There is very little time remaining for teams in Major League Soccer to try and cement a place in the knockout rounds of the competition.
With Atlanta United and New York Red Bulls well clear at the top of the Eastern Conference, the top two places are out of sight. However, there is a fight between DC United and Montreal Impact for a place in the knockout stages.
DC United can strengthen their grip on 6th place as they welcome Toronto FC to Audi Field in Washington. Toronto FC have already been eliminated from this seasons competition and only have their pride and the fans to push them on to try and win the game.
Despite the international break being in place, DC United were forced to play on Saturday as they needed to play games to catch up with the other teams. They will be happy they did as they recorded a 1-0 home win over FC Dallas.
That win was their third straight victory in the MLS and DC United have remained undefeated in their last eight matches which includes a friendly game against Olimpia.
Interestingly, DC United’s last five MLS games have all been at home, which has given them an advantage which they have used to the maximum. Trends show DC United have won five of their last seven MLS games and all of those wins have come on home soil.
In fact, DC United have won eleven of their last fourteen home league games and will be looking forward to playing in-front of their own fans again in this match.
Toronto FC travel to Audi Field having already been eliminated. Sitting in 9th place, the best they can hope for is to move up one place and to do that they really need to win this match.
Trend show Toronto FC have been struggling of late and they have won only two of their last seven competitive games. Both wins came at home and when playing away Toronto FC have lost each of their last four MLS games.
Looking back further, Toronto FC have won just one of their last nine away MLS matches and its this record which has seen them slump towards the bottom of the table. Toronto FC have conceded 2 or more goals in eleven of their last fourteen away MLS games.
Team news and DC United have a long list of potential absentees with Taylor Kemp, David Ousted, Chris Odoi-Atsem, Vytas, Oniel Fisher, and Kofi Opare all likely to miss out. Wayne Rooney is fit and will start in attack.
Toronto FC will be without Dutch full back Gregory van der Wiel who is suspended. Victor Vazquez is injured while Ashtone Morgan, Jay Chapman, Jonathan Osorio, Tosaint Ricketts, Michael Bradley and Marky Delgado are on international duty.
This match has a home win written all over it. DC United have been in good form and have something play for while Toronto FC have been struggling. Expect DC United to win and score 2 or more goals.