New York Red Bulls
- Record: 10-6-6, 36 points, second place in Eastern Conference
- Previous match: Win, 2-0 vs New York City FC
- Record in last five matches: 4-0-1
- Leading Goal Scorer: Bradley Wright-Philips (10)
- Leading Assist Leader: Sacha Kljestan, Dax McCarty, Bradley Wright-Phillips (6)
- Saves Leader: Luis Robles (51)
Toronto FC
- Record: 9-9-4, 31 points, fourth place in Eastern Conference
- Previous match: Loss, 3-1 vs Sporting KC
- Record in last five matches: 2-2-1
- Leading Goal Scorer: Sebastian Giovinco (16)
- Leading Assist Leader: Sebastian Giovinco (11)
- Saves Leader: Joseph Bendik (37)
Scouting Toronto
Any team facing Toronto FC knows they’ll get a hefty dose of former Juventus forward, Sebastian Giovinco. Giovinco leads the league in shots with a whopping tally of 124, 34 more shots than the last striker the New York Red Bulls faced, David Villa. To make matters worse, he’s an accurate shooter, landing 52 on target and scoring 16. The Italian international is only one goal shy of MLS leader Kei Kamara with 17 goals. Giovinco, one of the league’s best play makers, has the ability to wreak havoc in the midfield. When he attracts more defenders, he uses the attention to set up his other teammates. Giovinco’s 11 assists this season ties him are the second highest in the league.
Despite Giovinco’s individual brilliance, Toronto FC has struggled as of late. They have lost three of their last five matches, in part because of defensive struggles. Despite outputting 37 goals, they have conceded 38 times, the third highest goals allowed in MLS. To make matters worse, they haven’t won a road game since June 6 against D.C. United, 2-1. However, they have scored plenty of goals on the road, 22, which leads the league. Look for them to count on that output to steal an important road victory against the Red Bulls this Saturday.
For New York, they haven’t lost in their last five matches (4-0-1). During this unbeaten streak, they’ve defeated New England, Orlando, Philadelphia and New York City FC. New York also won two International Champions Cup matches against the likes of Chelsea and Benfica. The goals have also been coming, as they’ve scored two or more goals in four of their last five MLS regular season matches, including four versus the Premier League champions. Defensively, they have been strong as well. Luis Robles, who has saved a team high 51 shots this year, is coming off of a shutout last weekend. The clean sheet was the 25th of his career which ties him with Tony Meola as the Red Bulls’ all-time time leader in shutouts. Look for the New York defense to step up against the high-powered attack of Giovinco and ex-Red Bulls forward, Jozy Altidore.
Players to Watch
Sebastian Giovinco is no doubt a league MVP candidate. His 16 goals and 11 assists speaks for itself and will be critical to the success of Toronto FC on Saturday. Additionally, ex-MetroStars midfielder and U.S. National Team captain Michael Bradley will look to create chances for Toronto’s star forwards in what will be his second ever match at Red Bull Arena. For the New York Red Bulls, Bradley Wright-Phillips is back on track. He has scored in two of the last three games for the Red Bulls and both were game-winners. Look for BWP to bring his shooting boots as he goes toe-to-toe with Toronto’s star forwards.
