2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 18
Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls
Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium – East Hartford
October 14 – 7:30 PM ET
TV: TSN 1/3/4
STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US
LOCAL TV: MSG
After becoming the first team to clinch a berth in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, Toronto FC hope to keep their red-hot form going, and perhaps extend their Supporters' Shield lead, when they take on the New York Red Bulls Wednesday night at Rentschler Field.
Toronto (11W-2L-4D) are coming off a 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati Sunday, their fifth consecutive win in seven unbeaten, while the Red Bulls (7W-8L-2D) continued their regular season dominance of Atlanta United with a 1-0 road victory Saturday.
Toronto FC
Patrick Mullins scored the lone goal in the 29th minute to lift Toronto FC to a tidy 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati Sunday that clinched their postseason ticket. They've done it largely without two of their marquee players with Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore dealing with long-term injures and having to play Phase 2 home games in East Hartford, Conn., one of several challenges amid a season that’s been reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I know the guys are proud of it, but they have their eyes on something a little bit bigger here over this stretch,” Greg Vanney said after the match. “So it's nice to have the playoff spot, but we're in that position where I know our guys – we don't talk about it, but they're looking at the fact they're at the top of the table and competing every play to try to stay there. But really, really proud of the group to stay focused.”"
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Achara (M) - ACL injury
- OUT: Michael Bradley (M) - Grade 2 MCL strain
- OUT: Justin Morrow (D) - calf strain
- OUT: Jozy Altidore (F) - hamstring strain
- OUT: Alex Bono (GK) - dislocated finger
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: Auro Jr. (D)
- International duty: None
New York Red Bulls
It was a day Caden Clark won't soon forget. Officially signed by the New York Red Bulls in the morning, the 17-year-old was in the starting XI against Atlanta United and scored his first MLS goal, a stunning volley from the edge of the box that proved to be the winner. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he's the fifth youngest MLS player to score on his debut.
“I didn't believe it and I still don't believe it,” Clark said after the match. “It's just really exciting for me. It hasn't hit me yet, but I'm sure it will soon. But, you know, it's just, it's great for this team to get this win, and that is the most important part.”
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Patrick Seagrist (D) - groin injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Omir Fernandez (M) - hamstring injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Ben Mines (M) - groin injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: Cristian Casseres Jr. (M), Kaku (M(
Series Matchup at Toronto FC
- Toronto FC: 7 wins, 26 goals
- Red Bulls: 4 wins, 21 goals
- 5 draws
Officials
- Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr
- Assistant Referees: Kyle Atkins, Brian Dunn
- 4th Official: Adam Kilpatrick
- VAR: Jose Carlos Rivero
