For the first time in a long time, Toronto FC enter a match looking to build on a win.

Down a man, the Reds just about survived a late onslaught from New England on Saturday to take three points at home, which brings them within four points of the final playoff spot out East.

Now, it's Charlotte FC who come to BMO Field, armed with a new star winger and a chance to keep pushing up the table themselves.

This match will be the second fixture between these two this season, with the Crown winning 3-1 at Bank of America Stadium back on May 16, the penultimate match before the World Cup break.

How Toronto enter the match

The taste of three points was extra sweet for Robin Fraser's side on the weekend, but it was not exactly a banner performance to get there.

A couple of quick strike attacks at the end of the first half gave enough of a cushion to hold on for dear life in the second. Toronto was outshot 24-3 by the Revolution in that match, with the visitors holding 71% possession.

But, at this stage of the season, points come at a premium and every single one matters. After 13 matches without a win, TFC would've welcomed any way possible to get a winning feeling again.

Better health to key members of the spine and the addition of German midfielder Niklas Dorsch have certainly helped Toronto settle in defensively in recent matches, and they've gone a somewhat respectable 1W-3D-1L out of the World Cup break, proving to be hard to beat at the very least.

How Charlotte enter the match

The Crown fell just short of advancing in the Leagues Cup, but the debut of DP winger Allan Saint-Maximin was certainly the most exciting development from that tournament.

The former Newcastle man came off the bench at half in Charlotte's return to MLS play on the weekend, as his team cruised to a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes before settling into a 3-1 home victory.

That has Dean Smith's side at fifth in the East, as the English manager has his team playing a pretty typical low block and counter style that he's used throughout the vast majority of his time managing the club.

Using some typically great goalkeeping from Kristijan Kahlina, a solid defensive shape, some creativity from Pep Biel and a couple of solid strikers in Idan Toklomati and Archie Goodwin, Charlotte has the bases of a very solid playoff team in MLS.

What they've needed, though, is that one big piece that can break a game open off the wing. They've tried with largely disappointing DP signings in Liel Abada and Wilfried Zaha, but neither have been able to lift the Crown from a good team to a great one.

They'll hope Saint-Maximin can be the one to buck that trend and turn Charlotte into a true trophy contender.

Availability

With a quick turnaround from the weekend's games, it's probably unlikely anyone on either side who missed out will be ready to play a meaningful role on Wednesday.

For Toronto, that means Nicksoen Gomis, Deandre Kerr, Jonathan Osorio, Matheus Pereira and Nelson Palacio should either remain out or at least be used sparingly as substitutes. Meanwhile, Đorđe Mihailović's straight red card will force him out of this contest through suspension.

On Charlotte's end, they should be without Nimfasha Berchimas, Aron John and Harry Toffolo through injury, while Nathan Byrne's status is up in the air after being substituted on the weekend due to reported fatigue.

Projected XIs

TrueNorthFoot projects a change or two for each side, both necessary due to absences. Toronto will see Derrick Etienne Jr. slide into the midfield line in place of Mihailović, while Charlotte's Will Cleary will start at right back in Byrne's spot and Saint-Maximin will receive his first start for the club.

Toronto FC (4-2-3-1): Luka Gavran; Jackson Gilman, Benjamín Kuscevic, Walker Zimmerman, Richie Laryea; Markus Cimermancic, Niklas Dorsch; Derrick Etienne Jr., Dániel Sallói, Theo Corbeanu; Josh Sargent

Charlotte FC (4-1-4-1): Kristijan Kahlina; David Schnegg, Tim Ream, Henry Kessler, Will Cleary; Ashley Westwood; Allan Saint-Maximin, Brandt Bronico, Pep Biel, Liel Abada; Idan Toklomati

Game information and how to watch

📆 Wednesday, August 19, 2026
⏰ 7:30 pm ET / 4:30 pm PT
📺 Apple TV
🧑‍⚖️ Alexis Da Silva
🏟 BMO Field, Toronto, Canada