Toronto FC v FC Cincinnati: Noonan puts record-equalling run down to new chemistry

Pat Noonan says it was always just a matter of time before FC Cincinnati found their feet, as they look to set a new club record for successive MLS wins against Toronto FC at BMO Field.

Last year’s Supporters’ Shield champions have won their last six matches, equalling the best streak in their league history, which they achieved last campaign.

They trail Eastern Conference leaders Inter Miami by just one point with a game in hand, having turned their season around after a slow start.

Noonan believes time spent on the training ground, particularly with offseason arrivals, has been the major factor.

“I think it’s just about the understanding of some of the roles. With new faces, that always takes time,” Noonan said.

“We’ve had 13 or 14 games together now and with games and with time, there’s better chemistry, better understanding of relationships.”

On Toronto, he added: “It’s been a good week for them, and I think in terms of structure and personnel, there’s a lot of things that are similar.”

Toronto are fifth in the Eastern standings after crushing rivals CF Montreal 5-1 in their last league game.

They followed up that win by beating Saint-Laurent 8-1 in the Canadian Championship on Tuesday, and boss John Herdman is delighted to see their forwards enjoying themselves.

“They’re just enjoying their football at the minute, really enjoying it,” Herdman said. “I’ve got to tip my hat to the lads. I just can’t wait to see this whole team playing together.

“I think there are more levels here and I can’t wait to keep pushing for them in the next three or four weeks.”

Back at the office. pic.twitter.com/hO3aksHq0j

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) May 21, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Toronto FC – Lorenzo Insigne

Federico Bernardeschi scored his first career hat-trick in Toronto’s derby win last week, but then picked up a late booking that will cause him to be suspended for this game.

Six of the eight hat-tricks scored by Toronto players in MLS have now been scored by Italians, with Sebastian Giovinco netting five. With Bernardeschi out, Insigne must step up.

FC Cincinnati – Luciano Acosta

Acosta has contributed to at least one goal in a club-record eight straight matches, after recording a goal and two assists in a 3-1 win over St. Louis City last week.

The only longer streak in MLS since the start of last season was a nine-game run by the Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernandez, from April to June 2023.

MATCH PREDICTION – FC CINCINNATI WIN

Toronto ended a four-match losing streak against Cincinnati on February 25 with a scoreless draw on the road.

Cincinnati had won six of the previous seven meetings between the teams, in a run dating back to the start of the 2021 season (one defeat).

The Orange and Blue are favourites for this battle between Eastern Conference contenders, having won 30 of their last 49 regular-season games dating back to October 2022. No team in the post-shootout era has ever won 31 times in a span of 50 matches.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Toronto FC – 22.7%

FC Cincinnati – 56.4%

Draw – 20.9%