In a crucial matchup on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EDT, Toronto FC will travel to Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, to face the New York Red Bulls, still searching for their elusive first victory of the MLS season.
Toronto FC enters the match with a disheartening 0-3-1 record, having suffered defeats in their first three fixtures before managing a draw against Chicago Fire. The team's most recent outing resulted in a 1-2 loss to the Fire, where Deandre Kerr managed to score an early goal but was not enough to stave off defeat. Without key players due to injuries and international call-ups, Toronto FC faces a daunting challenge.
Toronto’s historical matchups with the Red Bulls do not provide much consolation. The team holds a worrying 9 wins, 23 losses, and 10 ties in their past encounters against the New York side. They are also seeking their first away victory against the Red Bulls since March 2016. This history amplifies the pressure on Toronto, who has struggled with their defensive performance and overall cohesion on the field.
Meanwhile, the New York Red Bulls, currently standing at 1 win, 1 draw, and 2 losses, are also grappling with their own challenges. The Red Bulls managed a 2-2 draw against Orlando City in their most recent game, but they have not tasted victory in their last two league matches.
Despite this, the Red Bulls retain a strong squad. Their star attackers Emil Forsberg and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting have consistently scored, each finding the net in both of their home games this season. Forsberg has six goals in just seven matches, showcasing his formidable presence on the field.
Toronto FC’s lineup for the match sees them without several key players, including Ola Brynhildsen, who was injured during warmups last weekend against Chicago. Additionally, Richie Laryea and Henry Wingo will also miss out due to injury. The absence of Deybi Flores, Jonathan Osorio, and Tyrese Spicer, who are all with their respective national teams, underscores the struggles that coach Robin Fraser faces heading into this vital contest.
For Toronto FC, the pressure is mounting, and players like Deandre Kerr, who scored a positive goal last week, will need to step up and deliver quality performances against the Red Bulls. Kerr's early goal showcased his potential, but the team's defense quickly collapsed, another issue that needs to be rectified for Toronto to have a shot against New York.
As the match approaches, New York supporters remain confident, bolstered by their team’s impressive record against Toronto. Historically, the Red Bulls are 23 wins, 10 ties, and only 9 losses in 42 regular-season encounters with the Canadians, which adds an extra layer of complexity to an already tense affair. The Red Bulls have secured seven consecutive victories at home against Toronto, reinforcing their dominance.
This matchup not only symbolizes the fight for early MLS points but also represents a testament to the fight for pride where statistics loom large. After recent struggles, Toronto FC hopes to break their winless streak, while New York seeks to capitalize on their home advantage and overcome a recent dip in form.
Kickoff for the Red Bulls vs. Toronto FC game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with potential fans urged to tune into MLS Season Pass streaming on Apple TV.
The stakes run high as Toronto FC prepares to face off against the formidable New York Red Bulls, still searching for that crucial first victory this season while challenging a history steeped in loss. The game promises to be an engaging contest with plenty resting on the results for both teams.
