New York City FC will play their first home match of the 2016 MLS season on Sunday, March 13, against Toronto FC. NYCFC is unbeaten in three all-time MLS meetings against Toronto FC (W2 D1). These teams drew 4-4 at Yankee Stadium on July 12, 2015, which was only the ninth time in MLS history that two teams drew after each scoring at least four goals in a match.
Toronto FC is aiming to win the first two MLS matches of the season for the second time in the last three seasons.
Team Comparison:
New York City FC manager Patrick Vieira said, “We have to prepare the game for Toronto well because we’re going to face a really strong team who had a pretty good result against the Red Bulls. We can’t drop mentally, we can’t drop physically, our concentration and focus has to stay really high. I think we have to be really positive, we have to go on the field with a high focus and concentration and desire to win the game. I’m really excited because I’m very much looking forward to it. There is so much excitement around this game, our first home game, and I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere in the stadium. I just want the fans to come support the team because they will have a massive part to play in the season.”
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NYCFC beat Chicago 4-3 on March 6, which was tied for the second-most goals the team has ever scored. NYCFC did not score its fourth goal of MLS 2015 until the 55’ of the fifth match last year.
Team Ranking - Goals Scored:
“It was a good way to start the season, with 3 points. It was a great effort by everyone, but we need to follow that up this weekend with the home opener against Toronto and we’re really looking forward to it. There’s a lot of things to improve on on both sides of the ball but we’ve moved on from the last game,” said NYCFC midfielder Tommy McNamara. "We’re really excited for the Home Opener, it’s been awhile since we got to play in front of you guys in Yankee Stadium. We’re just looking forward to having a huge crowd, hopefully a sellout, playing some entertaining football and seeing all the fans again. We appreciate your support."
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NYCFC forward Tony Taylor said, "We are working a lot on defensive shape, out of the back, when we lose the ball in the front just staying tight in the back and making sure there is no way the other team can counter us, just staying compact as a group. I feel great, the team is very confident. I am looking forward to seeing the fans this weekend, we want to make them proud."
New York City FC Seasonal Stats:
The match will take place on Sunday, March 13 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Kickoff is 5 p.m. ET. The match will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 and on radio at WFAN 660 AM and WADO 1280 AM. Get your tickets here.
Match Preview:
