The New York Red Bulls head to Toronto on Wednesday for a matchup with Toronto FC, and a chance to lock up the top spot in the Eastern Conference heading into the 2015 Audi MLS Playoffs. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, with overage on MSG and Red Bulls Internet Radio.
New York will look to carry the momentum from a pair of home wins last week. The Red Bulls first defeated Columbus Crew SC, and then took down the Montreal Impact last Wednesday night at Red Bull Arena. The Red Bulls are 16-9-6 overall, and need just a point on Wednesday to win the Eastern Conference. New York is also atop the Supporters' Shield race, three points clear of the Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Dallas.
Lloyd Sam scored in both of those matches, extending his goal scoring streak to three games. Sam now has 10 goals this season, doubling his previous MLS career high. Sacha Kljestan also scored against Montreal, putting away his fourth penalty of the year. Kljestan continues to spark the Red Bulls offense, with five goals and 11 assists in his last 16 matches, and a team-leading 12 assists on the season.
Luis Robles continued his iron man streak against Montreal, and has now started 103 consecutive league matches for New York, the second-longest streak in league history. He earned his 48th career win, tying him with Tony Meola for the most league wins in club history.
New York is 5-6-4 on the road this season, tied for the second-most road wins in MLS, with the second-best winning percentage (.467) in the league.
The Red Bulls are 12-5-5 all-time against Toronto, including a perfect 3-4-4 record at BMO Field. This will be the second meeting with Toronto this season. The Red Bulls took a 3-0 win at Red Bull Arena in August.
Toronto enters at 14-13-4, in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Toronto has scored 55 goals this year, tied for most in the league with the Red Bulls.
Sebastian Giovinco leads Toronto in all offensive statistical categories. His 21 goals and 15 assists are both second-most in all of MLS. Jozy Altidore has contributed 12 goals, while Michael Bradley was five goals and six assists.
After Wednesday, the Red Bulls return to Red Bull Arena for the regular season home finale against the Philadelphia Union on Sunday, October 18. Kickoff for that match is slated for 3 p.m.
