New York City vs Toronto: preview, team news, prediction

Both Toronto and Seattle Sounders are the teams that still boast of hundred percent record, but most teams have played four times already and the Canadians have only played twice. Those two wins seat Toronto fourth in the Eastern Conference, while New York City’s three draws mean they sit three points and five positions behind Saturday’s hosts in ninth. Toronto scored five goals against New England at home before the international break, while on that same day New York City drew 2-2 in their backyard against LAFC.

Toronto came from behind to lead 2-1 at the break against New England Revolution last time out, with Akinola and Hamilton scoring goals to cancel out Gil’s ninth-minute opener for the visitors. Gil took a big run and has scored another goal before the second half to bring the teams back onto level terms, but a late strike from Altidore secured a deserved three points for Toronto.

The NY took the lead more than three times over LAFC, through Mitrița and then Ring, but twice their guests equalized through Mexican international Carlos Vela and the game ended in a stalemate. New York City is still searching for their first win of the new season, but can at least claim to be undefeated so far and that will give them strong confidence to the trip of Canada.

The recent head to head record between the two clubs and their performances in the MLS so far this season all point towards an open, end to end, with the likelihood of a home win for Toronto. The last five encounters between these two clubs have produced over 2.5 goals, and three of the last four meetings have seen both teams score.

Toronto has won three of their last six matches against New York City, and have only lost twice at home to this particular opponent. Toronto has won their opening two MLS games of the new season, while New York City has drawn all three of theirs, so the smart money is going on a home win for the Canadians this weekend.

Midfielder Bradley top scores in the league for Toronto with two goals, but it shouldn’t be long before the likes of Altidore and Hamilton move ahead of the 31-year old in the scoring charts. Finnish midfielder Ring has already equalized his entire goal scoring tally of last season and currently leads the way in front of goal for New York City with two goals MLS goals.

We believe that both teams will score and over 2.5 goals will be produced on the match day, and have predicted a final scoreline of 2-1 in favor of Toronto. The hosts have made a winning start to the season, scoring six goals and conceding three, while their guests are yet to win, but have scored four and conceded four in their opening three matches.