The New York Red Bulls host Toronto FC this weekend, in the second meeting this year between the teams. New York handed a 4-1 beatdown at BMO Field earlier this season in March. Lewis Morgan recorded a hat-trick of goals, Patryk Klimala with a hat-trick of assists and Aaron Long scored on a header. Since then, things have gone very different for both teams. And at Red Bull Arena this Saturday, things will look very different on the pitch.
Red Bulls host Toronto FC in second meeting this season
Red Bulls will be without Patryk Klimala for this matchup
Major League Soccer has suspended Klimala for this game. He’s also been fined for a foul in last week’s 2-0 loss against Charlotte FC. Gerhard Struber does have options to replace Klimala for this game. Ashley Fletcher returned from an injury layoff against Charlotte, and is in line to start this weekend. Tom Barlow is another choice, however there is a bigger problem when it comes to the striker position as a whole. Klimala, Fletcher and Barlow have all combined for six goals scored as a unit. Lewis Morgan alone has six goals, as he is proving to be a brilliant signing by the club. There are rumors of Fabio possibly returning to the team. But in short, more is required of the three aforementioned attackers.
Now, midfield is also a bit light, Caden Clark is in the US U-20 Men’s Youth National Team setup. That could signal Franke Amaya and Dru Yearwood back in the center of the pitch. Or, Cristian Casseres Jr getting the starting nod over one of the two. Aaron Long started for the USMNT against Morocco, Uruguay and El Salvador, going the full 90 minutes in two of the three games. Struber said he is available for selection against Toronto.
The team returns home to Red Bull Arena this weekend to face Toronto FC.
Hear what we had to say…#RBNYvTOR | #RBNY
— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) June 16, 2022
The Red Bulls will look for another offensive outburst similar to the one against D.C. United last time out. Luquinhas has been fantastic for the club and shows his quality with each passing game. One of the things that led to the Red Bulls’ 4-1 win at Toronto was their ability to score on the counter attack. Toronto had a 67% possession advantage, but couldn’t make the most of it. Currently fourth, a New York win would see them stay in the top-4 of a tight Eastern Conference.
Toronto will have last head-to-head meeting on their mind
It’s been a topsy-turvy roller coaster ride thus far for Bob Bradley and his players this season. Toronto currently are in 12th, eight points behind their opponents this weekend, and only four points above the Chicago Fire for the Wooden Spoon. The Canadian outfit are winless away from home, only mustering three points on their travels.
Recently, the arrow has pointed up for the team. They got a much needed 3-2 win against the aforementioned Fire at home, as well as a 2-2 draw at D.C. United the game beforehand. After that, Toronto picked up silverware, beating Forge FC on penalties to win a record eighth Canadian Championship. That success can be the shot in the arm this team desperately needs as they return to league play. It’s been two weeks since Toronto last played, so there will be signs of fatigue and tiredness among the players.
“I know how special the tournament is. I know how serious teams take it. I know how much it means to the fans… These are special nights and so we’ll use this one in a good way as we continue to move our team forward.”#CanChamp | #TFCLive
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) June 5, 2022
Toronto has a lengthy injury list, but Jonathan Osorio, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and Shane O’Neill have returned to full training. It’s up in the air who amongst them plays, as they are all key pieces. Arguably the biggest key piece, Jesus Jimenez, has been great with 10 goal contributions – seven goals, three assists. Alejandro Pozeulo has long been the danger man and chief creator of the team, a player the Red Bulls will look to nullify. Toronto are among the worst teams in the league when you take a look at their statistical ranks. They’re conceding nearly two goals a game, while committing the most saves per game, and creating very few shots and chances. Given how things have gone, the Red Bulls are favorite for a second consecutive home win, Toronto will need step up their game for an elusive result on the road.
