Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls
Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs – Eastern Conference Semfinals
BMO Field - Toronto
3 pm ET – Nov. 5, 2017
WATCH: ESPN, ESPN Deportes (USA) | TSN1/4, TVAS (CAN)
Toronto FC are half a step closer to MLS' first domestic treble – maybe three-quarters of a step, given the advantages the Reds hold over the New York Red Bulls going into Sunday's second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The MLS Supporters' Shield and Canadian Championship winners took the first leg 2-1 at Red Bull Arena on Monday, meaning the Red Bulls will have to score twice at BMO Field just to stay in the conversation. And even if they get those two goals, slowing down Toronto's offensive juggernaut at the other end might prove too much of a challenge. Just look at what happened the last time the two teams met at BMO field, when the Reds clinched the Shield with a 4-2 victory on Sept. 30.
Still, this being MLS, nothing is a given until Sunday's match is over – and the sixth-seeded Red Bulls have already taken down one favored opponent on the road, routing injury-depleted Chicago 4-0 in the Knockout Round. They struggled with consistency and ball control in the home leg of the semis, though, and will need to rectify those shortcomings in the away leg.
With string-puller Victor Vazquez and defender Drew Moor questionable for TFC after first-leg knocks, the odds might be a bit better for the Red Bulls – if they can right the ship. If they can't, the Reds will be in the East Finals for a second straight year and the Red Bulls will have to wait at least one more year for their first trophy in a knockout competition.
- Leg 2 scenarios: Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls
- Zoned-in: TFC vow to keep pedal to the metal
- Better than Messi? Giovinco, free kick maestro
- Moor, Vazquez questionable for TFC
- Red Bulls need to be sharper to overturn deficit
- Adams back in midfield? Marsch not so sure
- Lack of sharpness for Giovinco? Not on set pieces
- Kljestan clarifies comments about teammate Murillo
Toronto FC
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: F Sebastian Giovinco
- International Duty: None
- Injury Report: QUESTIONABLE – M Victor Vazquez (hip), D Drew Moor (ankle)
Projected Starting Lineup
(3-5-2, left to right)
GK: Alex Bono – Chris Mavinga, Nick Hagglund, Eriq Zavaleta – Justin Morrow, Jonathan Osorio, Michael Bradley, Marky Delgado, Nicolas Hasler – Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco
New York Red Bulls
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: F Gonzalo Veron, DF Damien Perrinelle
- International Duty: None
- Injury Report: OUT – D Gideon Baah (broken leg, out for season), M Mike Grella (knee surgery, out for season), D Aurelien Collin (plantar fasciitis); QUESTIONABLE: M Muhamed Keita (hamstring), D Sal Zizzo (foot)
Projected Starting Lineup
(3-5-2, left to right)
GK: Luis Robles – Damien Perrinelle, Aaron Long, Michael Murillo – Connor Lade, Daniel Royer, Felipe, Sean Davis, Tyler Adams – Sacha Kljestan, Bradley Wright-Phillips
All-Time Series
- Overall (regular season): Toronto FC 8 wins (33 goals) ... Red Bulls 13 wins (54 goals) … Ties 7
- At TOR (regular season): Toronto FC 6 wins (23 goals) ... Red Bulls 3 wins (19 goals) ... Ties 5
Referees
Referee: Chris Penso
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Hanson (near side), Eric Boria (far side)
4th Official: Silviu Petrescu
Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Ted Unkel
