Toronto FC is set to welcome the New York Red Bulls for the 42nd time in a match steeped in history in MLS. While stats may favor the Red Bulls, TFC is not just working on ending the winless streak but also on attempting to change their fortune and make sure that this season does not totally go astray, especially on home soil at BMO Field. And what truly sets up nicely, beyond the numbers, is just how much this game could mean for both teams, two different situations unfolding down the stretch of the season.
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Toronto FC: An Inconsistent Season
Toronto FC's season has been a seesaw, at least. The club happens to be on the wrong side of 11 wins against 17 losses that doubtlessly signals inconsistency for the entire campaign. This inconsistency has also been captured in their home performance. While they managed to win seven games at BMO Field, they also lost eight, placing Toronto among the weakest teams in MLS this year.
TFC fans still remember the last home win against the Red Bulls, way back in 2019. The goals were from Jozy Altidore, Alejandro Pozuelo, and Ashtone Morgan. Since then, however, Toronto has struggled to make this kind of performance revisited, which makes this upcoming game a big opportunity for them to win back the fans' confidence and maybe repeat that success four years later.
Coming off three consecutive road games across different cities and competitions, Toronto returns home desperate in search of a victory that has avoided them against the Red Bulls since 2019. That recent run included a draw against the Chicago Fire, a loss in the Canadian Championship final against Vancouver Whitecaps, and another defeat to the Colorado Rapids. Those results, back-to-back, only elevate the pressure on Wednesday's contest.
What to Expect from New York Red Bulls
On the other hand, the Red Bulls come into this fixture very far ahead in terms of their stability. They enjoy the advantage over Toronto FC, and they boast an unbeaten run of 11 games in all competitions against the Reds. History favors New York going into this tie, especially considering their recent history at BMO Field, whereby in the last four, they have never lost.
With 10 wins and 14 draws already this season, the stats speak of a well-balanced team that isn't easy to beat. They are in a two-city road trip, where the first stop will be in Toronto. Knowing that TFC isn't in the best of form, the Red Bulls surely will try to use your opponent's weaknesses to their advantage and, if lucky enough, have another three points on the road.