Toronto FC will look to narrow the gap with Inter Miami at the summit of the Eastern Conference when they take on New York City. The upcoming MLS fixture at BMO Field on Friday holds significance for both teams as they vie to bolster their playoff aspirations.
Under the stewardship of coach John Herdman, Toronto FC has undergone a resurgence marked by renewed confidence. Despite a shaky start in April, the Reds have bounced back impressively, clinching five consecutive victories across various competitions. Their recent resurgence, highlighted by three consecutive wins in MLS, has propelled them to third place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Central to Toronto’s revival has been their defensive resilience, leading to fewer goals conceded in recent matches. Additionally, their home form has been robust, maintaining an unbeaten record in their last three league encounters against New York City FC at BMO Field.
On the contrary, New York City FC aims to rebound from a setback against the Colorado Rapids, which halted their five-match MLS unbeaten streak. Despite showcasing promise in recent outings, the Pigeons face a daunting task as they embark on a series of away fixtures where success has been elusive.
Coach Nick Cushing underscores the importance of collective effort and hard work, traits evident in New York City’s recent displays. However, their struggles away from home persist, with just one victory in their last 20 regular season away fixtures.
As both sides prepare for a pivotal showdown, Toronto seeks to maintain their momentum and secure another crucial victory on home turf. Meanwhile, New York City endeavors to rediscover their winning touch on the road.
In terms of team news and tactics, Toronto FC grapples with significant roster challenges due to injuries affecting key players. Lorenzo Insigne’s absence due to a hamstring strain diminishes their attacking options, compounded by Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty’s similar injury sidelining him. Additionally, Richie Laryea’s hamstring surgery sidelines him for several weeks, while Jordan Perruzza, Shane O’Neill, and Brandon Servania face fitness concerns.
Toronto FC has opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Sean Johnson anchoring the defensive line and a midfield duo of Deiby Flores and Alonso Coello. Tyrese Spicer and Kobe Franklin provide width, while Jonathan Osorio and Federico Bernardeschi operate as dual number tens, supporting Prince Owusu upfront.
New York City FC faces their own set of challenges as they gear up for the upcoming encounter against Toronto. The absence of Rio Hope-Gund due to a leg injury in the previous weekend’s fixture weakens their defensive options, while Maxi Moralez’s continued recovery from a ruptured ACL sustained last year keeps him sidelined.
Furthermore, Talles Magno’s unavailability from the starting lineup due to a knee injury further diminishes New York City’s attacking prowess, with the player yet to make an appearance this season. Despite these setbacks, Thiago Martins’s resilient 90-minute performance despite a previous injury provides some reassurance.
On a positive note, Tayvon Gray’s return to action in the previous week signals a promising development for the visitors, marking his first appearance since their draw with Atlanta United. Additionally, Malachi Jones’s consecutive cameo appearances off the bench offer New York City an impactful option from the substitutes’ bench.
The visitors are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Matt Freese guarding the goal behind a defensive quartet comprising Tayvon Gray, Thiago Martins, Birk Risa, and Kevin O’Toole.
In midfield, Keaton Parks and James Sands are expected to form the double pivot, providing a protective shield while allowing the trio of Hannes Wolf, Santiago Rodriguez, and Julián Fernández the freedom to advance forward. Monsef Bakrar is anticipated to spearhead the attack for New York City.
Projected Lineup (4-2-3-1): Freese; Gray, Martins, Risa, O’Toole; Parks, Sands; Wolf, Rodriguez, Fernandez; Bakrar
Key Statistics
– Toronto will aim for their sixth consecutive victory in all competitions if they secure a win on the day.
– With four league wins at BMO Field this season, Toronto has already matched their total from the previous campaign.
– Toronto has maintained an unbeaten record in their last three home fixtures against New York City FC in the regular season.
– New York City has only managed one away victory in their last 20 regular season matches.
– New York City has not triumphed over Toronto at BMO Field since 2018.
Player to Watch
Julian Fernandez
Having contributed two goals and an assist in New York City’s recent four MLS matches, Fernandez remains a pivotal player for the visitors as they strive to overcome their struggles on the road in MLS.
While Fernandez has typically served as an impact player, this weekend presents an opportunity for him to make a significant impact. His performance on the left flank could create space for other attacking players like Federico Bernardschi to capitalize.
Prediction
Toronto FC 2-1 New York City FC
Despite Toronto FC’s strong defensive performances at home, New York City FC’s difficulties away from home continue to persist. The match may not be high-scoring, but Toronto FC is likely to secure a narrow victory, pleasing the home fans.
