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Toronto FC Vs New York City FC: 3 things to watch for – Alejandro Pozuelo arrives

By Connor Dittmeier

Genk's Alejandro Pozuelo pictured during the soccer match between STVV Sint-Truiden and KRC Racing Genk, Friday 18 January 2019 in Sint-Truiden, on the 22nd day of the 'Jupiler Pro League' Belgian soccer championship season 2018-2019. BELGA PHOTO YORICK JANSENS (Photo credit should read YORICK JANSENS/AFP/Getty Images)
Genk's Alejandro Pozuelo pictured during the soccer match between STVV Sint-Truiden and KRC Racing Genk, Friday 18 January 2019 in Sint-Truiden, on the 22nd day of the 'Jupiler Pro League' Belgian soccer championship season 2018-2019. BELGA PHOTO YORICK JANSENS (Photo credit should read YORICK JANSENS/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Toronto FC, Alejandro Pozuelo
Genk’s Alejandro Pozuelo, now of Toronto FC, pictured during the soccer match between STVV Sint-Truiden and KRC Racing Genk, Friday 18 January 2019 in Sint-Truiden, on the 22nd day of the ‘Jupiler Pro League’ Belgian soccer championship season 2018-2019. BELGA PHOTO YORICK JANSENS (Photo credit should read YORICK JANSENS/AFP/Getty Images) /

Week 5 of the 2019 MLS season commences on Friday night when New York City FC travel to Toronto FC. Here are three things to watch for, including the arrival of Alejandro Pozuelo.

Toronto FC play host to the New York City FC to kick off the weekend of MLS matchups at 8:00 PM. Toronto look to continue their winning start to the season after defeating the Philadelphia Union and the New England Revolution in the opening two weeks of the season.

NYCFC, on the other hand, will be hoping to get their first win after three successive draws to open their 2019 campaign. With the opportunity for both clubs to gain three points in a crowded Eastern Conference, there will be an added emphasis on attacking efficiency from both teams.

Related Story. Toronto FC Vs New England Revolution: 3 things we learned. light

Here are three things to keep an eye on in Friday night’s matchup.

BRONX, NY – JUNE 24: Team Captain Alexander Ring #8 of New York City during the MLS match between New York City FC and Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium on June 24, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York. New York City FC won the match with a score of 2 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)
BRONX, NY – JUNE 24: Team Captain Alexander Ring #8 of New York City during the MLS match between New York City FC and Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium on June 24, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York. New York City FC won the match with a score of 2 to 1. (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images) /

3. NYCFC midfield key to success

New York City FC were able to retain the services of Ebenezer Ofori, who played in 27 MLS matches during 2018. He has also started in two out of the first three games this year and scored the first goal of NYCFC’s season against Orlando City SC.

The Blues signed American midfielder, Keaton Parks, from Benfica, acquired Tony Rocha, who played for OCSC last year, and Valentín Castellanos. The additions, coupled with the experienced Alex Ring, showcases a revamped midfield for Domenec Torrent. If the club is to see out close games, these three highlighted acquisitions will need to adapt quickly and take on their roles with vigor.

Justin Sands has also come back from loan with Louisville City in the USL, while Justin Haak has been promoted from the academy. Both youngsters, along with Juan Torres, who arrived from KSC Lokeren, will vie for time at the defensive midfield position.

NYCFC’s midfielders need to build a quick and effective relationship to showcase the immense potential that each player possesses. If the players can control the formidable midfield that Toronto has at its disposal, then it could go a long way to quell any internal strife off the field regarding Torrent and his management of the team.

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