C. United at Audi Field.

Toronto sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings after playing out a goalless draw with the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.

That was their first clean sheet since April 21 (a 2-0 win over the New England Revolution) but their sixth overall in MLS play this year. Only Charlotte FC have more, with seven.

“When the big man is called on, he brings it,” Herdman said after their win over the Union. “This man, he’s starting to become a bit of an MLS legend.

“He’s on 400 games now in MLS and probably doesn’t get the recognition he deserves… 10 clean sheets for TFC.

“I can’t say enough about the big man. He’s done a hell of a job for us this season.”

Wishing a very happy birthday to @SeanJohnGK pic.twitter.com/wpQIB2I6Pw

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) May 31, 2024

D.C. sit 10th in the standings after going four games without a victory, losing 4-2 at CF Montreal in midweek.

Troy Lesesne criticised his side for making rookie mistakes after that game, saying: “We put ourselves in a hole and we can’t make these types of mistakes, those are hard lessons to learn.

“Particularly on the road, with some of the form we’ve been in over the last three matches… it just sets the tone.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

D.C. United – Christian Benteke

Benteke scored both of D.C. United’s goals in their midweek defeat, his fourth multi-goal MLS match of the season.

The only D.C. United players with more in a single regular season are Luciano Emilio (five) in 2007 and Raul Diaz Arce (five) in 1996.

Toronto FC – Federico Bernardeschi

Bernardeschi attempted five shots and set up four chances for team-mates on Wednesday.

The Italian has been directly involved in 94 shots this season (57 shots, 37 chances created), the fourth-most in MLS.

Maverick mentality

All for One presented by @Bell @fbernardeschi | #TFCLive

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) May 31, 2024

MATCH PREDICTION – D.C. UNITED WIN

Toronto’s scoreless draw with Philadelphia on Wednesday took them to 23 points for the season, surpassing their total from the entirety of last year (22).

However, D.C. are unbeaten in their last seven home games against Toronto (three wins, four draws), also losing just one of their last four on home soil overall.

Toronto have also won just one of their last five regular-season games after winning their previous three. D.C.’s energetic approach could catch them out.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

D.C. United – 48.8%

Toronto FC – 25.5%

Draw – 25.7%