Eighth-place Red Bull New York have the opportunity to stay ahead of the chasing pack in a tightening playoff race in the final weeks of the MLS regular season.
Despite suffering a 2-1 loss to rivals D.C. United on Wednesday, the Red Bulls control their destiny with just five games remaining before the MLS Cup playoffs.
A victory on Saturday over Toronto FC would represent a vital three points for the Red Bulls.
“We’re pushing like crazy every single day to move the bar that much further forward,” Red Bull New York head coach Bradley said during Friday’s press conference. “The emphasis is always on stepping on the field when the lights come on and being ready to enjoy the part of playing big games, enjoy the part of competing, enjoy the part of being on a team that is trying to do something special, to be different. You get to the end of the year, and there is a lot riding on every single game. That goes without saying.”
Eleventh-place Toronto FC are one of several clubs looking to usurp the Red Bulls. Toronto heads into Saturday only three points behind the 36-point Red Bulls.
Lewis Morgan Returns To Sports Illustrated Stadium
Former Red Bull New York forward Lewis Morgan makes his return to Sports Illustrated Stadium.
“I think his time here speaks for itself in terms of the way that he was able to play and the success that he helped bring the club,” Bradley said of Morgan. “I think in a very short amount of time, he has established himself as an important player for Toronto. So we’ll see how they put their team together. But whether he starts or comes on as a reserve, we know that Lewis is a really, really good player and a guy that will be motivated to make a difference.”
Morgan has scored two goals through his first six matches for Toronto since he was acquired from San Diego FC on September 2.
The 30-year-old forward netted 31 goals in 82 appearances over four seasons for Red Bull New York.
Defender Raheem Edwards was named to the bench. The 31-year-old left-back has only made one appearance since July.
Edwards was not in Toronto’s squad for three of their past four matches. He made 29 appearances across all competitions in his lone season with Red Bull New York in 2025.
Winger Derrick Etienne Jr. made 79 appearances for the Red Bulls between 2016 and 2019.
Red Bull New York and Toronto FC Lineup and Injury News Ahead of Saturday’s Match
The Red Bulls have a clean injury report ahead of Saturday’s contest. It’s possible that Bradley could rotate his starting XI given the packed fixture schedule.
On Saturday afternoon, the Red Bulls added Red Bull New York II forward Pedro Castro on a short-term agreement.
Red Bull New York named the following starting XI vs. Toronto FC:
Horvath, Nealis (C), Che, Bazan, Padelford, Mehmeti, Donkor, Sofo, Cowell, Hall, Harper
Subs: McCarthy, Pedro Castro, Choupo-Moting, Dos Santos, Forsberg, Kone, Marshall-Rutty, Parker
For Toronto, midfielder Nelson Palacio (thigh) and defender Walker Zimmerman (ankle) are confirmed to miss Saturday’s match.
OUT: Nelson Palacio (thigh), Walker Zimmerman (ankle)
Saturday’s match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time and will be broadcast on Apple TV. Mike Watts will provide English commentary alongside match analyst Phil Neville. Bruno Vain will call the match in Spanish.
Fans can tune into Red Bulls Radio at 7 p.m. Matt Harmon will host “Countdown to Kickoff” and be on the radio call.
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