New York City FC vs. Toronto FC | 2020 MLS Match Preview

NYC-TOR Week 13

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 13
New York City FC vs. Toronto FC
Red Bull Arena – Harrison
September 23 – 7:00 PM ET


TV: TSN 1/4


STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US


LOCAL TV: YES


New York City FC put a six-match unbeaten streak to the test when they host Toronto FC Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena.


NYCFC (5W-5L-2D) are coming off a 0-0 draw with the New England Revolution Saturday afternoon at Gillette Stadium, while Toronto FC (6W-2L-4D) settled for a 2-2 draw with D.C. United at Audi Field 


NYCFC enjoyed a decisive 3-1 Round of 16 MLS is Back Tournament victory over Toronto FC in the last meeting with Maxi Moralez pulling the strings with a sensational assist on a Taty Castellanos goal and scoring one of his own. The Argentine playmaker, though, is out with a torn ligament in his knee. 


New York City FC


A rotated NYCFC extended their unbeaten streak to six games with a 0-0 draw against the Revs Saturday afternoon at Gillette Stadium. Sean Johnson made seven saves to earn the clean sheet and 17-year-old Joe Scally became the youngest starter in club history in the stalemate. 


"I had nerves, but I was very excited because I've been waiting for this start," Scally said after the match. "I thought it was a good performance. As the game went on, I grew into the game more. Of course, I would have liked to get forward much more, but they were good at pressing us so that limited me going forward. But other than that, I think it was a good first game." 

New York City FC vs. Toronto FC | 2020 MLS Match Preview - Project Starting XI
  • Updated team roster
  • Injury Report:
    • OUT: Maxi Moralez (M) - knee injury
    • OUT: Gedion Zelalem (M) - knee injury
    • OUT: Tayvon Gray (D) - undisclosed injury
  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: None
  • International duty: None


Toronto FC


After an exchange of early goals, Ayo Akinola gave Toronto FC a 2-1 lead on the hour mark, but Griffin Yow netted the 88th-minute equalizer as TFC were forced to settle for a share of the points with D.C. United. 


"We can’t give up silly goals like we did at the beginning and we have to do better to clear balls when we’re under a little bit of pressure at the end of games," Greg Vanney said when asked about his team's trend of conceding late. "That’s been a big chunk of it.”

New York City FC vs. Toronto FC | 2020 MLS Match Preview - Project Starting XI
  • Updated team roster
  • Injury Report:
    • OUT: Achara (M) - ACL injury
    • OUT: Liam Fraser (M) - undisclosed injury
    • OUT: Michael Bradley (M) - Grade 2 MCL strain
    • OUT: Auro Jr. (D) - undisclosed injury
    • QUESTIONABLE: Marky Delgado (M) - Grade 2 MCL strain
  • Suspended: None
  • Suspended after next caution: None
  • International duty:  None


Series Matchup at NYCFC


  • NYCFC: 2 wins, 13 goals
  • Toronto FC: 0 wins, 10 goals
  • 4 draws


Officials


  • Referee: Joseph Dickerson
  • Assistant Referees: Kyle Atkins, Ryan Graves
  • 4th Official: Sergii Demianchuk
  • VAR: Chris Penso