- Toronto FC are 26th in MLS 2026 with 17 points after 18 matches.
- Charlotte are 14th in MLS 2026 with 25 points after 18 games.
- Charlotte have won four of the last five meetings between the two clubs in MLS 2026 (one defeat), with no draws.
Toronto to be tested by Charlotte
Two clubs who need wins for very different reasons will meet at BMO Field on Wednesday when Toronto FC host Charlotte in the MLS 2026. The Reds are having a tough time in the Eastern Conference, currently 26th in the table with only 17 points after 18 rounds and in need of a turnaround.
Robin Fraser's side, who have been under his guidance since January 2025, have employed a high press and set up in a variety of systems from a back three, such as 3-5-2 or 5-3-2, looking to win the ball early and attack in numbers. In theory, Daniel Salloi, with four goals in MLS 2026, should be the spark for this side in his role behind the forwards.
The Blues are a more structured side than Toronto, normally playing with four at the back and either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system. Dean Smith, who took charge of the team in December 2023, keeps his team compact and looks for counter-attacking opportunities once they get the ball back. Pep Biel is their standout player in MLS 2026 with nine goals in 18 appearances, so he could do real damage to Toronto's transition defence if they press to hard.
Visitors can nick it
The difference in style should make this an intriguing game of chess with Toronto's high press against Charlotte's patient build-up and ability to counter attack. The match also seems finely poised as Toronto are winless in their last five games (three draws, two defeats) while Charlotte have won three and lost two in their last five.
However, Charlotte lost momentum with a 1-0 home defeat to Pachuca CF in midweek and could come unstuck against this aggressive Toronto side.
Charlotte have a slightly worse away record in MLS 2026 than the Reds do at home, with two wins, a draw and five defeats in eight games. They average 1.12 goals per game on the road and have conceded 2.00, while Toronto have averaged just 0.5 goals per home game against them, so they should get a result.
We're with the visitors on this occasion because they look the better side on paper, but the odds are a bit short for an away win with a long way to go in the season. So we'll take a draw or Charlotte win here and make Under 2.5 goals and both teams to score no both appealing as alternate angles.
