Charlotte FC is set to continue its five-match road trip with a game against Toronto FC in Toronto, Ontario, on Saturday night. The Crown aims to recover from a 4-2 defeat against the New York Red Bulls earlier this week. This match marks the seventh MLS regular-season meeting between Charlotte FC and Toronto FC, with the latter holding a slight advantage in their series history.
Currently sitting in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, Charlotte FC remains within reach of the playoffs. In contrast, Toronto FC finds itself struggling at 14th place out of 15 spots in the conference standings.
The match will take place at BMO Field with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV or listen on WFNZ 92.7 FM (English) and WOLS 106.1 FM (Spanish).
Toronto FC has faced challenges recently, losing its last three home matches despite achieving a significant victory over CF Montréal during Rivalry Week. Managed by Robin Fraser, Toronto hopes to improve its standing as it heads into the second half of the season.
Key players are expected to return for both teams. CLTFC midfielder Brandt Bronico and Toronto forward Federico Bernardeschi are available after missing Matchday 15 due to yellow card accumulation. Bernardeschi has been impactful since joining Toronto in 2022 and was named an MLS All-Star in 2024.
Charlotte’s defense will need to be vigilant against Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne, who was rested midweek. Nick Scardina and Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty are anticipated to maintain their form for Charlotte’s backline.
Marshall-Rutty returns to his former club for the first time since leaving Toronto for CF Montréal last season.
French defender Souleyman Doumbia might make another appearance after returning from injury against RBNY earlier this week.
In goal, USMNT veteran Sean Johnson stands out for Toronto with his impressive shot-stopping abilities, ranking fourth in MLS saves this year behind Charlotte’s Kristijan Kahlina.
