Thank you and goodbye!
And on that note, I say thank you and goodbye!
If you're looking for a post-match read, go no further than my article about Coventry City's summer signings.
To everyone reading along, have a great day!
Catch you soon,
Luke James
Full Time: Toronto FC 0-0 New England Revolution
Despite dominating the first half, Toronto FC survived a second half scare to secure the draw they required to secure a place in the knockout rounds of MLS is Back.
The Revs were sensational after the break. Had it not been for Alex Bono's virtuoso performance, New England would have undoubtedly secured all three points in Orlando.
Speaking of Bono, the American shot-stopper is my Player of the Match - although Matt Turner is equally deserving of the award!
Full Time: Toronto FC 0-0 New England Revolution
After securing five points in Group C, New England should have done enough to secure progression to the knockout rounds. Even if Montreal go ahead of them in the standings, the Revs should qualify as a wildcard entrant to the knockouts!
Full Time: Toronto FC 0-0 New England Revolution
Toronto FC are through to the knockout rounds at MLS is Back! The Canadian side - courtesy of goals scored - finish the group stage above the Revs, and will thus move on in the tournament regardless of what happens in the match between Montreal and D.C. United.
91' | Alex Bono!
Alex Bono has made another fine stop, this time to prevent Justin Rennicks getting his name of the score-sheet!
Bono hasn't featured for TFC since September. This is a thoroughly impressive performance from the former-USMNT 'goalie.
So close, yet so far...
86' | PENALTY CALLED! NO! Free-kick...
Jozy Altidore is on, and he's immediately involved! The USMNT forward played a ball through to Akinola, who is fouled on the edge of the box by De Juan Jones.
The contact was outside of the box, the original decision has been changed from a penalty to a free-kick.
A MOTM performance from Jair Marrufo!
To reiterate, the referee has got that decision 100% correct! Gustavo Bou pre-empted contact and tumbled to the ground without receiving contact from Michael Bradley.
It's a lucky escape for TFC, but the correct decision from referee Jair Marrufo!
79' | Penalty, maybe?!
Straight after Turner's save, New England created what looked like an obvious penalty call! On first viewing, it looked like Bradley had tripped Bou in the box...
Instead, Bou tumbled without contact, and the play continues. A heart in mouth moment for TFC fans!
A brilliant decision by the on-field referee!
78' | Unbelievable from Matt Turner!
Akinola once again broke through the Revs' defence, only to be thwarted by a fantastic low save from Matt Turner! That looked a certain goal for TFC, but Turner was on hand to save the day...
Action Replay: What a save, Alex Bono!
73' | A huge chance for New England!
Alex Bono was forced into a point-blank save from Adam Buksa! A cross-field ball from Fagundez unlocked TFC's defence, but Buksa was unable to provide the final touch.
New England have been the much better side since half-time!
67' | Double substitution for TFC
60' | Substitutions for New England
On: Gustavo Bou and Cristian Penilla
Off: Kelyn Rowe and Teal Bunbury
Pozuelo has just had a free-kick saved by Matt Turner, it wasn't his best effort.
Action Replay!
55' | Back-to-back-to-back corners!
Toronto FC are under the cosh! Had it not been for a last-ditch challenge from Akinola, the Revs might have taken the lead from one of three successive corners.
TFC will be looking forward to the next hydration break...
53' | FAGUNDEZ GOES CLOSE!
New England were inches from taking the lead! A wonderful through-ball released Fagundez, who sent a low shot towards Bono's net.
Had it not been for Mavinga's block, New England would be in the lead!
49' | Michael Bradley, wow...
Bradley is in the book for a mistimed tackle in midfield! Just moments later, a scuffed shot from Buchanan crept just wide of the post.
Toronto are under pressure!
48' | Bono makes a save!
New England have started the better of the two sides after the break. A low shot from the right tip of the penalty area was never going to beat Bono, but it's an encouraging sign from the Revs!
47' | New England substitution...
46' | A like-for-like change for TFC
I need a hydration break!
As the team's prepare for the second half, I'm going to take a quick drink break!
While I'm gone, why not check-out my analysis of yesterday's match between Inter Miami and NYCFC?
Half Time: Toronto are on top...
Greg Vanney can't be too disappointed with his side's performance: Toronto have dominated possession thus far.
My only criticism of TFC is that they haven't produced a wealth of chances. If the Reds want to win this tournament, they have to be braver in the final third.
Jozy Altidore is on the bench...
Half Time: A draw would suit New England
It's half-time in Orlando, and the Revs will go into the locker-room content with their performance in the opening forty-five minutes. A point would be good enough for Bruce Arena's side, and New England are on course for just that!
Fagundez has been exceptionally quite for New England; Matt Turner has been the standout player for Arena's side.
45' | Another chance for Akinola!
Bruce Arena is not happy with his defence!
Once again, Ayo Akinola is causing the Revs issues down the left flank. Akinola's movement is so intelligent, but the young forward is yet to find his scoring touch this morning.
New England are most dangerous attacking down the right flank, but are yet to force Bono into action.
41' | Scott Caldwell joins Rowe...
Both New England central midfielders are now on yellow cards. Once again, TFC had the chance to break over the halfway line... but a tactical foul ended their hopes of scoring on the transition.
That aside, the Revs are starting to grow into the game. A few dangerous crosses have been launched into Bono's penalty area.
Small sample size; big potential
37' | Kelyn Rowe is in the book!
Chris Mavinga had the chance to break away, but was cut down in his own half by Keyln Rowe.
That's the first yellow card of today's game, the officials have had quite a simple morning thus far!
25' | Vintage Bruce Arena?
