D.C. United at Toronto FC Preview: October 19, 2019
D.C. United heads north of the border to begin the 2019 MLS Cup playoffs in a brand new format. Unlike the previous format of two legs at both stadiums, this tournament will now be strictly a one-and-done, win-or-go-home format. As intimidating as it sounds, the Black and Red are up to the challenge.
“Guys are excited to get this on,” D.C. United coach Ben Olsen told the media.
Olsen said later in the interview, “I think they’re in good form and I think we’re in good form. It tends to be a fun matchup. We understand the quality that they bring, and they’re certainly as sharp as they’ve been all season at the right time. But again, we feel like we also are pretty clear in who we are and how to go about the game to have success. Then it’s just about which team executes and make the plays that matter on game day. We are looking forward to it.
Toronto FC comes into Saturday’s game with a 13-10-11 record. They’re coming off a 1-0 win over the Columbus Crew. Jozy Altidore suffered a quadriceps injury and withdrew from Team USA’s CONCACAF action including the contest played at Audi Field.
D.C. United played to a scoreless draw in their finale at Audi Field with FC Cincinnati. The silver lining was that it was their fifth consecutive shutout. D.C. United is now tied with Atlanta United for 14 shutouts, the most in the league.
Kickoff is Saturday night at 6 p.m.
Photo: D.C. United
