Toronto FC v Austin FC: Herdman urges for discipline to mount playoff run

FC head coach John Herdman insists his team need to maintain their discipline if they want a playoff run in MLS, starting against Austin FC on Saturday.

Toronto currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference but are four points behind Orlando City.

They have struggled to get going since being knocked out of the Leagues Cup in the group stage, winning just one of three games since returning to MLS action.

After a disappointing 3-1 defeat to D.C. United last time out, Herdman says they need to learn how to keep their high level of performance going to the very end of games.

“In a playoff run, you have to be disciplined in the last 30 minutes of games, whether it’s decision-making to change and adapt with players coming in and changing positions, or the team allowing itself to get stretched,” Herdman said.

“We struggled with that against D.C. If you’re going to push for a genuine playoff run, you have to respect that defending part of the game, you cannot allow yourself to get stretched.”

Meanwhile, Austin are 11th in the Western Conference, having followed up a win over Nashville SC with a 1-0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps.

With the end of the regular season coming closer, Josh Wolff acknowledged his players know just how important it is for them to get points on the board.

“Every game is critical, home and away. In both conferences, you can see the playoff line, and it’s all relevant,” Wolff said.

“We, like many teams, have to make the most of these opportunities. You have to start the game in a good way and go there with the intention of getting three points because the home team have their own intentions.”

De regreso a la cancha. pic.twitter.com/l8aCSfqtm2

— Austin FC (@AustinFC) September 11, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Toronto FC – Deandre Kerr

Deandre Kerr scored his 10th regular-season goal for Toronto in the loss to D.C. United on August 31.

At 21 years old, Kerr is the second player to reach double-figure goals for the Reds before turning 22, along with Ayo Akinola (13 goals).

Austin FC – Julio Cascante

Austin failed to register a shot on target in their 1-0 loss to Vancouver on August 31, the fourth time this season the Verde have not hit the target in a match.

Julio Cascante came off the bench and had one of Austin’s six shots, with his effort having the highest expected goal rate of 0.35.

MATCH PREDICTION: AUSTIN FC WIN

The only previous meeting between Toronto and Austin was a 1-0 home win for the Verde in May 2023. Gyasi Zardes scored the game’s only goal in second-half stoppage time.

Austin earned a 2-0 win at Nashville in their last away match on August 24. Austin last won consecutive away matches during a four-match road winning streak in June-July 2022.

Meanwhile, Toronto have lost five of their last six home matches (W1), including a 3-1 loss to D.C. United on August 31. Toronto have lost 13 regular-season home matches since July 2023 (W7), more than any other team in that time.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Toronto FC – 34.6%

Draw – 25.9%

Austin FC – 39.5%