New York Red Bulls Vs Toronto FC: 3 things to look for

Toronto FC, Erickson Gallardo — Venezuela’s Zamora Erickson Gallardo celebrates after scoring against Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro during their 2019 Copa Libertadores football match at Mineirao Stadium, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on April 3, 2019. (Photo by DOUGLAS MAGNO / AFP) (Photo credit should read DOUGLAS MAGNO/AFP/Getty Images)

Toronto FC head to Jersey just three points behind the New York Red Bulls. Here are three things to look for ahead of Saturday night’s match.

Toronto FC look to recapture a playoff spot when they travel to Harrison to take on the New York Red Bulls on Saturday night. Despite last weekend’s hard-fought 2-1 victory of FC Cincinnati, Toronto FC are currently eighth in the East on 32 points. Conversely, defensive errors cost the Red Bulls once again in their 3-2 loss to the Columbus Crew, and the fifth-placed home side will be eager to bounce back with a win considering just three points separate them and the visiting Reds.

Even though TFC defeated New York 3-1 at BMO Field two weeks ago, Toronto FC are widely considered underdogs this time around insofar as they have lost in two of their three last visits to Red Bull Arena, getting outscored 6-1 in the process.

Here are three things to look for heading into Saturday night’s clash at Red Bull Arena.

ATLANTA, GA JULY 07: New York’s Kemar Lawrence (92) questions the referee’s call during the MLS match between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United FC July 7th, 2019 at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

3. Chris Armas will start his strongest back-four

The New York Red Bulls defensive quartet consisting of Michael Murillo, Tim Parker, Aaron Long, and Kemar Lawrence arguably formed the best backline in MLS last season, boasting the best defensive record in the league by conceding a mere 33 goals.

The collective aforementioned players have only started three matches together this season, and the Red Bulls defensive record has suffered as a result. New York have already allowed 34 goals this season with eleven games remaining.

Given that manager Chris Armas has come under fire for playing center-back Amro Tarek at left-back in recent weeks, and defensive lapses have cost his side in two of their last three outings, I expect Armas to start his best defenders on Saturday night.