FC Cincinnati v. Toronto FC Betting Preview

Two teams at the bottom of the Eastern Conference face off on Saturday as Toronto FC travels to FC Cincinnati. The game marks a golden opportunity for both teams to grab three points and make a late run up the standings. Kickoff from TQL Stadium in Cincinnati is set for 8:00 p.m ET Saturday. 

These teams met in Florida back in June before Toronto was allowed to host games at BMO Field in Canada. FC Cincinnati went down to Exploria Stadium in Orlando and came home with all three points thanks to a 2-0 victory. Toronto won the first three meetings between the teams, and they are 2-0 lifetime in Cincinnati. 

Toronto Looking to Salvage Season

Between injuries, being without a home, and player/coach disputes, this has been a lost season for a usual contender. Toronto is already on their second full-time manager of the season, and they are finally back at home, but the wins aren’t there. 

The Reds have lost four straight matches and are winless in the last seven. Last year after 22 matches, Toronto had 44 points. This year they have 15, their lowest ever at this point in an MLS season. 

Toronto does lead the league with 17 different goal scorers. To be exact, their last 11 goals have been scored by 11 different players, so they don’t just rely on one player. Jonathan Osorio leads the team with four goals, while Yeferson Soteldo has six assists. Osorio was recently called up to Canada’s national team, and his status for the game is unknown. 

Meanwhile, striker Jozy Altidore is hurt again for Toronto. Their long-time goal-scoring threat was injured August 7 and had surgery on his right leg. He is expected to be out until at least October. 

Cincinnati Jinxed at Home

The Orange and Blue just cannot get a win at their brand new stadium. They have rallied for draws and blown late leads. But whatever happens, they end up without a win, now on 12 matches in a row dating back to October 2020, including every game at TQL Stadium. 

The 12-game run is the second-longest in MLS history, and this stretch includes five draws and seven losses. Unfortunately, FCC also hold the only streak that is longer as they had a 14-game winless streak at home in 2020 before beating rival Columbus 11 months ago. That means they enter Saturday’s winnable contest with just one win in the last 27 home games. 

FCC lost in the 90th minute last time out, a 1-0 loss to Inter Miami. Brenner leads FCC with five goals on the season, while Luciano Acosta has six assets. Midfielder Yuya Kubo leads the team in tackles won with 50, one off the MLS lead. 

These teams meet up again at the end of the month, and FCC also has games against Atlanta United and DC United coming up, so they could start a nice run if they are able to get the jinx ended and find a home win. Grabbing some confidence, especially in front of the home fans, could give FCC something to build on.

Betting Analysis

FC Cincinnati +140 Money line. -0.5 goals (+140)
Toronto FC +190 Money line. +0.5 goals (+160)
Draw +255
Total Goals 2.5. Under +115, Over -140

Both teams have struggled to score lately and to find consistent goal scoring. This game has all the makings of a draw or a late winner coming off a defensive mistake. Whoever ends up on the losing end on Saturday night walks out of TQL Stadium in last place.