The 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs are here and D.C. United is beginning their postseason campaign with a trip to BMO Field to take on Toronto FC. This is a must-win game for the Black-and-Red if they want to advance to the next round. So, here is everything you need to know about D.C. United’s next opponent.
Recent Matches
Toronto FC finished the MLS regular season as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. They were tied with D.C. United at 50 points, but finished one spot ahead of the Black-and-Red due to goal-differential. They finished the season undefeated in their last 10 matches. In fact, Toronto FC hasn’t lost a game since a 2-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls in early August. Their final match of the regular season was a 1-0 defeat of Columbus Crew. Alejandro Pozuelo scored the lone goal of the match.
Players to Watch
Pozuelo, who scored the lone goal for TFC in their final match of the regular season, leads the team with 12 goals and 12 assists in 2019. Jozy Altidore was close behind with 11 goals and 7 assists, including a goal in the team’s 2-2 draw against the Chicago Fire in their final road match of the year. Other notable attacking players include Marky Delgado, Jonathon Osorio, and former D.C. United midfielder Nick DeLeon.
Quentin Westberg is the man between the posts for Toronto FC. He earned only four shutouts (compared to 14 shutouts from Bill Hamid) and 75 saves (compared to 126 saves from Hamid) in the 2019 season. Westberg allowed an average of 1.46 goals per game during the regular season.
Head-to-Head
D.C. United and Toronto FC faced off twice during the 2019 regular season. The first match at BMO Field ended in a scoreless draw, with Bill Hamid and D.C. United’s defense facing one of their toughest onslaughts of the regular season. Their second match at Audi Field ended in a 1-1 draw. The match started with an early goal from DeLeon, but Wayne Rooney evened things up in stoppage time with a late penalty.
D.C. United kickoff their Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoff campaign against Toronto FC on Oct. 19, kickoff is set for 6:05 PM ET. The match will be broadcast on TUDNnationally and locally on dcunited.com with Dave Johnson and Devon McTavish on the call.
