PREVIEW – NYCFC and Toronto FC both played their home openers last week in MLS play. TFC was successful, while NYCFC lost, both by a difference of a single goal.
NYCFC vs Toronto FC: NYCFC Looks to Earn First Home Win
New York City FC (0-0-5)
NYCFC has lost all three games in MLS play so far. This included a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers. From the 10-minute to the 84-minute, NYCFC had a 1-0 lead thanks to a Santiago Rodriguez goal. However, two late goals by Portland, including one in the 90+7-minute of play, sealed the deal for NYCFC (source: New York City FC):
“We have to learn from this. You can’t just be the team you were three years ago because you want to be,” he said addressing the frustration in the locker room. “You can’t just be that team because you want to be. You have to go through the journey of the highs and the lows of really fighting and coming together and learning. Then you can become a championship team. And we are going through that process, and it is super painful.”
NYCFC remains as one of only two MLS teams in the Eastern Conference to remain winless in MLS play with three losses. It is still early though, and New York City FC had showed in last week’s game against the Portland Timbers FC that they can create scoring opportunities for themselves. Also, when including preseason, New York City has not won one game this year.
Toronto FC (3-1-1)
READ MORE: Three Takeaways: Luka Gavran Earns First-Ever MLS Clean Sheet
For TFC, things have been looking quite positive to start the season. After a preseason, where the team struggled a lot, they have found their groove so far in the 2024 MLS season. Two wins and a draw to start of the MLS season, is something we have not seen from TFC for a very long time. Also, getting three straight clean sheets is something this club has never done before.
80’ What a strike by #TFCLive’s Lorenzo Insigne! #TorontoFC#TORvCLT | 1-0 | #MLS pic.twitter.com/ZHUYhFUdSg
— Raheem (@bashirra) March 9, 2024
This is what former MLS player and now part of the soccer media, Taylor Twellman, said about the move (source: MLSsoccer staff):
“Watch the celebration with the new manager, Insigne and his teammates,” Twellman said. “If John Herdman gets buy-in from two of the top four highest-paid players in this league, then they can surprise some people.”
As seen from the goal, Insigne is really in-top form, scoring TFC’s two MLS goals this year. Of course, a lot of credit should also be given to goalkeeper Luka Gavran, who earned his first MLS clean sheet last week.
Head-To-Head
These two teams have been evenly matched overall with nine wins each and seven draws earned. Also, in the last five games, New York City FC has won three of the five games, including one game in the Leagues Cup, as Toronto FC earned wins in the other two games.
These two teams also have an interesting history of eliminating each other in MLS competitions. This included the MLS is Back Tournament back in 2020, when NYCFC eliminated TFC from the competition. However, Toronto FC also had some successes of their own, eliminating New York City FC from the 2016 and the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs, despite being the lower seed.
Injuries to Both Teams
For NYCFC, Maxi Moralez is injured, as he has been out since September 4, 2023, with a crucial ligament tear.
Toronto FC injury report:
Nicksoen Gomis – Wrist (Out)
Sean Johnson – Thigh (Out)
Richie Laryea – Thigh (Out)
Brandon Servania – Knee (Out)
Jonathan Osorio – Hip (Out)
Deybi Flores – Groin (Questionable)
Kevin Long – Foot (Questionable)
Raoul Petretta – Groin (Questionable)— Neil Davidson (@NeilMDavidson) March 15, 2024
With TFC injuries are also a concern with many players, including two key players. These players are Richie Laryea and Sean Johnson with hamstring injuries. Laryea will be injured for at least three more weeks and for Johnson, at least two more weeks. This is what TFC head coach, John Herdman, said of Johnson not playing on Saturday (source: Neil Davidson of The Canadian Press):
“It’s the game he wanted more than any,” Herdman said after training Thursday. “But he’s got to put the team first. It’s going to be a long season. He’s not getting any younger. We’ve just got to manage it.”
Herdman would also add this in the same article of the availability of Kevin Long and Deybi Flores:
“We’re just managing his load this week. Same with (midfielder) Deybi Flores, (who has) a little bit of tightness in his groin,” said Herdman. “We’re getting a little bit thinner. We’ve just got to wrap some bubble-wrap around these people and make sure they’re there for the weekend.”
There is also defender, Nicksoen Gomis, who will miss four weeks after having successful injury with his left wrist on Thursday (source: Toronto FC Twitter Account).
NYCFC vs Toronto FC Predictions on Saturday
TOMORROW. 161 ST-YANKEE STADIUM. pic.twitter.com/iWo4iLAUFr
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) March 15, 2024
Predictions: NYCFC 1 – Toronto FC 2
Yes, Toronto FC have injuries, but they have also not allowed a goal in three-straight games. While, that streak might be broken by New York City FC, TFC are on a high. Furthermore, the heart-breaking loss to the Portland Timbers might make New York City’s confidence drop a bit for this game at Yankee Stadium.
Fans of both teams can watch the game live at 7:30 PM ET tomorrow at Yankee Stadium. It will be shown live on Apple TV and it will also be televised nationally in Canada on TSN4.
Photo Credit: Mark Smith-USA TODAY Sports, of a Andres Jasson Headshot and a Jonathan Osorio Headshot, on September 24, 2023.
