Toronto FC didn’t kick-off the season in the right way, after they were surprisingly eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions League, the competition they almost won in 2018.
The Reds were unlucky in the penalty series against C.D. Guadalajara, and so many considered them to be among the favourites this year, but they shocked their fans in the first round of the competition, after losing 4-0 in Panama to Independiente, while the second leg ended in a 1-1 draw.
It looked like the team had managed to bounce back from this shocking elimination, after Toronto FC started the MLS campaign with three consecutive wins. However, they only managed to win three times in the next 14 games.
On Wednesday, Toronto FC beat Atlanta United 3-2, ending a winless streak of 8 games.
After 17 games played in the league, Toronto FC is now seventh-placed team in the East, with a three-point advantage over the Chicago Fire. The goal is clear: secure a spot in the playoffs, but bearing in mind the team’s recent form, it will be hard to keep up the pace with the other teams. They need to start winning their away games, and the trip to Washington, D.C. is the opportunity to do so.
We’ll try to give you all the important info on the game between D.C. United and Toronto FC, scheduled to take place on Sunday at Audi Field. We’ll carefully examine the form of the two sides and take a look at the available odds.
DC United v Toronto FC: the starting positions before the match
Following a run of poor results, Toronto FC were ecstatic after beating Atlanta United in their last league game. The Canadian side was down 2-1 in the 21st minute of the game, but managed to even the score before the half-time break. When everyone at BMO Field thought the result would stay 2-2, Pozuelo scored the winning goal deep into the stoppage time.
Thanks to this win, Toronto FC has a three-point advantage over the Chicago Fire at number eight. With the right form, they could even improve their current standings, as only 10 points separates them from the leading team of the Conference.
D.C. United are currently the third-placed team of the Conference, with 8 points more than their next rivals. They won their last league game against Orlando City, thanks to a stunning goal from Wayne Rooney who managed to hit the net from over 60 yards out.
The Black-and-Red were also in a mini-series of relatively disappointing results, but it looks like that’s behind them now.
For bookmakers, D.C. United are the favourites to win the match on Sunday, although the statistics says a draw is the most probable outcome as the three of their last five matches ended without a winner.
Head to Head Statistics: Toronto FC vs DC United
Here is an overview of the last ten games D.C. United and Toronto FC played in the MLS.
Toronto FC – DC United 0 : 0
DC United – Toronto FC 1 : 0
Toronto FC – DC United 4 : 4
DC United – Toronto FC 1 : 1
Toronto FC – DC United 2 : 0
Toronto FC – DC United 1 : 2
Toronto FC – DC United 4 : 1
DC United – Toronto FC 0 : 1
Toronto FC – DC United 0 : 0
DC United – Toronto FC 1 : 2
Sebastian Giovinco (10) of Toronto FC controls ball during MLS Cup Eastern Conference semifinal against NYC FC at Yankee stadium Toronto won 5 – 0 – lev radin / Shutterstock.com
Toronto FC Form
After winning the first three games of the new season, the Reds won only on two times in the next 13 games. Their streak of 8 games without a win ended against Atalanta United when they won 3-2, and their fans hope another run of good results could secure the team a spot in the playoffs.
Toronto have only two wins away from home, if they want to keep their playoff chances alive, they need to start winning as soon as possible.
The biggest problem for them is the team’s defence, which is seen from the team’s statistics. Toronto FC managed to keep their net intact on three occasions but won only two of those games.
D.C. United Form
Led by the former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney, D.C. Unite made an excellent start to the season, losing only once in their first seven games in the league.
However, just like their opponents, D.C. United was in a five-game winless streak, although they suffered only one defeat during that time. After three draws in a run, the team managed by Ben Olsen beat Orlando City 1-0.
D.C. United v Toronto FC: the odds
As we’ve already pointed out, the home team are the favourites to win the game on Sunday, with Betway.com offering odds of 2.00 for a D.C. United victory.
A draw is at the rate of 3.50, the same as for Toronto FC winning the match.
The bookmaker believes D.C. United is likely to score the first goal, with odds of 1.66.
Betting tip & Prediction: D.C. United v Toronto FC
Toronto FC expected more from this season, especially when it comes to the CONCACAF Champions League. Despite their poor results recently, they’re still on the road to securing a spot in the playoffs.
Victor Vazquez and Giovinco left the club, while Boyd didn’t prove to be an adequate replacement. Gregory van der Wiel was sent home from the club’s pre-season camp in California after an altercation with manager Greg Vanney, and his absence was felt on the pitch. The team’s defence has been the weakest part of the team so far, so we’re likely to see a couple of goals on Sunday.
The biggest news of the off-season for D.C. United was a move that did not happen. Luciano Acosta was close to moving to Paris St-Germain, but the deal fell through and entered the season on the final year of his deal with D.C. United.
Although the odds say D.C. United are the favourites, we predict the game will end in a draw.
You can check out the odds for the upcoming game at Betway.