HANOVER, N.J. – Last season was full of highs for the New York Red Bulls, but their last matchup with Toronto FC was a rare dud for the Supporters’ Shield champions.
Back in October of 2015, the Red Bulls entered BMO Field desperate for a win to keep pace atop the MLS table. Things didn’t exactly go according to plan, as a sloppy second half cost them all three points on the night.
Of course, it didn’t serve to derail New York; less than two weeks later, the Shield was back in their possession for the second time in three years. But that matchup did serve to prove that the Reds are a dangerous bunch, and a side that’s only gotten stronger since they last faced off.
“Toronto's done a really good job with their roster this offseason,” head coach Jesse Marsch said. “I think, probably more than anyone else, they made the decision that they wanted to build from within the league and I think they went out and made some key acquisitions. We expect them to present a big challenge on Sunday.”
TFC head coach Greg Vanney certainly did his part to reinforce his sometimes spectacular, often unpredictable side the past winter. Bringing in proven MLS veterans like Clint Irwin and Drew Moor from Colorado, Steven Beitashour from Vancouver, and Toronto-native Will Johnson from defending MLS Cup Champions Portland Timbers, the Reds looked poised to improve upon a season that saw them clinch their first post-season berth in franchise history.
“I thought they looked really good in preseason,” Marsch added. “Their midfield is a lot stronger and they’re better in the back. It’s more of a complete team. I think last year there was a lot of talk about the three DPs, but now you can say this team is going to be improved and there’s more to factor in when playing against them.”
With an attention to their defensive unit, Toronto has done a nice job of retooling a backline that conceded a league-worst 58 goals last season. It should prove to be a good test for a Red Bulls side that netted a league-high 62 goals, with 35 of those goals coming at Red Bull Arena.
For New York, there won’t be nearly as many changes from the side that often took the field in 2015. With Gonzalo Veron sidelined with a hamstring injury, the only newcomer anticipated to enter the fold comes in the form of centerback Gideon Baah.
Regardless of personnel, the goal will be to get off to a strong start, much as they did in 2015. Going undefeated in their first seven matches, the early season success set the tone for the rest of the campaign. Now, the Red Bulls will be looking to take all three points in a season opener for the first time in five years.
“The first game at home is always special,” Sacha Kljestan said. “Even if you’ve played there a million times, you always get those butterflies coming out into your home stadium and playing in front of your home fans. We had such a good record at home last season and that really propelled us all season long, so we hope to continue that. We set our goals very high, so we want to start on the right foot.”
