Match Preview: Toronto FC host reigning MLS Cup Champions New York City FC

Toronto FC have a date with the reigning MLS Cup Champions when they host New York City FC Saturday afternoon at BMO Field.

The Reds (1-1-2) went into the international break on a high, earning their first victory of the season – and Bob Bradley’s first win as TFC manager – in a 2-1 win over D.C. United on March 19 and will look to make it two in a row vs. NYCFC.

Regarded as one of (if not the) top teams in MLS heading into the 2022 campaign, New York (1-1-2) has had a slow start to the regular season as they navigate the challenges of a congested schedule to begin the year.

Like Toronto, they have only one win in four matches, but are in the midst of a Champions League run with a semi-final date with the Seattle Sounders on Wednesday, meaning it’s likely Toronto may not see the best that New York has to offer.

But Bradley is still well aware of the threat the Cityzens possess.

“NYCFC is a good team,” said Bradley at the BMO Training Ground this week. “The beginning of seasons can take on all sorts of different challenges … They’ve shown moments where you can still see the football they play, the talent they put on the field. Their deep, so even in certain moments where they have injuries, other guys step in and do well. And they’ve got, obviously, the semi-final series coming up with Seattle, the two legs, so they’ve got a lot to deal with, but they seem to handle it really well.”

“They’re a dynamic team,” added Jayden Nelson. “They like a lot of touches in the midfield, they’re pretty flairy as well, so it’s a good game. We’ve played them many times, we’ve beaten them as well, so it’s going to be a good match.”

New York’s biggest threat will be reigning MLS Golden Boot award winner Valentin Castellanos, the league’s top goal scorer last season. The 23-year-old striker had 19 goals and eight assists in 32 matches in 2021 but has been held off the score sheet in four outings so far this season, so he’ll be hungry to get on the board against Toronto. He had two assists in as many games against the Reds last season.

As a team, in league play at least, New York has struggled to find the back of the night, failing to score in three of its first four matches this season, including both away matches so far. NYCFC failed to score in just two of their first 25 matches in 2021, with the team’s third scoreless match not coming until September 25; the MLS hangover is real.

Expect to see a battle for possession on Saturday. Bradley has made a point of having his side play with the ball at their feet this year, however, New York (60%) is only one of a few teams that have had more possession than Toronto (57%) through the first four games. It’ll be interesting to see if any of these two sides will dictate the tempo in this match and how the other will adjust.

READ MORE: ​​Alejandro Pozuelo playing for a new contract with Toronto FC in 2022

Also expect a strong performance from Alejandro Pozuelo. The 2020 MLS MVP loves playing the boys in Blue, having scored seven goals in seven career games against New York City FC (including playoffs). Pozuelo has not scored more than twice against any other opponent in his MLS career.

New York will be without two players for the game as Anton Tinnerholm continues his rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered last year. He is joined on the sidelines by Maxime Chanot who has an upper body issue.

For Bradley, he’ll have to cope with the loss of starting right-back Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, who underwent successful surgery on his knee on Friday. The team has yet to put a timeline on the budding star’s return, but he is expected to be out long-term.

READ MORE: Toronto FC wonderkid Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty to undergo procedure on his knee; will be out a while

It’s also unlikely that Kadin Chung (hamstring) is available to start Saturday, so expect to see midfielder Kosi Thompson make his first career MLS start at right-wing back.

“It also is an opportunity possibly for Kosi Thompson, who has done great and has made a really good impression from the beginning of this year,” said Bradley earlier this week. “Young guys in moments like this do get opportunities.”

Toronto FC also signed 18-year-old Kobe Franklin on Friday to a short-term first-team deal from Toronto FC II to provide cover at the position.

Predicted Starting XI

                                  Bono

       MacNaughton    Salcedo     O’Neill

Thompson     Bradley      Osorio     Petrasso

            Pozuelo                           Nelson

                                Jiménez

Injury Report

Toronto FC: Ayo Akinola (OUT), Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty (OUT), Kadin Chung (Questionable)‍

New York City FC: Anton Tinnerholm (OUT), Maxime Chanot (OUT)

Betting Lines

Toronto FC (+275) | New York City FC (+100) | Draw (+240)