Bruce Arena Faces Familiar Foe Bob Bradley as the Revs Visit Toronto

Focussing now on Bob Bradley and TFC, who boast a clean bill of health, which is certainly a rarity in the modern game. CJ Sapong led the line against NYCFC in the last outing have just made the move over from Nashville SC. The striker from Virginia netted the only goal of the game and so has taken to life alongside Italian duo Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi very well indeed.

Bruce Arena vs Bob Bradley

Since Bob Bradley took over in Toronto, these two teams have faced off twice. Both games ended in draws, the clash at Gillette Stadium being goalless in fact. Meanwhile, it was quite the thriller at BMO Field. Bernardeschi scored as did his fellow countryman Domenico Criscito for Toronto whilst Tommy McNamara and Justin Rennicks scored either side of the break for the visitors.

When discussing the relationship between the two, Arena laid down the law when it comes to professionalism. “Obviously, there’s a long relationship there and I have the greatest respect for him and love his family, so you know, all of that, but we’re professionals. When the ball is dropped, we’re ready to go.”

Arena isn’t the only person in New England familiar with Bob Bradley. Latif Blessing worked under the American during his time at LAFC, winning an MLS Cup and two Supporters’ Shields. “I think we got to go strong in mentality. We have to be compact, and we work hard because I think they have good players individual, do I think we have to play our best game because if we don’t play our best game, I think we’re going to lose this game.”

There is clearly a lot of respect between the two managers but once they cross the white line, it’ll be business as usual. Both sides offer a lot going forward and so it could go either way when the Revs go north of the border.