2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 19
Toronto FC vs. Atlanta United
Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium – East Hartford
October 18 – 7:30 PM ET
TV: TSN 1/4
STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US
LOCAL TV: FOX Sports Southeast
Supporters' Shield-leading Toronto FC look to extend an unbeaten streak to nine games night when they meet Atlanta United at Rentschler Field Sunday night.
Toronto (11W-2L-5D) had a five-match winning streak snapped when the New York Red Bulls rallied for a 1-1 draw Wednesday night in East Hartford, while Atlanta (5W-9L-4D) drew Inter Miami 1-1 in Fort Lauderdale.
Toronto FC
Three times in a five-match winning streak Toronto FC grinded out a 1-0 win. That was shaping up to be the case again Wednesday after another successful Alejandro Pozuelo penalty kick in the first half, but Greg Vanney's side conceded an equalizer by 17-year-old Caden Clark in the 77th minute to settle for a draw.
It appears Michael Bradley will make his long-awaited return to the lineup after suffering a Grade 2 MCL strain in a match against the Montreal Impact Sept. 1.
“As far as Michael, very good chance that he could be available this weekend,” Vanney said. “He’s been training full for the last few days, so just as long as we don’t have any reactions, we’d like to get him some time. This being the last game of a series and then going into another series, we’ll try to figure out what that right number of minutes looks like to get him up and going again.”
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Achara (M) - ACL injury
- OUT: Chris Mavinga (D) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Eriq Zavaleta (D) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Jozy Altidore (F) - hamstring strain
- OUT: Alex Bono (GK) - dislocated finger
- OUT: Ayo Akinola (F) - undisclosed injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Justin Morrow (D) - calf strain
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: Auro Jr. (D), Pablo Piatti (M)
- International duty: None
Atlanta United
When Brek Shea scored in the 80th minute to break a scoreless draw, Atlanta United were 10 minutes from a defeat that would have moved the Five Stripes below the playoff line in the East. But Jake Mulraney leveled just three minutes later and Brad Guzan made five big saves to secure a 1-1 draw as Atlanta maintained their hold of the final playoff berth in the East. Jurgen Damm came off the bench to provide the assist on the equalizer.
“I feel very good. I had that injury two weeks ago but right now I feel very good to play 90 minutes. But I always say I’m very respectful with the coach’s decision,” Damm said after the match. “He thought this game was [for me] to enter the second half. I’m happy to help the team whether it’s the initial team or a substitute. I will always play for helping my team and always respecting the decision the coach takes. If there’s a possibility to play the 90 minutes I feel very good. I understand perfectly the decision of the coach.”
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Josef Martinez (F) - ACL injury
- OUT: Edgar Castillo (D) - undisclosed injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: Franco Escobar (D)
- International duty: None
Series Matchup at Toronto FC
- Toronto FC: 2 wins, 9 goals
- Atlanta: 0 wins, 5 goals
- 1 draw
Officials
- Referee: Fotis Bazakos
- Assistant Referees: Corey Parker, Gjovalin Bori
- 4th Official: Nima Saghafi
- VAR: Jorge Gonzalez
