A full slate of MLS matches will take place over the weekend, but the midweek tilt includes two important fixtures on Wednesday.
Wednesday’s action features a pair of Eastern Conference clashes. New York City FC looks to extend their four-match unbeaten streak when they travel to Sebastian Giovinco and Toronto FC, while the New York Red Bulls host the Chicago Fire.
Following a thrilling 4-3 defeat against the Vancouver Whitecaps, TFC can capture the top spot in the East with a win over NYCFC. Meanwhile, Patrick Vieira’s squad is coming off of a key road win against the defending champion Portland Timbers.
The Red Bulls come into their meeting with the Fire fresh off of a 2-0 defeat against rival D.C. United, while the Fire are winless in their previous five matches and continue to search for their second win on the season.
Here’s a closer look at Wednesday’s MLS action:
TORONTO FC vs. NEW YORK CITY FC (Wednesday, 7 p.m., MLS Live)
In their brief history, NYCFC has found great success against Toronto.
The two sides met back in March, when TFC pulled off a comeback for a 2-2 draw. NYCFC led the match 2-0 behind a pair of David Villa goals but Sebastian Giovinco’s late equalizer gave the teams the share of the points.
To this point, New York City is tied for the most road wins in MLS with TFC, who began their season on the road for eight consecutive matches while BMO Field underwent renovations.
TFC will have to deal with a flurry of injuries, including the recent loss of Jozy Altidore due to a hamstring strain. For NYCFC, Frank Lampard could be in the squad on Wednesday after head coach Patrick Vieira revealed over the weekend that the midfielder is very close to returning to the lineup.
NEW YORK RED BULLS vs. CHICAGO FIREĀ (Wednesday, 9 p.m. MLS Live)
It’s almost certain when these two sides come together that you’ll be witnessing a thrilling affair.
Each of the last five matches between the Red Bulls and Fire have been decided by one goal. The Red Bulls are coming off of two consecutive wins over the Fire, which includes their 2-1 season finale victory, which handed Jesse Marsch’s side the Supporters’ Shield in 2015.
The Fire have struggled to finish this season, scoring just eight goals in nine matches, the lowest total in MLS. Veljko Paunovic’s team have registered just three tallies in their last five, which must change if they’re going to get a result against the Red Bulls.
Why are both NY teams playing on Wednesday night and then against each other on Saturday afternoon. Who makes these schedules?