Shorthanded Toronto FC takes aim at New York City FC

Toronto FC will look to register points in three straight matches when they travel to New York for a midweek clash with their Eastern Conference rival New York City FC on Thursday.

Toronto (4-10-5, 17 points) begins life without Italian designated players Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne, both of whom had their contracts terminated on Tuesday.

"The Designated Player strategy is a critical component to Toronto FC's success in Major League Soccer and the club will continue to prioritize TFC's short, medium and long-term strategy in the weeks ahead," said Keith Pelly, the President and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment -- the Reds' parent company.

Bernardeschi was tied for the club lead with four goals in 15 matches, while Insigne had just one goal in 12 appearances this season.

Thursday marks the second of two meetings between the clubs this season.

New York City FC forward Alonso Martinez scored on a penalty kick in the 64th minute, leading the visitors to a 1-0 victory in Toronto on April 26.

Martinez and Hannes Wolf pace New York (8-7-4, 28 points) with eight goals each this season.

New York, which can vault as high as sixth in the Eastern Conference table with a win on Thursday, is coming off a 1-0 away loss in Montreal, but has points in two of three. (1-1-1).

Coach Pascal Jansen is hoping his side can rid itself of inconsistencies beginning with Thursday's match.

"We have to get rid of this inconsistent behavior, and it's been a topic throughout the season," Jansen said. "I thought going into the second part of the season with the game against Atlanta, we showed huge progression, and seeing the game against Montreal shows us that we're not quite there yet."