The Reds hope for their first win of the season against Inter Miami. Follow the action from BMO Field.
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The Reds are back in action at BMO Field this weekend as they prepare to host Inter Miami CF on Saturday. As is becoming routine this season, kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
With the number of new parts the Reds have added this off-season, there has always been a period of adjustment for this roster. To their credit, TFC has taken the lead at some point in each of their first three games. However, this has not yet brought three points this season.
Injuries to the Reds’ attacking group posed problems for Bob Bradley that Toronto couldn’t solve. So far this season Toronto has injured Adama Diomande, Ayo Akinola and most notably Lorenzo Insigne. In a squad that relies heavily on star power, the loss of Insigne Federico Bernardeschi has pushed the Reds’ offense forward.
There is some doubt as to whether Akinola will return this week, but Diamonde and Insigne are staying away this week. The Reds will have to adjust to life without Insigne for the next few games as the club announced earlier this week that Insigne will be unavailable for the next 3-4 weeks due to a groin injury.
With a lack of offensive ability in this Reds team, the pressure has been increased on the defensive side of the ball. Last week, TFC took a 1-0 lead at half-time but saw a very different team in the second half. Columbus was able to grow further into the game and put more and more pressure on the Reds defence, which eventually led to the Columbus equaliser.
Goals for the Reds could be even more important this weekend. Technically, no opposing player has scored against Miami this season.
Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, Miami have conceded just one goal in their three games so far this season. After opening the season with back-to-back 2-0 home wins, the Herons were unable to pick up all three points in New York last weekend after losing 1-0 to New York City FC on an own goal.
Despite the loss, it was the best start in franchise history for Miami and they’re hoping to get back into the Victory Column this weekend.
This clash could be just the thing for Miami to bounce back on Matchday 4.
TFC have struggled in this matchup since Miami’s debut in MLS. The Reds’ last win of the game came in 2020, when Toronto collected all three points in a 2-1 win. Since then, Miami has owned this game as the Florida team has won their last five games, including both matches last season.
Reds fans will be all too familiar with Josef Martinez, one of Miami’s newest attacking threats. Martinez, who joined Miami from Atlanta this winter, has set TFC on fire with four goals in his first three games against Toronto. Toronto’s defense have beaten the Venezuelan attacker lately, however, as Martinez hasn’t scored in his last five games against Toronto.
Martinez has started in all three games for the Herons this season and hasn’t scored so far. The Venezuelan will be only too eager to score his first goal of the season and get closer to the century mark in MLS.
Miami’s visit to BMO Field on Saturday will be a major test for a squad that continues to find its identity. There have been sparks of good moments for this Reds team but they have faltered in games far too often. Saturday is a chance to correct the mistakes early this season and maybe get all three points for the first time in 2023.
game details
Opponents: Inter Miami CF
Kick-off time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Check out: MLS Season Pass
Stadium: BMO Field
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