Toronto FC vs New England Revolution: Revs seek road improvement in MLS
Toronto FC return to home soil for the first time since the World Cup break as they host the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer’s regular season on Saturday night. The Eastern Conference clash sees third-place New England aiming to improve a patchy away record against a Toronto side still searching for its first win since the league resumed.
Team News and Injury Latest
Toronto should be boosted by a two-week hiatus that allowed several players to recover from long-term issues. Matheus Pereira and Benjamin Kuscevic are expected to be available after extended injury layoffs, while newly-acquired midfielder Nelson Palacio could finally make his club debut after being held out through fitness concerns. Head coach Robin Fraser struck an optimistic tone, saying “I think the more that they play together, the more the attacking ideas are going to come… I do think this team is changing.”
New England handed a debut to winger Jack Harrison in last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Houston, but Mitrović cautioned that the Englishman still needs time to adapt: “This is almost like preseason for him… expectations will grow game after game.” The Revolution also added defender Tylon Smith on loan from QPR, bolstering a backline that kept a clean sheet against Toronto in July. Designated player Carles Gil, who leads the team with seven goals and 41 chances created, remains the focal point of the attack alongside striker Dor Turgeman. Goalkeeper Matt Turner is set to continue after making six saves against Houston.
Toronto FC Form Guide
Toronto (3-8-7, 17 pts) sit deep in the Eastern Conference basement, winless in four outings (0-1-3) since the World Cup break concluded. All of those matches came on the road, the most recent being a gritty 0-0 draw exactly at New England on July 23. The extra time off during the Leagues Cup pause gave the squad a chance to regroup, and playing in front of their own supporters for the first time since the break offers a psychological lift. The Reds have managed only two home victories all season, making a quick start against the Revs essential if they are to climb into playoff contention.