Get to know who the Red Bulls will be playing in their upcoming matchup with The Other Side:
How They’re Doing
Toronto was picked by pundits to contend in the Eastern Conference and for an MLS Cup title in 2023, due to the star power the club had with Lorenzo Insigne, Federico Bernardeschi and offseason additions like goalkeeper Sean Johnson and defender Matt Hedges.
The season itself, however, has not been one that anyone saw coming. With only two wins on the season, Toronto currently sits in last place in the Eastern Conference.
Johnson and Hedges, who were expected to help shore up a defense that gave up the third-most goals in MLS in 2022, have not had the impact that Head Coach Bob Bradley had hoped for. Toronto has given up 17 goals in 12 matches.
Toronto is licking their wounds after last week, where they lost twice to rivals CF Montréal in the league and the Canadian Championship.
Head-to-head history
Since Toronto’s inaugural MLS slate in 2007, the Red Bulls have held the head-to-head edge – winning 21 of their 40 meetings and losing just 10 matches across that 15-year stretch.
New York is unbeaten in its last seven matches against Toronto, including a 4-1 victory last season at BMO Field on March 5 behind a first half hat trick from Lewis Morgan.
The Red Bulls have also won five straight at home against Toronto dating back to 2018. The last loss against Toronto FC came in July 2019, a 3-1 loss at BMO Field.
Player to Watch: Forward Federico Bernardeschi
Bernadeschi arrived in Toronto during the 2022 summer transfer window during the club’s Italian infusion, which also saw star Lorenzo Insigne arrive.
While Insigne might have grabbed more headlines, Bernardeschi has been the more productive player for Toronto FC. In 25 total appearances, dating back to last season, he has 11 goals and six assists.
His three goals, three assists, 13 shots on target, and 21 total attacking assists all lead the team in 2023.
Against a New York backline missing two of its key pieces, Bernardeschi will be ready to lead the Toronto attack.
