After a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Sunday night, D.C. United are hitting the road for a midweek match against Toronto FC. The 2017 MLS Champions are off to an okay start to their 2019 season, but they will fiercely defend their home turf when the Black-and-Red take the pitch on Wednesday night. Here is everything you need to know about D.C. United’s next opponent.
Recent Matches
Toronto FC currently sit in the No. 6 spot in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 5-4-1. After winning their first three games, their results started to become more scattered. Their weekend match was a 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Union at home, which followed a 2-0 loss to Atlanta United on the road. They are 3-2-1 at home, but have dropped points in their last two matches at BMO Field.
Players to Watch
Toronto FC has been defined in recent years by a dominant offense. They have scored 22 goals in 10 games this year, with 10 of those goals split between Alejandro Pozuelo and Jozy Altidore. Jonathan Osorio rounds out the team’s top offensive producers, with three goals and four assists so far this season.
Toronto has allowed 16 goals this season, earning two clean sheets in their five wins. Their defense isn’t stellar, but it’s got talent. U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Michael Bradley leads the defensive midfield, but the backline has been played by injuries. Auro left Saturday’s match against the Philadelphia Union with back spasms, while Laurent Ciman left the game with an ankle injury. Auro’s replacement in the 69th minute was former D.C. United defender Nick DeLeon, who could face the Black-and-Red for the first time since he parted ways with the club last year.
Head-to-Head
This is Toronto FC and D.C. United’s first 2019 matchup. In 2018, the teams met twice. Their first match in June was a wild 4-4 draw at BMO Field. Their second match at Audi Field in October produced a sensational Wayne Rooney free kick, giving D.C. United a 1-0 victory. The Black-and-Red are 1-1-3 in their last five matches against Toronto FC going back to their MLS Championship season.
