TORONTO - Toronto FC couldn't ask for a better opening test than a visit to the New York Red Bulls to kick off the MLS season Sunday.
The Red Bulls won the Supporters' Shield for best regular-season record in MLS in 2013 (17-9-8) and 2015 (18-10-6). And they have owned Toronto at Red Bull Arena, posting a 9-1-1 record while outscoring TFC 31-7.
Toronto's all-time road record is a woeful 22-90-33 so any success away from home has been rare, although it has been better the last two seasons with four away wins apiece. But Red Bull Arena has been a TFC graveyard.
Toronto, which boasts a solid 5-3-4 record against New York at BMO Field, has lost more games at the Red Bulls' home than anywhere else in the league.
"It's a good team ... Certainly the way they play will mean it's a hard fast game. It's a great stadium to play in," said Toronto captain Michael Bradley, who has played in more than a few memorable arenas.
There will be no secrets between the two clubs They were neighbours during pre-season in Florida, staying at the same hotel and training at the same practice facility.
Toronto head coach Greg Vanney says star striker Jozy Altidore, who is nursing a hamstring, is doubtful for Sunday's but could be ready for the March 13 visit to New York City FC.
Vanney says Altidore is feeling better but won't be rushed back. On the plus side, fullback Steven Beitashour is back training after missing a spell with a quad strain. And Vanney says everyone else is healthy.
At practice Thursday, Toronto featured a back four of Justin Morrow, Drew Moor, Damien Perquis and Beitashour with Bradley in the midfield alongside Canadians Will Johnson and Jonathan Osorio with a front three of Dan Lovitz, reigning MVP Sebastian Giovinco and rookie Tsubasa Endoh.
Clint Irwin will make his debut in the Toronto goal.
Irwin, Moor, Johnson and Beitashour — all MLS veterans — were the major Toronto additions since last season.
"Toronto's done a really good job with their roster this off-season," Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch said this week. "I think probably more than anyone else.
"They made the decision they wanted to build from within the league and I think they went out and made some key acquisitions. And we expect them to present a big challenge on Sunday."
For the second year in a row, Toronto faces an extended road trip to open the MLS season because of renovations to BMO Field. TFC will play eight games away from home before hosting FC Dallas on May 7.
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