FC Cincinnati vs Toronto FC predictions for this midweek clash in the MLS. Cincinnati are at the top of the Eastern Conference and they face a Toronto side who are yet to winless on the road. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Thursday, 22th June at 12:30 am In:
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FC Cincinnati vs Toronto FC Predictions
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FC Cincinnati’s Dominance: On the Brink of Setting MLS Record and Taming Toronto FC
Key Stats
– Road Struggles: Toronto FC has failed to win any of their last 6 away games, scoring a mere 2 goals.
– Acosta Factor: Luciano Acosta has been involved in 60% of Cincinnati’s goals this season, showcasing his crucial role in their attacking force.
In the vibrant world of the Major League Soccer (MLS), FC Cincinnati stands at the cusp of equaling the San Jose Earthquakes’ 2002 record of longest home winning streak. As they gear up to face Toronto at their fortress, the TQL Stadium, the “Orange and Blue” boast an impressive tally of nine consecutive home victories this season.
Having bagged 40 points to top the Supporters’ Shield standings, the reformed Cincinnati club is outshining Toronto by more than half in terms of points. This disparity is notable, considering Toronto’s undefeated run in their last four matches, and their recent 1-1 draw against Nashville SC. Cincinnati’s success story has been monumental; from a team struggling to secure wins a few years ago, they’ve transformed into an unbeaten force in their last 13 games across all competitions in 2023.
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The Transformation Under Pat Noonan
Pat Noonan’s tenure as Cincinnati’s head coach has overseen a dramatic improvement, most notably in the team’s defensive solidity. This season, Cincinnati have managed to restrict its opponents to just 16 goals, sharing the spot for second-fewest goals conceded with Los Angeles FC.
However, the team’s evolution didn’t happen overnight. Their maiden postseason appearance in 2022 was primarily due to their explosive prowess in the attacking third. This attack-oriented strategy led them to secure six wins with a margin of two or more goals.
In contrast, 2023 has seen Cincinnati discover a knack for edging out close games, demonstrating resilience and a robust defensive commitment. Out of their 10 wins, six have been by a narrow 1-0 margin. Moreover, their impeccable record at TQL Stadium this year, along with a flawless record against Toronto FC in their current home venue, indicates their domination on home turf. Both of their clashes against Toronto have ended in a 2-0 victory for Cincinnati.
Toronto FC’s Struggles Continue
On the other side of the pitch, Toronto FC, who currently sit 13th in the Eastern Conference, are barely holding onto their playoff aspirations by a thread, three points adrift of a playoff spot. A significant issue plaguing their campaign has been the lack of a killer instinct to finish off teams, which becomes glaringly evident in their record of leading at half time five times domestically in 2023, but only winning one of those matches.
Despite significant investment in their attacking lineup, Toronto have failed to match expectations, finding themselves among the lowest-scoring teams in the MLS this season. Their struggle to score on the road has been particularly troublesome, failing to score in half of their away games this season.
Key Players and Predictions
Looking at the team lineups, both teams will be missing some key players due to suspensions, injuries, and international commitments. However, one player who stands out and could potentially tilt the balance in Cincinnati’s favour is Luciano Acosta.
Acosta has been in phenomenal form for Cincinnati, with 51 primary assists since his arrival in the MLS in 2016. His recent performances, including the solitary goal against Vancouver, strengthen our prediction that he’s likely to score the first goal against Toronto. The underlying justification stems from Acosta’s eight goals this season, his high goal conversion rate of 24%, and an average of 2.1 shots per game.
Furthermore, Cincinnati’s knack for maintaining clean sheets, particularly at TQL Stadium, coupled with Toronto’s struggle to find the net away from home, strengthens our prediction for a 2-0 victory for Cincinnati in the correct score market. The history between these two teams at this location further supports this.
The data supports this prediction, with Cincinnati consistently showing the ability to maintain their defensive solidity and grind out results, especially at home.
Toronto, meanwhile, will have their work cut out for them. Their attacking struggles, coupled with Cincinnati’s rock-solid defence, make it challenging for them to turn around their luck. And with their shaky performances in away matches, it doesn’t seem likely they’ll be the ones to end Cincinnati’s home-winning streak.
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