NYCFC square off against Toronto FC as they continue this weekend at BMO Field, looking to pick up three points against their Eastern Conference foe in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The Blues won 3-1 last time out against the Colorado Rapids at home and ended a three-game winning streak in Major League Soccer. Nick Cushing’s side were unbeaten in five league games with two draws before back-to-back wins over New England Revolution, DC United and Charlotte FC.
NYCFC will be looking to put last weekend’s game behind them, but may find it difficult to pick up three points against a new and improved Toronto under new coach John Herdman. While NYCFC sits in seventh place in the East with 14 points, Toronto has moved up to third place with 19 points after three consecutive victories over the Revs, Orlando City and FC Dallas.
Cushing has shown no early signs of changing to his 4-2-3-1 setup, and in fact will have no excuse to go into this one without any new injuries to report inside the NYCFC camp.
Here’s how the Sky Boys might line up for their Saturday night game vs. Toronto.
GK: Matt Freese – The 25-year-old is starting between the sticks for the Eastern Conference side.
RB: Mitja Ilenic – Ilenic saw his night end before the hour mark last week as he was substituted but that means he should be ready to pounce on Saturday.
CB: Thiago Martins – One of NYCFC’s most important figures marches across the back line and has clocked up 80 appearances since joining in February 2022.
CB: Birk Risa – Another start is on the cards for young Norwegian and team captain Martins.
LB: Kevin O’Toole – The versatile O’Toole hopes to add to his three-goal haul so far in league play while not compromising on his defensive duties.
DM: James Sands The young midfielder helps keep things organized in the middle of the park for Parks.
DM: Keaton Parks – Even though he didn’t play a full 90 games vs. Colorado, Parks’ experience will be needed if NYCFC is going to get something out of Saturday night’s game.
RM: Julian Fernandez – Fernandez returns to the lineup after coming off the bench last week, aiming to add his third goal of the season.
AM: Santiago Rodriguez – One of MLS’ most exciting midfielders has been in exceptional form in the 2024 campaign.
LM: Agustin Ojeda – The 19-year-old will hope to cause havoc against a TFC defense that has conceded 14 goals this season.
ST: Monsef Bakrar – NYC’s No. 9 is back up front, eager to get back in the thick of the goal against Toronto.
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