For the first time in club history, Toronto FC is riding two straight clean sheets entering the third match of the season.
After finishing last in the Eastern Conference in 2023, things are looking up for Canada’s oldest MLS club.
Coming off a scoreless draw against FC Cincinnati in the opening match and a 1-0 win away from home against the New England Revolution, new head coach John Herdman has Toronto (1-0-1, 4 points) riding high heading into its 2024 home opener against Charlotte FC on Saturday.
Designated player Lorenzo Insigne scored Toronto’s first goal of the season Sunday, a lofty chip over New England’s Henrich Ravas in the 27th minute, before exiting the match after halftime, given his past injury struggles.
Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson has been strong, making 12 saves in his two clean sheets. Addition Deybi Flores has solidified Toronto’s midfield and could play alongside new signing Matty Longstaff, a midfield arrival last week from England’s Newcastle United.
Toronto is looking to go undefeated in its opening three matches for the first time since the COVID-19-impacted 2020 campaign.
“Hopefully, (fans) show up, give us a real home opener, leave the past in the past, and give us all the support we need to put another star on our jersey and push to that next level,” Herdman said. “That’s what I’m hoping.
“Fingers crossed they all show up and we can put on a real attacking performance in front of our fans.”
Now in its third season, Charlotte (1-0-1, 4 points) makes its second-ever visit to Toronto, hoping to stay undefeated after an opening weekend 1-0 victory over New York City FC and a 1-1 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps last Saturday that included the first MLS goal from Iuri Tavares.
The match caps off a busy week for Charlotte, which completed the signing of winger Liel Abada from Scotland’s Celtic FC on Thursday. Abdaba will occupy a young designated player spot but is not expected to feature against Toronto.
“Liel has been one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Charlotte,” Charlotte general manager Zoran Krneta said. “He’s an elite goal scorer and chance creator who is a proven winner who is determined to bring trophies home to the Club and our supporters.”
Toronto has a 2-1-1 advantage over Charlotte all-time.
–Field Level Media
