All the storylines, quotes and stats you need ahead of kick-off at York Lions Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Chattanooga FC travels to Toronto FC II for the very first time in a crucial penultimate match of the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro regular season.
Chattanooga FC will play a competitive match outside of the United States for the first time in club history when it takes on Toronto FC II at York Lions Stadium on Sunday.
The Boys in Blue will look for three crucial points to boost its chances of advancing to the playoffs in the club's inaugural season competing in MLS NEXT Pro.
In the last matchweek, CFC grabbed two points in New England thanks to Minjae Kwak's Goal of the Matchweek and Jean Antoine's heroics in the penalty shootout. Toronto FC II lost 2-0 to New York Red Bulls II in New Jersey.
In the first meeting of the season between CFC and Toronto FC II on August 3rd, CFC also secured an extra point in a shootout win after the match finished 1-1 in regulation.
Coaching change
CFC announced the departure of Sporting Director and Head Coach Rod Underwood on Thursday.
Interim Head Coach Chris Nugent will take charge of the match in Toronto and the club's regular season finale at home to New York Red Bulls II on October 6th on Decision Day.
Nugent previewed the matchup with Toronto FC II and spoke about his approach to the final two regular season games.
"Making the playoffs and winning the next six games is the goal," said Nugent. "We'll adjust slightly dependent on where we are and who we have, what we're doing that week, but the club's identity of how we want to play, how we want to act and do things is still there. We're still in that alignment. Nothing crazy is going to change.
"We have confidence that if we win both of these games, we've got a real chance of making it, and that's really all we can control. We have to focus on ourselves and what we can control. The outlook has always been about winning the next game. If we get through these two games, it's about winning the next one.
"We played Toronto earlier in the year and they got a real late goal. They've got individual quality, and it's clear they have a plan. They make decisions based per game on how they want to do things, so it can be a little tricky to scout. We have to focus on a lot of what we can control, and then adapt as the game goes on."
Know the Opponent
Toronto FC II were recently eliminated from playoff contention, however, the Ontario-based side will be determined to finish the 2024 season strongly.
Led by head coach Gianni Cemini, TFC II currently sits in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with 34 points accrued from 26 matches played and an overall record of 9W-11L-6D-1SOW.
Forward Julian Altobelli is in red-hot form, having scored in eight consecutive matches. He leads the club with 10 goals on the season, while Jesus Batiz and Lucas Olguin lead the team in assists with three each.
Head-to-head comparison, 2024 season statistics (TOR/CFC)
Goals scored: 39/39
Goals conceded: 45/40
Shots conceded: 305/360
Shots: 286/302
Shots on target: 123/126
Clear-cut chances: 30/21
Corner kicks: 136/99
Cross from open play: 124/137
Goals from outside penalty area: 5/5
Goals from counterattack: 6/5
Headed goals: 3/7
Penalty kicks: 6/3
Converted penalty kicks: 3/2
Shots off the goal frame: 7/8
Goals by substitutes: 6/5
Passes from open play: 11,532/11,357
Successful long passes from open play: 381/350
Official Watch Party
Can't make it to Toronto? Not to worry! The official watch party will be hosted by Cheers Collective member Moxy Downtown, where there will be drink specials and an all-around good time! All ages are welcome.
Match info
Venue: York Lions Stadium | Toronto, Ontario
Kick-off: 3:00 p.m. ET, Sunday September 29
Broadcast: Apple TV - MLS Season Pass | Talent: Jack Edwards
Audio stream: CFC on Mixlr | Talent: Gabriel Schray
Fabrizio Stasolla
Head Referee
Vasyl Dzikh
Assistant Referee 1
Anton Hadzhiyski
Assistant Referee 2
Melvin Christopher
4th Official
