Robin Fraser believes defensive improvements were key to Toronto FC halting their winless start to the season, as they look to generate some momentum against New York City.

Toronto started their first MLS campaign under Fraser with an eight-game winless streak, before earning a smash-and-grab 1-0 triumph over Real Salt Lake last weekend.

That result also halted the longest winless run in the Reds' history across all competitions, as they had gone 14 without victory in a streak stretching back to last season.

All of a sudden, they are unbeaten in four, having drawn three straight games before beating RSL.

"I think the team feels a huge sigh of relief and a good deal of pride," Fraser said ahead of Saturday's game. "It was not pretty, but sometimes you have to win those games."

Asked what had changed for his team, he added: "I think it was maybe four games ago that we talked about this, 'bend but do not break' mentality. 

"We gave up 12 goals in our first five games, and in our last four we've given up one. It just speaks to the level of commitment and engagement that the players are now playing with.

"It wasn't pretty but it was important. And now that mentality has to remain the same."

Toronto's seven points from nine games put them 14th in the Eastern Conference, four places and four points behind New York City.

Pascal Jansen's team lost 2-0 to the New England Revolution last week and have not won on the road this year, but he is confident they will respond in Canada.

"Since I've been working with my boys from day one, the attitude in training has been fantastic," Jansen said.

"We put the game to bed on Monday, when we had the review, made some new focus points going into the rest of the week, and they've been doing that up until today. So we're hopeful we can reset and do better on Saturday in Toronto."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Toronto FC – Theo Corbeanu 

Corbeanu scored Toronto's winning goal last week with the first shot of the match in the ninth minute. Real Salt Lake outshot Toronto 23-1 the rest of the way with Toronto's only other attempt coming in the 66th minute.

After opening his account for the season, Toronto will hope the former Wolves man can make the difference again.

New York City – Maxi Moralez

Moralez set up five shots for his team-mates last week, recording his 31st career match with five or more chances created. 

No other NYCFC player has achieved more than 11 such games in the club's MLS history.

MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK CITY WIN

New York have won only one of their last 20 away matches in all competitions dating back to May 2024 (D9 L10), including losing three of four on the road this season (D1). 

NYCFC have also failed to score in six of their last eight road games.

However, they will be confident of reversing that trend against one of their favourite opponents.

NYCFC have won four straight matches against Toronto in all competitions, the longest winning run by either team in the series (27 matches).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Toronto FC – 30%

New York City – 45.2%

Draw – 24.9%