NYCFC sq. off in opposition to the streaking Toronto FC this weekend at BMO Subject, trying to decide up three factors in opposition to an Jap Convention foe within the hunt for a playoff spot.
The Blues fell 3-1 final day trip to Colorado Rapids at their house floor and ended a three-match profitable streak in Main League Soccer motion. Nick Cushing’s aspect have been unbeaten in 5 league matches general with two attracts earlier than their consecutive wins over New England Revolution, DC United and Charlotte FC.
NYCFC will wish to put final weekend’s match behind them, however they may discover it troublesome to select up three factors in opposition to the new-and-improved Toronto below new head coach John Herdman. Whereas NYCFC sit in a postseason spot in seventh place within the East with 14 factors, Toronto have climbed to 3rd place within the division with 19 factors after three straight victories over the Revs, Orlando Metropolis and FC Dallas.
Cushing hasn’t proven any earlier indicators of adjusting from his 4-2-3-1 setup, and he’ll primarily don’t have any excuses heading into this one with no new accidents to report contained in the NYCFC camp.
This is how the Boys in Blue might lineup for his or her Saturday evening conflict vs Toronto.
GK: Matt Freese – The 25-year-old begins in between the sticks for the Jap Convention aspect.
RB: Mitja Ilenic – Ilenic noticed his evening finish earlier than the hour mark final week by way of substitution however which means he needs to be able to go fro the leap on Saturday.
CB: Thiago Martins – Probably the most necessary figures for NYCFC marshals the backline and is closing in on 80 appearances since becoming a member of in February 2022.
CB: Birk Risa – One other begin is on the playing cards for the previous Norway youth worldwide alongside membership captain Martins.
LB: Kevin O’Toole – The versatile O’Toole hopes so as to add in his three objective involvements up to now in league play whereas not compromising his defensive duties.
DM: James Sands – The younger midfielder helps preserve issues in examine in the midst of the park beside Parks.
DM: Keaton Parks – Although he did not play the complete 90 vs Colorado, Parks’ expertise will likely be required if NYCFC are to get something out of Saturday evening’s match.
RM: Julian Fernandez – Fernandez returns to the lineup after coming off the bench final day trip, aiming so as to add his third objective of the season.
AM: Santiago Rodriguez – One among MLS’ most fun midfielders has been in distinctive kind within the 2024 marketing campaign.
LM: Agustin Ojeda – The 19-year-old large participant will hope to trigger some chaos vs a TFC protection that is conceded 14 targets this time period.
ST: Monsef Bakrar – NYC’s No. 9 will get the nod up entrance as soon as once more, wanting to be again among the many targets in opposition to Toronto.
