New York Red Bulls vs. Toronto FC | 2020 MLS Match Preview

Dylan Butler

2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 24
New York Red Bulls vs. Toronto FC
Red Bull Arena – Harrison
November 8 – 3:30 PM ET

TV: TSN4

STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US

Toronto FC are seeking a second Supporters' Shield title when they take on the New York Red Bulls in a Decision Day presented by AT&T clash at Red Bull Arena Sunday afternoon.

Toronto FC (13W-4L-5D) appeared out of the race, but they pulled even with the Philadelphia Union after a Week 22 win over Inter Miami CF coupled with the Union's loss at Columbus Crew. If the teams remain level, the Union will claim their first major trophy on goal differential.

Playoff scenarios:How Decision Day could impact the playoff field
What's at stake: Key races to watch for during Decision Day's 13 games
Playoff schedule:Match schedule, dates, times and TV details

Heading into Decision Day, both clubs have taken 44 points from their 22 games this season – an average of 2.00 points per game. In MLS history, only six teams have finished a season with 2.00 points per game or better, the record set by the LA Galaxy in 1998 (2.13).

The Red Bulls (8W-9L-5D) aren't just looking to spoil their rivals' potential celebration. They'll want to rebound from a heavy Hudson River Derby defeat last Sunday that snapped a season-long five-match unbeaten streak and there's playoff positioning also on the line for the hosts.

This is the second meeting this season, with Caden Clark scoring a stunning equalizer in the 77th minute to cancel out Alejandro Pozuelo's first-half penalty kick as the teams played to a 1-1 draw in East Hartford.

New York Red Bulls

A five-match unbeaten streak was shattered last Sunday when the Red Bulls suffered a 5-2 loss to New York City FC at Yankee Stadium. Brian White scored a first-half equalizer and Cristian Casseres Jr put the Red Bulls in front 20 minutes later. But led by a Taty Castellanos hat trick, NYCFC scored four unanswered goals to cruise to their most lopsided Derby win.

"Big apologies to the fans, because this hurts the most and certain games like this, where we want to achieve more and really make a statement in the league and show where we are and who we believe to be," interim coach Bradley Carnell said. "And then we just get our feet taken away from us.

"Disappointing for sure, learning moments for sure, but we’ll bounce back, and work harder than ever to finish the season in the right way."

Carnell is the caretaker until Gerhard Struber takes over after obtaining his work visa and completes the subsequent required quarantine. But he gave the New York Red Bulls Radio Network a glimpse of what he expects when he arrives.

“We have to work when I come to New York, especially in our structure, especially I think more in details and I can feel, I can see a team with very good shape, with very good motivation, with a good mood on the field,” he said. “I think this is the most important thing and for the tactical side, this is my responsibility that players know what I want in a game. But I think I have a good feeling. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience from the tactical side to the players, then I hope for better results, for constantly better results.”

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Patrick Seagrist (D) - groin injury
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: Aaron Long (D)
International duty: None

Toronto FC

The Reds are still alive for a second Supporters' Shield in club history after defeating Inter Miami CF 2-1 after consecutive defeats that appeared to sink their chances. The difference was another Pozuelo PK, this one breaking the stalemate six minutes from time. And now its all to play for Sunday for Toronto, which will also have to do some scoreboard watching hoping the Union drop points against the New England Revolution.

After a hamstring injury has kept Toronto FC's Jozy Altidore off the pitch for the past month, the striker may make his return this weekend in time for their match against the Red Bulls. Greg Vanney said Jonathan Osorio could be available as well. He mentioned that others—Justin Morrow, Marky Delgado, and Pablo Piatti—continue to make progress as TFC works towards their goal on Sunday: taking the Supporters' Shield.

"Our approach is to try to get a result on the weekend and hope that the other result goes in our favor and raise another trophy. But the only thing that we can control is ourselves and our performance and hopefully by the end of 90 minutes our performance is good enough to get the win," Vanney said.

Updated team roster
Injury Report:
- OUT: Achara (M) - ACL injury
- OUT: Alex Bono (GK) - dislocated finger
- OUT: Pablo Piatti (M) - Grade 2 calf strain
- OUT: Justin Morrow (D) - undisclosed injury
- OUT: Marky Delgado (M) - undisclosed injury
Suspended: None
Suspended after next caution: Pablo Piatti (M)
International duty: None