Maxi Moralez makes his long-awaited return to the starting lineup tonight against Toronto FC in NYCFC's first action since the international break.
Moralez is one of two changes to the starting XI that featured in NYCFC's last match, a 3-2 loss at Vancouver. Sean Johnson also makes his return from international duty with the USA, and will slot right back into the lineup between the goalposts.
Midfielder Yangel Herrera was subbed off with an injury early in the second half of that match, but fortunately he's ready to go for this one. Behind them will be Alex Ring, rounding out a dynamic, powerful NYCFC central midfield.
Ronald Matarrita will be out for a while with a fractured metatarsal, opening the door for RJ Allen to stake his claim to the right fullback spot in Vieira's XI for the time being. He'll line up there tonight, alongside stalwarts Maxime Chanot, Alexander Callens, and Ben Sweat.
Moving up top, Rodney Wallace's injury absence means that Tommy McNamara will get the start on the left wing for the second match in a row. Opposite him will be Jack Harrison, and up top will be El Capitan, David Villa.
This group should come out flying following the international break, and will be doing their best to stake their claim for minutes in a packed upcoming schedule after a long lull in MLS action.
Tonight's match kicks off at 7:30 PM ET, and you can catch the action on YES Network in the United States and TSN1 in Canada.
READ: How to Follow: NYCFC vs. Toronto FC
NYCFC XI: Johnson, Allen, Chanot, Callens, Sweat; Ring, Herrera, Moralez; Harrison, McNamara, Villa (c)
NYCFC Bench: Johansen, White, Lopez, Okoli, Brillant, Awuah, Lewis, Pirlo
