TORONTO—Sunday could be a very special day in the history of Toronto FC.
Not only can Toronto officially clinch a playoff berth with a win or draw when it hosts the New York Red Bulls, but it can take a major step towards finishing in first place in the Eastern Conference, and possibly Major League Soccer.
TFC (13-8-7) currently sits atop the East with 46 points, just ahead of New York City FC (45 points, 12-9-9) and the Red Bulls (44 points, 12-9-8), with games in hand on both clubs. Toronto is also trying to chase down Western Conference leaders FC Dallas (52 points, 15-8-7) in the race for the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the first place team in MLS at the end of the regular season.
Finishing in the top two in the East has major advantages, as that would see Toronto earn a first-round bye and secure home-field advantage in the two-legged Eastern Conference semifinals.
“It’s still not the be-all end-all of all games but I think it’s one that we look forward to because we always know it’s a highly competitive affair,” Toronto coach Greg Vanney said of Sunday’s contest.
“We also know if we get three points, it creates a real separation between us and New York, which is a very good team.”
Both clubs are in fine form at the moment. The Red Bulls are unbeaten in 11 league games (5-0-6), and Toronto has lost just once in its past nine outings (7-1-1).
“[We’re] two good teams who I know will get after it in a big way,” Toronto captain Michael Bradley promised.
This is the third and final meeting of the regular season between these two sides. TFC earned a 2-0 win in New York on March 6 on the opening day. The Red Bulls gained some revenge via a 3-0 win at home on May 28.
Defender Justin Morrow warned that Toronto could run into New York in the playoffs.
“I think this won’t be the last time we see the Red Bulls this year,” Morrow offered. “This is a team that we’re going to have to get through to win the [MLS] Cup so it’s an important match in that sense.”
It’s clear, though, that simply qualifying for the playoffs isn’t enough for the TFC players—they have their sights on bigger things.
“Our goal this year is different than in past years. We’re searching for higher things, we’re searching for first place in the East, [and] we’re searching for the Supporters’ Shield. We know we can’t achieve that this weekend, so our goals are further down the road, and were going to keep striving until we get there,” defender Eriq Zavaleta said.
With five of the Reds’ last six games of the season at home, TFC controls its fate in the battle for top spot in the East.
“Things are in our hands playing at home in front of our fans. It’s up to us to make this thing happen and get results. There’s really not any excuses and we know that,” said forward Jozy Altidore, who has six goals in this last eight appearances.
Sebastian Giovinco is questionable for Sunday—the Italian missed last week’s 2-1 win away to the Chicago Fire after he suffered strains in his quadriceps and adductor in Toronto’s previous match.
Forward Tosaint Ricketts (groin), defender Mark Bloom (ankle) and Ashtone Morgan (foot), and midfielder Jay Chapman (MCL tear) have been ruled for Toronto for Sunday’s game.
One of the more interesting questions heading into this game is who will start in net for TFC: Alex Bono or Clint Irwin?
Irwin was on the bench in Chicago after coming back from a lengthy injury layoff. He was fit to play, but coach Greg Vanney continued to go with backup Alex Bono.
Irwin started the first 15 games of the season for Toronto before suffering a quadriceps strain in late June. Since then, Bono has looked solid as the Reds’ goalkeeper, posting an 8-3-3 record with three clean sheets.
Bono has made a case for more playing time after confidently backstopping Toronto in Irwin’s absence, so don’t be surprised if he starts against the Red Bulls—although Vanney refused to tip his hand when pressed by reporters late in the week.
NOTES: Toronto sports an all-time record of 7-13-5 against New York in MLS play… After Sunday, TFC continues its four-game stint at BMO Field with matches against the Philadelphia Union (Sept. 24), Orlando City (Sept. 28) and D.C. United (Oct. 1).
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