United gameday

2 p.m. Saturday vs. Toronto FC

BMO Field, Toronto

My29, 1500-AM

The biggest test yet

Preview: Minnesota United (3-5-2) might be on an upward tick after an abysmal start, but Toronto FC never let up from last year. The MLS Cup runner-up from 2016 tops the Eastern conference and league overall at 6-1-4. In fact, Toronto is off to the best start in its history with 22 points in 11 games and is currently on a club-best five-match winning streak. Toronto is playing its fifth match in 13 days, however — most recently a 1-0 victory at Seattle on Wednesday.

Players to watch: United goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth will play through a broken nose endured in a 2-0 victory against Sporting Kansas City last Sunday. He wore a protective mask during training this week. Shuttleworth will look to record his third shutout of this season on his 30th birthday. Along the way, he might have to deal with Toronto forward Sebastian Giovinco, who could return from a foot injury against United. In his previous two seasons combined, he scored 43 goals and 35 assists in 68 appearances.

Numbers: United forward Christian Ramirez and Toronto forward – and U.S. national team member – Jozy Altidore have six goals so far this season. That's just one behind league leaders CJ Sapong of Philadelphia and Erick Torres of Houston.

Injuries: United MF Bernardo Anor (leg) and Thomas de Villardi (Achilles') are out. Toronto D Drew Moor (heart) and D Ashtone Morgan (foot) are out; F Sebastian Giovinco (heel) is questionable.

Megan Ryan