After a crazy and wildly entertaining midweek thriller with Philadelphia Union, there is little turnaround time for Toronto's next match against Atlanta United.
The Reds' unbeaten run of seven games, including three wins, remains intact and has been an improvement over recent seasons, yet one cannot escape the feeling that their recent matches have just not been good enough.
Atlanta is the first of the final three matches in this nine-game home stretch for Toronto, and it’s the one where they’ll feel most confident about securing a result. With tougher fixtures against the San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami CF to follow, this is a crucial opportunity to take three points; anything less could carry real consequences for their season.
Toronto's form of late
TFC are enjoying a six-match unbeaten stretch, but the last three matches have ended in draws where wins were expected. Wednesday's midweek tilt against Philadelphia was no exception, with the Reds falling behind in the 89th minute, only to have keeper Luka Gavran save their blushes with a stoppage-time equalizer.
KEEPER GOAL ALERT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/7ei7BjdzB0
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) April 23, 2026
But as frustrating as the dropped points have been, it has not all been negative from a year-over-year perspective. Toronto FC find themselves early in 2026 firmly in a playoff position. The team looks more organized and is creating more attacking chances than it did a season ago.
Through nine matches, Toronto has scored 16 goals and conceded 17. Projected over a full season, that puts them on pace for 60 goals, a 62 percent increase from the 37 they managed in 2025. The issue is at the other end. They are also on pace to concede 64 goals, which would be a 69 percent jump from the 44 allowed last season.
If Toronto can tighten things defensively, there is a path to pushing beyond a mid-table finish. For now, they sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, but the margins remain thin.
Defensive lapses have been costly, even when factoring in injuries. Late-game fragility has been a recurring issue, highlighted again midweek when they conceded in the dying moments and nearly dropped points along with their unbeaten run.
One thing is certain, though. Toronto matches have been anything but dull. From Josh Sargent’s late winner against Colorado, to Kobe Franklin’s 88th-minute equalizer versus Austin, to Luca Gavran’s late heroics against Philadelphia, this team continues to deliver drama.
Atlanta's form of late
The 2018 champions started the 2026 MLS campaign in very rough form, sitting at one win, a draw, and seven losses through their first nine games, with a five-game winless streak in league play entering this match. Returning coach Tata Martino will be the first to acknowledge that they are playing well below pre-season expectations.
Tata Martino is going through it this season with Atlanta United. His press conferences are must watches. After the 2-1 loss last night (1W-1D-6L this year now):
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) April 23, 2026
“To be clear, if I didn’t have the past I did with Atlanta United, today I would probably be fired.” pic.twitter.com/wsvoaOezDb
Martino's system relies on playing a high press with a high defensive line and capitalizing on the creative nous of the top players. However, their attack has not been firing on all cylinders to start the year. They are among the lowest-scoring teams in the league with just seven goals through nine matches, which has them in last place in the Eastern Conference of MLS.
Similar to Toronto, Atlanta has experienced mixed results from their designated players this year. Paraguayan attacking midfielder and winger Miguel Almirón has returned to MLS after several years at Newcastle in the English Premier League, but hasn't had the desired impact yet and has been injured of late, too.
Emmanuel Latte Lath, the Ivory Coast international forward, has struggled to find any real rhythm, registering just one goal and one assist through nine matches. That lone goal came back in early March, and frustration is beginning to grow, with increasing pressure from fans and analysts; some even suggesting a potential buyout.
One of the few bright spots for Atlanta United has been Alexey Miranchuk. While not always consistent, the midfielder has accounted for four of the club’s seven league goals this season. He stands out as Atlanta’s primary threat and will likely be a key focus for Toronto FC defensively in this matchup.
There's been a changing of the guard in Atlanta's net this year, as their stalwart goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, retired at the conclusion of 2025. Jayden Hibbert, a Canadian-Jamaican eligible keeper, was expected to be Guzan's heir apparent, but Atlanta brought in 36-year-old Argentine keeper Lucas Hoyos to start the year.
Reds' players to watch
Richie Laryea, Toronto’s Mr. Versatility, has filled in nearly everywhere when needed, short of playing in goal. His impact, however, is strongest on either flank as a full-back. His grit and guile, combined with above-average pace, have been central to the Reds' attacking play from wide areas. His defensive work rate has also been vital for a squad stretched thin by injuries at the back.
José Cifuentes, on loan from Rangers FC until June 30, 2026, has started every match this season and logged heavy minutes in midfield. His overall play has been steady, but he has yet to deliver the level of production expected. Despite earning a spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday this week, Toronto will be looking for more attacking output from the Ecuadorian, especially with Djordje Mihailović sidelined.
Dániel Sallói has rejuvenated his career since arriving in Toronto this year. He has provided pace and integrated well within Toronto's attack, producing three goals and an assist to date. Sallói's on-pitch relationship with striker Sargent is still developing, but early indications are positive.
Striker Josh Sargent's lack of pre-season preparation with his new team has meant that his integration with new teammates has taken longer than anticipated. The $20M man has high expectations for producing results, but his output remains inconsistent. His beautifully taken goal in the last match against Philadelphia, his first since he opened his TFC account three weeks ago vs. Colorado, shows that he is growing in confidence and that more positive results are certain to follow.
Availability
Atlanta United will be without the services of Miguel Almirón (knee), Steven Alzate (adductor), Sergio Santos (calf), and Tomás Jacob (lower leg), who is questionable to play.
Missing out for Toronto are Theo Corbeanu (knee), Nicksoen Gomis (Achilles), Djordje Mihailovic (pelvis), Matheus Pereira (groin), and Henry Wingo (thigh). Walker Zimmerman returned from injury to start midweek against Philadelphia and should be available. However, Benjamin Kuscevic (groin) remains questionable for Saturday.
Projected XIs
Tata Martino has alternated between setting up in 4-3-3 and 4-1-4-1 formations, with a slight tilt toward the latter. Robin Fraser has been fairly consistent in rolling out a 4-2-3-1 setup.
Atlanta United FC (4-1-4-1): Lucas Hoyos; Elías Báez, Enea Mihaj, Stian Rode Gregersen, Tomás Jacob; Tristan Muyumba; Fafà Picault, Matías Galarza, Will Reilly, Aleksey Miranchuk; Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Toronto FC (4-2-3-1): Luca Gavran; Richie Laryea, Zane Monlouis, Walker Zimmerman, Kobe Franklin; Alonso Coello, Jonathan Osorio; Dániel Sallói, José Cifuentes, Deandre Kerr; Josh Sargent.
Game information and how to watch
📆 Saturday, April 25, 2026
⏰ 1:00 pm ET / 10:00 am PT
🏟 BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
🧑⚖️ Ismail Elfath
📺 Apple TV
