FC head coach John Herdman insists his staff want to keep up their self-discipline if they need a playoff run in MLS, beginning in opposition to Austin FC on Saturday.
Toronto at present sit eighth within the Japanese Convention however are 4 factors behind Orlando Metropolis.
They’ve struggled to get going since being knocked out of the Leagues Cup within the group stage, profitable simply considered one of three video games since returning to MLS motion.
After a disappointing 3-1 defeat to D.C. United final trip, Herdman says they should discover ways to hold their excessive degree of efficiency going to the very finish of video games.
“In a playoff run, it’s a must to be disciplined within the final half-hour of video games, whether or not it’s decision-making to alter and adapt with gamers coming in and altering positions, or the staff permitting itself to get stretched,” Herdman mentioned.
“We struggled with that in opposition to D.C. In case you’re going to push for a real playoff run, it’s a must to respect that defending a part of the sport, you can not permit your self to get stretched.”
In the meantime, Austin are eleventh within the Western Convention, having adopted up a win over Nashville SC with a 1-0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps.
With the tip of the common season coming nearer, Josh Wolff acknowledged his gamers know simply how necessary it’s for them to get factors on the board.
“Each sport is crucial, dwelling and away. In each conferences, you may see the playoff line, and it’s all related,” Wolff mentioned.
“We, like many groups, need to profit from these alternatives. You need to begin the sport in a great way and go there with the intention of getting three factors as a result of the house staff have their very own intentions.”
De regreso a la cancha. pic.twitter.com/l8aCSfqtm2
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) September 11, 2024
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Toronto FC – Deandre Kerr
Deandre Kerr scored his tenth regular-season purpose for Toronto within the loss to D.C. United on August 31.
At 21 years outdated, Kerr is the second participant to achieve double-figure objectives for the Reds earlier than turning 22, together with Ayo Akinola (13 objectives).
Austin FC – Julio Cascante
Austin didn’t register a shot heading in the right direction of their 1-0 loss to Vancouver on August 31, the fourth time this season the Verde haven’t hit the goal in a match.
Julio Cascante got here off the bench and had considered one of Austin’s six pictures, along with his effort having the best anticipated purpose fee of 0.35.
MATCH PREDICTION: AUSTIN FC WIN
The one earlier assembly between Toronto and Austin was a 1-0 dwelling win for the Verde in Could 2023. Gyasi Zardes scored the sport’s solely purpose in second-half stoppage time.
Austin earned a 2-0 win at Nashville of their final away match on August 24. Austin final received consecutive away matches throughout a four-match highway profitable streak in June-July 2022.
In the meantime, Toronto have misplaced 5 of their final six dwelling matches (W1), together with a 3-1 loss to D.C. United on August 31. Toronto have misplaced 13 regular-season dwelling matches since July 2023 (W7), greater than every other staff in that point.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Toronto FC – 34.6%
Draw – 25.9%
Austin FC – 39.5%
