Niklas Dorsch believes Toronto FC’s two-week training period has helped him settle quickly and build confidence ahead of his home debut against the New England Revolution.

Dorsch made his Toronto debut in the club’s 1-1 draw with New York City FC on July 31, shortly after joining from Heidenheim on a five-year contract. The Leagues Cup break then gave the 28-year-old uninterrupted time to work with his new teammates and coaching staff.

“After that game it was two weeks of just training. I think it’s a perfect timing, and now I have the feeling of more confidence,” Dorsch said. “I know every player exactly, their strength, and so I’m looking forward to the next game.”

The midfielder credited Toronto’s coaches with making his arrival easier, while acknowledging that some aspects of adapting to a new club would take more time.

“All in all, I have no doubts. I’m really confident with the team, with the coaching stuff, in winning games again,” he said.

Toronto searching for a turnaround

Toronto have not won in 13 consecutive matches in all competitions, a run comprising seven draws and six defeats. Their last victory came in a 3-2 success over the Colorado Rapids on April 4, leaving them one match short of equalling the longest winless streak in club history.

Dorsch said the team was missing only “small details” before it could start converting performances into victories. Toronto will hope to take advantage of home-field support when they face New England this weekend.

Key players and matchup outlook

Djordje Mihailovic scored Toronto’s goal against New York City FC and has six goals for the club. Since the start of the 2024 season, he has scored 26 regular-season goals, second among American players during that period behind Brian White’s 41.

For New England, Carles Gil remains the primary attacking threat. He was directly involved in seven of the Revolution’s nine shots against Houston, producing two shots and creating five chances.

New England have lost only once in their last five visits to Toronto, recording three wins and one draw in the other four matches. However, their recent 2-0 defeat to Houston was only their third regular-season loss in 14 games, and they have not suffered consecutive defeats since the opening two matches of the year.

Despite Toronto’s poor run, the match projection gives the hosts a 45.4% chance of victory, compared with 24.3% for a draw and 30.3% for a New England win.