Toronto FC forward Theo Corbeanu insists their season is not over as they prepare to host D.C. United, with their MLS playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Corbeanu rallies Toronto, insisting 'season's not over'
Both Toronto FC and D.C. United are sitting outside the playoff places, with their fates out of their own hands with three games left.
With three games of the regular season remaining, Toronto sit 11th, three points behind ninth-place New York Red Bulls, with their fate seemingly out of their own hands.
Having lost three straight games in September, the Reds have lost just one of their four matches since (W2 D1), though it was a damaging 4-2 loss to the Columbus Crew last time out.
That defeat could prove to be costly in the playoff race, but Corbeanu is not ready to give up the fight just yet.
"There's three games, so our season's not over," he said.
"Although [the Columbus game] was obviously an extremely important game, and we didn't get the job done, there's three games.
"I think if we can play our best football in these three games and finish off on a high, continue our belief and fight until the end and replicate some of the good things that we were able to display [against the Crew], I'm pretty sure we can put ourselves in a respectable position.
"Whatever that is, I don't know, but we have another game against D.C. on Wednesday; that's the only focus right now."
D.C. are also sitting outside the playoff positions, though they sit three points further back from Toronto, leaving them in an even more precarious position.
Back-to-back defeats in a double-header to FC Cincinnati have stretched D.C.'s losing streak to three games, and they have won just one of their last eight in MLS.
Rene Weiler has injuries to contend with, which is making it hard for him to rotate in a hectic schedule, and he acknowledged they have a tough task ahead of them.
"Of course, we're going to find a solution, but the squad is really tight right now," he said.
"I think it's almost impossible to qualify for the playoffs, but we will find a solution."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Toronto FC – Daniel Salloi
Daniel Salloi is Toronto's leading scorer with nine goals, three of which have been the tone-setting first of the match.
He also leads the way for assists (seven) among his team-mates and has had a hand in three goals across his last three MLS matches (two goals, one assist).
D.C. United – Brandon Servania
D.C. have failed to score in 10 of their 31 MLS games this season, including last time out against FC Cincinnati, but it was not for lack of trying.
Brandon Servania had a game-high five shots in that match, though he only managed to get one on target, as his search for a first league goal of the season went on.
MATCH PREDICTION: TORONTO FC WIN
Toronto have won just two of their last MLS clashes with D.C. (D3 L3), though both of their victories came on home soil.
And Robin Fraser will be hoping his side's home form carries them through again, as they have lost just two of their 16 matches at BMO Field in 2026 (W5 D9).
In fact, they are looking to extend their unbeaten streak on home soil to eight games.
By contrast, D.C., who did beat Toronto 2-1 in the reverse fixture in July, have struggled for form on the road, earning just two away wins all season (D7 L6).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Toronto FC – 51.6%
Draw – 24.6%
D.C. United – 23.8%
