LIVE: Philadelphia Union vs. Toronto FC – Game thread, preview, how to watch
live thread
1:40 p.m. EST – A reminder that today’s official kick-off time is 2:55pm EST.
1:35 p.m. EST – Toronto’s absentee list is the longest in recent weeks as Lorenzo Insigne, Domenico Criscito, Jonathan Osorio and Kosi Thompson are all out through injury. Federico Bernardeschi is doubtful while Richie Laryea is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
1:30 p.m. EST – Week 34 is finally upon us with Toronto FC taking on the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park. While TFC has nothing to play related to the rankings, Union will have all eyes on the win to ensure they remain at the top of the Eastern Conference.
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Game preview about Anthony Khoury
Well, here we are, the final day of the 2022 Toronto FC season.
It may be decision day for several other MLS clubs, but for the Reds, they travel to Subaru Park to end a four-game losing streak and end their turbulent season at the Victory Column.
Kick-off in Chester is scheduled for Sunday October 9th at 2:30pm EST with the game being streamed on TSN.
Bob Bradley and company are now 90 minutes from moving this season and starting work ahead of the 2023 season, when expectations are arguably higher than ever.
Despite a promising streak of 11 points from five games between Week 22 and Week 26, TFC have only had four points from a possible 21 points since then. That terrible streak saw their playoff hopes end in Week 32 after a 4-0 loss to Orlando City SC.
After the international break, club morale took another hit as the Reds suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Inter Miami in their last game at BMO Field in 2022. Toronto will now face a Philadelphia Union squad who have their sights set on first place in the Eastern Conference ahead of CF Montreal.
On rare occasions, Montreal and its fans will support TFC on decision day, as a loss for the Union and a CFMTL victory over Inter Miami would see Wilfried Nancy’s side land at the top of the Eastern Conference.
On the Reds’ injury front, Lorenzo Insigne, Domenico Criscito and Kosi Thompson are all absent through injury, while Federico Bernardeschi is currently doubtful with a lower body problem.
Additionally, Jonathan Osorio will remain sidelined as he continues to recover from what he calls “neurological dysfunction”. His absence was expected and Bob Bradley said the club are doing everything in their power to ensure Osorio is ready for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Richie Laryea is also not available due to a ban (amount of yellow cards). As a result, Laryea’s next competitive game will be with the Canada men’s national team, most likely in their friendly against Japan.
TFC’s extensive absentee list could give the likes of Luca Petrasso, Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and Ifunanyachi Achara an opportunity to play crucial minutes on Sunday.
Philadelphia left-back Kai Wagner is suspended following his red card against Charlotte FC on October 1. Union’s only injury concern is Alejandro Bedoya, who is doubtful with a hip flexor strain.
Jim Curtin’s men are undefeated at home in MLS this season and are also currently on an eight-game winning streak at Subaru Park. In 2022, Week 7 saw one of Philadelphia’s five total league losses against Toronto FC, where the Reds’ 2-1 win at BMO Field doomed the visitors to their first loss of the season.
When you see where TFC is now, this win feels like an eternity. Additionally, an exhausted Toronto roster will be looking to salvage something against a team trying to seal the Eastern Conference crown on home soil.
game details
Opponents: Philadelphia Union
Kick-off time: 2:30 p.m. EST
See: TSN
Stadium: Subaru Park, Chester, Pennsylvania