New York City FC makes a quick return to the Bronx on Wednesday night when Toronto FC are the visitors.
Here are the Keys to the Match, presented by Tri-State Ford…
Keep the Streak
NYCFC enters this midweek matchup with the 2016 MLS champions Toronto looking to extend their all-time Club record W streak.
Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 win over New England made it five straight for the Boys in Blue, a feat never before achieved in five seasons of MLS play.
To make it six, NYC will have to overcome a Toronto side who won handsomely over FC Cincinnati last weekend and have strong form on the road.
Greg Vanney’s team from the north have taken 10 road points since June 1st (2W-3L-4D). In that time, only LAFC, New England and SKC have more points, meaning we will have to be at our very best to extend that record winning run.
Medina on the Rise
Jesus Medina gave the best example of the strength in depth available to Torrent when he came off the bench to win the day on Saturday.
The Paraguayan has had to be patient in waiting for opportunities while the forward boys have been firing on all cylinders through the summer but he delivered a timely reminder of his quality vs. the Revs.
Two goals in 30 minutes and a strong performance will have given Dome plenty to think about as he assesses the best lineup to inflict defeat on our Canadian visitors, especially with Maxi Moralez missing out through suspension.
With numerous attacking options all offering something a little bit different, Torrent will have used Tuesday’s session to evaluate fitness and form to determine the right XI.
Defend the BX
Another difficult decision for Dome will be choosing the central defenders, with Maxime Chanot and Alex Callens both away with their respective nations.
Sebastien Ibeagha seems likely to be one of the defenders, but who else will get the nod? Keaton Parks played that position for the first time in his career while City were chasing a goal on Saturday or perhaps Alex Ring or Ben Sweat could play there as they have in their NYCFC careers previously.
It’ll be an interesting teamsheet with numerous players still away on international duty. Visit NYCFC.com at approximately 6pm to see who gets the nod.
Revenge Mission
Toronto FC inflicted our heaviest defeat of 2019 at BMO Field earlier in the season, winning 4-0 in front of a home crowd.
It was a bad day for the visitors but thankfully things have improved significantly since for New York’s team, with our City boys climbing up the standings to first place in the East.
This team isn’t in the habit of being blown out on any field and so will be eager to right that wrong on Wednesday night and improve the all-time head-to-head which currently stands at 4W-2L-4D in Regular Season play.
#NeverForget
Wednesday night will mark NYCFC’s first-ever home game on 9/11 and will be marking the occasionally fittingly.
It’s been a tradition since the very first home opener to pay our respects to the First Responders of this great City with the Tunnel of Honor, but there will be extra special significance on Wednesday as we remember the sacrifices made on that day in 2001 with the Club hosting First Responders Night.
In the words of Sporting Director, Claudio Reyna: “It will be an important moment when we can use the power of soccer to bring New Yorkers together and pay tribute to those that were, and continue to be, affected by 9/11. It will be inspiring for both our players and fans and the match atmosphere will create a sense of community as we remember that day.”
