Toronto FC Prepares for San Jose Earthquakes Challenge at BMO Field
Toronto FC hosts the red-hot San Jose Earthquakes in MLS Matchweek 11. Can TFC overcome recent struggles and a leaky defense against the Supporters’ Shield leaders? Preview and prediction inside.
Toronto FC is set to host the high-flying San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada, as MLS Matchweek 11 kicks off. This early fixture sees the Reds looking to find their footing against an opponent enjoying a dream start to the season. Fans can catch all the action live on Apple TV at 1:00pm ET/10:00am PT.
The San Jose Earthquakes arrive as early Supporters’ Shield leaders, boasting an impressive eight-game win streak and only one loss so far this season. Their attack has been firing on all cylinders, despite a midweek hamstring injury sidelining marquee winter signing Timo Werner, who had scored four goals and provided three assists in his last three MLS matches. Homegrown attacking midfielder Niko Tsakiris has flourished, leading the league in key passes with 36, while striker Preston Judd has already tied his career-high MLS goals tally with six. Even in their "worst" game against St. Louis, the Earthquakes demonstrated resilience, flipping a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 victory.
In contrast, Toronto FC continues to navigate a period of adjustment and inconsistency. Their recent 2-1 home loss to Atlanta United snapped a seven-game unbeaten run, though four of those matches ended in draws, highlighting a struggle to convert draws into wins. The club is still working to solidify its identity and performance under pressure.
Individual performances have also been a mixed bag for Toronto FC. Big-money signing Josh Sargent has struggled to find his scoring touch, netting only twice in his first seven appearances and underperforming his expected goals (xG). Furthermore, goalkeeper Luka Gavran has faced scrutiny, ranking as the second-worst goalkeeper in MLS with a Goals Added of -4.15, according to American Soccer Analysis, and managing only one clean sheet to start the season.
Despite these challenges, Toronto FC sits in a respectable sixth place in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. However, their defensive record remains a significant concern, as they have conceded the second-most goals of any team currently occupying a playoff spot. This vulnerability will be severely tested against San Jose's potent offense.
Considering the contrasting forms and key player dynamics, the San Jose Earthquakes appear poised to continue their dominant run. The prediction for this MLS Matchweek 11 encounter at BMO Field is a Toronto FC 1-4 San Jose Earthquakes result, indicating a challenging outing for the home side.