While the New York Red Bulls have accomplished their mission of reaching the playoffs, head coach Sandro Schwarz has laid down the law to his players ahead of their trip to Toronto FC.

The Red Bulls suffered a humiliating 5-1 home defeat against cross-city rivals New York City last time out, going 2-0 down within just six minutes and 55 seconds of kick-off.

They did, however, clinch a playoff place due to other results going their way, boasting a seven-point cushion over eighth-placed Toronto, who only have two games remaining.

"It was different emotions last weekend," Schwarz said. "We were very disappointed about the game, and on the other side we were satisfied with qualifying for the playoffs.

"When we see the big picture, this was good, but it's more about the emotions from the last game to be honest.

"We had a lot of individual talks, me with individual players, about the game and the behaviour. Now the feeling it was necessary to have this open communication."

Toronto conceded a late equaliser against the Chicago Fire – who are out of playoff contention – on Saturday to damage their postseason hopes.

After that 1-1 draw, John Herdman's side only occupy a wild-card place due to having more wins than the Philadelphia Union and CF Montreal, both of whom have a game in hand.

"We were six minutes away from taking three points, so it's a big missed opportunity," Herdman said. 

"Results in MLS went our way. We could have been two points clear of the other teams. But it is what it is.

"That last goal, if we're fresh, that doesn't happen. All in all, given it's been a heavy week, I thought the lads put a hell of a shift in."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Toronto FC – Prince Osei Owusu 

Owusu scored Toronto's lone goal in their draw with the Fire from the penalty spot. It was just their second penalty goal this season and first on the road since the opening day of the 2023 season. He will hope for a shorter wait for his next opportunity from the spot.

New York Red Bulls – Dante Vanzeir

Vanzeir has scored in each of the Red Bulls' last two matches. He has 13 goal involvements in MLS this term (four goals, nine assists), with only Lewis Morgan registering more for the Red Bulls (14 – 12 goals and two assists).

MATCH PREDICTION – NEW YORK RED BULLS WIN

The Red Bulls are unbeaten in 11 straight meetings with Toronto in all competitions (seven wins, four draws). New York have also kept clean sheets in each of the last five meetings.

They have won their last two games against Toronto by a 3-0 scoreline, including when the sides last faced off in June. With Toronto winless in four matches in all competitions, they may fancy their chances of another victory.

None of Toronto's last 27 home matches have ended in a draw (12 wins, 15 draws). This equals the longest streak without a home draw in all competitions for an MLS team in the post-shootout era (since 2000), along with the New England Revolution from 2001-02.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Toronto FC – 30.1%

New York Red Bulls – 45%

Draw – 24.9%