Toronto FC pushing for more at Nashville SC

Field Level Media|published: Tue 14th May, 20:32 2024

May 11, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese (49) defends against Toronto FC forward Prince Owusu (99) during the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto FC can rebound from their first MLS defeat in nearly a month by continuing some recent success against middling Nashville SC.

In addition, Toronto can match its point total from 2023 with a victory on Wednesday night against host Nashville, which has fared well at home as of late.

Surprisingly, it's Toronto (6-5-1, 19 points), not Nashville (2-4-5, 11 points), among the top four teams in the Eastern Conference. Toronto FC already surpassed their four-win total from last season and are one victory away from equaling their league-low 22 points earned in 2023.

Toronto, though, had its three-match winning streak halted with a rough 3-2 home loss against New York City FC on Saturday -- its first setback since April 13.

Toronto FC fell behind 2-0 in the first half, but they twice drew within a goal via scores from Federico Bernardeschi and Raoul Petretta during a contest that was marred by a brawl.

"We deserved something out of the game," said Toronto coach John Herdman, whose side conceded one more goal against NYCFC than it did in its previous three matches combined.

"They were devastated. ... We're frustrated."

Toronto, however, hasn't experienced much frustration amid its 2-0-3 stretch vs. Nashville.

Toronto FC star Lorenzo Insigne has two goals in his career against Nashville. He's scored twice in six matches this season and returned to action this past weekend after missing nearly two months with a hamstring issue.

Amid a 1-4-2 rut, Nashville looks to bounce back from Saturday's 1-0 loss at Charlotte. However, Nashville SC has earned four points from their past two home matches, highlighted by a 4-1 rout of CF Montreal on May 4.

"It's a much better feeling waking up in your own bed, playing at (home) in front of your own fans," Nashville forward Jacob Shaffelburg said.

"That's probably the biggest thing."

Nashville star Hany Mukhtar has two goals and three assists in six league home matches this season.

Meanwhile, all of Sam Surridge's team-leading five goals for Nashville have come at home.

On Wednesday, Toronto will be without Bernardeschi, who drew a red card against NYCFC.

--Field Level Media

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