The New York Red Bulls (2-1-0) travel north of the border to face Toronto FC (1-2-0) in an Eastern Conference matchup. This early-season clash pits a Red Bulls side looking to rebound from a recent setback against a Toronto team coming off its first win of the 2026 campaign. With both clubs aiming to build momentum in a competitive conference, expect a gritty, low-scoring affair influenced by injuries and historical trends.
Venue Location
BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This 30,000-capacity stadium, located at Exhibition Place, has been Toronto FC’s home since 2007 and offers a passionate atmosphere for the Reds’ supporters.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The game will be broadcast on Apple TV, with English and Spanish options available.
Weather Updates
Forecast for game time at BMO Field calls for cold conditions, with temperatures around 27°F (around -3°C). Expect partly cloudy skies with a chance of light winds from the west at 10-15 mph. No precipitation is anticipated, but the chill could impact play, favoring a more physical, ground-based style over intricate passing. Dress warmly if attending—layering is key for fans in the stands.
Note: Early March in Toronto often brings variable weather, so check closer to kickoff for updates.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant absences, which could force tactical adjustments and reliance on depth players.
New York Red Bulls Injuries/Suspensions:
- Out: AJ Marcucci (knee, expected return late April), Mohammed Sofo (ankle, early April), Cameron Harper (knee, late April).
- Questionable: Ronald Donkor (hamstring), Dylan Nealis (ankle).
- No suspensions reported.
The Red Bulls’ backline could be tested without Nealis, a key defender, potentially leading to Robert Voloder starting again after a shaky performance last match.
Toronto FC Injuries/Suspensions:
- Out: Theo Corbeanu (knee, late March/early April), Adisa De Rosario (hand, early April), Nicksoen Gomis (Achilles/hip, late March), Matheus Pereira (groin, early April), Henry Wingo (hamstring, early April).
- Questionable: None reported, but recent returns like Zane Monlouis (from long-term knee injury) add depth.
- No suspensions reported.
Toronto’s defensive options are thinned, with multiple backs sidelined, which might expose them to New York’s counter-attacks. Coach Robin Fraser has noted positive progress for some players in training.
Key
Player Matchups to Watch
This game features intriguing battles across the pitch, highlighting youth vs. experience and attacking flair vs. defensive resolve.
- Julian Hall (NYRB Forward) vs. Toronto’s Center Backs (e.g., Raoul Petretta or Zane Monlouis): The 17-year-old phenom Hall has scored all three of New York’s goals this season, including a brace in their opener. His speed and finishing will test Toronto’s depleted backline, which has conceded six goals in three games. If Monlouis starts, his recovery from injury could be key in containing Hall’s runs.
- Derrick Etienne Jr. (Toronto Winger) vs. NYRB’s Right Back (e.g., Kyle Duncan): Etienne has Toronto’s lone goal so far and brings pace on the flanks. He’ll look to exploit any gaps left by Duncan’s forward forays, especially if Nealis is out, weakening the Red Bulls’ right side.
- Wiki Carmona (NYRB Midfielder) vs. Toronto’s Midfield (e.g., Daniel Salloi or Malik Henry): Carmona’s two goals against his former club Montreal show his threat from midfield. Toronto’s engine room, bolstered by recent signings, must disrupt his distribution to limit New York’s transitions.
These matchups could decide the game’s flow, with New York’s youth movement clashing against Toronto’s rebuilding core.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have played three matches in the young 2026 season.
New York Red Bulls (Last 3: L-W-W):
- March 8: 0-3 loss vs. CF Montréal (home) – Dominated possession (63%) but conceded three, including a PK and two from Carmona.
- Feb. 28: 1-0 win vs. New England Revolution (home) – Hall’s 53′ goal secured the shutout.
- Feb. 21: 2-1 win at Orlando City – Hall brace overturned an early deficit.
New York started strong but faltered defensively in their latest outing under new coach Michael Bradley.
Toronto FC (Last 3: W-L-L):
- March 8: 1-0 win at FC Cincinnati – Clean sheet and a goal from Etienne marked their first points.
- Feb. 28: 0-3 loss at Vancouver Whitecaps – Overpowered on the road.
- Feb. 21: 2-3 loss at FC Dallas – Competitive but leaky defense cost them.
Toronto snapped a two-game skid with a resilient road win, showing improvement under Robin Fraser.
Series History
New York holds a commanding edge in this rivalry, dating back to Toronto’s MLS entry in 2007. In 47 all-time meetings:
- New York Red Bulls: 25 wins
- Toronto FC: 10 wins
- Draws: 12
- Goals: New York 83, Toronto 58 (average 2.98 goals per game)
Recent trends favor New York, who have won 5 of the last 6, including a 2-1 victory in March 2025. Toronto’s last home win over New York was in 2023. Expect New York to press high, exploiting Toronto’s injury-hit defense.
Betting Trends
- New York Red Bulls: 2-1 ATS (against the spread) this season; 1-0 ATS on the road. They’ve gone under 2.5 goals in 2 of 3 games (average 2.33 goals). Strong as underdogs: 4-1-1 in last 6 road games as + moneyline. Hall’s scoring streak boosts over props.
- Toronto FC: 1-2 ATS; 1-0 ATS at home (no home games yet). Under 2.5 in 1 of 3 (average 3 goals). Poor vs. spread as favorites: 2-5 in last 7 home games. Defense has allowed 2+ goals in 2 of 3.
- Head-to-Head Trends: Under 2.5 goals in 22 of 47 meetings (46.8%); BTTS (both teams to score) in 25 (53%). New York is 6-1-3 in last 10 visits to BMO Field.
- Overall MLS Trends (Early 2026): Road teams are 12-15-3 (44% win rate); unders hitting at 55% league-wide, favoring defensive battles in cold weather games.
MATCH ODDS
New York Red Bulls + 160
Toronto FC + 145
Draw + 245
Over 2.5 – 125 Under 2.5 + 100
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, March 13, 2026
