Preview: FC Cincinnati vs. Toronto – predictions, team news, and lineups

A leaky Toronto defense meets a Cincinnati side eager to shake off last week’s stumbles, setting up a must-watch MLS showdown at TQL Stadium.

Cincinnati Seeking Redemption at Home

After an impressive shutout victory over the New York Red Bulls, Cincinnati looked exposed against Philadelphia, conceding multiple goals in a disappointing 2-1 defeat.

Pat Noonan’s men have struggled away from home, failing to win their last three regular-season road matches. However, returning to TQL Stadium should provide a boost—Cincinnati have yet to lose at home in 2025 across all competitions.

A win this weekend would mark just the second time in club history that Cincinnati have won their first two home games of an MLS season, a feat they last achieved in 2023.

Historically, TQL Stadium has been a fortress when facing Toronto. The Orange and Blue have never conceded a goal to TFC at home, winning all four previous matchups in Cincinnati.

Toronto’s Defensive Woes Continue

For Toronto FC, defensive concerns have only worsened in the new season. After two matches, Robin Fraser’s side has already conceded a league-high six goals, exposing the same frailties that haunted them in 2024.

Going back to last season, the Reds have now conceded in four consecutive away MLS matches, allowing multiple goals in three of them.

However, one positive trend remains: when scoring first on the road, Toronto rarely loses. The Reds were undefeated in five MLS away matches last season when striking first, making an early goal crucial if they hope to reverse their fortunes in Cincinnati.

The last time Toronto won in Cincinnati? 2019, when they edged a narrow 1-0 victory at Nippert Stadium.

Team News & Predicted Lineups

Cincinnati could still be without key players, including Sergio Santos, Luca Orellano, Gerardo Valenzuela, Alec Kann, Nick Hagglund, and Matt Miazga, all nursing injuries.

Evander got off the mark last weekend with his first MLS goal, while Pavel Bucha found the net in Tuesday’s Concacaf Champions Cup clash with Tigres.

Toronto could be missing Raoul Petretta and Derrick Etienne, both questionable due to lower-body injuries. Sigurd Rosted and Deybi Flores scored in last weekend’s heavy defeat to Orlando, but their goals came far too late to influence the outcome.

FC Cincinnati Predicted XI:

Celentano; Halsey, Robinson, Hadebe; Yedlin, Nwobodo, Bucha, Engel; Kubo, Evander; Denkey

Toronto Predicted XI:

Johnson; Monlouis, Long, Rosted; Laryea, Coello, Flores, Spicer; Osorio; Bernardeschi, Corbeanu

Prediction: FC Cincinnati 3-1 Toronto

Toronto’s defense has been too shaky to trust, and against a Cincinnati side that thrives at home, they’ll likely struggle to keep the hosts quiet. Expect an improved attacking display from the Orange and Blue, handing them a comfortable win while Toronto’s defense continues to unravel.