Toronto FC are going to need to make a move now if they have any hope of repeating as MLS Cup champions. The club has had an abysmal year after dominating the Eastern Conference for each of the last two seasons. Toronto is currently sitting in 9th in the Eastern Conference, and they are six points out of the playoff picture. That makes getting a win over New York City FC paramount, even if NYCFC are one of the best teams in the league this season.
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MLS Betting at BookMaker.eu
New York City FC +192
Toronto FC +125
Draw +267
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
New York City FC has one of the most disparate home road splits in the league. NYCFC have been fantastic at home this season. The club has 10 wins and two draws in 12 home games, and they are the only team that is still undefeated at home in the Eastern Conference. However, road games have been a different story for the club. NYCFC is 3-5-3 in road tilts this year, and they the club has lost two of its last three away from home.
NYCFC have faced two foes from the Pacific Northwest over the last two weekends, and they were only able to take one point from those matches. The first one was plain to see from a mile away. The club had to face Seattle in the Emerald City just three days after a road tilt in Orlando. They looked gassed and were thumped 3-1 by the Sounders. This last weekend they were a little unfortunate not to get three points in their home game against Vancouver. They held the ball for 73 percent of the match and outshot their opponent 22-8. A late Erik Hurtado goal for the Whitecaps made it a 2-2 tie at fulltime though.
The defending champions might be starting to turn it on. Toronto has two wins and a draw in their last three matches, and it was encouraging to see the club pick up a draw on the road against mighty Atlanta United. They were somewhat lucky to pick up a point in that match though, as Atlanta outshot them 22-5, and they needed an injury time goal from Tosaint Ricketts in order to get the draw.
Toronto FC has had a crowded schedule recently. The Canadian Championship isn’t as expansive as the U.S. Open Cup, but the competition does take up some time. A few weeks ago, they played two legs in the midweek against the Ottawa Fury of the United Soccer League, and they just faced Vancouver in the first leg of the final on Wednesday. All those midweek games in such a short span could lead to some tired legs.
Key Absences
This is the lightest the injury report has been for NYCFC in some time. Midfielder Yangel Herrera is a long-term injury and is out for the season, and defender Cedric Hountondji continues to miss time with a hamstring injury. However, all of the club’s forwards are healthy for the first time in months, and that will help during the stretch run. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Toronto FC has an even shorter injury report. Defender Drew Moor missed the club’s tilt with Atlanta United last week due to a strained quad, and he has been ruled out for this match too.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I think the draw is a good option here. NYCFC have not fared well on the road, but they are healthier than they have been in some time. As for Toronto, the club might be a little fatigued after traveling to Vancouver for the first leg of the Canadian Championship Final.
Major League Soccer Odds: Toronto FC 1, New York City FC 1
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