TORONTO, ON – Red Bull New York (2-1-0, 6 pts), travels north of the border Saturday to face Toronto FC (1-2-0, 3 pts).
Sunday’s loss to CF Montréal shouldn’t have occurred by any means. What was supposed to be an offensive showcase for Red Bull’s attack turned into a revenge game masterclass from former Red Bull, Wiki Carmona.
Captain Emil Forsberg on Thursday spoke about how there were lots of lessons to be learned from a match such as that one. Spirits also appeared to be well on Forsberg’s end.
“I think we know what we have to do to bounce back,” Forsberg said. “I have a very good feeling for Toronto.”
Head man Michael Bradley discussed the attitude of his club in training as well on Thursday.
“The attitude mentality have been great,” Bradley said. “We talked right after the game about the idea again that we’re still a new group and the work so far has been really, really positive… we used the week in a really good way and we’re really excited to get another chance on Saturday.”
One of the main storylines entering Saturday’s match has been Bradley making his return to the field he made many great memories on. Bradley’s time as a player in Toronto was an incredible one where he was a winner and a club icon.
For Bradley’s old side, Toronto has been everywhere to open the 2026 season. The results have ranged from impressive to disappointing.
“The Reds” dropped their first two contests to FC Dallas and to Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Fortunately for them, match number three was a resounding success on the road as they took down FC Cincinnati last Sunday.
“The game in Cincinnati was a really strong response and they played really well,” Bradley said about Toronto Thursday. “I expect them to be confident and really excited now to come home after three away games.”
Another major headline for Saturday’s contest could be the debut of United States international Josh Sargent. Sargent is a player who needs no introduction to MLS fans.
Coming over from English Football League (EFL) Championship side Norwich City FC, Sargent excelled during his time in England. In all competitions the past five seasons with Norwich, Sargent scored 56 goals. For a player of his ability, his move to MLS was a big one.
“I am excited to join Toronto FC and start a new chapter in my life with my family in Toronto,” Sargent said in a press release a few weeks back. “I am grateful to everyone at the club for their belief in me and all the support throughout the process to make this move possible.”
If Sargent were to play on Saturday, it would be a headache for New York to deal with. Coming off a match where they allowed three goals, Sargent is the last person they want to see on the pitch Saturday.
Offensively for Red Bull, something has to change. Will someone other than Julian Hall breakthrough and find the back of the net?
Saturday’s contest has the makings of a great one and if New York secures the win, Bradley will be pleased. It would be sweeter considering what Toronto meant to him, especially when he was a player.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Apple TV.
