The MLS season for Toronto FC is off to a great start

Here‘s a Performance Analysis with Predictions for TFC’s 2024 MLS Season

Toronto FC is having an incredible season so far – at least better than last year’s. In the 2023 MLS season, the Reds won only four games. Not surprisingly, they finished last in the Eastern Conference. Toronto FC with former Canadian National coach John Herdman at the helm, is currently fifth on the table after playing six games.

The team has won three games already, drew once, and lost twice. With only two points separating them from first-place Cincinnati, their performance paints a picture of a promising campaign. Nonetheless, we don’t expect smooth sailing devoid of challenges. In this article, our experts will share insights on how TFC is doing in the MLS season, the players, and how the team will fare in future matches.

Toronto FC MLS 2024 Season

Toronto FC started the 2023/2024 season on a strong foot. The team is fifth on the table with 10 points after playing six matches. John Herdman’s men scored six goals and conceded five in the process. As a result, their goal difference is one. TFC has won three matches, drew once, and lost twice.

A win by Atlanta United, Philadelphia, D.C United, or Charlotte (sixth to ninth position) could see the Reds slip from fifth place. Nonetheless, they are still firmly placed in fifth position, and only two points separate them from the first. If all remains as it stands, a win guarantees a leap ahead of second place Inter Miami, who has played a match more than every other team.

As simple as the league standings is at the moment, it is a gold mine for bettors. Most teams in the MLS are still in incredible form since the season is just starting. As a result, betting markets like moneyline, handicap, over/under, and prop bets allow bettors to predict based on trends and win money. For instance, Toronto FC averaged 1.0 goals per match and conceded 0.8 each match.

Likewise, they have kept four clean sheets (the most) and created 18.5 chances. Bettors who gamble with a sportsbook with no deposit bonus codes in Canada in 2024 further have an opportunity to place risk-free bets. In other words, you don’t need to pay the minimum deposit to place a wager, and there are many other perks of using the site.

Although it is too early to judge, Toronto FC is nicely poised for the future. Going by how other teams have started the campaign, no one stands out that they should be wary of. The highest win any team has recorded so far is three, the same number Toronto FC has gathered this season. That said, the Reds must work on their goal-scoring abilities, as they have not managed more than one goal in any match.

Toronto FC Squad Overview and Key Players

TFC has an impressive roster that boasts talents like Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, among others. Take a look at the team’s active squad below:

TFC’s Top Scorers

Lorenzo Insigne is Toronto FC’s highest goal scorer with two goals. Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and Jonathan Osorio are tied in second place with one goal each, but the former has one assist. Others include Tyrese Spicer (1 goal) and Prince Osei Owusu (1 goal). Alonso Ceollo, Matthew Longstaff, and Deandre Kerr all have one assist to their names.

Injury Lists and Their Return Dates

The sentiment for Toronto FC’s season is generally positive, but their injury woes may soon rain on their parade. The team’s top scorer, Lorenzo Insigne, picked up a hamstring injury on March 25 and has missed one match already. Sadly, he is expected to miss more, as the left winger may not be back until the middle of May. Others on the injury list include:

• Raoul Petretta suffered a groin injury on March 10 and has missed three matches. On the upside, he will likely be back before the end of April.
• Nicksoen Gomis picked up a wrist injury on March 14 but is expected to return to the squad by April 12.
• The picture is gloomier for Brandon Servania, who has been out since September 21, 2023, due to a cruciate ligament tear. The central midfielder has missed 12 matches and is not due to return until early June.
• Richie Laryea is out because of a Hamstring Injury he suffered on February 26 and will remain on the sideline until late June.

Carded or At-Risk Players

No Toronto FC player is on suspension. Likewise, no one is at risk of suspension. Nonetheless, the yellow cards are piling up. Some players to watch out for include:

Toronto FC Performance Analysis and Predictions

Toronto FC’s rating for their matches this season is over 6. The Reds score 0.9 goals per match but concede 1.3 goals per match. Their average possession is 49.8%, but they also have the highest clean sheets in the MLS (4). TFC has 7.4 expected goals (xG) with 3.3 shots on target per match.

On the downside, they have created 15 big chances and missed 12 big chances. The team ranks 10th in the MLS on accurate passes per match (391.6), but only managed 27.3 accurate long balls. Likewise, 3.3 accurate crosses per match.

Toronto FC has an average of 173 touches in the opposition box and has won 30 corners this season. Their xG conceded is 8.8, but the Reds also have the second-best saves per match (4.7). With 10.3 interceptions,10.9 successful tackles, and 17.6 clearances per match, the team needs to work more on their goal-scoring capabilities.

Bear in mind that they have not conceded or scored more than one goal at any point this season. If TFC can improve their accuracy in front of goal, they will position themselves better in the title race. They rank 28th in terms of shots on target, 8th for big chances missed, and surprisingly 1st in clean sheets.

Conclusion

As things stand, Toronto FC will have a better MLS season than the last. The Reds are one win away from winning four matches—the total they managed in 2023. Nonetheless, their impressive form could disappear if they don’t work on their goal-scoring capabilities. The team’s highest goal scorer, Insigne, is away on injury, and someone needs to step up fast.

Apart from attack, Toronto FC must work on their midfield transition, and maintain their defensive performance. If they can hold on to conceding not more than one goal per match and scoring more, TFC will give other MLS teams a run for their money.

FAQs

What league is Toronto FC in?

TFC is one of the three Canadian clubs competing in North America’s Major League Soccer (MLS).

What is the name of Toronto FC’s Stadium?

BMO Field plays home to Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts.

How many championships has Toronto FC won?

TFC is the eight-time winner of the Canadian Championship and runners-up of the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League and MLS Cup in 2016 and 2019. They also won a domestic treble with the Canadian Championship, Supporters’ Shield, and MLS Cup in 2017.

lead photo Toronto FC starting lineup gather together before a match in Vancouver against the Whitecaps, 2024. photo by Lucas Kschischang for Toronto FC press

article by Toronto Times guest author

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