Match Preview - Toronto FC v. FC Cincinnati

When: 1:00 pm Kickoff

Where: BMO Field, 100 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON

Where to Watch: Apple TV+

After one of the most chaotic weekends in recent memory, Toronto FC (3-2-1) looks to keep their momentum rolling as they host FC Cincinnati on Saturday, at BMO Field. With the Reds riding a four-game unbeaten streak and Cincinnati looking to bounce back from a tough loss, the two teams will aim to put on a show in front of the supporters.

Who Are Ya - FC Cincinnati

The Orange and Blue may be relatively new to the MLS landscape, but they have quickly become a thorn in Toronto’s side. In their 15 historical meetings, Cincinnati holds a significant advantage with nine wins to Toronto’s five. Currently, Pat Noonan’s side is in a bit of a defensive flux, coming off a disappointing 4-2 loss to the New York Red Bulls. While hopes are still high for FCC this season, they are off to a slow start and currently sitting in 10th place in the East on six points - four spots and four points behind TFC.

Despite the recent stumble, the club is making global headlines for a pretty unbelievable reason: The Neymar Rumour. Reports have surfaced that Cincinnati has entered preliminary talks with the entourage of Brazilian legend Neymar Jr. regarding a potential move when his contract with Santos expires in December 2026. While the lack of an open Designated Player (DP) slot remains a major hurdle, the mere fact that Cincy is at the table signals their massive ambition. On the pitch, the man doing the damage right now is Kevin Denkey, who leads the team with two MLS goals and four in continental play this season.

Three Cincinnati Players to Watch

• Kevin Denkey: The Togolese forward is the primary threat. He has a history of scoring at BMO Field, including a match-winner in their last visit, and his physical presence will test a TFC backline that has struggled for clean sheets.
• Nick Hagglund: A familiar face to TFC fans, the veteran defender and former Red is back to full fitness. Hagglund is the emotional heartbeat of Cincy’s defense and is on the verge of extending his record as the club’s all-time appearance leader.
• Ayoub Jabbari: The 6’6” Moroccan striker is a handful in the air. While he only has one league goal this season, his two goals in the Concacaf Champions Cup prove he can be clinical when the service is right.

Let's TF-See - Toronto's Current Form

Toronto FC is currently one of the hottest teams in the league, undefeated in four games. However, "undefeated" doesn't quite capture the drama of last weekend’s crazy match against the Colorado Rapids.

The Reds pulled off an improbable 3-2 comeback victory that featured three red cards and a literal gift from the soccer gods. After Raheem Edwards was sent off and Colorado took a 2-0 lead, a bizarre "blooper-reel own goal by Rapids keeper Zack Steffen—who let a backpass roll right under his foot—sparked the revival. The hero of the hour was Josh Sargent, who headed home the winner in the 85th minute for his first-ever TFC goal, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Injuries

The good vibes are slightly dampened by a significant blow to the midfield. The club confirmed on Friday that star DP Djordje Mihailovic has been diagnosed with a pelvic stress fracture. He is expected to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks, a massive loss for a team that relies on his creativity.

Theo Corbeanu - Knee (Out)
Raheem Edwards - Suspended (Out)
Nicksoen Gomis - Achilles (Out)
Djordje Mihailovic - Pelvis (Out)
Henry Wingo - Hamstring (Out)
Denadre Kerr - Groin (Questionable)
Walker Zimmerman - Calf (Questionable)

With key players missing, Robin Fraser will need his squad depth to step up if they hope to climb higher than their current 6th-place standing in the Eastern Conference.

Match Prediction: Toronto FC 2 - 2 FC Cincinnati