New York City FC take on Toronto FC on Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30PM ET.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Ford.
Consistency
Robin Fraser has been in charge of Toronto FC for nearly 60 games and has never been afraid to tweak his team’s tactical setup.
In recent weeks, however, Toronto have settled into a consistent 4-3-3 formation. The system gives them a solid midfield base while allowing Djordje Mihailovic to operate as a playmaker in the final third. The former AZ Alkmaar midfielder has one goal and one assist in his last four outings.
That consistency has helped Toronto put together a solid run of form. They have won two, drawn two and lost one of their last five matches, with Fraser’s side continuing to build an identity following a significant squad overhaul and persistent injury issues.
New York City FC have already faced Toronto in this system, having met them at Yankee Stadium in late July. That familiarity should help with preparation for this weekend’s game, with Pascal Jansen’s side knowing what to expect when the teams meet again.
On Form
Josh Sargent arrived in Toronto in February from Norwich City in a club-record transfer.
The U.S. international boasts experience in both the German Bundesliga and English Championship and has recorded four goals and three assists in 14 league games this season. The striker has added a goal and an assist in his last two games, making him someone New York City FC will need to monitor closely on Saturday evening.
Speaking about his growing connection with teammate Mihailovic, Sargent said:
“It’s getting better and better. Each game we can all play with one another, it helps massively, every day in training helps massively.”
For New York City FC, Luighi has scored twice in his last three MLS appearances and will be keen to add to that tally if selected by Jansen. With both teams boasting in-form forwards, Saturday’s game could be decided by which side is able to provide its striker with the more consistent supply of chances.
Back to Business
New York City FC’s last outing ended in frustrating circumstances on the road.
An injury-time winner for FC Cincinnati felt like a harsh way to end the game given how well the Boys in Blue had performed for long stretches.
They will be keen to respond positively to that setback when they take on Toronto in another road game. Toronto have recorded three wins, six draws and two defeats at BMO Field in MLS this season, a record that should give the Boys in Blue confidence as they look to secure an important victory and move closer to the top four in the Eastern Conference.
A strong performance in Toronto would also provide an opportunity to turn a frustrating result into renewed momentum. With the playoff race tightening, New York City FC will know that every point matters, particularly against a conference rival they have already shown they can compete with this season.
