Toronto FC is still seeking their first victory of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season as they prepare to face FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 PM ET. The Reds have had a challenging opening to their season, recording a 2-2 draw against D.C. United and then suffering a disappointing 4-2 defeat to Orlando City. This match against Cincinnati marks their third away game, and they remain hopeful to secure their first three points under new coach Robin Fraser.
After leading against Orlando with goals from Sigurd Rosted and Deybi Flores, Toronto faltered late, conceding two goals within just 90 seconds. Coach Fraser acknowledged the team's struggles during the post-game press conference, stating, "We go down a couple of goals and then we start trying to push and start trying to right the wrongs immediately." He expressed optimism about turning the tide against Cincinnati, emphasizing the importance of focus and discipline on the field.
Despite the challenging start, Fraser pointed out the potential of his squad when they are connected and focused. "When we’re focused and connected with each other, we’re hard to break down, but we’ve had lapses in both games leading to goals," he reflected. This time, they will have to face Cincinnati without key players, including Richie Laryea, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, as well as Henry Wingo, Raoul Petretta, and Rosted.
On the other end, FC Cincinnati heads to this match after experiencing its own ups and downs. The team recorded a 1-0 victory against the New York Red Bulls but was unable to maintain momentum, suffering a significant 4-1 loss to Philadelphia Union. The current midweek action included the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they ended up with a 1-1 draw against Tigres UANL.
Historically, Toronto FC has struggled against Cincinnati, holding a record of 4 wins, 7 losses, and 1 tie through their first 12 meetings. The matchup has often proved challenging for Toronto, as they have not won at TQL Stadium since 2019. Fraser's squad will need to rectify both their previous form and their past performances at this venue if they hope to break the streak.
Players to watch include Kevin Denkey, who has one goal and one shot on target for FC Cincinnati this season, and Evander, also with one goal on just two shots. On the Toronto side, Deybi Flores leads with one goal in two games, joining Federico Bernardeschi, who has also contributed one goal on four shots.
The statistics reveal contrasting performances—FC Cincinnati boasts a +9 goal difference, ranking eighth in the league, and has outshot opponents by 497 to 402, showcasing their offensive efficiency. They have also excelled at maintaining possession, boasting an 84.1% passing completion rate, positioning them eighth overall. Conversely, Toronto FC struggles with its -21 goal difference, ranked 26th, and has struggled with efficiency, hitting only 10.6 shots per game, which places them at 25th.
Fraser's focus heading to this match is to tighten the defense and convert scoring opportunities. Following previous games, their defensive lapses have been notable, having allowed four goals before halftime this season. Addressing this weakness will be imperative for Toronto to avoid falling behind early.
The home side, FC Cincinnati, has maintained strength at TQL Stadium, remaining unbeaten at home so far this year across all competitions. Knowing their historical performance at home, they look poised to capitalize on their form and push for another victory against Toronto.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM ET, and fans can catch the action on TSN or through live streaming on Apple TV+. For those interested, tickets are available through various retailers, including Vivid Seats.
This resilient matchup not only has playoff potential but could also prove pivotal for Toronto FC to shake off their early-season challenges and finally claim their first win.