The Summer of Soccer is in full flow as NYCFC returns to action following the World Cup break,

Toronto FC provide the opposition for a Sunday evening clash at Yankee Stadium and Mark Booth is here with the Major Keys to the Match, presented by Ford…

New Era

While it remains to be seen if new Head Coach Domènec Torrent will take the coaching reigns for the first time on Sunday, this will be the first game post-Vieira for NYCFC after the Frenchman departed to take up a new role at OGC Nice.

Following two and a half years of progress under Vieira, it’s a big change for the Boys in Blue but all of the foundations are there to continue building towards an MLS push.

City lies in second place in the Eastern Conference after 15 games and has a change in hand on leaders Atlanta United going into Sunday evening’s clash.

Consistency

Did you know… no team in MLS has accumulated more Regular Season points since the start of 2016 than NYCFC? You do now!

Since the start of our second MLS campaign, we’ve racked up 139 points which is two more than Toronto, our nearest rival for that mantle.

In addition, we’re still unbeaten at home in 2018 (P7 W6 D1) and we’ve only been defeated once in our last 21 competitive home games.

Let’s keep it going.

Reigning Champions

Toronto FC’s CONCACAF Champions League commitments perhaps took their toll on the Canadians’ start to the season but there have been signs of recovery in recent weeks.

The defending MLS champions snapped their seven game winless run on the road last time out vs. Philadelphia Union, winning 2-0 at the Talen Energy Stadium.

They followed that up with a thrilling 4-4 tie with DC United last week, so don’t be surprised if there’s goals in this one…

Star Power

David Villa and Sebastian Giovinco are the talismen on either side of this U.S. vs Canada rivalry and will be the men looked to once again on Sunday evening.

The pair both boast prolific scoring records in this matchup, with Villa notching seven goals in eight games vs. Toronto and Giovinco netting nine in nine vs. NYCFC.

Sunday’s game could come down to which of these former MLS MVPs is sharpest when the weekend rolls around.

#32Nations1City

England vs. Panama – 8am / Japan vs. Senegal – 11am / Poland vs. Colombia – 2pm / NYCFC vs. Toronto – 5pm

If you live in New York City and love the beautiful game, Sunday is as good as it gets.

With three FIFA World Cup matches taking place before our Bronx bout, your Sunday plans are taken care of with 270 minutes of glorious soccer to take in on your sofa before your begin your pilgrimage to Yankee Stadium for 90 minutes more.

85 degree temperatures and sunny skies are forecast for this 5pm kickoff, so bring your sunblock and shades and let’s celebrate this summer of soccer.

#NYCFCFam

Make it a family affair in the Bronx on Sunday and bring the whole squad out – it’s our annual Family Day in the BX.

Tweet and Insta your #NYCFCFam pics using that hashtag and we’ll share the best on our social media channels and on the screens inside the stadium this weekend.

We also have a special ticket offer below...

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