Toronto FC’s new bolstered defense will have the task of shutting down Bradley Wright-Phillips and Mike Grella Sunday afternoon. (photo credit: Don MacGregor)
Toronto FC at New York Red Bulls
Sunday, 1:30 p.m., Red Bull Arena
TV: TSN4 and TSN5
Radio: TSN Radio 1050
The 24th all-time meeting between Toronto FC and the New York Bulls is the match that kicks off the 2016 campaign.
The Red Bulls start the season, looking to claim the Supporter Shield for a second season in a row, while Toronto FC looks to claim a playoff berth in consecutive seasons for the first time.
Red Bulls 2015 Home Record: 12-3-2 (35 GF, 18 GA)
Toronto FC 2015 Road Record: 4-10-3 (24 GF, 36 GA)
SPOTLIGHT STORY: BRADLEY WRIGHT-PHILLIPS VS. TFC DEFENCE
General manager Tim Bezbatchenko pulled all the strings he could during the offseason to improve what was an embarrassing defensive effort last season for the Reds. Drew Moor, Will Johnson and Steven Beitashour will have a tough task to make their first impression a good one when Wright-Phillips is pressuring them all afternoon.
FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME:
House of Horrors
TFC has never won a game at Red Bull Arena and if the squad is looking to finish their season-opening eight-game road trip with at least eight points, they’re going to have to rid themselves of their New York demons. The league’s second-highest scoring team last year will have to rely on reigning MVP Sebastian Giovinco to set the tone early for the visitors.
No way, Jozy
Jozy Altidore is expected to miss the opener after he felt some hamstring tightness late last week. Altidore was second in team scoring behind Giovinco’s 22 last season with 13 goals – the next leading scorer.. Michael Bradley’s five.
Ándale Endoh
2016 first-round pick Tsubasa Endoh could see some serious minutes with Altidore scheduled to miss Sunday’s action. Whether he’s playing to Giovinco’s left or right, the rookie will have to impress the coaching staff as he has all preseason with his compete level and intelligent runs.
Defence, defence, defence
TFC floated between formations throughout the 2015 season, but the 2016 preseason has seen Greg Vanney’s club set up in 4-3-3. If Endoh draws into the game, the significant workload that comes with this formation will put the 2016 adidas MLS Player Combine MVP to the test early.
Not so friendly neighbours
The two clubs spent two weeks in the same hotel together while finishing up their preseason training in Orlando. Did I mention the fields they were training on were adjacent to one another? Hey! No peeking!
RECORDS AT THE HALF (W-L-T):
New York
- Leading: 14-2-0
- Tied: 3-4-3
- Trailing: 1-4-3
Toronto
- Leading: 7-1-1
- Tied: 8-2-1
- Trailing: 0-12-2
