Toronto FC Vs New York City FC: 3 things to watch for – Jozy Altidore’s return?

Toronto FC, Ayo Akinola (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Toronto FC, Ayo Akinola (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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New York City FC
TORONTO, ON – MARCH 29: Alejandro Pozuelo (10) of Toronto FC dribbles the ball past New York City FC players during the second half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

1. Eastern Conference rivals clash again

Toronto FC and New York City FC are getting to know one another rather well. Of course, they have competed against each other at the sharp end of the Eastern Conference ever since NYCFC came into the league, but over the past year, there have been some momentous occasions between the pair.

Alejandro Pozuelo made his TFC debut against New York City, scoring a panenka penalty and long-range chip. The pair then met again in the Eastern Conference semi-finals last year, NYCFC largely controlling the game before throwing it away with two cheap defensive errors late on.

And then the pair met earlier this season, before lockdown. Toronto FC won 1-0 thanks to an astounding debut from Ifunanyachi Achara and established their dominance over one of their immediate Eastern rivals.

Now the pair meet again, in very different circumstances. And what happens between them really is anyone’s guess.