International legends David Villa (LEFT) and Andrea Pirlo (RIGHT) headline a NYCFC club looking to hand Toronto FC their first loss of the season during their home opener at Yankee Stadium.
Toronto FC at New York City FC
Sunday, 5:00 p.m., Yankee Stadium
TV: Sportsnet One
Radio: Simulcast from TV on Web
Toronto FC is looking to open the season with consecutive wins for the first time in franchise history.
NYCFC enters their home opener 1-0-0 after they edged the Chicago Fire 4-3 in their season opener.
NYCFC 2015 Home Record: 6-7-4 (30 GF, 31 GA)
Toronto FC 2016 Road Record: 1-0-0 (2 GF, 0 GA)
SPOTLIGHT STORY: THE MATCH IN THE MIDDLE
Similar defensive styles highlight Toronto FC’s second game of the season with NYCFC also deploying the 4-3-3. The big difference between the two sides happens to a well-seasoned Andrea Pirlo, whose vision is second to none.
FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME:
Pirlo vs. Bradley
Both leaders have amassed priceless experience throughout their careers, whether it’s playing internationally or for their respective clubs in Seria A. You control the midfield, you control the game and while both men headline the position, it’ll come down to the leader who’s able to help his club maintain possession and dictate play throughout the match.
No love for Lovitz
Daniel Lovitz is ruled out for Sunday’s game after a shot to the head has left him with concussion-like symptoms. Marco Delgado is one option after he came off the bench last week to score the clinching goal, while Molham Babouli could be the other. An impressive showing with TFC II earned him a contract with the big club, but lack of experience could keep him on the reserves.
Off on the right foot
Both clubs scored first in their season-opening matches last week on their way to victories. Toronto will be looking to score first to quiet an electric Yankee Stadium, while NYCFC will want to press early to take full advantage of their home opener and get the fans involved early.
Close quarters
The unique dimensions of Yankee Stadium makes Sunday’s pitch the smallest in the MLS, measuring in at 110 yards by 70 yards. A smaller pitch means less time to make decisions. Gaps will be smaller, so Toronto’s precision and ability to create intelligent runs will be put to the test.
Franchise First
Toronto looks to open the season with consecutive wins for the first time in franchise history. Consecutive wins on the road to open season would be nothing short of spectacular for a club looking to snatch at least eight points. However, in their inaugural season last year, NYCFC held the Reds out of the win column (0-2-1).
RECORDS AT THE HALF (W-L-T):
New York
- Leading: 1-0-0
- Tied: 0-0-0
- Trailing: 0-0-0
Toronto
- Leading: 0-0-0
- Tied: 1-0-0
- Trailing: 0-0-0
