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Toronto FC Aim to Strengthen Playoff Push Against D.C. United
Toronto FC is gearing up for a crucial match as they host D.C. United on Saturday, with both teams fighting to stay in the playoff race. Toronto is eyeing their first MLS playoff appearance since 2020, and a win against a struggling D.C. United would be a major boost to their postseason hopes.
Toronto FC’s Recent Form and Key Injuries
Toronto FC (10-14-3, 33 points) currently sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, thanks to three wins in their last four league games. Their latest victory, a gritty 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo on August 24, showcased their determination to lock down a playoff spot.
However, Toronto might face some challenges in this match, as star winger Lorenzo Insigne is questionable due to a minor groin injury. Insigne has been a key player this season, contributing four goals and seven assists, but injuries have hampered his consistency. Head coach John Herdman acknowledged Insigne’s tough season but praised his recent return to form.
“He had a really difficult preseason and then he just started to find his rhythm and picked up the hamstring injury (in March) against (Atlanta United),” Herdman explained. “Now, he’s enjoying his football.”
If Insigne is unable to play, Toronto’s attacking options could be limited, but the team is focused on maintaining their momentum as they push for a playoff berth.
D.C. United’s Struggles and Benteke’s Form
D.C. United (6-12-8, 26 points) finds itself at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, but the playoff race is still wide open. Only two points separate them from Atlanta United for the ninth and final playoff spot. However, D.C. faces a tough challenge with five teams clustered between them and Atlanta in the standings.
D.C. United is coming off a dramatic 4-3 loss to FC Dallas, a game in which they finished with 10 men. Despite the setback, head coach Troy Lesesne remains optimistic about his team’s chances with eight matches left in the season.
“(With) eight matches (remaining), there’s a lot of points. There’s a lot to be played left,” Lesesne said. “I know the group really felt let down after the Dallas match. But then you look at this week and we have another opportunity that’s right in front of us.”
One bright spot for D.C. United has been the form of striker Christian Benteke, who scored his 17th goal of the season against Dallas, tying him with Real Salt Lake’s Cristian Arango for the MLS lead. Benteke recently signed a contract extension with the club through 2025, with an option for 2026, signaling his commitment to D.C. United’s future.
“He wants to see D.C. United reach the potential that it used to reach,” Lesesne said of Benteke’s decision to extend his stay. “When you have a guy like that sign on and say, ‘I see where this is going,’ it does send a really clear message about what we’re trying to do.”
Match Outlook and Key Implications
Saturday’s match is critical for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season. For Toronto FC, securing three points would strengthen their position in the playoff race and potentially move them closer to a top-seven finish. The potential absence of Insigne could be a hurdle, but Toronto’s recent form suggests they have the resilience to overcome it.
For D.C. United, this match represents another opportunity to claw their way back into playoff contention. With Benteke in top form and motivated by his new contract, D.C. will be eager to bounce back from their recent loss and capitalize on Toronto’s vulnerabilities.
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Conclusion
As Toronto FC and D.C. United face off in this pivotal Eastern Conference matchup, both teams are desperate for a win to keep their playoff dreams alive. Toronto will look to continue their recent success, while D.C. aims to turn their season around and make a late push for the postseason. With high stakes and key players on both sides, this game promises to be a fiercely contested battle.
