The New York Red Bulls look to start off their MLS regular season with a bang when they face Toronto FC at Red Bull Arena on Sunday, March 6, at 1:30 p.m. EST (TV: MSG, RADIO: Red Bulls Radio English/Spanish). The home opener will be the first of three regular season meetings between the clubs in 2016.
2015 New York Red Bulls
- Record: 18-10-6 (first place)
- Leading Scorer: Bradley Wright-Phillips (17)
- Assists Leader: Sacha Kljestan (14)
- Saves Leader: Luis Robles (86)
2015 Toronto FC
- Record: 15-15-4 (sixth place)
- Leading Scorer: Sebastian Giovinco (22)
- Assists Leader: Sebastian Giovinco (16)
- Saves Leader: Chris Konopka (62)
2015 Head-To-Head
- Regular Season: New York and Toronto split their regular season fixtures with one win and one loss each.
- MLS Cup Playoffs: The Red Bulls reached the Eastern Conference Championship, while Toronto FC did not advance past the knockout round.
Scouting Report
The Red Bulls had one of their best seasons in club history in 2015, despite seeing their season end in a loss to Columbus Crew SC in the Eastern Conference Championship. New York targets to build upon last year’s success with up-tempo, high-pressing play. Top scorer Bradley Wright-Philips returns to the lineup as he continues his campaign to become the club’s all-time leading scorer, 13 goals shy of tying Juan Pablo Angel’s club record of 58 goals.
Sacha Kljestan shined bright during the 2015 season with eight goals and 14 assists. Once he settled in, Kljestan tallied six goals and 13 assists in the last 19 games of the regular season. Kljestan, who has earned at least one point in his last nine regular season home matches, brings a veteran’s experience to the club and delivers with his supreme playmaking ability.
If chosen as a starter in the home opener, all eyes will be on defensive signing Gideon Baah. The 24-year-old Ghana international was transferred from HJK Helsinki on Feb. 9, 2016, to replace the void left by the transfer of Matt Miazga to Chelsea FC. Baah, who brings UEFA Champions League and Europa League experience to the table, has played in all of the Red Bulls’ preseason matches at center back since signing.
Mike Grella will begin the 2016 MLS season after enjoying the best season of his career in 2015. The forward scored nine goals and had seven assists, good for third-most on the team in each category, and was a finalist for 2015 MLS Newcomer of the Year. Grella could prove hard to handle for Toronto’s defense amid New York’s multiple attacking threats.
Toronto FC enters this season looking to improve on a disappointing 2015. Reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco hopes for repeat success in 2016, after leading MLS in goals (22) and assists (16). Combined with the offensive presence of Jozy Altidore, who is questionable for the game with a hamstring injury, and Michael Bradley, Toronto FC will keep the Red Bulls’ hands full.
Toronto’s defense was their weakness in 2015, allowing a league high 58 goals in the regular season. New York will give them trouble after finishing as the top scoring team in MLS in 2015 with 62 goals. A fresh face will be in goal for Toronto with Clint Irwin most likely start in goal. Irwin, who was acquired in a trade from the Colorado Rapids in January, could fill Toronto’s defensive needs along with newcomers Drew Moor and Steven Beitashour.
