It's a big test at home for Toronto on Saturday, who take on Supporters' Shield leaders San Jose Earthquakes in the Reds' biggest test of the year yet.
The match has been formally designated as the “True North Match,” marking the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The occasion will include a ceremonial handover of BMO Field from Toronto to the Canadian men's national soccer team, with club GM Jason Hernandez, Canada Soccer CEO and General Secretary Kevin Blue, and former national team player and first TFC captain Jimmy Brennan all taking part.
On the pitch, however, it is all business. Toronto continue to navigate a significant injury crisis while also building on a surprisingly decent start to the season compared to 2025. A roster overhaul brought in key additions such as Walker Zimmerman, Dániel Sallói, and Josh Sargent, and that influx of talent has been reflected in improved results and a renewed sense of direction around the club.
The bar has been raised for Toronto with the arrival of established talent, but while there have been encouraging early signs, results have not always matched the performances. That reality was underscored last weekend when Robin Fraser’s side saw their seven-match unbeaten run snapped in a 2-1 loss to an underwhelming Atlanta United.
That defeat effectively closed what many viewed as the more favourable portion of the homestand, a stretch where more points were expected. The challenge now escalates significantly, as Toronto welcomes the league’s surprise pace-setters, the San Jose Earthquakes.
San Jose sit atop the Western Conference with nine wins and just one loss, while also boasting a perfect road record through five matches. They arrive on a six-game winning streak, which extends to eight across all competitions when including victories over Phoenix Rising and Minnesota United in the U.S. Open Cup.
Their dominance has been built on balance. Offensively, they have scored 25 goals, tied with the Vancouver Whitecaps for the league lead, while conceding just six, placing them among the league’s best defensively. It's a level of performance that has seen them set a new MLS record for the strongest start through ten matches.
By comparison, Toronto’s 3-3-4 record is more modest, though still good enough for sixth in the Eastern Conference. Their goal differential of 17 scored and 19 conceded highlights the gap between the two sides at this stage.
At the centre of San Jose’s surge is Timo Werner. The new Designated Player, recently named MLS Player of the Month for April, has made an immediate impact with four goals and three assists in just seven appearances, needing a little over 450 minutes to establish himself as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking threats.
Player of the Month ⏰
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) April 30, 2026
🗞️ | #Quakes74 Forward Timo Werner Named MLS Player of
the Month for April 2026
➡️ https://t.co/M3j6wWrh4b pic.twitter.com/Pzq1N3XL6g
More importantly, Timo Werner has elevated those around him, with several teammates enjoying breakout campaigns. Preston Judd and Ousseni Bouda have emerged as consistent scoring threats, while 20-year-old Niko Tsakiris has added creativity and balance in attack. Bouda enters the match with five goals, Judd with six, and Tsakiris has chipped in with two goals and three assists. It leaves Toronto facing a daunting task against one of the league’s most dynamic attacking units.
Availability
For San Jose Earthquakes, only Vitor Costa and DeJuan Jones are officially listed as out with lower-body injuries. However, there is some uncertainty surrounding Werner, who could miss the match due to a potential hamstring issue.
Toronto’s situation is far more complicated. Theo Corbeanu, Nicksoen Gomis, Richie Laryea, Djordje Mihailovic, Matheus Pereira, and Henry Wingo are all ruled out through injury. There is some positive news, though, as Deandre Kerr and Walker Zimmerman are both available for selection once again.
Projected XIs
San Jose (4-2-3-1): Daniel; Jamar Ricketts, Reid Roberts, Daniel Munie, Benjamin Kikanovic; Beaux Leroux, Ronaldo Viera, Jack Skahan, Niko Tsakiris, Ousseni Bouda; Preston Judd
Toronto FC (4-2-3-1): Luca Gavran; Raheem Edwards, Zane Monlouis, Walker Zimmerman, Kobe Franklin; Alonso Coello, Jonathan Osorio; Dániel Sallói, José Cifuentes, Derrick Etienne Jr.; Josh Sargent
Game information and how to watch
📆 Saturday, May 2, 2026
⏰ 1:00 pm ET / 10:00 am PT
🏟 BMO Field, Toronto, Canada
👨⚖️ Michael Venne
📺 Apple TV, TSN
