NYCFC vs Toronto FC preview: Can the Pigeons score five again?

On Wednesday, New York City FC shocked everyone when they beat Orlando City SC.  The Pigeons won 2-0 in a fixture where they did not dominate the possession.  Instead, Mounsef Bakrar and Talles Magno capitalized on their chances, and the defense stood strong.

Those three points can be a confidence booster as NYCFC hosts Toronto FC this weekend.  Everyone remembers the 5-0 thrashing during the Leagues Cup.  Since then, the Reds have not fared well in Major League Soccer. The last-place team has won once in their last five fixtures—all of the other four ended in losses.

Additionally, Toronto is coming off a 4-0 loss against Inter Miami CF.  Hence, NYCFC will try to strike while their Canadian neighbors are in a deep hole.  They must continue where they left off from the mid-week battle against Orlando.  Ideally, they will score a high number of goals like they did in the Leagues Cup.

Let’s not waste more time.  Here is preview of the game between NYCFC and Toronto.

When is the match between New York City FC and Toronto FC?

The match will take place on Saturday, September 23 at 7:30 PM.                     

Where is the NYCFC game? 

The game will take place in Harrison, NJ at Red Bull Arena.

Where can fans watch the NYCFC game?

Fans can catch NYCFC on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.  This game will be available for free.

What can New York City FC expect from Toronto FC?

New York City FC can expect a Toronto FC side that is still struggling.  Many fans think the Pigeons are having a bad year, which is true.  Yet, the Reds have them beaten there.  They are 4-15-10 in MLS this year. 

Notably, one of their four wins was against NYCFC earlier in the season.  However, that was during a poor stretch by the Bronx team.  Alas, Toronto should struggle to play well on Saturday.  Internal issues have plagued the team, and the poor results on the field have turned this season into a nightmare. 

Nonetheless, NYCFC will still have to deal with the Italian duo of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi.  Bernardeschi leads the team with five goals, which is tied with 20-year-old Deandre Kerr.  Insigne is right behind them with four.  The Pigeons will have to stop the Italians and Kerr.  If they can do that, then a win is on the horizon. 

Which NYCFC player should supporters watch?

NYCFC supporters should watch Talles Magno.  First, will Nick Cushing put him in the Starting XI?  Second, will the Brazilian have a boost of confidence and provide an assist or score again? 

Magno was overcome with emotion when he scored against Orlando.  The winger has been struggling quite a bit this season, partly due to the fact he has received fewer minutes and was forced to play as a striker.  But his goal from Wednesday could be the spark that he needs.  More importantly, he can be the spark that NYCFC needs. 

What is the prediction for New York City FC?

Before the Orlando game, there was a lot of negativity in the air regarding New York City FC.  There were not many who thought they could come away with a win.  Yet, they shocked everyone.  At the same time, Toronto is a team that many will expect the Pigeons to beat.

That is why the prediction is that NYCFC will win, 4-0.  They might not score five again, but it is not out of the realm of possibility.

A win on Saturday will see New York City FC equal the amount of points from 2015 with 37.  The Pigeons know they will finish the reason with a couple of tough matches, so three points will go a long way.