Sky Sports' commentators have suggested that Bruce Arena has set-up his side to contain the threats posed by Toronto; they have a point.
Diego Fagúndez has been exceptionally quiet so far. Likewise, New England's wingers have been little more than spectators.
Five points would probably see both teams progress, a goalless draw might please Arena.
18' | A huge chance for Akinola!
Perhaps the TFC forward thought he was offside, Akinola has just missed a huge chance to give Toronto the lead!
Andrew Farrell was all at sea as TFC broke through the Revs' defence, a smart save from Turner was the only thing that stopped Arena's side from falling behind.
Speaking of the former USMNT head coach... Arena is not looking impressed by his team's performance so far!
15' | Pozuelo comes close to breaking the deadlock!
Just before the first hydration break of the game, Alejandro Pozuelo came close to opening the scoring. The Spaniard attempted to chip Matt Turner, but sent his shot just over the crossbar.
The Revolution are yet to make their mark on this game.
12' | Few chances so far...
There hasn't been too much to report this far.
Toronto have had the better of the play, especially down the right flank, but neither side has looked like scoring.
The Revs have shown some positive touches in midfield, Tajon Buchanan just launched a nice run towards TFC's penalty area.
Possession: TFC 72.7% - 27.3% Revs
Could 9AM kick-offs become the norm?
05' | TFC have started brightly
Toronto have started the brighter of the two sides. Alejandro Pozuelo whipped a dangerous cross into the Revs box in opening moments of the match.
Kick-Off: We're underway in Orlando!
Kick-off has arrived in Orlando, and we're underway!
As has been the case before all MLS is Back fixtures, players and staff from both sides took a knee in support of Black Lives Matter before kick-off.
Last-minute predictions
Good morning North America! To everyone joining me from the US, Canada and Mexico - welcome to this morning's VAVEL LIVE blog!
My name is Luke James, and I'll be your host for today's match. I'm watching the game from across the pond in England.
As kick-off approaches, I'm leaning towards a Toronto FC victory this time out. The Revs have made a positive impression at MLS is Back, but TFC have just been so dangerous in attack.
Akinola and Pozeulo are both in the starting line-up for Toronto, and I expect them to be the difference makers this morning.
Regardless of the result, I expect both teams to move on in the tournament. Four points should be enough for TFC or New England to progress via the wildcard standings.
Arena makes six changes
Farrell, Kessler, Jones, Fagundez, Bunbury, Buchanan all start for New England. It’s also an #MLSisBack debut for Farrell.
A change in goal for Toronto
The stand-out change to TFC's line-up is in goal: Quentin Westberg has been replaced for today's match by Alex Bono.
Westberg has impressed since joining Toronto, but Vanney has opted to give minutes to his second-choice 'stopper.
Greg Vanney's starting XI...
Here's how the Revs line-up for today's fixture...
It's gameday!
Bruce Arena: 'It's very warm here in the morning'
New England head coach Bruce Arena said:
“You have to prepare knowing that the conditions will be a lot more difficult than they are in the evening.
"It’s very warm here in the morning. The players are well aware of that – they’ve been training in these conditions, so they know what to expect and hopefully we get through it okay.”
Greg Vanney: 'Too many mistakes in the back'
TFC head coach Greg Vanney spoke to reporters yesterday ahead of this morning's match:
“We had a good first half the first game. We were very much in control, well connected.
"The second half, less so. Too many mistakes in the back, getting disconnected in our defensive work.
"That happened again the other night, where our timing of trying to move together as a group and to control things defensively hasn't been great.”
TV Guide: USA, Canada, Mexico, UK
This morning's fixture is being broadcast around the world, the following channels are airing the match!
United States: ESPN / ESPN Deportes
Canada: TSN 1
Mexico: ESPN Norte
United Kingdom: Sky Sports Football / Sky Sports Main Event
Before we get into today's clash, I should point out that I'm watching the match from Coventry, England.
I've followed MLS for a really time - and I can't wait for today's match! Check-out my writer's profile to see more of my articles - including coverage of MLS and the English Football League.
Bruce Arena is in the building...
Since arriving in Foxborough, Massachusetts, Bruce Arena has made his mark on the Revs. At MLS is Back, New England have been involved in low-scoring affairs.
A 1-0 win over Montreal and a 1-1 draw against D.C. United has seen the Revs rise to second in Group C.
Ayo Akinola is on fire in Orlando!
In Jozy Altidore's absence, TFC youngster Ayo Akinola has starred for the Canadian side. After notching a hat-trick against the Impact last week, Akinola is expected to lead the line for Greg Vanney this morning.
Quentin Westberg - a fan favourite at BMO Field - is also set to start for Toronto. The French-born 'keeper has impressed for TFC since arriving in 2019.
Today's winner will secure top spot in Group C.
After securing four points from their opening two fixtures in Orlando, a victory for either side would see them qualify for the knockout rounds as the top seed from Group C.
D.C. United face the Montreal Impact in the final game of Group C this evening. The match will be played in Orlando at 22:30 ET / 03:30 BST.
The teams are getting ready for kick-off in Orlando!
Toronto FC vs New England Revolution will be played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Bay Lake, Florida. Kick-off is scheduled for 09:00 ET! For our readers in the United Kingdom, Sky Sports Football will be carrying coverage of the match from 14:00 BST.
Welcome to Orlando! It's all to play for in Group C...
Welcome to VAVEL USA's coverage of the MLS is Back Tournament match: Toronto FC vs New England Revolution! My name is Luke James and I’ll be your host for today's game. I'll be providing all the information on VAVEL.com.
For analysis of NYCFC's 1-0 victory over Inter Miami, click here.