NYCFC are traveling to Canada to take on Toronto FC for the second time this month.
Will Patrick Vieira’s men come out with a win on Sunday?
Our Major Keys to the Match are here…
Next Man Up
New York City travels north to take on the self-proclaimed deepest team in MLS history touting a newfound level of depth ourselves since our competitive start just three short years ago. Injuries to regulars Ronald Matarrita, Rodney Wallace, and Maxime Chanot has City sticking together from front to back as every player in the squad plays a role in Summer ‘17.
Mikey Lopez, Frederic Brillant, and RJ Allen have played big roles in defense in recent weeks – and the squad staying unified defensively despite the absences will be key to keeping TFC out of net.
The Fulcrum
Another big miss for NYCFC is Yangel Herrera, who was administered two yellow cards in quick succession by referee Alan Chapman on Saturday, resulting in NYCFC going down a man for 80 minutes as well an important squad player for the trip up to Toronto. Luckily for New York, quality is a plenty throughout the roster, and Andrea Pirlo could be in line to play a decisive role which would surely bring joy to the large Italian fan base in the 6.
Rookie Roll?
One man that is on the up-and-up is rookie winger Jon Lewis. After a couple of impactful substitution appearances earlier in the season, J. Lewis showed great promise and product in equal measure vs. Chicago – providing the all-important pick-out assist on David’s early second-half goal to get NYCFC rolling.
Vieira said: “Jonathan had a terrific game. He worked really hard from the first minute. Playing in really important games like that will make him improve, make him a better player. With his pace, he helped us to stretch them. I’m really pleased with the game he had.”
Here’s to another if he makes his second-straight start on Sunday.
Where The Stars Align
Sunday’s match features four 2017 MLS All-Stars who will descend on Chicago following the conclusion of the match to take on Real Madrid next week. Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, and Sebastian Giovinco will represent Toronto, while captain David Villa makes the trip for NYC as Eastern Conference foes become friends and teammates for the day.
First thing’s first though – and with NYCFC and Toronto’s high powered history, don’t be surprised to see both sets of DP’s on full display. David Villa leads the all-time series golden boot race with 6 goals to Giovinco’s 4, while Andrea Pirlo and his former teammate share the series all-time assist lead at 2.
Golden Opportunity
Congratulations is in order to USMNT captain Michael Bradley and striker Jozy Altidore on leading the USA to their 6th Gold Cup title with a 2-1 win over Jamaica on Wednesday evening in Santa Clara, California. Having played 3 knockout matches in just seven days, and perhaps enduring a well-deserved celebration after hoisting the trophy, TFC could start the match without two of their main men in the lineup.
After dropping two points in the home leg at Yankee Stadium last week due to a late penalty call in Toronto’s favor, NYCFC has a golden opportunity to go again and aim to end the week all tied up with their Canadian rivals on points.
You won’t want to miss it.
